235: Dialogue across the air, showing the domineering power for the first time!

Great Tang, Chang'an, Lingxiao Imperial Hall.

Li Chengqian sat on the Dragon Throne, not with the usual imperial solemnity, but rather with a transcendent air. Faint golden light of the Human Dao flowed around him, a supreme power gained after integrating with the entire world. Since he merged the core of the Haotian World into himself and became the Human Dao Heavenly Emperor, the entire Great Tang, and even the world he dominated, had burst forth with unprecedented vitality. All things revived, and living beings prospered; he truly became the supreme Dominator of this world.

However, today, this peace was broken.

Inside the hall, an envoy in luxurious robes respectfully presented a shimmering Magic Treasure. The Magic Treasure was shaped like an ancient Jade Slip, yet it emitted an unusual, vast aura, clearly not an item of this world.

"Your Majesty, this was presented by the envoy of the Dazheng Heavenly Dynasty. He stated that his lord, Emperor Zhong Shan, wishes to have a 'remote dialogue' with Your Majesty," Yuan Tiangang, the Shence Army Commander and Chief of the Imperial Guards, reported respectfully, a hint of imperceptible gravity in his voice.

Li Chengqian nodded slightly, his gaze falling upon the Jade Slip. He could feel a powerful Law contained within the Jade Slip, different from any power he had encountered, carrying an ancient and grand aura. Was this the power of another "Dynasty"?

He reached out and took the Jade Slip. As his fingertip lightly touched it, a vast torrent of information instantly surged into his Sea of Consciousness. He saw a Heavenly Dynasty that was equally prosperous, and in some aspects, even more ancient and powerful than the Great Tang. Immortal mountains piercing the clouds, colossal warships spanning the star rivers, and countless Cultivators in various armors, exuding powerful auras.

"Interesting," Li Chengqian chuckled softly, his voice not loud, yet it made everyone in the hall feel a chill.

Within the Jade Slip, a phantom figure slowly condensed. It was a man in a black imperial robe, his face majestic, his eyes as deep as an abyss, as if he could perceive all things in the world. He was the lord of the Dazheng Heavenly Dynasty, Emperor Zhong Shan.

"Human Emperor of the Great Tang, I have long admired your name," Zhong Shan's voice resonated directly in Li Chengqian's Sea of Consciousness through the Jade Slip, carrying a unique rhythm that seemed to awe people.

Li Chengqian remained composed, merely responding faintly, "Dazheng's Zhong Shan is also a name that rings like thunder."

He knew this was no simple greeting. Zhong Shan's action was both a test and a display of power. In Zhong Shan's projection, he saw a boundless starry sky, and countless worlds within it being eroded by a dark power. That dark power was the aura of the Tongtian Sect Master.

Zhong Shan's voice continued, carrying a hint of worry, yet full of confidence, "I presume the Human Emperor has also sensed that the demonic claws of the Tongtian Sect Master have extended into the depths of the Universe. Our isolated worlds, even if powerful for a time, cannot remain untouched."

Li Chengqian sneered inwardly. This Zhong Shan was good at making a fuss. He was right; the Tongtian Sect Master was indeed a huge threat, but Li Chengqian was not some helpless "lord of a Small World." He was now the Human Dao Heavenly Emperor; the "server core" of the entire world was in his hands. He was the Dominator of this realm.

"Oh? What is Emperor Zhong Shan's esteemed opinion then?" Li Chengqian's voice was calm, betraying no emotional fluctuations.

Zhong Shan seemed somewhat surprised by Li Chengqian's composure, but he quickly returned to normal and continued, "Only through alliance, or even annexation, gathering the Luck of more worlds, can we have a chance of victory."

These words sounded grand, but Li Chengqian knew that the ultimate goal of "alliance" and "annexation" was to strengthen oneself. Especially in the face of such an abstruse power as "Luck," no one would easily give it up. This Zhong Shan had his eyes on the Great Tang's World Core and the vast Human Dao Luck controlled by Li Chengqian, the newly ascended Heavenly Emperor.

"Annexation?" Li Chengqian chewed on these two words, a hint of playfulness flashing in his eyes. "Is the Great Emperor suggesting to bring my Great Tang under his command?"

