Taiyi and Kunpeng led the Demon Clan army slowly back to the Sun Star, weary and burdened by casualties.
The Thirty-Three Heavens remained resplendent in gold and jade. Outside the Southern Heavenly Gate, the Demon Soldiers on guard bowed as they saw the army return.
But this time, there were no cheers of triumph, no joy of victory.
The army passed silently through the Southern Heavenly Gate. The Demon Marshals looked grim, and the Demon Soldiers hung their heads.
The shockwave from the King Father of the East's self-detonation had dealt the Demon Clan considerable losses. Thirty percent of the Demon Soldiers had fallen, and every Demon Marshal was wounded.
Bai Ze's face was as pale as paper, and blood still stained the corner of Jimeng's mouth. Yingzhao, Feilian, and Jiuying were wounded as well. Countless familiar faces were missing from the ranks.
Inside Lingxiao Palace, Dijun sat upon the Heavenly Emperor's Throne, Solar True Fire gently surging around him.
He had already sensed the army's presence, as well as the severity of its losses.
His expression was calm, but a trace of gravity flashed in his eyes.
Taiyi and Kunpeng entered the hall, followed by the five Demon Marshals. Taiyi's expression was dark, and Kunpeng's was darker still.
"Brother," Taiyi said, cupping his hands, "your younger brother has returned."
Dijun nodded. "Thank you for your efforts. How did it go?"
"The King Father of the East detonated himself," Taiyi said. "The Immortal Court has been destroyed, but my incompetence cost the Demon Clan army dearly. Thirty percent of our Demon Soldiers fell, and all the Demon Marshals were wounded. Please punish me, brother."
Dijun fell silent for a moment before saying, "Do not blame yourself. The King Father of the East's self-detonation was unexpected. Who could have imagined he