Chapter 103: I Am the Punishment Demon Sovereign!
As soon as the person with the green ghost mask appeared, Elder Yongning and Yuanming Daoist both tensed up simultaneously.
Not only because they couldn’t sense each other’s cultivation level or aura, but also due to Master Yu Xia’s unusually respectful demeanor.
You see, Master Yu Xia was already a seventh-stage Crossing Tribulation cultivator.
With her talent, it wouldn’t be long before she reached the pinnacle of the ninth stage, just a step away from witnessing the wonders of the Great Ascension Stage.
And now, this astonishingly gifted Sect Leader was actually bowing down respectfully to this person.
In that moment, a thought slowly began to form in the minds of Elder Yongning and Yuanming Daoist.
…A Great Ascension powerhouse?
No. Impossible.
In today’s cultivation world, Great Ascension beings were as rare as a phoenix feather or a unicorn horn.
Those who entered the Great Ascension were all renowned figures across the land.
Such terrifying existences only existed in the legendary three great holy lands.
How could this sudden appearance of a person in a green ghost mask possibly be a Great Ascension cultivator?
Impossible, absolutely impossible!
Even so, the person in the green ghost mask still subtly radiated an ominous aura, making both of them extremely vigilant.
It was Elder Yongning who first forced a smile, slowly cupping his hands as he asked, “May I ask the name of this esteemed friend?”
On the green stone throne, the person in the green ghost mask slowly raised a hand to support his head, and the eyes behind the mask flickered like ghostly flames.
“I am the Sovereign of Demon Dao—Punishment Demon Sovereign.”
“You little cultivators, why aren’t you kneeling?”
Demon Dao Sovereign?
Punishment Demon Sovereign?
What the heck is that? Never heard of it!
Elder Yongning turned to Yuanming Daoist, who wore a confused expression. It was clear he hadn’t heard of this name either.
But they both caught one particular term: Demon Dao.
“Lord… could it be that you are a Demon Cultivator?”
Elder Yongning’s tone softened slightly. “This sect leader has never heard of any notable figure in the Demon Dao except for Sect Leader Hua Jianglian.”
“Moreover, a Demon Cultivator meddling in our righteous affairs… are you looking down on us?”
Young Master Sang remained silent.
Instead, it was Master Yu Xia who stepped forward, furious.
“Impudence!”
In an instant, the pressure of a seventh-stage Crossing Tribulation cultivator swept over, causing Elder Yongning to startle.
“The Great Sovereign of Demon is just out of seclusion after a thousand years; how could you insignificant figures provoke him!”
Her gaze was stern as she declared, “The Great Sovereign has bestowed a great grace upon me. If you two speak disrespectfully again, don’t blame me for being rude!”
Elder Yongning struggled to withstand the pressure from Master Yu Xia and gritted his teeth, casting a glance at Yuanming Daoist.
Yuanming Daoist also braced himself, stepping forward.
“Master Yu Xia, you are the Sect Leader of the Water Moon Sect, one of the righteous leaders. Could it be that you have defected to the Demon Dao?”
“Hmph.” Master Yu Xia snorted angrily. “I had previously clashed with Sect Leader He Hongyi of the Qian Kun Temple, disturbing the Great Sovereign’s meditation.”
“And the Great Sovereign, magnanimous as he is, not only forgave our offense but also generously offered guidance to us in our confusion.”
“Thanks to the Great Sovereign’s guidance, I have finally made a breakthrough in the cultivation I have been shackled to for years.”
“Do you mean to say the Great Sovereign would harm me?”
This statement was filled with righteousness, leaving the two men bewildered and speechless.
Indeed, they didn’t know.
But ever since Sect Leader He Hongyi returned from the Demon Dao, he was like a man possessed.
Not only did he transform his perfectly fine sect into a temple, but he also shaved all his disciples bald.
During that period of time, the entire Qian Kun Temple was filled with wails and cries, instilling fear in nearby sects.
The two sects had wondered what had turned the once selfish and cunning He Hongyi into a living Buddha, full of benevolence and compassion.
Now, with Master Yu Xia confessing it herself, they had no choice but to carefully observe this mysterious figure in the green ghost mask.
“A mere bit of guidance, hardly worth mentioning.”
In contrast, the masked figure on the throne appeared calm and indifferent. He waved his hand dismissively and said casually:
“It’s just that the time has come, and I casually shared a few insights with you.”
“However, my insights gathered over a thousand years, even if they are mere tips, are an unparalleled treasure to you.”
Master Yu Xia looked grateful and deeply bowed, “Thank you, Your Excellency.”
Yuanming Daoist and Elder Yongning exchanged glances, clearly still skeptical about this so-called Demon Dao Sovereign.
Yuanming Daoist tentatively asked, “Since you have such profound cultivation, could you perhaps guide us on a thing or two?”
Sang Zhe swept a cold, indifferent glance at Yuanming Daoist through the mask with sharp teeth.
That frigid, detached gaze sent a shiver down his spine, making him feel utterly exposed.
“…Your heart is impure, your actions are against morality and heavenly principles; in this life, you may seek the Great Path in vain.”
“If you wish to make further progress, you must first observe strict self-discipline, guarding your mother’s grave for ten years, during which you must not privately meet your children.”
“Otherwise, you shall get stuck here.” Sang Zhe’s tone was serious and profound.
The bizarre statement left Master Yu Xia confused.
It also left Elder Yongning perplexed.
But in the audience, one person’s expression dramatically changed.
That was Yuanming Daoist.
Perhaps others couldn’t decipher the hidden meaning in Sang Zhe’s words. But Yuanming Daoist understood it all too well.
Against morality and heavenly principles… guarding a mother’s grave for ten years, and not privately meeting children…
How did he know about the immoral things I did with my mother when she was alive?
He even knows about the inappropriate things I did to my daughter?
These matters were not even known to Yuanming Daoist himself; they were his deepest secrets.
Aside from himself and his daughter, no one else knew.
Because those who understood the truth had all been ruthlessly silenced.
Including his own father and son-in-law.
He thought this was the most deeply buried secret of his life, meant to be taken to the grave with him.
But at this moment, it was so casually pointed out by a complete stranger, even directly stating that it was the heart demon that trapped him.
In that moment, no matter how unwilling Yuanming Daoist was to believe, he had to acknowledge.
This person… was absolutely not an ordinary individual!
“W-what else do you know?” Yuanming Daoist’s voice trembled slightly.
“Hmph.”
Sang Zhe snorted coldly from behind the mask, his tone stern as he declared:
“I am not interested in your trivial matters.”
“If you truly have a clear conscience, what do you fear about my words?”
“An impure heart, seeking fame and fortune, is intolerable by nature!”
“And you, do you even qualify to question my identity?”
In the next instant, Sang Zhe slowly stood up.
Boundless darkness consumed all the scenery around, causing the shocked Yuanming Daoist and the bewildered Elder Yongning to involuntarily take a few steps back.
In the endless darkness, Sang Zhe’s mask appeared like the vengeful spirit from the nine secluded hells, holding a ghostly green lantern in his hand, eerie and unsettling.
“Say it again.”
“I am the Punishment Sovereign of the Demon Dao, the Punishment Demon Sovereign.”
“All evildoings in this world must face my judgment of punishment!”
