"The Heavenly Demon is here! It’s that bloodthirsty monster—everyone run!"
The living beings gathered around the pair fled in all directions. In just a short time, the ravages of the Heavenly Demon had plunged the world into a state of panic. With no generals to lead armies to hold the cities, and no imperial guards to protect the homes and hearths of the people, even the warriors with decent cultivation who had once valiantly risen to resist had been unable to withstand a single blow. They were reduced to blood mists by the demon, their cultivation and essence consumed as fodder for its strength.
Not only were they unable to stop the Heavenly Demon’s invasion, but the more people who surrounded it, the more its power seemed to grow.
Meanwhile, opportunistic villains took advantage of the chaos to loot, burn, and slaughter, committing every imaginable sin. For a time, the Three Realms Heaven became three times more terrifying than hell itself.
"The human heart is often far more monstrous than the demons."
Yeyun stood still and sighed deeply. The scenes unfolding before her were not what she had wanted to see. There was a time she had believed that, with her own cultivation and the protection of the Seventh Army, she could turn the Three Realms Heaven into a sanctuary, but now...
Everything she cared for had vanished into thin air.
"Yutian," Yeyun whispered.
"I’m here." Gong Yutian reached out and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "Xiao Jiu, I am here," he murmured into her ear.
"Yutian..."
"I’m here."
"Yutian." Yeyun’s voice was choked with emotion, her body trembling slightly.
Gong Yutian held her even tighter. "I’m here, Xiao Jiu. I have always been here."
"Don't leave me."
"Rest assured, for lifetimes upon lifetimes, I will watch over you and protect you." A look of sorrow and anxiety flickered in Gong Yutian’s eyes. He knew far more than Yeyun, especially regarding the Human Emperor Palace. *No matter what happens, I will give everything I have to protect you.*
Leaning in his arms, Yeyun seemed to recall something and suddenly said, "I believe you, but I want a promise."
"What kind of promise?"
"No matter what uncontrollable events occur, you must promise to keep yourself safe. No matter what happens, you must live."
Gong Yutian was struck speechless. He pulled back just enough to grip her shoulders, staring into her eyes with a resolute gaze. "Xiao Jiu, are you underestimating my determination to grow old with you? I cherish every moment we spend together; how could I ever bear to leave you?"
"I believe you."
She had never doubted him—it was precisely because she believed in him that she was so afraid.
She feared that this man before her would do something foolish for her sake, that he would disregard his own life to fight for her, or even lose everything because of her. She did not want to see that happen. If there came a day when only one of them could survive... if sacrificing her own life could ensure his safety, she would give everything.
But she was terrified that Gong Yutian felt the exact same way.
After a brief moment of comfort, the two continued their journey toward Central City. As a vital hub of the Three Realms Heaven, it was the only place where they could move quickly toward other regions and gather information about everything that was happening.
Along the way, Yeyun was filled with worry. The Imperial Edict had been issued days ago, and warrants for their arrest were plastered everywhere. And what of the Qianji Academy located in Central City? Her teacher’s eyesight was already failing, and with such a major incident occurring—especially involving his own student—would those people go straight to his doorstep to cause trouble?
By now, Central City had become the focus of all eyes. The Qianji Academy, once held in such high regard because of Yeyun and Di Qin, was now in a wretched state. The entire campus was a scene of devastation; even the front gate had been reduced to ruins. Looking inside, there were no guards, not even a single student.
Everyone had vanished. Whether due to the Heavenly Demon’s invasion or the Human Emperor’s Edict, the Qianji Academy had effectively ceased to exist.
The Lishang Hall, where her teacher had once taught alchemy, remained intact but stood completely empty. Teacher Lishang was nowhere to be found, his fate unknown.
At the same time, the Human Emperor Palace had gathered the Twelve Great Families, various sects, and lords from all territories—all ostensibly to crusade against the Heavenly Demon and hunt down Di Yun.
Yet, of the Twelve Great Families, the Jun Family, the Hua Family, and the Di Family had only sent a single elder each to discuss the matter, while all others claimed to be in seclusion. Everything felt like the calm before a storm. High upon his throne, the Human Emperor sat, wearing a smile that held deep and hidden meaning.