Chapter 727: Bright Glimmer of Dawn Equipment Changes! (III)
Wang Yuanyuan had changed into an armor of epic tier, and got a plentiful store of spatial crystals.
After the last time she had utilized that Gigantic Divine Soul Shield, the spatial crystals were all used up. With this fix-up, the Gigantic Divine Soul Shield once again glowered with the light of the epic grade, or rather, it should be the immortal grade, that would be reached upon inserting seven spatial crystals into the Gigantic Soul Shield.
Lin Xin's harvest was even greater. The robe Glorious Holy Fire's Praise was one thing, but he also gained a Fire Dragon Crystal, an immortal grade staff drawing power from a fire dragon's crystal, to bring along.
Sima Xian did not choose any equipment, however. Feng Ling'er had expressed that she had prepared a set fitting him the best from the Alliance's Great Auction House.
Han Yu and Zhang Fangfang did not choose any equipment either, and both had looks of determination. Although they did not express it, everyone could guess their goal. Just like Long Haochen, they were aiming for the full-set covering and defense called Divine Thrones.
Not choosing any equipment from the Demon Hunt Squads' Transaction Center was just like burning their boats so that they had no leeway left.
In comparison, Yang Wenzhao and Duan Yi chose equipment for their own after a lot of hesitation. Under Long Haochen's deliberate arrangements, Yang Wenzhao chose a pair of heavy swords of epic tier for his own, while Duan Yi had a shield of epic tier plus a heavy sword of epic tier. The equipment on these two alone used up over six million contribution points.
The individual equipment aside, Long Haochen also purchased some team gear and medicine. Among them were two pills for improving domain comprehension, to be used at the ninth step, which were for Lin Xin and Sima Xian.
Bright Glimmer of Hope's original setup already had four domains out of seven, with Han Yu aiming next for a Divine Throne. As such, Haochen naturally showed some more consideration to Lin Xin and Sima Xian who already reached the ninth step. Zhang Fangfang also reached the ninth step, but was in a similar situation as Han Yu, and took the initiative of giving up in the struggle for the medicines.
The team gear was to Long Haochen's greatest liking. Called Domain of Instant Flash, it was a necklace which would look very ordinary if not for its orange glint symbolic of the epic tier. It was a simple-looking silver necklace with a transparent crystal with the look of a snowflake, yet giving off a very unique feel.
The name of Domain of Instant Flash was because this piece of equipment of epic tier had, in some sense, a domain ability attached.
The user could pour mental force into it so that the Light of Instant Flash would get attached onto him. Then, in times of battles, he would be able at anytime to teleport one's ally to his side in a time of battle. Light of Instant Flash really reached the scope of a domain, in other words, even if the ally was trapped within a domain's enemy, the teleportation ability would still work.
But Light of Instant Flash had some limitations as well, such as the need for acceptance of its owner for them to connect.
With this team gear added onto Long Haochen's powerful mental force, he would be able to transfer his comrades at anytime, reinforcing his position as core of the team.
One could say that this gear change had caused a qualitative leap to all Bright Glimmer of Hope's strength. Afterwards would come the tests of approval of the Divine Throne in the Knight Temple, as well as Yang Wenzhao and Duan Yi's Pure Gold Foundation Knight tests. An unprecedentedly strong Demon Hunt Squad was being born.
In the evening, the group bade farewell to their relatives, and in bright morning they left Holy City alongside the rest of the contestants of this Temples' Great Gathering from the Knight Temple's side, proceeding for the Knight Temple's Dragon Resisting Mountain Pass.
In the meantime, the new Union was already operating at full speed. Li Zhengzhi and Long Tianying had remained in Holy City, responsible for training the new Alliance's number one and two legions. The Six Great Temples were already transferring their practitioners of all vocations to Holy City for uniting. Even part of the powerhouses that took part in the Temples' Great Gathering had remained behind.
As the two initial legions of the new Union, they naturally put all their strength into becoming the strongest existence possible. This proved, in some way, the correctness of the decision of the Union's formation, and also further reinforced the people's trust in the new entity.
Demon race, Modu. Demon Emperor Palace.
"What? Long Haochen did not die?"
The Demon God Emperor Feng Xiu grabbed his seat with strength. The throne he pinched let out cackling sounds, but didn't show any traces of damage. This throne was said to be made of the first Demon God Emperor's bones, becoming a symbol of the Demon God Emperor's might with a high significance for demonkind.
In front of the Demon God Emperor was seated a calm Ah'Bao, his purplish black hair draping over his shoulder. Compared to several years ago, his current appearance was far more steady. As a whole, he looked just like a sculpture, though his handsome face clearly became pale. Hearing the name of Long Haochen, his calm eyes suddenly sharpened, just like two bolts of lightning striking through the Demon Emperor Palace. Even the Demon God Emperor slightly narrowed his eyes.
