Yet, all this transpired in the mere blink of an eye, as the magic cavalry, previously terrified by Xing Chen's assault, suddenly surged forward toward the elevated position!

"We can't let them escape!" Yun Xi snapped back to reality, roaring the command.

"Hah, now it's our turn to show them," Feng Qingtian and the others bellowed in unison. Xing Chen's previous rampage had invigorated the disciples of the Yun family and the elite members of the Vermillion Bird Alliance. Now, facing the already-shattered morale of the magic cavalry, they knew no mercy; they charged toward the wild-rushing horsemen with killing intent burning in their eyes.

Roar! Feng Qingtian, Tong Lei, and over a dozen other warriors suddenly burst forward. More than a dozen streaks, sharp as incomparable crescent moons, slashed out like lightning toward the charging magic cavalry. This close-range interception meant the mages on horseback barely had time to react before they were struck squarely by the surging crescent sword auras.

Perhaps the Dou Qi cultivation of Feng Qingtian and the others hadn't reached the terrifying heights of Xing Chen, but the combined Dou Qi attack launched by more than a dozen individuals still produced an astonishing spectacle. Furthermore, they held the geographical advantage of the high ground. As the Furnace Warhorses charged up the slope, their speed was significantly reduced compared to a flat-ground rush. The Dou Qi unleashed by Feng Qingtian and the others, striking from above, targeted the most vulnerable part of the mages on horseback: their necks.

Splat! Splat! Splat!

A cascade of gasps and shrieks followed. The first few dozen magic cavalrymen were hit directly. Though their heads didn't immediately fly off, the terrifying shockwave of the Dou Qi impact at such close range instantly knocked them from their saddles, sending them tumbling to the ground. The subsequent wave of magic cavalry couldn't stop in time; the massive hooves of the Furnace Warhorses immediately trampled the fallen mages into paste.

Having struck a successful blow, Feng Qingtian and the others dared not charge headlong into the oncoming, charging Furnace Warhorses. Instead, with a nimble flip, they clung to the backs of the horses, following the direction of the charge. In the time it took to blink, Feng Qingtian, Tong Lei, and the dozen-plus warriors transformed from ground-bound fighters into mounted Furnace Knights.

"Beautifully done!" Han Yunzhen and Xia Ya on the slope cheered for the extraordinary skill of Feng Qingtian and the others, though they were equally unwilling to be outdone. Han Yunzhen immediately urged the profound magic fluctuations within her body. Her slender, silver-bright Blood Drink Longsword twisted with an eerie, bewitching distortion as the magic fluctuations condensed to their limit.

"Laser Ray!" Two thick, azure arcs of light, like massive, long serpents, shot toward the returning magic cavalry. Meanwhile, Xia Ya's Holy Word Divine Beast was overwhelmingly ferocious.

Its blood-red body expanded instantly with a heaven-shaking roar into a three-meter-tall scarlet behemoth, charging toward the swiftly moving Furnace Warhorses.

Thud! Thud! The magic cavalrymen at the front, who had managed to dodge the interception from Feng Qingtian and Tong Lei's group, could not evade the attack from Han Yunzhen and Xia Ya's forces this time.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The Laser Ray instantly entangled the mages on horseback. Then, acting like a massive tether, it violently yanked the ensnared mages right off their saddles.

Splat! Splat! Splat! The fallen mages, unable to stop due to the high-speed impact from behind, were either violently flung far away by the charging cavalry or instantly trampled into bloody pulp.

And those who luckily tumbled aside were immediately turned to charcoal by the Holy Word Fire spat out by the charging Holy Word Divine Beasts—the sight was truly gruesome beyond description.

This sudden, drastic change horrified the magic cavalrymen. Who would have thought this small squad of just over thirty people consisted of such terrifying monsters?

It must be said that this group of opportunistic magic cavalry had the worst luck imaginable. Feng Qingtian, Xia Ya, Han Yunzhen—which one of them wasn't a renowned young expert in the Ranger world? Not to mention that even more inexplicable monster, Xing Chen. How could the magic cavalry, already depleted of their fighting spirit after Xing Chen's assault, possibly break through the interception of Feng Qingtian's group? In the blink of an eye, another dozen riders fell.

