Countless demon races appeared over the Eastern Sea, their dense figures making the great powers' scalps tingle.
"We should have known. How could the demon race easily miss such a blessed land as Penglai Immortal Island!"
"The demon race truly lives up to its reputation as a great race of the Primordial Era. Their numbers are truly immeasurable!"
"This is bad! These demons don't look friendly. Why have they surrounded us as well!"
Upon seeing the demon army appear, the great powers couldn't help but sigh with emotion, marveling at the demon race's immense power.
However, as the demons drew closer, they soon discovered an awkward truth.
The demon army that arrived later was utterly indiscriminate. Relying on their sheer numbers, they not only surrounded Xu Fang's forces but also, without a second thought, encircled those who were merely watching.
Moreover, this incoming demon force was even more numerous and powerful than the previous ones. The demon saints and generals leading them were clearly formidable beings.
Compared to them, the demons already engaged in battle with the three factions were merely the vanguard.
In fact, the combined forces of the four factions locked in battle might not even match the numbers of this new demon army. Their sheer presence alone rendered the area around Penglai Immortal Island completely impenetrable.
Seeing this situation, the great powers observing from the sidelines felt a sense of foreboding and began to speak up.
"Haha! The weather is lovely today. Fellow Daoist friends of the demon race, I've decided to head home. See you another day!"
"Indeed, let's all go back together! My robes are still hanging out to dry!"
"May the green hills remain and the rivers flow long. Farewell, farewell!"
As they spoke, the great powers stirred their forms, preparing to leave the scene.
The demon army's might was overwhelming, a clear sign that Penglai Immortal Island was lost to Xu Fang's side.
Naturally, they wished to leave this place quickly to avoid being caught in the crossfire, lest their innocent act of spectating lead to their own downfall – that would be truly unfortunate!
However, as they ascended, the descending demons remained utterly unmoved, standing their ground without any intention of clearing a path.
"This..."
The expressions of the great powers changed drastically. Could it be that the demon race intended to drag them, the mere spectators, down to accompany Xu Fang in death?
Seeing the imposing demon army, their resolute postures, and the pervasive killing intent, they dared not charge forward rashly. They could only turn their gazes back to Donghuang Taiyi.
"Heh heh! Weren't you enjoying the spectacle just moments ago? Why the rush to leave now?"
Donghuang Taiyi glanced at the great powers, a smile on his face that quickly turned cold.
"Without my command, anyone who dares to leave will be killed without mercy!"
Donghuang Taiyi ordered, and the demons responded in unison.
"Yes!"
The myriad demons spoke as one, their voices instantly shaking the heavens, causing the great powers to feel a deafening roar and persistent ringing in their ears.
The great powers grumbled inwardly. Donghuang Taiyi was truly overbearing! They had never heard of anyone being forced to watch a spectacle!
However, despite their inner dissatisfaction, under the immense pressure of the demon army, they had no choice but to descend and resume their roles as observing great powers.
Of course, they were filled with regret, wishing they had left earlier instead of insisting on watching the excitement.
Donghuang Taiyi paid them no mind, his gaze fixed on Xu Fang's side.
With the arrival of the demon army, the battle between the four factions ceased. The forces of the Dragon and Phoenix clans, along with the Celestial Court, retreated to Xu Fang's side.
Their expressions were vigilant and tense, their gazes locked onto the surrounding demon forces, guarding against any sudden attack.
Yet, everyone understood that even with their utmost effort, in the face of the demon army's overwhelming might, they would be like leaves scattered by an autumn wind, unable to resist for long.
"Xu Fang, do you have anything else to say now?"
Donghuang Taiyi asked sternly, his voice filled with smugness.
Did Xu Fang not boast of his extensive connections, calling for allies who would rally to his side?
Now that the demon army had sealed off the area like an iron bucket, what could Xu Fang do?
"Alright, I have nothing to say."
Xu Fang shrugged his shoulders and shook his head, responding with a sigh of helplessness.
It seemed the demon race was truly determined to seize Penglai Immortal Island. The demon army that arrived earlier was merely the vanguard, tasked with buying time for the main force.
Now that the main demon army had arrived, even with the assistance of the great powers and the combined forces of the Dragon, Phoenix, and Celestial Court, they were no match for the demon race.
This was truly something to acknowledge. The vast power of the demon race was no wonder they could contend with the Wu clan for dominance of the Primordial world. They truly could not be underestimated.
Donghuang Taiyi was quite pleased with Xu Fang's reaction. He nodded and slowly spoke.
"Xu Fang, to die at the hands of my demon race is your honor. Consider it a repayment for the innate gourd."
As Donghuang Taiyi spoke, he pointed at the beings on Xu Fang's side.
"As for you, you are most unfortunate to have chosen the wrong side. To uphold the dignity of the demon race, I, Donghuang Taiyi, decree that you all shall perish! Hahaha!"
Donghuang Taiyi let out a wild laugh, and Di Jun, standing behind him, also wore a smile.
The demon race had mobilized this grand force for a reason; Penglai Immortal Island was undoubtedly their target.
Moreover, this time, they would not only obtain Penglai Immortal Island but also subdue and eliminate the great powers and factions who had shown defiance towards the demon race, achieving multiple objectives in one fell swoop!
Seeing that a great battle was imminent, Fuxi and Nuwa could no longer stand idly by and quickly spoke.
"Di Jun, Donghuang Taiyi, it is better to resolve conflicts than to escalate them. Why must it come to this?"
"Indeed, why don't we each take a step back and retreat? Would that not be a happy outcome for all?"
They naturally did not wish for Xu Fang to perish at this moment and therefore spoke, attempting to broker a peaceful resolution.
However, Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi remained indifferent to their words, and the demon race was silent, as if they had not heard them at all.
Fuxi and Nuwa exchanged a look, both with bitter expressions, preparing to speak again.
Just then, Xu Fang's voice rang out first.
"Fellow Daoist friends, there is no need for further words. I will not yield an inch of Penglai Immortal Island. How can we take a step back?"
Penglai Immortal Island was his birthplace; how could he possibly give it up?
Even if he were to yield, looking at the demon race's formation, they clearly would not let him off the hook. It would be better to fight a glorious battle.
"Yield not an inch? Haha, how ridiculous!"
Donghuang Taiyi laughed wildly. "Xu Fang, do you truly believe that at this point, a gentleman can still turn the tide?"
Before Xu Fang could respond, the Golden-Winged Great Peng immediately took offense.
"Donghuang Taiyi, do you truly believe you have victory in hand?"
"Very well, if you are so confident, do you dare to say those words again? If you have the guts, say them one more time!"
Upon hearing the Golden-Winged Great Peng's words, all the beings present understood.
After Donghuang Taiyi uttered those words earlier, the Celestial Court and the Phoenix clan had indeed appeared, which was quite strange.
Perhaps if Donghuang Taiyi dared to say them again, the same effect would occur?
For a moment, whether it was the observing great powers, Xu Fang's side, or even the demon race members, all eyes turned to Donghuang Taiyi.
Under the intense scrutiny of the crowd, Donghuang Taiyi's expression faltered. The unpleasant experience from earlier resurfaced in his mind, leaving him in a state of indecision.
He wasn't sure why, but this time, everything he said came true. He couldn't be certain if, after uttering such words again, a faction would truly emerge to support Xu Fang.