485: This is a transaction.

At that moment, Xiao Ruobai and the others turned into streaks of light, flying straight toward the mountain-like figure in the air—the Azure Sky Python Ox, Old Huang.

Old Huang snorted, and the terrifying blood Qi around him slowly retracted as his massive body gradually shrank in the light.

He returned to his usual, honest-looking appearance of a green ox.

Only the residual Quasi-Emperor's blood on his horns indicated the horror of the battle that had just taken place.

He shook his large head and naturally stood together with Xiao Ruobai and the others.

This scene immediately fell into the eyes of all observant people!

Everyone remembered that the Azure Sky Python Ox and Battle Asura had arrived here almost simultaneously.

“They are together?!”

Whether it was the Ancient Demon Court, the Current Era Demon Clan, or the various Divine Thoughts observing in secret, waves of shock rose in their hearts.

This Quasi-Emperor ox demon, who had suddenly appeared and reversed the battle with absolute strength, was actually with these Human Race prodigies?

Did they meet by chance, or were they together from the start?

Demon Emperor Yuan Tiangang looked at Old Huang, who had naturally joined Xiao Ruobai and the others, his expression complex to the extreme.

He remembered that back at the Emperor's Tomb, he had used his power to pressure them, forcing Kirin Son Mo Yu to return.

At that time, under the protection of Battle Asura and the others, Mo Yu had not even hesitated to confront him, the Demon Emperor.

He hadn't expected that in the Southern Region's moment of crisis, the ones who would arrive first and reverse the situation with the prestige of a Quasi-Emperor would be them!

He suppressed his churning blood Qi and emotions, letting out a complex sigh as he looked toward the sky.

Above the scorched earth, the relief of surviving a disaster mingled with a deeper sense of sorrow.

Almost the moment the Southern Region bet was decided, many Human Race forces that had been following the Southern Region war learned of the matter.

Some masters of great forces keenly noticed something was off, but they couldn't quite put their finger on what it was.

At the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, beside the Star Gazing Platform, the divination signs were chaotic, and Heavenly Secret Master's obscure Divine Thought was filled with confusion.

“Seven days? Ten Prodigy battles? Dividing and ruling the territory?”

“Strange, the Luck lines of the Demon Court flicker between bright and dark, deeply entangled with the current era, but it is hard to distinguish good from bad Luck; I cannot see clearly.”

“Actively dragging the Human Race into the game...”

At the Dao Zang Academy, Xing Tianao's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of solemnity flashing in his eyes.

The Ancient Demon Court had returned after being dormant for eternity, and they were actively pulling Human Race prodigies into a gamble?

Was it blind arrogance after being silent for too long, eager to reclaim former glory?

Or was it to use this Prodigy battle to stir up the entire Human Race landscape of the Xuanhuang world, or perhaps even for a deeper scheme?

Within top forces like the Yaochi Holy Land and the Great Zhou Dynasty, experts also felt a premonition, sensing that the agreement was definitely not simple.

But as for the specifics, it was like looking at something through a veil—hazy and difficult to discern.

However, this trace of subtle doubt lingering in the hearts of top experts was soon submerged by another, more surging and passionate emotion.

That was the boiling Battle Intent from countless young prodigies across the various realms of Xuanhuang!

“Prodigies of the Ancient Demon Court? Isolated from the world for eternity, this is the perfect time to test their mettle!”

“Southern Region Prodigy Battle! Deciding the ownership of a region! How can I miss such a grand event?”

“To make a name for oneself, it is today! If I can defeat all the ancient prodigies, why worry about not achieving the Great Dao?”

For a time, the clouds and winds surged!

Countless brilliant streaks of light rose from various regions into the sky, tearing through the firmament and racing toward the Southern Region in unison!

There were successors of Holy Lands, Young Lords of ancient clans, hidden geniuses, and even ascetic Cultivators eager to achieve a Breakthrough under extreme pressure!

For them, this was an unprecedentedly massive stage!

At this time, Gu Changge and Xiao Bai were strolling upon the continent of the Immortal Realm fragment.

Night fell, shrouding the bloody Southern Region land, which temporarily fell into a deathly silence.

The surviving Yao Race tribes had retreated a hundred miles.

The campfires flickered, reflecting the tired and complex face of the Demon Emperor.

After handling the most urgent matters of settling the wounded and reorganizing the defensive lines, he took a deep breath, dismissed his attendants, and walked alone toward a quiet courtyard at the edge of the camp.

In his hand, he held a jade bottle emitting a dense life essence.

Inside the courtyard, Old Huang was lying on the ground napping, his snoring like thunder, while Xiao Ruobai and the others sat quietly, regulating their breathing.

