Protect Our Patriarch
Book 5: Chapter 139: Immortal Emperor VS Demon Emperor

...

"Yun Tiange!"

The Demon Emperor, who was fighting against three opponents at once, froze in shock.

He never expected that among the army that breached Xiang Ancient City, there would be a hidden princess from the Immortal Dynasty, and she decisively summoned Yun Tiange's projection.

If it were only Wang Fugui and his group, he wouldn't be worried. With his True Demon Realm cultivation and the mid-Void Realm strength of his projection, he could handle them with ease. Even if things went south, he could always escape. But with Yun Tiange's arrival, the situation instantly reversed.

If he wasn't careful, his projection might really be destroyed.

The backlash from that would cost him centuries of cultivation.

"It's a misunderstanding, just a misunderstanding." The Demon Emperor quickly conceded, "I was just joking around with your juniors, nothing serious."

He withdrew his half-executed attack, putting on an innocent face as if he really was just joking.

Immortal Emperor Mu Yun, Yun Tiange, glanced at him, a chilling smile on her radiant face: "Then how about I destroy your Red Abyss Demon Emperor projection and tell you later that I was just joking?"

The surname of the Red Moon Demon Dynasty is Shentu, and "Red Abyss" is the title of the current Demon Emperor.

For thousands of years, Yun Tiange has been stationed in the Immortal Dynasty, leading the human army against the outer region demons, and occasionally clashing with the Red Moon Demon Dynasty. She is not one to have a good temper.

Especially this time, she holds the moral high ground and is full of confidence. If she doesn't explode now, when will she?

"Boom!"

A terrifying aura surged from her.

The invisible power of laws spread wildly.

The sky suddenly darkened.

In an instant, day turned into night.

An endless night unfolded across the sky like a black satin. On the horizon, a cold moon rose, its light pure and vast, emitting an endless, brilliant silver glow.

This was no ordinary moonlight; it reversed time and space with the power of laws, a mysterious technique only a True Immortal Realm expert could possess.

The moonlight seemed to come from ancient times, carrying an indescribable sense of desolation, like the lingering glow after the sun's extinction—bright yet lonely.

Under the moonlight, Yun Tiange seemed to be enveloped in a layer of clear brilliance, her robes fluttering, exuding endless grace.

At this moment, she was the cold moon, and the cold moon was her.

She was the ruler of this world.

Many were seeing the Immortal Emperor in action for the first time and were stunned. Even Wang Fugui and Yun Mengyu watched with wide eyes, not daring to blink.

Opportunities to witness a True Immortal Realm expert in action are rare and not to be wasted.

Amidst the attention of all, Yun Tiange waved her wide sleeves, and beams of clear light fell straight from the cold moon.

The light, like scattered stars, seemed ordinary at first glance, but as it descended, it grew brighter and more dazzling, its energy waves becoming increasingly powerful.

In an instant, countless beams of light crossed the endless void, falling to the mortal world, transforming into a massive meteor that smashed towards the Red Abyss Demon Emperor.

"Rumble~~!"

In a deafening explosion, the massive meteor descended from the sky with terrifying speed and overwhelming power, as if it intended to destroy the world.

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor's expression changed slightly.

He thought Yun Tiange might hold back in front of the juniors, but she acted without hesitation, catching him off guard.

By the time he raised his hand, the massive meteor was already upon him.

The Immortal Emperor's attack had a space-locking effect, making it inescapable even for the Demon Emperor without prior preparation. He was instantly struck and sent flying.

The meteor, carrying the Demon Emperor, rumbled past, and the terrifying shockwave swept out like a tidal wave, collapsing many palaces within the Yan Imperial Palace.

It took a while for the meteor's power to finally dissipate, turning into scattered silver light.

On the palace grounds, only a massive crater remained.

Countless broken bricks and tiles fell, creating a spectacular scene.

"Immortal Emperor!"

"Immortal Emperor forever!"

"Immortal Emperor forever!"

Seeing this, the morale of the Immortal Dynasty's forces soared, their blood boiling with excitement.

They felt their lives were worth it.

To have the chance to confront the Demon Emperor and witness the Immortal Emperor thrash him was a lifetime's worth of bragging rights.

"Cough, cough!"

Climbing out from the rubble, the Red Abyss Demon Emperor looked somewhat disheveled, both embarrassed and angry: "Yun, you old monster, you've vented enough, don't really think I'm made of clay!"

