DEMON SOVEREIGN'S REIGN

The group camped near the mouth of the Abyssal Gate, their expressions weighed down by more than fatigue. The revelation of Yu Meixing's identity, the resurgence of ancient power, and the confrontation with Zhao Wenxiu had all left their marks.

Yet silence could not stretch long.

A sudden tremor shook the earth beneath them.

> "Earthquake?" Shen Yue asked, rising.

> "No," Liu Shen said, narrowing his eyes. "This is a summoning."

The tremor ceased. Then, high above the cliffs, space cracked like glass. A black portal, shaped like an open maw, tore into the sky, dripping dark essence.

From it descended a cloaked figure—robe etched with Hollow runes, face veiled, feet hovering inches above ground.

> "A Hollow Herald," Lei Qing muttered. "They've come for her."

---

Parley of Shadows

The Herald's voice echoed without sound. It bypassed ears and drilled into minds.

> "To the Awakened Shadow: Your rebirth destabilizes the lattice of dominion. The Hollow Empire requests a dialogue."

Liu Shen stepped forward, his eyes sharp.

> "Dialogue? You attack, enslave, and hunt. Now you speak of words?"

The Herald tilted its head. "You misunderstand. Your war is with the Heavens. Ours is with fate. We are not enemies by default."

Yu Meixing's aura flared involuntarily. The Herald paused, sensing the mark etched on her soul.

> "You carry the imprint of the Ninth. A predecessor. A queen of entropy. We would have you return."

> "I am not returning," she said firmly. "I was never yours."

The Herald extended a black scroll that floated midair before burning to ash—its message transmitted directly.

> "Then hear our offer. Or deny it, and declare war."

---

The Offer

Images rushed into their minds:

Great palaces of living bone.

Skyships that sailed across voidwinds.

Entire sects consumed by a single word: erasure.

But then… visions of rebellion. Of Hollow defectors who sought freedom. Of a sealed tomb beneath the Hollow Empire where one of the Heaven's Witnesses still slept—untouched by fate.

> "We offer knowledge," the Herald said. "The tomb contains a relic that can undo the lattice binding your world."

Liu Shen narrowed his eyes. "And what do you want in return?"

> "The Sovereign must walk the Hollow Roads. Alone."

Gasps escaped the others.

> "It's a trap," Lei Qing growled.

> "Obviously," Liu Shen replied. "But they know I'll accept anyway."

The Herald turned to Yu Meixing.

> "The Shadow has awakened. Her presence now ruptures celestial alignments. They will send more Seraph Envoys."

> "Let them come," Yu Meixing said. "This time, I'll burn their wings."

---

A Decision of Fire

That night, Liu Shen sat alone at the edge of the cliff, gazing toward the swirling portal still crackling in the distance.

Zhao Wenxiu approached, slow and hesitant.

> "You're really going?"

> "I have to," Liu Shen replied. "They want me, not her. But more importantly… the relic. If what they said is true, it might be the key to breaking the Heavens' dominion completely."

> "And if it's a lie?"

> "Then I tear the Hollow Empire from the inside."

Zhao nodded. "I'll stay with them. Watch over Meixing."

Liu Shen glanced at him. "I trust you… but she might not. Earn it."

> "I intend to."

---

Goodbyes in the Dark

Yu Meixing stood by a lone tree near their camp, shadow petals drifting around her like whispers of the Ninth.

> "You're leaving," she said without looking.

> "I have to."

> "And you expect me to wait like before?"

Liu Shen paused. "No. I expect you to grow stronger. Because next time, it might be you who has to save me."

She stepped forward, her gaze burning. "Then promise me."

> "I'll return," he said. "And I'll bring the skies down with me."

They didn't embrace. They didn't cry. But in the space between their hearts, a storm brewed—a promise forged of shadow and fire.

---

The Hollow Road

At dawn, the Herald opened a portal. Liu Shen stepped forward, his cloak fluttering in the voidwind.

> "No one else follows," the Herald instructed.

Liu Shen didn't even look back.

> "I never needed backup."

He stepped into the darkness.

The portal sealed behind him with a sound like a soul exhaling.

---

A New Threat Emerges

Far to the east, within the Celestial Concord, a council of Seraph Envoys gathered. News of the Ninth Shadow's awakening and the Sovereign's descent into the Hollow Roads had reached even the highmost towers.

> "The fracture widens," one envoy said.

> "Prepare the Divinity Spears," another ordered. "The Sovereign dares trespass again. This time, we end him permanently."

> "And the Shadow?"

> "Corrupted. A threat. Eliminate her."

And so, beneath starless skies, a war between Heavens and Hollows brewed—and caught in between stood two rebels, bound by vengeance and fate.