Sensing the danger, the magic cavalry immediately diverted toward the left flank of the slope, attempting to bypass the high ground and avoid the interception by Feng Qingtian and Xia Ya’s group.

But just then!

Roar! A series of earth-shattering roars suddenly erupted, making the very ground tremble under the sudden outburst. A black line on the horizon swept toward them at an astonishing speed, accompanied by rising clouds of black battle smoke.

"Ah! What is that!" Yun Xi exclaimed in shock. Judging by the sound alone, there must be at least a thousand riders. If they charged over, there wouldn't even be room to flee!

"It's the Demonic Dragon Armored Cavalry," the sharp-eyed Han Yunzhen shouted excitedly.

The sudden turn of events left the magic cavalry, who had just managed to bypass Han Yunzhen’s interception, unable even to turn around. They were instantly submerged by the rushing black torrent.

Countless flashes of silvery saber light and golden Dou Qi appeared wildly.

Splat! Splat! Splat!

In just a breath, the original two hundred-plus magic cavalrymen were annihilated on the spot. Only about a dozen panicked, turning east to flee! Just as Feng Qingtian thought those dozen might escape to freedom.

A dazzling golden light pierced the void, instantly traversing a distance of a hundred meters! It was followed by a rain of scattered blood, and countless severed limbs blown to pieces.

"Ah! What terrifying Dou Qi," Tong Lei gasped in horror.

"He blasted them and their horses into fragments," Feng Qingtian was stunned silent.

"..............." Could it be the Celestial Demon Warriors?

It was only then that I finally saw the black iron tide, and within it, that single, dazzling golden figure, rushing toward us at an incredible speed.

Rumble! Hiss!

In a short while, they had surrounded us completely.

Stomp! Stomp. The majestic Furnace Warhorses breathed heavily, snorting, their four hooves striking the ground like war drums as they slowly encircled us.

And only at this moment did I clearly see the general leading them, clad in golden Celestial Demon Armor.

"It really is the Celestial Demon Warriors!" Feng Qingtian exclaimed.

"Hee hee, this isn't far from Yuncheng. Could it be General Jin Yao, one of the Nine Great Celestial Demons of the Empire?" Yun Xi asked with pleasant surprise.

"Who are you people?" Seated atop the magnificent Furnace Warhorse, his sharp, somber gaze was like that of a deity looking down upon the common masses, making it impossible to look up. He casually rested his long Dragon Spear on the spear rack mounted on his horse's back.

"We are disciples of the Coiling Dragon Yun Family," Yun Xi stepped forward, respectfully presenting the token signifying the Yun family's identity.

"Coiling Dragon Yun Family." Jin Yao examined the shield-shaped token in his hand and confirmed Yun Xi's identity. A hint of softening appeared on his grim expression. "It is currently a time of war; why are you here?"

"This!" Yun Xi hesitated. Infiltrating the Demon-Sealing Empire was highly classified. Who would have thought they would run into a Celestial Demon Warrior guarding Yuncheng midway? If they told the truth, they might be accused of treasonous collaboration. For a moment, Yun Xi didn't know what to say.

"Since it is inconvenient to speak, then you will accompany us to Yuncheng," Jin Yao’s suspicion was clearly aroused by Yun Xi’s hesitation, but there was no other way. Were they expected to reveal the secret of their mission in broad daylight?

If they did that, would it even count as a secret infiltration!

At that instant, everyone felt a massive headache coming on!

However, facing Jin Yao's sharp gaze and the menacing presence of the Demonic Dragon Empire soldiers flanking them, Yun Xi could only look helplessly toward Feng Qingtian and the others, only to see them all shake their heads subtly.

It seemed the only option now was to return to Yuncheng with Jin Yao’s group and then figure out a way forward.

"Then we will trouble the General," Yun Xi conceded.

"Mm! It is my duty; please forgive any offense!" Jin Yao spoke courteously, but his subordinates were far from polite.

