The expansive hall was shrouded in dead silence! All the ministers stared, trembling with fear, at the Empress Mo Luo Yinsha on the Phoenix Throne!

The veil of the dangling phoenix coronet obscured her features, yet it could not conceal the chilling, murderous quality of her gaze, which felt like a volcano on the verge of eruption. Everyone present sensed a heavy, suffocating pressure.

“What in the blazes is going on!” Mo Luo Yinsha still clutched a document in her hand, her icy stare sweeping over Yin Cha, the controller of the Imperial Pigeon Group responsible for intelligence.

“.........” Yin Cha fought back the terror churning in his heart, forcing his violently beating heart to calm as he prostrated himself: “Your subject is incompetent, may Your Majesty mete out punishment.”

Just moments ago, intelligence had arrived from the Demon Dragon Empire via a dispatch from Yin Ke. The Demon Dragon Empire had already crowned a new Crown Prince. Until this very moment, no one knew that, aside from Shen Xu and Shen Yin, the Demon Dragon Empire possessed another heir.

What shocked everyone even more was that this person was none other than the newly appointed Fire Sun Heavenly Demon, Star, known for the Blue Lightning—the very one who had utterly crushed the Ao Tian Legion at Yuncheng. The news sent shockwaves across the entire nation.

Blue Lightning had long been a terrifying taboo within the Fengmo Empire. The death of High Priest Lan Ling, and the seizure of the Soul Devouring Staff and the Fire Dragon Heart, had cemented his reputation as a demonic harbinger of death. The Battle of Yuncheng, where he broke through the interception with Dragon Shadow Crossing and single-handedly suppressed the Ao Tian Mage Legion, had propelled his prestige to its zenith.

Indeed, everyone understood clearly that this Blue Lightning was destined to become a major internal threat to the Fengmo Empire. Yet, never before had anyone seen the Empress Mo Luo Yinsha so lose her composure and erupt in such fury.

As the controller of the empire’s intelligence, the Pigeon Group, Yin Cha deserved a hundred deaths for failing to uncover such critical intelligence.

Facing the capricious, decisive Empress whose wrath could lead to instant execution, Yin Cha knew that one wrong move would cost him his head.

“Your Majesty, please calm your anger.” A figure stepped forward from the ranks of military commanders—it was Tie Feng, Marshal of the Iron Blood Legion, one of the Seven Great Legions. Tie Feng and Yin Cha were on good personal terms, and perhaps only he dared to intercede for Yin Cha amidst Mo Luo Yinsha’s great rage. However, even he didn't know how to defend Yin Cha, making his plea sound hopelessly weak.

“Hmph!” Mo Luo Yinsha let out a cold snort, crumpling the document in her hand: “Immediately investigate every detail regarding this Jiu Yao Shen Zhen.” Truthfully, Mo Luo Yinsha understood perfectly well that this entire situation was meticulously orchestrated by the Demon Dragon Empire. Even within that empire, perhaps only the Emperor’s most trusted Eight Great Heavenly Demons, besides the siblings Shen Po, knew of this. Yin Cha’s lapse was, to some extent, understandable.

She then considered Yin Cha’s thirty years of diligent service as the Pigeon Group controller. Under his management, the Fengmo Empire’s network of informants spread to every corner of the Mafa Continent, providing vast amounts of intelligence.

This reliable information had supported the Fengmo Empire’s politics, military strategy, and diplomacy. It could be said that the current might of the Fengmo Empire owed an immeasurable debt to Yin Cha. While Mo Luo Yinsha’s initial fury included Yin Cha’s oversight, it stemmed more profoundly from the shock and anger caused by the sudden, inexplicable appearance of this heir, Jiu Yao Shen Zhen.

“I thank Your Majesty for your mercy.” Though incandescent with rage, the experienced Yin Cha knew he had narrowly escaped death this time. He shot a grateful glance toward Tie Feng.

“Now, we must consider how to counter the Demon Dragon Empire.” Mo Luo Yinsha quickly regained her composure. Dwelling on Yin Cha’s failures now was pointless; redefining their policy of suppression against the Demon Dragon Empire was paramount.

“The Demon Dragon Empire also has a Jiu Yao Shen Zhen,” stated a figure from the civil official line—it was Yu Wei Liao, the Right Prime Minister of the Fengmo Empire. “Shen Xu and Shen Yin have lost their value as leverage. I propose we exchange those two for the Fire Dragon Heart, the Soul Devouring Staff, and the two sets of Heavenly Demon Armor seized at the Yuncheng battlefield.”

