Chapter 153

Xiao looked down at the countless monsters in this kingdom, all of whom stared up at him in fear.

As a general of the Yaksha, the Dharma Protector who dealt with the resentment of demons and gods across Liyue, Xiao had long been attuned to sensing fear in living beings.

Was it because they could feel the "immortal power" emanating from him, combined with the awe and authority of the Rock God Emperor as he descended to the world, that caused this fear?

He turned his gaze toward the two great monsters looking up at him, eyes wide with trepidation.

Even these two powerful monsters feared him. Did they guess he had been sent by the gods?

These top-tier monsters indeed possessed destructive capabilities akin to demon gods, but that was the extent of it. Their power—their 'demonic power'—was far from reaching the level of a true demon god. Even the 'immortal power' Xiao wielded, derived from the diluted divine power of his emperor, was far superior.

This was the difference in their existence. The life force of these great monsters was akin to the dependents of a demon god, yet they lacked the essence of 'immortal power.'

Xiao spoke, his voice cold and composed, "I am Xiao, the Vigilant Yaksha, the Immortal with Three Eyes and Five Manifestations, and General of the Yaksha. I am here under the Archon's orders to deliver his decree."

Touga and Princess Ryotsuki couldn't help but break out in cold sweat. It was as they feared—a divine messenger had been sent to them.

'Geo Archon'... Was this the title of the high god? He was both an 'Emperor' and a 'King' among the gods, holding titles of supreme authority. Could it mean that, among gods, he was akin to a ruler?

Princess Ryotsuki could sense the divine power encompassing the entire sky, a power no less formidable than that of the Three Great Heavens.

The gods had vanished over a millennium ago, leaving monsters like them unaware of how many gods might still exist in the heavens.

'Immortal with Three Eyes and Five Manifestations,' and 'General of the Yaksha,'

They knew immortals were great beings with extraordinary bloodlines—individuals bestowed with divine power, not limited to humans but including monsters as well.

These immortals did not wield 'demonic power' or 'spiritual power,' but power from the heavens. They served as retainers to the gods, handling various affairs on their behalf.

They were also well-acquainted with the term 'Yaksha.' Yakshas were beings of divine retribution, tasked with destroying 'evil demons' and 'malevolent ghosts.' The term 'Dharma Protector Yaksha' meant he was a retainer of the Rock God Emperor, empowered to execute the divine will.

Touga looked toward Xiao, his voice tinged with anxiety, "Immortal, may I ask what the god you serve requires of us?"

Xiao noted the understanding in Touga's gaze and was unsurprised. The gods could not be disrespected lightly.

"The Archon has descended to this world to reestablish rules and order through a contract—an order that gods, monsters, and humans must all adhere to."

[Contract One: After signing the contract, humans and monsters shall not harm each other and shall coexist peacefully.]

[Contract Two: All monsters and humans who sign the contract will become part of 'Liyue' and share in the respect of the Geo Archon.]

[Contract Three: Great monsters that sign the contract will be given the 'immortal power' cultivation method and will become immortals.]

[Contract Four: Monsters that feed on human evil thoughts but maintain goodwill and have never harmed anyone will be allowed to exist.]

"These are the Archon's initial terms for this world. Will you abide by them?"

Touga and Princess Ryotsuki listened to the decree recited by the 'immortal' with a mixture of awe and emotion.

It turned out the 'Geo Archon' had come to rule the entire world, not merely a corner of it.

However, upon hearing the 'oracle,' Touga and Princess Ryotsuki felt some relief.

At least this 'Geo Archon' had no intention of exterminating all monsters to leave the world to humans alone. If it had come to that, even moving would not have been an option—where could they have gone?

The decree from the 'Geo Archon' appeared 'fair' to both humans and monsters.

At least it was fair to intelligent monsters like them. Monsters driven solely by instinct and filled with 'malevolent thoughts' had been purged by the gods since ancient times.

Touga looked at the 'immortal' with his bright yellow eyes and asked in a low voice, "May I ask, what will happen to those who refuse to sign a contract with the gods?"

Princess Ryotsuki also wanted to ask this question, but when Touga spoke, she held her tongue.

Xiao gripped his spear firmly, his voice cold and unyielding, "If you refuse, you will be killed on the spot."

Touga and Princess Ryotsuki: "..."

As expected of the Rock God Emperor's decree—it left no room for negotiation.

However, the two had no intention of defying the gods' will.

Moreover, the terms provided by the gods were fair and even offered them the power of cultivation—a power that came from above the heavens.

Though becoming a 'retainer' to a god meant losing some freedom, it also offered them a chance to become an immortal being above the skies.

"I, Touga, hereby sign a contract with the 'Geo Archon.'"

"I, Princess Ryotsuki, hereby sign a contract with the 'Geo Archon.'"

The moment they expressed their willingness, an ancient and majestic voice echoed from the sky above.

"Very well, the contract shall take effect."

The golden 'Contract Rules' turned into 'paper' and appeared before Touga and Princess Ryotsuki. Their names appeared on the document, which then disintegrated into countless spots of light.

These light particles descended upon the tens of thousands of monsters following Touga and Princess Ryotsuki.

Touga and Princess Ryotsuki instantly felt the connection between themselves and the divine.

The contract had taken effect. This was a law that could not be defied. To violate it would mean divine retribution—a punishment from the ancient gods that no mere monster could endure.

Princess Ryotsuki quickly proclaimed, "From this day forth, the Western Kingdom shall become part of the 'Liyue Divine Kingdom.'"

The moment the contract was enacted, she and all the monsters under her command signed the 'initial contract.'

Xiao nodded. He held no particular dislike for the Western Kingdom.

These monsters bore no 'malevolent thoughts,' indicating that they had refrained from indiscriminately slaughtering or devouring humans.

As for the human soldiers who had fallen in battles between monsters and humans, that was another matter.

Seeing the 'immortal' about to leave, Touga quickly spoke up, "Is the immortal heading to the ocelot clan's territory next?"

Xiao nodded, "That is correct."

A smile spread across Touga's face. "Since we, the dog demon clan, have become retainers of the 'Geo Archon,' how could we allow the immortal to go alone?"

"Please, allow us, the dog demon clan, to offer our assistance to the 'Geo Archon.'"

But in his heart, he thought to himself that the old ocelot was filled with 'malevolent energy' and had consumed many humans, losing all sense of sanity. The Rock God Emperor would certainly not accept such a creature.

Perhaps it was time to take care of that old nuisance.

Xiao considered for a moment, then nodded. "Very well."

Touga's smile widened. "Immortal, this way, please."