Chapter 839: Black Clouds Pressing Down

Generally speaking, the direction is aligned, but the specifics haven't been discussed yet—that will take some time.

For a first meeting between the two, getting this far already exceeded expectations.

Both were fairly satisfied!

Thus, Su Yu and the Human Emperor prepared to talk again next time; both needed to prepare.

As it happened, just as the two were about to head back, they heard the Great Ming King exclaim in surprise from afar: "Ancestor, the Ancestral Grandmother is still alive?"

"Ancestor, you have no idea—every year during festivals, our family offers sacrifices to the ancestors, and you're always there!"

"Ancestor, ever since I learned you were still alive, I changed my name to Little Ming King. Back then, I didn't know you lived, or I wouldn't have dared call myself Great Ming King—it would have been taboo!"

"..."

Over there, the conversation was lively!

The main speaker: the Great Ming King!

Compared to Xia Longwu's deadpan face and his less-than-polite manner toward War King, the Great Ming King's courtesy toward the Ming King was almost excessive.

Su Yu's eyes flickered, and the Human Emperor wore a faint, knowing smile.

Good heavens!

The Zhu family's upbringing truly was something!

At that moment, the Great Ming King said joyfully: "Ancestor, our Zhu family lineage has continued to this day, with flourishing descendants. I alone have trained a great number of Dao-Integrators for you, Ancestor—pity they all lack resources, or they could have become Rule Masters and come to see you this time!"

"..."

The Ming King was actually bewildered too.

How many generations had it been?

Was this level of warmth normal?

"I heard you manage the logistics here, Ancestor. What you might not know is that I, your grandson's grandson's grandson, also started out in logistics. I see how hard you work, Ancestor—do you need any help? I could assist you, lend a hand... It runs in the family; I'm a good hand at this too. I handle all of Emperor Yu's logistics... I'm quite familiar with the work!"

"..."

At this, the Human Emperor laughed, looking at Su Yu with a meaningful gaze: What are you up to?

Coming here and immediately wanting to take over my logistics?

Though they were all supreme beings,

all Rule Masters and such, after so much fighting, resources had grown scarce—for cultivation, recovery, healing... Of course, everyone still had some good things on hand.

High-grade weapons, corpses of the mighty, insights into the Dao, even stripped Rule Paths from enemies!

These treasures, for the most part, were now held in common.

And all of them were under the Ming King's control.

The Great Ming King understood one thing: after years of battle with no fresh supplies, treasures would mostly be centrally managed—this was an inevitable stage in the later phases of a military campaign.

So he knew the Ming King must be hoarding a vast trove of treasures!

After years of war, many powerful beings from myriad races had died—were their corpses gone?

What about their weapons?

Their Daos?

Their vital blood?

Surely they existed!

Thus, at this moment, the Great Ming King was calling him ancestor with great gusto. He looked down on Xia Longwu, that blockhead—look at War King, such an easy mark to fool. But Xia Longwu, that fool, had stupidly drawn a blade on his own ancestor—how awful!

Now he stood there like a wooden dummy. Indeed, the Xia family was no good; the Zhu family was far superior!

At this point, the Ming King was startled by his enthusiasm, momentarily at a loss for words. What should I do?

Should I respond?

This grandson's grandson's grandson of mine... wants to assist me and manage logistics? If this goes on, I could retire—this countless-generations-removed descendant could handle all the Human Emperor's affairs for me!

"No need, I can manage..."

"How could that be! If outsiders found out, they'd think the descendants were unfilial! The Ancestral Grandmother is still alive, Ancestor. When do you have time? I'd like to go see the Grandmother, kowtow, pay my respects. Our Zhu family values poetry and propriety—we can't lose our manners!"

The Great Ming King was truly courteous, truly filial—he wanted to go kowtow to the Ancestral Grandmother!

The Ming King felt weary!

As for War King, he bared his teeth and suddenly felt very fortunate. My Xia descendant... well, not quite savvy, but compared to the Zhu family now, that's fine—I like it. A Xia man should be like this!

