(Demonic Marsh)
As the illuminating silhouette of the barrier shown across the demonic marsh sealed off the Demon Realm, the Eternal troops looked on in disbelief. Arceus floated above the troops and the remainder of the demon host that was unable to escape during the sealing back into the Demon Realm. Shangtian rose to her feet and commanded the troops to slaughter the remaining demon host. The remaining demons, under the instinct of survival, fought back heavily against the Eternal troop; the diminishing numbers of the Eternal troops could not overpower the remaining force of demons.
As the Eternal troops and Shangtian push through the lines of the demon host, a sudden light shone from a gateway similar to what Arceus appeared through, the Bifrost. A massive reinforcement army arrived under the command of Zhi'an alongside Xuanyu. The reinforcement army swept through the demon host, killing every demon in sight. Shangtian, seeing the arrival of Zhi'an, flashed before him alongside Yangyuan, Xiao Ling, and Yuan Jiang. Xuanyu noticed Arceus floating above them and flashed to his side.
"Greeting, Your majesty", said Shangtian as they knelt before Zhi'an. "General Di, rise", said Zhi'an…his tone pleased. Shangtian did not stand up, but instead remained kneeling, "Your majesty, please punish me. I failed to protect the Eternal realm. There is no excuse for my failure and loss in battle. So, I urge your majesty to punish me and as my atonement for the Eternal people and soldiers that have died here". Her voice filled with sorrow and regret, and a sense of guilt covered her as she knelt. Zhi'an saw and knew that what she was referring to, the Imperial court would not let this slide, and they would press for her punishment and even removal.
"Here my decree…Lord Protector, Di Shangtian has failed in her duty to protect and defend the Eternal realm; she will be punished with 120 lashes of the Heavenly punishing rod", said Zhi'an…his voice solemn and assured. "Your majesty...Her Ladyship…", said Yangyuan…trying to argue her punishment, but was interrupted by Shangtian, "Thank you, Your majesty, for your great kindness. This humble servant will obey", she said, bowing her head. Zhi'an then took her by the arms and lifted her up onto her feet gently, "Shangtian, get yourself treated for your injuries when we return to the capital". Shangtian softly smiled and nodded her head.
In the air above them, Arceus stood firm and unyielding. Xuanyu reached out his hand and placed it on his shoulder. The Qi emanating from Arceus faded, and the white glow in his eyes also faded, and he softly sighed as if releasing a massive held breath. "You have spent much of the power you have just awakened, and your core is not fully fused yet", stressed Xuanyu with a voice of concern. Arceus turned around and smiled at him. Xuanyu caught him.
[Eternal Capital: Esnor]
(Medical Department)
"Mother!!" shouted Ying Pu. Shangtian turned around, and Ying Pu ran into her arms, and she hugged him deeply, "Pu'er". Zhuyuan looked on pleased alongside Xunyang, who was eating a grape, "It seems your future mother-in-law is not as domineering as they say," said he as he chewed. Zhuyuan glanced at him, irritated, and pulled his ear. "Be quiet", he said in a strong tone. "You're hurting my ear", said Xuanyang, clenching his eyes in pain. "Are you okay?" asked Ying Pu, looking and scanning Shangtian to see if she was hurt anywhere. "I am okay," she responded warmly. "But his majesty punished her ladyship with 120 lashes of the heavenly punishing rod," blurted Yangyuan, unaware. Shangtian glanced at him, and he lowered his head.
"What! Mother, you can't…I go and ask his majesty to retracted his decree", said Ying Pu distressed as a sense of panic entered his mind and he turned to flash away but Shangtian stopped him and held him by his shoulders, "Pu'er an imperial edict cannot simply be retracted", said she gently fixing his hair as he sighed, "It's fine…I'll be okay". Zhuyuan walked closer, "It will be fine" he said in a calm and gentle voice. Ying Pu turned around with a distressed and fearful look in his eyes. "You're the First Prince, you can plead with his majesty" said he, eyes fixed on Zhuyuan's response. Shangtian noticed something and stepped forward, "The First Prince cannot interfere with this matter, it will only cause more problems".
"Yes, it would, considering he spoke up last time for the Lord Protector and got ridiculed by the Imperial court", said Xunyang sternly. Ying Pu's eyes fell sadly, and he lowered his head before Zhuyuan could step forward to comfort him. Shangtian intervened and held Ying Pu, "First Prince, I thank you for your concern and attentiveness, but I do believe you have more important affairs to deal with," her eyes firm and intentional. "Yes, I do", said Zhuyuan sadly and stepped backward, "I'll see you later," and nodded his head, then flashed off with Xunyang. Shangtian looked on, and Ying Pu looked confused at his mother's reaction, "Mother, why were you so distant with Zhuyuan?" asked Ying Pu.
