The sky above the western fortress was like a massive white web, densely covering the humans below. Sharp claws clashed with destructive magical elements, and piercing cries mixed with the roar of magic filled the air. The entire area, spanning tens of kilometers, had become a battlefield. The number of humans paled in comparison to the White Demon Eagles.
Even though the fortress's guards and mages fought back, they could only form defensive lines on the ground, able to kill those White Demon Eagles that flew low enough.
In the middle of the sky, high-level mages with flight abilities fought against the bulk of the White Demon Eagles. The power of their advanced magic could easily wipe out hundreds of lower-ranked monsters in an instant. Despite their smaller numbers compared to the eagles, they showed no sign of retreating.
In large cities like Hangzhou, there were still many high-level mages. In smaller cities, however, facing an invasion like this would likely result in rivers of blood.
Higher up in the clouds, the most intense battles were taking place between the Four-Clawed Demon Eagles and the true human elites—court guards, military commanders, and judges. The fall of any side would greatly affect the outcome of the battle.
There were ten Four-Clawed Demon Eagles, each as massive as a cloud. Their four claws, which could easily shatter a mountain, glowed ominously beneath their white feathers. A single one of these creatures could threaten an entire city, let alone ten of them. But the real danger wasn't just these ten monsters—it was the gigantic silver eagle looming even higher in the sky, the true leader of the invasion.
The Silver Sky Lord's feathers were completely different from the rest of the White Demon Eagles. Its pure, silver-white plumage glistened like metal, signaling its royal status. Its feathers were sharper than steel blades. The Silver Sky Lord's head was as large as a room, with a silver crest fanning out atop its head. It gazed down at the humans beneath with cold, disdainful eyes, clearly seeing them as insignificant.
It remained aloof, confident that the ten Four-Clawed Demon Eagles beneath it would easily clear its path of any obstacles. With thousands of its eagle subordinates at its disposal, there seemed to be no need for it to worry.
The Silver Sky Lord was the ruler of the skies over the western mountains, and its horde of White Demon Eagles was like a vast cloud that blocked out the sun.
Because of its presence and the Four-Clawed Demon Eagles harassing the humans below, people like Zhu Meng and the other leaders were completely suppressed, unable to do anything but defend themselves.
While Zhu Meng and the others were being overwhelmed, the Totem Xuan Serpent made its way toward Hangzhou, slithering rapidly across the plains. Its colossal body, as tall as a mountain, could be seen from miles away by the citizens of Hangzhou. As it approached, it left deep trenches in its wake, almost forming a new canal beside the city. Just a short time ago, this serpent had been slated for execution, but now it had escaped!
Panic spread through the city as residents fled into their homes, but even hiding indoors couldn't protect them from the sharp claws of the White Demon Eagles. Casualties were already mounting, though thanks to an early evacuation, widespread deaths had been avoided. The White Demon Eagles rained down like white specks, attacking the outskirts of the city. Many mages struggled to counter the eagles' aerial attacks, helpless as they watched the creatures ravage the city.
At this desperate moment, the Totem Xuan Serpent arrived.
Reaching the city outskirts, the massive serpent opened its mouth and released a toxic green mist. Any White Demon Eagle that inhaled the poison turned into a stiff corpse within seconds. The serpent's venom was incredibly potent, especially against the invading White Demon Eagles, which fell from the sky in waves, their bodies hitting the streets below with sickening thuds.
The green mist spread over the city's borders, forming a poisonous barrier that protected one part of the city. Any White Demon Eagle that dared to enter the green zone was immediately killed, and hundreds—if not thousands—of them died in the poison. Despite their overwhelming numbers, they couldn't break through the venomous barrier, and they continued to fall like flies.
The citizens, who had thought their deaths were imminent, were shocked. The poison barrier was shielding them from the bloodthirsty White Demon Eagles. They couldn't believe their eyes as the massive serpent, once condemned to death, was now their protector.
Many were confused. Why was the Totem Xuan Serpent, which they had once sought to destroy, now saving them? Some even felt guilty for their previous hostility toward the creature. Not only had it not sought revenge, but it was now defending the city.
Mo Fan, watching all of this, felt no particular emotion. He knew that people were often quick to follow the opinions of leaders like Zhu Meng. Now, however, the serpent had shown it meant no harm and was there to protect. Naturally, people would feel remorse for their earlier misunderstanding. While Mo Fan wasn't one to repay evil with kindness, he knew that the serpent's actions would ultimately benefit it.
After today, the Totem Xuan Serpent would become the guardian deity of Hangzhou.
Meanwhile, standing atop the serpent's head, Mo Fan wasn't there for no reason. Every fallen White Demon Eagle released a soul remnant, and Mo Fan eagerly absorbed these remnants into his pendant.
Above the fortress, the Silver Sky Lord, which had just knocked Zhu Meng to the ground, was now facing a new threat—an enormous, terrifying serpent.
The Sky Lord had easily overpowered the human mages, but now, as the massive serpent charged toward it, its arrogance vanished.
"RAWWR!!!"
The Totem Xuan Serpent roared as it lunged at the Silver Sky Lord.
"SCREEEE!!"
The Sky Lord screeched in fear, desperately trying to fend off the serpent.
SLAM!
The serpent's colossal tail swiped at the Sky Lord, sending it flying. However, as a monarch-class beast, the Sky Lord wasn't so easily defeated. It quickly steadied itself, glaring furiously at the serpent.
With a rage-filled cry, the Silver Sky Lord unleashed a devastating sonic wave from its mouth, aiming to bring down its mighty foe.
(End of Chapter)