NOVPUBIn departure by dawn from the west gate, by dusk I return carrying a human head. The spirit weary, only sleep is sought, yet suddenly the call to battle blows.
The war drums thundering to the sky resounded long and hollow through heaven and earth, the ’boom, boom, boom’ of their explosions faintly linking together.
As if to shatter the entire firmament, causing severe pain to the eardrums, the world was seething.
Lan Juntian, in a deep blue robe fresh and ample, stood at the very front.
Behind him followed the Elder representatives sent by all the major powers, with the offspring of the Lan Family guarding along both sides of the road.
The Demon-Suppressing Drum was struck, its shockwaves thunderous.
"Since the establishment of my Lan Family in the era of Wild Desolation, we have endured countless epochs.
The struggle against Heavenly Demons has never ceased, and today we convene here for the Demon Vanquishing Grand Assembly.
We also intend to unite the people of the world, to subdue monsters and eradicate demons, and to restore to this world a bright and orderly Kun and Qian."
As Lan Juntian’s imposing voice fell, the offspring of the Lan Family on both sides also straightened their chests and raised their heads, shouting out loud.
"Vanquish demons, vanquish demons, vanquish demons!"
...…
"The Demon Vanquishing Assembly begins," Lan Juntian pointed to the firmament and roared.
Immediately after, the fog that shrouded the sky was dispelled, the sky was cloudless and pristine as if it had been washed clean.
A golden Formation gradually appeared in front, within this Formation, a dazzling and universal golden light shone.
Ten golden chains stretched through the depths of the Wugeng Void, ultimately imprisoning a creature in the void.
This creature was surrounded by towering Demonic Qi, so vast that it seemed as if it could tear apart the firmament, ceaselessly wandering within the Formation.
Terrifying roars that chilled the heart and courage resounded in the sky.
As if from an ancient demon, bearing supreme majesty and great power.
"That’s a demon," someone muttered softly from below.
"What kind of existence is this demon, I fear it could easily annihilate an Imperial Rule Immortal Sect," someone said, shaking their head in amazement.
"Who would have thought the Lan Family could be so strong as to trap the opponent?"
"Why say so much, the Demon Race indeed should not be underestimated. If there is trouble in the future, let’s lend a hand if we can," another person commented.
As the Formation above became visible, ten figures suddenly appeared in the air, sitting cross-legged, surrounding the Formation.
These ten towering figures were the seven prime ancestors of the Lan Family, Jiang Wudi of the Invincible Sect, and Sword Demon Dugu Wenchang and Absolute Sword Elder from Heavenly Sword Mountain.
The ten exuded a vast presence, and waves of Immortal Qi rose steadily from the air above.
Suppressing the entire firmament, connected with the Formation.
"Greetings, ancestors," Lan Juntian shouted.
He knelt down first, followed by all of the other descendants of the Lan Family.
As for the Elders of the other forces, although their ancestors were not present, they still bowed in respect for the predecessors.
"I am very grateful to you all for attending the Lan Family’s Demon Vanquishing Assembly," Lan Jiulin stood up and said with a light smile to the people below.
"I’ll speak directly about the significance of this Demon Vanquishing Assembly. We hope to unite with the powers of all domains to form the Demon Vanquishing Alliance and cleanse the Yuan Central Continent of Heavenly Demons.
We strive to completely eliminate the Demon Seeds from this world before the Destiny Condensation."
"Elder Jiulin, we cannot make a decision on this matter, but I will convey your intent clearly to our Sect Gate," an Elder from the Imperial Rule Immortal Sect replied from below.
"No hurry, I just want to convey a message through this assembly, as long as you all understand," Lan Jiulin said with a smile.
"We, the forces of Tianluan Domain, have now joined forces with the Invincible Sect and Heavenly Sword Mountain. Those who are interested can come to find us at any time.
We shall together discuss plans against the demons."
"Elder Jiulin insists on his mantra of demon-slaying, yet I’ve got a few questions to ask," said Xu Zimei.
At that moment, a figure soared into the air, his aura boiling around him as he stood in the sky, facing off against Lan Jiulin in the distance.
That figure was none other than Xu Zimei himself, clad in a purple robe, his expression neither happy nor sad, looking at Lan Jiulin with cold, piercing eyes.
"Feel free to ask, my friend," Lan Jiulin said with a smile.
"What ’demon’ are you slaying exactly, and what does it have to do with the wellbeing of our world?" Xu Zimei asked loudly.
"Did this ’demon’ kill your entire family, or did it annihilate your nine relatives?"
"How dare you!" At the end of Xu Zimei’s words, elders of the Lan Family below barked sternly.
"Which power do you represent, daring to be so impudent in our Lan Family’s presence?"
"It’s alright," Lan Jiulin said with a dismissive wave of his hand and a smile.
Then looking at Xu Zimei, he continued to smile, "Our Lan Family has a prophecy handed down from our ancestors.
One day the Demon King will descend upon the world, bringing with him many demons to destroy it.
The actions of our Lan Family are not for ourselves, but for the world at large."
"Just because your ancestors said demons will bring destruction, does it have to be true?
What makes their words so unquestionably correct?" Xu Zimei spoke up.
"The Yuan Central Continent has gone through changes in four different epochs since the beginning of time.
The earliest epoch is beyond recall, but from the Mythical Era to the Wild Desolation Era, and now to the current Era of Emperors, what chaos wasn’t related to demons, what strife wasn’t caused by them?"
"The day of the Demon’s Advent has not yet arrived. When the seal of the Ancient Demon Cave is broken, then you will understand our Lan Family’s resolve," Lan Jiulin said, shaking his head.
"Without any proof, just a prophecy from your ancestors, you want to summon people from all over to fight against the Demon Race, don’t you find that laughable?"
Xu Zimei spoke lightly, "Then am I not also entitled to say that according to our ancestors’ prophecy, it’s your Lan Family who is the root of all chaos?
Only by exterminating your Lan Family, can we restore a just and orderly world?"
Hearing Xu Zimei’s words, Lan Jiulin slightly shook his head and said, "Our Lan Family acts without the need to prove anything to anyone.
Those who should understand, will inevitably come to understand one day."
"I don’t understand, nor do I wish to understand any further," Xu Zimei said indifferently.
"You talk of hosting some damned demon-slaying alliance.
Today, I am that ’demon’. Here I stand, come slay me."
Following his words, Xu Zimei’s aura at the Divine Vein Realm began to surge around him.
Like an ocean, the power of his sword intent was spreading up towards the firmament.
At that moment, the Prison Suppressor Demon Body was activated.
His skin gradually turned a blood black color, and torrents of Demonic Qi rose around him.
And down from his forehead, line after line, dark purple marks, like cursed imprints, crept across his face.
His eyes were a ferocious red, filled with swirling Demonic Qi.
Cold-blooded, numb, devoid of even a trace of emotion.
This was the impression Xu Zimei gave to everyone at that moment.
The previously clear sky suddenly darkened, with gathering storm clouds that roiled, seemingly churning with lightning and thunderous roars.
Chaos’s massive form stepped out of the void, standing silently by Xu Zimei’s side.
He took step by step towards Bai Meng in the formation.
