The geographical location of the Land of Demons was very peculiar. According to the geological trends Makiya observed from high above, and based on the Taoist scriptures from the Liao Zhai world, this entire nation was situated on a land of extreme Yin. Yin energy gathered here, and vengeful spirits were rampant, making it a perfect environment for demonic and ghost cultivators to thrive.
If the geography of the Land of Demons appeared in the Liao Zhai world, it would become a paradise for all kinds of demons and monsters, crawling with spirits and apparitions.
The Ninja World didn't have as many strange ghosts, but the evil thoughts and various greeds of humanity converged here. Combined with the stray chakra and dense natural energy, they gave birth to a terrifying monster: Moryo.
The small city before him was a scene of ruins. The city's facilities were broken beyond repair, and the ground was littered with the corpses of defending soldiers. Judging by the positions of their bodies, it was clear these soldiers had done their best; most had died at their posts, with very few deserting.
Unfortunately, the enemy was too powerful. Eventually, the city fell, and a massacre ensued. The city's garrison hadn't even been able to leave behind a single enemy corpse.
This was because the enemy wasn't human at all!
Makiya crouched beside a dense cluster of footprints, carefully examining the deep indentations in the ground. The enemy's bodies seemed extremely heavy, with every step causing the earth to cave in.
This was an army summoned by the power of the demon Moryo. A vast number of stone statues, resembling Terracotta Warriors, rampaged under Moryo's command. Even if they were accidentally shattered by ninjutsu or bombs, these statues could restore themselves in a very short time. They were essentially unkillable.
Makiya expanded his soul perception. The entire city had been wiped out; there wasn't a single living person left on the scene.
Soaring into the sky on his sword, Makiya looked out over the entire Land of Demons from a high altitude. He found the country covered in smoke as the immortal army, controlled by Moryo, continued its rampage, inciting one slaughter after another.
Humans had no way to deal with them. They could only exhaust their last bit of strength in resistance, watching with wide eyes as the monsters they had blown to pieces reconstructed themselves before taking their heads.
The Land of Demons wasn't large. Makiya flew on his sword for half an hour before seeing a grand city standing on the horizon.
The capital of the Land of Demons had arrived.
Since the supreme ruler was a priestess, even the solid city gates were carved into the shape of a Torii. Various details on the city walls were filled with elements dedicated to the priestess and the gods.
This country had suffered under Moryo for generations, with a great war breaking out every few decades. Therefore, the layout of the capital was very simple and clear. Flying high in the sky, Makiya could see the priestess's palace located right in the center of the city at a single glance.
The golden flying sword descended from the sky, making the soldiers guarding the palace act as if they were facing a great enemy. They all drew their bows and notched arrows, pointing them at Makiya.
"Who goes there?" Two retainers dressed as samurai stepped out from the palace, drawing their long swords to block the main entrance.
"I am a Konoha ninja, Makiya Uchiha." Makiya pointed to the forehead protector tied to his arm, showing them the spiral mark. "I received your request for aid and traveled specifically from the Land of Fire to help you."
"A Konoha ninja?" One of the samurai whispered, exchanging a look with his companion. Both saw the confusion and suspicion in each other's eyes.
They knew about the request for aid, but the problem was that Makiya had arrived too quickly. They had estimated that Konoha's assistance would arrive in ten days at best. They never expected someone to show up so early.
What kind of speed was this? Even flying all the way wouldn't have been this fast, right?
"Tomotaka Ashiho, Manta Ashiho, please let the Konoha ninja in."
Just as the situation was reaching a stalemate, a gentle voice drifted out from inside the palace.
Hearing this, the two Ashiho brothers immediately stood up straight and sheathed their katanas. They bowed respectfully toward Makiya. "Makiya Uchiha, the Priestess has summoned you. Please follow us."
"Lead the way."
The priestess's palace was constructed from ancient wood grown deep in the mountains. The carved beams and painted rafters were exceptionally exquisite, showing that the craftsmen had poured a great deal of effort into its construction.
They passed through the main gate, crossed two small courtyards, and bypassed a magnificent screen. Finally, Makiya met the supreme ruler of this country, the Priestess of the Land of Demons: Miroku.
