Chapter 1473: If I Make a Move, You Won't Have a Chance

The Golden Crow Prince, who had previously worn a grim expression, instantly beamed with delight. "As expected of my father!" he thought. He gloated, looking at Zu An. "You little thief, you finally got what was coming to you!" He even prayed, "Refuse, refuse quickly!" If Zu An angered his father, the Emperor would have a legitimate reason to kill him.

He didn't understand why he hated this man so much. Before meeting Zu An, he had been the undisputed leader of the Five Absolutes among the younger generation of the demon race, truly number one. What was more, his position wasn't due to his status; his exceptional talent, both in cultivation and practical combat, made him a standout among the demon race's youth. He was widely acknowledged as peerless at his own level, frequently challenging those of higher cultivation and defeating many opponents stronger than himself. For years, he had been full of vigor and immense pride.

But then he encountered Zu An, who actually managed to challenge and defeat him despite being at a lower cultivation level! This made all his past achievements seem like a joke. At first, he was unconvinced, believing Zu An had used cunning tricks. Even after being severely wounded instantly in their second encounter within the imperial palace, his resolve remained unshaken because he considered it a sneak attack. However, subsequent battles in the imperial mausoleum and various encounters in this unknown realm led him to a terrifying realization: the person he once disdained now commanded his increasing admiration and respect. He even predicted that he wouldn't be able to defeat Zu An within the foreseeable future—and crucially, Zu An's cultivation was still lower than his! This was truly disheartening. Therefore, he desperately wished his father would intervene and help him eliminate this inner demon.

At this moment, Zu An spoke up, "Demon Emperor, I've already shared all the information about the Elixir of Immortality with you. Yet, you're still not satisfied and even want what's on my person. That hardly seems like a partnership."

The Demon Emperor calmly replied, "Only children make choices. I've always taken everything."

Zu An was speechless. If he didn't know the Demon Emperor's true identity, Zu An might have mistaken him for a character from his past life who always wanted everything.

The Demon Emperor's gaze swept over everyone. "Considering our past cooperation, if you hand over what Yu just gave you, I can spare your lives. I hope you'll consider this carefully." In truth, he had no intention of letting them go. He said this merely to lull them into a false sense of security. He also aimed to sow discord among them. After all, the White Jade Capital Master, the Demonic Sect Leader, and the Medusa Queen were not easy to deal with. Together, they seemed to achieve an effect greater than the sum of their parts. Though he wasn't afraid, he had to be cautious, especially since Zu An seemed favored by the will of this world. After all, Yu had only bestowed benefits upon Zu An alone, leaving the other three women empty-handed. They had no reason to risk their lives for him.

If Zu An proved unwilling to hand over the item, the other three women would surely have a change of heart, and their relationship with Zu An would fracture. Unless all three women were deeply in love with Zu An, it was highly unlikely they would stand by him. The Medusa Queen aside, would the Iceberg Immortal from White Jade Capital or the murderous witch of the Demonic Sect fall for another's man? And for the same man, no less? That was ridiculous!

Seeing Zu An remain silent, the Demon Emperor sneered, "What's wrong, can't bear to part with it? Do you intend to let your companions die here because of your selfishness?"

Zu An smiled slightly. "Since when has the Demon Emperor resorted to playing such divisive games? I don't mind telling you, what Yu just gave me was a cultivation technique. And it has nothing to do with immortality. Demon Emperor, your cultivation is already sky-high, you're the strongest in the world. Why would you care about my cultivation technique?"

"A cultivation technique!" The Golden Crow Prince's breathing quickened. How could a technique given by Yu be anything but extraordinary? His father might not need it, but he certainly did!

The Demon Emperor slightly frowned. Hearing it was merely a cultivation technique, he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. In his current state, what he most needed was not some divine martial art secret manual. However, he didn't easily believe Zu An's claim that it had nothing to do with immortality. Whether it did or not, he would ultimately need to examine it himself to know for sure.