At that moment, it was fortunate that Marquis Xia wasn't around, or War King might not have been so pleased.

Off to the side, Xia Longwu's face was stiff, and he said nothing.

He scorned the Zhu family's shamelessness!

Yet he felt a twinge of envy... simply because, at this moment, the Ming King was so overwhelmed by the Great Ming King's courtesy and enthusiasm that he finally gave a gift. The Great Ming King was, after all, a Rule Master—giving something too shabby would be too embarrassing!

So the Ming King produced a formation plate. As soon as it appeared, it shimmered with light, causing even the long river to tremble—clearly, it was a genuine treasure!

Behind them, Su Yu was amused!

The Human Emperor was also amused: "A fine thing—this is the formation plate the Ming King has used for years, with stabilizing effects! It stabilizes the long river, the heavens and earth, the Star Sea... He used this very formation to raise the Star Sea before! It can even stabilize the Sea of Will! I never thought he'd give it away today. That fellow is usually so stingy... It seems bloodline inheritance has its pros and cons!"

He felt like laughing—it was the first time he'd seen the Ming King look so flustered, as if wanting to flee.

This wasn't something wisdom could solve.

The man called him ancestor at every turn, was filial, enthusiastic, and offered help... and the key was, he really was his descendant. What could he do?

Yell at him?

Hit him?

Curse him?

That wouldn't be right!

He knew perfectly well the man was just after benefits, but he couldn't bring himself not to bleed a little!

Su Yu also laughed, his smile bright: "The Great Ming King is just filial—what can you do?"

With that, Su Yu walked over and said with a grin: "Great Ming King, stop pestering the Ming King! Look at General Longwu—he's much more proper. Honest folk always lose out. I haven't seen General Longwu pestering War King saying, 'Ancestor, that blade of yours is really impressive—give it to me?' Longwu couldn't say that!"

War King's mouth twitched!

No, I want to leave!

Stop joking—this blade... can't be given away!

Besides, this unfilial descendant of mine tried to hit me earlier—how could I give it to him?

Hah!

No way!

Su Yu didn't seem to mind, casually laughing: "Everyone, calm down. The ancestors here didn't abandon you on purpose—they've been fighting on the front lines! You folks in the rear, though it's been hard—lost your fathers young, no mothers to care for you, no one to love you, scraping by—didn't we still make it? We endured a hundred thousand years, and now you come here to make a spectacle of yourselves!"

Su Yu sighed, then quickly smiled: "When you have time, go kowtow to the ancestors. Don't dwell on the past anymore! Don't bring up how the myriad races besieged us, how they slaughtered our human race by the thousands... Swallow your bitterness! You're all grown-ups, not children—how long can you keep relying on the ancestors?"

"Dragon Martial General, don't follow the example of the Great Ming King. When you were young, your father fell in battle, and you were besieged by myriad races. When you attained eternity at the Sun-Moon stage, the myriad races sent seventy or eighty eternals to kill you... These are battle merits, medals of honor, not because of the War King that you were hunted like this..."

The War King's face shifted, awkwardly: "This... isn't it too much? A Sun-Moon, hunted by so many?"

Not that miserable, right?

Feels like you're exaggerating your suffering!

Is it really that pitiful?

Xia Longwu remained calm, and seeing the War King's gaze, the corners of his mouth stiffly twitched upward: "No... Your Majesty exaggerates! Forty or fifty eternals, and they weren't just hunting me alone. That day, Your Majesty was only at the Mountain-Sea stage; if not for Your Majesty's rescue, I would have died long ago. In this matter, Your Majesty had it harder than me!"

The War King stiffened—he really was hunted?

The Human King also looked slightly surprised, turning to Su Yu, who chuckled: "What hardship for me? I've long been used to it! Back in the Great Xia Mansion, I slaughtered on all sides; during my cultivation period, I dared to kill Sun-Moons, let alone at Mountain-Sea... Enough, let's not dwell on the past!"

The War King felt sheepish. This... should I give something?

But I've got nothing good to give—I'm poor!

