The Underworld's Yang Realm.
Unlike the Realm of Life and Death.
Above the Dao network of the Realm of Life and Death lies the Great Dao Universe, accessible to all Half-Emperors.
But the Underworld's Yang Realm is different; only the Realm Lord can enter its Great Dao Universe.
The Great Dao Universe is the fundamental source of a Realm Lord's Dao, so such restrictions are understandable.
Apart from the Great Dao Universe, other areas are treated equally.
However, the closer one is to the Dao network, the clearer the perception of the Great Dao.
Thus, mountains rise from the ground, all in the hope of getting closer to the Great Dao Universe and sensing its power more clearly.
This is the normal state of the world.
Worlds like the Realm of Life and Death, where entry is unrestricted, are the anomalies.
Even the Sword Lord and Dragon King would not be so generous.
...
Great demons soar through the sky.
Wherever divine mountains stand, great demons naturally avoid them.
The current Underworld's Yang Realm is aware of the arrival of an eighth-tier powerhouse, attended by a fortunate individual named Qi Yan.
As the great demon traveled, it caused no significant disturbance.
No one could see Qi Yan and the others on the great demon's back. While the great demon's companions were not particularly remarkable, no one would deliberately pick a fight.
Unless there was a deep-seated grudge.
Soon, they arrived at the Dark Fire Grotto.
Before they even drew near, a chilling aura washed over them.
From a distance, the grotto appeared as a cluster of burning black flames.
Dark fire, black flames.
It was quite fitting.
This grotto was teeming with people.
Caw.
The great demon descended from the heavens, landing not far from the Dark Fire Grotto.
Its landing immediately drew numerous gazes.
"A demon?"
Many cast strange looks.
The peace maintained throughout their journey was finally broken.
Someone stepped forward and reprimanded, "This is our human grotto. Demons are forbidden. Leave immediately."
The figures on the great demon's back had not yet dismounted.
The great demon's eyes immediately turned dangerous. "Who says demons cannot enter the Dark Fire Grotto? You all entered the grotto left by our Demon Heavenly Emperor Crimson Tiger, didn't you?"
The great demon was indignant.
In the Underworld's Yang Realm, where humans held power, demons were always in a state of oppression.
There was no alternative; this was a human world.
"Heh."
Human powerhouses stepped forward one by one.
The disdain in their eyes was unconcealed. "So what if it was Crimson Tiger? He was merely a mount for our human race."
"The cultivation resources also belong to our human race. Upon his death, his resources should revert to our human race."
Their condescending tone left the great demon feeling helpless and disheartened.
Demons, in the end, could only be mounts and vassals of humans.
Thump.
At this moment, Qi Yan dismounted from the great demon's back.
By now, the name Qi Yan had spread throughout the entire Underworld's Yang Realm.
"Qi Yan."
Someone immediately recognized Qi Yan's identity.
Then, before speaking, they glanced at the great demon's spine.
Lie Tian and the others slowly dismounted.
Instantly, everyone's faces turned pale.
The great demon was actually the mount of that senior.
Normally, stopping a great demon was no big deal, but now it was different. This great demon carried an eighth-tier Great Emperor on its back.
"Se-senior..." Their voices trembled.
By blocking the great demon, they had inadvertently obstructed an eighth-tier existence.
Everyone's faces turned ashen.
"Heh."
Old Demon Chu stepped forward from the crowd.
This minor issue did not require the City Lord or Lie Tian to intervene.
He could handle it himself.
He spoke softly, "Why are you blocking this Emperor?"
His words were a direct challenge.
Swish.
All eyes, in unison, turned to the first person who had spoken.
It was him. He had been the one to step forward and block the great demon.
"Gulp."
The man swallowed hard. "Senior, this junior did not know you were here. I apologize..."
"It's no use telling me."
Old Demon Chu smiled calmly.
He gestured to the great demon. "Tell him. Otherwise, this matter will not end so easily."
He was standing up for the great demon.
The great demon was filled with emotion.
Qi Yan, as the great demon's friend, naturally felt happy for his friend.
Bang.
The man who had spoken was resolute. He immediately knelt down.
"Fellow Daoist, it was all my fault. Please forgive me." The man was on the verge of tears.
Who could have imagined that the great demon had hitched itself to this newly arrived eighth-tier Great Emperor?
It was Qi Yan.
Needless to say, it must have been Qi Yan who introduced him.
"..."
The great demon fell silent.
He was a demon, a Half-Emperor demon.
With a senior present today, but what about after the senior left?
Today, he could openly insult them, but what about afterwards?
He... dared not kill.
Nor did he dare to insult.
Old Demon Chu, as if sensing the great demon's hesitation, smiled.
He understood the great demon's worries.
But he would not pass judgment, nor would he urge him. The great demon needed to make his own choice.
"Hmph."
The great demon, unable to withstand the pressure, finally spoke.
He said in a deep voice, "Our demon race was born in this world and is a part of this world. I do not beg for favors or demand equality, but I hope that from now on, you will not insult my demon race."
This was his choice.
"Yes, yes, yes."
The man nodded immediately. "I promise, from now on, I will never trouble the demon race."
"From this day forward, I will treat the demon race kindly."
"Mm."
The great demon nodded.
He turned back to Old Demon Chu. "Senior..."
"You are happy."
This world was thus, survival of the fittest.
Old Demon Chu could not stand it and could stand up for the demon race once, but he would not force them to do anything.
Everyone had their own choices.
Qi Yan could only shake his head helplessly.
He understood his friend's choice, but did not agree with it.
However, since his friend had already made his choice, he could not say much.
All he could do was to say on behalf of his friend, "You all, take care of yourselves."
With that, he turned and respectfully said, "Senior, please..."
No one dared to block them anymore.
The group entered in single file.
The great demon also transformed into his human form and followed behind.
Everyone made way, allowing the group to enter the Dark Fire Grotto.
Behind them, the kneeling man stood up, his gaze filled with resentment as he watched the great demon's retreating back.
The great demon's expression tensed.
He sensed it.
But all he could do was sigh sadly.
He was in danger.
"Regretting it?" Qi Yan whispered.
He dared not speak loudly, for fear of disturbing the seniors' enjoyment.
The great demon nodded, then shook his head again. "Even if there is trouble, it will be my own affair. At least it will not implicate my kin."
He bore everything alone.
Qi Yan added, "What use is pity bestowed by others? In the end, you are still destined for enslavement."
The great demon: "...I know."
But, I can't do anything.
The demon race is too weak.
"There are ways."
Qi Yan suddenly said, gesturing for the great demon to look at the few people ahead.
No explicit mention was needed; a gesture was enough.
He believed the great demon would understand.
The great demon nodded. Yes, he understood.
However, he had no ability to offer, and he did not know if the seniors would be interested.
...
Ahead.
Chen Fan and the others chatted while sensing the faint Dao origin.
"This little demon is in trouble."
Old Demon Chu chuckled. "If the Dragon King were here, perhaps he would intervene."