...
Little Demon Lord's Division.
Under the command of Yuchi Wentian, the elite regiments of the three Asura Legions relied solely on the advantage of the terrain and rudimentary defenses to withstand wave after wave of the demon coalition's assaults, like a relentless storm.
Brothers kept falling in battle, and the wounded were constantly being carried away.
Yuchi Wentian was covered in blood and grime, his eyes bloodshot as he roared, "Has the distress signal been sent out? Did the communication jade talisman relay the message back to headquarters?"
"It's been sent!" His personal guard, equally exhausted, shouted back, "We've sent every distress signal we could, but headquarters is too far away, and it's almost impossible for reinforcements to arrive in time."
"Damn demons!" Yuchi Wentian howled at the sky, as if trying to vent all his emotions, "Kill, kill, kill! Kill one, it's worth it; kill two, it's a profit!"
"Kill, kill, kill!"
His words barely lifted the army's morale.
Meanwhile, the image of the Little Demon Lord in the central camp was equally disheveled. He and his guards were also covered in blood and grime, clearly having fought fiercely on the front lines before retreating to rest.His Lingxu Realm protector, Gong Litu, bore a claw mark that reached his lungs. He was injured while covering the Little Demon Lord's retreat from the front lines, struck by an enemy Demon King.
Fortunately, the robust physique and vitality of a Lingxu Realm cultivator meant the injury wasn't fatal.
"Young Master!" Gong Litu swallowed a pill, healing himself while advising, "We should retreat quickly. If you fall or are captured by the demons, it will be a huge problem."
"No way!" The Little Demon Lord's face was pale, but he stubbornly said, "So many brothers in the Asura Legion are fighting desperately; how can I abandon them to save myself?"
As he spoke, he took out a "Demon Lord Order," seemingly hesitating.
"Young Master, you must not use the Demon Lord Order," Gong Litu hurriedly advised, "In this situation, with the three major Demon Gods' coalition surrounding us, even if the Lord himself came, it wouldn't end well. It's better to keep this Demon Lord Order for a critical moment; it might save your life."
Summoning the Demon Lord's projection now would only lead to its needless sacrifice.
"Young Master!" The loyal guards also urged, "The situation is already hopeless; you should retreat. If you're captured, it would be a tremendous loss for both the Lord and the Demon Dynasty."
The Little Demon Lord hesitated, his gaze unfocused and drifting.
He didn't understand what he had done wrong.
Everything was going well, all according to plan, but in the blink of an eye, they were in dire straits.
Under the persuasion of his guards and Gong Lao, he finally wavered, putting away the [Demon Lord Order] and taking out a [Void Escape Talisman].
This escape treasure could only be crafted by True Immortals or True Demons, requiring significant resources to make even one.
Moreover, its use in the hands of a Lingxu Realm cultivator was limited, typically given to younger cultivators in the Divine or Purple Mansion Realms for protection. Naturally, the Little Demon Lord had such an item for self-defense.
"Where there's life, there's hope!" A fierce glint flashed in the Little Demon Lord's eyes, "Brothers, when I, Chao Qianjue, achieve the True Demon Realm, I will avenge you."
"Young Master, I'll cover you." Gong Lao soared into the sky again, charging towards the front lines with his blade.
His entire body erupted with demonic energy, the formidable aura of the Lingxu Realm burning fiercely, swiftly killing two unsuspecting demon lords.
In an instant, he was targeted by the projections of the Nether Fiend Demon God and the Yincha Demon God, with several Demon Kings immediately attacking.
"Gong Lao!"
The Little Demon Lord's expression was filled with pain, but he no longer hesitated, crushing the [Void Escape Talisman].
In a flash, a spatial vortex twisted around him, "swallowing" him into it.
The process took only a moment.
The Little Demon Lord's figure vanished from the battlefield in an instant.
"Spatial shift, is Chao Qianjue trying to escape?" The projections of the Yincha Demon God and the Nether Fiend Demon God immediately sensed the spatial disturbance, intervening to disrupt it.
Their joint attack was intended to capture the Little Demon Lord; they wouldn't let him escape so easily.
"Boom!"
