Inside the Tranquil Heart Hall of the Demon Dragon Empire’s Imperial Palace, Jiuyao Chongyang paced back and forth, clearly anxious! Those familiar with him knew that His Majesty the Emperor was currently gripped by profound unease.

Indeed, just moments ago, the Pigeon Group spies embedded within the Demon Sealing Continent had learned that the Ao Tian Legion had deployed the Tracking Necklace specifically to deal with Jiuyao Shenzhen.

Records dating back to ancient times spoke of the Tracking Necklace’s uncanny tracking ability, making it hard to imagine the fate that awaited the now solitary and utterly defenseless Jiuyao Shenzhen.

Although the Demon Dragon Royal Family had exhausted every means to finally establish a long-distance connection with the Blood Wolf Legion, the question remained whether this message could reach Jiuyao Shenzhen in time!

Perhaps Jiuyao Shenzhen had already fallen into a trap set by the Ao Tian Legion. Thinking of this, Jiuyao Chongyang felt his heart burn with anxiety; should any misfortune befall Jiuyao Shenzhen, no one dared contemplate the crisis that would then confront the Demon Dragon Empire.

Beside him, Yueyao Luohou, though immensely proud, was equally helpless; at this moment, their strength was useless. If they could, they wished they could instantly fly to the Demon Sealing Continent.

And while the Divine Matron appeared outwardly calm, those who knew her well understood that she was far from the picture of tranquility she presented. This could be easily discerned from her slightly quickened breath.

At this moment, they all unconsciously gazed towards the doorway—yes, they were waiting, waiting for the long-distance transmission from the Blood Wolf Legion.

Thump! Thump! Hurried footsteps sliced through the hall’s silence as the frantic figure of the Pigeon Group Steward appeared before them. He had even forgotten to perform the customary salute, rushing directly to Jiuyao Chongyang.

“Is there news from the Blood Wolf Legion?” Jiuyao Chongyang rushed forward, not waiting for the Steward to speak.

“Yes! Your Majesty, the Blood Wolf Legion sends word: His Highness Shenzhen was ambushed by Mo Luo Aotian and others, but fortunately, he has escaped the encirclement!” The Pigeon Group Steward managed to slightly regulate his rapid breathing as he presented the scroll to Jiuyao Chongyang.

“Ambushed and escaped?” Jiuyao Chongyang was stunned. “What exactly happened?”

“The Ao Tian Legion set an ambush at the Lingfeng Bridge within the Wanluo Mountain Range. His Highness Shenzhen, unaware, fell into the trap, but he managed to break through the siege later.”

“Thank the heavens he escaped,” Jiuyao Chongyang nearly collapsed, sinking into the Dragon Throne.

“Is His Highness Shenzhen alright?” Luohou worried. “Was he injured?” Although they didn't know how the Ao Tian Legion had ambushed Jiuyao Shenzhen, given the ruthlessness of the Ao Tian Legion and Mo Luo Aotian’s suspicion and hatred for Jiuyao Shenzhen, this ambush must have involved their strongest elite combination. It was hard to imagine how Jiuyao Shenzhen managed to escape under such circumstances, and even if he escaped, whether he was uninjured remained unknown.

“The Blood Wolf Legion reports that His Highness suffered severe injuries, but his life is not in danger,” the Pigeon Group Steward conveyed.

“Severely injured?” Yueyao grew greatly concerned. “This means His Highness Shenzhen has not fully escaped danger yet.”

“Indeed!” Luohou was also deeply anxious. “How could His Highness escape if he was injured?”

“His Highness Shenzhen has a great destiny,” the Divine Matron’s expression softened considerably. Although the situation seemed somewhat within her expectations, only upon hearing the Steward’s report did the heavy weight truly lift from her heart. “There is no need for you all to worry.”

The others also breathed a collective sigh of relief! Yet Luohou instinctively asked, “Has Jidu not yet found His Highness Shenzhen?”

“General Jidu is rushing to rendezvous with the two Heavenly Rainbow Arch-Mages from the Blood Wolf Legion,” the Steward explained. “Additionally, the Blood Wolf Legion has another important message to relay.”

“Another important message?” Jiuyao Chongyang was slightly surprised.

“Yes! His Highness Shenzhen intends to utilize the tracking function of the Tracking Necklace to lure Mo Luo Aotian and the others from the Ao Tian Legion into the Gale Valley of the Wanluo Mountain Range, coordinating with General Jidu and the two Heavenly Rainbow Arch-Mages to ambush and destroy them.”

“Ambushing Mo Luo Aotian?” Jiuyao Chongyang, the Divine Matron, Luohou, and Yueyao were all shocked simultaneously.

