Deep within an untouched wilderness, in a valley shrouded by eternal mist and towering trees twisting like ancient dragons, stood a jet-black stone structure rising to the heavens. This was the Main Hall of the Demon Beasts of Dongfu Forest—a place where savage creatures gathered not merely to hunt, but to strategize the annihilation of humankind.
Dim light from demon crystals hanging from the ceiling cast eerie shadows on the rough cave walls, forming terrifying silhouettes—horns, claws, and fangs poised to tear.
At the center of the hall, seated on a throne of obsidian, was a massive figure—half-human, half-tiger. His blood-red eyes glowed fiercely. He was Qin Baiyu, leader of the Demon Beasts.
"How are the preparations?" His voice was deep and heavy, radiating dominance. A single word from him could make the weak faint from sheer qi pressure.
An aged bat-like creature with a human face stepped forward—Elder Ji Qian, a cruel yet cunning strategist.
"Going smoothly, my lord," Ji Qian said with a wide grin, his teeth sharp like nails. "The Lingyun Sect is lacking strength. Several elders were gravely injured during the last incident against the Sky Crocodile."
Several demon beasts let out low laughs, sounding like wolves howling and rocks grinding.
Qin Baiyu clenched his massive claw, causing the air to crackle. His eyes narrowed with hatred.
"Hahaha! Good... Let's crush the Lingyun Sect. They've sat above us long enough! It's time to flip the world!"
The atmosphere grew intense. Dark energy filled the hall. The ground trembled as if it, too, sensed the beasts' hatred.
"Yes, my lord! We will begin the preparations at once!" Elder Ji Qian shouted. The demon generals bowed deeply, their breaths fiery and their eyes bloodthirsty.
Without delay, the beasts moved. Their steps shook the earth as they charged through the forest like lightning. The sky above Dongfu Forest darkened—not from nightfall, but from the shadow of demonic power on the move.
---
Meanwhile, at the peak of Mount Lingyun...
Spiritual mist rolled gently around the summit, as if it sensed the coming calamity. Inside the sect's main hall—simple yet strong—the elders sat in a circle beneath the glowing sacred symbol of the sect.
A disciple burst in, panting.
"Report! The Demon Beasts of Dongfu Forest are marching toward our sect!"
The mood shifted instantly. The elders' auras flared, and everyone rose to their feet.
"Very well," said Da Ling, Master of the Lingyun Sect, calm yet sharp. "Prepare everything. Do not shame the power granted by the Great One."
"Understood, Master!" the elders replied in unison before scattering to arrange the defense formations.
Moments later, at the valley base of Mount Lingyun, two great forces faced off.
The wind ceased. The mist stood still. Only the echoing footsteps of beasts and men filled the silence.
From the distance, Qin Baiyu appeared at the front lines, flanked by dozens of demon beasts with bloodthirsty eyes.
"It's been a while, Da Ling," Qin Baiyu called mockingly. "After hiding under my feet for so long, now you dare point your sword at me?"
Da Ling stepped forward, his gaze sharp like a spiritual blade.
"Today, your claws and fangs will be broken before my disciples."
"Haha! The Lingyun Sect will be flattened!" Qin Baiyu laughed wildly.
Suddenly, one of his subordinates whispered in his ear.
"Lord Qin Baiyu, Lord Qitian is arriving soon."
"Haha, perfect! With a Foundation Stage cultivator of the sixth level like him, Lingyun has no hope!"
The sky darkened instantly. The wind turned icy, chilling to the bone.
A towering figure emerged from the mist—Qitian. His eyes lacked pupils, only empty whites that froze the soul of any who gazed at him.
"Has it begun? Apologies—I had business to tend to," he said flatly.
"Welcome, Lord Qitian," Qin Baiyu said. "Look at them... Seems they're already terrified just from your presence. Hahaha!"
On the Lingyun side, Da Ling whispered to Elder Meng Ling.
"Elder Meng Ling... what now?"
"Do not worry, Master. We have the treasure granted by the Great One."
But before the tension could erupt into full battle, a sudden surprise attack came from the west. A glowing purple spear shot through the air, aimed straight at Qin Baiyu's chest!
Clang!!
The spear was stopped with a mere flick of Qitian's finger. The clash of energy sparked a shockwave that forced everyone to step back.
"Father!! Today I will avenge it all!!" cried Lei Baiyu, appearing in midair, his eyes burning with vengeance and sorrow.
All eyes widened.
"Lei Baiyu?!"
Qin Baiyu glared at him.
"I let you live, and now you return? Do you truly wish to die, rebelling against your own father?"
"Shut up, old man!" Lei Baiyu dashed toward Qin Baiyu, surrounded by lightning and wind energy.
But—
ZRAKK!!
Lei Baiyu froze mid-air. Qitian's hand was already on his neck, halting his strike effortlessly.
"Too weak," Qitian said coldly, before slamming Lei Baiyu into the ground with a devastating blow.
BOOM!
The earth cracked, dust exploded. Lei Baiyu coughed blood, buried in a shallow crater.
Qitian looked down on him, emotionless.
"If all humans are like you, this war doesn't even need to begin."