The Supreme Great Demon

　　The sudden display of weakness by the Flesh Statue left Qin Ji and Chen Xia utterly baffled.　　Chen Xia didn't recall ever beating this Flesh Statue; why was it suddenly admitting fault?　　"Sir, what are you doing?" Qin Ji couldn't help but ask.　　"Don't interrupt." The Flesh Statue sternly hushed Qin Ji, then smiled at Chen Xia.　　"It's truly an honor for me that you're here. I've been waiting for quite some time."　　Frowning, Chen Xia looked at the Flesh Statue and asked, "Do we know each other?"　　Caught off guard by the question, the Flesh Statue quickly recovered and smiled, "Whether we know each other or not isn't important. What matters is that I've long admired your name."　　"Hmm..." Chen Xia scrutinized the Flesh Statue for a moment before nodding. "So, why did you let me in?"　　"There are certain secrets about the Boundary Realm that should be discussed behind closed doors. I hope you don't mind."　　Lowering his posture, the Flesh Statue continued with a smile, "Regarding the true purpose of the Boundary Realm and the significance of the Lords of the Forbidden Zones, surely you wish to know."　　"Go on," Chen Xia leaned against a wall, ready to hear the story.　　The Flesh Statue pondered for a moment before explaining, "The Boundary Realm lies beneath the Great Many Heavens and is called a plane. It's on par with realms like the Immortal World, Divine Territory, Great Dead Zone, Sacred Grounds, all under the control of the Supreme Heavenly Dao."　　"The so-called Great Many Heavens consist of over a thousand star regions. Notably, there's the star region where the Great Xuandu resides, and another where ten Emperors emerged during a grand era—both terrifying star regions that make up the Great Many Heavens."　　Nodding, Chen Xia gained his first true understanding of the Great Many Heavens.　　Trembling slightly, the Flesh Statue continued, "A single plane can be stronger than a single star region. For instance, the Immortal World surpasses average star regions, boasting at least a hundred Emperors and flourishing."　　"The Divine Territory is even more formidable, having produced an extremely powerful Emperor who dominated other planes, establishing profound influence for the Divine Territory."　　"But there's one particularly unique plane where no Emperor has ever appeared, only twelve array eyes exist, and the entire plane functions as a grand array."　　"You should know this plane too."　　Chen Xia nodded, giving the answer.　　"The Boundary Realm."　　The Flesh Statue chuckled lightly. "That's right, the Boundary Realm. It's a very special existence because it wasn't created by the Heavenly Dao but is a man-made grand array."　　"And the sole function of this grand array is to suppress the Heavenly Dao. Therefore, the Boundary Realm is the only plane not subject to Heavenly Dao's reckoning. The twelve Lords of the Forbidden Zones act as the twelve array eyes, locking down the entire grand array and suppressing the entire Heavenly Dao."　　"The role of this grand array is to delay the arrival of Heavenly Dao's reckoning, postponing it by a hundred thousand years for all planes."　　Qin Ji's pupils dilated, hearing this for the first time. His body trembled slightly, feeling a bit afraid.　　Because these secrets were not something his level of existence should know.　　Yet, the Flesh Statue insisted he listen.　　Unable to fathom the Flesh Statue's intentions, Qin Ji grew increasingly fearful.　　Leaning against the wall, Chen Xia asked curiously, "Why are you telling me all this?"　　The Flesh Statue didn't answer directly but smiled.　　"Three hundred thousand years ago, a Lord of the Forbidden Zone was unsatisfied with its fate and wanted to break free to become an Emperor in the Great Many Heavens."　　"He succeeded halfway, breaking free from his fate as an array eye but failed to become an Emperor. Instead, he was slain midway by a Divine Territory Emperor."　　"His remaining divine soul used great magic to escape back to the Boundary Realm, beginning a long life of survival."　　"I am that Lord of the Forbidden Zone," the Flesh Statue's tone deepened. "I'm unwilling to remain just an array eye. I want to go to the Great Many Heavens and become an Emperor. But other planes won't allow it; existing Emperors will slay any escaping array eye."　　"Because the entire Boundary Realm, or rather this grand array, was established by these planes' Emperors!"　　Hearing this, Chen Xia couldn't help but nod. "Truly ambitious."　　Using twelve Saint-level Lords of the Forbidden Zones as array eyes and an entire plane as a grand array to restrict Heavenly Dao's reckoning—a genius and somewhat terrifying idea.　　And it was realized, making it even more frightening.　　"I'm unwilling," the Flesh Statue began to roar lowly.　　"I'm unwilling. In other planes, within the Great Many Heavens, I would definitely become an Emperor. How could I be restricted by being an array eye!"　　"I want to climb back up, reach the pinnacle, and become the supreme Emperor!"　　"So, you want to invite me along?" Chen Xia asked curiously.　　The Flesh Statue's tone carried a hint of madness. "Your talent is unparalleled, crazier than any Emperor I've seen. Only 'crazy' can describe your talent."　　"You're destined to become an Emperor. I have this premonition; you might even become one of the strongest among Emperors. So, I want to ally with you."　　"I know many ancient things and possess numerous magical arts, even sharing the primordial Dao! All I ask is that when you become the strongest Emperor in the distant future, you protect my path to becoming an Emperor!"　　The Flesh Statue and Chen Xia met gazes, both silent.　　Qin Ji trembled uncontrollably beside them, his hands shaking as if they could start shaking flowers.　　Two future Emperors conversing—why could he also listen?　　Qin Ji pondered, his face suddenly filled with joy.　　Could he also be a future Emperor?!　　"As for Qin Ji..." the Flesh Statue finally mentioned him.　　Qin Ji's face showed anticipation.　　The Flesh Statue continued, "He's a relatively obedient dog I've raised, capable of handling tasks. Today, I brought him to listen and will conveniently establish a divine soul oath for future control."　　Qin Ji's face instantly turned pale.　　So...　　He was just a dog?　　"What if I refuse?" Chen Xia suddenly asked.　　The atmosphere abruptly fell silent; not even the wind stirred in the vast hall.　　The Flesh Statue moved forward, falling to its knees. "Then I can only beg you."　　Chen Xia nodded.　　He indeed wished to become an Emperor.　　But these conditions weren't enough to move Chen Xia.　　Turning to leave, he paused when the Flesh Statue shouted, "I can also help you suppress heart demons!"　　Chen Xia stopped mid-step.　　After a while.　　He turned around, his eyes glowing crimson, and asked, "What did you say?"　　The Flesh Statue trembled, not daring to speak.　　It was eerily quiet.　　Chen Xia suddenly grinned, his crimson eyes filled with malevolence, looking up mockingly.　　"An Emperor is your end, but just my beginning. Remember this, worthless thing."　　The Flesh Statue dared not utter a word in rebuttal.　　Only after Chen Xia walked away did it rise, saying dazedly.　　"Supreme Great Demon!"