In the mortal realm.
It was night, and the moon hung high.
People had no idea the end of the world was coming. They went about their lives as usual.
Those who should be sleeping slept; those who should be eating ate.
But the palace of the Tang Kingdom blazed with light.
Tang Taizong was still in the imperial hall, reviewing state affairs late into the night.
There were famines that called for relief, bandits that needed crushing, officials stirring up trouble who had to be set straight, and more.
"Ah... Things have been getting more chaotic by the day."
Life had been harder before, but at least people had enough to eat, clothes to keep them warm, and simpler hearts.
Now life was more prosperous, but his officials had grown more restless, too.
A Rat-Duck Demon incident had erupted somewhere a few days ago, causing a huge uproar and drawing every sort of dubious character out of the woodwork.
But the investigation had found that a local official had stirred it all up for a few scraps of silver.
In the past, Tang Taizong would have ordered someone to bring out the Imperial Sword.
Now, for the sake of local stability, he could only handle the matter lightly.
"I hope my sworn brother returns from Western Heaven soon with the true scriptures."
He had no idea what these scriptures were or how they could help him govern, but he had an inexplicable feeling that he had to obtain them.
Just as he finished reviewing a batch of state affairs and prepared to rest, a voice suddenly rang out from the sky.
"Hongjun, you old bastard! Your scheme to defy heaven has brought about an invasion of fiends! The Heavenly Dao has withdrawn. Everyone, take up your weapons and fight