Zhong Shan laughed heartily, his voice booming, "The Human Emperor jests. How could this Emperor not know of the Great Tang's might? However, in the torrent of this Universe, even a power as strong as the Great Tang has its limits. The more Luck is gathered, the stronger the power. This Emperor observes the vast Human Dao Luck around the Human Emperor, far exceeding that of ordinary Dynasties, suggesting the aid of a World Core. Such a powerful individual, if we can fight side-by-side, why would we fear the Tongtian Sect Master's continued existence?"

With these words, he revealed Li Chengqian's secret, clearly having some understanding of Li Chengqian's situation. Li Chengqian's heart tightened slightly. It seemed this Zhong Shan was no ordinary person; his intelligence capabilities and vision far exceeded what Li Chengqian had imagined. However, this only piqued Li Chengqian's interest.

"Fighting side-by-side is naturally a good thing. But this talk of 'annexation' is perhaps a bit too demanding," Li Chengqian said noncommittally, with a hint of probing in his tone.

"No, no, no." Zhong Shan waved his hand, his phantom figure seemingly pacing. "The 'annexation' I speak of is not a forceful takeover. Rather, it is in a... more 'fair' manner. For example, a Luck wager."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian raised an eyebrow. A Luck wager? That was new. He understood in his heart that Zhong Shan had probably planned all this long ago, and today's conversation was merely a prelude.

He did not rush to respond, but silently pondered the deeper meaning in Zhong Shan's words. This Zhong Shan seemed to have a more profound understanding of "Luck" than he had imagined. The fact that he could detect the World Core within him already indicated his extraordinary nature.

"Luck wager..." Li Chengqian murmured softly, already understanding Zhong Shan's intention. This was not a simple cooperation, but a cooperation with a strong competitive element. Win, and Luck greatly increases, strength leaps; lose, and national Luck is damaged, possibly even being devoured by the opponent.

This sounded very risky, but for Li Chengqian, risk often meant great Opportunity. He had just become the Human Dao Heavenly Emperor and needed such challenges to test his power and declare the rise of the Great Tang to the entire Universe.

"Please, Great Emperor, explain clearly: how to wager, and what is the stake?" Li Chengqian was direct, without any hesitation. He liked this straightforward way of communication.

A hint of appreciation flashed in Zhong Shan's eyes; he seemed very pleased with Li Chengqian's decisiveness. He knew he had successfully piqued the interest of this newly ascended Heavenly Emperor.

"Very good, the Human Emperor is indeed a straightforward person." Zhong Shan's voice carried a hint of a smile, "Since that is the case, I will speak frankly. This wager is called the 'Demon Slaying Pact.' The stake is for you and me to jointly face an impending crisis."

Li Chengqian's heart stirred. A crisis? He looked up at Zhong Shan's figure in the Void Realm, waiting for the other party to reveal the mystery. He knew the real challenge had just begun.

Zhong Shan's voice echoed in Li Chengqian's Sea of Consciousness, with an undeniable magnetism, "This crisis is a gigantic meteorite, contaminated by the darkness of eternal night, that is about to crash into our worlds. We call it — the 'Extraterrestrial Evil Demon'."

Li Chengqian frowned slightly. Extraterrestrial Evil Demon? He closed his eyes, and with the authority of the Human Dao Heavenly Emperor, he instantly sensed the anomaly in this Universe. Indeed, in the depths of the distant starry sky, a meteorite of unimaginable size was hurtling at an astonishing speed towards his world and the Dazheng Heavenly Dynasty represented by Zhong Shan.

Upon that meteorite, dense dark Qi was entwined, interspersed with countless twisted Law fragments and a nauseating, evil will. This aura was of the same Origin as the Tongtian Sect Master's power, even purer and more malevolent. Clearly, this was no ordinary meteorite, but a "war machine" meticulously modified by the Tongtian Sect Master.

"Upon this meteorite are powerful demonic creatures, mutated by the Tongtian Sect Master's power," Zhong Shan's voice carried a hint of gravity. "They are bloodthirsty, mad, and highly infectious. Once they descend upon our worlds, the consequences would be unimaginable."

Li Chengqian opened his eyes, his gaze profound. He had already seen those demonic creatures; they were varied in form, yet all exuded a chilling aura of death. These demonic creatures seemed to have been created by the Tongtian Sect Master to weaken the Luck of various worlds, thereby achieving some unknown purpose.

