Did you hear that? Its up to me. Yang Jian grinned. Kui Lin, the Demon Emperor, stood silently off to the sidelines, playing the part of a background character.

He had no choice!

Although Sha Ke was a Demon God, provoking the transcendent people of the Outside for his sake.

Just wasnt worth it!

Theyd plotted and schemed to make their move against the Gods all for the sake of making their demon race the second to escape the destruction accompanying the end of a great era.

If they offended the Outsiders emissary, resulting in them bearing a grudge against demons, well That would be an enormous failure!

Little did they know, Zhou Wu of the gods and The Eastern Emperor Taiyi had similar plans. The Upper Three Realms era was coming to a close. They were all preparing for the accompanying destruction. The Outside was the only faction to have ever truly transcended. The emperors werent just unwilling to offend them; they wanted to actively build a relationship with that. In that case, the outsiders might even be willing to help.

Sha Kes heart sank. He felt a cold sense of clarity.

He wouldnt kneel and beg for his life.

He was staunch and courageous. If he had to die, hed go out in a blaze of glory.

Go on. Kill me! He glared at Yang Jian. There was no point drawing this out any longer.

He didnt blame Kui Lin for his heartlessness. In his shoes, it was natural to consider the greater picture and the future of their entire race. It was only reasonable for him to make this decision.

Still, his heart had frosted over. There was no need to say anymore. All he wanted was a clean death.

Youre asking to die? Yang Jian took in Sha Kes determination. He couldnt help but chuckle. I can do that for you.

No one saw Yang Jians movements. All they saw was Sha Ke close his eyes and topple directly onto the ground.

By the time his body hit the dirt, he no longer showed any signs of life.

He pulled a sheet of white cloth, wiped his hands, then dropped it. It landed directly on Sha Kes face.

Killing him wasnt enough to vent my fury. I want to bring his body back with me. What do you think? Yang Jian glanced at Kui Lin.

Thats no problem at all, of course, said Kui Lin.

Yang Jian waved, and Sha Kes corpse disappeared before their very eyes. When the demons watched this, their fists clenched.

They felt cold and alienated.

Sha Ke was a Demon God whod devoted his life to the demon race. Now that he was dead, their leader didnt dare so much as express any objections. It wasnt just that, either. Sha Kes murderer took his corpse with him, but their emperor didnt so much as resist.

It was just too disappointing!

Thank you for your cooperation, Demon Emperor. And thank you, God Emperor, Yao Emperor, for waiting in the background for this long.

The three emperors were still smiling obsequiously. Yang Jian, meanwhile, narrowed his eyes and addressed the crowd, You might think Im too domineering. Who am I to just go ahead and kill whoever I want? But you only think that because youre weaker than I am. When you kill others, do you think about their feelings? When you tried to attack my bro, did you consider holding back?

Those people more than deserved to die. Of course, youre welcome to hate me. I wont stop you. But, if I ever find out you so much as touched a hair on my bros head, it wont be a matter of simply killing the one who did it. You understand what Im saying, dont you?

As he spoke, Yang Jian deliberately glanced at the three emperors. When he saw their appeasing smiles, he snorted, then walked up to Ye Zichen.

Lets go. He put his hand on Ye Zichens shoulder, then he, Ye Zichen, and the Howling Celestial Dog all disappeared from view.

The entire venue fell terrifyingly silent. The Demon Emperors expression was so dark, he seemed on the verge of bursting.

Brother Taiyi, Brother Kui Lin, do you think we should continue the Battle of Geniuses? chuckled Zhou Wu.

Of course. Regardless of what had happened today, the Battle of Geniuses was a way for the demons to openly and freely enter the God Realm.

Theyd planned this for far too long. How could they cast aside their plans over something like this?

With that, Kui Lin snorted sinisterly, waved his sleeves, and stepped into the air. The Yao Emperor left too, but first, he cupped his fist in respect and bade the God Emperor farewell.

Soon, only the God Emperor remained. He looked at the damaged, defiled arena floor and said, Xuan Ji.

Im here. Xuan Ji stepped forth.

The God Emperor continued, Ill let you handle this situation. Lets postpone the lot drawing ceremony until tomorrow. Ill leave that up to you. No, nevermind, Ill leave all the Divine Mountains affairs, big and small, up to you for now. Im a bit tired, so unless something extraordinary happens, dont disturb me.

Yes, sir!

With that, the God Emperor, Zhou Wu left as well, rubbing his temples in the process.

He left Xuan Ji behind. She turned to the elites of all three races. Well hold the lot-drawing ceremony tomorrow at noon. If you want to back out, you can do so. In any event, if you still want to participate in the Battle of Geniuses, gather here tomorrow at noon.

.

Yang Jian led Ye Zichen to a thatched hut.

A creek flowed in front, its waters crystal clear. There was a mountain range in the background so enormous, there was no end in sight.

Birdsong and the smell of flowers filled the air.

Quite a few medicinal herbs grew in the courtyard, and a steaming pot of tea sat on the central stone table.

This is your home? This place obviously belonged to a hermit. He would never have guessed Yang Jian would live in such a place.

This. No, of course not. I dont have a residence in the God Realm, but its been so long since we last met that I thought we needed a place to chat. I took a fancy to this place, discussed the matter with the homeowner, and borrowed his home for a while. What do you think? Its a nice place, right?

Borrowed?

Ye Zichen could already imagine just how Yang Jian had borrowed the place.

Although he said hed borrowed it, since when was he so polite? That just wasnt him.

No wonder hed suddenly said he had business to attend to en route. He spent all that time seizing a home to stay in.

Not bad. Ye Zichen nodded.

Haha, thats right! Ive got a good eye, dont I? Yang Jian laughed heartily. Then, seemingly out of the blue, he sighed wistfully and patted Ye Zichen on the shoulder. Its been a long time since we last saw each other.

It has been a while. Ye Zichen couldnt help but nod. Its been a hundred years since you ascended. I thought that, given your personality, you must be having a rough time up here. Now, to my surprise, it seems even the likes of the God Emperor is afraid of you!

Heh, no need to bring that up. When I just got here, I really did have it rough. It was later that Yang Jian suddenly let out a melancholy sigh. I miss the Heavenly Court more than ever. When I had free time, I could argue and start flame wars in the group. I wonder how my old friends are doing?

Do you still have your phone? asked Ye Zichen.

Of course I do. Yang Jian pulled it out of nowhere. This is memento. Ive always held onto it.

Then turn it on and see what happens!