In five years' time, Ah'Bao's demeanor had changed totally. His character became far more introverted and very taciturn. But no one else besides the Demon God Emperor knew how much Ah'Bao had paid in these five years. Even the one known as Berserk Demon God, Ananda, was unable to compare with Ah'Bao's hard work.
Being the Demon God Emperor's son, in his body flowed the Devil Dragon's pure blood. Add to that his newly arisen persistence and assiduousness, and his cultivation had encountered an earth shattering change.
Standing in deference, the commander Black Dragon's Imperial Guard Huang Shuo was making the report.
"Yes, Your Majesty. According to our spies in the Temple Alliance, he not only didn't die, but furthermore led his Demon Hunt Squad in participating in the Temple Alliance's Temples' Great Gathering, and furthermore became champion. He showed an extremely great strength in the gathering, already mastering a domain of his own," Huang Shuo deferentially reported.
Ah'Bao listened with all his attention, seemingly calm, but unaware both his hands had clenched into fists.
The Demon God Emperor furrowed his eyebrows, declaring sternly, "I have personally killed Long Haochen. How could he resurrect? With his heart destroyed, even the strongest human priest in existence couldn't possibly bring him back to life. There's surely an issue with the information. Huang Shuo, mobilize all our spies in human territory. Gain more information at any cost. Hurry!"
"Yes. Your Majesty, could that be a false trail launched by humans?" Huang Shuo asked.
"That's not impossible. Or else, could there be a mistake in that I killed Long Haochen personally? But why would humans resort to such a conduct? Could it be that they still haven't learnt enough from the lesson they had over four years ago?"
"Royal father, please let me make a trip to the human side. If Long Haochen is still alive, I will bring back his corpse." There was only one immense target of hatred in Ah'Bao's heart, and that was Long Haochen who had personally crushed his confidence, as well as causing him to lose his most beloved girl. He also created an obsession in him that his strength was insufficient, and everything was a lie. So he frantically trained in these years, for the sake of getting ready to take over the Demon God Emperor's position.
"Out of the question. There is no need to do so either. Long Haochen is certainly already dead. Huang Shuo, invite the Star Demon God, I need to have a talk with him."
"Yes." Huang Shuo's respectful response came swiftly.
Ah'Bao asked sternly, "Royal father, I don't understand, why didn't you destroy his corpse also at that time, instead of letting his teammates go off with it?" He had always been confused regarding this point, not understanding the Demon God Emperor's acts.
Right now, the Demon God Emperor had a somewhat unsightly complexion, as he let out a cold snort, "This matter has nothing to do with you. I have my own view, so there's naturally a goal behind whatever I do."
Ah'Bao didn't speak further, and lowered his head in silence.
Along with the increase of his strength, his status among demonkind also became more and more elevated. The same went for the past generations: while they were crown prince their statuses within the Devil Dragons would grow steadily, until, surpassing the previous Demon God Emperor, or upon the latter's death, they succeeded to the crown.
In demon history, there had even been a case of the later generation's Demon God Emperor killing the former one to rule.
A short time later, the Star Demon God Vassago accompanied Huang Shuo back to the Demon Emperor Palace.
"Boss, you looking for me?" Vassago respecfully bowed to the Demon God Emperor, while sending his greetings to Ah'Bao.
Ah'Bao only made a slight polite gesture, but remained silent, not even standing up.
The Demon God Emperor asked, "Third brother, Huang Shuo should have told you everything. News came from humankind about Long Haochen's revival. How do you view this matter?"
Vassago lost the smile on his face, "That's just a rumor. Don't forget, Boss, you are the one who personally killed Long Haochen. Furthermore, after he died, I immediately went to predict our race's future. Although I only used the simplest Prophecy Technique, I only saw a radiant future for our race. The earlier threat is already thoroughly erased. Although I don't know why humankind would do such a thing, I can affirm that Long Haochen has already died at that time, bringing that Austin Griffin to death alongside him."
Hearing Vassago's confirmation, the Demon God Emperor relaxed for a bit, and nodded, "Then that's for the best. I'm just afraid about the case that humans would have had some extraordinary ways to bring him back to life."
This time, Ah'Bao suddenly blurted out, "Third uncle, if you were to once again utilize the Great Prophecy Technique, would you be able to predict Long Haochen's condition?"
The Demon God Emperor wrinkled his eyebrows, "Don't talk drivel Ah'Bao. Do you think Great Prophecy can be used at anytime? It's not as if you don't know for how long your third uncle has been in a weak state after utilizing Great Prophecy. It's only recently that he has recovered."