After a moment's thought, he gave a dry laugh, cleared his throat, and said: "Treasures are external things... I see your blade path is not weak. How about I gift you some of my insights on the blade path? You... you can study them more..."

Feeling awkward again, he quickly carved a copy of his blade path insights and presented them to Xia Longwu.

This time, Xia Longwu showed interest and didn't refuse, though he also felt awkward. After a long silence, he muttered: "Thank you... Ancestor!"

The words were hard to utter!

The War King was embarrassed, Xia Longwu was embarrassed, the Ming King was embarrassed, but the Great Ming King laughed heartily, like a child, warmly holding the Ming King's hand. The Ming King didn't know where to put his hands or feet and cast a pleading look at the Human King!

My heavens!

Your Majesty, save me!

Let's go back!

My grandson's grandson, hundreds of years old... holding my hand—I'm so awkward!

The Human King was also amused, cleared his throat, and laughed: "Su Yu, then you all... stay here for a while. We can't leave for too long, and the War King can't be away long either. Xingyue will stay here and chat with everyone. Later, we'll discuss things in detail!"

Su Yu smiled: "Then, Your Majesty the Human King, take care. This matter indeed needs further deliberation!"

"Then... I'll take my leave!"

The Human King also felt a bit unnerved by the stares of others. At this moment, many suddenly looked at him, though he didn't know why, but he knew it was best to leave quickly!

Soon, the three of them, without waiting for anyone else to speak, swiftly departed!

They looked slightly flustered!

The War King, who had been beaten earlier, hadn't been this flustered, but now he was unbearably embarrassed—too awkward, time to flee!

And the Ming King, always calm, today wished he could run away immediately!

...

After they left, the Great Ming King waved reluctantly, smiling warmly: "Ancestor, I'll come visit you and Ancestral Grandmother later. Ancestral Grandmother, please don't be so polite—just one gift is enough. I won't accept a second one!"

He was practically saying: I definitely want a second one, so get it ready!

As for Xia Longwu, he was stiff. Seeing the Great Ming King looking at him, his mouth twitched, but he couldn't bring himself to say the same thing—he had his pride!

Once the three were gone, everyone suddenly burst into laughter.

The Great Qin King said irritably: "You rascal... you have no shame!"

The Great Ming King snorted dismissively: "Idiot, who told you not to have a powerful ancestor? Look at this formation disk... a fine treasure! I think it could stabilize my will sea—even a third-rank rule master couldn't blast me apart! I could withstand a blow from a third-rank rule master and then strike back to kill him—it's like having an extra life. What do you know!"

The Great Qin King was speechless.

Su Yu smiled, not taking it too seriously. It was a good item, but it wouldn't have much impact on the overall battle situation; otherwise, the Ming King wouldn't have given it away.

Everyone was shrewd!

They gave each other face, built some rapport, and that was enough.

Separated by so many generations, there was no real familial affection, but there was a sense of closeness—after all, they shared the same bloodline!

And for the War King and the others, not much time had passed on their side.

A thousand years, spent fighting—there was still some familial feeling, though not from the direct bloodline. If Xuelan met the Snow King, the Snow King would probably be very excited, if he was still alive.

Now, after some laughter and banter, everyone quickly quieted down and looked at Su Yu.

Su Yu had seemed to get along well with the other side just now.

How did it go?

Wan Tiansheng spoke up: "Your Majesty, is the Human King asking us to join forces directly, or does he have other plans?"

If it was a direct merger, keeping them here now wouldn't make sense.

Did he have other intentions?

Su Yu looked at everyone, was silent for a moment, then said softly: "Before I came, I told you all that this trip would be a fierce battle, a fight to the death—not to socialize or reminisce with the Human King and the others!"

Everyone's hearts tightened!

Su Yu said calmly: "Now, there are two choices. First, wait! Wait for this place to merge with the myriad realms... Then the three gates will open, chaos will reign, and perhaps we can rise amid the turmoil. Of course, there are many variables, and everything is beyond control!"

"Second, take the initiative!"

At this moment, everyone understood!

Su Yu wouldn't choose the first option; otherwise, he wouldn't have come.