"So, Great Emperor, you mean for us to wager on this 'Extraterrestrial Evil Demon'?" Li Chengqian asked, his tone calm, but his heart was already stirring.

"Precisely!" Zhong Shan's voice was firm. "Both sides, you and I, will use our respective means. Whoever can destroy it first will win. The victor will receive a portion of the loser's national Luck as a reward."

At these words, all the Officials in the hall were astonished. Although they could not directly hear Zhong Shan's voice, from Li Chengqian's expression and fragmented words, they had already guessed a few things. To wager with national Luck — this was simply unheard of, an unprecedented grand gesture!

"National Luck..." Li Chengqian repeated softly, his thoughts racing.

He was now the Human Dao Heavenly Emperor, with the World Core within him, and his understanding of "national Luck" far surpassed ordinary people. National Luck was not simply about the strength of a nation; it was a manifestation of the world's Origin power, the Foundation of civilization's development, and a barrier against external enemies. Losing a portion of national Luck meant damage to the world's Origin, possibly even shaking the Foundation of the Human Dao.

This was indeed an "open conspiracy."

Zhong Shan knew that with the Great Tang's current might and Li Chengqian's unique status as the Human Dao Heavenly Emperor, he could never stand idly by while the "Extraterrestrial Evil Demon" was about to strike. This not only concerned the Great Tang's safety but also the survival of the Human Dao world he dominated.

And since he had to act, why not seize this Opportunity to engage in a "fair" competition and strive for more Luck for his Dynasty?

If Li Chengqian refused, it would make him appear timid, causing fluctuations in Human Dao Luck, and possibly even allowing Zhong Shan to exploit it to affect the Great Tang's prestige in the Universe.

If Li Chengqian accepted, then regardless of winning or losing, the Great Tang would bear enormous risks. If he won, he would indeed gain a portion of Zhong Shan's national Luck, but that "Extraterrestrial Evil Demon" was by no means easy to deal with and would undoubtedly require a huge price. If he lost, he would have to cede national Luck, and his strength would be damaged.

This was truly an irresistible challenge!

Li Chengqian's gaze swept across the hall. He knew that at this moment, whether it was Yuan Tiangang or the other Civil and Military Officials, all were anxiously awaiting his decision. Although they were not clear on the specific details, the words "national Luck" were enough to make them feel immense pressure.

He knew clearly that Zhong Shan's purpose, besides weakening potential rivals, was more importantly to use this method to draw the Great Tang and himself into the cosmic pattern he dominated.

He wanted to use his identity and ability as the Human Emperor of the Great Tang to contend against the Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning.

"Your Majesty, is this... too risky?" Yuan Tiangang finally couldn't help but speak, his voice somewhat hoarse, clearly worried to the extreme.

Li Chengqian raised his hand to stop Yuan Tiangang's words.

There was no trace of panic on his face; instead, a confident smile appeared.

"Risky?" he thought to himself, "As the Heavenly Emperor, in charge of humanity, why should I fear a mere risk?"

He was no longer the Li Chengqian of the past.

Now, he contained the core of the entire world within him and controlled the Law of Humanity.

What he represented was the most powerful force in this world.

If he didn't even dare to accept such a challenge, wouldn't his title of "Human Emperor" be a joke?

Moreover, he had just unified the world and established the Human Dao, a time for vigorous progress.

If he could seize this Opportunity to devour a portion of the National Luck of other dynasties, it would undoubtedly accelerate the growth of the Human Dao World and lay a more solid Foundation for Human Dao civilization in the Universe.

What he wanted was not just to protect his own world, but to spread the light of the Human Dao throughout the entire Universe!

"Emperor Zhong Shan's proposal, I accept it," Li Chengqian's voice was clear and firm, directly entering the Jade Slip and echoing throughout the entire Lingxiao Treasure Hall.

As soon as these words were uttered, everyone in the hall was shocked.

They knew His Majesty was brilliant, but they hadn't expected him to accept such a huge gamble so decisively.

Zhong Shan's phantom in the Jade Slip paused noticeably, seemingly not expecting Li Chengqian to be so straightforward.

Then, he let out a hearty laugh: "Haha, the Human Emperor is indeed a hero of this age!

