Just as the Holy Son of Heaven and his courtiers were still worrying over the defensive line at the Death Desert, a roar that seemed to come from hell resounded across the sky!
The menace and killing intent in that roar crashed like thunder into the ears of every person in the Cangling Kingdom, filling them with an inexplicable sense of dread and unease!
After that roar, the whole world fell silent. Only after a dozen seconds had passed, seeming like a century, did the pale-faced Holy Son of Heaven ask Han Shan, who was likewise stunned, "My good minister Han! What was that?"
Hearing the Holy Son of Heaven's question, Han Shan finally came to his senses. He swallowed, then forced himself to appear calm as he offered reassurance. "Please remain calm, Your Majesty. This old minister will investigate the source of that roar at once."
But before he could continue, a young eunuch suddenly came rushing from outside. He stumbled and scrambled into the hall to report, "Y-your Majesty! General Wu, the city's defender, sent word that... that..."
Han Shan flared up and scolded him, "What did he say? Out with it! This stammering is utterly improper!"
The young eunuch was so startled by him that he could no longer get a word out, merely staring at the Holy Son of Heaven in terror.
Although the Holy Son of Heaven was anxious too, the young eunuch's ineptitude left him vexed. Nevertheless, he forced himself to be patient and said gravely, "Speak slowly! I shall pardon you."
The young eunuch steadied himself before finally finishing his report. "Your Majesty, General Wu said... an enormous monster has been spotted approaching the National Capital! That monster is as big as a mountain!"
Han Shan frowned. If it were a Demon Beast,