At the edge of Snail Sea, a few giant demons of the Elephant Demon Race stood on an isolated island, gazing towards the horizon.

The leader, hunched over, was covered in intricate blue markings, and countless beast fangs hung from his braided hair. What caught the eye most was that his eyes were hollow! It seemed as though the sockets had been scorched by flames, and the scars twisted as they connected the eye sockets to the brow bones.

He was none other than the esteemed guide of the Elephant Demon Race, the Stellar Priest!

"Priest, what have you seen?" asked a giant nearby, standing over a hundred meters tall.

The Stellar Priest's voice echoed distantly.

"The Abyss Demon Realm is about to experience upheaval, and the Aetherian Sanctuary will soon reappear in the world."

"Whether it is taken by someone or lies dormant within the Snail Sea, the web of fate has already trembled in response."

"Because its true master is casting their gaze from beyond the river of time and space."

"Web of fate?"

Upon hearing these words, the giants' expressions changed dramatically.

Anyone dealing with matters of fate was someone even Sage King-ranked beings couldn't compare to in its presence.

And the true master of the Aetherian Sanctuary…?

"Stellar Priest, is the Aetherian Sanctuary really that important?"

Another giant asked solemnly.

"The turmoil that will sweep the galaxy is all due to it. It holds a secret…"

Before he could finish, a loud rumble shook the air!

A space crack appeared out of nowhere, striking him directly!

Blood spurted from his mouth and nose as his voice abruptly ceased. His vitality began to rapidly deteriorate.

"Priest!"

The other giants hurriedly gathered around.

"It's nothing."

The priest's blue markings flared with light, dissipating the dark crack.

After a long moment, he regained his breath but dared not speak further.

Some secrets were better left forbidden.

The giants fell into a heavy silence.

Once a secret touches a forbidden boundary, it was best not to interfere.

What hidden secret did the Aetherian Sanctuary hold? What kind of taboo was it involved with? They didn't even dare to think about it.

The fall of the Elephant Demon Race today was caused by this very thing.

The once-mighty Elephant Demon Race had been far stronger than the Council of the Dark Order!

Now, they had to be cautious even when facing the Dawonru Empire.

"The web of fate has already rippled. Have the warriors prepare themselves."

The Stellar Priest spoke again, cautioning.

"Crossbridge Empire's luck is growing stronger, as if someone is weaving the future for them. This is something we must investigate closely. We need to avoid their interference in the Abyss Demon Realm, or else it could lead to many unforeseen changes."

"Crossbridge Empire…"

The hundred-meter giant nodded. He had heard the rumors about the Dawonru Empire and Crossbridge Empire recently.

"We'll see if the Dawonru Empire can resolve it. If not, then we'll take action."

"Stellar Priest, since you say the Aetherian Sanctuary will emerge with the chaos, perhaps Crossbridge Empire is the catalyst."

Another giant suggested, adding,

"We should observe first and let them stir the situation."

"The only thing we seek is the Aetherian Sanctuary. Whether it's a variable or not doesn't concern us much,"

another giant added.

The Stellar Priest shook his head.

"The luck of the Crossbridge Empire is far too powerful. If they step into the Abyss Demon Realm, they will certainly influence the overall situation of the demon realm… even I cannot see it clearly; everything is a chaotic blur."

"They may interfere with the Elephant Demon Race's actions. This is not only because someone is predicting their future, but because Crossbridge Empire itself is a huge variable."

Upon hearing these words, the giants' lantern-like eyes glimmered with cold light.

"In that case… it's necessary to eliminate them completely!"

...

At the border war city of the Demonwing Empire, the Military Officer's Mansion.

Dorrak and Zansin were awaiting the empire's orders.

But instead of the expected message, an unexpected visitor arrived.

"General! Outside, someone claiming to be a Crossbridge Empire envoy requests an audience."

A demon general entered to report.

Dorrak and Zansin used their mind powers to scan outside and frowned.

A swirling vortex appeared in the void outside the city.

A hundred thousand High God-ranked Void Warlocks and a hundred thousand God General-ranked Frostbound Warlocks escorted Lucio to the outskirts of the city, making the elite Silver Wings Legion of the Demonwing Empire feel like they were facing a formidable enemy.

The citizens of the city were also shocked by the sight.

"What's going on?"

"Could it be that the Dawonru Empire is attacking first?"

"No, it's a God General-level legion. Could this be the Crossbridge Empire?"

Recently, rumors about the God General-ranked legions of Crossbridge Empire had spread throughout the demon realm, and many people had heard of them.

But this was the first time they had seen it with their own eyes.

The citizens looked in awe at the tall, icy Frostbound Warlocks.

Each one was a God General-level expert, a height they could never reach in their entire lives!

Only the emperor of Crossbridge Empire would dare send such top-tier combat forces.

"That Aurek… is he trying to show off his muscles?"

Many speculated quietly.

Dorrak and Zansin arrived at the city front, both shocked!

Forming a legion of God General-ranked experts was something the Demonwing Empire could not easily achieve.

A demon general behind them subtly gestured.

The two then focused on Lucio, who was just a near-Grand Divine Cleric, seemingly nothing special.

With Aurek's resources, Lucio and Philip had been advancing quickly.

But compared to the ever-leading attribute warriors, Lucio was still far behind.

"I am Lucio. I've come uninvited. Please forgive me!"

He gave a composed bow.

"Your envoy seems to have brought such a large force. It doesn't seem like a friendly visit. It looks more like an act of war against the empire,"

Dorrak said coldly, sweeping his gaze over the legion.

Lucio looked back, then smiled and said,

"General, don't misunderstand. This is merely the escort His Majesty arranged for me."

...

An escort?

Dorrak and Zansin's mouths twitched slightly.

A hundred thousand High God and God General-ranked warriors were just an envoy's guard?

The citizens of the city and the Silver Wings Legion had similar expressions of disbelief.

An envoy with such an escort?

No one would believe it, not even a child.

Lucio continued,

"Rest assured, General. The empire's visit is to establish friendship. If we truly wanted war, I wouldn't only bring this many guards."

"Only? This many guards?"

The expressions of everyone inside and outside the city twisted.

It seemed Lucio was boasting, and not just a little!

A single envoy's escort surpassed the elite legions of the empire by countless times.

Dorrak and Zansin were both internally shaken but maintained composure to avoid losing face for the empire's dignity.

After secretly communicating, Dorrak finally spoke,

"On behalf of our Emperor, I welcome you, noble envoy."

Lucio smiled and returned the courtesy, then turned to the twenty-man legion,

"Wait for me here."

After giving his orders, he entered the city alone, arriving before Dorrak and Zansin!

His boldness caused the two to narrow their eyes.

"Please."

Zansin led the way to the council hall.

Along the way, Dorrak said with a meaningful smile,

"It seems His Majesty places great importance on you, sending so many God General-ranked warriors as your guard."

Lucio paused slightly, then bitterly smiled,

"Sadly… His Majesty knows my rank isn't high, so he chose to send more guards. This time, only a few million God General-ranked warriors are accompanying me, and still, ten thousand have been sent just to escort me!"

"May the gods bless, I hope this journey will not disappoint His Majesty's grace."

Only a few million God General-ranked warriors?

Zansin's breath quickened, and he suddenly stared at Lucio.

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