In that case, you and I shall make a covenant, with the Law of Heavenly Dao as witness, and Luck as the wager.

Whoever can first destroy the 'Evil Demon from Beyond the Heavens' shall be victorious!"

As Zhong Shan's voice fell, two ancient and profound runes appeared on the Jade Slip; one represented the Great Zheng Heavenly Dynasty, and the other represented the Great Tang.

The two runes intertwined, eventually transforming into a golden light of covenant, soaring into the sky and disappearing into the Void Realm.

Li Chengqian could feel an invisible force already linking him with Zhong Shan and some supreme Law of this Universe.

Once this covenant was signed, it could not be revoked.

"Very good," Li Chengqian retracted the Jade Slip, his eyes gleaming with determination.

He knew this was both a test of his strength by Zhong Shan and an Opportunity.

An Opportunity for the Great Tang's Human Dao power to display its prowess to the entire Universe!

"Yuan Tiangang!" Li Chengqian's voice suddenly rose, carrying supreme majesty, "Pass on my decree: all forces of the Great Tang, the Shence Army, the Demon Suppression Division, the Ascension Division, and the Daoist Sect General Administration, prepare for war!"

"Our target!" Li Chengqian stood up abruptly, his figure appearing incredibly tall amidst the golden Imperial Dragon Qi, as if he could support the entire world.

"The Starry Sea!"

He wanted to carve out a new territory for humanity in the Universe!

Li Chengqian's command spread throughout the Great Tang like a thunderclap.

"All-out war preparations, target the Starry Sea!"

These eight characters stirred up colossal waves in every corner of the Great Tang.

In Chang'an City, the common people were first shocked, then filled with endless fervor.

They had just witnessed His Majesty's magnificent feat of "changing the heavens," and now His Majesty was going to lead them to "point their swords at the star river"?

This was an ambitious blueprint they had never dared to imagine before!

"Long live His Majesty! May the Human Dao prosper forever!" Countless people spontaneously knelt, their cheers, like a mountain tsunami, soared into the sky.

However, in the eyes of the high-ranking Officials and Cultivators, Li Chengqian's decision carried a hint of madness.

Inside the Lingxiao Treasure Hall, after Zhong Shan's figure disappeared, the atmosphere became solemn.

"Your Majesty, is that 'Evil Demon from Beyond the Heavens' truly so terrifying?" Minister of War Cheng Yaojin couldn't help but ask.

His face, uncharacteristically, lacked its usual roughness, replaced by deep worry.

Li Chengqian looked at everyone in the hall, his gaze calm, without any concealment: "Everyone, this 'Evil Demon from Beyond the Heavens' is not an ordinary meteorite.

It contains the power of the Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning, mutated by him, becoming a massive monster lair.

Once it descends, it will not only bring devastating impact but also release countless demons, corrupting the living beings of our realm and polluting our realm's Luck."

As soon as he said this, there was a collective gasp in the hall.

"Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning!"

This name was no longer unfamiliar to the Great Tang.

Although Li Chengqian had already slain Haotian and achieved the Human Emperor, they also knew that Haotian was merely a chess piece in the hands of the Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning, and the true mastermind was that more powerful, more mysterious Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning.

"Your Majesty, Emperor Zhong Shan's action is clearly an attempt to kill with a borrowed knife, both letting us clear a threat for him and using the Opportunity to weaken our Great Tang's National Luck!" Minister of Revenue Dai Zhou said with deep concern.

He was considering the national treasury and the people's livelihood; damage to the National Luck would inevitably affect these fundamentals.

Li Chengqian waved his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet.

"Lord Dai's words are not without reason.

Zhong Shan's move is indeed an open conspiracy.

But if he can scheme against me, why can't I, in turn, use him?" Li Chengqian's lips curved into an arc, his eyes glinting with confident light.

"Oh? What brilliant plan does Your Majesty have?" Grand Tutor Wei Zheng stroked his beard, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

He knew that His Majesty never did anything without certainty.

"It's very simple," Li Chengqian surveyed the crowd, "This 'Evil Demon from Beyond the Heavens,' while a threat to our Great Tang, is also an excellent Opportunity!"

He paused, allowing his ministers to digest his words.

"Opportunity?" The crowd exchanged glances, somewhat bewildered.

In their view, this was clearly a crisis, so how could it be an Opportunity?

