The sprawling streets remained utterly deserted, casting an ineffable atmosphere of desolation, barrenness, and profound chill. Ten days prior, residents from the vicinity of Panlong City had evacuated under the auspices of the Yun family, leaving behind nothing more than an empty shell of a city.

Consequently, numerous fringe beings—such as Beastmen, Straw Figures, and Rake Cats—had taken root within the city limits, an unsettling sight for any observer. Now, upon seeing this sudden surge of people pouring out from the city gates, these mutated creatures, who had made themselves masters of the interior, brazenly launched an attack upon us. Yet, they were no match for the disciples of the Yun family.

The disciples of the Yun family, already worn down to the bone by the existence of the Scarlet Blood Demonic Sword these past few days, were brimming with pent-up resentment. If we could not slay Luo Jiang, surely we could deal with these damned mutated beasts?

The Rake Cats, Beastmen, and Straw Figures that surged close were instantly reduced to fragments. It served, perhaps, to vent some of the frustration they held within.

Clearing out the mutated creatures along the path, we finally arrived at the main stronghold of the Yun family: Cloud Fortress, or Yun Bao.

Despite the surrounding desolation and emptiness, the sight of Yun Bao before me inspired a massive shock. In retrospect, the most imposing structure I had ever witnessed was undoubtedly the Tiger Fortress (Hu Bao) of the White Tiger Luo family.

However, the Yun Bao before me was equally magnificent and grand, in no way inferior to the Luo family’s fortress. The entire structure was cast from pure white mica-stone, forming a massive, naturally integrated five-pointed star formation. This immediately brought to mind the Pentagon in the United States. While Yun Bao did not possess the sheer footprint of the Pentagon, in a world like the Mafa Continent where architectural technology was not highly advanced, such a majestic edifice was undeniably an incredible divine marvel.

"So vast," I murmured instinctively to myself.

Seeing my slack-jawed astonishment, Yun Peng and Yun Xi, among others, couldn't help but display a hint of pride.

"Cloud Fortress is quite famous across the entire Demon Dragon Continent," Yun Xi stated proudly. "Among the Seven Great Ancient Fortresses of the continent, Yun Bao ranks third. If we consider only the occupied area, Yun Bao actually takes the first spot among the Seven Great Ancient Fortresses."

"High walls line the perimeter, complete with arrow towers, bed crossbows, catapults, military pathways, and barracks all perfectly positioned," I exclaimed involuntarily. "It’s an entire military bastion!"

"We are ashamed," Yun Peng replied. "No matter how sturdy a castle or fortress, facing a super-expert like Luo Jiang renders it merely ornamental." A shadow crossed Yun Peng’s face. "Otherwise, we wouldn't have been forced to flee Cloud Fortress."

"How many individuals in this world are experts comparable to the Human Demon Luo Jiang?" Ji Du said solemnly. "Elder Sect Master Yun need not dwell on it. Even the high walls and massive crossbows of the Imperial City could not withstand Luo Jiang's invasion. You should count yourselves fortunate; compared to places like Zu Yun and Du Jiang, which Luo Jiang razed to the ground, Panlong has been quite lucky. Furthermore, a true man knows when to bend and when to stretch; fleeing Panlong is hardly a shameful act."

"Heh, General speaks wisely." Yun Peng’s demeanor brightened considerably as he led us into Cloud Fortress.

The crisis of the Scarlet Blood Demonic Sword was finally over, and the hundred-year entanglement of fate carried on the shoulders of Lu Tong, the Yun family, and Jian Li finally reached a satisfying conclusion.

Everyone felt a rare sense of ease and joy. However, with the great calamity passed, a thousand things needed rebuilding. As soon as they settled in, Yun Peng and the others became busy. On one hand, they dispatched messengers to spread the news of Luo Jiang’s death; on the other, they busied themselves with restoring the city’s reconstruction efforts. In truth, speaking of reconstruction was an exaggeration, as Panlong City hadn't suffered major wartime destruction. It was merely that during our absence, those detestable fringe creatures like the Rake Cats and Beastmen had broken in and caused chaos.

Thus, only minor adjustments were needed for restoration. Additionally, they sent many people out to notify the evacuated residents to return quickly and resume their normal production. In summary, although Luo Jiang’s death had lifted the shadow looming over everyone’s hearts, the resulting aftermath was only just beginning to surface.

