Everyone was appalled. The event before them, especially to Freya's subordinates, were too shocking to fathom even given the minute or so they had to watch. It was like a surreal experience happening in this world, unable to be real, but it was!
Yan Zaizen had waved his hand, and a grand Heavenly Monarch choked furiously like a mortal, gladdened by the fact she could breathe like one too.
Truly appalling.
However, despite what was expected, in these people, no fear or horror flickered in the eyes of everyone, only coldness and hatred sparked within. This was true for every subordinate here.
This was because, despite making a newly ascended Heavenly Monarch lay helplessly on the floor, he had disrespected their respective leaders. He was, after all, only a Heavenly Genesis Realm junior.
His tone, stance, words, and overall attitude made it seem like their leaders were air in the atmosphere - unimportant and ordinary.
Yan Zaizen inwardly shook his head, not bothering about these people. He misjudged the loyalty and stupidity those people had towards their leaders. It was unyielding and blinding. Anyone who could reach their level and amass status and a force, command them entirely, had to have high charisma.
Having never been much of a leader in his life, he couldn't understand much. A Sovereign was above all and below none. They had a natural charisma that drew others. The boundless warmth, breadth of mind, indomitable will, unyielding nature, powerfully fierce nature could only do that.
The Ruin Emperor observed the direction this situation was developing and couldn't help but inwardly sigh. He decided to speak, "The mission is about to begin. We'll be relying on you to SAVE anyone needing it." He placed heavy emphasis on 'save' as Yan Zaizen possessed the Law of Rebirth and the battle here is bound to be...violent.
"En, " nodding, Yan Zaizen didn't even look towards the Heavenly Monarchs or their subordinates. Instead, he walked to the bow of the ship and looked at the large shadow in the distance. His gaze was calm and intrigued.
His actions provoked even further outrage by these subordinates. There were many who were even preparing their heavenly might. If Yan Zaizen were a Heavenly Monarch, a heaven-equalling existence, they wouldn't have any objections. However, he had a young aura and an inferior cultivation base.
Yri looked at them and felt that there was something wrong with their heads based on their eyes, which were cold and ready for battle.
"Idiots!" She coldly spat. Their idiocy truly was infuriating.
The Ruin Emperor couldn't help but helplessly frown. The truth was that Yan Zaizen had the qualifications to be arrogant, but not before the people here. He looked towards the young girl who seemed to be pondering something after dealing with Freya's situation.
It would all depend on her words. If she deemed Yan Zaizen a nuisance, even if he was stronger than he was, it's unlikely he would escape her grasp.
However, the young girl smiled slightly and turned to Yan Zaizen. Her cold and archaic voice sounded drawing everyone's attention.
"The combination of four World Laws and a Mortal Law...I must say your skills are worthy of praise." Her words were things no one could refute or want to. Yan Zaizen's powerful actions was an exceptionally skillful display of understanding in laws and their expressions.
"However," everyone's hearts clenched, "your actions and behavior are unbefitting before me." A pride that buried deep in her bones surged out as her eyes flashed a violet color.
Yan Zaizen didn't turn around or respond.
'So...troublesome.'
He really didn't like others trying to lower his position. How come those with power seemed to all be insufferably arrogant? Only when they were shown a stronger force did they back down. Yan Zaizen recalled his experiences in the Xiantu Realm.
He sighed softly.
'Fine. I can use this as leverage to get out of the deal altogether.' An opportunity had presented itself for him. He didn't feel or desire to fight the All-Immortal Dragon, and after what Yri had said, he didn't have much confidence that these people would get a single drop of blood.
While he did know that agreeing was a risk that may benefit him, that feeling had disappeared. This meant that the risk was already before him and the opportunity to benefit as well. However, he still didn't know how or see the big picture. He did suspect that the conflict with these people was the 'risk' and the 'benefit' was only determined with how he handled it.
However, how could the Non-Verse not know his personality and Dao? He was a Sovereign! An existence above all and below none. If there was one above him, he'll ascend to reach heights where they could only look up to him!
If it wanted him to act cautiously and not like himself in this situation, it would never give him this hint. It would've been more direct. Therefore, he smiled.
"Ruin Emperor, the remaining time. Choose." Still not turning around, he domineering spoke.
Choose?
The Ruin Emperor was startled. Choose what?
The young girl and everyone else was shocked. Did he want to do what he did before? If the Ruin Emperor interfered, the time would increase, but if he didn't, their agreement would decrease? In this case, it would vanish?!
"Daoist Ascension, this Empress Asenath is the Monarch of the ENTIRE Dream Zone." The Ruin Emperor warned. Yan Zaizen's attitude was a little too much. He didn't help, and their agreement ends?
"So, that's your choice?" Yan Zaizen calmly asked.
"Hahaha!"
Pa!
Pa!
Pa!
Yri laughed slowly while clapping. She decided that since Yan Zaizen was going to act like this, she'd join in on the fun. With a leap, she made her way to the bow of the ship with Yan Zaizen. She stayed close, looking at Yan Zaizen before smiling sweetly.
"You ask him to help, you take him away from his deadline and travels, and let him be berated, threatened, attacked, and even insulted. You're unwilling to intervene when others target him senselessly. How shameless can you be? Do you even have any face to ask him for help?" She mocked coldly. The faces of the Ruin Emperor's subordinates fell. They were darker than night itself.
Even the Ruin Emperor's expression dropped. Indeed, it was humiliating that he asked for his help only to watch by like a crippled dog while others targeted him.
Yan Zaizen gave Yri the side-eye. If he could, he would give her a thumbs up. Those were his thoughts exactly. Unfortunately, he didn't want to say anything as he still owed time.
Asenath didn't seem to mind. Instead, she walked forward with her child-like body and coldly ordered, "kneel."
When those words were spoken, Yri felt an incredibly mighty force that seemed like the heavens themselves pressed down on her body. Before she could even react, her knees solidly hit the floor. Her eyes widened in shock.
"Ahhh!" She vehemently roared. Her Dao energy exploded!
What was this?
A single word and she fell to her knees?
What was this?
This was humiliation at its finest!
Her body quivered as she used her entire celestial energy and essence to lift herself. However, despite the turbulent storm of force that she mustered, she remained kneeling like a servant.
Yan Zaizen's pupils shrunk. A force just as powerful was currently pressing on his body, but nothing happened. It was like it was trying to force him to kneel, but his every physical and spiritual existence rejected it without question.
Even if gods and immortals wished for me to kneel, even if the heavens begged for it, they would only return empty-handed!
Yan Zaizen saw Yri's Dao tremble fiercely with his Dao Sense. The humiliation must be affecting her Dao profoundly. Her Dao had to be comprised of obsession and other things such as pride and more in the same way as Yan Zaizen's.
If Yan Zaizen had ever exhibited any sign of yielding or cowardice, he knew his Dao would shatter on the spot. Now that his Dao was also a part of his soul, it would mean he'd die. As his Dao vanishes from this world broken, so would he. Even if It was forced by another.
A sense of anger welled up in Yan Zaizen. In his eyes were no longer calm but fierce, passionate killing intent.
He turned towards Asenath, his voice bellowed, "you tried to destroy my Dao?!"