As for whether Zu An's power would skyrocket after learning Yu's divine technique, it would be preposterous for him to learn it in such a short time. Even for himself and Zhao Hao, who were among the world's top geniuses, it took at least several months to master a secret manual worthy of being called a divine technique back then. Even at their current enlightened level, understanding the essence of a divine technique would still require several days. Zu An was nowhere near that level; it might take him a year or even longer just to get started.

The Demon Emperor said indifferently, "I have a somewhat domineering nature. For many years, I've wanted to claim anything good for myself. Hand over the cultivation technique, and I won't treat you unfairly. When you return to the outside world, you'll be guaranteed wealth and glory."

Zu An secretly sneered. The Demon Emperor's offer of "wealth and glory" was an empty slogan, so vague he didn't even bother to invent any specific details, clearly indicating a complete lack of sincerity. Of course, even if there had been sincerity, he would never have handed over the technique.

"My apologies, Demon Emperor," Zu An replied. "I'm not particularly interested in wealth and glory, so I'm afraid I must decline your kind offer."

Hearing his reply, the Golden Crow Prince almost burst out laughing. "Good, just like that! Keep courting death, and you'll surely get it!"

The Demon Emperor's face darkened. "You refuse my good intentions and choose punishment instead!" If it weren't for his consideration that Zu An was favored by the will of this world, when would he ever have spoken so politely to someone whose cultivation was far beneath his own?

Just then, the spatial portal from earlier began to fluctuate, and the energy throughout the realm seemed to grow chaotic. Yun Jianyue said gravely, "This portal won't last much longer. If we delay further, we'll all be trapped and perish in this world."

The Demon Emperor frowned. With a casual wave of his hand towards the Golden Crow Prince, a gentle force enveloped him and sent him towards the portal. "You go out first," he commanded. He was confident he could deal with Zu An and his companions quickly, but he still needed to search for the Elixir of Immortality on Spirit Mountain afterwards. It would be disastrous if the portal closed during that time. The demon race still needed a leader, so as a precaution, he sent his son back first.

Although the Golden Crow Prince yearned to witness with his own eyes how that detestable Zu An would be crushed, he feared he would cry himself to death if he were truly trapped here. Unlike his father, whose lifespan was nearing its end, he still had many wonderful years to enjoy. He even harbored a dark thought: if the portal to this world closed after his departure, wouldn't he then become the new Demon Emperor...?

Since the Demon Emperor was blocking the portal's entrance, Zu An and the others could only watch as the Golden Crow Prince left. The atmosphere instantly became heavy. Yan Xuehen and Yun Jianyue felt a wave of pessimism. They truly didn't know how to contend with the Demon Emperor. Earlier, he had been injured fighting Qiongqi, but now he seemed fully recovered, and even more oppressive than at his peak, as if his strength had increased even further. Their only hope was Zu An's Sun-Slaying Bow, but it offered only one chance, and the Demon Emperor might not even give him the opportunity to use it. Unless... someone was willing to sacrifice themselves to hold back the Demon Emperor, buying Zu An a chance to strike. As for the divine technique passed down by Yu, they believed in Zu An's aptitude and that he should be able to learn it quickly. However, even "quickly" would still require time, and time was precisely what they didn't have.

Yu Yanluo, on the other hand, was more composed. Being with Zu An brought her peace of mind; she was ready to live or die by his side.

At this point, the Demon Emperor spoke, "I'll give you one last chance. Otherwise, you'll regret it too late."

Zu An sighed. "Are you so confident that you can defeat me?"

The Demon Emperor looked at him as if he were an idiot. "Are you joking?" Even Yan Xuehen and the other two women stared at him with strange expressions. Had this guy's boasting gone too far?

"You make your move first," the Demon Emperor said. "If I strike, you won't have a chance." After all, as the world's strongest, he couldn't bring himself to attack a junior first.

"Then you'll probably regret it," Zu An replied. No sooner had he spoken than a series of azure divine lights suddenly rose from the sky behind him. The air seemed to ripple with shimmering mirrors, from which weapons gradually emerged, each emanating the aura of at least a Heaven-grade artifact.