The Perfect Being

'Sheesh... women are such a handful sometimes.'

Xiao Jiantian brought down enough rain to subdue the flames and then kindly restored the forest to its previous beauty.

Yawning, he jumped into his bed seconds after tearing through space.

~

After everyone was up, Xiao Jiantian borrowed the Mighty Heaven Collapsing Sword and opened a portal to the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region much to the surprise of everyone present.

"The Mighty Heaven Collapsing Sword is capable of that?" Xuanyuan Wentian inquired in shock once they had all stepped into the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region's core, right next to Xuanyuan Jiantian's Sanctuary.

"It's capable of many things when fully awakened, my nephew. It was once my greatest pride, the very peak of my craftsmanship on this planet. Its blade had been reinforced over a million times by my profound energy and countless divine beast cores to the point where it has an extremely prominent soul of its own."

"It was an extension of myself, you could say."

"I am not worthy of such a blade, then. You should take it ba-"

"No. I entrusted it to you for a reason." Xiao Jiantian countered, somewhat fiercely. "As the current Sword Master and my successor, the Mighty Heaven Collapsing Sword is yours and yours alone. Need I say it again?"

"No, I understand." Xuanyuan Wentian nodded, walking closer to the Sanctuary's entrance. The Mighty Heaven Collapsing Sword shined as he dug its blade into the entrance, unsealing the formation within only an instant. Its doors opened, grabbing hold of Xuanyuan Wentian and closing shut right afterwards.

"Hahaha..." Xiao Jiantian laughed. "Like a monster chest when you open it-"

"What's behind that door?" Xia Qingyue inquired, having read everything about the mythical Sanctuary of Xuanyuan Jiantian. Though, those were just legends... it was naturally better to ask the person who had constructed it.

"Well, let's see here. A crying baby who can destroy and corrupt everything around it who's fortunately sealed away. A great ancestor tied to one of the Seven Heavenly Treasure's who's very bitchy... and when I say bitchy, I do mean it. I also sealed her away. Then there's a myriad of weapons, all of which would be priceless treasures even in the Realm of the Gods, and a garden of fragrant flowers overflowing with profound energy. Never mind the countless cultivation resources and powerful profound arts I left behind..."

"And due to the way I've sealed it, the Sanctuary is very much like the Realm of the Gods on this planet. All of that is maintained by a replication of my old self, Xuanyuan Jiantian. Albeit not nearly as strong as I was at my peak, it is still more than enough to crush any possible opposition."

"It truly is a divine place... but what are the requirements to enter?"

"How about this; if you manage to learn the 3rd Style of the Mighty Heavenly Sword God's Art (Water Law) properly within five years, I'll open the gate for you."

"Woah... no free passes, not even for your wife?" Xiao Kuanglei questioned, shaking his head a little.

"I don't need you to speak on my behalf." Xia Qingyue replied, although Xiao Jiantian began to explain nonetheless.

"If everything is simply handed to you, where's the challenge? You're begging to grow into a couch potato."

"A what?"

"A lazy person." Xiao Jiantian explained simply. "I conquered worlds, crushed mighty god-emperors and their vast armies beneath my feet, fought hordes of catastrophic beasts and braved the very most dangerous of environments. Every weapon is roughly a year of my life spent perfecting every little detail. This might sound rather cold but you have to earn the privilege of setting foot in that place, no matter who you are to me."

"Then I will do my best and works towards that goal." Xia Qingyue nodded, not seeming too upset about it.

This made Xiao Jiantian smile. "I'm sure you'll achieve it in good time."

"Anyways, you guys wait here. I need to pick some stuff up." Xiao Jiantian entered the formation himself, joining Xuanyuan Wentian.

~

Xuanyuan Wentian had already gotten acquainted with Xuanyuan Jiantian's replication, who had given him a place to mediate along with a pellet that would push him past the Sovereign Profound Realm. So, when Xiao Jiantian entered he was alone with the shadow of his old self.

"Never once did his faith in your ways dwindle... a diligent subject he is, indeed." The replication remarked. "Even so close to his lifespan's end, he kept true to himself... till the very end, awakening the sword's true form."

Xiao Jiantian nodded after hearing that. "Always diligent, never wasting a single moment towards growing better. He reminded me of my old self and that's why I chose him."

"You were right to do so, it seems." The replication stated. "So... original, how may I serve you on this fine day?"

"Give me fifty Mighty Heavenly Divine Awakening Pellets, nine Mighty Heavenly Lightning God pellets, two Untamed World Pellets, three Universe Penta Jade Pellets, the Eternal Heaven Pearl and the Wheel."

'The benefits of collecting resources for the future... hahahaha.'