“Are we just going to let it go like that?” Mo Luo Yinsha was clearly unwilling. This assassination attempt had been planned in detail over many years, even costing the exposure of an operative planted deep within the Demon Dragon Empire. Yet, it yielded nothing. Worse, they suffered losses at Yuncheng and Cicheng—four Red Robe Priests of Lan Ling, the Soul Devouring Staff, the Fire Dragon Heart, and three Heavenly Demon Warriors—a devastating price for what amounted to a stalemate.

Even more critically, the devastating defeat of the Ao Tian Legion in this conflict had fueled the meteoric rise of Jiu Yao Shen Zhen.

The emergence of this individual was a fatal blow to the Fengmo legions, who prided themselves on the strength of their mages. Soldiers on the front lines were gripped by anxiety, while the Holy Word Alliance seized the opportunity to press forward, launching fierce counterattacks across the battlefields of Misbila, Blue Sea, and Red Sea. Consequently, the Fengmo Empire’s forces were forced to contract their defensive lines, losing numerous captured cities and positions back to the Holy Word Alliance.

It could be said that the current situation was the worst the Fengmo Empire had faced in five hundred years, a fact the proud Mo Luo Yinsha found unbearable.

Fortunately, a recent surprise attack by the Fengmo Empire succeeded in capturing Shen Yin and Shen Xu, using them as hostages to force the Demon Dragon Empire’s Iron Wolf Legion to withdraw from Misbila and relinquish its support for the Holy Word Alliance.

This also caused panic in the kingdoms of Bi Qi and Cang Yue, forcing them to divert troops to garrison the defense zones bordering the Demon Dragon Empire along the Blue and Red Seas.

This provided the Fengmo Empire with an opening: not only did they reclaim lost territory, but they also seized several cities and stabilized their positions.

However, the sudden appearance of Jiu Yao Shen Zhen now made Mo Luo Yinsha’s recovered peace of mind precarious once more.

Prior intelligence had already confirmed that Blue Lightning was a Demon Devourer physique, rare in a millennium. The power of this physique was fully demonstrated at Yuncheng and Cicheng. Now, learning that Blue Lightning’s other identity was the true heir of the Demon Dragon Royal Family, Jiu Yao Shen Zhen, was staggering.

This meant the Demon Dragon Crown Prince possessed not only the Demon Devourer physique but also the Divine Gifted Bloodline of the Demon Dragon royalty. Such a terrifying monster, once allowed to ascend the throne of the Demon Dragon Empire, meant eternal unrest for the Fengmo Empire.

Demon Devourer physique—the bane of mages. Divine Gifted Bloodline—the ultimate warrior. The combination of the two made Mo Luo Yinsha tremble with apprehension and panic just contemplating it.

No wonder he achieved such renown at such a young age! A flash of thought illuminated many possibilities in Mo Luo Yinsha’s mind.

It seemed this entire campaign had ended in utter disaster. But was everything truly irretrievable?

Mo Luo Yinsha sighed heavily, looking toward the assembled court: “This matter will be discussed later.” She then continued, “What is the current situation in the various war zones?”

It seemed the Empress was in no hurry to decide the fate of the captured Shen Yin and Shen Xu. Tie Feng and the others were similarly at a loss; a proper resolution for this issue would not be easy to devise quickly.

“South of Misbila, due to the Iron Wolf Legion’s withdrawal, most defensive sectors have been occupied by us,” Tie Feng reported. “Recently, the troop diversion by Bi Qi and Cang Yue to the Blue and Red Seas significantly eased pressure in the major zones. The Three Great Legions took the opportunity to recapture numerous positions and cities...”

Mo Luo Yinsha listened distractedly to the reports from the various legion marshals, her own thoughts elsewhere.

“Worthy of Jiu Yao Chong Yang,” Mo Luo Yinsha ground her teeth. Even an idiot could see now that Shen Xu was merely the figurehead heir presented by Jiu Yao Chong Yang. The true favored successor was this eldest son, Jiu Yao Shen Zhen. Otherwise, there was no explaining how Shen Zhen became such a decorated Heavenly Demon Warrior at such a tender age. It was likely that both the Eight Great Heavenly Demons and the military establishment had already acknowledged Jiu Yao Shen Zhen as the Crown Prince.

