Chapter 805: Heavenly Emperor or Demon Emperor?
At the heart of the massive plaza, a man clad in azure robes stood tall, his appearance noble and imposing. Merely standing there, he radiated an aura that seemed to dominate the heavens and earth.
"The Heavenly Emperor…"
Mandala slowly descended onto the plaza, her golden eyes fixed on the figure in the center, who held the Heavenly Emperor's Sword.
Xiao Ze, standing nearby, had his attention drawn to the weapon. It appeared ancient and unassuming, like an unfinished crystalline blade. Yet the terrifying power emanating from it made it impossible to dismiss as mere decoration.
The crystal sword shimmered with faint, chilling glints of light each one capable of slicing through space itself.
"So, this is what a legendary Saint tier artifact looks like," Xiao Ze mused to himself.
A Grim Realization
Mandala's gaze shifted downward to the gruesome blackened head beneath the sword. The head was impaled by the Heavenly Emperor's Sword, its malevolent features frozen in an eternal grimace.
Despite the absence of any discernible aura, the scene filled her heart with sorrow. It was evident both the Heavenly Emperor and the Demonic Emperor had perished together.
Mandala took a step forward, her heart aching. But before she could get closer, Xiao Ze reached out and grasped her hand, stopping her.
Startled, Mandala turned to look at him, her eyes questioning.
"Wait that isn't the Heavenly Emperor," Xiao Ze said, his voice calm but firm.
Mandala's golden eyes widened in shock. Turning back to the figure of the supposed Heavenly Emperor, she scrutinized it with renewed intensity.
Her strength, however, was insufficient to pierce the disguise of the Devouring Demon Emperor, whose true form remained hidden within the confines of the Heavenly Emperor's Sword's seal.
Mandala glanced back at Xiao Ze, her expression silently pleading for an explanation.
"That blackened head it belongs to the Heavenly Emperor," Xiao Ze revealed.
Mandala's shock deepened. She turned her gaze to the ominous, corrupted head beneath the sword, her brows furrowing in disbelief.
The head nearly half decayed still emitted a chilling, evil aura that made even Mandala, a high level Earthly Sovereign, shiver involuntarily.
Truth Revealed
The idea that this grotesque relic could belong to the Heavenly Emperor was almost incomprehensible. However, Mandala trusted Xiao Ze implicitly.
"That 'Heavenly Emperor' you see," Xiao Ze began, "is actually the Devouring Demon Emperor, disguising himself. The real Heavenly Emperor is sealed within that blackened head, his last trace of existence."
Xiao Ze explained the intricate ruse of the Devouring Demon Emperor. Though sealed by the Heavenly Emperor's Sword, the Demon Emperor had not been completely eradicated. Instead, he had twisted the truth, creating an illusion to mislead others.
This deception was meant to lure unsuspecting warriors into freeing him. Anyone who sought to "destroy the remnants of the Demon Emperor" would actually obliterate the last fragments of the true Heavenly Emperor.
Mandala clenched her fists, her golden eyes blazing with fury.
"The Demon Emperor is truly despicable!"
Restoring the Truth
Xiao Ze conjured a golden flame imbued with chaotic power and sent it toward the blackened head. The flames engulfed it, melting away the malevolent aura. Dark, foul smoke billowed upward, dissipating into nothingness.
As the corruption faded, a pure, radiant light emerged from the remains. The light gathered, slowly coalescing into a faint figure.
The figure was a man dressed in white robes. His demeanor exuded calm and elegance, yet an undeniable imperial majesty radiated from him, compelling reverence from all who gazed upon him.
The Heavenly Emperor's spirit surveyed his surroundings before his eyes landed on Xiao Ze. A flicker of recognition crossed his gaze, and he nodded in acknowledgment.
"I never expected that my sacrifice to seal the Demon Emperor would leave such a flaw," the Heavenly Emperor said, his tone tinged with regret. "To think he twisted the truth so thoroughly, almost escaping his fate."
He turned to Xiao Ze, his expression grateful. "Young warrior of a later era, I owe you my thanks. Without you, the Demon Emperor's scheme might have succeeded, bringing calamity to the Great Thousand World once more."
A Humble Reply
Xiao Ze bowed respectfully. "You flatter me, Senior. It is you who made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of the Great Thousand World. The Demon Emperor's cunning is unparalleled few could have foreseen such a treacherous plan."
The Heavenly Emperor approached Mandala, his gaze softening.
"Mandala, seeing you safe and well eases my heart."
Hearing this, Mandala's eyes reddened with emotion. She hesitated for a moment before extending her hand, wanting to hold his.
Yet she stopped short, afraid that touching him might cause his fragile spirit to dissipate.
Noticing her hesitation, the Heavenly Emperor chuckled softly. He reached out and gently placed his hand atop her head, much as he had done in the past when tending to the once wilting Mandala Flower.
"Don't worry. I am not so easily extinguished at least not until the Demon Emperor is dealt with," he reassured her.
The Path Forward
The Heavenly Emperor turned back to Xiao Ze, his gaze thoughtful.
"It seems the Chaos God Emperor's Zhou Tian Star Map has found a worthy successor," he remarked, noticing the black cloak Xiao Ze wore.
Xiao Ze smiled modestly. "Senior Chaos God Emperor entrusted me with this legacy. I am merely fortunate that my affinity for star power aligns with its requirements."
The Heavenly Emperor nodded in approval.
"Now, as for the Demon Emperor…"
Xiao Ze cut in. "Senior, if I may though your current form lacks the strength to fully eradicate the Demon Emperor, I can lend my aid."
Mandala looked at Xiao Ze with hope in her eyes, while the Heavenly Emperor regarded him with interest.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen10.