“That is correct,” the Steward confirmed. “His Highness Shenzhen is currently leading Mo Luo Aotian and his group toward the Gale Valley.”

“That’s insane!” Luohou almost leaped up. “Four people ambushing six?”

“Not necessarily,” sharp light flashed in the Divine Matron’s eyes. “If coordinated well, the possibility of success is very high. Do not forget General Jidu alone can contend against three, plus His Highness Shenzhen and the two Heavenly Rainbow Arch-Mages, and this is all while Mo Luo Aotian and the others are completely unprepared.”

Indeed, what the Divine Matron said held great merit. Calculating against the unprepared, even the supremely cunning Mo Luo Aotian could not have foreseen this, especially with Jidu hidden as the trump card. If they struck suddenly, no one could defend against him.

“The question is, will Mo Luo Aotian be fooled so easily?” Yueyao remained somewhat doubtful. “The Gale Valley is strategically treacherous; given Mo Luo Aotian’s caution, he likely won’t fall into the trap easily.”

“He will,” Jiuyao Chongyang asserted confidently. “Shenzhen is severely injured; Mo Luo Aotian will absolutely not pass up such an opportunity. Even if he harbors suspicion, he would never imagine Shenzhen would dare turn the tables and set an ambush. Moreover, given his apprehension and hatred for Shenzhen, even if he suspects risk, he won't miss this chance.”

“If Mo Luo Aotian and the others are successfully ambushed, the Demon Sealing Imperial Family will suffer devastating losses,” Luohou shared Jiuyao Chongyang’s view.

“To escape the ambush set by Mo Luo Aotian and his cohort,” Yueyao mused, “His Highness Shenzhen truly possesses heaven-defying fortune.”

“En,” Jiuyao Chongyang unconsciously clenched his fist. “I trust his incredible luck will bring another miracle this time.”

The others had become accustomed to Jiuyao Shenzhen’s astonishing good fortune.

“The Blood Wolf Legion relayed another critical piece of intelligence,” the Steward continued. “Due to the activities of His Highness Shenzhen and the Blood Wolf Legion, the Nu Jiao Tribe and the Bai Lun Tribe have begun to actively respond. Now, on the east and south flanks of the Demon Sealing Continent, the Bai Lun Tribe and the Nu Jiao Tribe are emulating the Blood Wolf Legion’s ‘Three Clears’ policy, employing guerrilla tactics to launch frantic massacres on the various small cities and villages lacking Imperial War Generals. The Demon Sealing Empire has been forced to dispatch the Iron Blood Legion to suppress the Bai Lun and Nu Jiao Tribes. To confront the Iron Blood Legion, the Nu Jiao and Bai Lun Tribes have decided to form an alliance with the Blood Wolf Legion, publicly declaring that they submit to His Highness Shenzhen’s command. This news has already spread.”

“The Blood Wolf, Bai Lun, and Nu Jiao Tribes are uniting, and they are willing to follow Shenzhen’s orders?” Jiuyao Chongyang was overjoyed. He knew that although these three tribes were all ethnic minorities on the Demon Sealing Continent and targets for eradication, due to historical reasons, they harbored mutual animosity. Past attempts at union had failed because none would yield command to the other. Yet, because of Shenzhen, they put aside their grudges to unite. This was not hard to understand: Shenzhen infiltrated the Demon Sealing Continent alone and killed two Heavenly Rainbow Arch-Mages in his first engagement, leading to a massive surge in the Blood Wolf Legion’s strength. As fellow targets of suppression, the Nu Jiao and Bai Lun Tribes were naturally extremely envious.

Another crucial reason was Shenzhen’s astonishing power, which made the two tribes prefer to follow his orders rather than those of Chi Long, even if the command was merely nominal. This was the tribes’ last resort. In the eyes of ordinary people, the three tribes were traitors to the Demon Sealing Continent, their acts of treason despised. But who could comprehend the sheer difficulty of their survival while facing discrimination and eradication from the Imperial Church and the continent’s other peoples? If they didn't strike back, they faced total annihilation. The appearance of Jiuyao Shenzhen was undoubtedly a life-saving straw appearing at the critical moment, their final hope. At least they saw a glimmer of dawn, an opportunity they dared not miss.

If the three tribes truly united, their conventional troop strength would reach at least three million, a number comparable to any of the Demon Sealing Legion’s seven main armies. More terrifyingly, the three tribes each possessed unique strengths. Although the Blood Wolf Tribe was the smallest in number, in the desert and forest regions, they could handle enemies ten times their size without yielding ground. One could say that the desert and jungle belonged to the Blood Wolf Knights.