In the sky, a vast expanse of space rippled like waves.
The Little Demon Lord's form was faintly visible in the distorted space, nearly being squeezed out.
However, the Little Demon Lord was no ordinary person. With his Peerless Prodigy-level Divine Realm cultivation, though he couldn't match the Lingxu Realm, his understanding of divine laws was nearing that level.
Coughing up blood, he unleashed several divine secret techniques, stabilizing the space and successfully traversing it at high speed.
Unfortunately, due to the interference from the Nether Fiend Demon God and the Yincha Demon God's projections, the shield created by the [Void Escape Talisman] shattered. Despite his efforts, he could only maintain the spatial shift for a thousand miles before being flung out by the violent energy.
Afterward, he disregarded everything else, doing whatever he could to escape with his life.
"Chase him, don't let Chao Qianjue escape," the Nether Fiend Demon God roared.
This roar, like a thunderclap, awakened the Asura Legion soldiers still fighting desperately.
What?
The soldiers were risking their lives to hold back the enemy, and the Little Demon Lord, their commander, had fled? Damn it, if not for his reckless orders, how would they have ended up surrounded by the enemy?!!
The soldiers of the Asura Legion were both shocked and furious.
In an instant, the Asura Legion's morale plummeted, and their lines collapsed.
Even Yuchi Wentian, still fighting, was filled with bitterness and despair.
The Asura Legion was doomed, and it was a bitter end.
...
At the same time.
In the rear, a human army was gradually gathering.
Under the blood moon's glow, the dense crowd stood motionless, silent as stones and trees, yet a cold, murderous intent subtly surged among them, like a beast waiting for the right moment to hunt, ready to strike at any time.
Above the army, a bronze flying chariot hovered in the gray-black clouds.
The chariot resembled an ancient war vehicle, with no canopy, only four bronze pillars standing at the corners, and intricate inscriptions embedded throughout its body, giving it an ancient and heavy appearance.
Upon closer inspection, one would notice the chariot was quite old, with its body marked and scarred, some inscriptions showing signs of repair after being damaged by blades and swords. These were the marks of its long history.
This flying chariot was Zhao Tingjian's personal chariot—the "Iron Wall Chariot."
For nearly three thousand years, this chariot had accompanied him through countless battles, weathering the passage of time.
The gray-black demonic mist that perpetually shrouded the skies of the Demon Realm drifted with the wind, occasionally passing by the chariot, adding an inexplicable chill to its presence.
On the chariot, many people stood densely packed, including its owner Zhao Tingjian, the Immortal Emperor's projection, Wang Fugui, Ji Yue'er, Chaoyang King, Yao Yuangang, and others, almost all present.
At this moment, everyone stood tall, gazing at the distant battlefield, their expressions solemn.
After so much preparation, the time for counterattack had finally arrived, and everyone's hearts were somewhat stirred. Yet, the solemn atmosphere of the battlefield kept their emotions in check, striving to remain calm, though the occasional glint in their eyes betrayed their true feelings.
No matter what had happened before, how this war would ultimately end depended on today's battle.
"Reporting to the Corps Commander, the First Regiment is in position, requesting orders."
"Reporting to the Corps Commander, the Second Regiment is in position, requesting orders."
"Reporting to the Corps Commander, the Third Regiment..."
Squadron after squadron of aerial cavalry flew in from afar, bringing news from each regiment.
Soon, all regiments were in position.
At this moment, a trace of excitement finally appeared in Zhao Tingjian's eyes.
"Good! Everyone, listen to my command!"
"Raise the legion flag! Sound the war horn! Attack!"
With a single command.
In the corner of the Iron Wall Chariot, a personal guard who had been prepared for a long time immediately raised his hand, forming a seal, and sent a legion flag flying out.
"Swish~"
The black flag with gold threads unfurled in the wind, its powerful aura soaring into the sky, spreading in all directions.
In an instant, similar auras rose from various locations in the distance.
These were the secondary battle flags of each regiment.
Though not as imposing as Zhao Tingjian's, they were equally filled with iron-blooded determination and a sky-piercing killing intent.