They immediately confiscated our weapons and spatial satchels!

Although it felt stifling, we all understood this was not the time for rash emotion. We had witnessed firsthand just how terrifying the Celestial Demon Warriors were.

In just a moment, all our weapons, spatial satchels, and jewelry were stripped away.

Damn it, these were practically bandits!

I was somewhat shocked. It seemed these soldiers were highly experienced and had already pegged us as spies. Everyone was left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

But when the royal token badge hidden at my waist was taken, I distinctly felt Jin Yao's surprised gaze. Although he masked it skillfully, it didn't escape my notice.

Yuncheng! The expansive training grounds!

At a glance, it was a dense sea of black! Countless soldiers were intensely drilling, accompanied by earth-shaking war drums, and the charging warhorses, and the magic explosions triggered by the Mage Corps.

The heaven-shaking roars of the Daoist Corps' Holy Word Divine Beasts made me feel, the moment we entered, as if I had stumbled into a battlefield of tens of thousands of armies clashing in fierce combat.

The thick battle clouds, the flying dust, the soaring killing intent—everything gave the impression of the heroism forged by iron and blood, the collision of fighting spirit and will.

This was the southeastern gateway to the Demonic Dragon Continent, and also one of the four most famous strongholds in history—Yuncheng Pass?

With just a cursory glance, I immediately sensed that this group of soldiers was vastly different from the guild warriors I had encountered before. Over fifty thousand of them were arranged in two neat, large formations.

Clearly, they were currently rehearsing some intense offensive and defensive tactics. I couldn't quite grasp the details, but Feng Qingtian, Yun Xi, and the others watched with rapt attention, unable to suppress bursts of applause, as if they had completely forgotten our current status as "captives"! It was true: outsiders watch the fun, but insiders see the art. Both Feng Qingtian and Xia Ya and Han Yunzhen were top commanders who had led large-scale guild wars in the Vermillion Bird Alliance. To witness the legendary Yuncheng garrison rehearsing a major battle tactic was undoubtedly of immense research value to these commanders who loved studying military strategy.

"Worthy of the renowned Yuncheng Army!" Feng Qingtian was deeply impressed. "It is in no way inferior to Cangyue's Fire Phoenix Legion!"

"The Nine Great Celestial Demons each have their strengths. In terms of martial power, Emperor Ri Yao, the current Emperor, is the strongest. But when it comes to decisive judgment in opposing armies and battlefield confrontation, General Jin Yao is the strongest among the Nine Great Celestial Demons," Yun Xi recounted knowledgeably. "Ri Yao excels at offense, Yue Yao at support, Jidu at investigation, Luohou at concealment, Tu Yao at defense. Jin Yao is the most resolute, Shui Yao the most fluid! Huo Yao the swiftest, Mu Yao the most steadfast. This describes the unique combat techniques and operational styles of the Nine Great Celestial Demons."

"Jin Yao the most resolute!" I muttered, "No wonder General Jin Yao keeps that long, stern face all day, like a block of black iron."

"Hah!" The soldiers escorting us from behind were amused by my words but quickly suppressed their smiles. "Kid, you have great nerve, daring to privately slander our General. Do you believe I won't whip you a few times?"

"Brother, we are all law-abiding citizens. Don't just whip us without asking questions," I said, feeling a little guilty. These ruffians were all hardened veterans who lived by the blade; no one dared predict what they might do if provoked.

"Hah! Whether you are law-abiding or not will soon be clear," the escorting soldiers said grimly!

Soon, the thirty-plus of us were roughly pushed and dragged into a prison cell.

The prison cells in the Mafa World were very similar to the confinement places in ancient China. The only difference was that the surrounding walls were cast from thick black iron fused with hard mica stone, specifically designed to prevent high-level warriors or mages with deep magic reserves from blasting them open.

I never thought I'd see the day I was imprisoned. Thinking of this, I subconsciously glanced at Feng Qingtian and the others, only to see them wearing similar wry smiles.

Actually, we weren't worried about what Jin Yao would do to us. After all, we were from the Yun family, and not long ago, Jidu had fought alongside me. I believed that once an investigation was conducted, Jin Yao would know we were friends, not foes.

