Chapter 287: Paying Respects to the Heavenly Sovereign

Great Havenlaw Domain, Central Region.

At the heart of the Great Havenlaw Domain, a towering mountain peak stood tall, piercing into the clouds like a sharp sword — majestic and awe-inspiring.

This peak was known as Havenlaw Peak, the most important place within the entire Great Havenlaw Domain, serving as the central hub of the entire domain.

Today, Havenlaw Peak was exceptionally lively. The skies echoed with the sound of wind breaking as numerous figures streaked through the air, eventually landing on the imposing mountain.

All high-ranking officials of the Great Havenlaw Domain had received a mysterious summons from the Domain Ruler, convening a mandatory meeting.

At the summit of Havenlaw Peak stood an ancient and imposing great hall, exuding an aura of antiquity as if it had survived from primordial times, inspiring awe in all who gazed upon it.

In front of the hall stretched a colossal stone staircase of ten thousand steps. None dared fly directly to the top, choosing instead to ascend the steps with reverence.

At this moment, many figures had already gathered at the base of the staircase. They stood in distinct clusters, their groups clearly demarcated.

"The Domain Ruler hasn't appeared in a long time... I wonder what this sudden meeting is about?"

"Could it be related to the Nine Nether King?"

"Impossible! Although the Nine Nether King is rumored to have returned and successfully undergone tribulation, she's merely a Supreme. How could that possibly alarm the Domain Ruler?"

"True! If the Nine Nether King's return is enough to alarm the Three Sovereigns, that would already be remarkable. What qualifications does she have to disturb the Domain Ruler?"

"But it's too much of a coincidence... The Nine Nether King returns, and the Domain Ruler immediately convenes a meeting. Maybe she brought back some critical information."

"I also heard she brought back a man... perhaps it has something to do with him."

"We'll find out soon enough."

Whoosh!

A series of sharp wind-breaking sounds rang out as several powerful figures descended onto the platform, exuding oppressive spiritual pressure.

These were all heavyweight figures — Asura King, Blood Hawk King, Spiritual Sword King, Mountain Splitting King...

They exchanged glances before leading their entourages up the stone steps toward the great hall, whose ancient gates had already opened.

Inside the hall, an elliptical stone platform ascended higher toward the depths. The platform extended along the hall's edges, leaving a vast empty space in the center. At the platform's highest point stood a towering throne overlooking all below.

Though the throne was empty, it exuded an invisible pressure, enveloping the entire hall.

That throne belonged to the true master of the Great Havenlaw Domain — the enigmatic Mandala, the Domain Ruler.

Below the throne, three golden lotus platforms glowed faintly. Three figures sat cross-legged upon them, their surrounding space distorting from their mere presence.

The central figure was a gaunt old man whose eyes radiated piercing light, capable of penetrating the hearts of men — the Sky Vulture Sovereign.

To his left sat another elderly figure with flowing white hair, skin smooth as a baby's, without a single wrinkle. His eyes were pitch black, devoid of whites, exuding an eerie, bone-chilling darkness — the Spiritual Pupils Sovereign.

To the right lounged a man with a perpetually drowsy demeanor, his age indeterminate — the Sleeping Sovereign.

"Heh... the Nine Nether King still isn't here? Is she making even the Domain Ruler wait for her? How arrogant."

A sarcastic voice broke the silence — a middle-aged man with blood-red hair and hawk-like eyes, exuding a predatory aura.

This was Blood Hawk King, one of the Nine Kings.

"Blood Hawk King, what's with all the barking? Did you eat too much and have nothing better to do?"

A cold voice echoed from outside the hall as a tall, slender figure sauntered in with her entourage.

All eyes turned toward the entrance, revealing the breathtaking sight of the Nine Nether King.

She was different now.

Her black robes wrapped around her delicate figure, long legs straight and slender. Flowing black hair cascaded down her back, framing a once cold and untamed beauty now tinged with mysterious nobility.

Her obsidian eyes flickered like black flames, drawing others in with an irresistible allure.

In the past, the Nine Nether King had been a cold, wild beauty.

Now, she radiated an intoxicating blend of mystery, charm, and innate regal presence, making others hesitate to approach.

"Nine Nether King, it seems your tribulation not only boosted your strength but also your temper."

