The Demon Master’s words abruptly solidified the smiles on everyone’s faces. He was right; in the face of such a behemoth as the Heavenly Court, a momentary victory was not enough for the Demon Clan to indulge in joy. Harder battles lay ahead.

"Indeed, we shouldn’t be blinded by this victory. The situation is still very serious. The Heavenly Army has already breached the gates of Luzhou in the North, and the real fierce battle has just begun," sighed the Flood Dragon Demon King.

Feng Jiu glanced at the jubilant crowd, then let out a soft sigh, "Let them be happy for a little longer; such days are numbered."

They were well aware that it wouldn’t be easy for the Demon Clan to defeat the Heavenly Court once it mobilized its full strength.

This was going to be a protracted war, and the battleground was in Luzhou in the North. No matter what, this land would be scorched by the flames of war.

The days ahead would be arduous.

"Your Majesty, I will go to the front line now to continue setting up the defenses. The Heavenly Court’s wish to annihilate our Demon Clan is nothing but a fool’s dream," volunteered the Shituo King.

"I’ll go with you!" said the Flood Dragon Demon King as well.

"What would a Naval Commander do coming with me?"

"With Azure Dragon here, the Naval Forces are more than sufficient. The Dragon Palace has been frightened out of their wits; they won’t rashly join in this war. With Azure Dragon in charge, we’re covered. I’ll go to the front line to help you."

Seeing this, the Shituo King turned his gaze toward Feng Jiu, seeking the opinion of his monarch.

"Since the Great Sage who Overturns the Seas wishes to go, let him. Take the Royal Guards with you as well," Feng Jiu spoke softly.

"Your Majesty, the Royal Guards are newly established. Wouldn’t it be too cruel to send them to the battlefield now?" the Flood Dragon Demon King said with a hint of pity.

The Demon Court Royal Guards were formed after the re-establishment of the Demon Court, comprising the finest young monsters, meticulously trained by the Demon Emperor and the Demon Master.

However, due to time constraints, these recruits hadn’t yet had sufficient training. The Flood Dragon Demon King had intended to let these young warriors taste blood by combating bandits during this period, and hence he was reluctant to send them into battle.

"I have confidence in my Royal Guards. Don’t forget, although they are young, they are survivors of the chaos in Luzhou in the North. They are not as fragile as you think. Let them train on the battlefield; no army can become strong solely through training," Feng Jiu sighed faintly.

She was acutely aware that her command might result in the death of many of these young monsters, but she had no choice. The Heavenly Court would not grant these youngsters the opportunity to grow; they had to be forced into maturity through harsh means.

One cannot be merciful at the helm of an army. As the Emperor of the Demon Clan, she would not make such a mistake.

Seeing Feng Jiu’s resolve, the Flood Dragon Demon King could only nod his head in agreement, promising to take the Royal Guards to the battlefield.

When the news reached the camp of the Royal Guards, these young monsters immediately became exhilarated.

Since their formation, they had spent their time training by day, studying by night, and learning the ideology of the mysterious Mr. Li.

They went through a great deal of hardship, but not one person complained because it was during this time that they grew significantly and for the first time broadened their horizons, witnessing many unheard-of things.

With blades in hand and the intent to kill awakened, these capable young warriors thirsted for accomplishments and glory. So, when the news of the Heavenly Court’s invasion reached them, the entire Royal Guards began petitioning the Demon Emperor to be sent to the frontline, eager to clash with the Heavenly Army.

Unfortunately, just as it all began, Feng Jiu declined their request, which left many young ones feeling rather dejected.

Later, when the news of a major victory in the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons reached them, their regret only deepened. The battle could have been the perfect opportunity for their Royal Guards to make a name for themselves, and they had missed it.

But now, finally, the order to march had come, and these individuals burst into excitement, shouting and cheering.

"Silence!" a loud voice bellowed. A man in black armor, mounted on an exotic beast, strode in from outside the tent, his authoritative gaze sweeping over everyone.

The once noisy camp immediately fell silent. All activities ceased, everyone held their breath, and not even the slightest sound dared escape their lips.

"General Black Tiger!" the crowd saluted in unison.

The newcomer was none other than the former Great General Black Tiger of the Demon Clan. After the reconstruction of the Demon Court, this former Demon General had returned to the fold and, under Feng Jiu’s assignment, became the General of this unit of Royal Guards.

His strength was formidable, his character just and upright, and he shared in the hardships of his soldiers, which quickly endeared him to these young monsters.

Now that he was the one rebuking them, naturally no one dared to talk back.

"Have you no discipline? Have you forgotten all that Mr. Lin has taught you? How can I trust to take you to the battlefield with this sort of behavior? The enemies we will face are the ferocious Heavenly Soldiers and Generals. Many of you here have already witnessed their combat strength. If you don’t want to march to your deaths, then muster every ounce of your spirit!"

"Yes!"

"The Emperor has decreed that the Royal Guards shall immediately head to the frontline to join the battle. Anyone who disobeys will be beheaded! Anyone who retreats in battle will be beheaded! Anyone who causes delay to military operations will be beheaded! Anyone who disobeys orders on the battlefield will be beheaded!" With each mention of the word "beheaded," the atmosphere grew increasingly solemn.

The smiles vanished from the faces of those present, as if, through Black Tiger’s tone, they saw mountains of corpses and seas of blood, realizing that what they were about to face was a true battlefield, where death was a stark reality.

"Go prepare. I hope you’ll be able to put into practice everything you’ve learned and make a name for our Royal Guards. Anyone who brings shame to the unit will not be spared easily," he commanded.

At his command, the crowd dispersed, each returning to their barracks to gather their belongings.

Such actions had been rehearsed countless times during regular training, so they moved quickly. In no time at all, everyone was assembled in the camp, armored and equipped, ready for departure.

As the drums sounded, they formed into lines according to their previously assigned numbers.

The neat and uniform formations standing in the parade ground were a pleasing sight to behold.

Accompanied by the Demon Master and other officials, Feng Jiu arrived at the camp. Seeing everyone prepared and ready, a hint of a smile graced her face.

This army was an elite force, built at considerable expense after the reconstruction of the Demon Court, and under Lin Fang’s suggestion, from the initial personnel selection to soldiers’ training, they adopted new methods. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

After a long period of training, these individuals had grown, gradually developing a fierce air about them.

Now, it was time to test the results. Feng Jiu’s gaze swept across the faces of the monsters, each of whom stood taller under her scrutiny.