Azure Sun City's central district had long since lost its former prosperity and clamor. Crumbling walls and shattered ruins lay everywhere, and the entire city had been reduced to scorched earth.
Upon the ruins stood a lion-headed, human-bodied demon, towering majestically, its body covered in scales and armor, hideous and terrifying.
The plaque bearing the words "Bright Mirror Hanging High" from the county yamen hall had been ruthlessly crushed beneath his feet, shattered into fragments.
"This is the Shadow Demon's innate divine ability—Shadow Demon Transformation!" The lion demon raised his eyes toward the outskirts of Azure Sun City, a trace of amusement flashing through them.
The Shadow Demon Emperor specialized in assassination. Even opponents of the same realm could easily be severely wounded by a single strike if they let down their guard, after which they would become toys for him to torment like a cat playing with a mouse until they died.
Anyone capable of forcing the Shadow Demon Emperor to use his innate divine ability was no ordinary person.
The lion demon could clearly sense the other party's aura a hundred li away. He had wanted to go and investigate, but the current situation made it difficult for him to get away.
"This king merely had a little fun, yet I drew so many heroes and champions here."
The lion demon turned his gaze toward the opposite side and laughed heartily at an elderly man with graying temples and tattered clothes.
"Flame-Thunder Demon Lion! You slaughtered the people of Azure Sun. I will surely cut you down beneath my blade!" Cui Mingshan was equally shocked. His heart held both relief and worry.
If the Shadow Demon Emperor had come as well, he would undoubtedly die today. Fortunately, someone had stepped in to stop the Shadow Demon Emperor, but