So there was only one choice: take the initiative.

But no one expected it to be so soon—so soon it was unimaginable!

It was only the first day!

Su Yu hadn't even joined forces with the Human King, hadn't rested, and had only met the Human King for the first time, with little understanding of each other, yet he was already talking about taking the initiative.

Now, Wan Tiansheng said gravely: "Your Majesty means... we... should join hands with the Human King and the others and strike together?"

Su Yu nodded.

Everyone grew more solemn, but soon, the Great Qin King grinned stiffly: "Then let's do it! To be honest, we've been fighting north and south all these years—we're no strangers to battle! At Your Majesty's command... even if we self-destruct, we'll make those bastards on the other side pay dearly!"

"Do it!"

Tian Mie shouted: "Your Majesty, we came here to fight, not to chat. Giant Axe could go find the Snow King to catch up—maybe he'll get some unexpected gains..."

Beside him, Giant Axe's eyes turned hostile.

And Xuelan's gaze was icy cold.

Tian Mie had a loose tongue!

But Tian Mie was unperturbed: "We might die in battle, so why leave regrets? Giant Axe, I support you!"

Xuelan's eyes were freezing, almost turning to ice, while Giant Axe stroked his big beard... Really?

Could that work?

Beside him, Xuelan's expression changed, and she suddenly glared at Giant Axe—you want to be my father?

Giant Axe, caught under her gaze, instantly changed his expression, looking stern, and roared: "Tian Mie, are you looking for death?"

Heaven's Doom grinned, baring his teeth!

Giant Axe snorted, let out a "hmph," then smiled at Snow Orchid. "Don't get me wrong, listen to him ramble—I never meant that!"

"But still... that big baboon Heaven's Doom sometimes makes a point."

After today, will there be a tomorrow?

Su Yu, this emperor, is mad.

Since he's set on striking first, maybe there truly is no tomorrow after today. So... why not give it a try?

Giant Axe mused silently!

At that moment, the Death Spirit King stepped forward and said softly, "Your Majesty, how did your discussion with the Human Emperor go? And who are our opponents, and how strong are they?"

"Thirty Rule Masters!"

Su Yu replied calmly, "Of course, that's not set in stone. Could be more, could be fewer. Once battle erupts, who can be certain? Roughly that many. And among them... there will surely be a First-Class!"

At this, War Emperor gasped: "First-Class? To be honest, First-Class is truly formidable! I once saw the Civil Emperor strike—a single brushstroke killed a Rule Master!"

"That Rule Master who was slain wasn't weak. By today's standards, he'd be a weak Third-Class or a strong Fourth-Class. And yet, he was killed with one brushstroke by the Civil Emperor!"

This he had witnessed with his own eyes!

Thus, though he feared nothing under heaven, he was genuinely wary of the Civil Emperor. Back then, after the Civil Emperor killed that opponent, he glanced toward the hidden War Emperor. War Emperor was actually quite afraid of the Civil Emperor.

He had cursed the Martial Emperor to his face, but he never dared curse the Civil Emperor. At most, he'd mutter about Mount Tai and that lot... just that lot!

Don't be fooled by Su Yu's group having killed five Rule Masters earlier—remember, that was within Su Yu's domain, where those foes were suppressed, while his side was amplified and the enemy weakened.

Thus, killing them was far simpler.

If they encountered such foes in the outside world, slaying a Rule Master would still be extremely difficult.

The Civil Emperor and the Human Emperor, in their era, surpassed everyone. That's why there was always debate back then: across the myriad realms, who was number one—the Civil Emperor or the Human Emperor?

Who was stronger?

To this day, no one has given a definitive answer!

And now, they had to face a First-Class!

But Su Yu just smiled: "It's not like everyone is the Civil Emperor. First-Class also has its strong and weak. The Civil Emperor and the Human Emperor might have surpassed First-Class entirely, which is why killing the strong was easy. But that doesn't mean all First-Class in the myriad races are like that! Just now, Bright King was a First-Class. According to what the Human Emperor told me, based on the division of Dao power, a First-Class starts at sixteen Dao powers... so that opponent was probably just barely entering First-Class!"

