Upon the Bloodfang Throne, Demon Sovereign Zhonglou slowly opened his eyes. Almost instantly, the Nether Realm seemed to awaken. Torrents of demonic aura surged toward the throne as if paying homage to a sovereign. Zhonglou’s blood-red gaze pierced the distance, glinting with the deep brilliance of blood diamonds.
“The Heavenly Demon Emperor?” His blood-colored lips parted, emitting a calm voice, as though the Emperor were beneath his notice. And indeed, he was. In the Six Realms, only Feipeng of the Celestial Realm piqued Zhonglou’s interest. All others were unworthy of the Demon Sovereign’s regard.
Below, Protector Xifeng’s heart raced, his body instinctively lowering. Despite five centuries of service, he could not acclimate to Zhonglou’s terrifying presence. Perhaps no one in the Six Realms could stand before him with composure. Xifeng bowed, seeking guidance. “Lord Demon Sovereign, the three thousand Rootless Lands tremble. Shall I dispatch forces to suppress them?”
Zhonglou offered no reply. Instead, he raised his arms, demonic aura coiling like a tangible force. In the next moment, twin wrist-blades materialised, unleashing a cross-shaped slash of blade energy. It moved with such speed that it transcended the Six Realms’ spatial constraints, streaking toward the distant Rootless Lands.
In the Mortal Realm, all major factions had been mobilised. General Yuchi Jingde, of the Di Earth Badger Constellation under the Azure Dragon, led two hundred thousand Dragon Cavalry of the Realm to Lesser Jialuo Province. The Great Tang’s armies comprised three branches: the Dragon Cavalry, formed of Qilin Knights; the Crimson Sky Army, trained in the Crimson Sky Spear Technique; and the Shadow Dragon Guard, the Emperor’s covert force. Among them, the Dragon Cavalry reigned supreme.
Atop the city walls, Yuchi Jingde surveyed a harrowing scene on Jialuo Mountain. Thunder roared incessantly, each peal preceded by jagged lightning that fractured the sky. The earth quaked, and within the thick black clouds, countless scarlet, slit-like eyes gleamed, dense as needlepoints. The demonic aura swept in like a typhoon, suffocating all in its path.
Yuchi Jingde drew his sword, the heavy power of the Di Earth Badger Constellation spreading outward, shredding the encroaching demonic aura. Without hesitation, he commanded, “Form the Golden Scale Imperial Sky Array!”
Clang, clang, clang!
At his order, the two hundred thousand Dragon Cavalry arranged themselves into a grand formation. Golden scales gleamed in the sky, a majestic golden dragon coiling before Jialuo City, repelling the demonic aura. The soldiers stood resolute and ready for battle. Yuchi Jingde gripped his sword, staring into the distance, his teeth clenched.
Today, I will stand or fall with Lesser Jialuo Province.
Simultaneously, other Tang generals, under the Emperor’s command, led their forces to the demonic domains, erecting defensive arrays. The situation was dire, and none held illusions of ease. Their resolve was absolute: Conquer or die trying.
Elsewhere, the Great Tang’s four Star Princes took action, journeying to the domains of the Five Princes to rally their armies against the demonic threat. The Five Princes, receiving the imperial edict, dared not delay.
In Huaiyang Province, Li Daoxuan, upon hearing Li Chengqian’s account, clasped his fists. “Your Highness, rest assured, I shall fully support you in repelling the Demon Kings!”
Li Daoxuan, one of the Five Princes, held the title of the Water Monkey Constellation under the White Tiger, wielding the greatest power and influence among them. Li Chengqian nodded with satisfaction. “With the ten Demon Kings stirring chaos, this is a chance to prove ourselves. Support me fully, Uncle, and when I ascend the throne, your contributions shall not be forgotten.” Li Daoxuan bowed. “My thanks, Your Highness.”
Each of the Five Princes commanded formidable forces. Li Chengqian’s choice of Li Daoxuan was deliberate—he was the mightiest, controlling the largest army outside the imperial court. As the Star of Golden Virtue and eldest son, Li Chengqian was the likeliest heir. Their alliance formed one of the Great Tang’s most potent forces.
Similarly, the other three Star Princes sought out their preferred princes, forming alliances amid fervent activity. But in Yidu Prefecture, Li Yuanba sat atop his twin golden hammers, unmoved by Li Tai’s words, the Star of Water Virtue. He replied coolly, “Your Highness, return. I shall deploy my forces against the demons in my own time.”
Li Tai’s expression flickered, though he maintained courtesy. “My thanks, Uncle. I take my leave.” Outside, his demeanour shifted. “Of the Five Princes, four have allied with a prince, yet you remain aloof. What hesitance holds you, Uncle? Were you to join me, with two princes’ support, I could trample Li Chengqian and claim the throne!”
Muttering his discontent, Li Tai departed. Of the Five Princes, four had aligned with a Star Prince, but Li Yuanba stood resolute, unmoved by any overture. Rumours claimed that his battle with Yuwen Chengdu years ago had left him addled by lightning, a fool who barely survived. Yet none knew that Li Yuanba was clearer of mind than anyone.
In Yidu Prefecture, Li Yuanba stood by a window, gazing at the sky’s demonic shroud, his eyes tinged with melancholy. The world deemed him a fool, but his mind had long since healed. The tale traced back over a decade, to his duel with Yuwen Chengdu, fought from the Sui capital to Purple Gold Mountain. He emerged victorious, but at a cost—lightning from the mountain had seared his mind, leaving him in a haze, slashing himself in madness, a living corpse confined in the Prince of Qin’s mansion.
Yet, a frail figure in that mansion had tended to him, bringing herbs to treat his self-inflicted wounds. Time passed, and Li Yuanba dispelled the lightning’s curse, regaining his clarity. But that small figure was gone.
Clang!
Li Yuanba hefted his Thunder Drum Urn Hammers and strode from the general’s mansion. “Little one, you’re gone, and I’ll pledge myself to no prince. Your heart was kind, radiant despite the darkness around you. Were you here, you’d never let the people suffer. This battle, I fight as if you stand behind me!”