Li Chengqian continued to explain: "Firstly, this is an excellent chance to test the power of our Great Tang's Human Dao.

Our Great Tang has just established the Human Dao Heavenly Court, and all of you are Human Dao Deities.

This battle is precisely a touchstone to test our strength and temper our will!"

"Secondly, this 'Evil Demon from Beyond the Heavens' is formed by the condensation of the Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning's power.

It contains extremely vast energy and fragments of Law.

If it can be completely destroyed and its core refined, it will provide immeasurable benefits to the growth of our Human Dao World!"

As soon as he said this, everyone in the hall suddenly understood.

Especially the Cultivators, their eyes burned with fervor.

The core of the Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning's power, that was an immense Opportunity!

Li Chungang rubbed his wine gourd, his eyes blazing: "Your Majesty is absolutely right!

Isn't this just an 'experience package' delivered to our doorstep? Haha!"

Deng Tai'a also, uncharacteristically, showed a hint of excitement: "If we can devour the power of the Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning, our Human Dao Heavenly Court will surely advance further!"

Li Chengqian looked at them, smiling and nodding.

He knew that these followers, in their bones, harbored the blood of daring to take risks and striving for progress.

"Thirdly, and most importantly," Li Chengqian's voice became deep and powerful, "Although this 'Evil Demon from Beyond the Heavens' is formed by the mutation of the Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning's power, its essence is still a world fragment!

A contaminated world fragment!"

"World fragment!" Everyone was shocked again.

"That's right," Li Chengqian affirmed, "The core of the Haotian World has now merged with me, and I can clearly sense that this meteorite has a certain homologous aura with our world.

If it can be thoroughly purified and its core stripped away and merged into our Human Dao World, it will greatly accelerate the expansion and promotion of our Human Dao World!"

As soon as he said this, everyone in the hall was deeply shaken.

They finally understood that what Li Chengqian was planning was far more profound than they had imagined!

He was not only responding to a crisis but also taking this Opportunity to devour fragments of another world and strengthen the Human Dao World!

This was no longer a simple "Luck gamble" but a struggle for devouring and growth between two worlds, two civilizations!

"Your Majesty is brilliant!" Wei Zheng was the first to react, bowing excitedly.

"Long live our Emperor!" All the Civil and Military Officials, and Cultivators, prostrated themselves, their eyes filled with fervor and awe.

They finally saw Li Chengqian's true ambition and vision as the Human Emperor!

Li Chengqian slowly raised his hand, signaling everyone to rise.

"Therefore, not only will I accept this gamble, but I will win it beautifully!" Li Chengqian's voice was firm and resolute, filled with supreme confidence, "I want that Zhong Shan to know that our Great Tang's Human Dao is absolutely not something he can casually scheme against!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over every loyal minister in the hall.

"My dear ministers, this battle is extraordinary; it concerns the future direction of our Great Tang's Human Dao.

I need you to demonstrate the highest efficiency and the strongest power to win this victory for the Human Dao, for the Great Tang!"

"Your subjects swear allegiance to Your Majesty unto death, and fight for the Human Dao!" Everyone shouted in unison, their voices shaking the palace.

Li Chengqian nodded with satisfaction.

He knew that with the support of these people, he had full confidence in this battle!

"Yuan Tiangang, pass down the order: the detailed information on the Evil Demon from Beyond the Heavens is to be immediately distributed to the Shence Army, the Demon Suppression Division, the Ascension Division, and the Daoist Sect General Administration, so they can formulate the most detailed combat plan in the shortest possible time!"

"Cheng Yaojin, the Ministry of War is responsible for mobilizing all available war machinery, especially the Startling Thunder Chariots; upgrade them with full effort, and ensure they reach their strongest combat power!"

"Dai Zhou, the Ministry of Revenue will provide full support; money, grain, and supplies will be prioritized for war preparations!"

"Li Chungang and Deng Tai'a, you two are responsible for integrating the forces of the Daoist Sect General Administration and the Ascension Division, ensuring that all high-level Cultivators can participate in the battle!"

Orders flowed from Li Chengqian's mouth like water, precise and efficient.

The entire Great Tang, this vast and efficient war machine, began to operate at full speed under the will of the Human Emperor!

A world-shaking war was about to begin!