The entire region was locked down. As expected, there was only one level of existence that could possibly interfere with the teleportation of such an important existence, and that was most definitely the Ninth Plane.
To the shock of those present, seven figures appeared, the weakest of their auras being at the Dao Lord level. It was impossible for these younger cultivators to parse apart their cultivations exactly, but this much was obvious to them, there simply couldn't be any other explanation.
There were seven groups from the Ninth Plane, and there were seven figures in the skies now, it was clear what was happening, it simply couldn't have been more obvious.
Instantly, without even taking another step forward, those that had moved to surround Ryu and Mae rushed away, not daring to get close. Even many of the Fifth Plane that had had some intention and technically had the greatest claim, separated themselves.
One after another, the shadowy figures of the Ninth Plane began to remove their cloaks. Of course, this wasn't for the others, it was rather because the figures in the sky hadn't masked themselves. Out of respect for their seniors, how could they not do this?
That was when the projections in the sky solidified.
One rode on a steed as crimson as the skies above, wearing an armor of jet black billowing with dense black smoke from its joints and crevices.
The second had a body so large that his head almost disappeared into the thick clouds above, thick clouds of fire surrounding his ankles, wrists and waist.
The third was a beauty stunning beyond words. A rain of ice descended around her like glistening gems. From afar it looked as though small, sparkling diamonds were constantly falling around her as her white gown fluttered in the wind, revealing a stunning figure. This beauty was widely known as the number one of the Ninth Plane, a gorgeous, picturesque and perfect woman from head to toe. It truly looked as though she had just stepped out from a painting.
The fourth was another astounding beauty. Despite her strength and power, she was hardly clothed as though she didn't care about lesser beings catching a glimpse of her body at all. Her lower body was only covered by a small piece of bark, as were the nipples of her chest, allowing her breasts to bounce around as they pleased. Her skin was a greenish grey color, and her eyes carried a darker hue of a similar shade. Upon her head, she had a pair of horns that also seemed to be formed of tree branches, the playful smile on her face speaking volumes.
The fifth was a man who seemed to have a body covered with horns. His head, his chin, his shoulders, his elbows, his hands... They seemed endless, forming an intertwining, unbreakable net.
The sixth was the only one that remained in the shadows, but the indistinct outline of a anthropoid figure could be seen.
The seventh a skeleton with bones that radiated like gems and were etched in deep black runes. Upon its head there was a crown of gold, elaborate and powerful. It seemed to be more than just superficial as it radiated a king-like pressure that couldn't be denied and made many directly kneel to the ground.
These seven were recognizable all across the Ninth Plane, and they had all written their own legends. However, to the others of the lower Planes, except for maybe the Seventh and Eighth, they only recognized one thing....
The first, the Wraith Knight. The second, the Fire Giant. The third, the Ice Queen. The fourth, Ash Treant. The fifth, the Horned Devil. The sixth, the Shadows. The seventh, the Skeleton King.
These were existences that stood at the very pinnacle. Even the faint traces of their bloodlines created the strongest existences of the lower Planes, but these seven didn't just have faint traces, they were the bonafide real deal.
"Where is the Exo Demon Race, step forward."
The Skeleton King spoke coldly and straight forwardly. He didn't want to speak to such ants, but if he had to, he would prefer those that carried a faint trace of his own Bloodline, at least that way, it would be slightly less distasteful. Although there were others with faint traces of the Skeleton King Bloodline, the Fifth Plane was obviously the most important character here.
However, he didn't receive a response. Exo Demons? They had all died under Ryu's schemes, how could they step forward now?
Ryu found it quite amusing, was this how he looked to others sometimes? He might have already been enraged usually, but he still found it in himself to smile, even on the verge of laughter. He found it all ridiculous.
It was obvious he and his wife who had gained the greatest. The Ninth Plane was definitely aware of this already. But instead of talking to him directly they wanted to put on airs and talk instead to a race of people he had wiped out despite being the Dao Pedestal Realm? How could it not be funny.
Ryu's amusement was quite a standout feature given the situation. The fact he wasn't kneeling beneath the might of the Skeleton King's aura was one thing, after all it wasn't as though the Skeleton King was releasing an oppressive aura on purpose, if he had, let alone kneeling, these people would directly die. But this sort of smiling, laughing attitude... What was that?
No matter how much the Skeleton King wanted to ignore Ryu now, he couldn't. He looked down and he frowned, or he seemed to. It was hard to tell on a creature without the slightest hint of flesh.
"Who are you?"
"Me?" Ryu pointed at himself as though he was somewhat stunned. "I'm Ryu Tatsuya, nice to meet you. What's your name?"
The skies rumbled and the expressions of the Demon Kings sharpened.
Before they could say anything, the skies split once again.
At that moment, Ryu's casual smile faded, his gaze meeting that of the man that stepped out from the skies.