Chapter 728: Oneness of Heaven and Humanity (I)
Vassago hesitated for a bit, "Utilizing Great Prophecy Technique one more time is not impossible, but my vital force could possibly come to an end as a result. Also, I cannot directly make a prediction on Long Haochen, but only on the future of our race."
Although he did not directly reject it, that could only be considered a rejection.
The Demon God Emperor waved his hands, "Third Brother, don't listen to Ah'Bao's drivel. Since you are certain that our race's fate had been altered at that time, there is no longer the need for any more prediction. Only, we have to investigate this matter, and find out what humans' end goal is."
Ah'Bao declared sternly, "Royal father, I don't know why, but I have the constant premonition that Long Haochen is really still alive."
The Demon God Emperor's look became severe, "Enough! Don't be too opinionated. You are not your third uncle, how could you comprehend anything in premonitions?"
Ah'Bao's expression changed as he stopped arguing the matter.
With great timing, Huang Shuo declared, "Your Majesty, I shall immediately investigate the humans' goal and the Temples' Great Gathering's matters."
"Yeah." The Demon God Emperor nodded, then expressed to the Star Demon God, "Then Third Brother, you can go back."
"Yes." Vassago respectfully accepted, and left with Huang Shuo.
The Demon God Emperor slowly stood, giving Ah'Bao a glance, "We must remember that even if there are some misgivings in your heart, it doesn't mean that you must speak them out. You especially must respect the Moon Demon God and Star Demon God."
Ah'Bao stood and joined the Demon God Emperor's side, "Royal Father. With your cultivation, even all the other demon gods added up are no match. Why is there a need to..."
The Demon God Emperor snorted coldly, "You know nothing. I will naturally tell you everything when I let you succeed to the position of the Demon God Emperor. All you need to know is that for demonkind, every single demon god is an important being, especially the Moon Demon and Star Demon. As long as the three of us stand on the same side, we will have the strength to calmly face any crisis. Alright, I shall go into seclusion from tomorrow onwards. The affairs of the Demon Emperor Palace shall be left to you. Oh, right, regarding the investigation about Yue Ye, has there been any news?"
Ah'Bao shook his head, "Not yet. She has already disappeared several years ago, and didn't leak a single trace. But I have found out that some troublemakers have been in gradual rise in our demon territory. Based on insider information, they seemed to be a grouped organization, in the midst of saving power constantly. However, they are very tightly organized, and their roots are deep. I am still investigating."
Feng Xiu let out an indifferent smile, "Just some agitated clowns. No need to fear. Don't pay too much attention to this matter. Your cultivation is the most major matter. Your royal father knows about your progress in the recent years. When I come out from this seclusion, I will give you more matters to handle. Your royal father promises you that when your cultivation will surpass the Moon Emperor, the position of the Demon God Emperor will be for you."
Ah'Bao's expression changed, but he immediately lowered his head, "You are in your spring right now, royal father. Our race still needs your lead."
Feng Xiu calmly expressed, "No need to fake it in front of me. You are right now exactly like the past me. You may go then. Remember, in this period of seclusion, you must not bother me no matter what comes. Understood?"
"Yes," Ah'Bao said, then turned and left.
Seeing his departing figure, the Demon God Emperor had a cold smile, "So what about a relation of parentage?1 In front of authority, everything is futile." Reaching this point, that handsome face full of holiness suddenly surged to his mind, causing him to unawarely become absent-minded, as he murmured, "Child, are you really still alive?"
Right as the Demon God Emperor was still at a loss on whether Long Haochen was still alive or not, he had already led his crew to the Knight Temple's headquarters in Dragon Resisting Mountain Pass.
With the Dragon Resisting Mountain Pass in front of his eyes, he couldn't help but move with emotions. He had finally returned, not only getting to meet his mother, but also reunite with his father after a very long time! Since that year to now, it had been ten years that he had not met with his father.
That year, he had personally witnessed his father's use of the Divine Throne of Doom and Slaughter. Now that over ten years had passed2, the time of their reunion had come, along with the time to gain a Divine Throne's approval.
The six wings behind his back vanishing, Long Haochen was the first to land on the Dragon Resisting Mountain Pass. Perhaps because of the dozen years spent reminiscing about his father, at the time of his arrival, he couldn't help but whistle to the sky for a long time.
The other returning powerhouses of the Knight Temple and members of the Demon Hunt Squad Bright Glimmer of Hope deliberately fell behind. The current Long Haochen was not only a decisive character for the Knight Temple, but moreover the chairman of the Union. Even if young, he had already proved himself to these knights with force.
