Culling The Herd

The instant his words sank into Nan Wansheng's mind, time around the Lord Trickster's Stage stopped. Not a single person moved, breathed or was even aware of their surroundings... except one. Xiao Jiantian stepped towards Nan Wansheng, drawing his Sword of Nothingness and stabbing it through the God Emperor's trunk... the core of his profound veins.

Darkness profound energy exploded through every fibre of his being, strengthening the Southern Sea God Emperor beyond his imagination. Once time continued, he groaned in pain and unleashed an aura as dark as the night.

"You... bastard... what did you do to me!?" Nan Wansheng roared, his eyes blood-red with killing intent as he exploded towards Xiao Jiantian.

However, the moment he got too close... his knees buckled and dropped.

He fell onto the ground like an obedient dog despite trying his hardest to kill him.

"You're back where you belong." Xiao Jiantian stomped his head into the ground, rotating his foot once in a while... rubbing in the humiliation. After having enough, he grabbed a bottle of cola and drank a mouthful before spilling the rest on his head.

"Get up, dog. I still need you to cull the herd." Xiao Jiantian moved away foot as he turned to the God Emperors spectating from above. "So, who misses this King?"

"..." Long Bai held his own head as he suddenly recalled all of his defeats at Xuanyuan Jiantian's hand. The PTSD started kicking in, disorientating the Dragon Monarch.

"What the hell... the Southern Sea God Emperor really is a devil now!"

"What is becoming of the God Realm??"

Xiao Jiantian laughed, enjoying the chaos around the stage. "My... is no one going to attack me? Does everyone just love me so much that they can't bear to strike me? The hypocrisy of this world... is rather outstanding."

"If Nan Wansheng here was weak... then you wouldn't hesitate in killing him. But noo... he is a revered and mighty God Emperor of the Southern Divine Region so how could you possibly attack him even when he is a so-called devil!"

"Hahahaa... most amusing, most amusing... indeed!"

"Dragon Monarch... you are the strongest profound practitioner other than Xuanyuan Jiantian himself. So answer this... what do we do to counter this calamity!?"

Long Bai gave no reply, clearly too focused someplace else.

"Long Bai!!" The Chi Dragon God Emperor desperately shook Long Bai awake.

"Huh... what?" Long Bai shook his head as he looked at the God Emperor in confusion.

"Damn it... what are we... what are you going to do about this!? You are the strongest profound practitioner and the leader of the Dragon Race... so do something!"

"Xuanyuan Jiantian... all he wants is a fight." Long Bai stated rather indifferently. "If we give in and fight... we'll be falling straight into his hands. This is exactly what he wants."

"So what do you propose... that we kneel before him once again? Become devils like them?"

"Unless you honestly believe you can defeat him... then go on. Fight him."

"Xuanyuan Jiantian has turned you into a coward, Dragon Monarch!" One of the Southern Divine Region God Emperors roared as he descended onto the stage.

However, no one joined him.

"Man... Wansheng, beat his ass for me."

"You think that you can command me-" Nan Wansheng struggled only for a moment before turning to the God Emperor of the Purple Micro Realm who had confronted them. "Damn it all... I always thought of you as a bastard anyway!"

"Ugh...!" Nan Wansheng sped towards the opposing God Emperor, smashing his gut with a thunderous punch. The God Emperor's eyes widened as he hadn't expected such a powerful blow. Instinctively, he placed his hands on his chest but that was when Nan Wansheng pummeled his face with a vigorous one-two punch combination.

The God Emperor of the Purple Micro Realm stepped back, realising that he had been wounded to a great degree in only three blows. "What... how are you so strong..."

Nan Wansheng looked smug for the first time since his 'devil transformation'. "I suppose there's some good in this darkness profound energy of mine... hehe. Being Xuanyuan Jiantian's blade is certainly better than being the one cut by the said blade, hahahaha!"

"I think you're enjoying yourself a little too much, Wansheng." Xiao Jiantian frowned. "Weren't you talking shit about me earlier?"

"Ahhh!" Suddenly, Nan Wansheng groaned in pain, kneeling on the ground as he recalled the words he had said to Qianye Ying'er.

While the God Emperor was wounded and disorientated, Xiao Jiantian stopped time and 'corrupted' the God Emperor of the Purple Micro Realm. "Welcome to my ranks, soldier. Your name will be Billy from henceforth."

