My Celestial Ascension Chapter 898: Demon Emperor Rhex

"Welcome to the Eternal Demon City, travelers from beyond the continent. I am the ruler of this land—Rhex Blackburn, the Demon Emperor," the Demon Emperor declared in a majestic voice, his features radiating unmistakable pride.

"What is your name, traveler?" he inquired right after.

"I am Yuan, an ordinary traveler," Yuan answered steadily, his face showing perfect composure.

Next, he began presenting each member of his group to the Demon Emperor individually.

"Incredible... your companions aren't just demi-humans; there's an angel among them too. And the most astonishing part is that she's the renowned battle angel Selvariel," Rhex remarked, his shock evident as soon as her name came up.

’To imagine that Selvariel, with her dragon-like pride and haughtiness, would bow to a mere human... this defies all belief and stretches the limits of possibility,’ Rhex mused inwardly, his eyes locked on her in obvious amazement.

After observing her briefly, he turned his attention back to Yuan, but this human remained utterly impenetrable to him, like an enigma wrapped in shadows.

’This young man... he matches Duke Hexryn’s description perfectly—cloaked in utter secrecy,’ Rhex reflected, his curiosity about Yuan’s hidden background growing stronger.

He had never dreamed that any human could breach the enigmatic storm wall encircling the Demonic Continent, which had sealed it off from the wider world entirely.

Yet here was the one who had achieved the unthinkable, standing right in front of him—not by himself, but with a group at his side.

This truth struck him silent for a moment, igniting real thrill in his heart for the first time in centuries.

’So hope lingers for us to link back with the outer realms... and the one who holds that key is right here before me,’ he contemplated, drawing in a profound breath to absorb the significance.

"Hm... Yuan, are you aware that you've committed a serious violation by escorting an angel into this place? You know full well that we view the Holy Church and the Gods—and everything tied to them—as our deadliest foes," Rhex stated icily, his tone laced with commanding weight as his piercing stare fixed on Yuan.

"Since the Holy Church waged war on us at the behest of those self-proclaimed supreme gods... angels have turned into our inherent adversaries, slavishly obeying every directive from the Church and the Gods."

"And still, you lead a sworn enemy straight into my sight," Rhex halted for a second before pressing on, "So tell me—how shall I punish this outrage?"

Yuan stayed utterly serene during the whole confrontation, his face unchanging, free of any sign of dread or doubt.

"Hmm... you might be correct that I've erred by bringing your arch-enemy into your domain. But in truth, she serves me now. And she holds the freedom to accompany me anywhere I travel." Yuan countered with a steady, deliberate tone, meeting Rhex’s gaze head-on.

"What?! She serves you?! That can't be!!" Rhex burst out in astonishment, his face twisting in incredulity as he gaped at Yuan with bulging eyes.

Shocked to his core, he rose abruptly from his throne, no longer able to stay seated after those shocking words. "No angel of her stature would ever serve a human like a servant! She's far too arrogant about her status and exploits."

"Well, believe it or dismiss it as you wish. Ultimately, it changes nothing." Yuan responded evenly, holding his ground without yielding an inch.

"Is that the case... It looks like I must accept your claim, given how she trails you like a devoted servant," Rhex conceded after a quick look at Selvariel.

"Now I'm genuinely intrigued... how exactly did you bring her under your control?"

"It’s straightforward... she understands the doom that awaits if she defies me. And she realizes no hiding spot in this world can shield her from me," Yuan explained with a smug smile spreading across his features. "That’s the whole story."

"Fascinating... so you subdued her through raw might and dominance. Utterly impressive! You've gained my admiration, Yuan." Rhex declared regally, a wide grin breaking out as he settled back onto his ornate throne.

’Is His Majesty actually commending him?! I've never seen him offer such open praise to anyone before...’ Cedric pondered, dumbfounded by the Demon Emperor's approval of a human.

The Demon Emperor Rhex tended to keep his commendations to himself, seldom voicing them, but now he openly lauded a human he'd just encountered.

Cedric found himself at a loss for words. Still, the fact stood clear—Yuan had pulled off feats beyond any typical human's reach. And he'd done it not once, but on two occasions.

Moments afterward, the massive doors of the Imperial Hall creaked open, and Duke Hexryn entered the chamber.

Yuan glanced over as he detected the known aura, a flicker of surprise crossing his expression upon spotting that sly woman again.

’What in the world is she doing in here? Is this just to catch us off guard... or does some deeper motive lurk behind it?’ Yuan wondered while eyeing her approach, that familiar crafty smirk playing on her lips.

With a nod and a smile directed at Yuan and his group, she advanced, then glided past them without another look.

"I, Duke Hexryn, greet His Majesty. I hope you have been well these past days." She dropped to her knees and lowered her head low, her words brimming with reverence and loyalty.

"Duke Hexryn, you've made it at last. A touch delayed, but no matter," Rhex replied, nodding with a grin. "I fare well. And you? How goes the oversight of your lands lately?"

She stood up and answered smilingly. "Remarkably well, Your Majesty. With the support you've granted, the common folk's conditions are improving bit by bit."

"That's excellent news, Duke Hexryn." Rhex nodded, a faint smile touching his lips.