Mask Ripped Apart

Xiao Jiantian descended before Long Bai's roasted dragon body and observed the sight for quite some time. His sword was engulfed in light profound energy as he tapped the Dragon Monarch's head. Slowly but surely, he began to awaken. Not long after the light profound energy turned into pure darkness as it 'corrupted' Long Bai from head to toe.

By the time he was capable of standing up, he had already become a devil and ever so loyal servant of Xiao Jiantian.

"Devils seem so much easier to control... perhaps, if I injected servants of the light with my own profound energy I could control them too." Xiao Jiantian thought out loud, watching Long Bai rise. "Then again, with my strength, that isn't very necessary. Everyone should know better already... isn't that right, Long Bai?"

"How will I... face Shen Xi like this!?" Long Bai winced as he circulated his profound energy, only to see that it was purely made out of darkness.

"If she is truly your wife, she wouldn't care if you're some devil or not." Xiao Jiantian lectured Long Bai as if he was his mentor... mocking him in a way. "Love knows no bounds, after all."

"That being said, I've always been intrigued, how often do you smash? Is she like a demon in bed or something? Hahaha-"

"You dare ask such questions-"

"It's not that deep, my friend. Not like I'm the one knocking her up."

"... Not often." Despite his struggles, he gave in and provided an answer. Though, he knew it wasn't true. In truth, he hadn't even been able to touch her up... let alone knock her up.

"Damn, she keeps her legs sealed, huh... I see." Xiao Jiantian chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I suppose it's always worth the wait knowing her reputation. On the contrary, I have some nights when I can't even catch any sleep because I'm... well, you know."

"I didn't know you had it in you, Xuanyuan. It was well known that you weren't the type to reciprocate those feelings despite having countless suitors." Long Bai remarked. "It's said that you even rejected the Devil Queen of the North..."

"Heh... I did, several times, actually." Xiao Jiantian nodded, confirming what Long Bai had heard. "I was a little too wary of her 'accidentally' stealing my soul or turning me into some sort of puppet. Then again, there was that time where I laid my head against her breasts... that was a pretty good experience."

"Now, in this life... I'm less restrained, you can say."

"I can see that, Brahma Heaven God Emperor." Long Bai glanced at Qianye Ying'er who was in his arms. "How old is this new body of yours?"

"Eighteen." Xiao Jiantian calmly replied like it wasn't a big deal. "If I really wanted to, I could've reached this peak a lot faster. But... now that I'm here I've realised why I didn't. Anyway, that doesn't matter now."

"This King has matters to settle."

Xiao Jiantian took the Eternal Heaven Pearl out of his pocket and set it up as a necklace, putting it on right after. There was no point in hiding it away anymore... not like the Eternal Heaven God Emperor could do anything to him.

He turned to the stage of spectators who were in disarray. Some were frightened of the sudden rise of devil god emperors around them while others revered the grace of Xiao Jiantian and believed in him to the point where it didn't matter if he used darkness profound energy or not. In this Primal Chaos, the most righteous man was the Sword God, Xuanyuan Jiantian who protected Primal Chaos even in death through his shadows.

"From henceforth, devils are allowed to traverse into the Eastern, Southern and Western Divine Regions if they so wish without being hunted down. Although I cannot guarantee everyone's safety nor can I remove the deep hatred in some people's hearts... perhaps I can provide some clarity to the people present here."

Xiao Jiantian put down Qianye Ying'er for a moment on a formation as he ascended, stretching out his arms. On one end, a ball of darkness profound energy emerged while on the other light profound energy grew.

"Light and darkness... they are opposing sides, yes. However!" Xiao Jiantian merged them both together, creating a brilliant light. Xiao Jiantian looked down, throwing the light against the ground of the stage. From this light emerged a beautiful tree in the middle of the stage.

"Creation, our beautiful and balanced world... is made out of both light and darkness. Even I, the most divine being, exhibit the purest of both!" Xiao Jiantian's azure gaze swept over the entire crowd. "Does this make me the nemesis of devils and gods!? No... not at all. This only means that I have the qualifications to lead ALL of Primal Chaos to a greater age!"