Less than ten days after our departure from the city, Panlong City, inside and out, had been ravaged by those Beastmen and Rake Cats. The crops in the fields and the harvests of past years hidden in the city’s granaries and cellars had been looted clean. During the frantic evacuation, no one could carry much. A rough calculation revealed that the total loss of grain in Panlong City was unimaginably vast. If the residents returned now, provisions would become an immediate and pressing issue. I suspected the situation across the greater Demon Dragon Continent was likely no different from Panlong City. It could be said that Luo Jiang’s rampage had inflicted incalculable losses upon most regions south of the Imperial City, truly a massive blow to the continent’s vitality.

Of course, these headache-inducing matters were not mine to worry about just yet.

Furthermore, under the arrangements of the Yun family, my master, Ji Du, and the others were temporarily settled in Cloud Fortress. After everything that had transpired, time was indeed needed to properly recover and unwind.

For six full months since leaving the Demon Dragon World, our nerves had been stretched taut almost daily. In the Illusory Realm, we schemed and vied for the Scarlet Blood Demonic Sword; after Luo Jiang snatched it, we knew no peace, constantly agitated by his presence. Now, that chapter was finally closed. Everyone desperately needed a period of genuine relaxation.

It was only at this point that Ji Du and the others finally had the chance to inquire about my experiences within the Sanctuary Space. Naturally, I concealed nothing and recounted everything to them.

"I never realized it was so convoluted and bizarre," Lu Tong remarked, his expression complicated.

"It’s a pity we couldn't find Grandpa's remains," Lu Zhao said somberly.

"I apologize," I offered, feeling a touch of remorse.

"It’s nothing." Lu Zhao clapped my shoulder, sighing with feeling. "You did your best. Our Artisan Sect will forever owe you a favor."

"Brother Lu, you are too formal," I stated seriously. "I have always considered myself a part of the Lu Sect. Don't forget, I still have to call you Elder Brother, and the Sect Master is Uncle. Moreover, everything I have achieved today is thanks to Uncle. A single drop of kindness deserves a bubbling spring in return; what I did is truly nothing significant."

"Hahahaha, good lad, I certainly didn't misjudge you." Lu Tong laughed heartily, then looked at Jian Li. "Brother Jian Li, are you satisfied with the disciple I found for you?"

"Haha, not bad, I’ll remember this favor," Jian Li also laughed out loud.

"Heh, Star Kid, you have experienced countless strange encounters at such a young age," Yun Peng chuckled heartily. "Truly a blessed and lucky individual."

"Indeed," Feng Qing Tian couldn't help but sigh. "I told you long ago this kid wouldn't die so easily. Do you believe me now?"

"Hahahaha!" Everyone burst into hearty laughter, yet I noticed a fleeting shadow of bitter smiles and worry flicker in the eyes of Yun Xi, Tong Lei, and Yun Peng. Clearly, Yun Shang’s failed capture still troubled them deeply.

This affair wasn't over. I calculated inwardly: after a few days of rest, I would set out for the Demon Sealing Empire. No matter what, I had to rescue Yun Shang. Of course, I planned to keep this from everyone present; perhaps only Ji Du suspected my intentions.

"Right, did you secure the memory set from Luo Zhen?" Jian Li seemed to just recall.

"Heh, how could I miss such a treasure?" I chuckled dryly, pulling the spoils from my spatial pouch. "Not only theirs, but I also confiscated the spatial pouches of Nalan Qiushui, Luo Xiaohong Tian, and the others."

"Confiscated what?" Jian Li was aghast. "You handle the rest as you see fit, but this memory set belongs to the Moon Sect. For centuries, the Moon Sect has sought its whereabouts. Now that you've found it, it should be returned to them, considering our allied status." As Jian Li spoke, he placed the memory set into his own spatial pouch. "It's not safe with you; I’ll safeguard it for now."

"That's true," I realized then that Dragon Shadow Villa, Moon Sect, Flowing Cloud Villa, and Scarlet Moon Villa had formed a unified alliance.

"Heh, I thought you had forgotten all about it," Bi Yan teased. "Do you know why the initial alliance was named the Star-Moon Alliance?"

"Why?" I asked, slightly bewildered.

"The sincere cooperation achieved in this current alliance of the Four Great Sects owes much to you and Yan Luo. And Yan Luo is now the new generation’s Divine Moon. To signify everyone’s intent for sincere cooperation, the name was taken from one character from your name and one from Yan Luo's—that’s how the Star-Moon Alliance originated."

