CHAPTER 481: CHAPTER 481 : THE FINAL WAR (4)

Five grueling days bled into one another, with the war between the Heavenly Realm and the Demonic Realm raging like a relentless inferno over the Human Realm.

This time, however, the flames licked higher, fueled by a terrifying new intensity that far exceeded the previous attempts propagated by lesser demon kings.

The First Demon King, whose ambition was a monstrous hunger gnawing at him, personally spearheaded the attack. His sights were set not on mere victory, but absolute dominion.

It was not a secret that he craved to stand alone as the sole victor above all creation, going as far as stepping onto the delicate balance of the three realms to ascend his unholy throne.

To achieve this twisted desire, he wouldn’t hesitate to exploit any means at his disposal.

On the other hand, in its long history spanning eons, the Heavenly Empire had never faced a war of such magnitude. The dire threat forced Xie Jianshen to deploy his strongest hand -- all heavenly forces, including the legendary 12 ancient gods who usually abstained from the wars.

Head Eunuch Lu’s voice boomed through the grand assembly hall that morning, reading the Emperor’s decree to all attendants.

"The First Demon King harbors treacherous designs, seeking to shatter the peace across the three realms. Both the Human Realm and the Heavenly Realm stand on the precipice.

All gods and deities, heed this command! Vanquish the demonic forces, drive evil back to the Demonic Realm, and restore tranquility to the three realms!"

"Your servant obeys!" All gods and deities bowed their heads in deference before they took their leave soon after, ready to take their place in the ongoing war.

Of all the five elemental guardians, only Jiang Muchen refused to budge from his position.

Instead, he fell to his knees with a desperate plea to the Heavenly Emperor.

"Imperial Mother, please let me stay," he cupped his hands before Xie Jianshen. "I am worried about you and the Golden Dragon Palace."

"What is there to worry about?" Xie Jianshen snapped. He rose from his throne and paced around his kneeling son, taking in the sight from every angle.

"Now that Zhang Fengxi is in a coma, Wu Shenxia alone cannot manage the entire troops and win against the First Demon King.

Muchen, you are an experienced warrior. You should join the other guardians and help her as much as possible."

"But Mother, of all the Demon Kings who joined the war, only the Second Demon King remained absent," Jiang Muchen argued. "I am worried that..."

Xie Jianshen pivoted towards his son, a deep furrow creasing his brow.

"Don’t tell me that you too think that the Second Demon King is your Little Uncle in his transmigrated body."

Jiang Muchen clenched his jaw in response.

"Mother, I have met Little Uncle in his transmigrated human body before. If he has somehow been deceived by the First Demon King, I am sure that I can help."

Xie Jianshen tilted his head backward and sighed.

"I have even sent your father to the Human Realm, and now you are asking to stay. Leave, Muchen. This is an order."

Jiang Muchen shook his head.

"Mother, don’t force me. Please don’t force me. I am worried about you."

Xie Jianshen sighed.

"Do you need me to ask guards to drag you out of the palace?"

"..."

Jiang Muchen was close to tears.

He bowed his head one last time before rising to his feet and walked away from the audience hall with tears welling in his eyes.

Above his head, a magnificent bird with colorful tail feathers flew across the sky before swooping down and drifting into the audience hall.

Xie Jianshen watched the bird alighted on his desk with full interest.

"Goddess of Fate and Destiny, it has been a while," Xie Jianshen remarked.

[Greetings to Your Majesty.

I apologize for not being able to appear in person. My ethereal body is locked in my palace, taking charge of the Wheel of Fate.]

"And yet, you took the time to fly down here. I assume that you have something to contribute to the ongoing Great War."

Caihong bowed its pretty head in front of Xie Jianshen.

[In his previous life, the Crown Prince has sacrificed himself to alter the course of fate and give the Heavenly Realm a fighting chance. I am here to fulfill my obligation to ensure that his sacrifice does not go to waste.]

Xie Jianshen furrowed his brows.

"Is this related to Junjie?"

Caihong nodded.

[Yes.]

Reluctance spread over Xie Jianshen’s face.

"My little nephew is still young. Is there no other way?"

[No, Your Majesty. This is a job only the Star of Unblemished Virtue can do.]

The Heavenly Emperor pressed a hand against his forehead in distress.

First Zhang Fengxi, now Xie Junjie.

Little Yu... I don’t have any other choice.

"I need some time to bid farewell to Junjie," Xie Jianshen announced.

Caihong bowed its head in understanding.

[Of course.]

Xie Jianshen marched out of the audience hall, heading for the Silver Mist Pavilion. Head Eunuch Lu quickly followed along with several imperial guards.

Over at the pavilion, Xie Junjie and Zhang Mingrui were huddled together in Zhang Fengxi’s bed chamber, their eyes puffy from crying too much.

"Little Princes, please take care of your bodies," the first physician pleaded with them.

"If His Highness knew that you are neglecting your health out of concern, he will be very sad," the second physician coaxed.

"His Highness is going to recover much faster if his mind is at peace. Little Princes, please do not worry him too much," the third physician begged.

But all their words only served to fan the unrest in the little boys’ hearts.

"Waaaaahhh Daddy... Wahhhhh..."Zhang Mingrui started to wail again.

"Daddy wake up... Please wake up..." Xie Junjie pulled at Zhang Fengxi’s hand for the umpteenth time that day.

"His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor arrived!" Head Eunuch Lu’s shrill voice cut through the air, causing all the grown-ups to flinch in fear.

"Mingrui, Junjie..."

Xie Jianshen scooped his nephews into his arms easily.

"I need to talk to the both of you."

Never did Xie Jianshen imagine explaining the Great War to boys barely past five years old. And yet, before he even uttered a single word in explanation, a bone-chilling clang resonated from the Celestial Bell Tower, its vibration echoing through the Golden Dragon Palace. Panic surged through the guards outside, their unified cry shattering the tense silence.

"Demons!" The guards outside shrieked, their voices laced with terror.

"The demons have come to attack!!!"

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Author’s note :

Heya everyone~

In order to enjoy your amazing feedbacks for my writing, I have decided to make a discord server ⊂⁠(⁠•⁠‿⁠•⁠⊂⁠ ⁠)⁠*⁠.⁠✧

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Btw I just made it today. Don’t expect too many members~