When the Heavens Bowed to Evil
The sky darkened without warning.
One moment, lightning still lingered in the air from Xiao Yan's tribulation, the battlefield scarred but breathing again. The next, an unnatural stillness descended, as though the heavens themselves had drawn in a sharp breath.
The wind died.
The clouds froze.
Sound vanished.
Then—
A presence descended.
It was not demonic in nature, yet it carried an oppression far heavier than any demon. It was not holy, nor righteous, nor bound by the laws that governed Saints and gods alike. It was something older, deeper, and far more terrifying.
Something that did not belong.
A suffocating pressure rolled across the land, crushing down on every living being. Disciples froze mid-breath, their hearts pounding violently as fear clawed at their souls. Some fell instantly to their knees, unable to withstand the sheer weight of that existence.
Saint Lu Qi's face drained of all color.
His voice broke as he cried out, disbelief and horror flooding every word.
"It's… it's the Evil God! How is this possible?!"
Panic spread like wildfire.
This was not an enemy they could reason with. Not one they could stall. Not one they could survive through sacrifice alone. This time, no one believed mercy existed.
The Evil God did not announce himself.
He did not taunt.
He did not threaten.
He attacked.
Space itself shattered.
Reality warped and cracked as an invisible force surged forward, tearing through the battlefield like a collapsing star. Xiao Yan was struck head-on, his newly ascended godly form hurled into the earth with devastating force. The ground exploded outward, cratering beneath him as shockwaves tore through everything nearby.
Disciples screamed.
Blood sprayed from mouths as inner cores fractured under the pressure. Some bodies crumpled instantly, fading into nothingness before they could even hit the ground. The Saints fared no better—Saint Lu Qi staggered violently, coughing blood as his knees buckled beneath him.
Pain tore through Xiao Yan's body.
Still, he forced himself up.
Before he could steady himself, another strike descended.
He was slammed down again, harder than before, the impact rattling his bones and tearing a groan from his throat.
He rose.
Again.
The Evil God struck again—relentless, merciless, each attack heavier than the last. Blow after blow crashed into Xiao Yan, driving him into the ground repeatedly until his legs could no longer support him. His body trembled violently, bones screaming, divine energy flickering under the strain.
Around him, Saints gasped desperately for breath.
Their strength drained away with terrifying speed. Eyes once filled with resolve now reflected only despair.
Nem clenched his fists, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. His voice was low, grim, heavy with realization.
"Even the Ansha isn't here… and we're still dying."
The words pierced Xiao Yan's mind.
So this… is a greater enemy.
Something snapped.
With a roar that tore through heaven and earth, Xiao Yan forced himself upright once more. His godly aura surged violently, defying pain, defying exhaustion. When the Evil God attacked again, Xiao Yan twisted the force—turning it back upon its source.
The Evil God crashed into the ground.
The battlefield froze in shock.
Before anyone could react, Xiao Yan leapt into the air, hands weaving ancient seals with instinctive precision. Dark clouds rolled in rapidly, swallowing the sky whole as thunder roared in furious response.
Lightning poured down like divine judgment.
Bolts tore through the battlefield, annihilating the remaining demons in blinding flashes of light. Screams echoed briefly before being silenced forever.
The Evil God struggled.
For the first time, resistance failed.
With a furious, enraged roar that shook the heavens, he tore himself free and vanished into thin air, retreating into the void.
Silence followed.
Heavy. Absolute.
Xiao Yan descended slowly from the sky, his body shaking uncontrollably. He staggered upon landing but did not stop. Moving among the fallen, golden light flowed from his hands—gentle, warm, life-giving.
Shattered cores reformed.
Wounds closed.
Breath returned to lifeless chests.
Saints and disciples stared in disbelief as strength flooded back into their bodies, awe replacing despair.
Mi-An ran to him.
Before she could speak, Xiao Yan's legs gave out.
"Xiao Yan!" she cried, catching him as he collapsed into her arms. Her voice shook as fear surged through her chest. "You just ascended… and used such power… please, hang on."
Clutching him tightly, she carried him toward his quarters, her heart pounding violently. Above them, the sky slowly began to clear—but the shadow left behind by the Evil God lingered, heavy and unresolved.
The heavens had bowed.
And the war had only begun.