"What!" I was taken aback. Such a thing existed.

"In a few days, we will return to the Beech Continent, and you'll have plenty to keep you busy then," Jian Li looked at me with a sly smile. On the side, Bi Yan, Gao Jing, and the others grinned like old foxes who had just stolen chicken legs, making me feel a distinct chill.

"Um, is there anything else you are keeping from me?" For some reason, I had the distinct feeling they were plotting something involving me.

"Heh, you’ll know when the time comes," Lu Tong also said with a full smile. "It’s good news, rest assured."

"Good news?" I felt rather confused, but since it was good news, then I...

For the next few days, everyone else was free of pressing tasks, not counting the Yun family, who were working so frantically they seemed like they needed to be in several places at once, making us who were just idling feel quite awkward.

Ji Du, meanwhile, remained in secluded meditation to heal his injuries, rarely seen by anyone.

However, I remained deeply curious about the technique Ji Du unleashed later—Fire Phoenix Soaring to the Heavens. Had I not witnessed it firsthand, I would have found it hard to believe such a powerful killing move existed, especially given its bizarre casting conditions. My full deployment of the Thunder Formation to conjure a fire-thunderball had somehow been converted by him into the prerequisite for executing the ultimate move, Fire Phoenix Soaring to the Heavens.

Since Ji Du was in seclusion, I naturally had no opportunity to ask him about it.

What piqued my curiosity even more was Luo Jiang’s technique, the Nine Heavens Star River Sword Style—a style powerful enough to push Ji Du to the brink of death. What kind of sword technique was it?

"Who created the Nine Heavens Star River Sword Style is lost to history now," Jian Li’s calm face fell into contemplation, then he murmured, "But legend says it is an extremely terrifying sword style, one that requires the user to willingly embrace the demonic, wielding a devilish heart and nature to master it. It consists of nine forms, hence the name. However, only four forms have survived to this day—the same four Luo Jiang displayed earlier:

Starfall Nine Heavens Crimson Sky Blood Sun Chaotic Stone Star Cloud Moon Destruction Star Sinking

As for the remaining five, no one knows. Yet, even with just these four surviving moves, those who mastered them throughout history were few and far between, a rarity seen once in a millennium."

"Clearly, Luo Jiang descended into a demonic state precisely to cultivate this sword style, leading him to become unable to pull back, transforming into a madman."

"Has anyone in history ever mastered the complete Nine Heavens Star River Sword Style?" I asked, feeling curious.

"Indeed. Our ancestor, the First Generation Dragon Shadow, mastered the complete Nine Heavens Star River Sword Style. But because the style is too sharp, fierce, and its cultivation requirements are exceedingly harsh, he refrained from leaving behind the cultivation method to prevent future descendants from succumbing to deviation or madness if they practiced improperly. Our Dragon Shadow Sword Style is actually an adaptation of the Nine Heavens Star River Sword Style. The ancestor simply integrated some of his martial arts insights, making the sword energy of the Dragon Shadow Style less overbearing and easier to cultivate. With guidance, the risk of deviation is almost zero," Jian Li continued. "You have practiced the Dragon Shadow Sword Style; you know that once proficiency in the core mental method is achieved, you can control the Dragon Shadow almost at will, correct?"

"That is true." Recalling it now, when using the Dragon Shadow, I indeed did not require overly complex techniques for channeling combat energy; it was practically effortless control.

"No wonder I felt a sense of familiarity when seeing the Nine Heavens Star River Sword Style; it has deep roots with our Dragon Shadow Sword Style." Looking back now, weren't those nine star-lightning bolts remarkably similar to the nine Dragon Shadows? And Luo Jiang’s later move, which merged nine star-lightning bolts into one—Crimson Sky Blood Sun—was almost a direct mold of Master Jian Li’s strongest ultimate move, Nine Dragons Merging Into One.

"Do you understand now?" Jian Li asked.

"Incredible," I admitted, startled. "Then why did the Nine Heavens Star River Sword Style spread at all, even to the point where Luo Jiang knew how to cultivate it?"

"I am not certain about that," Jian Li admitted. "Perhaps Luo Jiang had some fortunate encounter that allowed him to obtain the cultivation method for the Nine Heavens Star River Sword Style."

If I could master the Nine Heavens Star River Sword Style, that would be amazing, I mused internally.

I actually had a strange feeling: the Nine Heavens Star River Sword Style and the Dragon Shadow Sword Style should be related. Both rely on the control of combat energy, both involve nine bolts—it felt like an enhanced version of the Dragon Shadow Style.