As for the Bai Lun Tribe, their most famous asset was their terrifying mounts, the Saber-toothed Dragon Beasts. Like the Blood Wolf Tribe, the Bai Lun Tribe possessed ancient, lingering bloodlines of human-beast symbiosis. Saber-toothed Dragon Beasts had speeds comparable to High Furnace Warhorses, but more terrifying was their immense size; their impact power was no less than the Great Horned Dragon Beasts of the Bichi Continent, making them the ultimate shock troops for charging, breaking lines, and seizing standards on the plains.

Furthermore, besides their fearsome Saber-toothed Dragon Beasts, the Bai Lun Tribe also boasted numerous Black Tortoise infantry. It was known that fifty years ago, the Bai Lun Legion, composed of the Bai Lun Tribe’s warriors, was not only the strongest force on the plains but also the most skilled in siege warfare. The terrifying size and impact of the Saber-toothed Dragon Beasts, combined with specially designed siege equipment, allowed them to easily capture any formidable fortress.

If not for the power struggle within the Mo Luo Church fifty years ago, which resulted in the Bai Lun Tribe’s defeat and ambush, eliminating over a dozen elite generals, the continent’s strongest legion would not now be the Lei Yan Legion.

As for the Nu Jiao Tribe, they too possessed a fearsome mount: the Deep Sea Nu Jiao. They also belonged to an ancient lineage with a human-beast symbiotic bloodline.

In the Mafa World, apart from the Mermen Tribe of Demon Sealing, no other unit dared to contend against the Nu Jiao Tribe in the water. Although they were a remnant rebellious force facing suppression and siege, the Nu Jiao Tribe had a comparatively easier time than the Blood Wolf and Bai Lun Tribes. Across the four seas of the Mafa World, the Nu Jiao Knights of the Nu Jiao Tribe were the troops most skilled in surface and underwater combat.

In the sea, even Celestial Venerable Daoists, Heavenly Rainbow Arch-Mages, and Heavenly Demon Warriors would have zero chance against the Nu Jiao Knights; they were the undisputed rulers of the ocean. It was unfortunate that during the coup fifty years ago, the Nu Jiao Tribe was nearly annihilated, leaving fewer than thirty thousand survivors.

Consequently, they were forced to leave their ancestral lands and relocate to the sea, making a living primarily by robbing merchant vessels and the logistical supply ships of the Demon Sealing forces.

The remnants of the three tribes each had distinct specialties, and the terrifying combat power they could unleash when united was something Jiuyao Chongyang and the others could not fully imagine.

What’s more, they were joined by Jiuyao Shenzhen, known as the Blue Demon Star and the bane of Mages, along with the Silver Demon Jidu and the two Heavenly Rainbow Arch-Mages from the Blood Wolf Tribe.

The comprehensive fighting strength of this soon-to-be-united force would certainly be formidable; a direct confrontation with the Iron Blood Legion would not be impossible.

No one expected that Shenzhen’s solo infiltration of the Demon Sealing Empire would trigger such a terrifying chain reaction.

“Hahahaha, if they truly unite, the Demon Sealing Empire will never know peace again,” Yueyao exclaimed excitedly.

“Worthy of His Highness Shenzhen,” Luohou stated. “Anything is possible with him.”

“This kid, this kid really is…” Jiuyao Chongyang was similarly too excited to speak coherently.

“There is more good news,” the Pigeon Group Steward reported. “Long-distance communications have also arrived simultaneously from the Bichi Imperial Family and the Cang Yue Imperial Family.” The Steward handed over the scrolls.

“Hahahaha!” Jiuyao Chongyang unfolded the scrolls, and after reading them, he could no longer contain his delight. “Shenzhen is stirring up such a storm in the Demon Sealing Empire; Bichi and Cang Yue finally can’t sit still.”

“It seems they want to jump into this mess,” the Divine Matron analyzed.

“Precisely,” Jiuyao Chongyang stated sternly. “Bichi has already dispatched two elite War Generals to infiltrate the Demon Sealing Empire in an attempt to contact Shenzhen. Furthermore, the two elite War Generals sent by the Cang Yue Empire are about to arrive on the Demon Sealing Continent. Clearly, they also intend to turn the mainland into a main battleground.”

“In that case, won’t the strength of Shenzhen and the Blood Wolf Legion increase significantly?” Yueyao was astonished. “Heavens, His Highness Shenzhen, General Jidu, and the two Heavenly Rainbow Arch-Mages of the Blood Wolf Legion—if we also count the two elite War Generals dispatched by Cang Yue and Bichi each, there will be eight War Generals at the level of the Heavenly Demon alone.”

