828 The strong rule all
"Bia?"
Jian called out when he saw the phoenix. He looked back and noticed Samara's body vanishing in the Sea of Consciousness.
"You killed that demon? Incredible, great job. I heard she was a real nuisance on the elven planet to Nine and the others. I can sense you have ascended to the supreme rank. Congratulations."
He reached out to caress the phoenix's body but chuckled as the golden flames around her tickled his palm. He looked around, searching for the familiar face.
"Where is he? If you are here, he should be nearby. I can't even sense him... he's gotten so powerful."
A bright light flashed as Bia reduced her large size to that of a small bird and settled on his shoulder to rest for a moment. Her senses extended to search for Kyle as well. She believed he would be nearby, watching her fight, but she couldn't sense him.
-"He should be here... He left me to fight Samara after creating a barrier around us, but I can't sense him anymore. I thought it was due to the barrier. Where did he go?"
She murmured in confusion but turned her head in another direction when she sensed many supreme-rank demons approaching. Her eyes narrowed at Jian, who turned and fled in the opposite direction.
-"What did you do? Why are so many demons on your tail?"
Jian let out a wry laugh, feeling quite complicated. His luck had improved a lot, yet he was still getting into trouble.
"Would you believe me if I said I did nothing at all this time? Wait—"
His eyes widened as he came to a screeching halt above the still water.
"A while ago, I heard someone jump into the Sea of Consciousness. I think the demons are searching for that person. Don't tell me the fool who jumped into the Sea was...?"
He didn't have to finish his sentence because Bia vanished from his shoulder.
"Wait for me!"
He also disappeared. He was here to get stronger, but it seemed he had to fight.
"What the hell is wrong with that crazy jerk? How can he jump into the Sea, knowing very well how dangerous it is?"
Before long, the duo arrived at the spot where Kyle had plunged into the depths.
The many supreme rank demons in the vicinity surrounded them after sensing their presence, but they were utterly ignored as Bia stared down at the still water. She wanted to jump in, but Jian stopped her.
"It's dangerous. Let's just wait. He is a Celestial, unlike us. Maybe his body is strong enough to endure the pain."
He took a deep breath.
"It's been a while since he jumped in. And here... I couldn't even stand in the water for more than a minute."
Bia nodded, her eyes filled with concern. She had entered the Sea of Consciousness as well, so she knew the pain that the water, which contained nature, inflicted on others.
-"He will be fine."
She settled down on Jian's shoulder, who glanced at the supreme ranks around them, preparing for a fierce battle. In the past, she could sense many things about Kyle—his pain, his struggles, even the intensity of his emotions. But ever since he ascended to the Celestial rank, it felt as though a veil had shrouded his feelings and thoughts.
She could still sense their bond. It was faint, but it was not broken. But sensing his location through it and communicating with him was only possible if he wished for it.
The uncertainty of what was happening beneath the still water gnawed at her, but he was a Celestial now, so Jian was right. They should wait for him to emerge instead of rushing in. If he had entered the Sea and gone deeper himself, even after sensing the pain, that meant he would be fine.
Jian's eyes blazed as he charged at the nearest supreme rank, his figure turning into a blur as he unleashed his power.
Bia let out a cry and transformed into her phoenix form once more to attack.
The ground of the demon city, situated before the Sea of Consciousness, quaked as so many supreme ranks unleashed their power, and chaos erupted all around them.
The demons cried out in terror. The weaker ones fled in panic, while the stronger ones gathered in the sky to watch the battle and place bets. Their formidable supreme rank demons outnumbered the two enemies who had infiltrated their land, so they were confident they would win.
Jian grinned wickedly as he glanced up at the divine and transcendent rank demons laughing and placing bets in the sky. All of a sudden, he made a slashing motion across his neck to indicate that they were all on his kill list, instilling terror in them as they tried to flee. But a shield made of golden flames expanded to block their escape.
He seized the leg of one of the supreme rank demons, slamming the woman into the earth with such force that it created a crater, sending shockwaves everywhere.
"Excellent, Bia. Expand your shield to encompass the entire city. Let's conquer this piece of land. I want silence, but these pesky demons never cease their clamor. It's far better to dominate this place so no one can disturb us while we meditate."
The phoenix didn't respond; instead, the golden shield made of flames expanded, radiating immense power.
The demons attempting to flee turned ashen, their faces drained of color as they frantically gathered to shatter the barrier, yet their efforts were in vain.
The shield held strong, an impenetrable force against their desperate attempts.
Jian erupted into laughter at the absurdity of the scene. These were the very demons who had been betting moments ago with evil smiles on his and Bia's downfall.
"Truly, the strong rule all."
He could feel his body straining against its limits as he battled opponents far stronger than himself, igniting a blazing fire within him to unleash his full power. His red eyes turned white as he tapped into the natural laws, causing those around him to freeze.
"Let's do this. This will be the first land we will conquer for ourselves."