The leaders of various nations, witnessing the scene, could not help but look towards Aoyuan's position with a sense of awe. Their expressions subtly shifted, no longer filled with panic, but with a touch of reverence. It was as if Aoyuan was the Dragon God spoken of by the great demon kings, the only deity on Blue Star.
Aoyuan surveyed the crowd, then calmly descended to a spot atop Mount Tai, where he slowly took a seat.
"Greetings, Lord Dragon God!"
At this moment, the sudden silence was broken by a resounding shout, shaking the heavens and earth like thunder. Not only the great demon kings but also the leaders of most nations who had come to seek Aoyuan's forgiveness, spoke out.
At this point, the demon kings of Mount Tai stepped forward and arranged themselves on Aoyuan's left and right sides. Leading them were Mozi and Dai Xiaomei. Behind them followed a host of demon kings who had joined Mount Tai in succession, including Ao Guang, the Mottled Tiger King, the Golden Monkey King, the Sparrow King, the Python King, Bai Ling, and the Black Rhinoceros, among others.
After a brief pause, Aoyuan waved his hand gently. The clamor abruptly ceased. Aoyuan remained silent, his gaze fixed on Dai Xiaomei and Mozi.
Mozi and Dai Xiaomei stepped forward together. Then, in unison, they announced, "Everyone, this is the first assembly since our Mount Tai relocated here."
"We especially thank you all for making time in your busy schedules to attend!"
…
A lengthy, formal speech flowed from the mouths of Dai Xiaomei and Mozi. Yet, no one showed any dissatisfaction. Instead, their expressions were serious, as if fully absorbed in listening.
After about the time it takes for half a lamp to burn, Dai Xiaomei and Mozi held a document in their hands. They exchanged glances before slowly unfurling it and announcing in unison, "Next, Lord Dragon God has an important matter to inform everyone of!"
Upon hearing this, all eyes converged on Aoyuan.
With a surge, Aoyuan stood up, his gaze like a torch sweeping across the assembled crowd, and he spoke in a measured tone, "Regardless of the reason, your presence here today is an honor for our Mount Tai."
"Now, I shall announce one thing!" He paused, observing their expectant gazes, and his voice suddenly boomed, "From this day forward, Mount Tai shall be renamed the Demon Court!"
"Demon Court! As the name suggests, it shall gather all demons to form the Demon Court!"
"Any beast within the boundaries of Blue Star can enter the Demon Court after a simple assessment."
With a roar, everyone was stunned. They had heard nothing of Aoyuan's intention to hold such an event before coming. The establishment of a Demon Court uniting all demons meant that if successful, Aoyuan could truly stand on Blue Star alongside the nations, as a powerful force of beasts.
The great demon kings and even the other beasts were overjoyed. However, none of the national leaders showed any smile. Truth be told, they did not wish for Aoyuan to achieve such a status. After all, it was a blow to them. But to refuse…
The leaders of various nations exchanged glances and understood each other's thoughts. This matter should be let go. Pretend they knew nothing. After all, to object now? Would they not be risking their lives?
Aoyuan's voice continued to resound, "Of course, without rules, there can be no order. Since the Demon Court is established, there will naturally be corresponding rules!"
Having spoken, Aoyuan sat back down, his gaze once again falling on Dai Xiaomei and Mozi, clearly indicating for them to continue.
Dai Xiaomei and Mozi exchanged glances and immediately began speaking.
"Today, Mount Tai establishes the Demon Court."
"Without rules, there can be no order."
"The Demon Court is established, with nine Demon Kings presiding: one in charge of law enforcement, two in charge of households, three in charge of provisions, four in charge of war…"
…
"And all members of the Demon Court will earn merit. Merit can be exchanged equivalently for all things, and additionally, merit can be gained by completing tasks issued by the Demon Court."
"Merit can be used within the Demon Court to exchange for all items, including mystical cultivation techniques, divine weapons, and pills to enhance cultivation!"
Dai Xiaomei and Mozi finished their explanations. Whether they were affiliated with Mount Tai or were demon kings yet to join, all listened intently. Especially upon hearing the uses of merit, their hearts were filled with longing. After hearing the introduction, they all understood the importance of merit. It was no exaggeration to say that demon beasts at the same starting line with merit and without merit were worlds apart. After all, within the Demon Court, merit could be used to purchase many good things.
It wasn't just the great beasts and demon kings, but even the national leaders were stirred by what they heard. For Blue Star, which was only just experiencing a spiritual revival, the things Aoyuan offered were incredibly enticing. To be able to exchange for mystical cultivation techniques or something similar would be an extraordinary feat. As for whether these things were real? The earliest demon kings who joined Mount Tai had already proven it through their experiences. All of it was real! And more real than real!
"Have you all understood?" Aoyuan stood up, his pale golden eyes scanning the surrounding beasts and demon kings.
"We understand!"
With this, all the beasts and demon kings roared in unison. For them, this was undeniably a joyous occasion.
"Good!" Hearing the deafening cheers, Aoyuan nodded with satisfaction, waved his wide robe, and declared loudly, "In that case, I shall appoint the Nine Demon King Lords!"
"The Lord of Law Enforcement is Dai Xiaomei, the deputy is the Golden Monkey; the Lord of Households is Ao Guang, the Python King; the Lord of Provisions is Mozi, the Sparrow King; the Lord of War is the Mottled Tiger King, the Black Rhinoceros…"
…
One by one, the appointments were made. Aoyuan finally declared loudly, "You are the Nine Demon Kings, in charge of the Demon Court's order!"
"We obey!"
The demon kings around Aoyuan immediately bowed and knelt before him. To their delight, not only did holding the positions of the Nine Demon Kings in the Demon Court represent Aoyuan's regard for them, but it also meant they had specific roles and salaries. That is, they would receive a fixed amount of merit each month, which was a rare opportunity for others.
After all the demon kings were enfeoffed, Elder Long, supported by Bai Feng, slowly ascended the high platform from the seating area of the national leaders. Aoyuan nodded gently to Elder Long and Bai Feng, acknowledging them.
"Today, the Demon Court is established. Great Xia offers a small token of our best wishes to congratulate Lord Dragon God!" As Bai Feng spoke, a thunderous roar echoed. Hundreds of Great Xia soldiers marched in perfect unison from a distance, each carrying something. Through perception, it was evident that these items were all of considerable value. They were rare treasures.
"Grant them seats!" Aoyuan waved his hand, and two simple chairs materialized from thin air behind Bai Feng and Elder Long.
"Mr. Han Yibang has specially sent ten thousand tons of grain to celebrate the establishment of the Demon Court!"
"The White Elephant Nation has specially sent one hundred tons of gold to congratulate the establishment of the Demon Court."
"Fusang Nation…"