Yuan Tiangang's footsteps paused for a moment at the courtyard gate before he resolutely stepped inside.

His arrival made Wang Xiaopang startle, and Mo Yu's body instantly tensed up.

Old Huang didn't even lift an eyelid.

Xiao Ruobai slowly opened his eyes and looked at him calmly.

Yuan Tiangang took a deep breath, suppressing his churning blood Qi and even more turbulent thoughts, as he walked step by step toward Old Huang.

He looked at this familiar yet strange old ox; memories of when they were both Saint Kings and even competed with each other surfaced in his mind.

Overlapping with the majesty of the Quasi-Emperor before him, his throat felt a bit dry.

He straightened his tattered robes and, facing Old Huang, clasped his hands and bowed deeply!

“Ox King...”

He spoke, his voice carrying a hint of hoarseness due to his injuries and emotions, yet it carried clearly: “...Senior.”

This address of “Senior” was a bit difficult for him to say.

“Today, I thank Senior for taking action and saving my Southern Region Demon Clan from collapse!”

Old Huang snorted, his ox eyes glancing sideways at him, his voice like muffled thunder: “Oh, Little Ape, it’s been over ten years since we last met, and you’ve ended up quite miserable.

Where did the energy you had when you fought with me go?

Beaten like this by a group of old fogies who crawled out of their graves?”

Normally, who would dare speak to the Demon Emperor like this?

But at this moment, only a trace of bitterness flashed across Yuan Tiangang's face, without the slightest anger.

He bowed again, his tone carrying deep helplessness and self-deprecation: “Senior's lecture is correct. It is Tiangang's incompetence; I have failed my ancestors and nearly ruined our foundation.”

“This is a wisp of Archaic Savage Dragon Blood Essence I have treasured. I hope Senior will accept it as a small token of my gratitude!”

Hearing this, a flash of smugness appeared in Old Huang's ox eyes. You competed with me back then, and now you still have to obediently thank me.

How refreshing!

“Hmph, you kid, you’re at least sensible.”

He opened his mouth and inhaled, and the jade bottle flew into his mouth.

The majestic blood essence spread out, making him narrow his eyes comfortably, and his attitude toward Yuan Tiangang softened considerably.

Yuan Tiangang's heart eased slightly, and he then turned to Xiao Ruobai and the others, his gaze first landing on Mo Yu's face, his eyes filled with regret.

He cupped his hands again, this time lowering his posture even further:

“Fellow Daoists, and... Mo Yu.”

He took a deep breath, his voice solemn: “Previously outside the Emperor's Tomb, it was my arrogance and use of power to pressure others that almost led to a great mistake.

Especially toward you, Mo Yu, this matter was my fault. I solemnly apologize to all of you here, and I hope for your forgiveness!”

Xiao Ruobai's expression was indifferent, and he did not speak.

Then, Yuan Tiangang took out an object and handed it to Xiao Ruobai.

“This item is called the Black Tortoise Shell. It is an ancient treasure of my clan, containing a trace of Black Tortoise True Intent. Once activated, it can block a full-force strike from a Peak Great Saint. Please accept this small token and do not refuse!”

Xiao Ruobai's gaze swept over the ancient and heavy-looking tortoise shell. He could feel the powerful defensive Dao Rhyme contained within; it was indeed a rare life-saving item.

His expression softened slightly, and he did not refuse, reaching out to take it and casually handing it to Mo Yu.

“Regarding the matters of the past, our positions were different and each had their own considerations. There is no need to mention it further.”

This was considered an acceptance of the apology, and Mo Yu's tensed body relaxed slightly.

Seeing that the other party had accepted the apology, a weight was lifted from Yuan Tiangang's heart.

His expression turned serious, his tone becoming grave as he raised a new and more important request!

“The old matters are concluded. I, Yuan, am bold enough to ask for one more thing.”

He looked at Xiao Ruobai, “The Prodigy battle in seven days concerns the survival of my Southern Region Demon Clan.

You Fellow Daoists possess extraordinary strength. If you are willing to help, my entire clan will be eternally grateful! I wonder...”

Xiao Ruobai lightly raised his hand, interrupting him again.

“Your Majesty Demon Emperor, we have accepted the apology. But helping is another matter.”

“Our original intention in coming here was for Mo Yu. Our previous action was out of sentiment.

But now, you want us to fight for your race; this is no longer a matter of sentiment.”

Yuan Tiangang's heart skipped a beat.

Xiao Ruobai continued, his tone resolute.

“We can represent the Current Era Demon Clan in battle. But this is a deal, and there must be a reward...”