In mid-March, banners fluttered over the Drill Ground near the Prince's Estate in the Flat Hill Demon Kingdom, where demons gathered and thousands assembled.
Under every watchful eye, Hu Ze's Avatar, who usually dressed like a noble young lord, flew through the air from the estate and slowly descended.
The Hu Ze who appeared before the demons now sported an entirely new military look. He wore gleaming silver Suanni Armor and a Purple-Gold Crown that bound his hair, with a pair of pheasant plumes streaming behind his head. His face was exceptionally handsome, and he seemed nothing like the indolent Demon King of old, a wastrel young lord fond of luxurious robes and beautiful women.
With swordlike brows, star-bright eyes, and an imposing bearing, he inspected his elite troops from above. His Demon King's aura surged forth with the weight of a mountain, making demons and humans alike grow involuntarily more respectful.
Only after some time, when that aura climbed to its peak like water flooding over a mountain summit, did he speak in a ringing voice, its golden, jade-clear tones resounding across the grounds.
"Everyone, today I shall march to the capital by imperial decree and send forth my troops to aid the emperor!"
"The journey to the Sacred Capital is long. Rebel kings, skulking scoundrels, and verminous thieves on every side will surely try every means to block us, while all manner of mountain and river spirits will seek to harm us. But I am not afraid!"
"For I bear the imperial mandate! Above, august Heaven protects me; below, the common people give me their allegiance. We shall triumph in every battle and conquer every stronghold!"
"Will you follow me, win glory and merit, and strive for a future as marquises and ministers?"
"We are willing to follow