"Billy? What kind of absurd name is that!?" Billy replied, his proud heart boiling with rage.

"Billy... no need to be so willful."

He fell to his knees, despite struggling against Xiao Jiantian's will.

"Why... why did you turn me into a devil."

"To bring balance to the force... oh that's not right. Bring balance to Primal Chaos!" Xiao Jiantian smiled, allowing Billy to stand once more. "You see, to proceed with my evolution into Godhood... I need a strong Primal Chaos. One that is the perfect mix of darkness and light."

"The current Primal Chaos... is unsuitable for such an evolution!"

Xiao Jiantian stated, his voice booming across the stage. All of the God Emperors were hesitant... knowing exactly what he was capable of. Even if he seemed to be only a Sovereign Profound Realm profound practitioner... they did not move to attack him.

"Long Bai, why the long face? I hosted this event, made all these preparations... just for our fated rematch!" Xiao Jiantian shook his head as he spoke in a disappointed tone. "Here you sit... like a frightened and hesitant dog! Did I crush your spirit that badly!?"

"Let me revitalise that spirit of yours... hahaha. Here's one thing; I'm not strong enough to defeat any peak Divine Masters using normal means... yet." Xiao Jiantian devilishly smiled as he thought of something.

"By the way, your so-called wife, the Dragon Queen... she looked great on top of me! Oh and the sight of her being decorated in my seed from top to bottom... that was an even more brilliant sight! Honestly, I had never felt more satisfied and accomplished in my entire life... hahaha!"

"..." Long Bai's eyes suddenly shot open as he heard this. Rage... pure rage. He did not care if it was true or not. Desecrating Shen Xi's, the one woman he was obsessed with but could never reach, name was absolutely unacceptable to him. Xuanyuan Jiantian or not... it no longer mattered.

He saw blood in the water and nothing was going to stop him.

Long Bai's aura surged to unprecedented levels, its tyranny causing even Xiao Jiantian's new lackeys to choke in fear.

"Kill... kill Xuanyuan Jiantian!! KILL HIM NOW!"

Under the Dragon Monarch's orders, the Dragon Race followed him. Several others who were less fond of Xuanyuan Jiantian also followed. After all, they had remembered his reluctance to kill them... it was likely that he'd spare them even if they fought against him... right?

... Right?

BOOOOOOOOOM.

A slash of devastating flames made even the Dragon Monarch step backwards for a moment.

"About Shen Xi..." Qianye Ying'er turned to Xiao Jiantian. "You have some explaining to do."

"It was just a joke..." Xiao Jiantian shrugged his shoulders. "I haven't even seen her once in my life."

"GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY WAY!"

The Dragon Monarch smashed through Nan Wansheng and Billy, treating them like plastic toys as he charged towards Xiao Jiantian. That was when Qianye Ying'er stopped his fist with her sword, causing a massive shockwave that forced the people around them to step several steps back.

"You... Brahma Heaven God Emperor... you dare stand before me?"

"Dragon Monarch... I suggest you slowly walk back before I slaughter you." Qianye Ying'er warned Long Bai, the flames engulfing her sword strengthening.

"Stupid girl... I'll crush you!!"

BANG.

As the two clashed once more, Xiao Jiantian took a step back. He turned to his sides to see several God Emperors preparing to murder him.

"I've never seen Xuanyuan Jiantian fall back like that... so it's true! He's not invincible anymore!"

Xiao Jiantian smiled as he watched them all attack him at once...

Though, something unexpected happened.

The Star God Emperor, who was one of the first people attempting to kill him, was stopped by a heavy sword.

"You wilful child... why!?"

"Devil or not... Sword God Xuanyuan, I owe my life to you!"

"... Heh. I've decided on my new Star God Emperor." Xiao Jiantian's hand burst with brilliant light as he pressed his palm against Xisu's back. Empowered by Xiao Jiantian's blessing, Prince Xisu was able to force back all of the attacking God Emperors with a mighty horizontal slash.

"It's time I have some real fun."

Xiao Jiantian took out his two Untamed World Pellets and duplicated them several times over before swallowing one.

BOOOOOOOOM.

Instantly, his power escalated to the peak of the Divine Sovereign Realm.

"HAAAAA!"