“That’s too strong,” Luohou was almost stunned speechless. “Even our three main legions of the Demon Dragon Empire combined are not much better.”

“You’ve missed a step,” the Divine Matron said solemnly. “If His Highness Shenzhen’s ambush on Mo Luo Aotian succeeds, the number of elite War Generals will certainly be more than eight.”

“Ah, this—this…” Luohou muttered. “Doesn’t this brand-new legion end up having the most elite War Generals on the continent?”

“Perhaps,” Yueyao conceded. “This way, they are like a sharp dagger plunged deep into the Demon Sealing Continent. Mo Luo Yinsha must already regret luring His Highness Shenzhen to the Demon Sealing Continent.”

“En,” Jiuyao Chongyang nodded slightly, but immediately thought of the current predicaments of Shenyin and Shenxu, and worry crept back. “I only hope Shenyin and Shenxu are safe.”

Not long ago, intelligence from the Pigeon Group spies reported that Mo Luo Yinsha intended to have his younger brother, Mo Luo Yinxi, take Jiuyao Shenyin as a concubine. However, the truth of this report still needed verification. If true, it would be an absolute disgrace to the Demon Dragon Royal Family. Considering the supreme dignity of Jiuyao Shenyin’s status, to be sought as a concubine—it was clearly a move designed to enrage the Demon Dragon Royal Family. If this news spread, no one could imagine if Jiuyao Shenzhen would lose his temper and do something reckless.

But now, the Demon Sealing Royal Family hadn't anticipated that Jiuyao Shenzhen would stir up such massive waves. With the news of the impending union of the Bai Lun, Blood Wolf, and Nu Jiao Tribes already spreading, Mo Luo Yinsha now seemed caught in a dilemma, hesitating, especially after the failure of the Ao Tian Legion’s ambush, which greatly shocked Mo Luo Yinsha. If he announced the concubine news now, the most likely outcome would be Jiuyao Shenzhen’s reckless, desperate retaliation. Even if the Demon Sealing Royal Family managed to defeat him, the price they would pay would undoubtedly be catastrophic—something Mo Luo Yinsha was unwilling to see.

Of course, regardless of everything, the force Jiuyao Shenzhen had established would sooner or later engage the Demon Sealing Royal Family in a decisive battle. The timing, however, was something Mo Luo Yinsha had to consider and manage carefully. The Divine Matron and Jiuyao Chongyang had also analyzed this point.

Despite his deep disquiet, he could only suppress the matter in his heart.

“Send these messages to Bichi, Cang Yue, and General Jin Yao,” Jiuyao Chongyang commanded sternly. “I believe that soon, they will formulate detailed plans regarding the opening of the second battlefield behind enemy lines on the Demon Sealing Continent.”

“Yes!” The Pigeon Group Steward turned and departed.

“Your Majesty, do you intend to involve Jian Xing and Cang Yue Zhenwu in this?” Luohou inquired.

“Precisely,” Jiuyao Chongyang affirmed. “In terms of marching and fighting, Jin Yao and I consider ourselves no worse than anyone else, but when it comes to overall layout, strategic calculation, and maneuvering, I admit I am no match for Jian Xing. Allowing him to participate in the strategic decisions for the new legion on the Demon Sealing Continent will maximize their effectiveness.”

“Your Majesty shows great foresight,” Yueyao expressed deep admiration.

“This way, it’s like having a super think tank behind His Highness Shenzhen, capable of immediately compensating for any deficiencies in his strategic vision,” the Divine Matron observed. “Through long-distance communication, we can continuously acquire information with Jian Xing and coordinate the strategic plans and command Shenzhen’s operations on the Demon Sealing Continent via the vast Pigeon Group intelligence network.”

“There is one more point,” Jiuyao Chongyang continued. “This also prevents any petty maneuvers from Cang Yue Zhenwu. Cang Yue Zhenwu has an excessive lust for power; he will certainly covet the newly formed legion under Shenzhen’s command, wanting to incorporate it for his own use. The two Imperial War Generals sent this time might have ulterior motives; we must guard against that.”

“If we join forces with the Bichi side, even if Cang Yue attempts any minor schemes, they will likely be powerless,” Yueyao stated grimly.

“When will this Cang Yue Zhenwu ever change this bad habit?” Luohou gnashed his teeth. “If he weren’t dragging us down, we wouldn’t have to work so hard.”

“I only hope this time he considers the greater good,” Jiuyao Chongyang sighed deeply. “Now, we wait for Bichi’s reply.”