Xiao Jiantian found it hard not to smirk.

"The Evil Infant's Wheel of Myriad Tribulations? Are you... sure? It was sealed away for a reason... its yin energy is simply far too contagious when released. Even when sealed, it sends chills down my spine when I get too close..."

"Yes, that Wheel. I require it." Xiao Jiantian confirmed without much hesitation.

"... As you command, I'll only take a moment."

After a short while, the replication gathered everything he had asked for and grouped them in separate storage rings.

"Do you need any other weapons?" The replication inquired, realising that Xiao Jiantian had nothing on him.

"No, I feel like forging something new..."

"As for the Eternal Heaven Pearl, the spirit of Eternal Heaven's Great Ancestor still resides within, just as you asked. Though... I'm afraid that she won't be opening up to you anytime soon. It might be better to just purge her and find a better replacement."

"Hmph, I'll figure it out. The Heart of Snow Glazed Glass supposedly gives one high comprehensive abilities... that would mean she's smart enough to know what's good for her."

"Eh... you know how these people are, my original. Some cultivators are just stubborn and foolish until the very end."

"Yeah... it's a drag." Xiao Jiantian nodded. "Well, anyway, thank you for completing all your duties. One more thing; if anything happens to Qingyue in my absence-"

"I'll chop them all up, haha, I got it already." The replication interrupted him.

"Eh, something like that." Xiao Jiantian smiled. "I'll be going now... oh and tell Wentian not to spend too much time in there, I need him up in five days."

"I'll remind him." After seeing him turn to leave, the replication spoke once more. "Original, you're off to shake the Realm of the Gods again, aren't you?"

Xiao Jiantian did not answer, simply leaving with a smile on his face.

~

Temporarily, his subjects were given some room in the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region while Xiao Jiantian spent two days spreading a message across the Profound Sky Continent:

--------

At the beginning of 2017 AXJ, the fate of the Profound Sky Continent will be decided before the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region's entrance. All major leaders of the Seven Profound Nations and Five Great Sacred Grounds are required to attend or they will face divine punishment... no exceptions.

I'm looking at you, Eternal Night Royal Family.

Anyways, this meeting has come as a result of a recent conflict between four of the Great Sacred Grounds. More will be explained when everyone has gathered... as for transportation, I will personally open a formation for each and every one of you if necessary.

Sincerely, Xuanyuan Jiantian.

(AXJ - After Xuanyuan Jiantian's birth)

--------

So, as the days passed, each and every leader had gathered at a massive platform Xiao Jiantian constructed. Some individuals were naturally more reluctant than others to attend... but, in the end, who could dare object a direct order from Xuanyuan Jiantian? Even the Eternal Night Royal Family made a public entrance for the first time in what seemed forever.

All the while, Xiao Jiantian decided to go off on a little teleportation trip in his final few days after boosting his profound strength to the Peak of the Emperor Profound Realm.

~

Illusory Demon Realm, Demon Imperial City.

BOOM, a golden star dropped from the sky and into the Demon Imperial Palace. Once the fog cleared, a rather young man came into perfect view. His hair had grown slightly longer and all of his features were quite exquisite, as one would expect from a person so divine. From the enchanting azure eyes to the manly muscles and shining golden pagoda on his head.

"So this is the Illusory Demon Realm..." Xiao Jiantian looked around as he was swiftly surrounded by several figures. "I've come to loot and burn down this place muahahaha!"

'Well, truly, there's nothing of value here...'

He put on an attempt to sound evil, which seemed to work decently well.

"You dare break the roof of the Demon Imperial Palace!? The price for that is a thousand deaths!"

"Ok, big man." Xiao Jiantian chuckled. "This King would love to see you attempt to scratch me even once, let alone kill me a thousand times!"

BOOM.

He kicked one of the guards in the gut, sending him crashing straight into the Little Demon Empress' throne. More of them gathered, even stronger experts than before...

Combining their strength, they releasing a wave of profound energy which sent Xiao Jiantian flying from the entrance. After the attack, however, he seemed to sustain very minimal damage... if anything.

"Was that meant to hurt?" He smirked, angering all of the Little Demon Empress' subjects. He charged into the group, beating every last one of them with simple punches and kicks.

"I came here for a real challenge and this is all I get? You people of the Illusory Demon Realm greatly disappoint this King!"

BOOOOOOOM.

Suddenly, an authoritative-looking aged man attempted to smash Xiao Jiantian into the ground but he dodged the blow.

"You look like someone strong."

"What reason do you have for attacking the Illusory Demon Realm?"

"For fun!"