Sixteen Dao powers counts as First-Class.

Eight to fifteen Dao powers are Second-Class.

Su Yu, in the outside world, isn't actually that strong—around nine Dao powers, by his own estimate. But within his own domain, he feels he has at least fourteen Dao powers.

War Emperor is probably around that level too—nine Dao powers.

War King, on the other hand, should be at the top tier. Outside, he might be comparable to Su Yu within his domain. Su Yu can't judge precisely, since War King hasn't used his Dao powers yet.

Thus, if he, War King, and War Emperor joined forces against a sixteen-Dao-power opponent... outside, it's hard to say. Even if they win, it would be a grueling, bitter battle. But within his domain, if they suppress the enemy to fifteen Dao powers, Su Yu and War King together might have a chance to kill a First-Class!

So, if this battle is to be fought... they must lure the enemy into the range of his domain!

Otherwise, it's impossible. Even victory would be a pyrrhic one!

That would be pointless!

Trading twenty Rule Masters for thirty of the enemy's—some might think it a great deal, but to Su Yu, it would be a massive loss!

Su Yu said softly, "Fight, we must! I like to seize the initiative. When the great war erupts, we decide! Where the battlefield lies, we set it! Striking first is always better than being passive. Passivity only means defense!"

"Of course, right now, we have advantages!"

Su Yu continued gravely, "First, the enemy doesn't know us—doesn't even know we exist! Second, if we can lure them into an ambush... we hold absolute advantage in timing, terrain, and unity! Third, we must, in one battle, show the human elders our strength, to avoid trouble later. If the Human Emperor really falls, and those old seniors refuse to obey, can we really kill them? So now, we demonstrate our power..."

Everyone was speechless!

The Human Emperor is going to fall again?

Why do you keep thinking about the Human Emperor falling? That's not good!

Su Yu remained calm and said flatly, "I said he'll fall, so he'll fall. What, not happy? Go complain to the Human Emperor!"

He had to set a precaution!

To avoid any mishaps—if the Human Emperor revealed his severe injuries, it would cause panic.

Sure enough, Wan Tiansheng's eyes flickered: "Your Majesty, are you planning to stage an act with the Human Emperor—make him pretend to be on the verge of death to lure the enemy in?"

Su Yu said indifferently, "What if he really falls? Who's acting?"

Good one—everyone understood. It's an act!

Your denial only confirms it!

They exchanged glances, tacitly agreeing. Su Yu and the Human Emperor had reached an agreement. The Human Emperor would feign a fatal wound, luring the enemy deep. As for how to lure them, that wasn't their concern.

Alright, everyone got it!

Heaven's Doom laughed heartily: "Got it! Even if we see the Human Emperor fall, we must stay calm and not lose our heads... Understood, Your Majesty's painstaking efforts are clear to us!"

Rest assured!

And Su Yu smiled, casting an approving glance. Heaven's Doom was overjoyed—damn, he was too smart, instantly grasping the emperor's intent.

Very good!

At that moment, everyone else also smiled. But Wan Tiansheng looked at Su Yu and said nothing.

The Human Emperor falling... Su Yu hadn't said it just once.

Once or twice could be a joke.

But saying it too much—on one hand, it showed disrespect to a senior; on the other, it was almost cursing the Human Emperor. Su Yu bore no ill will toward the Human Emperor, so there was no need to keep making such jokes.

Acting... maybe that was part of it.

But... what if it was real?

Wan Tiansheng dared not think deeper.

To think was to fear.

Terror!

The Human Emperor was now the strongest human, the pillar. Su Yu couldn't yet fill that role. Remember, with less than half the Rule Masters, humanity resisted the myriad races because of the Human Emperor!

He was the emperor!

The leader—in strength and spirit. If the Human Emperor truly died, Heaven's Doom and the others might not care much, but the ancient kings would go mad and lose all hope!

Before this, Su Yu had little presence in their eyes.

At this moment, Wan Tiansheng pondered: Was this war Su Yu's idea, or the Human Emperor's?