Blood Hawk King's sharp gaze swept over Nine Nether, a faint chill rising in his heart.

Though she had always been a formidable opponent, today she gave him an inexplicable sense of dread.

Still, he quickly dismissed the thought. Nine Nether had only just reached the Supreme Realm — a mere Sixth-Grade Supreme like him — nothing to fear.

"Heh... if this weren't the great hall, I'd kill you with one finger."

Nine Nether's disdainful glance swept over Blood Hawk King, treating him like an insignificant insect.

"Kill me? With one finger?"

Blood Hawk King froze, then burst into laughter, tears almost streaming down his face.

"Go ahead! Try killing me with one finger! Do you think you're an Earthly Supreme?"

"Since you're begging to die... I'll oblige."

Nine Nether casually extended a single finger.

The entire hall fell into stunned silence as Blood Hawk King exploded into a bloody mist, black flames incinerating the remnants until not even ashes remained.

The great hall was deathly quiet.

Sky Vulture Sovereign, Spiritual Pupils Sovereign, and even the perpetually drowsy Sleeping Sovereign all shot to their feet, staring at Nine Nether in disbelief.

They knew Blood Hawk King would never have stood idly by without resisting — yet he had been obliterated without the slightest chance to fight back.

Such terrifying power...

Could only belong to an Earthly Supreme!

"N-Nine Nether... have you... reached Earthly Supreme?"

Sky Vulture Sovereign's hoarse voice trembled, his heart filled with shock. He had once sheltered Nine Nether, helping her ascend to her position, but even he was only an Eighth-Grade Supreme.

The Earthly Supreme Realm was a distant dream — a realm he might never reach.

Yet this junior of his... had surpassed him?

All eyes locked onto Nine Nether, desperate to learn what heaven-defying opportunity she had encountered to leap from below the Supreme Realm directly to Earthly Supreme.

Buzz...

At that moment, an overwhelming pressure descended from above.

Everyone looked up toward the supreme throne.

Two figures appeared before it.

One was the elusive Mandala, the Domain Ruler.

Beside her stood a strikingly handsome man — a complete stranger to everyone present.

"Greetings, Domain Ruler!"

The Sky Vulture Emperor, Spiritual Pupils Emperor, Sleeping Emperor, Asura King, and all others bowed in unison.

"No need for formalities."

Mandala's cold golden pupils swept over the crowd as she spoke indifferently:

"I have gathered everyone here today for one matter alone."

"But before that, I must introduce a few distinguished guests."

Upon hearing the words distinguished guests, everyone turned their gaze to the man standing in front of Mandala.

From his position alone, standing even higher than Mandala—the host—it was clear that this man was a powerhouse above the Earthly Supreme Realm.

"This is Zhou Yi, the Lord of the Heavenly Sovereign Manor—Heavenly Supreme expert!"

As Mandara's voice fell, the Great Havenlaw Domain's powerhouses were struck silent in shock.

Though they had guessed that Zhou Yi's strength was extraordinary, likely an Earthly Supreme expert, none had anticipated that he would be a Heavenly Supreme—an existence that stood at the very pinnacle of the world.

A being whose power could shake the heavens.

No wonder Mandala, the Domain Ruler, stood behind him.

"Greetings, Heavenly Sovereign!"

The Sky Vulture Emperor, Sleeping Emperor, and the three Emperors, along with the Seven Kings and numerous commanders, bowed deeply, their eyes filled with reverence and fervor.

For ninety-nine percent of those present, this was the first time they had ever laid eyes on a Heavenly Supreme expert.

Though the Skylaw Continent was one of the Ten Super Continents, due to the balance of power among the super forces, a tacit agreement had been established—Heavenly Supremes were forbidden from intervening in conflicts. As a result, no Heavenly Supremes appeared on the surface.

At most, the leaders of the top factions were only Half-Step Heavenly Supremes, each backed by a greater super force.

"There is no need for such courtesy."

Zhou Yi gently raised his hand, and to everyone's astonishment, their bodies were lifted involuntarily, unable to resist in the slightest.

Hiss!

A Heavenly Supreme... such terrifying power.

The crowd's hearts trembled with awe and fear.

Mandala continued, beckoning four women to her side.

"These are the Heavenly Sovereign's esteemed wives."

"Lady Qing Yanjing—Heavenly Supreme."