Shangtian shook her head, "You must not get involved with the First prince" …her tone was secretive. "Why?" asked Ying Pu confused and annoyed, "He is the potential heir for the Dragon Throne, and a succession crisis waits for no one, and our clan is a very valuable asset in such times. I do wish to be dragged into that mess" explained Shangtian calmly. "But Zhuyuan has no ambition for the throne", said Ying Pu, assured. "For now" responded Shangtian, certain. At that moment, the Imperial Guards arrived. "Lord Protector, Di Shangtian, under the orders of Eternal Emperor Zhi'an, you are to be placed under arrest and be escorted to Fuling Palace and await your punishment", said Shangjian. Shangtian nodded and willingly went with them.
(Xuanfang Tower)
"My love", said Xuanyu as he placed Arceus on his cushioned chair. Arceus sighed, "I'll be fine, but I will need to go into Eternal Rebirth again". Xuanyu looked at him and placed his hand on his cheek, "Okay, take all the time you need. I can't stay any longer, but I'll check on the children before I leave", said Xuanyu softly in a warm tone as he kissed Arceus on his forehead. Xuanyu flashed away and Arceus's eyes weakened. Ying Pu flashed into the chamber, "Greetings Master", said he, bowing. "There's no need, rise", said Arceus, pleased. "Master, why did you summon me? Are you okay?" asked he…his sounding a little agitated. Arceus noticed it and leaned forward, "Your mother will be fine, she is strong; otherwise she would not be worthy of the title of Lord Protector," said he.
Ying Pu's face lightened up and he gently smiled, "Master..." whispered he loudly. Arceus looked confused but realized, "Sorry, I will be going into Eternal rebirth again. So, you must train well for the Divine Martial Tournament", said Arceus firmly. "Yes, master, I nearly forgot about the tournament with everything that's going on" responded Ying Pu with a little giggle, and Arceus smiled, pleased.
"With that said, I need you to do something for me…", said Arceus softly.
As Ying Pu exited Xuanfang tower and barrier activated around the Tower. Before Ying Pu flashed away, Xinyu arrived, "Where's father?" he asked worried. "He is in Eternal Rebirth, but he'll be fine" answered Ying Pu. Xinyu tried to enter the tower by walking through the barrier, but got pushed back, "Father does not permit me to enter" he said sadly but relieved. Ying Pu walked through the barrier, and he exited, leaving Xinyu shocked, "Seems father only permits you to pass, you are his disciple after all". Ying Pu placed his hand on Xinyu's shoulder while he looked at the tower with worried eyes. "Shall we go?", said Ying Pu, and Xinyu nodded. They then flashed away.
As stability finally seems to be achieved in the Eternal Realm and for the Divine. The Grand Event, known as the Divine Martial Tournament, can finally start, with many royal, noble, and common families arriving in the Eternal Capital from across the Divine. Elsewhere in the Demon Realm, things are starting to stir.
[Demon Realm: Capital]
(Fallen Palace)
The Demon King is sitting on his throne in his throne hall. "Your majesty, they have broken through the main gate, the city has fallen", said a demon minister as he rushed into the hall…his tone fearful and filled with hopelessness. "Calm yourself, old friend, this was bound to happen" sighed the Demon King. Suddenly, a blast of dark demonic Qi burst into the hall, blasting the demon guards and killing some of them. The Demon King stood up and leaped forward. "How brave of you. You are defending your people", said a distorted voice as footsteps approached and a sinister aura filled the hall.
Xingtian entered the hall. His face revealed a sinister smile fueled with malicious intent. "Kneel…kneel for your Overlord", he said as he grinned sinisterly. "I do not kneel to devils" responded the Demon King. Xingtian irritated charged forward, and the Demon King created a forcefield, but Xingtian broke it and gripped him by his throat. "Devil you say? Is that what you thought when you sealed me and betrayed my people for that filthy divine scum. Now look, they have forsaken you", said Xingtian in a dark and emotionless voice. His aura showed no sign of forgiving or living, only death and revenge.
"Still, your people deserved what happened to them; they betrayed the God Realm", said the Demon King as he struggled to breathe. Hearing this, Xingtian's eyes darkened, and a black dark glow illuminated his eyes. The Demon King was shocked, "Evil Qi! Taishui…" said he, breathless as Xingtian strengthened his grip around his neck. Xingtian released his grip and, using his inner force, held the Demon King in the air, "You have forsaken, Creation", said the demon king, struggling to breathe. Xingtian's finger started to turn black and dark like they were getting corrupted.
"Creation has forsaken me", said Xingtian in a cold and distant voice. Maliciousness filled his being, his very soul, and death surrounded his hands as he pointed his fingers towards the Demon King. Threads of light and red, black energy flowed from his fingers and struck the Demon King in his chest and deep into his soul. The Demon King screamed in agony and pain; it was as if his soul was being pulled out of his body or was it? Xingtian opened his mouth, and the Demon King looked up as if his soul was being pulled out of his body and pulled into Xingtian. When he was done sucking the soul of the Demon King, the Demon King's flesh and body turned black and dark it vanished into dust.
Xingtian's eyes returned to their original color, orange gold. He then positioned himself before the Demon Throne and sat on it. All the demons present along with the demon minister, kneeled, "Congratulations, Overlord, we rejoice in your return".