This realization made Mo Luo Yinsha feel sick with frustration. But then, a sly, triumphant smile flashed in her gloomy eyes. Jiu Yao Shen Zhen! Haha! Jiu Yao Shen Zhen! Why didn’t I think of it? Since Jiu Yao Chong Yang could produce one Jiu Yao Shen Zhen, I, Mo Luo Yinsha, can create a second one. Thinking of the twin sister, Jiu Yao Shen Yin, and his full brother, Jiu Yao Shen Zhen, whom she already held captive, Mo Luo Yinsha almost burst out laughing toward the heavens.

She had struck pure gold! Heaven was aiding her!

Below, all the court officials stared in bewildered shock, unable to fathom what the capricious Mo Luo Yinsha was plotting.

Imperial Palace in Bi Qi Great City!

The Jingyue Tower was a tall pavilion with a silver-domed arc roof, backed by a small hill richly adorned with emerald greenery. Four small rivers were cleverly diverted around the hill into a lake, forming the clear and expansive Jingyue Lake. The towering pavilion sat perfectly at the lake’s edge.

The lakeshore was planted with various flowers and grasses, shaded by weeping willows, creating a unique atmosphere. Though it was late in the day, the powerful mages of the Bi Qi Empire had numerous ways to ensure perpetual spring here, year-round.

The people of Bi Qi held an inexplicable affection for spring, so the imperial palace was never lacking the vibrant colors of flourishing blossoms.

At this moment, a figure atop the high tower held a document, gazing into the distance as if deep in thought. His other hand rested on the balustrade, tapping out a gentle rhythm of a strange cadence.

His robust physique, the chiseled angles of his face, and his firm, azure eyes all bespoke a resolute, iron-willed leader—this was the sovereign of an era, King Jian Xing of Bi Qi!

Behind him, the Pigeon Group Executive Jian Huan and the Marshal of the Azure Dragon Legion, Jian Hao, stood with bowed heads, seemingly awaiting Jian Xing’s command.

Jian Xing’s mind was still vividly tracing every word of the document! He silently gazed at the profusion of blooming flowers before him, a posture familiar to all his generals who had campaigned with him through countless battles.

When he was still a prince, on the Blue Sea front lines, on the blood-soaked walls of Misbila, he adopted this very stance while observing the enemy formations, scrutinizing every movement of their troops, contemplating the myriad military plans about to be deployed.

Whenever he assumed this pose, a world-shaking military maneuver was imminent, and each time, it steered the Bi Qi armies toward another glorious victory.

Gazing at Jian Xing’s steady, restrained silhouette, which felt as imposing as great mountains, all his ministers, especially Jian Huan, felt like they were facing a giant dragon poised to emerge from the deep, summon clouds, and call forth rain.

“The Demon Dragon Royal Family has another heir,” Jian Xing uttered, a trace of calm amusement in his voice. “This suggests the Demon Dragon Empire is unlikely to withdraw from the Holy Word Alliance and turn against us at the crucial moment.”

“We hold the same opinion,” stated Jian Hao, Marshal of the Bi Qi Azure Dragon Legion, with gravity.

“Issue an order: all fleets stationed near the Demon Dragon Empire along the Red and Blue Seas are to immediately withdraw and redeploy for operations against the Fengmo Empire in Misbila.”

“Yes!” A nearby magical messenger hurried away.

“What is Fengmo Empire’s reaction?” Jian Xing turned back to look at Jian Huan, who managed the Pigeon Group intelligence.

“Reporting to Your Majesty,” Jian Huan replied respectfully, “The latest intelligence shows that the Fengmo court has yet to issue a final ruling on the handling of Shen Yin and Shen Xu. However, I surmise they will likely exchange Shen Xu and Shen Yin for the Soul Devouring Staff and Fire Dragon Heart seized by Blue Lightning, and the two sets of Heavenly Demon Armor captured at Yuncheng.”

“Exchanging hostages?” Jian Xing scoffed. “I don’t think Mo Luo Yinsha is that foolish. Royal blood is supremely noble. It’s a once-in-a-millennium opportunity; if Mo Luo Yinsha doesn’t exploit it properly, she deserves to smash her own head.”

“Your Majesty means...” Jian Huan looked hesitant, clearly pondering the implications.

“Who exactly is this Jiu Yao Shen Zhen? I heard he was once a disciple of the Dragon Shadow Manor,” Jian Xing did not directly answer Jian Huan’s query.

“Reporting to Your Majesty, based on my investigation, this Jiu Yao Shen Zhen is actually the disciple of Jian Li. He joined the Dragon Shadow Manor four years ago and earned Jian Li’s deep affection. Jian Li taught him the ultimate technique of our school, the Dragon Shadow Swordplay, with complete sincerity.”

