Several days later.
The fierce war in the Southern Region finally came to an end. The Orthodox Coalition Army forces that had rushed to its aid broke camp and dispersed one after another, shedding the dust of war as they returned to their sects.
Across the vast wilderness at the foot of Black Mountain, the coalition's sprawling camp came down tent by tent. The battlefield, noisy for days, fell silent at last. The smoke of war cleared, and the Demonic Aura receded. Only the scars left across the land silently told of the demonic calamity that had nearly engulfed two prefectures.
The Mountain-Shaking Sect's cultivators, disciplined in their ranks, were the first to form up. They bade their fellow cultivators farewell and set out for home.
The Azure Water Pavilion, which had suffered the most in this disaster, took particular care before leaving. Its two most senior and accomplished grand elders sought out Cheng Heng in person. Setting aside their standing as sect elders, they bowed deeply to him with utmost respect.
"Master Cheng, you entered the Demon Altar alone, broke through nine formations, slew the Altar Master, and destroyed the Demon Embryos. By your strength alone, you uprooted the source of the Southern Region's calamity. You not only saved the Azure Water Pavilion from destruction but also preserved the lives of millions across Qingchuan and Dengzhou prefectures. The Azure Water Pavilion will remember this immeasurable kindness for generations to come, never to forget it!"
The elder spoke with heartfelt sincerity, her eyes full of genuine respect.
When the Mahayana Evil Cult had launched its rampage, the Azure Water Pavilion had borne the brunt of it. Its mountain stronghold had been attacked, its disciples had shed blood, and the sect's foundations had nearly crumbled. They knew better than anyone how