His roar, accompanied by a dramatic rise in strength, suppressed every God Emperor attacking him. Eleven swords appeared behind his back, forming a halo of sorts. All eleven swords burst with mighty waves of profound energy, creating a majestic aura behind Xiao Jiantian. Suddenly, their will to fight him wasn't existent... and that was to be expected.

The dark sky of the Shadow Sun Star Realm was suddenly set alight by white lightning... Heavenly Law Tribulation Lightning, to be precise!

"Wind... Fire... Water... Earth... Lightning... Darkness... Light... Space... Time... Nothingness and the purest of Sword intent. Witness... the pinnacle of my Mighty Heavenly Sword God Art!"

"..."

"... What's wrong?" Xiao Jiantian scratched his hair as he watched everyone back away. "Did I show off a little too much strength?"

Xiao Jiantian sighed, though his expression grew rather serious right after. "Everyone in Primal Chaos has two choices... live in my new world... or die in the old one!"

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM.

Xing Juekong, the Star God Emperor...

Xuanyuan Realm's God Emperor...

Myriad Manifestation Realm's God Emperor...

Chi Dragon Realm's God Emperor...

Hui Dragon Realm's God Emperor...

They all died.

Just like that... in an instant.

Five God Emperors were wiped from existence by Xiao Jiantian's swords of divine retribution.

Meanwhile, the camp of God Emperors who did not join either side was safe. This list included the Moon God Emperor, Eternal Heaven God Emperor, Heaven Unleashed God Emperor, Blue Dragon Emperor and the Qilin Emperor.

"What you have all witnessed is the strength of a true King!" Xiao Jiantian spoke in a tyrannical tone, looking down on the God Emperors as if they were no more than ants to him. "Sink these words deep into your hearts, minds and souls. Those who defy my will... are defying the will of heaven itself!"

"..." Long Bai turned around, seeing his supporting God Emperors fall. Suddenly, his rage was replaced by the fear he had before.

"Keep fighting, you two. I was quite enjoying the battle." Xiao Jiantian smiled, seeing that there was nothing more interesting to do, sealed Qianye Ying'er and Long Bai inside of a formation. "If she wins... Long Bai, you will become a devil too. However, in the case that Ying'er loses, I'll willingly cripple my profound veins. I swear it on my first wife."

"... You insane bastard... why?" Long Bai inquired. "Why would you risk your own life when you have absolutely no reason to?"

"Because... life is more thrilling that way." Xiao Jiantian replied. "Besides, I believe in Ying'er. She is my most accomplished disciple and by far my greatest pride. Very few things in this world would bring me greater pleasure than seeing her crush you, Long Bai, the person who stood at the peak before my time!"

"Tian'er..." Qianye Ying'er muttered in a somewhat flustered tone.

"..." Long Bai turned to Qianye Ying'er. Having seen her strength first hand, there was no doubt that she was superior to most God Emperors. However... he did not believe that this strength was enough to defeat him!

He didn't hold back anymore, transforming into his dragon state.

"Don't you dare go back on your word, Xuanyuan!"

"I'm not that deceptive..." Xiao Jiantian smiled, looking at the battle from a distance. "Ying'er... do not hold anything back. Burn that arrogant fool into a pile of ash."

Qianye Ying'er nodded, the flames from her sword extending to her entire body... forming a protective flame aura of sorts. The fourth style of the Fire Branch embodied two of the main aspects of fire; nirvana and purification, restoring its user's strength at a drastic rate while also strengthening them further through purification.

"Covering yourself in flames... a cheap trick!"

"Hmph." Qianye Ying'er blocked Long Bai's massive hand with just her cross-guard sword. As her own rage grew, so did the ferocity of the flames. Within an instant, she was able to make a sizeable cut on his hand.

Long Bai tried to counterattack with his other hand but Qianye Ying'er's figure had long since vanished.

'2nd Style... Meteoric Strike Strike!'

When he looked upwards, all he saw was a scorching red wave of fire descending onto his right shoulder.

BANG.

Although it did not cut right through his shoulder, the strike certainly did devastating damage. Long Bai frowned, realising that not even his extremely durable dragon body could fully tank her strikes.

"Cheap trick... you said? The same cheap tricks that made you kneel on the ground like a lost puppy before Xuanyuan Jiantian?"

"... Shut up!" Long Bai, clearly enraged with what he had heard, now fought Qianye Ying'er without holding back whatsoever. Every last ounce of his strength was unleashed as he aimed to completely obliterate Qianye Ying'er.