Xiao Jiantian kicked the elder, sending him to the ground. He opened his palm and channelled a simple wave of profound energy, releasing it before the man could fully recover.

BOOOM.

"Father..." One of Mu Feiyan's sons approached the hole where Mu Feiyan laid temporarily dazed from the attack.

'-?'

SLASH.

A sword struck Xiao Jiantian's right shoulder, cutting deep into it.

"It's Duke Ming! He's going to save us!"

Xiao Jiantian grabbed the sword with his left, dragging Duke Ming closer and kicking him in the chest.

"What kind of idiot goes for the shoulder?" Xiao Jiantian chuckled as he kicked Duke Ming's sword right back at him. "As a wise purple titan once said, you should've gone for the head… not that you'd be able to cut through mine."

"This arrogant child…" Duke Ming grabbed his sword off the ground and prepared to face Xiao Jiantian. "I'll teach you a lesson."

"Three hundred and twenty-three."

"What are you counting for?"

"Oh, nothing much. It's simply the number of times that statement has been directed towards me… amusing enough, I ended up teaching them a lesson every single time. I have a feeling that you'll be joining that long list soon, my good friend."

"Hmph!"

Duke Ming led the charge, being the only level ten Monarch in the entire Illusory Demon Realm, and was backed by a majority of the heads of the Twelve Guardian Families.

Though, they'd all soon realise that a peak Throne Xiao Jiantian was far more devastating than a combined invasion from the Absolute Monarch Sanctuary, Sun Moon Divine Hall and Supreme Ocean Palace.

At first, the Illusory Demon Realm's forces were winning… or so the spectators thought. Xiao Jiantian endured several deep wounds while being unable to counter due to the sheer number disadvantage. However, frighteningly enough, the more they harmed him, the quicker he recovered. Even lost limbs... he regenerated in no time whatsoever!

Eventually, he started going on the offensive and sent experts spiralling in every direction with his unparalleled unarmed combat.

'This body is so fucking amazing.' He remarked, smirking as he tanked Duke Ming's attack with ease.

"Impossible… that was my strongest attack and you-"

"Brushed it aside?" Xiao Jiantian watched Duke Ming's rather amusing expression, chuckling a little. "Do you think you are capable of permanently damaging this King's perfect body?"

Suddenly, the sky grew dark and lightning struck the ground. Xiao Jiantian flew higher up, raising his arm. Though, the Illusory Demon Realm's forces weren't too keen on seeing him charge up his attack and so they attacked.

But it was all for nought.

Swords of pure navy lightning fell from the sky, devastating all who were struck by them.

"The sheer insolence to interrupt my glorious build-up… I ought to turn this entire city into a ruin."

With every passing moment, the profound energy in his left hand grew in quantity, ever so often being condensed and strengthened further. No matter what they tried… they couldn't interrupt the growing danger. From the now clouded sky, a dragon roar erupted...

"What…. what do you want from us?" A drop of sweat fell from Duke Ming's forehead as he looked up at Xiao Jiantian, who stood higher than everyone else. Beyond the clouded skies, lightning fell down as a dragon seemed to form and prepare its calamitous descent onto the earth.

"I've heard that one many times before… far too many times to count, in truth." Xiao Jiantian sighed. "Am I truly that imperious, hmm?"

"Oh, that reminds me… you said something about teaching me a lesson some minutes ago. How well did that end for you, again?"

"... I admit, I was ignorant towards your divine strength." Duke Ming bowed his head low, something he thought he'd never have to do again except out of courtesy to the Little Demon Empress. "But now I've been enlightened!"

"Good." Xiao Jiantian lowered his hand, although the lightning within his palm remained. He dropped down to look into Duke Ming's eyes directly. "From what I sense, you are the strongest being in this continent yet they call you Duke… why is that?"

Having experienced his strength first hand, no one dared walk even an inch closer to him. Especially not with the terrifying lightning in his hand.

"I am the strongest only because the Demon Emperor and Demon King are no longer with us. They were the strongest of my generation and I always looked up to them…. It's a shame that they disappeared the way they did. Now, all that remains of the Demon Emperor's legacy is the Little Demon Empress..." Duke Ming clenched his fist in anger, his acting clearly refined to the point that it seemed real. "One day, I will avenge them and set the Profound Sky Continent ablaze for what they did to the Illusory Demon Realm and those two great people."

"Nice monologue, Duke Ming… very nice, indeed!" Xiao Jiantian clapped, smiling devilishly for a moment. "Did you factor in the fact that I am the Divine Protector of the Profound Sky Continent?"

"I…" Duke Ming paused in shock, unable to speak further.

"Are you going to try to burn me too, Duke Ming?" Suddenly, the lightning in his hand boomed for a moment.

