Chapter 446: War in the North Continent

Dong! Dong-dong!

The urgent drumbeats echoed through the air, dark clouds blanketed the sky, and the northern border of Bei Zhou was filled with an aura of impending battle.

Below, the horde of demons was not as uneasy as before. Most of the demon clans were still unaware of the great calamity, blindly following their great kings to gather here. Just days earlier, they had unwittingly repelled the Heavenly Court’s forces; now, they were once again thoughtlessly charging to the peaks, brandishing weapons and shouting wildly in defiance toward the forces above.

Banners of the great kings fluttered across the peaks, and the mountains were swarming with demon soldiers.

Today, however, the Heavenly Court’s soldiers and generals displayed a completely different demeanor from their last encounter.

They had begun forming arrays from afar. The troops from Xi Tian Men, Bei Tian Men, and Zhong Tian Men converged methodically, arranging themselves into upper, middle, and lower layers of formations that interlocked and formed a cohesive whole.

These arrays were designed for both offense and defense, leaving the demon horde below too intimidated to make any rash moves and unable to predict the Heavenly Court’s next shift.

The emphasis was on stability.

A white cloud descended from the high skies, and banners from various divisions rose into the air!

On this cloud, immortal light swirled and divine radiance shone, illuminating the foremost figure: an elderly man with white hair and a white robe, the Heavenly Court’s Shui Shen.

Li Changshou arrived with dozens of heavenly generals, holding a duster in his left hand and the Tian Di Shen Quan Jian cradled in his right, while the Shui Shen’s divine treasure, the Zao Wu Qi, fluttered behind him.

Amid the drumbeats, it sounded as if endless ocean waves were crashing, as though a vast sea from the heavens was about to smash down upon the demons below!

As soon as the white cloud settled, a gray cloud flew in from the north, carrying hundreds of dragon experts with dragon heads and human bodies. Each wore armor and had a stern expression, and they all bowed in unison before the Shui Shen.

These were the elites dispatched by the Four Seas Dragon Kings, accompanied by over a thousand Wu Clan battle witches, all brimming with vital energy and formidable strength.

In the high skies, the roars of divine dragons pierced the nine heavens.

The Jiu Long Che Nian soared through, with Yu Di seated in the carriage, surveying the Heavenly Court’s forces across thousands of li. His gaze was met by that of the soldiers and generals.

Regarding today’s events, later storytellers might recount something like this:

Listen carefully, esteemed guests, for today we speak of the time before the great calamity.

Ancient demons gathered in rebellion, their misguided schemes turned against the heavens.

Shui Shen devised a delaying strategy, while Mu Gong held firm in Tong Ming Hall.

Immortals and gods from all divisions faced trials, awaiting Yu Di’s return to the nine heavens.

Yu Di underwent tribulations for the sake of all beings, yet the demons stirred up waves.

The Heavenly Court’s key pillars fell to demonic plots, leaving immortals and gods fearful and uneasy.

Mu Gong knelt to plead for the emperor’s return, and Yu Di vowed to eradicate the demons.

Alas, the Heavenly Court lacked a commander, forcing them to seek aid from Jie Jiao and Chan Jiao.

Disciples of Jie Jiao and Chan Jiao mocked the situation, and Ling Shan even drove out Mu Gong.

Yu Di’s heart burned with resentment as he temporarily withdrew, weeping before Zi Xiao.

The Dao Ancestor unsealed the Feng Shen, ensnaring Jie Jiao, Chan Jiao, and Ling Shan in danger.

Shui Shen recovered and returned to the Heavenly Court, devising plans to eliminate demons and stabilize the realm.

The nine heavens’ immortal forces mobilized, with three hundred heavenly generals at the forefront.

Yu Di’s treasure carriage glided through the air, striking fear into the hearts of the mountain demons.

Shui Shen wielded the Tian Shen Jian, scattering insects and birds for thousands of li.

And moreover!

The commanders of the Tian He Shui Jun and the marshals of Tian Men presented a majestic sight.

The Four Seas Dragon Kings sent their troops, while the Wu Clan battle witches yearned for battle.

Gusty winds howled, bringing forth the ghosts and immortals of the Di Fu Yin Si.

The three realms united to eradicate the demon plague, bringing peace to heaven and earth.

Shui Shen spoke of heavenly principles, but the demons refused and cursed from the front lines.

To learn how this battle unfolded, esteemed guests!

Dah! (The sound of a storyteller’s block)

Heh-heh, first, reward this old man with some wine money.

After Yu Di concealed himself in the nine heavens, Li Changshou raised his hand, and the drumbeats ceased. He steered his white cloud slightly downward, gazing down at the dense mass of demon soldiers on the ground.

With just a single glance, the demons’ shouts fell silent.

Li Changshou spoke slowly, his voice resonating like a great bell across the heavens and earth, starting soft and growing forceful in rhythm with his mounting presence:

“I am the Heavenly Court’s Shui Shen, here today by His Majesty’s command to punish the rebellious demon thieves!

You demons, born from the myriad spirits, defy the heavenly mandate and stray from the righteous path, disregarding the ancient vows of the demon clans!

