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Behind him, a large group of soldiers was heading toward us—Dalian’s reinforcements that had come through the mountains—my heart sinking at the sight. Yet it was Lin and Mei who led them onward, General Fang and Captain Lai among them, those who’d challenged Dalian on behalf of the Winged Devils. Their approach was silent as though their presence had been shielded. Zhangwei tensed at the sight of them, but when Lin nodded at us, some of my fear dispersed. They stopped a distance away, observing us intently rather than attacking. Had Lin convinced them to listen?

The first battle is for our people’s hearts. If they do not believe, they do not fight—and the war is already lost.

Dalian remained oblivious to the soldiers, his back to them as he faced Zhangwei and me, blocking the gateway. His attacks were intensifying, his magic a viperous green as it streaked through the air. Sweat slid from my face, our breathing ragged as we shielded ourselves. Dalian would never let us go; he’d kill us, unless we destroyed him first.

Raising my voice, I asked, “Lord Dalian, you claim the invasion of the Mortal Realm is necessary because the Wangchuan River is weakening. Have you investigated the cause? What has been done to restore it?” I needed to distract him so he wouldn’t notice the soldiers.

“You have no right to question me,” Dalian said with a sneer. “All know the river’s powers have waned.”

Zhangwei frowned, his mind falling into stride with mine. “The Wangchuan River’s force should not diminish. It is eternal, constantly replenished through the cycle of life and death. It would not wane—unless it was being drained. As the ruler of the Netherworld, Lord Dalian, you should know this.” He spoke with such authority, few could have doubted him.

“You did this, Lord Dalian,” I said loudly, so all could hear. “You’re the one draining the power from the river—first to pry apart the gateway, then to seal the skies. This invasion isn’t the cure but the cause.”

I paused, letting my words sink in. “That’s why there isn’t enough for your people, because you’ve been wasting it, hoarding it for yourself and your chosen. You control your people, keep them obedient—by keeping them hungry.”

Dalian was shaking with rage. While I’d been forced to tread cautiously before, afraid he’d lash out at Chengyin and me—now I wanted to shove him to the brink, to reveal his true face to those who served him, who deserved better.

I pushed aside my terror, gesturing to the piles of scattered armor around us, all that remained of the soldiers he’d killed. “You drained the Wangchuan River for your selfish ambition, just as you drained your own soldiers for their strength—you murdered them, even Captain Rao, a vile betrayal of those most loyal to you. Their bodies are no more, turned to dust.”

Silence fell, only interrupted by the sound of weeping. Aunt Shou’s body was folded over, her shoulders heaving. Though the wrinkles had vanished from her face, she had never appeared so worn.

General Fang broke away from the crowd to stride forward. “Lord Dalian, is this true?” His voice reverberated with disbelief and fury.

Dalian swung around, freezing at the sight of the soldiers. He blinked uncertainly, his magic dispersing as outrage twisted his features. “How dare you question me, General Fang?”

The general’s expression hardened. “You didn’t answer my question, Lord Dalian. Did you murder our soldiers? Did you cause the Wangchuan River to weaken?”

Captain Lai moved to stand beside him, her white hair flying in the wind as her hand grazed the hilt of her sword. “Lord Dalian, silence is an answer in itself. Refusing to answer or even defend yourself, is akin to an admission of guilt.”

Dalian looked around at the soldiers, a hunted look in his eyes. General Fang and Captain Lai were not easily silenced. Their presence had purpose; their voices bore weight.

“Captain Lai, remember your place. Apprehend these traitors and kill the God of War. I’ll need the Lady of Tianxia a while longer,” Dalian ordered. His tone was harsh yet there was a wildness in his eyes, a frantic unease.

“Lord Dalian, I am beginning to wonder who the real traitor is,” Captain Lai countered as she raised her chin.

“You are treading dangerously close to treason,” Dalian hissed.

“While Your Lordship is already waist-deep,” General Fang replied.

Dalian’s face turned white. “Traitors—all of you! You will be executed, your bodies torn apart and scattered into the Wangchuan River, where you will suffer endless torment.”

Despite these threats, General Fang showed not a flicker of trepidation. “Lord Dalian, we ask you to return with us to answer our questions,” he said steadily

More soldiers had drawn closer, approaching from the mountains. They stood behind the others, whispering among themselves as they looked uncertainly from their ruler to their commanders.

“Kill any who oppose me!” Dalian shouted to them. The copper in his eyes shone so bright, it hurt to look at him. “They have been plotting with the villainous immortals to usurp my throne. They will lock you away to starve here while they reap the wealth of the Mortal Realm for themselves!”

“He is lying to you.” Somehow, my voice emerged calm. Zhangwei stood beside me, his sword drawn, guarding me from attack. I gestured to the abandoned armor once more. “The proof lies before you.”

“You’re the liar! You bribed them to your side,” Lord Dalian roared as he rounded on me. “She and the God of War killed all your comrades.”

Several of the soldiers glared at us with suspicion, their whispers gaining strength. Why should they trust us? Even though he was the monster, we were the enemy.

“Some, certainly,” Zhangwei replied solemnly. “But these soldiers, including Captain Rao, were killed by their lord—the one they defended with their lives.”

General Fang crouched down among the piles of dust, touching a gleaming breastplate. “It wasn’t the immortals. Only one of us could have done such a thing.”

“Have you not wondered about the Wangchuan River? Why it fulfilled our needs before but no longer?” Lin cried. “Lord Dalian told us we needed to invade the mortals to feed our families, but it was a lie. The barriers he erected along the river were not to help feed us but to starve us, so he could keep its power for himself.”