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Ever since the fall of the human sorcerer who was thought to be fate's chosen rival, the age of demon lords continued, seemingly without end.
On the ancient Asian continent, the land ruled by Shendu—
Life here for humans was like paradise, compared to the lands ruled by the other demon monarchs, which were pure hell.
In those other domains, humans were treated like pests—stepped on, slaughtered by demons without a second thought. Every day, countless humans died at their hands.
But under Shendu's rule, it was different. Shendu didn't bother managing the humans much, but also didn't let demons freely massacre them.
After all, what's the point of ruling a barren land if all the humans are wiped out?
Not to mention, there's also the silver dragon, Ling'er—Shendu's avatar. She looks down on most demons with disdain, her draconic pride making her view all normal lifeforms like ants.
Still, she was originally human.
Because of that, she often looks out for humans, and in her territory, humans are the majority.
Right now, in a hidden mansion within the silver dragon's domain—
This mansion belonged to a human merchant. Even in this demon-ruled era, commerce had emerged as a natural part of the evolving world.
Shendu's territory, the ancient Asian continent, functioned like a feudal society. Shendu was the absolute ruler, and no one dared to challenge him.
But the societies under the other seven demon monarchs were drastically different.
Basha's territory, Atlantis, was a high-tech world. Their tech was so advanced, it could even pose a threat to high-ranking demons—all thanks to Basha's support.
Then there was Curse Blue, who ruled over the Lunar Territory—completely empty. Curse Blue lived alone among the stars. No major demons wanted to work with him.
The other five demon monarchs governed much more backward societies.
The lands under howling wind and the four others were pure slave states. Humans there were basically all slaves to demons.
Even human sorcerers and wizards didn't want to go near those five territories.
Most magic users, whether they practiced light or dark magic, gathered in either Shendu's or Basha's domains.
In Shendu's land, while humans were still below demons in status, as long as they didn't provoke the demons, they could survive.
Basha's land, while somewhat oppressive, was technologically advanced. Even in the deep-sea cities of Atlantis or on the surface, humans still had a chance to live.
Shendu and Basha's lands had become sanctuaries for most humans.
As for the others? They were absolute nightmares.
Now, back in the mansion of that human merchant on the ancient Asian continent, dozens of humans in magical robes were gathered.
Among them were eight people chosen by the forces of righteousness to one day stand against the eight demon monarchs.
They were the legendary Eight Immortals of ancient times—famous even in future generations.
Iron Crutch Li, Han Zhongli, Zhang Guolao, Lü Dongbin, He Xiangu, Lan Caihe, Han Xiangzi, and Cao Guojiu—each was a god of righteousness, chosen by fate itself.
They now sat cross-legged together, surrounded by powerful auras of righteous energy. Each of them had reached the peak of human magical power—the level of Grand Sorcerer.
But right now, they were troubled.
Lan Caihe looked at their master and asked, confused, "Master, why can't we go any further now that we've all become Grand Sorcerers?"
The other seven chimed in, echoing the same question.
Their teacher, an elderly man also at the Grand Sorcerer level—though far weaker in presence than his eight students—replied in a frail voice, "To be honest... we don't know what lies beyond the Grand Sorcerer realm."
"Back when our human ancestors studied the Great Magic Codex, created by the Fire Monarch, they learned and refined their own magic from it. Eventually, they reached the Grand Sorcerer level too."
"But after that... they hit a wall. One ancestor lived for centuries without progressing any further—then finally died."
"Since then, we humans have tried everything to break past the Grand Sorcerer barrier. Nothing's worked."
"Eventually, the wizard and sorcerer factions agreed—humans can only go as far as Grand Sorcerer or Grand Wizard."
"There's no way forward."
"Countless geniuses tried. None succeeded. So I can't answer your question."
Iron Crutch Li asked grimly, "Then how are we supposed to defeat the demon monarchs? At most, Grand Sorcerers can only match the high-ranking demons, not the monarchs themselves."
The old man coughed lightly and said firmly, "You eight were chosen by the righteous energy of the world. From the moment you were born, the heavens responded with omens."
"Even though no other human before you has gone beyond Grand Sorcerer... you are different."
"You're the key to defeating the eight demon monarchs. You must break through. You will."
"We old relics can't help you anymore. Breaking through will be up to you."
"The demon monarchs are cruel beyond belief. You've seen what they're capable of. Our people suffer like they're in hell."
"You can't let us down. Too many are counting on you."
The eight fell silent, eyes cast downward. They'd all been stuck at the Grand Sorcerer level for years.
With no path forward in sight, a sense of despair settled in. And yet the burden of righteous destiny still pressed down on their shoulders like a mountain.
"If we really are stuck at Grand Sorcerer forever, then..." said He Xiangu, the only woman among them, her voice trailing off.
"No. That's impossible!" one of the white-robed elders cut in firmly.
"You were chosen by the righteous force of the world. The eight demon monarchs were chosen by the dark force. This is fate!" added another elder in black robes.
Then a third elder in purple robes spoke up, "The world is built on balance—light and dark. For thousands of years, darkness has ruled. But now, righteousness is rising to fight back."
"We eight—four Grand Sorcerers, four Grand Wizards—have studied the laws of the universe. This is destiny."
"The backlash from that balance is already taking its toll on us. You can still see us now, but give it a few more years, and we'll vanish from this world."
"When that time comes, the task of sealing the demon monarchs... will fall to you."
All eight elders spoke in unison, revealing the truth they had divined from the workings of fate.
"..."