Northwest of the Sacred Capital, across the endless wasteland, Prince Ning led his men in a frantic flight, bedraggled and forlorn.
Their appearance, like dogs that had lost their home, stood in stark contrast to their high spirits when they had marched south, assembled the Princes' Coalition Army, and contended for all under heaven. Yet Prince Ning and his subordinates had no room to dwell on it, for behind them, a pack of Mutant Demons as massive as small hills and shaped like mantises followed close on their heels, clinging to them like festering sores on the bone.
They had pursued the group for seven days and seven nights, seemingly knowing neither fatigue nor fear.
"Your Highness, those mantis demons have caught up again!"
One of Prince Ning's generals suddenly called out an urgent warning.
"Commandant Han! Commandant Han!" Prince Ning shouted.
A middle-aged man clad in battle robes, his cultivation at the Martial King Realm, flew up beside Prince Ning and said gravely, "Your Highness, go on ahead. I'll deal with them!"
"Commandant Han, be very careful!" Prince Ning said, somewhat moved. Of the expert attendants he had previously recruited, some had fallen in battle and others had become separated from the group. Few remained who were both loyal and dependable, and possessed real strength.
Commandant Han said no more. He dropped back to the rear and brandished a halberd. "Demon spawn, halt! Take this!"
Whoosh! A moonlight-like Gang Edge slashed toward the pursuing White Jade Mantises.
Blood burst from one White Jade Mantis. Dark green insect blood spilled out along with a rich surge of spiritual energy, and nearly half its body was sliced open.
Yet this Mutant Demon seemed to possess a formidable physique that ignored injuries to flesh and blood. Dragging its wounded body along, it