Chapter Seventy-Five: Retreat

Demon Maple turned around, gazing at the clusters of tombs before him, a contented smile spreading across his face.

“In the days when the first chieftain held power, our Heavenly Demon Wolf clan stood at its zenith. All tribes paid homage, and the world obeyed our command! Wherever we went, all bowed and acknowledged our sovereignty!”

Demon Night, seeing the pride on Demon Maple’s face, could not help but imagine scenes of those glorious days. But then Demon Maple clenched his fists, his expression darkening with resentment.

“Alas, when the Demon Clan corrupted the land, our tribe led the world into battle. After that war, the Heavenly Demon Wolf clan was left desolate. No one could awaken the ancient bloodline—our lineage faded from history, our glory extinguished.”

Demon Night lowered his head. “Damnable Demon Clan! So long as I live, I will drive you from Phoenix Dance!”

Seeing Demon Night’s dejection, Demon Maple quickly offered comfort.

“You need not grieve, young master. You have already awakened the ancient ancestral bloodline. The Heavenly Demon Wolf clan will surely rise to glory once more! Moreover, the ancestral decree states that whoever awakens the bloodline shall become the new chieftain. That is why I address you as young master.”

Demon Night looked up at Demon Maple, silent, a thousand thoughts swirling in his heart.

“In those days, at the first chieftain’s command, I was left to await any clansman who might awaken the ancient bloodline. I have waited thousands of years for this day! At last, my task is complete!”

A jade box flew out from among the tombs and hovered before Demon Night.

As he gazed at the unmoving box, Demon Night felt an inexplicable kinship, as though his very blood resonated with it. He pointed to the box, voicing his confusion.

“What is this? Why does it feel so familiar?”

Demon Maple laughed. “I do not know. The chieftain only instructed me to give it to the one who awakened the bloodline, and forbade me from letting anyone else know. My soul lingered after death only because I was bound to protect this.”

He exhaled in relief as he motioned to the jade box, and Demon Night solemnly accepted it.

Outside, the battle had reached a fevered pitch. Both sides held nothing back, assaulting each other with all their might.

“Why isn’t Demon Night ready yet?” Liu Xin watched the now stable spiritual energy of heaven and earth, her heart filled with worry and helplessness.

“How is this possible? After so many powerful attacks, the spiritual energy still hasn’t run dry!” Chilian’s voice was strained with disbelief.

Elder Fu and the others exchanged relieved smiles. “Fortunately, Liu Xin is with us this time. We need not fear a lack of spiritual energy or the demonic clan’s negative attacks!”

Manghuang fended off an oncoming blow while observing Elder Fu and his allies. Suddenly, he soared up to Chilian’s side.

“I know the reason now. Look at that girl.”

Chilian followed Manghuang’s pointing finger and saw Liu Xin. Whenever any of Elder Fu’s group showed signs of exhaustion, a surge of energy would flow from Liu Xin into their bodies, immediately restoring their strength.

Chilian stared in disbelief. “What is going on? Without that girl, we would have won by now!”

He turned, speaking softly, “This is a lost cause for today. Withdraw!”

Manghuang, though unwilling, nodded. “Let’s see how they fare when our Demon Clan launches a full assault! Hmph!”

“Withdraw!” At Chilian’s command, their army retreated like a receding tide. Xiong Batian, Mangyuan, Manghuang, and Chilian stood side by side.

“Elder Chi, are you afraid? Why retreat now?” Xiong Batian demanded.

Chilian sneered, unconcerned. “Xiong Batian, I don’t need your guidance. You’re nothing but a lapdog of our Demon Clan. Mind your place!”

Xiong Batian, seething, pointed at Chilian. “You—!” His face shifted through a range of expressions.

He quickly masked his anger, forcing a smile as though nothing had happened. “Elder Chi, you misunderstand. I only meant that if we persisted a bit longer, success was within reach.”

“Hmph! If you wish to fight, then fight. We’re leaving!” With that, Chilian turned and flew off into the distance.

Xiong Batian stamped his foot in rage. “Chilian, one day you will bow before me, Xiong Batian!”

Left with no alternative, Xiong Batian led his troops away.

Watching the retreat of both the Demon and Demon Beast clans, Liu Xin finally let out a sigh of relief.

“They’re finally gone. I couldn’t have held out much longer.”

Elder Fu and the others came over. “Liu Xin, you worked hard today. Without you, the consequences would have been dire.”

Liu Xin managed a pale smile and sat cross-legged to recover her strength. Tang Ze nodded at her, then likewise sat down by the Gate of Space to meditate.