Chief God Hei Ping: "Tell them to meet me."
A letter was sent to all rulers of the Four Realms:
"To the rulers,
Chief God Hei Ping requests your immediate presence to discuss an urgent matter.
All of you are invited to meet in the Main Hall at afternoon.
This is a Heaven Decree.
—Chief God Hei Ping"
Upon receiving the message, each ruler made their way to the Main Hall.
In the Main Hall
Chief God Hei Ping: "You likely know why I have summoned you."
Empress Xiao Yufan: "Yes, my lord… but can you tell us what must be done?"
Chief God Hei Ping: "Prepare for war. This time, we must not allow the humans to suffer in the crossfire."
All the rulers: "Yes, my lord."
Chief God Hei Ping: "I want everyone to leave—except you, Yufan."
All others departed, leaving her alone with the Chief God.
Chief God Hei Ping: "I must ask… what will you choose? To live, or to save him?"
Empress Xiao Yufan: "What do you mean?"
Suddenly, Demon God Zou Chou entered.
Demon God Zou Chou: "During the battle, to defeat the Demon King, both of you—must assume your true forms. Using your combined powers, you will create a single being, a fusion of Dragon and Phoenix. After defeating him, you must return to your normal forms."
Empress Xiao Yufan: "But… what?"
Chief God Hei Ping: "One of you will be injured. The choice is yours—do you risk him, or…?"
Empress Xiao Yufan clenched her fists. "No. I will take all the risk. Long Hua must not know. Both of you… keep it a secret for me."
Chief God Hei Ping: "Very well."
Empress Xiao Yufan: "I must take my leave now."
She bowed and departed.
Demon God Zou Chou: "Do you think it will be alright?"
Chief God Hei Ping: "Do not worry. Everything will turn out as it should. Even if she falls, fate ensures they will be together."
They shared a brief, quiet embrace. (Unknown to all, Demon God Zou Chou and Chief God Hei Ping secretly in relationship.)
In the Demon Realm
Prince Wen Yili prepared for battle.
Princess Lin Zhang: "Can't you stay? Please…"
Prince Wen Yili: "I must go. I have to help them. Take care of yourself."
She hugged him tightly, catching him off guard.
Princess Lin Zhang: "Promise me you'll come back safely."
Prince Wen Yili: "…I promise I will return back to you."
Tears welled in her eyes. "Before you leave… I cannot hide it anymore. I… I love you."
His eyes lit up with joy. He hugged her back tightly. "Wait for me." He left for the battlefield.
In Shuilu Kingdom
Royal Palace:
Empress Xiao Yufan: "Together… we will save this world."
Soldiers: "Yes, Your Highness!"
The first and second princes readied themselves for war. Prince Yulong and Princess Li Long prepared their own troops. Across all four realms, armies moved into position. The air was thick with tension. It was… the calm before the storm.
To be continued.