Of course, there was one other thing I was certain of: the royal token confiscated from me. Although few people in the common world had seen it, Jin Yao, as a royal Celestial Demon Warrior, could never fail to recognize it. Based on this alone, he wouldn't dare act rashly toward us.

If my guess was correct, Jin Yao would soon summon me for interrogation.

"You, follow me to the interrogation room for questioning." Soon, several jailers came in and separated me, Feng Qingtian, Han Yunzhen, and the others to be taken for questioning.

Before me was a spacious hall. In the exact center facing the entrance was a commander's desk. At this moment, Jin Yao stood alone in the hall, holding my two royal tokens: one was the royal token of the Biqi Empire, and the other was the one Jidu had given me in Cangyue.

"Who are you, and why do you possess royal tokens representing the royal families of both the Biqi and Demonic Dragon nations?" Although Jin Yao appeared hesitant, his tone lacked the previous rigidness and imposing aura.

"My name is Xing Chen, a disciple of the Dragon Shadow Manor in Biqi. The token representing the Biqi royalty was given to me by my master, Jian Li, for convenience while traveling," I stated seriously. "As for the other, General Jidu gave it to me when we were in Cangyue."

"Jidu, Xing Chen, Cangyue." Jin Yao was greatly surprised, seemingly recalling something. "Could you possibly be His Highness Prince Qin Xing Chen, enfeoffed by the Emperor?"

"This," I said, feeling a bit embarrassed, "you could say that, though I haven't officially undergone the knighting ceremony."

"How dare I trouble His Highness the Prince of Qin to visit." Jin Yao showed a rare hint of nervousness. "I have caused grave offense." Jin Yao immediately executed a standard subordinate salute, clearly fearful.

"Ignorance is no crime." Although Jin Yao's sudden change was within my expectations, it still made me feel slightly uncomfortable. I quickly helped Jin Yao up.

"Why did Your Highness come with disciples of the Yun family?" Jin Yao respectfully handed the two royal tokens back into my hands. On the commander's desk lay my Dragon Shadow Sword and spatial satchel, neatly stacked. Clearly, Jin Yao had not searched my spatial satchel.

"That is a long story," I said after carefully putting away the royal tokens. "General should know about the Crimson Blood Demon Sword?"

"The Crimson Blood Demon Sword." Jin Yao grew serious. "I have heard of it. The Emperor dispatched General Jidu to deal with Luo Jiang, who possessed the sword. I heard that Luo Jiang has already been killed by General Jidu, and the Crimson Blood Demon Sword was destroyed. It is rumored that General Jidu was able to defeat Luo Jiang and destroy the sword thanks to the strong assistance of the Yun Family."

Damn it, so this old fox knew everything, yet still dared to arrest us.

"Yes," I continued. "Although the Crimson Blood Demon Sword has been destroyed, previously, when we entered the illusory realm together to seize it..."

Afterward, I explained the entire sequence of events during our trip to the illusory realm. Naturally, Jin Yao also learned the reason for our presence near Yuncheng this time.

"So that is how it is," Jin Yao said with emotion. "Your Highness's promise is worth a thousand gold pieces; I admire that. However, Your Highness's status is incredibly noble. Any mishap would be a heavy blow to our Demonic Dragon Royal Family. I beg Your Highness not to risk personal danger. As for rescuing Yun Shang, I can arrange a squad of elite troops to infiltrate the Demon-Sealing Empire and rescue Yun Shang for Your Highness."

"No need to trouble the General," I quickly replied. "This is a small matter. With the great war imminent, it is best that the General not be distracted by my affairs."

"That will not do," Jin Yao’s attitude was firm. "While it may be a minor issue to Your Highness, to our Demonic Dragon Royal Family, Your Highness's status is tied to the success or failure of the entire dynasty. General Jidu was utterly muddle-headed not to bring Your Highness back to the capital."

"What, bring me back to the capital?" A very bad feeling suddenly washed over me. Could Jin Yao be planning to—!