Perhaps I could simulate the operational principles of the Nine Heavens Star River Sword Style based on the principles of the Dragon Shadow Style. In modern times, is there not a logical deduction method called reverse deduction, or reverse engineering?

As a transmigator from the modern era, I trusted that the First Generation Dragon Shadow, who also came from another world, must share my mode of thinking. Perhaps the Nine Heavens Star River Sword Style was hidden within the operational method of the Dragon Shadow Sword Style. I couldn't help it; Chinese people love creating these roundabout, mysterious little tricks, but I believed this wouldn't stump me.

With this thought, my curiosity about the First Generation Dragon Shadow grew ever stronger.

News of the Human Demon Luo Jiang’s death and the destruction of the Scarlet Blood Demonic Sword spread across the continent within days. Inside and outside the Imperial City, people shared the news, and the frightened populace finally breathed a collective sigh of relief, returning to their original residences.

Jian Li and the others were also planning to leave the Demon Dragon Continent and return to Beech in a few days. Of course, I had no such plans, as I still intended to visit the Demon Sealing Empire to rescue Yun Shang. Moreover, I sensed that the Yun family was covertly planning to send people to the Demon Sealing Empire for Yun Shang’s rescue.

They were also trying every means possible, through diplomatic channels, to ransom Yun Shang back. The so-called diplomatic route essentially meant meeting certain conditions set by the Brotherhood in exchange for Yun Shang, much like how the Twin Moon Palace secured the exchange of Jin Bo and others from Shabak through a hostage trade—a method frequently employed in the Ranger world of the Mafa Continent.

However, at that very moment, another stunning piece of news arrived, causing the previously relieved populace to tighten their nerves once more.

Almost on the same day Luo Jiang fell, the Red Sea coast came under attack by the Demon Sealing Army. Several key fortresses, including Luo City, Ci City, and Song City, had already been 'contributed'—though 'taken over' was more accurate. Luo Jiang’s earlier massacre had left the cities across the continent virtually undefended, allowing the Demon Sealing forces to occupy the key coastal cities almost effortlessly, establishing stable beachheads. Fleets sailing from the Demon Sealing Continent's mainland continued to pour manpower into the Red Sea ports.

Warfare had suddenly spread to the Demon Dragon Continent. No one expected that after the chaos of the Blood Tiger, the Demon Dragon Continent would face the beginning of this painful disaster. In an instant, beacon fires flared almost everywhere, and emergency calls sounded from all directions!

Cloud Fortress!

In the main hall, everyone wore grim expressions, looking towards Ji Du, who occupied the main seat. Seeing me enter, Ji Du merely nodded slightly, signaling me to sit to the side. Observing closely, almost every key figure was present, indicating some important announcement was surely forthcoming.

"Everyone, we just received an urgent dispatch from the Imperial Capital. The Demon Sealing Empire has dispatched an army numbering as high as eight hundred thousand troops, executing a surprise attack on the fortresses along the Red Sea line, establishing secure beachhead strongholds."

"What? The Demon Sealing Empire has already invaded the homeland?" Tong Lei exclaimed in shock, and I too felt a jolt of alarm. Although I had long suspected some conspiracy lay behind the Blood Tiger’s rebellion, the scale of this conspiracy far exceeded our expectations.

"We always knew they had a backup plan, but we never expected the scale of this operation to be so massive," Yun Peng was surprised.

"This is clearly a long-brewed scheme," Jian Li analyzed with a grave expression. "Now, thanks to Luo Jiang's rampage, the southern regions of the Demon Dragon Continent are utterly destitute. Just managing the provisions for this many people is already giving the Empire a headache. The Demon Sealing Empire choosing this moment to invade the Demon Dragon Continent clearly intends to strike when the Empire’s reserves are strained."

"Strike when you're weak," Feng Yuanming muttered. "The Demon Sealing Empire’s move is truly vicious. Even if they repel this invasion, the Demon Dragon Empire will likely suffer a crippling blow."

"Precisely," Ji Du worried. "The war has already reached our homeland. The main military strength of the Imperial family is currently gathered at the Black Sea and Mispis fronts, leaving fewer than one hundred thousand regular troops stationed on the mainland. Because of this, the Imperial family has issued a conscription order to all Ranger Worlds, calling upon all rangers of the Demon Dragon Empire and the Holy Word Alliance to unite and form a mercenary corps to jointly resist this invasion by the Demon Sealing Empire."

