Without hesitation, Empress Xiao Yufan assumed her true form. Flames erupted around her as her mortal guise dissolved, revealing a magnificent phoenix, radiant with fiery plumage that blazed like the sun itself. With a powerful beat of her wings, she incinerated all Xie Lingyu soldiers attacking the main hall, their screams swallowed by the inferno of her power. Then, without pause, she soared toward the battlefield.
Below, the scene was chaos incarnate. Prince Long Hua lay wounded, his armor scorched and bloodied. Seeing him, Xiao Yu Fan descended like a comet, her radiant aura enveloping him. Her power coursed through his body, healing and empowering him. Together, they fought against the Demon King, their combined might shaking the earth itself.
Yet, even in her majestic phoenix form, Xiao Yufan could not overpower the Demon King alone. Blow after blow, she struggled, her flames clashing with his dark energy, each strike sending shockwaves across the battlefield.
Then reinforcements arrived: Prince Yulong and Princess Li Long, alongside Prince Wen Yili and Princess Lin Zhang, who had returned to join the fray. Their combined strength gave the phoenix a fighting chance.
High above the battlefield, Chief God Hei Ping appeared with Demon God Zou Chou.
Chief God Hei Ping: "Long Hua… now do it."
Prince Long Hua nodded, standing shakily but resolute. He began absorbing his inner power, the energy searing through him like molten steel. Slowly, his form shifted, scales shimmering and claws extending—he transformed into a magnificent dragon.
Chief God Hei Ping (to Zou Chou): "He will succeed. Believe in him."
Demon God Zou Chou: "But Yufan… she is already weakened. If she continues…"
Chief God Hei Ping: "This is their fate. She fights for the world. We cannot interfere."
Zou Chou's eyes glistened with sorrow.
Chief God Hei Ping: "Do not grieve. Her sacrifice is for all life. Long Hua… he will endure. The truth will be revealed to him after everything is over."
With the dragon and phoenix standing side by side, Chief God Hei Ping instructed them to combine their powers. As their auras merged, fire and scales intertwined, they became a singular, awe-inspiring entity: the Dragon-Phoenix. Flames and lightning danced along their merged form as they launched a devastating assault against the Demon King. The battle was fierce, each strike echoing like thunder across the battlefield. But eventually, their combined might shattered the Demon King's defenses. With one final, cataclysmic strike, the Demon King fell, his roar of rage turning to silence.
Prince Wen Yili collapsed, tears streaming down his face. Seeing his father fall, he could only sob in grief. Princess Lin Zhang held him tightly.
Princess Lin Zhang: "It's over now… everything is over."
Gradually, the Dragon-Phoenix returned to their true forms. Empress Xiao Yufan, weakened beyond measure, coughed up blood and fainted. Princess Li Long caught her gently, ensuring she did not fall.
The battlefield quieted. The war was over. Kingdoms could breathe again. But Prince Long Hua's worry did not subside. He hurriedly summoned the Immortal Doctor. The healer arrived and immediately examined the Empress. His face paled, shock evident.
Prince Long Hua: "Doctor… what is wrong with her?"
Immortal Doctor: "Your Highness… she must rest. In a few days, she may recover fully…" His voice faltered, giving a glimmer of hope.
They stepped outside into the cool air, away from the crowd.
Prince Long Hua: "Now… tell me the truth."
Immortal Doctor: "…Actually…"
Prince Long Hua: "Is it serious? Tell me, doctor!"
Immortal Doctor: "Your Highness… her majesty… she is dying."
Prince Long Hua froze, disbelief and anguish warring across his face.
Before he could speak, Shuiton Shan arrived.
To be continued.