A limpid hissing sound came up, it was peaceful, and gave off a feeling of being carefree. Long Haochen's six wings then vanished as he reached the Dragon Resisting Mountain Pass' city in a flash.
Before their arrival, news of his return had arrived to the Knight Temple since long ago, and right now, fully attired knights came out on the walls of the Knight Temple. Facing Long Haochen's descent, they all performed the most standard salute to welcome their new union chairman.
A tall man stood in the midst of the entrance, handsome and resolute of face and broad shouldered, as well as an having an incomparably sharp look. When suddenly catching sight of that sudden golden figure, his look became all the more muzzy.
"Haochen."
That golden figure coming from nowhere was thrown into his bosom in a flash, as the two hugged each other.
"Father!!" Long Haochen's voice was shivering, and had a great change even in its tonality.
To any man, their father would be, in their youth, their idol. Moreover, what man was Long Haochen's father? He's the owner of the Divine Throne of Doom and Slaughter, the Divine Knight of Adjudication and Trial, Long Xingyu, of the Knight Temple! A genuine outstanding talent of his generation, and an ultra powerful Retribution Knight.
His father had always been Long Haochen's pride. Deep in his heart, he had always been aiming and chasing after his father's tall shadow, which drove him forward. A great part of his efforts were aimed at getting his father to acknowledge himself. Even on this day after ten years later, when encountering his father, that childhood admiration surged out, as this new union's chairman dripped with tears.
Long Haochen's stature was no longer thinner than his father in the least. Father and son were both the same height, both prides of the Knight Temple. All knights saluted them respectfully, as well as the far apart Long Tianying. With three generations of the Long family being among the most talented of the Knight Temple, this Long family could be considered the family with the most authority out of the Knight Temple. Although they had never minded this point, in the hearts of knights, especially young knights, their existences were unsurpassed, true idols.
Feeling Long Haochen's surges of emotions, Long Xingyu, who was no longer capable of showing such pure feelings as his son, had a very complex expression in his eyes. His ordinarily incomparably steady hands shook lightly, as he continuously called out his son's name.
"Haochen, oh Haochen. Your father has let you down. I haven't protected you well."
"Father, don't say that. I am your son, and without your guidance, I wouldn't be my current self. I am already grown, and should take my turn to protect you and mother." Loosening the hug, father and son confronted each other, eyes filled with emotional colors.
Long Xingyu took a deep breath, casting off his tears, as if suddenly making some resolve. He watched Long Haochen with a firm look and declared, "Son, no matter what may have happened in the past, you are this Long Xingyu's son, my sole son. From today onwards, whoever wants to harm you will have to first tread over my corpse."
This was a categorical declaration, sonorous and powerful, as if it was a persuasion.
Looking at his teary father, his half whitened hair, Long Haochen was once again overwhelmed with tears. That emotional self of his hadn't felt the covered pain in his father's previous words, only thinking about after that short period of a dozen or so year that had passed, his father at the ninth step of cultivation yet seemed much older. He did not even appear much younger than his grandfather, even though at his ninth step cultivation, he shouldn't age so fast. Obviously, over these years, this father had really encountered special experiences.
Taking a deep breath, Long Xingyu barely stabilized his emotions, carrying a faint smile on his face, and suddenly knocking his right fist onto his left chest, loudly declared, "Auxiliary head of the Knight Temple greets the union chairman."
Long Haochen blankened, before suddenly coming to a realization. His identity was no longer that of chasing after his father like back in those years, at his hellish training in his youth. Now he was the first union chairman, able to represent all humankind, to represent the entirety of the human union.
His right fist energetically thumping his chest issued a Bang sound, and Long Haochen no longer said any more.
Right now, everyone from Bright Glimmer of Hope as well as the Knight Temple's powerhouses were consecutively landing in town. Under Long Xingyu's lead, the Dragon Resisting Mountain Pass grandiosely welcomed these knights' triumphant return.
Although the final winners of the Temple's Great Gathering were those from the Demon Hunt Squad Bright Glimmer of Hope, out of the Six Great Temples, the greatest winner was undoubtedly the Knight Temple.
The Mage Temple's assault under Li Zhengzhi's lead was in the end fruitless. Even if Long Haochen and his comrades had not arisen, the final champion would still be the deeply rooted Knight Temple.
After a majestic welcoming ceremony, Long Haochen and his father met Haochen's mother. The three members of his family were finally reunited, after over ten years. Or rather, that should be a family of four. Along with Long Haochen came another inextricable part of his life, the most beloved in his heart, Cai'er.
Chapter Notes:1a filial relationship, or a father-son relationship
2This places both Haochen and Cai'er as being at least 21-22 years old