"I… didn't know-"

"Xuanyuan Wentian didn't speak too fondly of you… something about setting up the Demon Emperor for an ambush… lying about a planned invasion on the Profound Sky Continent… does that ring a bell?"

"..."

"Well, fortunately for you, I'm on your side!" Xiao Jiantian smiled cheerfully, though the look in his eyes remained all the same. "You see, I heard about this Little Demon Empress… and I felt that I needed a sexy, petite, concubine right about now."

"Oh, is that all? You can have her. She's… she's right there haha." Duke Ming nervously pointed to Huan Caiyi who had been spectating the whole thing as she wasn't strong enough to make an impact on the fight.

"You will make a good subject, Duke Ming. I'll make you the Demon Emperor after this, haha." Xiao Jiantian grabbed his shoulder for a moment before walking towards Huan Caiyi.

"You… traitor! How dare you-"

"Sacrifices must be made for survival." Duke Ming brushed aside Huan Caiyi's accusations, looking secretly smug. "If this divine being wants you, then I can't stop him…"

Once Xiao Jiantian reached Huan Caiyi, he lifted her head by the chin using his right hand and made a quick observation. "Pretty face you have there... I can almost kiss it."

As he moved in for a kiss on the lips, he abruptly stopped only an inch away from her face. His entire expression changed and he didn't seem interested at all right after.

"But you're as flat as an ironing board."

"A what...?"

He removed his hand from her chin, leaving Huan Caiyi dumbfounded with his cold words.

(Meanwhile, someone in the sky instinctively checked her size.)

Suddenly, the lightning in his other hand exploded, making Huan Caiyi twitch in fear. But she wasn't the one who was struck.

BOOM.

It was Duke Ming who was struck!

His satisfied expression turned to absolute shock within a single breath of time.

"... What… the… fuck..." He blurted out, vomiting out a mouthful of blood as he looked down at the hole in his chest.

From Xiao Jiantian's hand, a line of lightning flashed… a spear, you could say, and it had penetrated right through the duke.

"You…"

"Oops, I lied. Don't take my words too seriously, Little Demon Empress. I was simply teasing, hahaha." Xiao Jiantian turned around, his devilish smile appearing once more. He released the spear from his hand, walking back to the now mortally wounded Duke Ming. "As for you, Duke Ming. You think you're a dragon… but you're nothing more than the shadow of a snake."

"...No…"

"I bet the Demon Emperor and Demon King would've given me a proper fight… but, alas, I doubt they could've matched the amusement that I've gained from seeing your thunderstruck face. The pun was absolutely intended, by the way."

"I… can't die… I… won't die…"

"You won't die by my hand as that would be a blessing for the likes of you." Xiao Jiantian stopped before Duke Ming, who had fallen onto his knees in pain. He grabbed his head and soul searched through his memories, confirming what he had heard and more.

"Fucking hell… you're even more of a wanker than I thought."

Xiao Jiantian kicked him down, deciding to cripple Duke Ming. He did so with great ease, healing Duke Ming's other wounds so that he wouldn't die. But now… his cultivation had fallen to the Tyrant Profound Realm and was rapidly fading… just like his dreams of being the Demon Emperor.

"There's a Yun Clan here, isn't there? You're all free to search his memories with your profound handles." Xiao Jiantian looked back at Huan Caiyi. "And you can decide his fate afterwards."

"As for me, I'll just chill at the side and enjoy my favourite beverage."

"... This man is so bizarre." Mu Feiyan remarked with valid reason; one moment he's kicking your ass and carrying himself like a tyrant, the next he's administering justice and acting like nothing happened. Then again, this was the privilege of being the strongest around…

Duke Huai stepped in before his father in a hurry, though the scene was swiftly overrun by experts of the Twelve Guardian Families. A conflict erupted between Duke Huai Palace and the Twelve Guardian Families… but it was swiftly solved as Duke Ming was no longer in fighting shape. The rebel forces were crushed, Duke Ming and Huai along with many other traitors were either killed or taken prisoner to be tortured until their inevitable deaths. Seeing the punishments that Huan Caiyi administered, Xiao Jiantian was impressed.

Afterwards, he simply left and ignored everyone like nothing had happened.

Sensing the Golden Crow's divine spirit, he walked towards its trial grounds and picked its structure apart; gaining access. He turned around and saw Huan Caiyi following him.

"You bypassed the formation... without the Demon Emperor's seal?"

"I've cracked through more complicated formations than this before." Xiao Jiantian shrugged and proceeded into the Golden Crow Lightning Flame Valley. Xiao Jiantian found himself still being followed by Huan Caiyi... though, he did not pay her much heed.