“To control the Dragon Shadow, it is impossible without the bloodline of our Bi Qi Royal Family,” Jian Xing said gravely. “The bloodline of the Bi Qi Royal Family was granted by the ancient Mafa Goddess—the Blood Spirit Body, innate warriors. Over a thousand years ago, this evolved into another mutation: the Demon Devourer physique. Sadly, since the first Dragon Shadow, no one has manifested it again. I never expected to see it appear in this Jiu Yao Shen Zhen.” Jian Xing sighed heavily. “I do not believe Jian Qiu Jian Fei would let such a rare opportunity slip by.”

“Well,” Jian Huan looked oddly embarrassed. “They did consider it. But Jiu Yao Shen Zhen is only seventeen now. Two years ago, Jian Qiu and the others had hoped he would leave a trace of his bloodline at the Dragon Shadow Manor. However, at that time, Jiu Yao Shen Zhen had only just begun practicing the Dragon Shadow Swordplay and should not have broken his vow of celibacy. We delayed for two years, and now the situation has evolved like this.”

“Opportunity knocks but once,” Jian Xing stated firmly. “We missed one chance, but Mo Luo Yinsha will not miss a second. Jiu Yao Shen Yin and Jiu Yao Shen Zhen are twins, meaning they possess equally excellent bloodlines. Therefore, Shen Xu should not be far behind. Although these bloodlines might not have awakened in them yet, it is certain they possess the capacity for this lineage inheritance. Whether it is the Blood Spirit, the Demon Devourer physique, or the Divine Gifted Bloodline—if even one strain falls into the hands of the Fengmo Empire, their national strength will increase dramatically.”

“Does Your Majesty mean that the Fengmo Empire’s motive for abducting Shen Yin and Shen Xu was not as simple as we thought?” Jian Huan asked.

“Perhaps initially, it was just to threaten the Demon Dragon Empire into withdrawing from the Holy Word Alliance,” Jian Xing said solemnly. “But regardless of whether the Demon Dragon Empire accepted the compromise, they achieved their goal of dividing our Holy Word Alliance.” Jian Xing looked up at the sky again, muttering, “Before this, no one had seen the Four Great Bloodlines merge and assimilate. Jiu Yao Shen Zhen’s existence proves that the Four Great Bloodlines can integrate, and when integrated successfully, they unleash unimaginable power.” He then looked seriously at Jian Huan, “Otherwise, how can we explain Jiu Yao Shen Zhen becoming a Heavenly Demon Warrior in his youth?”

“...” Jian Huan was utterly dumbfounded.

“The birth of a genius has reasons. No matter how clever or gifted a person is in comprehension, success is impossible without a suitable physical constitution,” Jian Xing explained. “In the past, the royal families of the Four Nations refused marriages outside the nobility to maintain blood purity, but in doing so, they lost the opportunity to create stronger warriors.”

“If that’s the case, if Shen Yin or Shen Xu leaves a bloodline in the Fengmo Empire, we could very likely see a second Jiu Yao Shen Zhen,” Jian Huan exclaimed in shock.

“Exactly. Don’t forget, the nature of the Divine Gifted Bloodline is Feral Rage,” Jian Xing stated sternly. “Feral Rage has the same effect on Daoists, Mages, and Warriors. The Heavenly Demon Warriors of the Demon Dragon Royalty are called the strongest Berserkers. So, if the Divine Gifted Bloodline combines with the Fire Spirit Bloodline of the Fengmo Royalty, who dares guarantee that a Raging Mage won’t emerge among the mages?”

“...” Jian Huan took a long moment to regain his senses. “That is terrifying. The mages of the Fengmo Empire are already difficult enough to handle; what will we do if Raging Mages appear?”

“That is what worries me most,” Jian Xing admitted. “Perhaps in our generation, we won’t see such hidden dangers. But starting from the next generation, the Mafa Continent might no longer be a stage for us, Bi Qi and Cang Yue. The Demon Dragon Royal Family has Jiu Yao Shen Zhen, and the Fengmo Empire has abducted his twin siblings. The future struggle for dominion will be fought by their descendants. We will have no chance.”

“Your Majesty, why don’t we also send experts to infiltrate the Fengmo Empire to look for an opportunity to rescue Shen Yin and Shen Xu?” Jian Huan suggested.

“...” Jian Xing was momentarily taken aback by Jian Huan’s suggestion. “The chance of success is slim, but we can try. Handle the matter as you see fit.”

“Yes!”

The inheritance of bloodlines! Jian Xing looked towards the clear sky, a flicker of deep concern in his eyes. Was it truly true that their opportunity was lost?