Was its purpose simply to weaken the myriad races, or... to give Su Yu a chance to stand before everyone, to let the ancient elders know that even if the Human Emperor fell in battle, someone else could rise?

Wan Tiansheng thought long and hard!

Meanwhile.

The Human Emperor, War King, and Bright King walked forward together. Suddenly, the Human Emperor smiled and said, "Old Zhu, what do you think of Su Yu?"

Bright King pondered for a moment and replied, "I haven't had contact with him, no deep understanding. But looking at those arrogant soldiers and fierce generals under his command, they all hold him in awe. Su Yu... is no simple man! At such a young age, to be able to keep these people in check—that's not something an ordinary person can do! I even deliberately exchanged a few words with the War Emperor, casually mentioning Su Yu... The War Emperor's expression stiffened, with both anger and embarrassment, but not too much fury... It felt like he had been subdued, unwilling to accept it, yet forced to yield!"

He was a shrewd man too!

A single sentence could reveal many things.

He continued, "I also know Giant Axe, Wu Ji, and the others. I chatted with them. Wu Ji was previously under the command of the Ninth Generation Human Lord, Hundred Battles, and only later defected to Su Yu. He's been with Su Yu for a short time, but I can see that Wu Ji is somewhat fearful and in awe of Su Yu! As for Giant Axe, he's more full of admiration, even a bit of worship!"

"For a warrior, to worship someone... is no small thing, especially since Giant Axe is no child but a powerful marquis from our era. Even he has been won over by Su Yu!"

The Human Emperor nodded slightly and smiled, "I looked at the composition of the strong ones under his command: the Iron-Eaters, the Hou Clan, the Fate Clan... The Fate Clan is usually quite aloof, yet now they obediently await orders under him! There are marquises from our time, as well as the new generation... So many different races and forces, all gathered and subdued by him. Su Yu is indeed no ordinary man!"

Sometimes, you can tell a lot just by looking.

The Human Emperor wasn't truly foolish!

If he were willing to bet the entire future of humanity on Su Yu based on a single word, he would be a madman!

He had seen and judged; broadly speaking, he could already gauge Su Yu's character, strength, methods, style, intelligence, wisdom...

He had a knack for reading people.

Though he had been tricked a few times, those tricks were inevitable—he should have expected them.

The Human Emperor spoke a few words, then fell silent for a moment before saying, "Over the years, my injuries haven't healed; instead, they've grown worse!"

Before the War King could speak, Bright King sighed, "Your Majesty... Brother Xing, you... are you going to take a gamble? Su Yu is still too weak!"

He gave a bitter laugh, "If you really want to gamble... Brother, leave it to me. Perhaps it would be safer than leaving it to him? He's not even as strong as I am!"

He had no intention of seizing power—that would be meaningless!

It was just that he was uneasy!

Truly uneasy!

Too bold!

If he were there, at least he could stabilize the forces.

The Human Emperor laughed, "You're strong enough, and your mind is sharp, but you... can't be a leader! Old Zhu, we've been brothers for years. To put it bluntly, you're fine for holding the fort, but when a crisis comes, when you're in a tight spot... you might lead everyone in retreat, but you can't turn the tables from a desperate situation!"

The Human Emperor sighed again, "Otherwise, I wouldn't set aside my own old brothers and rely on some newcomer! I never count on others; I only want to rely on myself to suppress everything and sweep all obstacles! But... hah..."

He laughed, a laugh tinged with helplessness, "Now, I have no choice but to prepare for this! While I still have some strength left, while I can still fight one more battle, I'll observe, test, and watch a little longer... If I delay, I fear I won't even have this chance!"

The War King said gloomily, "Brother, are your injuries... really at this point?"

The Human Emperor smiled, "Dao wounds! Severe physical damage! Now... if there's no great war, no crisis, I could find a way—like severing my dao first, cutting off my Human Emperor Dao, cutting off my new heaven and earth... Then I could recover and reconnect later. But that won't work. If I make too big a move, everyone will sense it, and then I'm doomed!"

He couldn't sever it!