Although her name always reminded Makiya of a fat-bellied, laughing Buddha, after seeing Miroku in person, he couldn't help but marvel at the woman's terrifying charm. It was no wonder so many people were willing to die for her.
Priestess Miroku was like a mysterious flower blooming in the night, exuding a unique and enchanting aura. Her pure white hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall, swaying gently in a breeze that seemed to come from nowhere, shimmering with a silk-like luster.
Miroku's eyes were like deep, quiet pools. Her grey pupils revealed a light of wisdom that seemed to see through everything, as if she could look past all the illusions in one's heart. Her skin was as fair as snow, appearing translucent under the candlelight, as if carved from ice and frost.
"Asking for help was a move of desperation. I didn't expect the Hokage of Konoha would truly be willing to send reinforcements." Miroku's eyes studied Makiya, her voice ethereal yet carrying a sense of nobility. "May I ask how many reinforcements Konoha sent, and what their strength is like?"
After speaking, Miroku bowed apologetically to Makiya. "Please forgive my bluntness. I believe the ninja master has witnessed many tragedies on the way here. The current situation in the Land of Demons is very tense, and we have no time to waste."
Makiya crossed his arms, his expression calm. "There is only one person for reinforcements, and that is me. As for my strength..."
His tone carried a strong sense of confidence. "Lady Priestess, just tell me where that monster named Moryo is, and I'll go take care of him."
His casual words left Miroku in a state of shock. For a moment, the elegant smile she always maintained almost cracked. "One... one person? You aren't joking, are you?"
"I'm not joking. It's just me." Makiya shook his head. "The Priestess should also be aware that in the face of a monster of that level, numbers do not decide the final outcome. I alone am enough."
"Is that so? I understand." Miroku nodded. Although her tone was calm, Makiya could hear the disappointment in her voice.
She rose gently from the cushions she had been leaning on. Her flowing white priestess robes were very well-fitted, outlining her majestic yet slender curves. Her wide sleeves fluttered in the wind, and the hem of her robe was embroidered with exquisite dark patterns—mysterious symbols unique to the Land of Demons that shimmered in the dim light, adding a touch of divinity and solemnity to her presence.
"Manta, please take this ninja master who has come from so far away to rest," Miroku looked at Manta Ashiho, who was bowing behind her, and instructed.
At that moment, a slight tremor traveled along the ground, causing everyone present to change expression. This was especially true for the two Ashiho brothers, whose eyes immediately filled with terror, mixed with the courage of those prepared to die.
A moment later, a samurai rushed in from outside. He knelt outside the screen and shouted, "Lady Miroku, Moryo's immortal army has arrived! They are attacking the city walls!"
"Lady Miroku, please evacuate the capital first! We will buy time for you!" Manta Ashiho said immediately. Beside him, Tomotaka Ashiho nodded frantically.
"An immortal army?" Makiya suddenly interjected. "There is nothing in this world that cannot be killed. If there is, then you just haven't found the right method yet. Don't panic, I'll go to the wall and have a look."
"You should hurry and escape too." Manta frowned. "The terror of the immortal army is not something a ninja can deal with. Only Lady Miroku can stop them."
"A quick look won't hurt me." Makiya waved his hand casually. "I might not be very good at fighting, but I'm very fast. I'm quite experienced in the art of running away. If things look bad, I'll definitely be able to slip away. Don't worry."
After saying that, Makiya vanished with a whoosh. His speed was so fast that none of them had time to react.
Manta and Tomotaka looked at each other in surprise, then turned to Miroku.
"Very well, let's follow him and see. If it truly comes down to it, I will use the power of the Priestess to protect his life. After all, he is a guest who came from afar to support us." Miroku sighed softly and said helplessly.
The Land of Demons had sent out many requests for help, but only Konoha had chosen to respond. Miroku kept this kindness in her heart. Even if she thought Makiya was being overconfident, she would still expend her power to save him if necessary.
Manta clenched his fists tightly, feeling quite resentful toward the overconfident Makiya. Lady Miroku's power was incredibly precious, and now it was going to be wasted on a Konoha ninja. It was simply detestable.
A conceited ninja... I wonder if he'll wet his pants from fear once he sees the immortal army?
Manta Ashiho thought maliciously to himself.