Chief God Hei Ping froze in disbelief when he saw who had arrived—
the Demon King himself, the hidden leader of Xie Lingyu.
Demon King: "Hei Ping… long time no see."
Chief God Hei Ping: "So it is you. I cannot believe it. As the Demon King, how could you fall this low? You no longer deserve your throne."
The Demon King laughed darkly.
Demon King: "You are right—I don't deserve to be the Demon King… because I will become the ruler of the entire world."
Chief God Hei Ping: "How dare you even dream of such a thing? I will never allow it."
Demon King: "I know. Which is why I should kill you first—so you won't stand in my way. But not today. Be prepared, Hei Ping… I will return."
He vanished into shadows. Chief God Hei Ping's heart grew heavy with worry.
Chief God Hei Ping: "Summon Prince Long Hua and Empress Xiao Yufan at once."
Attendant: "Yes, my lord."
In the Demon Realm
Prince Wen Yili had heard the truth about his father. Rage and disbelief churned inside him.
He sat alone, unable to accept that his own father was the leader of Xie Lingyu.
Demon God Zou Chou approached quietly and sat beside him.
Zou Chou: "What troubles you, my child?"
Nearby, Princess Lin Zhang spotted them. She hid behind a pillar, listening.
Prince Wen Yili: "Mother… why have you always been so kind to me?
You knew my father—the Demon King—is the leader of Xie Lingyu."
Zou Chou: "Even if your father chose darkness… you are not like him. You are nothing like him or your brother. I may not have given birth to you, but I raised you as my own son. You have a kind heart, Wen Yili."
Princess Lin Zhang's eyes widened in shock. Her heart ached—she never knew he was not Zou Chou's real son. When Demon God Zou Chou left, Princess Lin Zhang came forward.
Princess Lin Zhang: "Wen Yili … are you alright?"
Prince Wen Yili: "I'm fine. What brings you here?"
Princess Lin Zhang: "I came to see you."
He smiled softly, comforted by her presence. They spoke quietly for a while.
In the Heavenly Realm
Empress Xiao Yufan and Prince Long Hua bowed respectfully before Chief God Hei Ping.
Empress Xiao Yufan: "My lord, we heard you wished to see us."
Chief God Hei Ping: "Yes. The leader of Xie Lingyu has been revealed."
Prince Long Hua: "What? Who is it?"
Chief God Hei Ping: "The Demon King."
Both were stunned.
Chief God Hei Ping: "The final day is drawing near. Both of you must prepare yourselves. A great war is coming—and it must end swiftly, or the human world will suffer greatly."
Prince Long Hua & Empress Xiao Yufan: "Yes, my lord."
They departed with heavy hearts, determination rising within them.
Chief God Hei Ping: "Send letters to all four realms."
Attendant: "Yes, my lord. What should the message say?"
Chief God Hei Ping:
"Tell them…"
To be continued.