For the Three Sovereigns, half an hour was merely a slight disadvantage. But overall, in the engagement, they had already lost—utterly and completely.

From the very start of the battle, Lei Dong had unleashed the incomparably pure and overwhelmingly dominant Netherworld Domain, and the brutal slaughter had already driven the enemy into a state of low morale.

Furthermore, with the Butterfly People, masters of support, healing their wounded warriors from the rear, Lei Dong's campaign was turning into a magnificent victory.

Most crucially, the most powerful among the enemy forces, the Three Sovereigns, were tied up by Tai Ming and the Butterfly Sovereign, rendering them unable to inflict any meaningful harm on Lei Dong's army.

At this moment, the Three Sovereigns were all ashen-faced, completely devoid of fighting spirit. Even against Tai Ming and the Butterfly Sovereign before them, continued engagement for a few more days would gradually lead to victory for the Sovereigns' side.

Moreover, in that recent clash, that fellow from the opposing side—unclear whether Celestial or Human—possessed combat strength not inferior to the quasi-saint level Tai Ming. Two quasi-saints, coupled with countless other powerful figures lurking nearby. The only remaining option for the Three Sovereigns was to flee.

However, someone had already attempted to escape earlier, and the outcome had been clearly witnessed by the three, who possessed eyes everywhere and ears attuned to all. In this confined space, the single path of retreat had been completely sealed off.

If flight was impossible, and death was undesirable, the only remaining choice was surrender. While parrying Tai Ming’s increasingly fierce attacks, the Destruction Demon Sovereign used his soul-wave to communicate with the Queen of Suffering: "Invidia, we have known each other for no less than a million years. I, Aedro, have never mistreated you over these years. How about this, you intercede for me? Afterwards, we can all serve one master together, and I guarantee to look after you well. As for that so-called Chaos Origin, I won't ask for it anymore."

"Hahahaha." The Queen of Suffering, watching from the sidelines, roared triumphantly: "Aedro, Aedro, look at you now? You want to defect to my Master and still expect this granny to plead your case? Heh heh, have you forgotten how you lorded it over us subordinates for the past million years? Hmph, this granny will not hold a grudge against a petty man. Come over here and lick this granny’s toes, and I might forgive you..."

"Aedro, you despicable wretch, daring to defect in the decisive battle! I’m done fighting, do whatever you want!" The Tiger Sovereign, Bai Li, roared in fury, pulling back immediately and retreating tens of miles away, ceasing his combat. In just half an hour, his Chaos White Tiger Armor was riddled with dents, a truly miserable sight. Fortunately, the Chaos White Tiger Armor was also a rare Chaos Supreme Treasure, and it would naturally begin to repair itself.

The Sky Palace Sword Sovereign was also a proud individual. Seeing Aedro's treachery, he too recalled his Sky Palace Immortal Sword and stood aside with his hands behind his back, content to watch the show. Since they couldn't win anyway, what was the point of fighting? His long-range sword control techniques left him looking only slightly pale, but otherwise neat and tidy.

Poor Aedro also wanted to flee, but how could Tai Ming allow it? In previous battles, the Three Sovereigns combined had inflicted much suffering upon Tai Ming. It was only due to his thick hide that he had barely held on. Now that he finally had a chance to beat a drowning dog, why would he let it go?

Immediately, the Netherworld Ghost Qi surrounding him deepened, ensnaring the Destruction Demon Sovereign. His mountain-sized fists rained down mercilessly. Clang! Bang! Crash! A severe beating ensued.

Though the Destruction Demon Sovereign was an immensely powerful figure, he was still far inferior to the quasi-saint Tai Ming. Moreover, having lost his will to fight, he could only defend himself, getting beaten into a miserable state, utterly wretched. Luckily, his innate talent was extraordinary, and the Demonic Arts he practiced were equally potent, granting him a hide as thick and tough as stone, capable of enduring the punishment.

But he also knew exactly how heavy Tai Ming’s punches were. If this continued, he would be beaten to death. In his heart, he cursed the Queen of Suffering incessantly: You wretched woman, if I ever get a chance to rise again, I will make you wish for life more than death!

However, his mouth pleaded bitterly: "Invidia, for the sake of our shared lineage, please forgive my past transgressions. I can compensate you—one hundred thousand Chaos Crystals—if only you will speak a good word for me to your Master."

"Heh heh." The Queen of Suffering nestled close to Lei Dong, giggling incessantly: "Master, this Destruction Demon Sovereign is despicable, shameless, savage, and cruel; he loves settling old scores. You must never let him have a chance to recover. As for his wealth, we can seize it all after we finish him off. Also, Master, your servant really likes his Destruction Demon Blade; it’s ranked seventh among the Ten Great Supreme Treasures."

"Tai Ming, be quick about it, finish him," Lei Dong said faintly, hands clasped behind his back.

"Yes, Young Master," Tai Ming roared, getting serious. Previously, he was merely venting his frustration. Now, upon hearing Lei Dong's command, he committed his full power. Tai Ming's respect for Lei Dong, while not yet reaching the level of reverence he held for the Underworld God, was growing day by day. Deep down, he was eager to serve Lei Dong.

