The Demon Soldiers gripped their weapons tighter, while the Dragon Warriors braced for battle.
The five Demon Marshals looked grim. The Command Flag in Bai Ze's hand trembled faintly, water vapor churned around Jimeng, wind and thunder coursed through Yingzhao, storm power gathered within Feilian, and water and fire roiled inside Jiuying.
Ancestral Dragon's golden slit-pupiled eyes fixed coldly on Taiyi and Kunpeng. The pressure of a Peak Quasi-Saint poured from him, depressing the sea's surface and sending waves surging.
Though he could not attack, his pressure alone could suppress the Demon Clan army's momentum.
The Chaos Bell in Taiyi's arms trembled softly. Its resonant chime held the pressure at bay.
But Taiyi's expression grew graver. He knew that a prolonged standoff would only hurt the Demon Clan.
Kunpeng realized it too. His face darkened, and unwillingness flashed in his eyes.
At last, Taiyi spoke, his voice cold and commanding, with a trace of resentment:
"Xuande, I will remember what happened today. The West has meddled in Demon Clan affairs. One day, there will be a reckoning."
Xuande said, "Your Majesty, I'll be waiting."
Taiyi snorted. "Withdraw!"
He turned into a streak of golden light and flew toward the Sun Star.
Kunpeng followed close behind, his face dark. The five Demon Marshals led the Demon Soldiers away from the East Sea in a vast procession.
Once the Demon Clan army had withdrawn, the tension over the sea finally eased.
Ancestral Dragon withdrew his pressure, and his immense dragon body slowly sank into the Sea Eye.
A moment later, he took human form, flew out of the Sea Eye, and landed before Xuande and the other two.
In human form, he was a middle-aged man with a commanding face, sharp brows, bright eyes, and black hair falling over his shoulders. He