If he did, the crisis would reach its peak!

At this moment, the War King and Bright King's faces darkened to the extreme.

Bright King said in a low voice, "So, Brother, your meaning is to test Su Yu, to see if he has the ability to support humanity? Then Old Xia and I will give him a hand?"

The Human Emperor was silent for a while, then nodded, "What I value isn't anything else, but his ability to turn the tables in desperate situations! I've learned something about him in the Myriad Realms. He overturned dire straits, leveraged minimal strength to move the entire Myriad Realms! He pacified the calamity of the Myriad Realms and even brought back over thirty Rule Masters to aid us... The key is, he has potential. Old Zhu, you're at the First Class, but can you... transcend? Too hard! He has hope! He's a Heaven-Opener, and not just that—he's a Heaven-Opener who advances with astonishing speed!"

Bright King fell silent.

The Human Emperor continued, "Don't worry, I won't die so easily, nor will I bet everything on him at our first meeting or first battle... But if he truly can do it, if he fulfills his agreement with me, then he will have the power to suppress everything, including our old brothers... No matter how proud or fierce they are, they must maintain enough confidence and respect for such a figure!"

Age is not a license to act superior!

At a time like this, when a strong enough figure appears to turn the tide, regardless of his age, he deserves respect and anticipation!

If they couldn't see that... The Human Emperor said softly, "If they can't see that, then they've followed me in vain! A true warrior must respect the strong, admire the strong, and obey! A wise man can see through it all! And a wise man, having seen through it, still stirs up trouble... that means ulterior motives. If such a person is truly suppressed or something... you two shouldn't step in!"

His old brothers had followed him for too many years. He believed that those who survived to this day—whether brutes, clever men, or sages—wouldn't be too foolish or stupid when the time came.

As for those who stirred up trouble... ignore them. Either they couldn't see clearly, or they were idiots, or they had other issues.

He wouldn't feel sorry to get rid of such people.

After all, he might not live to see it.

"Brother!"

The War King said gravely, "You're speaking too pessimistically, too despairingly! Brother, how many years have we followed you in battle? Now you want to abandon your brothers and go off on your own? If Su Yu hadn't come, would you have gone alone? Abandoned your brothers?"

The Human Emperor laughed, "Don't mention me. That bastard Wen Er ran off first, and that fool Taishan followed him, leaving behind a huge mess. I wanted to hold it up... but, alas!"

A sigh, a shake of the head, then he quickly smiled again, "No need to be too pessimistic. I'm used to being the big brother; I don't like being someone's younger brother. I've been the big brother for too many years... But... when it comes down to it... I won't say anything about Old Xia, but Old Zhu... bear with it. Even being a grandson is fine!"

He laughed, "I don't like being a grandson, and Su Yu... probably isn't the type to be a grandson either. Young people are full of pride! You're old now, so your temper should be better. If the Three Gates are truly opened, what's wrong with being a grandson for a while?"

Bright King forced a smile, didn't respond, and changed the subject, "So, Brother, what did you say to Su Yu?"

"Fight one battle! Weigh his worth!"

The Human Emperor said solemnly, "I want him to deal with thirty Rule Masters, including a First Class! I'll look at his casualty ratio, his methods of engaging the enemy! I'll try to keep the enemy's strength balanced! He has thirty-six Rule Masters, right? I'll try to maintain balance... Even if he loses, given the nature of the Myriad Clans, they won't fight to the death. His losses won't be too great! But if he loses, or wins by a narrow margin... then I'll have to reconsider!"

He needed a true overlord, not a brute, not a fool who traded one for one!

If he exhausted his forces, what then?

The War King and Bright King both drew in a sharp breath. Thirty, including a First Class... That was truly no easy task!

Had those people fought Rule Masters before?

Did they understand the combat methods of Rule Masters?

Could they fight in large-scale battles among Rule Masters?

They were far too lacking in such experience!

And Su Yu was too young!

In an instant, both of them grew heavy with concern. "Brother, what if the Myriad Clans don't retreat... Those people will be in danger!"

"No matter!"