"Invidia, you bitch! Had I known this would happen, I, this Sovereign... Ouch!" The Destruction Demon Sovereign was already suppressed by Tai Ming, his demonic claws held fast, with a chilling crack-crack-crack of shattering bones.

Although the Destruction Demon Sovereign was formidable, one of the top ten experts, he was ultimately no match for Tai Ming.

With extreme brutality, Tai Ming snapped all four of the Destruction Demon Sovereign’s limbs before covering the Demon Sovereign’s head with his massive hand, chuckling gutturally: "Aedro, back when you chased me around like a stray dog with that Destruction Demon Blade of yours, you certainly never imagined this day, did you?"

"Tai Ming, I was wrong! Plead with your Young Master for me; I, Aedro, will richly reward you." The Destruction Demon Sovereign begged pitifully and miserably.

"I must obey the Young Master's command. Save your confessions for the next cycle of reincarnation," Tai Ming sneered cruelly, then, using the strength of a quasi-saint giant, he crushed the Demon Sovereign's head, seized his primordial spirit, and respectfully presented the Demon Sovereign's spatial ring, demonic armor, demonic blade, and primordial spirit to Lei Dong.

"Well done, Tai Ming," Lei Dong nodded slightly in praise. "You have earned considerable merit this time; I will reward you handsomely later."

"Thank you, Young Master." Tai Ming was overjoyed. The Young Master's rewards were always generous, especially when presented with the soul of a strong being, which always put the Young Master in a good mood. Driven by self-interest, he licked his lips and glanced toward the Tiger Sovereign and the Sky Palace Sword Sovereign, saying with a bloodthirsty tone: "Young Master, shall this subordinate eliminate these two as well?"

"What use are they alive? Kill them and be done with it," Lei Dong waved his hand, as if those two weren't two of the peak figures among the Ten Great Realms, but just useless common fowl. Because of the existence of the Underworld Banner, he couldn't even be bothered to try and recruit them.

"As you command." Tai Ming roared with laughter and charged over, secretly calculating that eliminating these two would surely earn him even greater rewards from the Young Master. This provided him with endless motivation. Furthermore, in the past, Tai Ming was weak and often the target of bullying. Now that he had turned the tables, he felt an immense sense of vindication.

The Tiger Sovereign and the Sky Palace Sword Sovereign exchanged glances. Though fearful, they did not beg shamelessly like Aedro. Besides, they had seen through the enemy’s intentions; surrender was irrelevant. Even if they abandoned all dignity to beg, no one would pay them any mind.

"Self-destruct," a trace of pride flashed in the Tiger Sovereign's eyes. "Even in death, we will not be crushed like dogs, as Aedro was."

"Indeed. I, the Sky Palace Sword Sovereign, have traversed the Three Realms for millions of years, full of majesty and might," the Sky Palace Sword Sovereign also laughed proudly, hands behind his back. "Even if we die, we must die gloriously, lest my reputation be tarnished. Tai Ming, Tai Ming, I will show you what it means to fight desperately." He had firmly decided that even if he had to detonate his physical body, primordial spirit, and the Sky Palace Immortal Sword, he would never let the enemy succeed.

"Master, Master," Fairy Cang Lan timidly approached Lei Dong, clinging to him slightly furtively. "May I—may I plead for Lord Zhongli? Lord Zhongli, though somewhat aloof, has always treated us junior subordinates extremely well. He is not as despicable and shameless as Aedro."

"Tai Ming, come back," Lei Dong said calmly.

"Yes, Young Master." Tai Ming was very obedient now. Although deeply unwilling to stop before killing them both, he dared not disobey the command of Young Master Lei Dong. This was not just about his status or his rewards, nor even the command of the Underworld God; there was also genuine respect for Lei Dong as a powerhouse involved.

Tai Ming knew clearly what level of strength and cultivation Young Master Lei Dong possessed several thousand years ago. At that time, killing Lei Dong would not have required much effort.

But now, the Young Master's strength had actually caught up to his, showing signs of surpassing him at any moment. Under the principle that strength is paramount, Tai Ming naturally respected Lei Dong all the more.

"Sky Palace Sword Sovereign, Cang Lan speaks well of you and pleads for you. Now, this Young Master grants you an opportunity," Lei Dong said calmly. "If you can completely release your primordial spirit and accept this Young Master's spiritual imprint, I will spare your life. If you perform meritorious deeds in the future, bestowing half or even a full Chaos Origin upon you is not impossible."

The Sky Palace Sword Sovereign, Zhongli Qing, his expression shifting between delight and gloom, looked at Cang Lan. He hadn't expected that while Aedro had desperately begged the Queen of Suffering, she refused to intercede for him. Yet, he hadn't begged Cang Lan, but she took the initiative to plead on his behalf. This filled him with a wave of emotion.

After a long period of hesitation, he finally sighed, "My Lord, can you truly give me half a Chaos Origin?"

...(To be continued)RQ