Yang Kai estimated that the World Gate would collapse within a hundred years, and when that happened, Cloud Shadow Continent would likely become completely isolated, severed from the greater Demon Realm.
Moreover, as time went on, the World Gate would only grow more unstable. It was entirely possible that while passing through, one could accidentally slip into the void and become lost in the gaps between dimensions with no way out. World Gates were a type of Void Corridor, and an unstable one like this was undoubtedly of tremendous benefit to Yang Kai—he could use it to study the Laws of Space and comprehend its mysteries.
But now was clearly not the time. Having arrived at Cloud Shadow Continent, he first needed to meet with the many powerhouses here. After all, he might well need those fellows' cooperation for a great many things in the future.
Looking down from high above, Cloud Shadow Continent was quite vast, its edges invisible to the naked eye. According to the map he had obtained just yesterday, the continent ranked in the upper-middle tier of all Demon Realm landmasses in terms of size, comparable to most others. It was solely because of the World Gate problem that talent had withered here—only ten High-Rank Demon Kings were stationed on the entire continent, with fewer than three hundred Demon Kings below that rank.
After all, no one knew when this continent's World Gate would vanish, and once it did, Cloud Shadow Continent would be completely cut off from the outside world, impossible to enter or leave. So those powerhouses with any connections or sense of self-preservation had long since departed for greener pastures. Those who remained either had their own plans or had nowhere else to go.
Add to that the war that had erupted with the Star Boundary, which had also led to troops being drafted from Cloud Shadow Continent, and at this point only four High-Rank Demon Kings remained, with fewer than a hundred Demon Kings of all other ranks combined.
All of this intelligence had been revealed by Bai Zhuo, deliberately or otherwise, during their casual conversations.
At the very center of Cloud Shadow Continent lay a vast city, its buildings densely packed in orderly rows and arranged in a pleasing pattern. Millions of demons lived within. The city was called Cloud Shadow City—the most prosperous place on the continent and the nerve center of the entire land.
Having likely received word in advance, when the tiger-headed war chariot descended through the clouds and landed before a massive building at the city's heart, over thirty Demon Kings were already waiting—three at the front, the rest behind. Once Bai Zhuo and the others had descended from the chariot, they all clasped their fists in salute. "Greetings, Lord!"
Bai Zhuo nodded coolly, sweeping a glance over them before raising an eyebrow. "Why are there only you three? Where is Lie Kuang?"
Cloud Shadow Continent was garrisoned by four High-Rank Demon Kings, but only three were present. The remaining one, called Lie Kuang, was nowhere to be seen.
The High-Rank Demon King standing in the center immediately replied, "Lie Kuang sent word that he was delayed by something on the road. It would likely be some time before he arrives."
Bai Zhuo said nothing to that.
While Bai Zhuo had been questioning them, Yang Kai had been observing the three High-Rank Demon Kings. Two men and one woman. The woman was a Shadow Demon, her figure shifting and flickering, dark energy shrouding her face so her features were impossible to make out. The one who had spoken was somewhat elderly, his vitality clearly on the decline. The other was a tall, pale-faced middle-aged man who looked malnourished and alarmingly gaunt.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Yang Kai's lips.
Although Yu Rumeng had sent him to Cloud Shadow Continent to deal with the impending collapse of the World Gate, during this time the continent would effectively be his territory. Everything here would answer to his commands. In other words, these Demon Kings before him were all his subordinates.
Not bad, all things considered. He just wondered whether he could take the opportunity to do something useful during his stay. It would be best if he could sow chaos in the Demon Race's rear—at the very least, throw some wrenches in the works, divert their attention and energy, and relieve some of the pressure on the Two-World Battlefield.
Over there, Bai Zhuo had already begun introducing the three High-Rank Demon Kings one by one, their names and duties, which Yang Kai noted casually. Apart from the elderly one garrisoning Cloud Shadow City, the other two had traveled from afar, usually presiding over their own territories and lording it up. The absent Lie Kuang was the same.
After the introductions, Bai Zhuo waved a hand. "Let's go inside to talk."
Everyone readily agreed.
With a great flurry of movement, the group followed Bai Zhuo into the main hall. The hall was grand and enormous, its interior supported by sixteen pillars so thick it would take several people to encircle each one, carved with dragons and painted with phoenixes, exuding an air of magnificence.
The thirty-plus Demon Kings arranged themselves in several rows below. Yang Kai lifted his robes and seated himself in the central seat of honor, his gaze sweeping casually over the assembly.
Bo Ya stood three zhang in front and to the left of him, heroic and valiant, looking every bit the dutiful guard. Behind him, on either side, stood Xiao Wu and Li Shiqing.
This scene left the assembled Demon Kings quite astonished. All of them turned to look at Bai Zhuo, and then at Yang Kai.
With Bai Zhuo present, how could this fellow be so brazen as to presumptuously occupy the seat of honor without the slightest courtesy? Yet Bai Zhuo showed not the slightest trace of annoyance, which only deepened their bewilderment.
Bai Zhuo smiled faintly and spoke. "The Sacred Venerable has decreed that Yang Kai shall be appointed Prince to oversee all matters, great and small, of Cloud Shadow Continent. You are all to offer your full cooperation and perform your duties with utmost loyalty. Should anyone dare shirk their responsibilities, they shall be executed without mercy!"
At these words, the assembled Demon Kings erupted in uproar, each one raising their head in disbelief to look at Bai Zhuo, wanting to confirm whether they had heard correctly. The High-Rank female Shadow Demon's form flickered violently, her composure clearly shaken to its core.