Although many Demons came to pay the annual tribute over the years, and most didn’t recognize one another, the Golden Armored Men who acted as receptionists had an impression of everyone. Seeing that the two Demons, Nie Yun and Xiaofong in their disguises, were unfamiliar, one immediately blocked their path.

"Reporting to you, sir. We’re new here. This is our first year presenting the tribute. Here is our gift, please inspect it."

Nie Yun was prepared. With a faint smile, he flipped his hand over, and a Jade Gourd materialized in his palm.

The moment he produced the gourd, a rich medicinal aroma wafted out. It was obviously of a high grade.

"The Hundred Spirits Golden Crow Pill, for healing? Not bad, good stuff. This gourd has over a hundred pills. You qualify. Pass!"

The Golden Armored Man’s eyes lit up as he glanced at the Jade Gourd.

Nie Yun had obtained this healing Elixir from the Mi Tian Sect’s Treasure Vault. While it was a priceless treasure to others, to a Healer like him, it was practically useless.

"Many thanks!"

Nie Yun chuckled, handed over the Elixirs, and strode toward the main hall with Xiaofong.

"Master, we passed just like that? Aren’t they going to ask who we are or where we’re from?"

Following behind Nie Yun, Xiaofong’s jet-black eyes widened in disbelief.

"They won’t. They’re all in it for the wealth. When someone is willing to pay, they couldn’t be happier, so why would they investigate too closely? Besides, the Demon Race is even more ruthless with their infighting than humans. These leaders might look untouchable, but they could be killed and replaced by their own subordinates at any moment. The Golden Armored Men know this. Asking a question is just for show."

Nie Yun chuckled.

"This annual tribute assembly is just a way for the Demon Race to keep their subordinates in line. As long as you pay up, nothing else matters. They don’t make any other strong demands."

That was true. The Qi Sea Continent was simply too vast, with countless islands and seas. Killings happened every day. With a Demon or two dying and a new one or two appearing, it would be impossible to track them all down even if they wanted to.

"Let’s go."

After finishing his explanation to Xiaofong, Nie Yun stepped into the Array at the entrance of the great hall.

The world spun around them. When they opened their eyes again, the two found themselves in a spacious great hall. The air was heavy and gloomy, filled with an oppressive atmosphere. This had to be the most important council chamber in the Zi Qiong Mountain Range.

’So it’s a Spirit Void Illusion Array,’ Nie Yun thought. ’Though the Array is sophisticated, without a Secret Realm Powerhouse to control it, it’s useless!’

The entire hall was enveloped by a Grand Array. The slightest touch would conjure countless phantoms and monsters. Malevolent qi congealed in the air, refusing to dissipate. It seemed that with a single thought, the one controlling the Array could form gigantic, sharp swords to slay anyone within.

It was both majestic and sinister.

However, that was how others might have perceived it. With a single glance, Nie Yun identified it as a Spirit Void Illusion Array. Such an Array was indeed powerful when controlled by a Secret Realm Powerhouse, but if it was merely an Ultimate Venerable in charge, the idea of trapping him was nothing but a pipe dream.

Demons filled the surroundings, standing on both sides of the hall, holding their breath, not daring to utter a word. Looking up, a throne of skulls stood in the very center of the hall. Upon it sat a brocade-robed Demon of indeterminable age, his sharp, hawk-like eyes filled with an immense sense of authority.

The second-in-command of the Zi Qiong Mountain Range, Qi Emperor!

An old monster who had survived his attempt to break through to the Secret Realm!

’So strong!’

Nie Yun immediately sensed just how terrifying this man was.

The man’s combat strength might not have surpassed his own, but his Soul Power had already reached the Great Perfection Peak of the Qi Sea Realm, just a single step away from the Spirit Level!

’No wonder he survived his attempt to break through to the Secret Realm. With a soul that had reached such a realm, he could probably tear a person to shreds using his Soul Power alone, without even needing to use any physical force!’

Although Soul and Qi Sea Great Perfection was only one level above the Peak of Qi Sea, it represented a state of flawlessness, the absolute limit of a realm. A supreme expert who possessed a Great Perfection Soul would have combat strength several times that of an opponent with equal physical power!

Currently, by using his Great Strength Dantian, Nie Yun’s pure physical strength was equivalent to one Myriad Phenomena, comparable to a Secret Realm Powerhouse. However, his soul was only at the Peak of Qi Sea. Compared to this man, he was still far from being a match!

"This year, I will be presiding over the annual tribute assembly!"

Just as Nie Yun was lost in thought, Qi Emperor, on the high platform, began to speak.

His voice was deep and powerful. Infused with Soul Power, it thundered in everyone’s ears, making their heads spin and extinguishing any thought of resistance.

With a Qi Sea Great Perfection Soul, he was invincible at the Qi Sea Level. Even an ordinary Early-Stage Secret Realm Powerhouse would find it difficult to kill him. Most of the Demons in the hall had Soul Power only at the Qi Sea High Level; faced with a Great Perfection Soul expert, they had no hope of resisting.

For a moment, the hall fell completely silent, the previous clamor gone.

"Since you have all paid your annual tribute, we of the Zi Qiong Mountain Range will naturally not treat you poorly. Here are some Elixirs that will aid your Cultivation. Take them!"

With a grand wave of his hand, Qi Emperor conjured countless dark-red Elixirs in the air. Each one spun rapidly, suspended above the crowd under the control of a special Qi Force.

"Thank you, Lord Qi Emperor!"

One of the Demons saw that the Elixirs were brimming with Spiritual Qi. With a flash in his eyes, he reached out and tried to grab one of the Elixirs hovering above his head.

The moment his palm touched the Elixir, a peculiar force shot out from it. In an instant, the Ultimate Venerable Peak Demon was sent flying backward, spitting blood before he landed heavily on the ground.

"What..."

Seeing this, the crowd understood. Although the Elixirs were for them, they had to have the strength to claim them. Realizing this, no one else dared to make a rash move.

"It is your honor that Lord Qi Emperor has offered you these Elixirs. However, you must have the strength to take them! Only the capable are qualified to accomplish great things with Lord Qi Emperor!"

A Golden Armored Man standing beside the high platform glanced at the crowd and snorted coldly.

"I’ll try!"

Goaded by the words, a middle-aged Demon threw his head back and let out a long howl. A wave of sound rolled out as his figure transformed into a streak of flowing light, shooting violently toward one of the Elixirs.

SIZZLE!

The Elixir once again unleashed a swirling Qi Force that shot toward the middle-aged Demon. Unfazed, the Demon’s hands became a blur, instantly forming eighteen sets of hand seals. Each one was a Royal Family’s Top-Grade Martial Art, creating layers upon layers of Palm Seals.

WHOOSH!

He blocked the swirling Qi Force from the Elixir with his eighteen sets of hand seals. He then snatched the Elixir and swallowed it in one gulp.

CRACK! CRACK!

The moment the Elixir entered his body, the middle-aged man’s aura surged dramatically, like pouring oil on lava. Both his power and his presence increased immensely. It was obvious he had gained tremendous benefits from the Elixir.

"Let’s try, too!"

With someone having tested the waters, the rest of the crowd was tempted and began reaching for the Elixirs in the air.

Nie Yun and Xiaofong inconspicuously grabbed an Elixir each. While this type of Elixir was a great boon to Demons, it was poison to them. After grabbing the pill, the two faked the motion of eating it, then casually tossed it into their clothes. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)