The days leading up to the Immortal Realm Power Gathering were filled with preparation and unease. While the Eternal Jade Sect buzzed with anticipation, Azmodeus remained cloistered in his quarters, sharpening his mind for what lay ahead. His ascension to Honorary Elder had garnered him a mix of admiration and scorn, but it wasn't the opinions of the sect members that concerned him—it was the storm brewing beneath the surface of the realms.
Azmodeus had spent months weaving himself into the web of Eternal Jade politics, but the Gathering was an entirely different beast. It would bring together the most powerful and cunning figures from every major faction, their schemes and ambitions forming an invisible battlefield as dangerous as any physical duel. It was an opportunity to rise—or to fall, irrevocably.
As Azmodeus sat cross-legged in meditation, his senses extended, brushing against the flow of energy around him. The aura of the Eternal Jade Sect was as serene as ever, but beneath it, he could feel the faint ripples of something darker. His breakthrough to the Immortal Emperor Realm had heightened his awareness, and he could now detect the subtle distortions that signaled interference from forbidden energies. The Nine Evil Yin Immortal Realm was moving in the shadows, and Azmodeus knew it was only a matter of time before they struck.
"Azmodeus!" Anna's voice broke through his focus, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps. She burst into his room, her expression a mix of excitement and concern. "You're not going to believe this!"
He opened his eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Try me."
She tossed a scroll onto the table in front of him. "The Gathering's itinerary. It just came through the Elder Council."
Azmodeus picked up the scroll, his eyes scanning the intricate calligraphy. As he read, his expression darkened. The Gathering wasn't just a meeting of power—it was a stage for conflict. The schedule included not only discussions on inter-realm relations but also a series of duels and trials to showcase the strength of each faction.
"They're testing us," he said, his voice low. "This isn't just about diplomacy. They want to see who's strong enough to lead—and who's weak enough to crush."
Anna nodded, her brows furrowed. "The Eternal Jade Sect is hosting, so the spotlight will be on us. Lady Ming's putting together a team to represent the sect, and guess who's at the top of her list?"
Azmodeus set the scroll down, his gaze sharp. "Let me guess—me."
"Bingo." She crossed her arms, her lips twitching into a smirk. "You've got a reputation now, Mr. Honorary Elder. People are expecting big things from you."
He leaned back, his mind already spinning with possibilities. The Gathering was a trap, a chance for the factions to size each other up while the Nine Evil Yin Immortal Realm plotted in the background. But it was also an opportunity—one he intended to exploit to its fullest.
"Azmodeus," Lady Ming's voice rang out, cutting through the murmurs. "Step forward."
He obeyed, his steps measured as he approached the dais. The eyes of the council bore into him, their expressions inscrutable.
"You have proven yourself worthy of the Eternal Jade Sect's trust," Lady Ming said, her tone formal. "Today, you will represent us in the trials. Do you accept this responsibility?"
Azmodeus bowed slightly, his voice calm. "I do."
The crowd stirred, a ripple of anticipation running through them. Lady Ming nodded, her gaze steady. "Then let the trials begin."
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The Trials
The first trial was a test of skill, a series of one-on-one duels designed to showcase the combat prowess of each faction's representatives. Azmodeus's first opponent was a hulking man from the Crimson Thunder Sect, which was a sect that stood near the Apex of the Eternal Jade Heavens Immortal Realm, with numerous Immortal Gods and several Immortal Transcendents at their neck and call.
The hulking man'a aura crackled with raw power.
The duel began with a clash of energy, the pavilion shaking under the force of their attacks. Azmodeus moved with precision, his strikes calculated and unrelenting. His opponent, though powerful, lacked finesse, and within minutes, Azmodeus had him pinned, his blade at the man's throat.
"Yield," Azmodeus commanded, his voice calm but firm.
The man hesitated, then nodded, lowering his weapon. The crowd erupted into cheers, and Azmodeus stepped back, his expression unreadable.
...