Time flew by like running water.
Ever since Dijun had forged the Witch-Slaying Sword, the Demon Clan had been steeped in the tense atmosphere preceding a great war for thousands of years.
But before the war formally began, Dijun received another piece of joyous news.
The harem of Demon Emperor Dijun lay deep within the Heavenly Court and was known as Xihe Palace.
This palace was anything but ordinary.
Its tiles were glazed glass, its steps white jade; carved beams and painted rafters gleamed beneath countless streaks of auspicious light.
Rosy clouds swirled around the palace, immortal mist lingered in the air, cranes carried sacred mushrooms in their beaks, and spirit deer offered auspicious signs. It was a peaceful scene worthy of an immortal abode.
Demon Empress Xihe resided in the main hall, the Sun Palace.
Empress Xihe was graceful and noble, with an incomparable bearing.
She wore a golden-threaded jade robe and the Nine Phoenix Sun Crown. A faint layer of warm yet non-scorching sunlit divine radiance enveloped her body.
At that moment, she sat upon a Cloud Bed, cradling ten fluffy, golden three-legged chicks against her chest.
They were the sons of Dijun and Xihe—the ten little Golden Crows!
Though these little Golden Crows were still hatchlings, their down not yet shed, they already displayed the extraordinary nature of Innate Sacred beings.
Each was no larger than a palm, its entire body covered in fine, soft golden down. Beneath that down, crimson-gold divine patterns faintly flowed.
Their three tiny golden feet had sharp claws, and when they stepped upon Empress Xihe's jade-like arm, they left faint warm marks behind.
Most wondrous of all was the Solar True Fire curling around them.
It was not fierce or violent, but warm, gentle golden flame like the rising sun at dawn.