In no time, the air was filled with murderous intent, and the sound of the war horn, representing the charge, spread from Zhao Tingjian's division, echoing through the skies.
Amidst the stirring sound of the horn, under the blessing of the legion flag's overwhelming killing intent, the various regiments moved in unison, launching an assault on the rear of the demon coalition.
In addition to Zhao Tingjian's original ten regiments, which were fully mobilized, there were also hidden forces that had been accumulating during this time, all now unleashed. These included volunteer forces from the Immortal Dynasty and even empires under its command, coming to aid.
This was where the human race's unity surpassed the demon realm's demons. Within the Immortal Dynasty's camp, once a crisis arose, support would come continuously, including powerful families like first and second-tier clans, led by their Ancestors and family elites for a decisive battle.
Additionally, forces were secretly transferred from other defense lines bit by bit.
The massive military force formed a vast black tide, sweeping across the Demon Realm's land.
Galloping hooves splashed through shallow water, sending countless droplets flying. The well-groomed manes flew in the wind, like banners unfurling.
Countless warhorses thundered past, their galloping hooves shaking the ground with a rumbling sound.
In a rapid march, the vast human coalition seemed to have activated a speed boost, cutting into the rear of the demon coalition like a sharp blade before they could react, beginning to weave through, wreaking havoc.
Leading the charge was Wang Yingxuan of the Seventh Regiment, who became the vanguard.
Above her head floated the War Manual, its halo enveloping the entire Seventh Regiment.
Each of them was filled with endless fighting spirit, their blood boiling and burning. Their weapons and equipment had been upgraded, each soldier equipped with the finest gear, thanks to the abundant merits earned earlier, allowing them to exchange for top-tier equipment.
Moreover, they had been holding back for too long.
Now unleashed, they were like a pack of unleashed mad dogs, eager to kill and earn glory.
Additionally, Wang Lici was not to be outdone. This time, she led the Tenth Regiment's logistics unit, wielding a semi-immortal weapon, Yan Yue, and under the shadow of the Glutton's Dharma Aspect, she resembled an ancient fierce beast.
Wang Lici wanted to show the world that even the logistics department could achieve glory on the front lines.
Notably, there was also Third Prince Shentu Jingming.
He led the elite Red Tiger Regiment in a flanking attack, recording with the Heavenly Recording Disk as he charged, "Family of the Demon Court, this is Third Prince Shentu Jingming. Thank you for your support. Beside me is the Ice Phoenix Goddess Wang Ruobing, fighting alongside me as we assault the demon coalition's flank."
"Now that the Little Demon Lord's division has completely collapsed, and it's said the Little Demon Lord has fled. However, the remaining soldiers are still my family, and I will risk everything to penetrate the enemy lines and rescue the Asura Legion's family."
As he recorded, the Third Prince suddenly noticed a gap in the demon coalition's defense ahead, exclaiming in surprise, "Huh? Why is this area so empty, as if the enemy responsible for this region has vanished? Perfect timing. Brothers, no, family, charge with me."
Under Shentu Jingming's leadership, the Red Tiger Regiment rushed to aid the routed forces, like unleashed tigers, unstoppable, as if entering a realm devoid of demons.
The demon coalition was engaged with the Asura Legion when suddenly the human coalition cut into their rear, causing chaos and spreading panic among the coalition.
On the battlefield, the last thing you want is a stab in the back, especially one so fierce.
"Damn it!" "How is this possible?"
The Yincha Demon God and the Nether Fiend Demon God were stunned by the scene.
In their view, the Eastern Line Defense Area's forces had long been decimated, and now that they finally had a chance to catch their breath, they should be hiding in their shells to lick their wounds. How could they have the strength and courage to charge at them?
Each of these armies was fully organized, brimming with morale, like battlefield gods of war.
The demon coalition's formation was thrown into disarray, their morale rapidly crumbling.
Seeing this, Yuchi Wentian, who had been in despair, was overjoyed, his eyes red with excitement.
He used all his strength to shout, "Brothers, hold on! Reinforcements have arrived!! The Immortal Dynasty's reinforcements have arrived!!! Hold on! Pull back the defensive line! Everyone, hold on! Hold the demon army for the Immortal Dynasty's forces!"