Old monster Yun?

Immortal Emperor Mu Yun raised an eyebrow, her tone growing more dangerous: "I see you really don't want this projection!"

With that, she flashed in front of the Red Abyss Demon Emperor and began another round of fierce attacks.

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor defended repeatedly, stubbornly retorting: "Why can you call me Shentu Old Demon, but I can't call you Old Monster Yun? By age, you're over a hundred years older than me~"

"Uh..."

Wang Fugui facepalmed.

This Red Abyss Demon Emperor was really a straight man. Wasn't he asking for a beating by discussing age with the Immortal Emperor?

Sure enough, his loose tongue earned him an even more furious assault from the Immortal Emperor.

However, the Red Abyss Demon Emperor was, after all, a True Demon Realm expert, not a simple opponent. Though caught off guard earlier, once he steadied himself, he could hold his own against the Immortal Emperor.

"Everyone, help if you can. This isn't the time to talk about martial ethics," Wang Fugui ordered. "Ambush if you need to, surround if you can."

As soon as he spoke, Nanny Rong, Ji Yue'er, and Wang Lixian understood and began to assist the Immortal Emperor in besieging the Red Abyss Demon Emperor.

The result was predictable: the Red Abyss Demon Emperor's projection was beaten miserably.

Only after Immortal Emperor Mu Yun vented her anger did she wave her hand to stop the continued assault.

She tidied her hair and looked down at the Red Abyss Demon Emperor with a commanding presence: "Shentu Old Demon, this time your Red Moon Demon Dynasty broke the truce against the outer region demons and brazenly attacked our Immortal Dynasty's Liang State. How do you plan to settle this?"

"Nonsense, it was your Immortal Dynasty's army that attacked our Yan State," the Red Abyss Demon Emperor retorted angrily. "I haven't even questioned you, Yun Tiange, yet you dare to accuse me first?"

"Immortal Emperor, Demon Emperor," Wang Fugui and Yun Mengyu, supported by a group of Divine Realm experts, flew over gracefully and interjected, "I, Wang Fugui, can testify that it was indeed the Demon Dynasty's army that first entered Liang State, committing all sorts of atrocities."

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor was furious, glaring at Wang Fugui: "You're the one committing atrocities, brat. You even captured Xiang Ancient City and the Yan Imperial Palace. I saw you looting with my own eyes."

"Demon Emperor, I had no choice," Wang Fugui said innocently.

"No choice? Really?" The Red Abyss Demon Emperor looked deeply at Fugui, "So if you had a choice, would you even rob my Demon Emperor's palace?"

"Demon Emperor, please calm down and listen to me."

Wang Fugui calmly explained the sequence of events, detailing how the Chao Clan's three battle groups acted first, forcing their side to join the fray. His account was clear and detailed, highly credible.

"Chao Clan!" The Red Abyss Demon Emperor's face turned grim upon learning the truth, "That brat Chao Qianjue, how dare he be so audacious?"

"Demon Emperor, those three battle groups have been defeated, and their main members captured. They're all detained now; you can interrogate them yourself later. Who could hide the truth from you?" Wang Fugui said confidently. "The facts are there; why would we lie about something so easily exposed?"

By now, the Red Abyss Demon Emperor was ninety percent convinced.

Knowing Chao Qianjue, he was likely capable of such actions.

But the most absurd part was that Chao Qianjue's actions were discovered by the Immortal Dynasty, who turned the tables, leading to the current dire situation. It was truly foolish.

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor felt a strong dissatisfaction with Chao Qianjue.

But at the same time, the more he looked at Wang Fugui's "smug" expression, the angrier he became: "Wang Fugui, you brat, setting aside the fact that our Demon Dynasty acted first, don't you have any faults?"

"Uh..."

Wang Fugui glanced at him, then turned to the Immortal Emperor, bowing: "Your Majesty, the Red Abyss Demon Emperor is being unreasonable."

"Unreasonable?" Immortal Emperor Mu Yun's phoenix eyes narrowed, her smile cold, "No problem, I'll just teach him some reason."

"Enough, enough, I was just teasing Wang Fugui," the Red Abyss Demon Emperor quickly relented, coughing, "In this matter, our Demon Dynasty is indeed at fault. How about this: let's cease hostilities for now, both sides retreat to their original borders, and then we can discuss compensation for Yan State."

