Just as Luzhou in the North was actively preparing for war, the Heavenly Court was also bustling with activity.

Countless supplies and Heavenly Soldiers and Generals were assembling together, creating a formidable procession that even the Immortals of the Heavenly Court couldn’t help but marvel at.

There hadn’t been such large-scale combat in the Three Realms for far too long.

This time, the Jade Emperor was determined to pour every effort into subjugating Luzhou in the North in one fell swoop.

"What an impressive display of power, I have never witnessed such preparations for battle since I joined the Heavenly Court," an Immortal said softly as he stroked his beard with a sigh.

As an Immortal with a long lifespan, he had seen many stories unfold over countless years, but this was the first time he had seen such large-scale troop movements.

"After all, that’s the Demon Emperor, who knows how many cards he still has up his sleeve."

Everyone in the Heavenly Court was drawn to this grand momentum, looking on with curiosity.

Liu Ming and Lu Shu were no exception, for witnessing such an impressive mobilization was also a first in their lives.

"It’s... really awesome!" Lu Shu said with a look of envy.

In his view, he saw the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, clad in excellent armor forged by the Heavenly Forge Bureau, standing tall and proud with a natural air of valor.

Such a mighty army naturally induced feelings of pride, and it made this craftsman, new to the Heavenly Court, reveal a look of admiration.

A person like him would probably never be able to wear such majestic battle armor and wage war in the Three Realms.

"With such a massive force, where could they be going?" Liu Ming asked with some confusion.

After all, they had not been part of the Heavenly Court for long and were still somewhat ignorant of many of its matters.

"Don’t you know, this is to mount a campaign against Luzhou in the North," an older Immortal explained with a smile.

"Luzhou in the North, that barren place?" Lu Shu asked in bewilderment.

For many people in the Three Realms, Luzhou in the North was a mysterious land, said to be desolate, inhabited only by the most ferocious Monsters living savage, bloodthirsty lives.

Therefore, Lu Shu didn’t understand why such a place would attract the attention of the Heavenly Court, warranting the deployment of such a formidable army. It seemed like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

Desolate? That’s no barren land, Luzhou in the North is the main base of the Demon Clan, home to a Demon Emperor who once contended with His Majesty for the throne of Heavenly Emperor."

"Now that he has escaped his confinement, it is very likely that he will declare war on the Heavenly Court once again. Therefore, we need to strike first and eliminate them beforehand," the old Immortal said, stroking his flowing white beard with a hint of pride and self-satisfaction.

For them, the stronger the Heavenly Court was, the safer they felt.

"Demon Emperor?" Lu Shu said, somewhat surprised.

This was yet another title he had never heard before. Lu Shu once considered himself well-educated and liked to show off his extensive knowledge among friends. But lately, he had been making a fool of himself repeatedly. These titles all belonged to overwhelmingly powerful beings, yet he remained completely ignorant of them. Suddenly, he felt that the familiar Three Realms had become unfamiliar to him.

The old Immortal saw his expression and smiled, "It’s normal for you to have never heard of this title. It is all a matter of time long past. When the Heavenly Court was first established, this Demon Emperor contended with His Majesty for the position of Heavenly Emperor. After a colossal battle, His Majesty defeated the Demon Emperor to ascend to the throne and began to dominate the Three Realms."

"As for the Demon Emperor, His Majesty the Jade Emperor dismembered him into nine pieces, each sealed in different locations within Luzhou in the North. Who could have imagined that, after countless years, the Demon Emperor would resurrect and challenge our Heavenly Court once more."

Merely listening to the old Immortal speak, Lu Shu felt waves of bygone eras washing over him; he was wholly intoxicated by the sensation akin to reading an epic.

Liu Ming, on the other hand, was deep in thought. He had seen the title of the Demon Emperor in the mysterious Book Pavilion. For the Demon Clan, this figure could be considered a hero. Even the victory of the Heavenly Court back then seemed somewhat disgraceful, but he buried these thoughts deeply in his heart. After all, this was the Heavenly Court, and if his thoughts were discovered by others, he wasn’t sure how he would meet his end.

"Wow!" An exclamation came.

Everyone looked up to see huge Treasure Ships arrayed in formation, with countless Heavenly Soldiers and Generals standing on top, their presence imposing.

The dark cannon barrels flashed with dangerous glints. The sight of such divine weapons made one shudder at a glance.

Such a massive fleet had never appeared before the crowd until now.

Lu Shu and Liu Ming looked at the Treasure Ships with pride on their faces. Each of these ships bore their hard work and effort.

The ability to produce so many Treasure Ships in such a short time was the result of all the craftsmen of the Heavenly Forge Bureau working overtime day and night.

"Haha, although I can’t join the battlefield, my Treasure Ships can," Lu Shu pointed at one of the ships and said with a laugh.

The craftsmen of the Heavenly Forge Bureau all showed expressions of joy. Lu Shu’s words perfectly echoed their sentiments. Each of these powerful ships was their labor of love.

Within the Lingxiao Treasured Palace, the Jade Emperor sat dignified upon his throne, his authoritative voice resonating in the hall.

"Divine King of Pagodas, Li Jing! You are hereby commanded to serve as Marshal of the North Expedition, commanding a million Heavenly Soldiers and Generals to pacify Luzhou in the North. Upon your success, I shall host a grand feast for all the heroes in the Heavenly Palace."

At these words, Li Jing hurriedly stepped forward and knelt, "I shall follow Your Majesty’s divine decree. I will ensure that Luzhou in the North submits and not a single demon escapes."

In his heart, however, he secretly marveled at how his previous act of loyalty had paid off; the Jade Emperor was meticulous in reward and punishment.

The Jade Emperor gave a slight nod at this, thinking to himself that Li Jing, although a little crafty, was not unlike most people. His ability to command troops was among the finest in the Heavenly Court, and with the support of the Lord of the Three Tanhai Association, Nezha, he was indeed a rare figure capable of standing on his own in the Heavenly Court.

"The Demon Court’s power is great. Don’t be eager for quick success on your expedition. Proceed steadily and methodically. All of the Immortals of the Heavenly Court can come to your aid if needed. With this battle, I plan to put an end to the Demon Emperor and show all living beings that the Heavenly Court is the rightful rule of the Three Realms. Let it be known that anyone who dares to oppose the Heavenly Court will be pursued, no matter how distant."

Having said this, the Jade Emperor stood up and declared, "Go now, and bring back news of victory to me!"

"As you command!"

Li Jing received the royal command and immediately left the Lingxiao Treasured Palace, with Nezha following closely behind. As soon as they exited the palace gate, a grand army stretched out before them. Seeing such a magnificent military force, the Divine King of Pagodas couldn’t help but express his readiness, "Prepare to depart. March to Luzhou in the North, to quell the insurrection!"