When you first rebelled, I considered the difficulties of cultivation for all beings and the coercion by powerful demons, so I left you much leeway.

However, demons like Lu Ya have committed atrocities, shown no gratitude, and even plotted against the Heavenly Court’s key ministers— their wickedness is beyond description!

The Heavenly Court upholds the way of heaven, protects the three realms, and blesses all living beings. Its righteous gods are all appointed by Yu Di and toil selflessly for the heavenly dao, yet they suffer such bullying from the demons!

Today, by Yu Di’s decree, the Heavenly Court rises to vanquish you!

When the banners fall, you shall be utterly destroyed!

For those who surrender, I shall destroy your forms but preserve your souls to return to the six paths of reincarnation!

Where are the agents of the Di Fu Yin Si?”

No sooner had Li Changshou finished speaking than dark clouds appeared from the southwest, revealing a hundred thousand yin soldiers and hundreds of ghost messengers, all bowing in unison to Li Changshou.

Niu Tou and Ma Mian shouted loudly: “We have come at the Heavenly Court’s summons. Please give your orders, Shui Shen!”

Li Changshou’s beard and hair bristled as he continued without giving the demons a chance to respond: “In a moment, I command you to capture souls!

For any heavenly soldiers who fall in battle today, they shall enter the reincarnation of the heavenly path and be granted blessings to heal their souls!

As for any demons who harm heavenly soldiers, they shall enter the eighteen levels of hell to suffer torment and be reborn without entering the upper three paths!”

Niu Tou and Ma Mian responded in unison: “Yes, sir!”

The demon horde below fell deathly silent, with many demons trembling in anger and both great and lesser demons struck with terror.

A great demon stepped forward and shouted: “Shui Shen, you abuse your divine authority and disregard all beings!

The six paths of reincarnation belong to the heavens and all creatures— what right does the Heavenly Court have to interfere?”

Li Changshou replied calmly: “The three realms are one, with the Heavenly Court at the center to coordinate.

You have become a plague upon living beings, the root of chaos in the world, still clinging to ancient dreams while unaware that you are already defeated foes— how laughable.

Today, by eliminating you, all spirits born hereafter may choose their own paths!

I advise all spirits here: if you bear no karma or sins, lay down your weapons now and leave this place.

Listen, all divisions: if any such demons turn to leave, do not block them.”

As his words faded, the demon clans fell silent once more.

At this point, the Dragon Palace and Di Fu were mere observers, except for the Wu Clan, who seemed to grasp something.

The Shui Shen and these demons’ leaders were on entirely different levels.

From the outset, he had dismantled the enemy’s morale in three moves— first justifying the Heavenly Court’s cause, then using the pressure of arriving experts to shake the demons’ resolve, and finally summoning the ghost messengers to shatter their spirits with the threat of reincarnation.

How could they fight?

A direct confrontation offered little chance of victory, and death would mean torment in the eighteen levels of hell. Even if they won, it would invite heavenly thunder to strike them down...

Now, the Shui Shen was stepping back, allowing demons with clean records and pure origins to leave and divide their ranks.

This was not just killing demons but breaking their will, all while minimizing his own losses.

The Shui Shen’s strategies were on full display in these brief exchanges.

Indeed, some demons on the periphery discarded their treasures and fled toward the horizon.

But before they could fly far, a black shadow streaked through, exploding them into bloody mist in midair, not even leaving their souls intact.

The shadow transformed into a middle-aged man with wings on his back, exuding tremendous pressure.

He declared loudly: “Shui Shen, you go too far!

The demon clans’ bloodline, destiny, and heritage are here! The birth of all spirits originates from demons— are you unaware of the ancient alliance at the summit of Buzhou Mountain?”

Li Changshou said indifferently: “The ancient alliance perished with the demon court. Now, it is demons like you, with your treacherous ambitions, who unsettle all beings and disrupt the heavens.

You mentioned the demon clans’ destiny?”

He casually put away his duster and slowly drew a seal from his sleeve.

The seal was covered with a bloodstained yellow cloth, which Li Changshou removed to reveal its true form.

Instantly!

A surge of demon energy erupted below, as hundreds of demon kings roared in unison, and dozens of ancient demon experts shot into the sky, glaring at the object in Li Changshou’s palm!

It was a great seal, still bearing the power of the heavenly dao.

The seal was carved with various great demons across six layers: at the top, two golden crows spread their wings in cry; on the second layer from the bottom, a Kun Peng supported it, with ten giant demons roaring upward...

The Yao Di Yin Xi!

Li Changshou remarked leisurely: “Not long ago, I was ambushed by a golden crow and over a dozen ancient demons. Thanks to my master’s protection, I slew that golden crow and obtained this item.

Is this what you call the demon clans’ destiny?”

Several ancient demons scolded loudly:

“Shui Shen, how dare you!”

“Return the seal, and we will retreat immediately and obey the Heavenly Court’s orders!”

“His Highness has truly fallen to your treachery!”

Li Changshou’s expression grew cold. He tossed the seal into the air.

