Under countless gazes, Maha Tian finally arrived.
Surrounded by his retainers, the young clan leader stood proudly in midair. His eyes swept across the sky and land before him—scorched and chaotic after the battle, filled with turbulent Spiritual Energy—yet he showed little concern.
His gaze eventually settled on Liu Xi and Qin Tian, and the massive spatial rift behind them that was still slowly healing.
A flicker of surprise flashed through his eyes, soon followed by doubt.
"What is this?" Maha Tian's tone carried skepticism. "Has the demonic tide already retreated?"
Liu Xi ignored him, calmly channeling Spiritual Energy to condense another river of pure liquid essence, pouring it into the rift to repair it further.
Qin Tian noticed Liu Xi's slight frown and said lightly, "That's Maha Tian—Clan Leader of the Ancient Maha Clan."
"Ah, so it's him," Liu Xi replied with realization, though his tone remained indifferent.
Seeing that neither of them intended to answer him, Maha Tian's expression darkened.
A wave of oppressive aura spread from him—his late Immortal Grade Heavenly Sovereign power surging without restraint. His talent was exceptional; as the clan leader of the Ancient Maha Clan, he was already only a step away from becoming a Saint Grade Heavenly Sovereign.
Compared to Maha Tian's grand lineage, Qin Tian, despite his later accomplishments, was still lingering in the mid Immortal Grade realm.
"I came leading my clan to aid the border," Maha Tian said coldly, his voice sharp and accusing. "Yet Elder Qin greets us with such arrogance. Tell me, how should my Ancient Maha Clan regard the Great Thousand Palace in the future?"
'So you arrived late on purpose,' Qin Tian thought dryly. 'Avoid danger, let others fight, and then show up to claim credit.'
Still, Maha Tian was a clan leader—some courtesy had to be maintained. Qin Tian turned to face him, speaking flatly.
"Thanks to Master Qing Lian's aid, the demonic disaster has been repelled. We appreciate the Ancient Maha Clan's good intentions, but if you truly wish to help next time—please, arrive sooner."
The faint sarcasm in his tone made Maha Tian's face turn black. Inside, he cursed, 'So the Fiend Clan was this weak after all.'
Yet when his gaze fell upon Liu Xi, he frowned slightly. The aura he sensed from Liu Xi was vast—deep and unfathomable. By reports, Liu Xi had only been a Spiritual Grade Heavenly Sovereign, yet now he had clearly advanced to the Immortal Grade.
'So the rumors were true… this man's alchemy is extraordinary.' Maha Tian's interest deepened. Liu Xi was, after all, one of his intended targets.
With calculated earnestness, Maha Tian straightened his expression and declared loudly, "Since the Fiend Clan has been repelled, we must press the advantage! Pursue them, annihilate the Demon Emperors, and let the Great Thousand World's glory shine bright!"
His true intention, of course, was to use this opportunity to flaunt his own strength—and perhaps bring Liu Xi under his command. Fame and fortune both in one stroke.
However, neither Liu Xi nor Qin Tian responded.
Maha Tian frowned. A sense of unease crept up on him—confirmed when Qin Tian finally spoke, his tone faintly mocking:
"No need. We just returned from the Abyss Domain not long ago. To prevent the Heavenly Demon Emperors from retaliating, we should focus on repairing the rift first."
"What?"
Not only Maha Tian, but the elders behind him from the Ancient Maha Clan were equally shocked.
They had just returned from the Abyss Domain? And fought Heavenly Demon Emperors?
That sounded… absurd.
But Qin Tian continued calmly, "The results this time were substantial. Master Qing Lian slew two Profound Demon Emperors and three Abyss Demon Emperors. I'm not as capable—only one Profound and one Abyss Demon Emperor fell to me."
Maha Tian's eyes widened. The casual tone stung like mockery. His face flushed, and the Maha Clan members behind him erupted in murmurs.
The Abyss Demon Emperors were beings equivalent to Spiritual Grade Heavenly Sovereigns, and the Profound Demon Emperors matched the Immortal Grade. Even within their clan, such feats were legendary.
To hear that these two men had accomplished all this—and even repelled a Heavenly Demon Emperor—left them in speechless awe.
Maha Tian's face shifted between pale and dark. At this point, there was no way to assert dominance.
He needed another plan.
Then his eyes flickered—and an idea formed.
Flicking his sleeves, he barked righteously, "Qing Lian, though your contributions are undeniable, your transgressions cannot be ignored! The Fire Spirit Clan kindly hosted a banquet in your honor, yet you grew greedy, slew their leader, sealed their ancestor, and stole every divine flame they possessed!"
"Such corruption cannot be allowed to fester. The Fire Spirit Clan is a vassal of my Ancient Maha Clan. As its patriarch, I must seek justice! If you don't provide an explanation today, don't blame me for being merciless!"
Liu Xi didn't even look up. He kept focusing on the rift, silently channeling Spiritual Energy to mend it while observing what kind of performance Maha Tian planned to stage.
His power had grown too deep to be disturbed by such petty tricks.
But Qin Tian could no longer contain himself. The difference between the two men's character was obvious—one calmly working for the world, the other looking to seize credit and stir conflict.
Qin Tian's eyes hardened.
"Clan Leader Maha, don't slander others. The truth is well known: it was the Fire Spirit Clan who set a trap during the banquet, and Master Qing Lian merely defended himself."
"Master Qing Lian is a hero of the Great Thousand World and a Demon Slayer King recognized by the Great Thousand Palace. He's not someone you can insult at will."
Maha Tian snorted and waved his hand dismissively.
"So what if he's a Demon Slayer King? Does that grant him license to do as he pleases? A trap, you say? Who would dare ambush a Heavenly Sovereign? No, this won't do. Unless you compensate the Fire Spirit Clan, I will not relent!"
Liu Xi finally understood. The man wasn't arguing—he was fishing. And there was no waking up a man pretending to sleep.
He exhaled softly, turned his head, and looked at Maha Tian with an almost bored expression.
"What do you want, then?"
Seeing that he finally had the upper hand, Maha Tian smiled, adopting a magnanimous tone. "Since you admit fault, it's simple—apologize to the Flame Spirit Ancestor, return the divine flames, and compensate for their losses. Once that's done, the matter will be settled."
Of course, he would decide when that "compensation" was complete. The smug malice on his face said everything.
Qin Tian's expression darkened.
"Master Qing Lian, don't bother entertaining him. The Great Thousand Palace stands with you completely. Even the Ancient Maha Clan has no right to pass judgment on a Demon Slayer King."
Liu Xi raised a hand, stopping him. He glanced at Maha Tian—and smiled faintly.
"Get lost."
(End of Chapter)
---
Want to read the whole thing right now?
The story is complete on Patreon! Free members still get 2 chapters ahead of the regular release.
Support here: Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_ (change the comma to a dot)
If you're liking the fic, please drop a 5-star review and a Power Stone. It means a lot!