Laughter exploded from Marius, echoing through the scene like rolling thunder. His broad shoulders shook with the force of it, dark armor rattling while night-cold mist curled around his boots.
“Brat, do you even know what dying means? That seal standing behind me was laid down by Immortal Lord Nimbus himself, a true Celestial Immortal whose depth you could never begin to fathom. And you, nothing but a wet-behind-the-ears brat, dare strut around in front of it?!”
His swaggering words fanned the demons’ confidence.
“Exactly! Immortal Lord Nimbus is our backer!”
“If you know what’s good for you, brat, drop to your knees and beg. Maybe our lord will spare you a single breath!”
“Otherwise, you’re a corpse before sunset!” Across the hall, Quincy and the few human allies stiffened, color draining from their faces.
They respected Jared’s power, yet Immortal Lord Nimbus was a legend whispered about In terrified awe, a Celestial Immortal whose casual gestures could rewrite the sky. No mortal seal should bend so easily beneath them.
Quincy edged close and murmured, “Benefactor, that barrier is monstrous. Best we tread lightly.”
Jared waved off, a calm smile ghosting across his lips, eyes fixed on Marius as though the demons threats were distant birdsong.
Marius squinted, confusion flickering before contempt reclaimed his grin. “Still acting serene? We’ll see whether you keep that mask once the seal ignites.”
He stepped forward, voice cutting through the hush. “Last chance! Who are you, and why meddle in my business?!”
Jared recalled Vermilion Demon Lord’s earlier advice.
Out here, titles are yours to invent. In a backwater like this, an impressive name is armor…
“I am the Celestial Supreme, commander of every cultivator in the celestial realm. Even your so-called Immortal Lord Nimbus kneels to greet me!” declared, voice ringing like a temple bell.
Silence slammed over the hall. Everyone was stunned upon hearing this.
Then Marius pointed and howled with laughter. “Celestial Supreme? Ruler of the celestial realm? Have you lost your mind, brat?!”
The other Demonic Cultivators started laughing as well.
“He’s scared witless!”
“Celestial Supreme? Who does think is?”
“Mad enough to crave his own funeral!”
Marius wiped a tear of mirth. “Do you grasp what the title Celestial Supreme even means? A myth! Immortal Lord Nimbus himself is ordinary beside that throne, and you dare claim it? I’ll show you what real power feels like!”
Crimson light flared around his gauntlets. One step more and would strike.
“Wait!” Jared’s single word cracked through the tension like flint. “Before fists fly, answer one question…”
“Last words? Go on,” Marius said.
“What makes you so sure that little seal can cage me?”
“Huh?” Marius’ laugh turned cold. “Immortal Lord Nimbus carved those sigils with a single breath. Any other immortal would sweat blood to prise them apart. But you, still so young, dream of It? Keep dreaming!”
Jared tilted his head, the faintest smirk curling. “Is that so?”
“All right, then,” Jared said, a razor-thin smile curving across his mouth. “Let me show you what true power really is…”
He lifted his hand as casually as one might brush away a speck of dust. A lance of gold burst from his palm, and in the blink of an eye, its radiance blanketed the entire Obsidian Stone Sect Headquarters.
Moments later, every soul present felt the great sealing array unravel, its crushing force dissolving like mist beneath the morning sun.