The demons below surged forward, while his own dragon experts and Wu Clan battle witches, along with the heavenly generals behind him, prepared to counter!

But a resounding sword cry rang out, and a flash of golden light pierced the heavens. Li Changshou had drawn the Tian Dao Shen Quan Jian, its flowing blade reflecting the panicked faces of the demons below, as he swung it horizontally toward the side of the Yao Di Yin Xi!

The entire world trembled!

Lightning flashed from the nine heavens, and the five continents shook.

Beings within thousands of li fixed their eyes on the Yao Di Yin Xi, watching as the Tian Dao sword paused briefly against it;

Watching as the sword sliced through effortlessly;

Watching as...

Li Changshou cleaved the Yao Di Yin Xi in two!

Streams of golden light burst from above the demons, forming a golden crow that screeched at Li Changshou;

He snorted coldly, and thunder boomed behind him, revealing Yu Di’s carriage in the nine heavens, with nine golden dragons roaring downward!

The golden crow spread its wings and flew a thousand zhang before its body disintegrated;

The nine dragons coiled once and scattered into golden light, which merged into the surrounding heavenly soldiers, Di Fu ghost messengers, dragon clan, and Wu Clan.

Li Changshou stood sternly on the cloud, having stowed the two halves of the Yao Di Yin Xi and holding the Tian Shen Jian.

“Surrender, and your souls will scatter;

Surrender not, and your souls will be preserved.”

The demons below shuddered, war drums thundered from various spots, and the demon kings, as if plunged into calamity, were overcome with rage, their eyes bloodshot.

Murderous intent filled the air, thick as rolling waves.

Li Changshou nodded slowly, turned, and bowed: “Your Majesty, these demons fight to the death and refuse to surrender. I request the heavenly mandate to clear this demonic scourge and protect the purity of the heavens.”

Yu Di’s voice came from the high skies: “Granted.”

Li Changshou whirled around, raising the Tian Dao sword high, his eyes closed as his spiritual power surged to its peak!

The heavens and earth erupted in a massive spiritual explosion!

No need for shouts or calls— the ground suddenly quaked, and at the nine peaks where the demon elites gathered, the mountaintops flipped over, spiritual energy boiled, and nine bursts of light erupted simultaneously!

Their brilliance outshone the ancient ten suns!

Their power shook the heavens and earth, terrifying immortals and gods alike.

Li Changshou used nearly all his Jin Dan Jin Xian realm paper dao ren as fuses, unleashing his twelve years of accumulation, recklessly expending the tree sap from Xiao Qiong Peak’s great forest, and pouring out the immortal power he had infused over nearly twelve years.

As the spiritual storm subsided, the demon formations below were in chaos, great demons scrambling in disarray, and the nine peaks transformed into massive craters...

Perhaps this devastating blow did not kill even two-tenths of the demon forces— they were too scattered, and many demon experts escaped during the explosion.

But now, the demons’ grief and fury had dissipated, and even those ancient demons had calmed down...

Li Changshou lowered his raised sword, opened his eyes filled with cold resolve, and said:

“Today, I lead the slaughter to exterminate these demons.

Kill.”

The heavenly soldiers in the air responded in unison, drums beating as winds howled from all directions. The soldiers and generals unleashed their divine abilities to suppress the demons!

In the high skies, Li Changshou dove downward!

At that moment, a watery blue light bloomed on the horizon as Bai Ze arrived, stepping forward with a bolt of lightning striking precisely at Li Changshou’s chest.

In a flash, Li Changshou retracted his paper dao ren and joined the battle with his true body.

With the Xuan Huang Bao Ta above his head, the Tian Shen Jian in his left hand, and the Qian Kun Bao Chi in his right, he plunged into the midst of the ancient demons.

All things in balance!

The heavenly sword gleamed!

In the high-altitude carriage, Yu Di, clad in golden armor and leaning on a great sword, watched the battle below coolly...

My dear Chang Geng...

Truly exceptional.

A master of insults, schemes, formations, and now combat as well.

It’s just that the Heavenly Court’s generals are currently inadequate, so Chang Geng has to charge ahead. After the Feng Shen, the court should have capable leaders, allowing my dear Chang Geng some respite.

The Dao Ancestor’s words— “You may fully trust Chang Geng without hesitation”— must refer to his prowess in battle.

It’s just...

Sigh, being the Tian Di feels so insignificant.

Why are those great demons fleeing? Don’t they know to capture the leader first or attack the head of the immortals?

Really...

The daily life of a Tian Di is truly boring, restrictive, and dull.

I should think about Hua Yun and Yang Tian You’s matter instead.

Hmph, though Yang Tian You and I are friends, if he had nodded earlier and mentioned his intention to take a new wife in front of Hua Yun, I would have struck him with heavenly thunder.

Hua Yun and Chang Geng would make a good pair... but Chang Geng dodges the Chang E sisters and treats Long Ji more like a teacher and student these days.

Tsk, has Yun Xiao Xian Zi truly won Chang Geng’s heart?

Yu Di glanced downward, his sword trembling slightly as waves of golden light empowered the heavenly generals below.

It’s time to plan for my next incarnation.