"As for your earlier act against this empress, I will not allow it to go noticed. You embarrassed me in front of everyone..."

Xiao Jiantian chuckled, smiling a little. "And this King would do it again!"

"You...! If you weren't so strong, you'd be dead a thousand times over by now, hmph!"

"Right... whatever. The more you speak, the less I regret my decision. Maybe I should've really made Duke Ming the Demon Emperor and turned you into my personal maid instead."

"Do you mean that?"

"No?" Xiao Jiantian shook his head. "I don't mean a lot of things I say. But whenever I do make a promise... I keep my word."

"You are so strange..."

"I know." Xiao Jiantian admitted. "There's a reason why I haven't had a friend in countless millennia..."

"Countless millennia?"

"I don't have the time to explain that, maybe later if I'm feeling generous."

"Whatever."

Eventually, they reached the Holy Land. In that time, Xiao Jiantian found out more about Huan Caiyi and her current situation. As she was the Little Demon Empress, he decided to give her a chance at awakening her bloodline fully. This was another way of repaying the acts of the Great Sacred Grounds which he took some responsibility for.

It would seem that she lacked the Demon Emperor's seal to open the doors to the Golden Crow's Holy Land. This was because the Demon Emperor had entrusted it to the Demon King... who ended up losing it while attempting to retrieve the Demon Emperor from the Profound Sky Continent. Just like the Demon Emperor, the Demon King Yun Canghai was ambushed by the Three of the Five Great Sacred Grounds.

Turns out that they had all teleported into pre-set suppressing formations so killing them was easy.

Afterwards, a great dispute erupted between the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region and the trio that was the Absolute Monarch Sanctuary, Sun Moon Divine Hall and Supreme Ocean Palace. Xuanyuan Wentian had discovered from the first ambush that Duke Ming was simply seeking to benefit himself, using the lie of a 'planned invasion' to make him act against the Demon Emperor. To do so once again against the Demon King...

War had almost erupted, though Xuanyuan Wentian held off as he did not wish to lose a majority of his own Sacred Ground members over protecting an outsider. Instead, he took the Demon Emperor's seal and kept it away from Duke Ming. As for returning it to the Demon emperor's successors, he knew that Duke Ming could just as easily steal it away being the strongest in the continent. Entering the Illusory Demon Realm wasn't exactly easy either as Duke Ming cut off all the formations leading to it.

After having learned all of this from Xuanyuan Wentian, Xiao Jiantian was rather keen on teaching Duke Ming a lesson... which he did accomplish.

"So, can you break into this too?"

"A piece of cake." Xiao Jiantian unlocked the entrance within only a few seconds. "They don't call me the God of Formations for nothing."

They both entered as a golden crow appeared at the centre of the Holy Land.

"Oh my, what a perfect and heaven-defying specimen you are... perfect balance between yin and yang... dense primordial profound energy..."

Xiao Jiantian felt the golden crow's divine spirit land her eyes on him. For a moment, it seemed as if his clothes were see-through...

"What are you looking at?" Xiao Jiantian suddenly recalled a few random remarks of the Golden Crow's aptitude from Aria and it all made sense. 'So much for privacy... what are these clothes good for?'

"Oh, I'm just making an observation. Don't mind me."

'Whatever...'

He opened his palm and absorbed a small portion of the Golden Crow's aura, taking it into myself. After replicating its matter, he was able to create his own golden crow flames and use them as if he were the Golden Crow himself... if not better.

"Golden flames... looking beautiful, not going to lie." Xiao Jiantian turned back to the Golden Crow after admiring his creation. "I want you to give this lady here some of your divine blood."

"Hahahahaha, I am more than capable of that. But do you know what it will do to her current body?"

"Hmm, enlighten me."

"Well, to put it shortly, my Golden Crow flame is the world's fiercest Yang fire and she is female. Do you know why every past ruler of the Illusory Demon Realm was male? It's simple really, my ancestral blood and flames would do more harm to a woman than good. That is why, even with only a thin trace of the Golden Crow's bloodline, that Little Demon Empress has been suffering day and night trying to wield my flames."

"Oh, and she's a virgin on top of all that. Only a drop of my ancestral blood and her mortal body will explode in flames in under a week!"

"Yikes..." Xiao Jiantian stroked his chin. "I take it it's impossible, then?"

"Not if you share your yang energy by... dual-cultivating. I'm sure a hundred or so rounds would more than suffice."

Xiao Jiantian and Huan Caiyi were both silent for a long moment before Xiao Jiantian spoke. He felt slightly insulted, to say the least.

"...I beg your pardon-?"