I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 561: Demon Saint Statue

Upon entering the palace, Wang Baole and his companions were greeted by an expansive, elongated corridor.

Towering pillars of jade lined both sides of the passage.

Intricate carvings of demonic creatures decorated every pillar. With a single glance, Nie Xiuyuan identified the figures etched into the jade as Taotie.

Remarkably, every Taotie engraving radiated profound Dao Truths, possessing such realism that they appeared ready to leap into existence at any moment.

The North Abyss Prince and his two associates also sensed the strange nature of these jade pillars. Their movements grew cautious as they instinctively slowed their pace.

As the group moved past them, each previously dull pillar began to emit a soft glow.

By the time they reached the far end of the hall, the once shadowed chamber had been transformed, glowing with a brilliance that rivaled the noon sun.

Standing at the hall's terminus was a massive Taotie statue, reaching several tens of feet in height.

This statue differed from the pillar carvings; it did not just radiate Dao Truths, but also the overwhelming Might of the Dao.

Despite being a mere sculpture, it felt as though a living Saint was looming over them.

Even though four members of the group had already attained an understanding of Dao Truths, the sight of the statue still struck their hearts with an intense, unfamiliar dread.

"Why do you juniors refuse to bow when facing this Saint?"

A voice of immense majesty thundered from the statue, a sound that completely demolished the final mental defenses of the five cultivators.

Against their own will, they found themselves forced to their knees on the cold floor.

Nie Xiuyuan, however, kept his expression composed. "We bow only to the heavens, the earth, our parents, and our masters. As for other powerful beings, regardless of their strength, our hearts cannot accept being forced down by Saintly Might."

Though the North Abyss Prince, the Golden Cicada Spirit Son, and the Heartless Saintess remained silent, they offered slight nods of agreement.

Nie Xiuyuan had voiced the pride they all shared. As the premier Heavenly Pride of the Xuan Continent, their hearts remained unyielding even if their bodies were forced to submit.

"Excellent, truly excellent. It has been an age since this Seat encountered individuals with such resolve. However, if you intend to receive benefits from this Seat, is a bow not the natural requirement?"

The statue continued its interrogation.

Just as Nie Xiuyuan prepared a response, the statue shifted its intense focus toward Wang Baole.

"Little fatty, you shall provide the answer for this Seat."

Wang Baole replied with a balanced demeanor, neither too humble nor too proud. "Senior, by your own admission, you are offering us benefits. I assume such things are not given for free. Therefore, this is a mutual transaction. In a fair trade, why should kneeling be necessary?"

"What a clever tongue you have, boy," the statue remarked. "Had you not awakened the Taotie clan bloodline within you, this Seat would have devoured you instantly."

Recognizing the immediate threat had passed, Wang Baole cupped his hands. "This junior is grateful for your mercy. Might I ask what you wish to trade with us?"

"Hmph!" The statue snorted coldly. "That depends on your desires. This Seat possesses Cultivation methods, divine weapons, and all manner of Heavenly and Earthly Treasures. The outcome depends on the price you can pay. Naturally, it would be ideal if you offered your most prized possessions."

There was an opportunity here. Upon hearing this, the five cultivators began to weigh the possibility of striking a deal with the Holy Beast before them.

Simultaneously, the suffocating pressure that had weighed them down began to lift, allowing them to rise to their feet once more.

Seeing their hesitation, the statue added, "This Seat follows a specific rule. The first cultivator to trade within this Immortal Palace shall receive the most magnificent treasures."

The moment those words were uttered, the fragile peace between the five shattered. They instinctively distanced themselves from the other factions, wary of a sudden betrayal.

The Golden Cicada Spirit Son was the first to break the silence. "Amitabha. This little monk has no desire for conflict. You may decide amongst yourselves who shall go first."

His statement served as a wake-up call for the others. None of them were fools; starting a fight in this place was a poor strategy.

The Heartless Saintess added, "Since I was previously bested by Daoist Friend Nie, I suggest he take the first turn."

With those brief remarks, both the Heartless Saintess and the Golden Cicada Spirit Son stepped back from the competition.

The statue observed this, thinking to itself: This generation of Heavenly Pride is not easily manipulated. No matter. Once the treasures I offer prove their worth, their greed will eventually drive them to conflict.

Once a life is lost here in the North Jade Mountain, I can seize all their destiny.

The fortune gathered within these five children is truly mouth-watering!

Nie Xiuyuan smiled and said, "Your Highness the Prince, it is wiser to settle a grudge than to hold onto it. Given our past friction, I shall yield this chance to you today so we may turn our conflict into friendship."

"Very well."

The North Abyss Prince understood that Nie Xiuyuan was merely being diplomatic, but he was eager to see what treasures were available.

He looked up at the statue and inquired, "Senior, what is the cost we must pay?"

The statue replied, "What do you deem to be the most vital thing you own?"

Status, identity, power, and riches—these concepts raced through the North Abyss Prince’s mind, but he dismissed them quickly.

Anything he owned would be worthless to a Saint. He ventured, "Is it perhaps lifespan?"

The statue answered, "That holds some minor value. But you are merely a human. How could your years compare to the longevity of an ancient demon race like this Saint? To this Seat, your lifespan is trivial. Try again."

The Prince fell into deep contemplation. He struggled to think of anything he possessed that a Demon Saint would actually lack.

Nie Xiuyuan, Wang Baole, and the others were also lost in thought.

After a long silence, the Golden Cicada Spirit Son spoke up. "This little monk understands."

The statue smiled. "I have heard the baldies of the West possess a root of wisdom. It seems you are no exception. Well? What is it?"

"You praise me too much, Senior."

The Golden Cicada Spirit Son paused before stating, "What Senior desires is fortune."

The expressions of everyone present shifted at those words. To a common cultivator, fortune was a nebulous, invisible concept.

However, at their level of Cultivation and status, they knew exactly how vital fortune truly was.

The battles of a great era are ultimately battles for fortune. Only those with enough fortune are worthy of receiving the Mandate of Heaven.

Everyone turned back to the statue, awaiting confirmation.

"Correct."

The Taotie statue looked at the Golden Cicada Spirit Son with approval. "In this place, only fortune can be traded for treasures. Whatever you seek, I possess."

As the voice faded, an absolute silence filled the hall. Every eye turned toward the North Abyss Prince...