Yuchi Wentian, with excellent tactical acumen, quickly understood the situation. As long as they held on without collapsing, the Asura Legion would act as a shield in front of the demon coalition.
If the demon coalition dared to turn and face the Immortal Dynasty's forces, Yuchi Wentian would immediately strike at their rear.
This was the advantage of a pincer attack.
Additionally, they were like an anvil, while the Immortal Dynasty's forces were the hammer striking the demon coalition, making the combination more lethal.
The battlefield situation instantly reversed, with the demon coalition's defeat becoming apparent.
"Where's the Dragonblood Demon God? Where's his division?" The Yincha Demon God and the Nether Fiend Demon God noticed a gap in the demon coalition, realizing the Dragonblood Demon God's division had already retreated at the first opportunity.
It turned out that Yuntai An's demon army was positioned cleverly, always at the rear flank of the Little Demon Lord's division.
As soon as the Immortal Dynasty's forces arrived, they retreated faster than rabbits.
"Dragonblood, you damned bastard!" The Yincha Demon God was both shocked and furious, his eyes red with anger, immediately ordering, "Retreat! We must retreat!"
If the Dragonblood division were present, they might still have a chance to fight.
But without the Dragonblood division, with the demon coalition already at its limit, facing a surprise attack and a pincer movement, if they didn't retreat, it would mean total annihilation.
Retreat, or rather, a rout!
Though the losses would be severe, at least some could escape.
With the order given, the demon coalition began to scatter in all directions. Meanwhile, the Immortal Dynasty's forces and the recovering Yuchi Wentian coordinated to pursue the retreating demon forces, aiming to expand their victory.
Everyone was filled with pent-up anger, their minds focused on one thought—kill! Kill! Kill!
The Demon Kings attempted to flee, but were intercepted by the Lingxu Realm leaders of the human side. The projections of the Nether Fiend Demon God and the Yincha Demon God were also engaged and entangled by the projections of the Immortal Sovereign and the Immortal Emperor.
The demon coalition's defeat was complete, utterly routed.
"Hahaha!" On the Iron Wall Chariot, Zhao Tingjian looked down at the battlefield, laughing wildly with pride, his beard flying, exuding unrestrained arrogance, "I never thought old Zhao would achieve such a monumental feat."
In an instant, Old Marshal Zhao was brimming with confidence, feeling as if he had reached the pinnacle of his life.
...
Meanwhile.
A thousand miles away from the battlefield.
In the shadow of a corner deep within a canyon, a figure was curled up in a sorry state.
It was a young man, his features chiseled and handsome, wearing fine armor, but now his face was pale, his body stained with blood, looking utterly disheveled.
This figure was none other than the Little Demon Lord, who had used the [Void Escape Talisman] to flee the battlefield.
Earlier, to counter the spatial disturbances from the two Demon God projections, he had used numerous divine secret techniques. Though he barely held on for a moment, he still suffered significant injuries from the spatial forces, and the backlash from those secret techniques was severe. Despite escaping, he was gravely wounded.
After setting up a concealment array, he huddled in the corner, silently healing, his heart filled with anger and unwillingness.
So close, just a little more, and he could have achieved a monumental victory.
Why? Why was his luck so bad?
However, with his divine sense impaired and his senses dulled, he failed to notice that while he was healing, a scout team led by a demon lord suddenly appeared at the other end of the canyon.
This team moved stealthily through the canyon, making no sound.
The leading demon lord had a weasel-like face but a large nose.
Every few steps, it would sniff the air with its large nose, confirming the direction before leading its scouts onward.
This was a demon lord under the Iron Bull Demon King's command, known as the [Demon Rat Lord].
Though not personally powerful, it excelled in tracking and reconnaissance, with all its divine abilities focused on these areas.
Under its guidance, the scout team quickly found the Little Demon Lord's hiding place, surrounding him before he could react.
"Hehehe~ Foolish creature, did you think such simple concealment could escape my tracking?" The Demon Rat Lord grinned, revealing sharp teeth, its laughter sharp and arrogant, "The great Dragonblood Demon God already deduced your approximate landing point through spatial fluctuations."
