Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Ten Thrones of the Demon Realm

Inside the grand hall of the Azure Cloud Sect, the furnishings were simple yet elegant. On the front wall hung a landscape painting rendered in ink, mountains layered upon mountains, veiled in mist, as if the entire world had been distilled into a single frame.

Bai Yuqing did not sit in the seat reserved for the sect master. Instead, he held a celadon teapot in hand, pouring a cup of fragrant tea for his guest. “Mr. Guo, please sit and enjoy some tea. Speak your mind at your leisure.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, Master Bai.” Guo Chen, his face beaming with a smile, strode forward and settled into the grand chair. Bai Yuqing also took his seat, quietly sizing up this member of the local oversight team from the Brocade Guard.

Dressed in a tailored black Flying Fish uniform, the crisp fabric accentuated his upright posture. His features were well-defined, and between his brows there radiated a positive, optimistic energy—one perfectly suited to the role of a righteous character.

Bai Yuqing nodded inwardly and asked, “What brings you here today, Mr. Guo? Is there something you wish to discuss?”

Guo Chen smiled slightly. “I simply came to inform you, Master Bai, that the bounty of one hundred million concerning you has been approved. By noon at the latest, it will be credited to your account.”

“Oh,” Bai Yuqing’s eyes flickered with puzzlement. If this was the sole reason for Guo’s visit, it seemed rather trivial. He raised his tea bowl, took a gentle sip, and waited quietly for more.

Guo Chen tapped his fingers on the low table, probing, “Master Bai, there are people both online and in reality who oppose the exploration of the Demon Realm. What is your view on this matter?”

“I believe it is necessary. We cannot always remain passive, merely repelling the invasions of demonic creatures.”

“Exactly. To be candid, my visit today is mainly on behalf of the Azure Emperor, who wishes to know your stance, Master Bai.” Guo Chen revealed his true purpose, his smile deepening. “If you also support the exploration of the Demon Realm, we hope you will sign your name here.”

Before finishing his sentence, he produced a small tablet computer and handed over a stylus.

At present, within the country, opinions are divided on whether to initiate explorations into the Demon Realm. Led by the Azure Emperor, one faction of spiritual masters advocates for organized expeditions. The Crimson Emperor’s followers see little merit in such exploration, preferring to unify the world first. The Celestial Emperor’s faction leans toward maintaining the current status.

In short, the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors each hold their own views regarding the Demon Realm.

Guo Chen supported the Azure Emperor’s camp and was eager to help him realize a mass petition.

Bai Yuqing fell silent. His main concern was the development of the Azure Cloud Sect; he had no desire to become embroiled in the Demon Realm exploration.

Seeing Bai Yuqing’s reluctance to sign, Guo Chen grew anxious. After a moment’s thought, he decided to divulge critical information to win Bai’s support. “Master Bai, we are not as ignorant about the Demon Realm as rumor suggests.”

“In fact, the Demon Realm has no concept of up or down; its spatial rules are entirely unlike our own.”

Moreover, some demonic creatures possess advanced intelligence and have even established a kind of order. For example, the entity that once annihilated an entire exploration team referred to itself as ‘The Tenth Throne,’ with the name Iresal. This was the last message transmitted back before the team perished.

Guo Chen paused, his tone grave. “We speculate that before the Tenth Throne, there are nine other equally intelligent entities, though what lies beyond remains unknown. Officially, we refer to them as the Ten Thrones of the Demon Realm.”

Bai Yuqing narrowed his eyes slightly. “If we explore the Demon Realm again, could we end up near the Tenth Throne’s territory?”

“I fear not. When we open spatial gates to that world, the coordinates are random. That is also why the Celestial Emperor and others oppose such exploration—they believe it unnecessary to confront such powerful adversaries.”

“Is that so?” Bai Yuqing wasted no more time. He took the stylus and tablet, and signed his name in the designated space.

He did not fear the presence of formidable factions in the Demon Realm; his concern was that there might be none, leaving every creature to act alone. Since the Azure Emperor wished to challenge the Ten Thrones, Bai Yuqing would seize the opportunity to advance his own goals.

Guo Chen’s face lit up with satisfaction. He knew that revealing this information would win Bai Yuqing’s agreement.

“Before success is achieved, Master Bai, please keep all matters concerning the Ten Thrones confidential, to avoid unnecessary public panic.”

“Understood.” Bai Yuqing nodded, returning the tablet and stylus.

Guo Chen tucked them away and rose to take his leave. “Then I’ll be going.”

“Take care.” Bai Yuqing watched Guo Chen vanish from sight, and did not linger himself, disappearing into thin air with a single step.

…

Inside Pine Crane Hall, the atmosphere was tense and grave.

The rules for the second round of the competition differed sharply from the first. No longer would contestants perform one by one with time limits; instead, all participants were required to write a mid-level scripture simultaneously. Whoever finished in the shortest time would be declared the victor.

Such a fast-paced contest tested not only the competitors’ mastery of scripture, but also their mental fortitude and ability to adapt under pressure.

The topic was chosen by live-stream viewers, who voted for ten mid-level scriptures. These were placed in a sealed box, from which the contestants would draw their challenge. This method minimized the possibility of manipulation, ensuring fairness and transparency.

The remaining four contestants were deep in thought, strategizing their approach.

Liu Shuangling appeared relaxed, her fingers idly tapping the table, her gaze occasionally drifting toward Wen Xinyao.

Wen Xinyao’s expression was solemn. After a moment’s consideration, she finally picked up her brush and began writing on jade-white paper.

Seeing this, Liu Shuangling’s lips curled into a subtle, meaningful smile.

“Wow, why does her smile seem so wicked?” “Could it be…?” “Impossible, right?” “Riddlers, begone!” “She wants to snipe Xinyao mid-way—my Xinyao, hang in there, don’t lose to the Great Demon Liu!”

One devotee of the Milk Sect voiced the answer, sparking a frenzy of comments in the livestream chat.

Whenever an unknown underdog topples a major figure, it always ignites passionate debate. Especially since Wen Xinyao belonged to the Miao Scripture Pavilion, a sect renowned for its all-female membership and their prowess in combat far exceeding their scripture skills. If not for Su Li’s penchant for resolving issues face-to-face with “real” online users, she would have already been torn apart by the masses.

Halfway through Wen Xinyao’s writing, Liu Shuangling finally spoke. “I’ll begin now.”

With that, she picked up her artisan’s brush, dipped it lightly in ink, and with a flick of her wrist, let the tip glide across the page like flowing water.

Tiya was unsurprised.

She knew well how formidable Liu Shuangling was in scripture. Her own victories over Liu were only possible thanks to having more resources for practice. With equal practice, she could not match Liu in scripture mastery. This girl was no mere genius, but a bona fide monster.

Just as Wen Xinyao was about to finish, Liu Shuangling brought down her final stroke, then slapped the table with a single hand, declaring, “The outcome is decided!”

Her slap was so forceful that even the sound effect of Bai Yuqing’s arrival was drowned out.

On the table, the scripture Liu had written surged, transforming the entire surface into a glossy black metallic sheen.

The show’s director, witnessing this, felt as though all hope had died.

Wen Xinyao froze, her brush suspended mid-air, her large almond eyes flashing with disbelief. Her eyes quickly reddened, tears shimmering.

She bit her lip and murmured softly, “Why target me…”

Liu Shuangling had clearly waited until Wen was halfway through before starting, intent on humiliating her. Such blatant provocation left Wen Xinyao feeling deeply aggrieved and furious.

She had no idea what offense she might have given—surely it couldn’t be just because her chest was larger?

But that wasn’t her fault; it was a gift from the heavens.