Now reduced to a soul form, the Yin–Yang Demon Empress appeared before the Demon Emperor, who immediately asked, "Supreme Commander, how did you end up like this? What happened?"
"It's a long story. I never expected to be outmaneuvered by the Immortal Realm’s commander. I tried to seize his body, but he escaped, and now even my original vessel has been taken away. For now, I can only manifest in soul form. This war has cost the Demonic Realm dearly," said the Yin–Yang Demon Empress.
"Then you should find a suitable candidate for possession! The Demonic Realm can’t go on without your command. We’ve prepared for this Immortal–Demon War for years—no matter what, we have to defeat the Immortal army this time," said the Demon Emperor.
"Well said. You understand what’s at stake. Indeed, I need a powerful vessel, and you’re right about that," the Yin–Yang Demon Empress replied, her eyes glowing with a strange light as she looked at him.
The Demon Emperor was instantly alarmed by the Empress’s gaze and unconsciously stepped back a few paces. "Supreme Commander, you’re not thinking of taking my body, are you? I’m one of your most loyal generals—please don’t do this to me!"
"If you’re my trusted general, you should help shoulder my burdens. I’m very satisfied with your body, and being chosen by me is your honor. Don’t worry—I promise not to harm your soul. I’ll let your soul seek another vessel later," the Yin–Yang Demon Empress said with a smile.
"Supreme Commander, please don’t! My body really isn’t suitable for you—please choose someone else, I beg you! I’m willing to die for the Demonic Realm in battle, but not like this," the Demon Emperor pleaded, fear rising in his heart as he prepared to flee.
Naturally, the Yin–Yang Demon Empress wouldn’t let him escape. With a thought, she unleashed a space-locking domain, instantly imprisoning him where he stood. Her cultivation was at demigod rank, or perhaps even higher—binding him was child’s play.
Even in soul form, her strength was undiminished. The Demon Emperor’s face went deathly pale as he was restrained—he knew there was no escaping disaster today.
There was no way the Yin–Yang Demon Empress would truly spare his soul—she was infamous for devouring souls, and his powerful soul was the perfect tonic. How could she possibly let him go?
“Yin–Yang Demon Empress, as Supreme Commander you treat your own subordinates like this? You’re not fit for this position! Even if I die today, I’ll curse you to die a miserable death. If you want to possess my body, I’ll never let you succeed!” the Demon Emperor roared, defiant and indignant.
The pain drenched him in sweat. He frantically wrecked his own body—first his organs, then his meridians and bones. Even if it killed him, he wouldn’t let the Empress succeed. If she tried to possess him now, the vessel would be a useless wreck.
Seeing the Demon Emperor’s tortured expression, the Yin–Yang Demon Empress instantly understood. “You dare destroy your own body? I won’t forgive you—die!” she spat coldly.
Her entire body turned into black mist, and in just a few breaths, she fully invaded the Demon Emperor’s body. After a cry of pain, his eyes closed, and he fell silent.
After a while, the Demon Emperor opened his eyes and laughed, “I seized this vessel just in time—his body wasn’t fully destroyed. But I’ll need to recover before I can use it. Evan Chu, I’ll let you live a few more hours. Once I adapt to this body, your death is certain.”
The Yin–Yang Demon Empress sat down and began to heal the Demon Emperor’s wounded body, shrouded in thick black mist.
Meanwhile, Evan Chu was quietly soaking in a wooden tub. The blood inside was full of vitality—especially since every soldier’s essence blood was mixed in, making its energy incredibly powerful.
Through his pores, the energy slowly entered his body. In his dantian, a blood bead the size of a pearl appeared, swirling with tremendous energy.
His wounds rapidly healed. After the second blood change, he was fully recovered, and his Chaos Immortal Force could circulate again—though only slowly.
As time passed, Evan Chu’s second soak in the blood finished and he was completely restored. His Chaos Immortal Force reached saturation, and the blood bead in his dantian grew to the size of a broad bean. He felt he could draw on its energy.
His mind was still foggy and needed time to recover. He climbed out of the tub, used Watershift to wash off the blood, changed into clean clothes, and felt refreshed—if not for the lingering headache, he would feel better than ever.
He returned to his tent to recover further. The war between the two armies raged on; Nolan Nangong, Jade Qin, and others were commanding at the front, while Serena Frost and her companions were also on the battlefield. Only Shadow and Goldwing remained by Evan Chu’s side as guards.
With those two present, Evan Chu had nothing to fear. Both could fight demigod-rank experts, and Shadow’s power was especially monstrous.
About three hours later, violent fighting erupted in the sky, shaking the whole tent. Only top experts could cause such shockwaves—Evan Chu immediately thought of the Yin–Yang Demon Empress.
"Shadow, go check who’s fighting—I’ll follow soon!" Evan Chu transmitted to Shadow.
Shadow flashed into the air and flew toward the battle. He was stunned by what he saw: Nolan Nangong was covered in blood, Jade Qin was unconscious, and Serena Frost and Yvonne Xuan were badly injured.
He roared in fury, "Who dares hurt my sisters-in-law? Today I’ll tear you to pieces!"
With that, Shadow transformed into his true form—a mountain-sized crimson lion. Opening his jaws, he unleashed a torrent of blazing fire at the enemy.
This flame was the heavenly fire Evan Chu once gave him. By now, Shadow had mastered both heavenly fire and Coldflame. The torrent was so massive that even Evan Chu couldn’t produce such a volume—he’d be shocked to see it.
The opponents fighting Nolan and the others were the Demonic Realm’s strongest, including three demigod-rank experts. Serena Frost and Yvonne Xuan could resist most attacks, but against the Yin–Yang Demon Empress, they were outmatched.
Shadow’s heavenly fire moved incredibly fast, instantly surrounding the Empress’s body. But something strange happened—the Empress absorbed all the flames, her body glowing fiery red.
"I never expected this lion to be such a great energy tonic. Do you have more? I’d love some!" the Empress mocked.
"You’re courting death!" Shadow roared, enraged that his energy was being treated as food. That power was his alone—no one else could touch it. He flashed forward and swung his massive claws at the Empress…