"!"
The Little Demon Lord's face turned cold, his heart sinking to the bottom.
He had to admit, when he traveled, it was either with a large entourage or commanding an entire army, with everything taken care of for him, leaving him with no worries. Though he carried a standard concealment array flag, it was not the high-end military version, and in this environment, it was barely adequate.
"Hehehe~" The Demon Rat Lord's beady eyes gleamed with excitement, its gaze on the Little Demon Lord greedy and blatant, "I'm going to be rich~ Capturing this fool, the Iron Bull Demon King will surely reward me handsomely."
The Little Demon Lord struggled to rise.
However, as soon as he tried to circulate his demonic energy, his meridians burned with pain, his body too weak to muster any strength. Despite his efforts, he could barely lift his demonic sword.
"Attack!"
The Demon Rat Lord showed no sympathy for his weakness, eagerly commanding its subordinates to swarm him.
The Little Demon Lord, at the end of his strength, fought desperately, killing two demon generals, but was soon overwhelmed, pinned to the ground.
"You dare resist, fool? I'll start by taking a few bites out of you," the Demon Rat Lord sneered, stepping on his head with arrogance.
The Little Demon Lord was furious, yet filled with despair and sorrow.
To think that he, the dignified Little Demon Lord, once so illustrious in the True Demon Hall, always the center of attention, would suffer such humiliation.
His strength, usually more than enough to handle a demon lord, now left him at the mercy of a minor leader.
Truly, "a tiger fallen to the plains is bullied by dogs."
With his head pressed to the ground, the Little Demon Lord recalled many things.
He thought of his parents and clan who had high hopes for him, the venerable Demon Lord Ancestor who had great expectations for him, and Gong Litu, who had died protecting him on the battlefield.
He even thought of Wang Shouzhe, far away.
Unwillingness filled him~! He had planned to settle accounts with Wang Shouzhe after dealing with this situation, but now, due to one misstep, he had fallen to this state!
So unwilling!
As the Little Demon Lord's thoughts churned with anger and unwillingness, and as the Demon Rat Lord prepared to cut into him, a streak of light flashed across the distant sky.
It was a luxurious flying chariot passing by, its roof adorned with jewels, resplendent in gold and jade, resembling the chariots used by the sons of great demon nobles.
Noticing the situation below, the chariot slowed slightly, and a clear voice of a human male came from within.
"Huh? What's this?"
The voice was Wang Fugui's.
"Young Master, that person seems to be the Little Demon Lord," a respectful female voice reported from the chariot, belonging to Ji Yue'er.
With Ji Yue'er's Lingxu Realm Demon Lord strength, what Wang Fugui couldn't see was clear and obvious to her divine sense.
"Such a coincidence?" Wang Fugui was evidently surprised to encounter the Little Demon Lord here, his tone rising slightly.
After a brief contemplation, he calmly said, "Forget it. Ji, please handle this."
"Yes, Young Master."
As the words fell.
A ray of light blossomed from the chariot.
Within the light, a crescent-shaped semi-immortal weapon blade spun gracefully.
It was like a breeze through the mountains, or a nimble willow leaf, light and agile, leaving a fresh trail in the gray-black demonic mist as it passed.
In a flash, the Demon Rat Lord's head flew off, blood spurting.
In the next moment, a figure descended gracefully, landing above the Little Demon Lord.
The figure had red hair and snow-white skin, an enchanting and noble presence, like a beautiful flower blooming in the snow, captivating all who saw her.
The wind swept her skirt, adding a touch of ethereal grace.
This figure was Ji Yue'er.
Looking at the disheveled figure beneath her, Ji Yue'er's golden snake eyes held a complex expression.
Once, this Little Demon Lord was like an invisible mountain, suffocating her. Back then, she couldn't have imagined that one day, the high and mighty Little Demon Lord would be in such a sorry state.
"Yin Snake Demon Concubine!"
Sensing something amiss, the Little Demon Lord looked up sharply, instantly recognizing his rescuer.
His pupils contracted, and a strong sense of shame made him wish he could find a hole to hide in.
...