"A conscription order?" Yun Peng was shocked. "Has the situation escalated to this degree?"

"The crisis has reached an unimaginable level. Disturbances are erupting everywhere. Clearly, the Demon Sealing Empire had already embedded agents across the Demon Dragon Continent long ago, waiting for this moment to strike. Granary reserves in the northern regions were simultaneously burned and destroyed. Now, it’s not just the south facing a grain shortage; the north is also in a critical situation."

"They truly play moves linked in a continuous chain," Bi Yan observed. "If we mishandle this, the Demon Dragon Empire could be in grave danger."

"Indeed. After Luo Jiang’s slaughter, the city defenses and Ranger Guilds in the southern regions are nearly paralyzed. Organizing a proper mercenary corps will be extremely difficult," Jian Li worried.

"The situation in the southern regions is indeed dire," Ji Du admitted. "Fortunately, the Panlong Yun family was not heavily impacted. We are confident that using Panlong as a base, we can rally the remnants of the major factions and organize a mercenary corps relatively quickly!"

"That is easier said than done," Feng Yuanming countered. "After the previous journey into the Illusory Realm, the major guilds, us, and the Yun family were practically enemies. They'd be happy to see us fail now; how could they possibly agree to cooperate?"

"In the face of national crisis, I believe both the Azure Dragon Gang and the White Tiger Alliance, as well as the Black Tortoise Alliance, should be able to distinguish right from wrong," Ji Du pressed on. "It is an endeavor that must be attempted; how can we know success if we don't try?"

"Correct," Jian Li agreed. "The predicament the Demon Dragon Continent finds itself in is directly caused by the Demon Sealing Brotherhood. I believe both the Azure Dragon Gang and the Black Tortoise Alliance should realize this. Engaging in internal conflict now is certainly unwise. Uniting them might not be difficult, but organizing them, commanding them, and deploying them is the real challenge. After all, guilds are not armies; orders are hard to unify, and they cannot exert the same powerful combat effectiveness."

"On this point, you need not worry. Soon, the Royal Dragon Banner, personally dispatched by the Imperial Court, will arrive at Cloud Fortress. At that time, you will be authorized to represent the Empire directly in overseeing the defense deployments of the Southern War Zone. Furthermore, the Empire will send Dragon Generals to assist you in training the armies and organizing command structures. Although the situation is rushed, I believe that since the Ranger World could unite and breach the Illusory Realm, it can certainly coalesce into a formidable fighting force once again," Jidu stated solemnly.

"Ah! The Royal Dragon Banner!" Yun Peng exclaimed in shock, a flash of sheer ecstasy immediately lighting his eyes. "My Yun family will surely exert every effort, slay the enemy, defend the nation, and repay the Imperial Grace."

The others were equally astonished. It was common knowledge that the Royal Dragon Banner symbolized the highest honor; possessing it meant the Imperial Court placed absolute trust in that individual, simultaneously granting them the full authority to represent the Crown in administering local politics and economics. All major City Lords would be compelled to unconditionally obey the Dragon Banner's command and dispatch.

Of course, the Dragon Banner would eventually be reclaimed by the state after the war, but the family entrusted with holding it would inevitably see their prestige soar, becoming one of the continent's preeminent powerful clans. This level of renown was incomparable to the ordinary aristocratic families of the Ranger World; it represented true privilege and authority—equivalent to receiving a feudal title from an imperial line in ancient China. Such an honor was a rare, unrepeatable opportunity, making it no wonder Yun Peng was deeply moved.

"Indeed." Jidu smiled knowingly, seemingly having anticipated Yun Peng's reaction, before turning his gaze to Jian Li and the others. "Brother Jian Li, I must trouble you to assist Sect Master Yun in organizing the Ranger Mercenary Corps for the Southern War Zone of the Demon Dragon Continent."

"General, you are too kind," Jian Li replied. "The menace of the Scarlet Demon Sword harms the entire continent, a crisis indirectly brought about by us. It is our undeniable duty to remain here and assist the Demon Dragon Empire against the foreign invaders. Moreover, our Demon Dragon Empire shares an alliance with the Bichi Empire and the Azure Moon Empire; I trust we can cooperate wholeheartedly to overcome these difficult times."

"Well said!" Jidu was greatly pleased. "I must rush back to the Imperial City immediately! Everyone, take care!"

"General, you take care as well!"