Wandering Swordsman |

Looking in from the entrance of Demon Refining Mountain, one could see Shen Mo standing at the very front of the group. His appearance had changed significantly over the past five years. He had become a dashing young man, much taller than he had been five years ago, with a posture as upright as a pine tree. He wore a white robe and carried two swords on his back: one was the Tai'a Sword, and the other was the Green Ox Sword wrapped in white cloth. His eyes were firm and profound, as if they knew all secrets, yet filled with boundless fighting spirit.

Yue Linglong also stood at the front, and after five years, she had become even more mature and beautiful. She had grown taller, her figure graceful and exuding a mature aura. Her face was more refined, her eyes revealing a gentle yet firm charm. Her eyes were as bright as stars, and a faint smile always played on her lips, drawing people in irresistibly to her beauty and making them forget the powerful demonic energy emanating from her.

As for Xie Xin, she hadn't changed much compared to five years ago, except for a touch more chilling aura. Her movements remained light and agile, each step brimming with power and confidence. Her presence acted as an invisible barrier, bringing a sense of security to those around her.

Then, Shen Mo led the group out at the front. Sunlight shone on his tall, straight back, as if draping him in a golden glow. The three demon lords' gazes instantly focused on Shen Mo. Watching him walk in front, with everyone else following his steps without the slightest deviation, a look of understanding flashed in the eyes of the three demon lords.

The Moon Demon Lord's gaze first fell upon surprise. She had once thought Hua Tianyou would become the new Heavenly Demon God, but seeing Shen Mo's firm and confident strides, her surprise turned to excitement and relief. She sighed inwardly, "I never imagined that someone as strong as Hua Tianyou would lose to Shen Mo. This kid has grown so quickly." Despite the turmoil within her, she knew that Shen Mo becoming the Heavenly Demon God was most beneficial to the Moon Demon Pavilion. Therefore, without hesitation, she was the first to kneel, and in a deep, resonant voice, she proclaimed, "Greetings, Heavenly Demon God!"

Seeing this, the Flame Demon Lord and the Blood Demon Lord, though unwilling to accept the truth, followed the rule of the Heavenly Demon God Sect that the strong were respected, and immediately knelt down. They shouted in unison, "Greetings, Heavenly Demon God!"

Upon seeing the three Demon Lords kneel, all the disciples present immediately realized the importance of this moment and knelt down in unison. This included Yue Linglong, Hua Tianyou, Lü Yan, and others behind Shen Mo; everyone knelt down except for Shen Mo, who remained standing.

"Greetings, Heavenly Demon God!" This phrase, amplified by the voices of everyone present, resounded throughout the heavens.

The scene was solemn and dignified, filled with a sacred aura. Shen Mo stood before the crowd, feeling the gazes from all directions, each person filled with awe and loyalty. His eyes shone with determination and confidence, as if he had become the master of this world.

Yue Linglong had already anticipated this scene, but witnessing it firsthand still left her deeply shaken. She looked up at Shen Mo's retreating figure, silently wishing him success in leading the Heavenly Demon Sect to an even brighter future.

Hua Tianyou also knelt on the ground, a complex light flashing in his eyes. He knew that although he had lost to Shen Mo, it did not mean defeat, but rather that he had found a leader worthy of following. His heart was filled with respect and trust for his lord, Shen Mo, and he believed that the lord he had chosen would surely rule the world.

Lu Yan knelt on the ground, his eyes filled with admiration as he looked at Shen Mo. At this moment, Lu Yan was completely convinced of Shen Mo's abilities. He secretly vowed that he would follow the Heavenly Demon God to reach a level that surpassed his grandfather's in this lifetime.

A flicker of resentment and regret flashed in Tu Yuliang's eyes, but more than anything, there was a sense of powerlessness. At this moment, he felt Shen Mo's powerful aura, and the resentment in his heart gradually dissipated, replaced by a sense of respect for the strong.

The entire plaza fell silent, save for a gentle breeze. Shen Mo took a deep breath, savoring the tranquility and solemnity. He knew that from this moment on, he would shoulder the heavy responsibility of leading the Heavenly Demon Sect. A sacred aura permeated the surrounding air, as if even time itself had stood still for this moment.

Then, with a thought, Shen Mo gracefully rose into the air, standing atop a height of over a hundred meters like a nimble bird. His movements were fluid and natural, as if he had become one with the heavens and earth. At that moment, everyone was stunned by this incredible scene; the entire plaza fell silent, all eyes fixed on him.

"Everyone, please rise!" Shen Mo's voice resounded throughout the valley like thunder, amplified by his internal energy, echoing in everyone's hearts. Every word was clearly audible, as if directly entering each person's ears. People couldn't help but gasp, their hearts filled with shock and awe: "Walking on air! Is this really something a human can do?"

Some whispered among themselves, "Since the founding of the Heavenly Demon Sect, there has never been a record of anyone possessing martial arts skills capable of standing on air!" Others exclaimed excitedly, "It seems the new Heavenly Demon God's martial arts far surpass those of the previous Heavenly Demon God!"

Shen Mo did this to demonstrate his martial arts skills and prove to everyone in the Heavenly Demon God Sect that his skills were worthy of the title of Heavenly Demon God.

His figure appeared exceptionally majestic high in the sky, as if he were the master of this world. Everyone who witnessed this scene couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

At Shen Mo's command, everyone slowly rose, but all eyes remained fixed on him. Their eyes were filled with anticipation and confidence for the future. They knew that with the new Heavenly Demon God leading the way, the Heavenly Demon Sect would usher in a new era.

Shen Mo continued, "At this moment, I hereby appoint Hua Tianyou as the new Demon Lord—the Heavenly Demon Lord!" His voice was firm and powerful, every word filled with strength and authority. As soon as he finished speaking, a murmur erupted from the crowd; clearly, the news had shocked everyone.

The balance maintained by the three demon lords was about to be reshuffled, and the expressions of the Flame Demon Lord, Moon Demon Lord, and Blood Demon Lord were all different. A trace of unwillingness flashed in the eyes of the Flame Demon Lord, but he quickly regained his composure; the Moon Demon Lord showed a gratified smile, as if he had long anticipated this day; the Blood Demon Lord frowned slightly, his eyes flickering with complex emotions.

Standing in the crowd, Hua Tianyou was stunned for a moment upon hearing the news, but quickly reacted, kneeling on one knee and amplifying his voice with his inner power, saying, "Thank you, Heavenly Demon God! I, Hua Tianyou, will never betray the Heavenly Demon God Sect or the Heavenly Demon God in this lifetime!"