"Shentu Old Demon, did you get hit on the head? How can you make such a brainless proposal?" Immortal Emperor Mu Yun glanced at him, her tone icy, "The war can stop, but since your Demon Dynasty started it, we'll redraw the borders based on the territories each side has captured."

"No, absolutely not~~" Eunuch Hai, hearing this, panicked and crawled over, crying, "I've heard that our Yan's Huaiyin Commandery, Fengyao Commandery, and Shunning Commandery have all fallen."

"...?" The Red Abyss Demon Emperor was shocked, "How is Yuanji fighting? Three commanderies lost in the blink of an eye? That's three commanderies!"

"Uh... three commanderies?"

Even Immortal Emperor Mu Yun was taken aback, glancing at Wang Fugui and Yun Mengyu in surprise.

They had planned this ambush, so a victory was within her expectations. She had estimated that they should have taken Huaiyin Commandery and half of another Yan commandery, hence her proposed ceasefire terms.

"The Immortal Dynasty's troops were too cunning..." Eunuch Hai sobbed as he quickly recounted the reports from the front lines.

As one of the internal eunuch leaders, he held a high position in the imperial palace. With Emperor Yuanji and the chief eunuch absent, he was handling these reports and was well aware of the situation.

"That reckless Chao Qianjue! Ruined my grand plan." The Red Abyss Demon Emperor laughed angrily, "Arrogant! Blind! Utterly foolish!"

Originally, Liang State and Yan State were evenly matched, each with about nine commanderies. But now, with three lost, it became twelve to six, a completely overwhelming advantage.

From now on, wouldn't Yan State be thoroughly suppressed by Liang State, never to rise again?

This would also break the balance maintained for countless years between the Red Moon Demon Dynasty and the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty, tilting the scales towards the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty.

"Immortal Emperor Mu Yun, I absolutely cannot accept your ceasefire terms." The Red Abyss Demon Emperor's aura became sharp, refusing to back down, "The only condition I can accept is temporarily ceding Huaiyin Commandery to Liang State."

"Heh, do you think I'm a fool?" Immortal Emperor Mu Yun released her powerful aura, confronting him head-on, "Our soldiers fought for these lands; why should we retreat just because you say so?"

"If you don't retreat, don't blame me for starting an immortal-demon war." The Red Abyss Demon Emperor, realizing the gravity of the situation, stood his ground, "Yun Tiange, you know my nature; don't push me."

"Oh, I'm so scared~ I spit on you!" Immortal Emperor Mu Yun was equally unyielding, "An immortal-demon war? Bring it on, let's destroy Yan State first."

"You shrew, do you really not care about the outer region battlefield?"

"You old dog, if you dare not care, I dare not care."

"Fine, let's both perish together, I..."

"You..."

As they argued, these two top-tier powerhouses began exchanging insults like street hooligans. With their extensive vocabularies accumulated over centuries, they didn't repeat a single word.

As for face and image, ha~

These old monsters, who had lived for six or seven thousand years, couldn't care less about such things.

Meanwhile, Wang Fugui and Yun Mengyu exchanged bewildered glances.

They weren't surprised by the Red Abyss Demon Emperor's temper, but who would've thought our Immortal Emperor would be even more volatile and domineering, showing no restraint in berating the Demon Emperor.

Wang Fugui quickly stuffed some spiritual cotton into Yun Mengyu's ears.

He feared that by the time Mengyu reached the Immortal Emperor's age, she might become just as fierce and terrifying.

But as a loyal subject, Wang Fugui was firmly on Immortal Emperor Mu Yun's side.

While the Demon Emperor was busy exchanging insults with the Immortal Emperor, he immediately directed the army: "Don't just stand there watching~ Get busy, keep looting, keep moving!"

"Yes, Young Master Fugui."

The two volunteer battle groups responded enthusiastically.

In their eyes, Wang Fugui was a war god who led them to victory after victory. Even if he ordered them to fight the Demon Emperor, they'd charge without hesitation.

"Wang Fugui, you brat, how dare you loot right in front of me?" The Red Abyss Demon Emperor felt humiliated, angrily cursing.

"The negotiations between you two big shots aren't over, so the war isn't over," Wang Fugui replied leisurely. "Besides, since the Demon Dynasty broke the rules first, what's wrong with us taking some spoils? Mengyu, don't stay here. Take some troops to Xiang Ancient City and raid the merchant guilds. Also, visit the prince's and commandery prince's households for war reparations."