"The so-called devils of the Northern Divine Region... are NOT devils!" Xiao Jiantian stated with moving compassion that made every last spectator listen to him with utmost focus. "I lived amongst them for centuries despite not having darkness profound energy... it was difficult, I admit. The dark aura suffocated me, irritated me and suppressed me. However, I fought through that sickness and adapted."

"The truth that I realised was that Northern Divine Region's people have also adapted to be resistant to most of the ills that come with darkness profound energy. To them... it's just like another element. They are not born evil but rather we were led to believe that because of how darkness profound energy affected those born OUTSIDE of the Northern Divine Region."

"The truth is that there is darkness and light in all people's hearts no matter what element they use... in that regard, we are no different to each other."

"There will be heartless villains in the Southern, Eastern and Western Divine Regions who have never touched darkness profound energy. On the other hand, there will be 'devils' who are also kind and compassionate. This is the simple truth that everyone must understand to proceed onwards!!"

Xiao Jiantian, after finishing his speech, took a deep breath.

"If this pointless conflict continues, then I will have no choice but to turn every last person into a darkness profound practitioner. Of course, I do not wish to do so... but when I tell you I'm more frightening than any devil you might know... I'm not lying."

Xiao Jiantian descended onto the stage.

"On a brighter note, I'd like to announce that Qianye Ying'er and I are getting married soon. Invitations will be given out to those seen as worthy or important, naturally. With that being said, the Divine Realm Conference has concluded. All visitors may leave the Shadow Sun Star Realm immediately."

Although it was wasn't the most aggressive of commands, everyone followed it without hesitation. The Moon God Emperor, as asked previously, remained in a state of suspense. When Xiao Jiantian approached him, he did jump a little under his azure gaze. No matter how one was to observe him, they could never tell what he was thinking... that was one of his most frightening traits.

One moment, he's your friend and the other he's the most terrifying man alive.

"Pack her up to Blue Pole Star." He said indifferently, leading to Yue Wuya frowning.

"Pack who up?"

"Tell me, what is more important to you; the Moon God Realm and your life or some lover? If it's the former option, then pack Yue Wugou up to Blue Pole Star and bury your feelings."

"..." Yue Wuya sighed, his heart having been ripped out of his chest metaphorically. In the face of ultimate power, Xuanyuan Jiantian, he did not dare speak up. His divine inheritance... all of the former Moon God Emperor's memories and emotions... he wouldn't dare give up the Moon God Realm for a woman. Even if she was the love of his life... the Moon God Realm was more important than that.

"I understand... but why?"

"I promised to reunite my wife's family... that's why." Xiao Jiantian simply replied. "I originally planned to kidnap her but such an act would be beneath me. It's better if you drag her out yourself."

"It's the pity of my life... the only reason this happened was because..." Suddenly the Moon God Emperor stopped himself.

"Actually, tell me... why did she descend onto Blue Pole Star in the first place? Who attacked her?"

"... I dare not-"

"I'm the mightiest being in all of Primal Chaos, you dog... tell me!" Xiao Jiantian was getting a little irritated as he raised his voice and grabbed Yue Wuya by the neck.

"... It was the Brahma He...aven God Emperor..."

"Fantian?? He died two hundred years ago, that couldn't be..."

"..."

Xiao Jiantian let go of Yue Wuya as his eyes widened in shock once the realisation hit him. "Ying'er... wouldn't do something like that, right?"

"..."

"You have the guts to lie to my face?" Xiao Jiantian spoke coldly, his gaze narrowing in on Yue Wuya.

"It's... true..." Yue Wuya almost choked on his own words. "After your death, Qianye Ying'er simply wasn't... the same."

"..." Xiao Jiantian frowned... this information was new to him, after all. "Go on. Explain."

"Her smile faded and was replaced by a cold sneer... and a strong distaste for the world around her. Everything was disposable for the greater good of the Brahma Monarch God Realm. And, as such, when she found out that my wife had the Divine Stainless Body... she naturally saw that as a threat. Or, at the very least, that's my viewpoint on the whole matter."

"So you're telling me Ying'er had no issue with harming innocent people?"

"Yes... she could not care less about such things..." When Yue Wuya turned around, he saw Qianye Ying'er's golden gaze looming over him. Fear... that's the only feeling he felt. "I...-"

"Looks like someone is awake already, huh..."

