After returning to the inn, Jun Changxiao kept thinking about that earlier scene, thinking about that disheveled man.

Killing a higher Truth-Seeking Realm cultivator was something the core disciples could also do, but they couldn’t match the decisiveness and ruthlessness he displayed when striking.

Was Ye Xingchen not capable?

It wasn’t that he wasn’t capable, but he couldn’t match the killing intent unleashed.

To be precise, although Night Emperor was ruthless enough when striking, the aura he revealed often had more anger than killing intent, unless it was that time facing Empress Ling Yao when it became exceptionally intense.

The disheveled man was different.

Jun Changxiao clearly sensed that the instant the other party struck, the killing intent that erupted was extremely intense. If he had to describe it, it was like… a wild beast that had been caged for too long suddenly leaping out to bite someone.

“Not hard to imagine.”

The System said seriously, “This person must have experienced many life-and-death trials, otherwise it would be extremely difficult to have such powerful killing intent.”

“So.”

Jun Changxiao said gravely, “I’m a bit worried about my disciples encountering him.”

“Since you signed up to participate, since you want to win the championship, this is unavoidable.” The System said.

Jun Changxiao said, “I originally thought that at the Universal Sacred War, my disciples could easily win the championship. Now it seems it might not be that simple.”

“Hah.”

He rubbed his face and said, “Why have I suddenly become unconfident?”

“Uncle.”

Jun Changxiao came to the room where Gu Tianxing was staying and said, “Can you tell me about the Heavenly Demon Emperor?”

Xuan Yuan Realm was destroyed by the Heavenly Demon Emperor. Since he’d made that promise to Gu Xuanyuan, he naturally hoped to learn more about this person and his eighty-one adoptive sons.

Having no sons under him, taking adoptive sons.

This was the most normal thing, but taking so many was a bit exaggerated.

“Regarding the Heavenly Demon Emperor, I don’t know much.”

Gu Tianxing said, “There are rumors that this person has enormous ambition and wants to rule the entire Upper Layer Universe.”

“Will the major realms agree?” Jun Changxiao said.

“Of course not.”

Gu Tianxing said, “In recent years, the top realms of each system have been joining forces to resist.”

“Join forces?”

Jun Changxiao said in astonishment, “The Heavenly Demon Emperor is that strong?”

“I heard that in the entire Upper Layer Universe, not a single realm can individually resist the Heavenly Demon Emperor.”

“Even the once-glorious Xuan Yuan Realm was destroyed, even the supremely talented Gu Xuanyuan was killed.”

When mentioning Gu Xuanyuan, Gu Tianxing’s gaze showed reverence.

In terms of age and seniority, he was the junior, Gu Xuanyuan the senior. Growing up, he’d heard various legends about him but never had the fortune to pay respects.

“Why does he adopt so many sons?” Jun Changxiao said.

“Because.”

Gu Tianxing said, “Raising wolves.”

“Raising wolves?”

Jun Changxiao was confused.

Gu Tianxing explained, “Every year, the Heavenly Demon Emperor searches the Upper Layer Universe for orphaned children with excellent aptitude, then concentrates them in one realm to cultivate. This is called the wolf-raising plan. Whoever ultimately survives will be taken as an adoptive son.”

“Survives?”

Jun Changxiao said, “What does that mean?”

“Thousands upon thousands of children are confined in a sealed realm. They must fight to survive, to seize food and resources, even going so far as to kill each other, until only the last one remains.”

“Damn!”

Jun Changxiao cursed angrily, “That’s way too cruel!”

Children should be enjoying a beautiful childhood, yet they’re forced to kill each other for survival—how utterly inhumane!

“So.”

Gu Tianxing said, “The Heavenly Demon Emperor is a demon who combines ambition and evil. It’s just that his strength is too powerful—no one in the Upper Layer Universe can do anything about him.”

“…”

Jun Changxiao’s gaze turned cold.

Such a thorough villain and antagonist—if he as the protagonist didn’t resolve this, what face would he have to claim justice!

Of course.

Gou Sheng was still very calm.

