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White Cloud Daoist Temple.

Boom. A muffled thunderclap sounded, and a flash lit heaven and earth a deathly white. The bamboo and orchids planted in the temple shivered in the wind and rain.

Through the curtain of rain, floodwaters could be faintly seen below the mountain. In the corridor, Liu Zhan paced to the eaves and looked up. Rain poured down in torrents, lightning crisscrossing the black clouds. Only after a long while did he turn and say, "This is why we disciples of the Daoist Sect must slay demons and vanquish evil... When monsters wreak havoc, the people suffer."

"The so-called Locust God, and now the Dragon Maiden—Orthodox Gods and Malevolent Gods alike are demons!"

"Those not of our kind can never share our hearts."

"The Dragon Maiden cannot summon wind and rain, but that is only for now. If she completes her Dragon Transformation and merges with the authority bestowed by heaven and earth, I fear she will become a grave threat to us."

"We must never allow the demon race to produce another Demon Emperor."

At this, Liu Zhan looked at the young man standing nearby. "Yingci, you have a connection to the Dragon Palace. Will you help me one last time and enter it?"

"This may be dangerous. Though I can still protect you, there will be risks. Think carefully."

Zheng Yingci had been staring absently into the driving rain. Only when Liu Zhan asked did he look away and bow respectfully.

He said earnestly, "Master, how can you say that? Though I have been your disciple only a short time, you have taught me, and I have received the Daoist Sect's kindness. I am already involved. How could I stand by and care only for my own safety?"

"Monsters are running rampant and the people