"Okay, Fugui, be careful here." Yun Mengyu obediently led her troops away.

"Wang Fugui, are you serious?" The Red Abyss Demon Emperor was furious, "Aren't you afraid I'll hold a grudge against you?"

"Shentu Old Demon, don't think I'm dead." Immortal Emperor Mu Yun cast an appreciative glance at Wang Fugui, then turned back to the Demon Emperor, her expression turning cold, "The war isn't over, so things will proceed as they should. If you don't like it, I can help you with a free illusion spell to ease your mind."

"Your Majesty, I suggest we destroy this unreasonable projection and let the Demon Emperor send a more reasonable one," Wang Fugui earnestly advised.

"Fugui's suggestion isn't impossible, given that we can't reach an agreement now." Immortal Emperor Mu Yun's eyes narrowed, a sharp glint in her gaze.

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor was speechless.

What do you mean by sending a more reasonable projection?

Aren't projections manifestations of his will as the Demon Emperor?

However, a wise man knows when to yield, so he conceded: "After all, this is Yan State; Yuanji should make the final decision. Let's pause and wait for me to summon Yuanji."

"Fine, I'll give you a chance to deploy your troops." Immortal Emperor Mu Yun said with a faint smile.

...

While the Red Abyss Demon Emperor was concerned about Emperor Yuanji.

In a remote underground area of Liang State.

In a very secluded cave.

The cave was poorly ventilated, dark, and damp, with a humid, sticky smell in the air, as if submerged in mist.

Water dripped down the stone walls, pooling into small ponds in the low areas.

The cave was large, with faint signs of artificial excavation, though it was clearly done long ago, as the traces were nearly indistinguishable.

It was evident that even if this place had been man-made, it had long been abandoned.

But now, the cave was crowded with armored soldiers.

These soldiers gathered in groups of dozens, resting while maintaining a basic state of alert. Upon closer inspection, their armor was worn, and many bore uncleaned bloodstains, indicating they had recently endured a fierce battle.

In the center of the cave, a large boiler powered by spiritual stones was working, with a long line of soldiers waiting for simple bowls of cooked spiritual rice handed out by the cooks.

A nearby military flag, though tattered, still bore the characters "Xuanshan."

These soldiers were the remnants of the Xuanshan Cavalry, who had been fleeing after their defeat.

The enclosed underground palace echoed with the clinking of armor, the sounds of eating, the hum of the boiler, and the hushed conversations of the soldiers, creating a cacophony of noise that brought a semblance of life to the dark, damp cave.

At the cave's edge, Emperor Yuanji leaned against the wall, his eyes half-closed, resting.

Compared to before, he now appeared exhausted, his demeanor despondent, and his robes wrinkled, as if he hadn't washed in ages. He looked like a withered eggplant, devoid of the confidence and composure he once had.

"Your Majesty, please eat something~"

An elderly eunuch in a purple robe approached, offering a bowl of spiritual rice.

The eunuch, though equally weary, forced a smile to comfort Emperor Yuanji: "Your Majesty, there's no need to worry so much. This cave was modified from an abandoned ruin, extremely hidden, with a concealment array in place. Emperor Qingyu and that brat won't find us."

Emperor Yuanji's face twitched, and he opened his eyes to glance at him: "You said the same last time, and what happened?"

The eunuch's expression froze.

Emperor Yuanji took a deep breath, rubbing his temples, looking utterly fatigued: "It's like I've seen a ghost. If this bad luck continues, I might really fall into that dog Qingyu's hands."

Reflecting on recent events, a shadow loomed over Emperor Yuanji's heart.

He couldn't help it; the bad luck was relentless!

He'd never experienced such misfortune in his life.

For days, he'd been leading the Xuanshan Cavalry in a desperate escape, but no matter where they hid, their location would be exposed due to various bizarre reasons, leading Emperor Qingyu to find them.

After several encounters, the once three-thousand-strong Xuanshan Cavalry had been reduced to less than eight hundred, all wounded.

It felt as if even the heavens were aiding that dog Qingyu!

Too uncanny!

Just then, the scouts returned.

"Reporting, Your Majesty, Emperor Qingyu's army has searched the area. I didn't dare get too close, but roughly estimated, they're less than ten miles away."

Hearing this, the soldiers grew restless, their faces filled with unease and fear.