"Hmph, this fool is speaking nonsense. I wouldn't bother harming his mediocre bride." Qianye Ying'er replied, shaking her head.

"I can easily go through Yue Wugou's memories and see who attacked her. So, whoever's lying to me... now would be a good time to admit it."

Qianye Ying'er glanced at the Moon God Emperor, her eyes radiating a killing intent that could flood a world with blood. In the end, she sighed and admitted the truth. "... It was me. I did it."

'I...' Xiao Jiantian frowned as his expression turned to that of clear disappointment. "That's not what I taught you."

"Not only have you lessened your own reputation but you've also brought down my own because of your actions. How disappointing... tell me, was I simply a terrible master? Did I not do a proper job...?"

"... It's not your fault. Ying'er is entirely responsible for her actions. If Master wishes to punish me... then he may do so in any way he wishes." Qianye Ying'er lowered her gaze as if she were a child who was caught doing something bad at school.

"Moon God Emperor... is there anything you'd like to say regarding the punishment?" Xiao Jiantian wondered, turning to Yue Wuya.

"I dare not..."

"Useless trash, you're too bloody scared." Xiao Jiantian sighed as he looked back at Qianye Ying'er. He walked closer, raising her chin with his left hand. "Honestly, how many people have you..."

As he searched through her memories, his heart sank.

'This woman... is crazy.'

He saw flames of destruction, burning countless people all because of disappointment. He saw the countless devious acts of the Brahma Heaven God Emperor. He saw and felt her deep obsession with him to the point of killing anything else that made him happy.

Even something so small as a maid who had served him in the Brahma Monarch God Realm...

He realised that if he hadn't left behind his shadow on Blue Pole Star, Xia Qingyue would've...

'What the actual fuck...'

If he were honest, he didn't know what the fuck to do about this situation. He finally realised why detaching himself from people wasn't so bad... he wouldn't be in this situation if he had done the same again. If he never joined the Brahma Monarch God Realm... then he would've had a clear view of things and wouldn't have been so biased towards his little angel...

Qianye Ying'er bit her lip, feeling Xiao Jiantian's disappointment.

Xiao Jiantian felt like crumbling to his knees and breaking down... but he held on.

"I... don't know what to say." He sighed, turning to Yue Wuya. "This situation is my fault. If any situation arises where you need my assistance, do tell me... that's the least I could do for you. I'll be returning to Blue Pole Star for a while to clear my mind."

"It's been a whole year... I'm sure my wife misses me dearly."

Yue Wuya reluctantly nodded. "Your Radiance, would it not be better if you took Wugou to Blue Pole Star yourself?"

"No, I expect you to arrange that... and do so swiftly."

"As you wish..."

"Ying'er... dishonour me again and I will do something I never thought I'd do."

Xiao Jiantian's figure vanished from the Shadow Sun Star Realm entirely, leaving Qianye Ying'er and Yue Wuya standing together in silence.

"Do you... realise... what... you've... done?" Qianye Ying'er's tone was colder than ice yet fiercer than the hottest of flames.

"... He would've found out either way..."

'You were the one who attacked my Wugou in the first place...' Yue Wuya thought in his mind. Naturally, it was her fault this was happening. They were the victims in this scenario...

"Tch... I should have slaughtered you. If anything, I feel like doing that right now..." The grip on her sword strengthened.

"... That will only make him view you in an even worse light..." Yue Wugou replied, knowing that Qianye Ying'er was stronger than him even in her somewhat wounded state. "Is that what you want...? To have him despise you...?"

"..." Qianye Ying'er felt an urge to cry. All too suddenly, her beautiful fantasy had been torn apart when Xiao Jiantian realised the truth. Her false mask of being 'good-hearted' had been ripped off her face to reveal the obsessed devil behind it. "Damn it... I..."

"The only way of reconciliation is forgiveness... not from Xiao Jiantian but to those who you have harmed. Xiao Jiantian would see that change and you would regain his approval after that... after all, he cares more about you than anything else in this world."

"Don't lecture me, you lowly bastard!" Qianye Ying'er stabbed Yue Wuya deep into his leg, instantly severely wounding him. Then, she stepped away from him.

"I... need some time in seclusion."

'You sure do...' Yue Wuya thought... though he wouldn't dare say that to her face.