Rise of The Demon General

Yao Ai didn’t waste time pondering this unexpected turn of events. She reacted. She unleashed her domain arts and used a defensive art that summoned a powerful gale that swirled around her. She put her two altered arms in a defensive pose. Her wings came forward, becoming shields that covered her body.

The six different lights erupted from the veil of shadows behind Hai Di’s throne. The blasts washed over her.

Outside, those who happened to gaze at Hai Di’s castle were startled when half of what was left of it blew up in a spectacular explosion. The explosion contained different types of energies. They were elemental energies of fire, wind, ice, gravity, and light, while the last blast contained pure, non-elemental energy.

The spectators noticed something was blasted out of the explosion. It was thrown so far away that it landed outside Venal Virtuous City.

Most ignored it at first, until one nearby Mercy Faction member exclaimed after paying better attention. "Her... Her ladyship!!"

Everyone turned and looked then. The thing thrown by the massive explosion from Hai Di’s castle was indeed Yao Ai, and she was in a terrible condition. Her entire skin had burn wounds. She was missing her left arm. The two wings on her back were gone. Only a pair of stumps were left of those majestic wings. One of the curly horns on her head was broken. Worst of all was the fact that she didn’t move. She lay on the ground with her eyes closed. Most wondered if she had died.

A shriek was heard. The Vermillion Vulture rushed toward Yao Ai.

"My lady...!!" Diu Cay also rushed over. At first, he had the same thought as the others. He feared that Yao Ai had died, but he realized that although the Vermillion Vulture appeared panicked, it remained sane. It didn’t suffer any mental backlash, which meant its master was still alive.

Hai Lao, who was full of wounds because he was ganged up on by Diu Cay and the Vermillion Vulture, realized this was a golden opportunity. He shouted at Devotion Faction members, "Everyone! The enemy’s leader is near death! Concentrate your attack on her! Kill her...!!!"

Diu Cay had landed beside Yao Ai. He had just checked her pulse. She was still alive, but her condition was dire. She needed immediate treatment. He heard Hai Lao’s order and saw the Devotion Faction members encouraged by this situation. They uttered a loud war cry and rushed in his direction.

He shouted his order, "Everyone, protect Her Ladyship!!"

Nearby Mercy Faction members came and formed a defensive perimeter around Yao Ai. Sadly, their troops were too spread out. Their strategy had been to use their greater number to cause as much damage as possible to the enemy’s capital. The immediate number available to defend this position was lacking.

As for the enemy, their number was also small, but their morale was currently over the roof. They were racing to see who could land the killing blow on Yao Ai. The one who succeeded would not only receive a great reward from the Devotion Faction but would also have their name remembered as the person who had slain a domain lord. On the other hand, their own members were in shock after seeing their leader defeated like this.

Considering the situation, adding Yao Ai’s condition, which required treatment, Diu Cay commanded his followers to blow the retreat horn.

The distinct sound of the horn soon rang out. The Mercy Faction members causing havoc inside the city were unaware of the situation. They were surprised by the horn. They thought they had heard it wrong when the horn sounded a second time. It was confirmed then. They were commanded to retreat. They were confused since they were winning, but they were veteran soldiers. They obeyed the command and pulled out of the city.

The Mercy Faction retreated, with the bulk of their soldiers protecting the unconscious Yao Ai. The Devotion Faction members tried their best but couldn’t get to her. With more of the Mercy Faction members exiting the city and coming to her protection, the chance grew even smaller.

In the end, Hai Lao told everyone to stop and let the enemy retreat.

Hai Lao observed their side. Their force was less than their starting size. Thankfully, most of the loss was in the militias. He turned to the city, and his heart sank. The city was a mess. Their castle was a ruin. He hurriedly flew over. He had seen Yao Ai’s condition but knew nothing of Hai Di’s. He rushed toward the fallen castle and prayed that his father was alright.

*

Inside the castle, Hai Di sat on his throne to rest. The front part of his throne room was in ruins. He could see the outside since the walls and most of the ceiling no longer existed.

"Ugh!" He felt a sudden ache in his heart, like something had gripped it tightly. He then heard a deep growl from behind him. He understood then the cause of this ache.

"I don’t appreciate you trying to play me, pet. I am tempted to collect your soul right away. If not because I want it in perfect condition, I would have done that. Don’t you dare provoke me again!"

"... Taking her out is in our interest," Hai Di responded. "With her out of the picture, it will be easier for me to shape this lower world into something that can accept us as their master. I can make it so you can walk in the light, worshipped by humans."

"Don’t try to sweet-talk me. Before any of that, you must ensure that she is dead. Though she didn’t get a look at me, she has noticed my presence. I meant to kill her with my attack just now, but I can’t be sure. I sensed her using the force from my blast to fly in her army’s direction. If she is not dead, you must ensure that she is!"

"Don’t worry. That is my intention." Hai Di tried to stand but felt his entire body ache. He had consumed a recovery pill, but it seemed he would still need some time before he could move properly. Considering his condition, he said, "I will send people to check and collect her body."

"Make sure you do," the voice behind him said. "For now, I will hide in the basement. This castle has become too pathetic for my lair."

A series of mechanical sounds was heard. It was the sound of a secret door on the floor that led to a secret basement under the castle.

Hai Di leaned back into his throne after the presence behind him was gone. He sighed and pondered his situation.

Hai Lao arrived soon. He was glad to find his father still alive. Though Hai Di was wounded, he was in a much better condition than Yao Ai.

Hai Lao told Hai Di that Yao Ai still lived, though in critical condition. Hai Di immediately instructed Hai Lao to give chase. He also told Hai Lao to order the returning main army to do the same. Hai Lao asked him what to do about the capital. He told Hai Lao to forget about the capital. Getting rid of Yao Ai took priority.

Hai Lao obeyed his father’s wish and left to organize the pursuing force. Hai Di leaned back in his chair. He would like to join the chase as well, but his wound was too serious. He would rest for one day before joining the chase.

---------------

Diu Cay urged his army to flee at high speed. Yao Ai was placed on the back of the Vermillion Vulture, while Diu Cay flew above. Their army marched below.

If possible, he would ask the Vermillion Vulture to fly ahead of them, but two things discouraged him from making that request. The first was that they were deep in enemy territory. If enemies blocked the vulture without the army backing it, it might not be able to protect the unconscious Yao Ai. The second reason was that the Vermillion Vulture was injured. It couldn’t fly at its top speed.

One of the surviving warlords approached him. "Sir, the ones on the back reported seeing dust clouds from behind. It seems the enemy is chasing us."

Diu Cay wasn’t surprised. It would be strange instead if the enemy didn’t pursue. This was their golden chance to slay Yao Ai. Why wouldn’t they?

"Break our rear into small companies of one hundred soldiers. They are to stay behind to hold or slow the enemy’s advance," Diu Cay ordered.

"This..."

"Choose the injured and the weakest soldiers first. They are unlikely to survive anyway." Diu Cay didn’t give the warlord the chance to object. "Tell them. If they refuse or flee, we will execute their families. If they comply, we will reward their families and ensure that they live well for the rest of their lives."

The warlord understood the urgency of the situation, so he didn’t argue. "I will carry out your command!"