Even though they were battle-hardened elites, the relentless setbacks and severe disadvantage had sapped their morale.

Seeing this, the eunuch immediately reassured them: "Don't worry, our concealment array uses spatial techniques. Even if Emperor Qingyu's army passes right over us, they won't find us."

But before he could finish, the cave suddenly shook.

"Rumble~!"

A deep rumble echoed from the depths, causing the entire cave to tremble violently, with countless stones falling as if the sky were about to collapse.

"Not good, it's a ground dragon turning over!" The eunuch's face fell, as if struck by a heavy blow, "Could we be this unlucky again?"

"This ground dragon's movement is far beyond normal; it's not something my current cultivation can suppress." Emperor Yuanji's expression was grim.

He no longer had the luxury to lament their misfortune.

Compared to the Divine Realm eunuch, his cultivation was higher, and his divine sense stronger, allowing him to clearly sense the terrifying activity deep underground.

If they stayed in this cave, the remaining eight hundred soldiers would likely perish here.

His gaze turned sharp: "Pass my order, retreat!"

As he spoke, he pressed his hand to the ground.

"Boom!"

The ground shook violently.

Surging profound energy poured into the earth, like tree roots deeply penetrating the ground, and the violently trembling cave instantly calmed.

A Void Realm cultivator had the power to move mountains and fill seas, and could naturally suppress a ground dragon's movement. In a typical small-scale ground dragon event, this might have resolved it.

However, this was clearly not the case.

The heavy rumbling continued from deep underground, and despite Emperor Yuanji's suppression, the cave floor still trembled slightly.

"Quick, quick, quick!"

Under the command of their leaders, the soldiers quickly poured out of the cave.

Amidst the shaking earth, the concealment array had long lost its effect, and no one had the mind to restore it, only knowing to run for their lives.

Soon, most of the eight hundred soldiers had fled.

Emperor Yuanji ceased suppressing the earth's upheaval, casually tearing open space to escape the cave.

However.

As soon as he emerged, his expression changed drastically.

Outside the cave, they were surrounded by a dense formation of heavily armored cavalry.

These cavalrymen wore armor adorned with fiery red patterns, glinting coldly in the sunlight, looking particularly menacing.

They were the Red Fire Heavy Cavalry!

The eight hundred Xuanshan Cavalry, having just escaped, now seemed like rabbits caught in a wolf pack, small, pitiful, and helpless.

Clearly, the ground dragon's movement had exposed their location, leading to their immediate encirclement by the Red Fire Heavy Cavalry searching for them!

"Hahaha~ Yuanji, you were hiding here? If not for the ground dragon, we would've missed you."

At that moment, a figure approached from the sky, laughing heartily before even arriving.

This figure, dressed in imperial robes, exuded an extraordinary aura—it was Emperor Qingyu.

Beside him was a graceful young man in white.

Behind the young man floated an ancient-looking Divine Spirit Artifact sword, exuding a sharp, majestic sword intent. This young man was none other than the young clan leader of the Wang's Clan, Wang Anye.

Emperor Qingyu, smiling broadly, looked at the disheveled Emperor Yuanji with unspeakable satisfaction: "Oh, why are you so disheveled? I advise you to surrender."

"Surrender?" Emperor Yuanji was filled with grief and indignation, "How can I, a great emperor, surrender?"

"Yuanji, you might not know yet," Emperor Qingyu said with a beaming smile, "My elite forces have already breached your Shangjing City, and even your imperial palace has fallen. What's the point of holding on?"

"The imperial palace has fallen? How is that possible? This is too unlucky!" Emperor Yuanji's eyes went blank, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.

The blood splattered on the ground, shocking and vivid, just like his current mood.

...

Not long after, in the Southern Yan Imperial Palace.

Immortal Emperor Mu Yun, upon receiving the battle report, laughed heartily: "Shentu Old Demon, I have good news for you. Your beloved Emperor Yuanji has been captured alive by Emperor Qingyu of Liang."

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor was taken aback.

Even Yuanji was captured? How could that be?

Normally, if a Void Realm expert was determined to escape, it wouldn't be easy to stop him. What happened to Yuanji?

This complicates the negotiations. This won't be easy.

The poor Red Abyss Demon Emperor had no idea that while Wang Fugui was formidable, Wang Anye, who faced Yuanji, was an even more extraordinary existence.

Yan State's defeat in this battle was not unjust at all.

...