After the human-demon war ended, nations began their reconstruction efforts. The Haifi Kingdom, tempered by war, was now thriving. Yifeng and Luoye assisted the king in managing post-war sub-cities. Luoye hadn't forgotten the small city of Salim, which she visited with Judo. That day, escorted by a cavalry team, she returned to the city. "Greetings, Your Highness! Your sudden arrival fills me with awe," said Yidela, the acting city lord, excitedly bowing. "Rise, the war is over, and I missed this place, so I came to check on everyone," Luoye said, helping him up. "You've managed the city well," she praised. "I've done my best. Reconstruction is orderly, and displaced citizens are returning," Yidela reported. "Good. Take me to the city to see what the people need," Luoye smiled. Yidela led the group to survey the city.In the Haifi Kingdom's royal secret chamber, a pitiful creature was sealed behind a wall—Ding'er, one of the former three demon generals, sealed in a bottle by Judo. That night, a rat sneaked in, rummaging for food. It dug at the cave holding the bottle, enlarging the hole until the bottle fell and shattered. "Ha, finally free!" Ding'er exclaimed, wiping sweat and cautiously looking around. Not daring to act rashly, he slipped out and flew above the palace. "I'm done with this place!" he muttered. Disconnected from his troops and unable to conquer the kingdom alone, outdated and outmatched, Ding'er reluctantly fled the Haifi Kingdom."I must regroup with my troops to report to Emperor Ba," Ding'er muttered, unaware the war had ended and demons had migrated to the human realm. Spotting a village below, he descended to question a villager. The small village had a few hundred people. Landing, Ding'er looked around. "No wonder it's empty at this hour," he muttered. A boy appeared, heading to the forest. Ding'er followed to question him. A scream came from the forest; the boy was targeted by a wolf. Ding'er, wanting answers, killed the wolf with a black thunder spell. The boy approached, "Thank you, big brother!" "I'm a demon. I saved you to ask questions. Answer truthfully, or end up like that beast!" Ding'er snapped.The boy nodded. "Are demon armies around? Do you know the way to Shustan or Tianlai Sheng?" Ding'er asked. Trembling, the boy replied, "Sorry, big brother, the war ended long ago, and no demons have been seen. I don't know Shustan's route, but I've been to Tianlai Sheng. Go southwest, cross some mountains. I snuck out to find cliff-growing herbs for my sick mother. If you help me gather them, I'll give you the detailed route to Tianlai Sheng's capital." Mentioning his mother stirred Ding'er's memories of his own mother, lost to war. Moved, he scoffed, "Fine. After getting the herbs, tell me the route and how the war ended, or you and your mother won't live!" Ding'er agreed disdainfully.
