Chapter 788: Fame Across the Vast Thousand Worlds
The infinite divine light surged down, evaporating more than half of the expansive Thunder Swamp. Even the dust lingering in the air was annihilated by the scorching waves of battle intent, leaving nothing but pure energy saturating the region.
Within this aura, the only energy that could be sensed was the overwhelming battle intent. Even Heaven Sovereigns, who could merge with the world and command its energies, found themselves unable to control even a sliver of spiritual power.
A Crushing Victory
At the epicenter of this assault, the Ghost Emperor and his allies bore the brunt of the light. Despite using every ounce of their strength, they could not avoid being gravely injured.
In the distance, the watching crowd of experts felt their hearts pound as the residual divine light brushed past them.
Though the radiant energy filled them with a surge of adrenaline and battle spirit, none dared voice their discomfort.
They knew that if Xiao Ze had not deliberately restrained the light's power to avoid harming bystanders, they would have been utterly vaporized in an instant. Even Earth Sovereigns, with their exceptional vitality, would not have left a trace behind.
The observers shuddered at the thought. This level of combat was far beyond what they should have dared to spectate.
"Next time… I need to think twice before watching a battle between Heaven Sovereigns," someone muttered, still trembling.
The Source Realm's Triumph
Back at the Source Realm's camp, a roar of jubilant cheers erupted as they witnessed their leader's victory.
Xiao Yi Xian, standing amidst the crowd, let out a quiet breath of relief. Watching Xiao Ze's unwavering presence on the battlefield filled her with a sense of safety that words could not describe.
Standing behind Xiao Ze felt like standing behind an unbreakable shield, impervious to all adversity.
Hearing the cheers from his followers, Xiao Ze smiled faintly. Then, he turned his gaze toward the distant observers, his voice reverberating across the heavens:
"From this day forward, the Source Realm will reign supreme over the Tianluo Continent. All factions must bow to our rule. Those unwilling to submit may leave the continent with their forces."
His tone was calm but carried an unmistakable edge of dominance.
This declaration cemented his claim to sovereignty over Tianluo Continent, leaving no room for negotiation or dissent. Xiao Ze knew this was the only way to establish absolute control and eliminate any lingering opposition.
A Defiant Silence
The distant spectators exchanged uneasy glances. After witnessing Xiao Ze's unparalleled power, any thought of resistance melted away.
One by one, the top tier experts and leaders of various factions stepped forward, bowing deeply. Their voices echoed in unison across the devastated battlefield:
"We pledge our loyalty to the Lord of the Source Realm!"
Standing tall amid the bowed heads, Xiao Yi Xian's gaze lingered on Xiao Ze's imposing figure. Her heart raced, and her eyes sparkled with admiration.
Under his leadership, the Source Realm wouldn't just dominate Tianluo Continent it would become a force to be reckoned with across the Vast Thousand Worlds.
The other members of the Source Realm shared similar thoughts. They stared at Xiao Ze with reverence, convinced that their leader would lead them to unparalleled heights.
The Ghost Emperor's Return
With the formalities concluded, Xiao Ze turned his attention to the craters left behind by his attack.
"Come out," he called, his voice calm but commanding. "You can't possibly be dead from that."
His words stirred the shadows of the chasms, and four faint lights emerged, revealing the battered forms of the Ghost Emperor and his three allies.
They were in a pitiful state, their robes torn and blood staining their pale skin. Their spiritual energy had dwindled, and their auras flickered weakly.
Even the Ghost Emperor, the strongest among them, looked at Xiao Ze with undisguised fear.
A Reluctant Surrender
Despite their injuries, it was clear to all that Xiao Ze had shown mercy. He could have killed them but chose restraint.
Blue faced and sullen, the Azure Peak Sovereign retrieved his damaged artifact. "You win, Xiao Ze," he muttered, his voice hoarse. "From this day forth, we will no longer interfere with the Tianluo Continent."
Xiao Ze's eyes narrowed, his tone unyielding.
"If you wish to interfere again, you are welcome to try. But let me be clear your lives were spared today only because you are Heaven Sovereigns and valuable in the fight against the Otherworldly Demons.
"Defy me again, and I will not hesitate to erase you."
Tribute Demanded
The Ghost Emperor clenched his fists but said nothing. He knew Xiao Ze wasn't bluffing. If they pushed him further, their next encounter would end in their deaths.
Xiao Ze waved his hand dismissively.
"Each of you, leave behind 20 billion drops of Sovereign Spirit Essence, and you may go."
The demand stunned the four Heaven Sovereigns.
"What?! That's outrageous!" the Ghost Emperor protested, his face contorted with disbelief.
Xiao Ze's gaze turned icy.
"Did you think you could waltz into the Source Realm, challenge my authority, and leave without consequence? If I let you off too lightly, what's to stop others from doing the same?
"Frankly, I'm being generous. If it weren't for my title as the Demon Vanquisher King, I would've demanded 100 billion drops."
The four exchanged anguished glances. While 20 billion was an astronomical sum, it was manageable. After all, they couldn't risk angering Xiao Ze further.
Reluctantly, they each handed over their tributes, dropping glowing storage rings filled with Sovereign Spirit Essence into Xiao Ze's hands. Without another word, they fled, their battered figures disappearing into the horizon.
A World shaking Reputation
The news of Xiao Ze's victory against four Celestial Heaven Sovereigns spread like wildfire. In no time, the name of the Source Realm's Lord reached every corner of the Vast Thousand Worlds.
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