Sindhu, Yunmojia Land.
Volcanoes stood like a forest, spewing black veils. This region had now changed masters. Piluo, who had previously presided here, had departed without a sound and vanished from sight.
Afterward, a great serpent with wings and crimson scales covering its body had crossed the sea, entered the holy city, and become the local ruler.
This region had suffered a severe drought for decades. Nearly all the mortals had died, and those who survived had long since departed. The once solemn, sacred Buddhist pagodas were now filled with all manner of evil beings, turning the place into a paradise for monsters.
Hot winds howled back and forth through the sky, withering the forests and drying up the rivers. Yet the city at the center was hung with lanterns and festive decorations, a scene of splendor.
An ostentatious black-jade flood dragon statue stood in the city, Ren radiance flowing over its majestic, solemn form. None of the countless monsters dared profane it; they knelt in reverence. On the Treasure Platform beneath the dragon statue stood a man clad in heavy, date-red armor.
His face was coarse, but a hint of shrewdness lurked in his eyes. He held an Edict wreathed in flowing purple lightning and read it aloud.
"I, King Wu Yan, have been commanded by the [Dragon King of the Long Mu Nether Sea] of the Great Mist Marsh's Dragon Court to take possession of Sindhu and govern this land. Henceforth, all monsters in Yunmojia Land must obey the rules of our Dragon Court."
His voice surged like a mighty wave, spreading throughout the area. The Rakshasas and demonic beasts on the ground all knelt and thanked him for his grace.
Mu Wude nodded slightly, rose on the wind, and entered the magnificent, sumptuous Main Hall of white