They clashed... once, twice, thrice...

The battle continued on for several minutes, neither party budging much. They were evenly matched!

"You think... I could become one of your disciples?" Cang Shitian remarked, glancing at Xiao Jiantian.

"No."

"Aww, alright."

"After this whole thing is over, Moon God Emperor, I'll need to speak with you." Xiao Jiantian stated rather confidently as if he knew that Qianye Ying'er had already won.

"What would His Radiance desire from me?"

"His Radiance..." Xiao Jiantian chuckled. "That's a new one."

"I believe it is a rather fitting way of addressing you... with your new appearance and all."

"I'll take the compliment."

...

Both were rather bloodied at this point, sustaining severe injuries from each other. However, while Long Bai's confidence was waning, Qianye Ying'er seemed rather confident.

"Why don't you... give up already!?" Long Bai roared, clearly irritated by her strong will. "The God Realm... no, Primal Chaos is a better place without Xuanyuan Jiantian. He is by far the vilest man who has ever lived. People's lives and emotions are only a source of entertainment for him... don't you see? Even now, he's using us to seek excitement..."

"When he protected the Northern Divine Region and its countless devils, it wasn't out of the good of his own heart. It was clearly just to give him a reason to switch to the weaker side, to challenge himself. When he descended upon the Eastern Divine Region alone, it was more of the same..."

"Even now, this entire Divine Realm Conference... it's just a stage to entertain him. What will he do next, turn every God Emperor into devils... for fun?"

"No one is safe while such an unpredictable evil exists in the world!!"

"Will you shut up, already?" Qianye Ying'er replied, clearly indifferent to his views. "What does it matter if Jiantian is the radiant god of salvation or the most wicked devil of destruction? This Empress, Qianye Ying'er, will always stay by his side... even if it means burning everything else that dares to separate us!"

"Oh my..." Xiao Jiantian got a little flustered hearing that.

"Damn it. There's no saving you, lovestruck girl..."

"You would never understand his true nature... after all, how could you when you never really tried!? Do you think that he protected those devils just for fun...? You fool! No matter what, Tian'er, never spilt the blood of innocents... is that the sign of the 'unpredictable evil' that you speak of!? When he spared every last Divine Master who fought him no matter how stubborn they were... was that evil too?"

"If anything... he is too kind to unworthy trash like you!!"

Qianye Ying'er backed away, the flames on her sword growing several times over. The dark sky of the Shadow Sun Sect was once again set alight by orange flames this time.

"I, QIANYE YING'ER, THE BRAHMA HEAVEN GOD EMPRESS AND SWORD GODDESS, CALL UPON THIS UNIVERSE'S FIERCEST FLAME; COME FORTH AND BURN THIS UNWORTHY DRAGON TO ASH... FITH STYLE... CHAOTIC SONG OF A BURNING WORLD!"

Calamitous waves of fire descended from the sky, aiming to burn the entire world... until every last flame was directed towards Long Bai with a swing from Qianye Ying'er.

"Oh shit..."

That was the moment Long Bai realised he was toast... literally.

BOOOOOOOOM.

BOOOOOOOOM.

BOOOOOOOOM.

BOOOOOOOOM.

BOOOOOOOOM.

Constantly struck by fireballs that could only be comparable to nukes, Long Bai was forced deeper and deeper into the ground as he endured countless waves of fire. Even the formation that had separated them from everyone else had cracked and shattered, displaying the unstoppable might of her profound art.

"Christ... that boy is probably scorched like a sausage that was left in the pan for an hour too long." Xiao Jiantian chuckled, teleporting to Qianye Ying'er's side.

"I used everything I had... was it... enough?"

She fell into his arms and he reciprocated by holding her tight. "You made me proud today, YIng'er. There's no doubt in my mind that Long Bai is far from fighting condition now."

"You're... the strongest... again..."

Qianye Ying'er smiled as she raised her arm, caressing the left side of Xiao Jiantian's cheek and his stray locks of golden hair.

"Let's marry after this is over... Tian'er..."

"We will."

Xiao Jiantian resolutely nodded, grabbing his old sword before it could touch the ground. His body shined with light profound energy as he began to heal her.

"That's all... I wanted... to hear."

She closed her eyes and lost consciousness in his arms... the safest place in all of Primal Chaos.