The Human Emperor smiled, "I won't let them be wiped out all at once... That wouldn't meet my expectations either! If it really doesn't work... we'll just hold a standoff! Even if the Myriad Clans know we've grown strong, as long as I act convincingly... As long as I don't die, they still won't dare to act recklessly!"

My life is the deterrent!

As long as I don't die, I am the deterrent!

Absolute confidence!

The confidence of the number one under the heavens!

In the past, when I unified the world, those grandsons across from me—which one dared to speak loudly?

A tiger may be old, but its might remains!

As long as I, Xing Yu, live for one more day, this world will not fall into chaos, nor can it!

At this moment, the Human Emperor was peerlessly domineering. He sneered, "Even if I die, these grandsons will die in terror, and they won't have the strength to come after us again!"

At this moment, the War King and the Bright King seemed to have returned to the beginning!

Conquering the world, sweeping all directions!

With me, none can rival!

With the Human Emperor present, invincibility is assured!

In that instant, the Bright King’s aura trembled, and from afar, his true form roared once more: “Your Majesty, I can’t hold back—let me strike those bastards across the way!”

“…”

At that moment, on the opposing continent, a host of mighty ones fell silent.

On ordinary days, the War King’s impulsiveness was one thing.

But what was the Bright King up to today?

How many times had this been?

Who were they trying to frighten?

Or had something truly dire befallen humanity? In their perception, the myriad races had birthed several Lords of Rules—could it be that humanity had been annihilated?

If so… heh, no wonder the Bright King could no longer contain himself!

If humanity were wiped out, delaying would be futile. At that moment, a booming voice echoed across the continent: “Be on guard! If humanity is truly gone, those over there might go mad! Beware of their desperate charge!”

Be cautious!

If humanity were truly lost, the Human Emperor and the others would have their hopes severed, and then it would be a bloody melee. Even now, they feared, uncertain if humanity had indeed been destroyed, but they knew the myriad realms were at war, and many had fallen.

The Dragon, Phoenix, and Nether clans had all suffered grievous losses, yet the Immortal, Divine, and Demon clans had all seen Lords of Rules arise—the key was… they all still lived!

The Dragon and Phoenix clans had them too!

That was a most auspicious sign!

Though ignorant of the myriad realms’ specifics, if humanity held the advantage, those Lords of Rules might have died—and if they died, some resonance would be felt.

Now, the resonance was faint, but it could be confirmed: they still lived!

With the words of the mighty, on the continent of myriad races, a host of powerful beings stood ready!

Be careful!

The humans across the way might be driven to madness.

At this moment, they almost hoped humanity had not been annihilated, for if those beings went berserk, slaughtering all without restraint, even victory would come at a cost.

…

On the human continent.

The Human Emperor’s phantom trembled, and a voice rang out: “Bright King, do not stir trouble!”

The Bright King’s aura receded, but in the next instant, the War King’s aura surged, and he suddenly roared in fury: “Just strike them! I’ve had enough!”

“War King!”

The Human Emperor’s grand voice echoed again: “Calm yourself!”

“I… forget it!”

The War King’s aggrieved voice faded, while across the way, the tension deepened.

Today, the War King and Bright King had spoken in turn, and the Human Emperor’s final words—only “Calm yourself”—seemed laden with meaning.

Was a great war truly about to erupt?

At that moment, even on the human continent, every mighty one wore a face of utmost gravity!

Had something gone wrong in the rear?

But… Star Moon had said before that humanity held the advantage!

Surely not?

For a time, even the human side grew heavy with foreboding. A storm was brewing, and on both continents, hundreds of powerful beings were weighed down by dread.

War, on the verge of breaking out!

Now, the myriad races were reluctant to fight, yet they could not be certain—would humanity choose war?

If humanity sought battle, then they were resolved to die, dragging others down with them in their final stand.

Otherwise, with so few Lords of Rules, humanity had no reason to initiate conflict.

Thus, on the side of the myriad races, several top-tier mighty ones swiftly gathered to deliberate: was this merely the Human Emperor’s intimidation, or did it truly signal the intent to fight?