"Lady Jiu You—Heavenly Supreme."

"Lady Liu Baihua—Heavenly Supreme."

"Lady Hu Meizi (Celestial Fox Matriarch)—Earthly Supreme."

With each introduction, the hearts of those present quivered.

Four women—three Heavenly Supremes and one Earthly Supreme.

Especially Jiu You.

Everyone had speculated that she was only an Earthly Supreme, but now they realized she was a Heavenly Supreme.

In that moment, many sharp-witted powerhouses began piecing things together.

Jiu You's sudden rise in power... it was undoubtedly due to her connection with Zhou Yi.

A strange feeling welled up in the crowd—why weren't we born as women?

Amid the shock, those with keen instincts sensed that something monumental was about to occur.

Sure enough, Mandala spoke again.

"The Heavenly Sovereign seeks to establish the Heavenly Sovereign Manor but lacks a suitable domain. As it happens, our Skylaw Continent is without a master. Therefore, the Heavenly Sovereign intends to establish his manor here."

Mandala's golden pupils swept across the assembly, her voice commanding:

"The Great Havenlaw Domain will be merged into the Heavenly Sovereign Manor."

"Who agrees? Who opposes?"

A deathly silence filled the hall.

Who would dare oppose?

Not only was Mandala's authority absolute, but Zhou Yi—standing beside her—was a Heavenly Supreme.

The example of the Blood Hawk King still lingered in their minds.

In the eyes of a Heavenly Supreme, they were mere ants—easily crushed.

"But... Domain Ruler, isn't there a rule forbidding Heavenly Supremes from interfering in the Skylaw Continent?" The Sleeping Emperor, no longer drowsy, cautiously asked.

Mandala's cold gaze fixed on him.

"Rules are set by the strong to bind the weak."

"The Heavenly Sovereign does not need to follow their rules."

"Any further questions?"

Everyone, including the Sleeping Emperor, shook their heads in unison.

"We shall obey the Heavenly Sovereign's command!"

"Mandala pays respect to the Heavenly Sovereign!"

Mandala descended from her throne and stood before the crowd, bowing deeply toward Zhou Yi.

The three Emperors and Seven Kings followed, with the numerous commanders falling in line behind them.

"Greetings, Heavenly Sovereign!"

If Zhou Yi had the strength to break the rules, there was no point in resisting.

Besides, if Jiu You could ascend to the Heavenly Supreme Realm by following Zhou Yi, then perhaps they too could rise to the Earthly Supreme Realm—or even higher.

A surge of anticipation filled their hearts.

Zhou Yi seated himself on the throne once belonging to Mandala, with Qing Yanjing, Jiu You, Liu Baihua, and Hu Meizi standing by his side.

His gaze swept across the crowd.

"From this day forth, the Great Havenlaw Domain shall be part of the Heavenly Sovereign Manor. Mandala will remain the Domain Ruler, and your positions will not change."

"As a token of our first meeting, these pills shall serve as gifts—enough to help each of you ascend by one tier."

With a wave of his hand, bottles of elixirs fell into everyone's hands.

To make a horse run, one must first feed it.

To Zhou Yi, these pills were nothing—but to these Supreme experts, they were invaluable treasures.

"Thank you, Heavenly Sovereign!"

The crowd bowed again, excitement and gratitude flashing in their eyes.

"You may leave. Strengthen yourselves. There will be much to accomplish in the days ahead."

Zhou Yi's words carried the weight of destiny.

The crowd departed, clutching their precious pills tightly.

However, several individuals wore pale, despondent expressions—avoided by everyone around them.

At their head stood Cao Feng and Wu Tian.

Cao Feng had once been rescued by Jiu You, only to betray her by siding with the Blood Hawk King.

Wu Tian was one of the Blood Hawk King's most loyal lackeys, notorious for oppressing the Nine Nether Palace.

He had even coveted the sisters Tang Bing and Tang Rou.

Now, with the Blood Hawk King dead and Jiu You a Heavenly Supreme—and the wife of the Heavenly Sovereign—his fate was sealed.

Cao Feng's heart filled with regret.

If only he hadn't betrayed Jiu You... he would now be among her closest followers.

But there were no medicines for regret in this world.

"Cao Feng, Wu Tian."

A cold, indifferent voice echoed as the tall, slender figure of Jiu You appeared before the two men.

