As Xiao Yan stared at the clock tower, trying to get a better look at the mysterious woman, Yan Bingxue felt his gaze piercing through the air. She didn't want to be discovered just yet. With a soft breath, her body turned into a faint mist of frost, disappearing into thin air before moving to a hidden location blocks away.
"That was close," she whispered to herself, her heart beating a little faster. "He almost noticed me. Anyway, I should hope they can handle the rest of these demons on their own."
The battle in the streets was still intense. Smoke filled the air, and the sound of clashing steel was everywhere. Just as a new wave of demons began to pour through the broken gate, a powerful aura descended from the sky. An old man with long grey hair and a sharp sword landed in the center of the plaza.
It was the City Lord of Canghai, Elder Liang Zhi.
"What is the current situation here?" he asked, his voice booming like thunder.
"Oh! Elder Liang Zhi!" Jinyao cried out, her face lighting up with relief as she recognized the powerful cultivator.
"We really need some help here, old man!" Xiao Yan shouted, wiping sweat from his forehead as he kicked a demon away.
The city felt like a doomed place, filled with the cries of the wounded and the roar of monsters. But as soon as the Elder stepped in, the tide began to turn. With a single swing of his blade, he sent out waves of pure energy that sliced through dozens of demons at once.
From her new hiding spot, Bingxue watched the Elder take control of the situation. I think I don't need to do any more, she thought calmly. With him here, the city will survive. It's time to retreat.
As she vanished for good, Xiao Yan felt the cold pressure in the air fade away. He looked around, feeling confused.
(System, just now I saw a woman... she was using ice. Who is she?) Xiao Yan asked in his mind.
[Mhmm... well, Master, she might be a 'destined one,' I'm not sure yet. But I can tell you this: she is very special,] Michael replied, his voice sounding a bit mysterious.
(System, you are no help at all!) Xiao Yan grumbled.
More fighters from the surrounding areas arrived to join the Elder. After a few more hours of fierce fighting, the remaining demons realized they were losing and retreated back into the dark forest. The city was saved, but it was badly damaged.
Deep within the dark realm, the Demon Lord Shen Yuan slammed his fist onto his throne. He was furious. His eyes glowed with a terrifying purple light as he watched the survivors of his army crawl back in shame.
"Useless!" he roared. "They can't even deal with a few humans. They aren't worthy of being my subordinates. If only the Great Demon God was unsealed, we wouldn't have to deal with such embarrassment!"
"Lord... we are sorry," one of the demons whispered, trembling on the floor.
Shen Yuan was so angry that his aura exploded, filling the room with a heavy, crushing pressure that made the other demons gasp for air. Some were even crushed against the floor by his sheer power.
"Well, Yuan, you can't get the job done, can you?" a feminine, cold voice echoed through the hall.
"She Mu... what are you doing in my Abyssal Palace?" Shen Yuan growled, turning to see a woman with serpent-like eyes leaning against a pillar. It was She Mu, ranked 3rd among the Immortal Demon Lords.
"The Balance Breaker system has descended," she said, her voice smooth but dangerous. "We need to find it and destroy the host before he grows strong enough to kill us all. I'm just here to tell you that we need to be careful."
Shen Yuan looked at her and calmed his aura slightly. "Fine. What do you suggest we do?"
"Let's pass the order," She Mu suggested with a cruel smile. "We will send our best young demon talents to the Sacred Mountain that opens soon. I heard ninety percent of the human 'geniuses' will be there. Let's take the risk and wipe out their next generation in one go."
Shen Yuan grinned, his sharp teeth showing. "A good plan. Pass the order!" he barked at his subordinate. "Prepare the young elites. We go to the mountain."