Ye Yang looked at the demons that had gathered intently. He couldn’t say for sure whether they had understood or if they agreed if they did. He couldn’t make sure of that in a short time either. Anyway, most of them might not make their mind up on the spot or might change it again after thinking further.

No matter what, he had said what needed to be said, and from here on out, he could embark on this path he had chosen. Every new competition he organized, every item that was produced during them, and every name he added to the list of those exceptional demons was an achievement bringing him and the whole demon race closer to his goal. Even if some couldn’t appreciate it, it was still worth it and he believed that sooner or later, when his work started to bear fruit, he would convince even those who were doubtful now.

Of course, actually reaching his goal required not just a general announcement but for him to explicitly lay out part of his plan to make sure everyone saw that there were steps being taken. Otherwise, they might grow restless too early.

Giving everyone a bit of time to gather their initial thoughts on the topic, Ye Yang motioned to the painting behind him and the artist who still stood next to it. “This painting competition we have held is the first step on the road back to our past prime. I believe that everyone who has visited the pagoda in the last days will know now that we indeed have very talented painters among our people and even if not all of their names might be known to you just yet, at least Guan Chen should be familiar to you now.

“In the future, next to him, a line of talented people pursuing other arts and crafts will stand. We will discover them one by one, slowly adding to our understanding of our own talents and hopefully propelling our achievements in these areas forward with each new round of competitions. Afterward, it will be time to present those skills to those outside our realm and reclaim the position we have once held in everyone’s perception: That of a talented people worthy of admiration.”

Ye Yang might not be sure what the demons gathered around thought, but they were indeed thoughtful after hearing his speech, recalling the stories of their race’s past and trying to imagine the future Ye Yang described. And just as he thought, most demons had a certain sense of pride. Everyone found it in something different but being able to gain another sense of pride simply for being a demon … ah, they certainly wouldn’t say no! Thus, at this point, most of them were indeed moved by his ideas, somewhat looking forward to what Ye Yang would do next, wanting things to develop as fast as possible.

Thankfully for them, Ye Yang intended to inform them about the next step so as to create more enthusiasm for the next competition. It wouldn’t start immediately since wrapping up the previous one and preparing for the next would take some time but at least giving a direction would allow everyone to spread the word further, making the next competition even more packed with competitors, allowing him to unearth more talents.

“I believe that no time should be wasted on our road back to our peak so the next competition will soon commence. In memory of what we were known for once upon a time, I intend to have our best jewelry makers compete this time. As to what exactly their task will be … I will reveal that and all the other relevant details in the upcoming weeks.”

This was all he had to say about his plans for the time being. So now, all that was left to say were a few parting words. Otherwise, his speech would become too long anyway and people wouldn’t want to listen as much. Oftentimes, it was better to keep it short and focus on the most important parts.

Just as he wanted to speak up, the space next to the platform he stood on was disturbed and Lin Shi appeared, her expression … odd.

Ye Yang stared at her, a sinking feeling in his stomach. He had no idea what was going on but it couldn’t be anything good with how she looked. For a moment, he couldn’t even say whether he should be happy that this had happened after the competition was over so that he had more time to deal with it or angry because this meant that the time he had finally regained might be filled up straight away. Either way, he shouldn’t delay whatever had happened.

He forced a smile and stepped forward, closer to the edge of the stage. “Walking this path will require the individual strength of our people as well as the efforts of everyone. I hope that each of you will reflect on what you can bring to the demon realm going forth. Now, this competition is over. You may disperse.”

He didn’t wait for their reaction and stepped down, grabbing Lin Shi and disappearing with her before reappearing in the palace. He would have liked to have a few additional words with Guan Chen about how to proceed but clearly, there was no time.

He let go of Lin Shi’s arm and took a step back, raising his brows. “What happened?”

Lin Shi smiled wryly. “Your Majesty remembers the portraits you had us spread a few weeks ago?”

Ye Yang inclined his head. “Those of the Son of Heaven? Of course.” Hearing that question though, he couldn’t help but think of something outrageous. “You … wouldn’t have found him, would you?” And if she had … “In our realm?”

Lin Shi nodded. “Yes, he is wandering in the mountains in the east.”

Ye Yang closed his eyes. He naturally wasn’t aware of what had happened so hearing that the Son of Heaven had been found in their realm, he couldn’t help but worry. “How is he?”

Lin Shi’s expression turned as troubled as before. “To be honest … he looks pretty banged up.”

At that, Ye Yang could only curse under his breath.