Their bodies trembled, nearly losing control in fear.

The Sky Vulture Sovereign, Sleeping Sovereign, Spiritual Pupils Sovereign, Asura King, and others quickly clasped their hands in salute, bowing respectfully:

"Greetings, Lady Jiu You!"

"No need for formalities."

Jiu You waved her hand lightly, her gaze locking onto the shivering Cao Feng and Wu Tian.

"Lady Jiu You, spare us!"

Cao Feng instantly dropped to his knees.

Wu Tian followed hastily, pleading, "Lady Jiu You, please see clearly—everything was under the Blood Hawk King's orders! I had no choice!"

"Ungrateful traitors, betraying your master for your own gain—such sins deserve death!"

Jiu You's icy voice fell, and in an instant, black flames erupted around the two men.

"Aah!"

"Spare us—"

Their agonized screams were quickly silenced as their bodies turned to ash.

The surrounding crowd trembled but remained unsurprised. Everyone knew the grievances between Cao Feng, Wu Tian, and Jiu You—this fate was only fitting.

Yet they also understood that these two were not the only ones who had wronged Nine Nether Palace.

Many among them had grievances with the palace—though few as ruthless as the Blood Hawk King.

"I know some of you have past enmities with Nine Nether Palace. But from this day forward, all grudges are written off."

"I will not trouble you, nor will I deliberately suppress you."

"But if anyone dares betray their benefactor or harbor false loyalty—they will serve as the example before you."

Jiu You's voice rang out clearly.

She did not wish to cast a shadow of fear over the crowd.

As expected, many powerful figures who had once been at odds with Nine Nether Palace sighed in relief, hastily bowing:

"Thank you, Lady Jiu You, for your magnanimity!"

With that, the matter came to a close, and the crowd dispersed.

The Asura King turned to Xu Qing, the leader of the four great commanders, and said:

"I know you once had certain thoughts about Lady Jiu You... but now, you must let them go."

Xu Qing chuckled bitterly.

"I understand."

Jiu You was now the Heavenly Sovereign's Consort—not to mention her Heavenly Supreme cultivation. She was no longer someone he could even dream of.

For him, reaching Earthly Supreme in this lifetime would already be a great achievement.

"As long as you understand."

The Asura King nodded. Xu Qing had a steady temperament—he knew the man would not overstep.

The meeting ended, but the storm was only just beginning.

News spread swiftly across the Great Havenlaw Domain—everyone knew the domain had changed hands.

It had become part of the Heavenly Sovereign Manor.

Word soon reached the ears of other great powers, and even Lu Fang, the Heavenly Supreme subdued by Zhou Yi, was delivering the message to every faction across the Skylaw Continent—the Heavenly Sovereign Manor would soon descend upon the continent.

A mighty storm was brewing.

At that moment, Zhou Yi lounged leisurely, admiring the mature yet petite figure of Mandala—

A face strikingly similar to Zi Yan.

"I know your secret."

Zhou Yi smiled.

"What secret?"

Mandala shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, feeling as though she had been stripped bare.

"I know... this isn't your true body."

"Your true body... is still in the Heavenly Palace."

Zhou Yi's golden eyes glinted.

"I can help you."

"How?"

"You'll find out... in time."

Zhou Yi approached, his hand casually brushing against the soft curves behind her.

Mandala's body tensed, like a startled cat. She tried to jump away, but Zhou Yi's arm wrapped around her slender waist, pulling her into his embrace.

"Be mine." His voice was low, magnetic.

"I can help you ascend to Heavenly Supreme... or even higher."

"You… let me go…"

Mandala's delicate face flushed crimson, the masculine scent on Zhou Yi making her heart race. She dared not meet his piercing gaze.

She feared she might surrender without resistance.

Zhou Yi smirked—he knew he had her.

After all, he had lifted the curse that had tormented her for countless years.

And with his flawless looks—what woman wouldn't feel a flicker of affection?

A flicker was all he needed.

"Let go… mmm—"

His lips descended.

A thunderous explosion echoed in Mandala's mind—her thoughts blanking out.

Her first kiss... gone.

Under the practiced hands of a master of the art, there was never prey that could escape Zhou Yi's grasp.

Not long after—

"Mandala..."

"Heavenly Sovereign... no... stop..."

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