The benefits of serving a powerful being quickly became apparent.
Before Lie Tian could bestow any rewards, others were already contemplating how to curry favor with him.
This was reality.
The half-emperors snapped back to attention and began to entertain the Heavenly Emperor before them.
However, having witnessed the power of an eighth-tier being, facing a mere Heavenly Emperor now made everyone feel somewhat uninspired.
Having seen a wider world, one would naturally look down upon ordinary strong individuals.
This too, was reality.
...
Meanwhile.
Emperor Ming Huo returned to his place of seclusion.
After a long period of contemplation, he suppressed the anger in his heart.
"Lin, enter and see me."
Soon, a Heavenly Emperor arrived.
Lin, the most talented disciple under Emperor Ming Huo.
"Master."
Lin, a fifth-tier Heavenly Emperor, knelt respectfully.
"I have something to assign you."
"Please instruct me, Master."
"Go to the lower realms, find my descendants, and bring back all the residual Dao rhymes of my bloodline. Also, warn them... from now on, they are forbidden to use my name. We... are no longer related."
Lin paused.
He knew his master's character well; he was very caring towards his descendants.
Even across many generations, he had continued to care for them.
However, Lin did not ask for the reason and instead asked, "What about those who have already entered the upper realms?"
"..."
Ming Huo hesitated.
After a long while, he finally softened a little: "Tell them they are not allowed to use my name. As for the residual Dao rhymes in their bloodline, there's no need to extract them. Warn them that from now on, they are absolutely forbidden to act in my name."
"Yes."
Lin rose and left.
In his mind, however, he kept trying to guess his master's intentions.
Something must have happened.
Well, it was not his place to say.
...
Led by Emperor Hao Yu, Lie Tian arrived at Emperor Yang's imperial palace.
Chen Fan and the other two also followed.
After all, there were two seventh-tier beings and one sixth-tier being, along with Lie Tian, an eighth-tier leading the way. Their qualifications were sufficient.
"Haha."
As the three entered, they were met with hearty laughter.
On the back wall of the grand hall, a portal automatically opened.
Emperor Yang, who had been 'in seclusion,' emerged.
"My apologies, my apologies."
Emperor Yang walked out with a smile: "I have just emerged from seclusion and did not have time to welcome you, Fellow Daoist. My deepest apologies."
Emperor Yang wore a sincere smile, with a hint of apology on his face.
Anyone unaware would truly believe he had just come out of seclusion.
They were all old foxes, and Lie Tian did not expose him.
He simply smiled and said, "Please be seated, Esteemed Fellow Daoists."
Emperor Yang's demeanor appeared very forthright.
Lie Tian did not stand on ceremony, smiling and cupping his fists: "I have troubled you, Realm Master. I have come this time to participate in the Demon Realm's summons and to take a share of the Thunder Domain."
He stated his purpose directly.
No pretense, no affectation.
Rather than putting on airs, it was better to be upfront and tell you directly that I am here to carve up the Thunder Domain.
"Haha."
Emperor Yang laughed heartily: "Fellow Daoist is truly a straightforward person."
He showed no displeasure and continued, "Since Fellow Daoist is so direct, I shall not hide anything either. The Thunder Domain is about to open, and we eighth-tier beings naturally must have a hand in it. With your eighth-tier strength, your harvest will certainly not be small."
"And with these two beside you..."
"My disciples."
Lie Tian stated directly.
"So, they are your esteemed disciples."
Emperor Yang showed a look of surprise.
However, in his heart, he did not believe this statement. He did not probe further, though.
Who doesn't have their own secrets?
As long as the goal is the same, nothing else matters.
Emperor Yang continued, "May I ask where Fellow Daoist is from? Please do not take offense, Fellow Daoist, we are also wary of enemies infiltrating us..."
"It's fine."
Lie Tian was very understanding: "I am from the Ninth Land, merely a rogue cultivator. In the past, I also served in other worlds, but I did not wish to be bound, so I left those worlds."
Lie Tian's words were impossible to verify.
It did not matter.
Saying this was sufficient.
"So, Fellow Daoist also enjoys freedom."
Emperor Yang did not probe further and smiled: "I too have had such thoughts, but alas, I bear the fate of the people of a realm. I cannot leave even if I wished to, sigh..."
Is this not being sentimental?
Lie Tian smiled: "It is unavoidable that you are concerned about your realm, Fellow Daoist."
He 'agreed' with the other's statement.
The two exchanged pleasantries, speaking words that held little substance.
All idle talk.
Soon, Emperor Yang got to the point: "The Demon Realm's summons will be held in one month. If you have no other matters, Fellow Daoist, please rest here in my Hell Yang Realm for the time being."
"That would be excellent."
Lie Tian smiled and stood up: "If that is the case, then I shall not disturb you further."
"Having stayed in chaos for too long, everything feels the same. Coming to your world, I must take a good look around and experience the beauty of your world."
"Haha, Fellow Daoist, feel free."
Emperor Yang smiled and saw them off: "Here in the Hell Yang Realm, apart from certain forbidden areas, Fellow Daoist may roam freely."
"Thank you very much."
The two parted with smiles.
As Lie Tian departed, Qi Yan, who was waiting in the distance, quickly stepped forward.
"Where does Senior wish to go?" Qi Yan's attitude was deferential.
Lie Tian thought for a moment and then said, "Just anywhere. Some Dao rhyme sites open to the public, famous mountains and rivers, blessed lands, as long as they are open to the public, I can take a look. Consider it a diversion."
This request was simple.
"Yes."
Qi Yan raised his hand, and a monstrous beast flew over.
This was a half-emperor realm monstrous beast. Qi Yan explained with a smile, "Senior, this is a naturally occurring beast within the Hell Yang Realm, unlike Chaos Beasts. Since you are here to relax, a mount is naturally needed for travel."
The great beast bowed its head respectfully.
On its broad back, various fine wines and delicacies had already been laid out.
"Very good."
Lie Tan did not hesitate to express his satisfaction.
Chen Fan and the other two behind him quickly followed.
On the table, there were many delicacies and fine wines.
"Let's go."
Qi Yan took the lead.
He spoke to the great beast: "Let's go, we'll head to the nearest Dark Fire Grotto first. Fly steadily, and absolutely do not disturb the seniors' enjoyment."
"I understand."
The great beast spoke: "Qi Yan, thank you."
To be able to serve an eighth-tier being was something the great beast had never even dared to dream of.
It was almost Qi Yan's only friend.
Their situations were similar; both had been bullied.
Qi Yan nodded, accepting the thanks.
To be willing to share such a great opportunity with the great beast showed how close their relationship was.
*Screech.*
The great beast soared into the sky.
On its back, a protective shield automatically appeared, shielding the seniors from the strong wind.
"This is truly enjoyable."
Old Demon Chu directly took a pot of fine wine and lay down on the great beast's back.
He could finally speak.
Just now, he had watched Lie Tian perform and had no chance to open his mouth.
It was unavoidable; his strength was insufficient.
Seven Kill drank his wine and said, "City Lord, do you think Emperor Yang truly believes us?"
"How is that possible?"
Chen Fan sneered: "In the next few days, Emperor Yang will definitely investigate our background."
"Then... what will they find?" Seven Kill was somewhat worried.
After all, this was someone else's territory.
If a conflict arose, the situation would likely not be good.
"What can they find?"
Chen Fan smiled and said nonchalantly, "As long as they don't find out we are from the Thunder Domain, there will be no problem. It's even fine if they consider us a force hostile to the Demon Realm."