Beastmaster of the Ages

The kunpeng was speechless! It had seen shameless people before, but never anyone quite this shameless. The problem was Tianming’s journey to the Sea of Aeternity relied on timing. By sending their vanguard before finalizing an agreement with the wonderians and devas, the five pantheons placed an immense pressure on the imperial star. Who knew when Tianming would return?

Despite what he said, Wudi had no real expectations. He stared at Dongfang Taisheng and the others, speaking to them through the Flameyellow Guard Formation. ”I won’t die! Just focus on killing as many as you can!”

Immediately following his words, Imperator Ming, towering like an enormous giant, reached out to grab the vortex, effectively capturing Wudi. His darting eyeballs grew even colder. Still silent, Imperator Ming transformed his finger into an even sharper spike.

Grabbing Wudi and his kunpeng in one hand, he thrust his sharp fingertip straight into Wudi’s chest once more. He clearly intended to skewer Wudi with the strength of his hands like a piece of barbecue meat. A direct stab like this was significantly more potent and lasting than a long-range strike.

”Oh no! I’m going to be skewered!” Everything went black for Wudi. Facing Imperator Ming head-on for the first time, he just realized the immense power of these Eightpart Pantheons imperatores.

The instant that sharp fingertip pressed into his chest, Wudi began reflecting on his life and finally concluded, ”Damn it! I’ve spent my entire life guarding the home front for that brat! My life hasn’t been exciting at all. I refuse to accept this!”

”You have zero interest in women, and you don’t care about conquering the world. All you live for is a little wine! How exciting could your life actually be? Guarding the home is the perfect fit for you, you old fogey!” Taixu snorted.

”Shut up!” Wudi felt the sting.

”Take a page out of your son’s book! Chase the oldest and wildest women, conquer the absolute toughest territories, and bask in the worship of the entire universe. Now that’s life! Meanwhile, you just numb yourself with cheap booze every day. At best, yours is a dog’s life... actually, scratch that. A dog’s life is way more exciting than yours. At least dogs get some action!” In the face of imminent death, Taixu unleashed a stream of mockery.

”Screw you! I’ve treated you so well for all these years, and now that we’re about to die, you’re using your last breaths to roast me? Unbelievable! We’re officially done. I’m dissolving our symbiotic cultivation right now!” Outraged to the point of vomiting blood, Wudi ignored Imperator Ming entirely and turned around to argue with his own lifebound beast instead.

To Imperator Ming, this wasn’t foolishness; it was a provocation.

”What do you think you’re looking at? Fine, you’re invincible in this life! But don’t let me catch you in the next, or I’m burning your entire race to a crisp!” After slacking off for so many years, Wudi was now boiling with fury. He let loose his domineering aura, hurling a barrage of insults at anyone he could find.

Imperator Ming’s gaze lingered on him before he suddenly shook his head and scoffed. ”Clown.”

”Fuck you!!” Wudi roared.

”Alright, stop embarrassing yourself...” Out of nowhere, a familiar voice drifted over.

An inexplicable calm washed over Wudi as soon as he heard the voice. Though he knew its owner stood no chance against Imperator Ming, it still felt incredibly reassuring. Both he and Imperator Ming snapped their heads up.

There, amid the roaring flames, stood a young man in a black-and-gold robe, his white hair whipping wildly. Three wisps of mist churned in his hair like crowning flowers. Lightning danced across the hexagonal scales on his left arm, while Infernal Haze erupted along the sword-shaped feathers that enveloped his right arm. One leg was thick and powerful, covered in dragon scales, while the other was a canvas of bright colors. Concealed on his chest, a dead fish eye rotated slowly, activating the ninefold hell-ring that only Imperator Yin could access.

It was Tianming!

”Tianming, my son! I’ve missed you!” Wudi laughed heartily.

Ignoring him completely, Tianming turned to Imperator Ming. ”Let the useless old man go, and fight me instead!”

At those words, Wudi instantly vomited blood. ”Say one more word, you unfilial bastard, I dare you!” He struggled fiercely, staring intently at Imperator Ming as he said, ”Don’t hold me back, brother! I’m going to kill this bastard!”

Imperator Ming didn’t spare him a single look. All ninety-seven eyeballs remained locked on Tianming, recognizing that he was far more valuable than Wudi. He struck at Wudi’s chest, but failed to pierce the Flameyellow Coffin.

”Fine.”

Imperator Ming didn’t let go of Wudi and his lifebound beast, keeping them in one hand, his eyes firmly fixed on Tianming as he approached him. ”Your reputation precedes you, but now that I’m seeing you in person, your presence is far more formidable than the rumors suggest,” said Imperator Ming.

”But you’re not as impressive as I thought,” Tianming replied.

“How so?” Imperator Ming asked coldly.

”Bullying an old man?” Tianming said, pointing at Wudi.

”Just an ironclad beetle that refuses to die.” Imperator Ming simply laughed, showing no intention of releasing the captives. ”One hand is more than enough for me to crush you.” He certainly had the strength to back up his words. There was absolutely no way he would set them free!

Tianming frowned. The forces he brought back could easily devastate an ordinary battlefield, but they couldn’t stop Imperator Ming. What should he do?