The major realms of the Upper Layer Universe had to join forces to resist him. Going alone, he definitely couldn’t handle it, so he could only temporarily develop quietly. When the time was ripe, then he’d go wrestle with him.

“No wonder that guy had such terrifying killing intent when killing.” Jun Changxiao understood: “So he’s been living through slaughter since childhood.”

Gu Tianxing said, “Every wolf the Heavenly Demon Emperor raises is extremely brutal.”

“Heh.”

Jun Changxiao sneered, “Aren’t you afraid of raising ungrateful wolves?”

Wolves have wild nature and are also greedy.

If you raise them as pets, who knows when they’ll suddenly bite back.

“They won’t.”

Gu Tianxing said, “The Heavenly Demon Emperor is an extremely cautious person. Without absolute control, he would never play with fire.”

“He just hasn’t encountered me.”

Jun Changxiao sat down, took a sip of tea and said, “As long as the hoe is swung well, no corner wall can’t be dug out. Those wolves he’s raised—who knows, I might poach them all.”

“Kid.”

Gu Tianxing said gravely, “If you still want to live a few more years, you’d better not provoke the Heavenly Demon Emperor!”

“Uh…”

Jun Changxiao scratched his head and laughed, “I was just speaking casually.”

…

A neighboring inn.

Ling Li booked a room and checked in.

Because the incident on the street had already spread throughout the city, the first floor dining hall gathered many martial artists who were discussing in low voices.

“The one who just came in is the Heavenly Demon Emperor’s adoptive son!”

“My god, which son?”

“Who knows!”

As everyone discussed, their gazes held wariness.

Even a powerhouse like Gu Tianxing was warning Jun Changxiao not to provoke the Heavenly Demon Emperor. Passersby were naturally also very fearful of anyone related to him.

Ling Li lay on the bed, looking at the ceiling.

The long journey to Shang Yuan Realm had made him a bit tired, so he decided to rest, but his eyes remained open.

This was a habit.

Whether day or deep night, he would sleep with his eyes open.

Some might ask, won’t his eyes get dry? No, this wasn’t a question of dryness—this was a manifestation of absolute vigilance. At most, over time it would increase the risk of developing cataracts.

…

More and more powerhouses and more and more contestants entered the main city. The solemn atmosphere before the competition grew increasingly intense.

Several days later.

Ceremonial cannons sounded in the city—the star system main competition had begun.

Same old routine—early in the morning, Jun Changxiao donned his fur coat, wore sunglasses, shouldered a sound system and headed to the venue. Then he plopped down in the spectator stands, naturally propping his feet up on the platform.

“…”

The bigwigs from various realms present were speechless.

This young man who came in following Gu Tianxing was really a bit insufferable.

Spectators successively entered the main competition venue, including quite a few groups wearing matching clothes, presumably there to cheer for their contestants.

As for the Eternal Sect disciples, under official personnel guidance, they arrived at the area designated for contestants and waited to enter.

“Hah!”

Li Shangtian took a deep breath.

Having experienced the preliminaries, he had adapted quite a bit and wasn’t too nervous inside.

“Contestants, please enter!” the official announced loudly.

“Let’s go.”

Lu Qianqian took the lead, walking toward the passage that seemed to lead to brightness, while Li Qingyang and the others followed close behind.

“Young Master, go for it!”

“Senior Brother, you’re mighty!”

As contestants successively entered the venue, shouts and screams rang out from the spectator stands, the scene becoming somewhat out of control.

Soon.

Thousands of talents gathered together.

A star system had as many realms as there were stars, and each sent fifty people, naturally forming a massive scale.

“Tsk tsk.”

Jun Changxiao said, “They all have formidable strength.”

“This is nothing.” Gu Tianxing said, “On the day of the finals, every contestant qualified to enter the venue will be a heaven-defying talent of their star system.”

Jun Changxiao nodded deeply in agreement, looking toward the northern area where there were relatively fewer people, and said, “Why isn’t Chaoxi over there?”

“He’s in the seeded zone.”

Gu Tianxing said, “He can be guaranteed advancement to the top five hundred.”

“…”

Jun Changxiao turned his head, envious: “Having such a powerful dad really lets people skip half a lifetime of struggle!”

—