The Purple Abyss Great Emperor had once followed Great Emperor Danji and had met Jiang Chen in the past. Naturally, both had left deep impressions on each other.
However, during the battle where Jiang Chen destroyed Danfire City, the Purple Abyss Great Emperor had not stood by Great Emperor Danji's side. He had defected to the Wind Cloud Cult instead.
Jiang Chen glanced at the Purple Abyss Great Emperor. He knew this fellow also practiced ocular arts, and half a mind to test his eye techniques against the man's.
But now was clearly not the time.
His gaze settled on the Purple Abyss Great Emperor with calm indifference: "Heaven and Earth create all things to nurture mankind, yet they produce all manner of people. Sir, should I address you as the Purple Abyss Great Emperor? Or as a Dharma King of the Wind Cloud Cult?"
A sharp glint flashed through the Purple Abyss Great Emperor's eyes. Clearly, Jiang Chen's barbed remark had struck a nerve, making this sensitive man feel provoked and looked down upon.
He let out an eerie laugh and said in an unsettling tone: "This Emperor is now one of the Wind Cloud Cult's Eight Great Emperors, ranked among the Eight Dharma Kings, bearing the title of Frightened Cloud Dharma King."
Jiang Chen sneered, casting a cold sidelong glance at the Purple Abyss Great Emperor.
Seeing Jiang Chen remain silent, the Purple Abyss Great Emperor assumed he had no rebuttal and grew even more smug. He declared proudly: "Young Master Jiang Chen, this Emperor comes bearing our Cult Master's command, to deliver our Cult Master's sacred decree."
"Bah!" From behind Jiang Chen, Great Emperor Panlong could no longer contain himself. "Who dares be insolent in front of Young Master Jiang Chen? Sacred decree? Nonsense! In Glazed Jade City, our Young Master's word is golden law — that is the decree. The Wind Cloud Cult is nothing!"
"Exactly. The Wind Cloud Cult is nothing but a bunch of upstarts. Such so-called cult forces — the faster they rise, the faster they fall. History has proven this countless times."
"Indeed, an aggressively expansionist cult like this is destined to become the common enemy of all humanity — a rat crossing the street that everyone wants to beat."
"Who would have thought that the Purple Abyss Great Emperor, one of the Six Giants of the Loose Cultivator World, would sink so low? Truly, hearing about someone is nothing like seeing them in person."
"Young Master Jiang Chen, no need to waste words on them. The Wind Cloud Cult is the enemy of all humanity. Since they've delivered themselves to our doorstep, let's slam the door and beat the dogs!"
"Right, kill these lapdogs! They could have been decent humans, but they chose to be dogs instead!"
Out in the wider world, people trembled at the mere mention of the Wind Cloud Cult, dreading it with all their hearts. But this was Glazed Jade City — here, they could draw courage from the city itself.
As these voices rose, they coalesced into a dominant chorus.
Jiang Chen smiled faintly, fixing his gaze on the Purple Abyss Great Emperor: "See that? By going against the natural order, you've already been cast out by your own kin."
The Purple Abyss Great Emperor burst into laughter. "Cast out? It's all about who wins and who loses. One day, the loudest voices crying out today may well be the first ones kneeling at this Emperor's feet in worship. Currying favor, switching sides — isn't that exactly what you people do best?"
These words, wild and defiant, enraged everyone present.
Clearly, the crowd was furious at the Purple Abyss Great Emperor's attitude. Fine if a Loose Cultivator giant had defected to the Wind Cloud Cult — but to come here and flaunt his arrogance?
"Young Master Jiang Chen, give the order! Kill these vermin first, then march on the Wind Cloud Cult and root out this evil force completely!"
"Yes, give the order!"
The Purple Abyss Great Emperor regarded Jiang Chen languidly: "As the saying goes, when two nations are at war, they do not execute envoys. Jiang Chen, surely even you understand such a simple principle?"
In truth, the Purple Abyss Great Emperor's brazenness annoyed Jiang Chen too.
But as the Young Master of Glazed Jade City, he naturally could not lose his composure. Giving the order would be easy — but if these people weren't killed and word spread, the embarrassment would be enormous.
The Purple Abyss Great Emperor might be arrogant, but his words, crude as they were, held a kernel of truth.
When two nations are at war, you do not kill envoys. This was the most basic principle of etiquette.
Though Jiang Chen despised the Purple Abyss Great Emperor, he understood these fundamental rules. Besides, if he wanted to kill the man, it didn't have to be right now.
He declared in a clear voice: "Everyone, there's no need to be impatient. The Wind Cloud Cult are demons who share no common ground with us. We'll have plenty of opportunities to kill them — there's no need to act in haste. When two nations are at war, you do not kill envoys. Let's hear what this fellow has to say."
Jiang Chen knew that the Purple Abyss Great Emperor had brought this entourage for more than just a show of force.
If that were all, it would be far too naive.
The Purple Abyss Great Emperor laughed heartily: "This Emperor has already said it — I come bearing our Cult Master's sacred decree."
"Jiang Chen, our Cult Master knows your reputation and admires your talent. He wishes to elevate you. If your Glazed Jade City pulls back from the brink, our Cult Master will still give you a chance — to become his personal disciple and inherit his legacy of conquest. Jiang Chen, this is an extraordinary opportunity."
"Oh, and by the way, let me mention that our Cult Master is a true Heavenly Position powerhouse. His cultivation is profound beyond measure. His appreciation of you is a great honor — you should be grateful."
The Purple Abyss Great Emperor's tone was casual and flippant. Clearly, he was quite satisfied with his new role, utterly lacking any sense of guilt over betraying humanity.
Behind the Purple Abyss Great Emperor stood a mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces. All of them wore expressions of arrogant pride, looking supremely self-confident.
Jiang Chen let out an incredulous laugh: "A Heavenly Position powerhouse? No wonder the Wind Cloud Cult was able to rise so rapidly in just a few short years. And it makes sense that someone of your stature, Purple Abyss, would not hesitate to lower yourself and join them. I imagine the Wind Cloud Cult must have made you quite generous promises?"