Chapter Twenty-Two: Identity Exposed!

Although Yin Jiao was well aware of the terror emanating from the middle-aged man before him, he refused to appear timid in front of his father. He drew a deep breath to steel his courage and shouted, “Who goes there? How dare you disturb my father’s sacred carriage?”

Jiang Yuan felt a sudden pang of anxiety at these words. Why was this child so stubborn? They could not yet discern whether the man before the army was friend or foe, and yet Yin Jiao shouted as if inviting trouble upon his father. Moments before, he had thought Snake Fence was a source of paternal grief; now it seemed Yin Jiao was another who would bring misfortune upon his own father.

Had he known, he would never have agreed to take Yin Jiao to the South Sea—who knows what calamity this boy might cause?

The middle-aged man merely smiled faintly at Yin Jiao, saying nothing, but his gaze lingered on Jiang Yuan. After a long standoff, the man finally smiled at Jiang Yuan and spoke slowly, “Does the Emperor of Humanity not count as having summoned me?”

Jiang Yuan exhaled in relief at these words. At least the stranger observed proper protocol, which meant he likely bore no hostile intent.

“Without knowing your name, how could I summon you?” Jiang Yuan’s voice rang out, deep and composed. This was not due to his own fortitude, but rather to the innate skills granted by the Tyrant System; even if fear gnawed at his heart, with the system’s support, he always appeared unflappable, as though he reigned supreme over the Three Realms and Six Paths, fearless and imperious.

In truth, it forced him to put on a bold front—a stubborn pride pressed upon him by the system.

The middle-aged man’s expression softened with apology. “It was my oversight. I am Bai Ze, seeking an audience with the Emperor of Humanity.”

Not only Jiang Yuan, but Zhang Kui and his entourage were all shocked—Bai Ze, the Saint of Demons! This was no ordinary demon saint; among the ten great demon saints, some were weaker, like Ji Meng, while Bai Ze was without doubt the strongest.

Bai Ze was born able to speak, possessing knowledge of the heavens and earth, from the grandest matters to the most trivial. He could foresee the future—a true leader among the innate divine beasts. Had he attained the Way earlier, the chieftain of the demon race might have been Bai Ze himself.

Jiang Yuan forcibly suppressed his astonishment and replied calmly, “Saint Bai Ze, you need not adhere so strictly to ceremony to see me.”

“No matter, I can bear these little rules—but kneeling, I must decline,” Bai Ze said quietly.

As a demon saint, he had already shown Jiang Yuan considerable respect by coming this far.

With these words, Bai Ze appeared silently before Jiang Yuan, his movements so subtle that none could discern how he had done it.

Zhang Kui immediately stepped forward to shield Jiang Yuan, but Jiang Yuan stopped him with a gesture. “There’s no need, General Zhang. If Saint Bai Ze harbored any ill intent toward me, he would not be so concerned with etiquette.”

At this moment, Jiang Yuan felt more at ease. The greater the demon, the more cautious they were of violating cosmic order and destroying their merit. What could be a greater sin than murdering the Emperor of Humanity?

“Wise, indeed,” Bai Ze praised appropriately.

“What business brings Saint Bai Ze to seek me?” Jiang Yuan asked coolly.

“Would the Emperor of Humanity be willing to speak privately?” Bai Ze inquired gently.

“No! I must remain at the king’s side!” Zhang Kui stepped forward again, blocking Jiang Yuan.

Bai Ze merely smiled at Jiang Yuan, silent. Jiang Yuan was nearly moved to tears by Zhang Kui’s loyalty—what more could a ruler ask for?

As he pondered, Jiang Yuan realized he was becoming too invested in the role. He marveled at Zhang Kui’s willingness to risk his life for him, though to Zhang Kui, it was simply fulfilling his duty as a subject.

Jiang Yuan coughed awkwardly and said, “General Zhang, you need not worry. Since Saint Bai Ze has asked for a private audience, it must be no trivial matter. Stand down.”

Zhang Kui hesitated, but finally retreated behind Jiang Yuan.

There was more Jiang Yuan left unsaid. At this moment, even if Bai Ze wished to abduct him, there would be nothing anyone could do.

For Jiang Yuan had seen Bai Ze’s system information:

Name: Bai Ze
Title: Chief of the Ten Demon Saints
Realm: Half-Saint
Items: Map of Rivers and Mountains, Kunlun Mirror
Cultivation Method: Hunyuan Classic of the Mountains and Seas
Loyalty: 0
Favorability: 60
Tyrant Value Obtainable: 8000

Jiang Yuan was stunned—a half-saint like Bai Ze, and a full eight thousand tyrant points. If he killed Bai Ze...

“What is the Emperor of Humanity thinking?” Bai Ze smiled, as if he could see through Jiang Yuan’s thoughts.

“Ah, nothing. I was just wondering what Saint Bai Ze wished to discuss,” Jiang Yuan replied awkwardly, forgetting Bai Ze’s ability to comprehend all things in the world.

Perhaps Bai Ze had already seen through his thoughts just now?

“Since you are so eager to know, I must be bold,” Bai Ze said.

Suddenly, Jiang Yuan felt the world spin and darkness descend, his mind engulfed in confusion. In a blink, all the people and surroundings vanished.

When he regained his senses, he found himself in utter chaos—pitch black, with not a hint of light.

“What is the meaning of this, Saint Bai Ze?” Jiang Yuan’s voice was cold.

“Do not misunderstand, Emperor of Humanity. I brought you into this chaos because I wished to reveal a heavenly secret without others overhearing.”

Bai Ze’s form appeared in the darkness, and Jiang Yuan felt a brightness before him, the chaos seeming less oppressive.

“What heavenly secret does Saint Bai Ze wish to reveal?” Jiang Yuan asked flatly, his expression grim.

He was certain Bai Ze lacked the courage to bear the sin of slaying him.

Bai Ze saw Jiang Yuan’s demeanor and remained unperturbed, smiling lightly. “Do you know why I address you as Emperor of Humanity, rather than king?”

“Is that not obvious? The Shang dynasty follows the will of heaven, and I am blessed by the celestial mandate! Naturally, I am the Emperor of Humanity!” Jiang Yuan replied gravely.

“Yes, you are the Emperor of Humanity—but you are not King Zhou.”

This light remark from Bai Ze struck Jiang Yuan with shock. How could Bai Ze know he was not King Zhou?

Could it be that his transmigration had been noticed by others? If even Bai Ze, a half-saint, could perceive it, did the true sages already know? Jiang Yuan felt a wave of despair—how could he ever storm the thirty-three heavens and overthrow the sages if they were this terrifying? What could he possibly use to contend with them?

Yet Jiang Yuan would never admit it—perhaps Bai Ze was merely bluffing.

“If you have come merely to speak nonsense, then return me at once. I have no time to idle here with Saint Bai Ze; the turmoil in the South Sea awaits my intervention!” Jiang Yuan said coldly.

Bai Ze smiled calmly. “It matters not if you refuse to admit it. I came here for one reason—to say a single thing.”

“What is it?” Jiang Yuan’s heart tightened.

It seemed Bai Ze was certain he was not King Zhou.

“Though I do not know how you became King Zhou, I am willing to acknowledge your identity as Emperor of Humanity!” Bai Ze declared solemnly.