Volume One: The Emergence - Chapter Eighteen: The Four Divine Beasts Acknowledge Their Master

Liu Kaixin, Daoist Master Xuanyi, Princess Huo Li, and the twelve zodiac warriors pressed onward toward the place where the Demon God was sealed, wasting no time after defeating the demon general. Though their bodies and spirits were utterly exhausted, the thought of the final battle drawing near rekindled their strength. Supporting one another, they continued forward.

As they gradually approached the site of the seal, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth around them grew increasingly chaotic. A sharp, nauseating stench filled the air—the lingering evil aura of the Demon God. Jagged rocks rose along the road ahead, and black mist seeped from the cracks now and then, as though countless unknown dangers lay hidden within.

Suddenly, a vast swamp appeared before them. An inky green radiance emanated from its depths, while thick mud bubbled and gurgled. From time to time, enormous tentacles rose from the swamp, lashed about a few times, and swiftly withdrew. The group halted, staring at the perilous mire, uncertain of what to do.

“There seems to be a powerful evil force concealed within this swamp. Crossing it recklessly would be extremely dangerous,” Daoist Master Xuanyi said gravely, his brow furrowed.

As they discussed their options, a colossal column of water suddenly erupted from the center of the swamp. Within it, the vague silhouette of a gigantic monster emerged. It resembled a tortoise, yet possessed nine serpent-like tails, each shimmering with an eerie green light. A small mountain rested upon its back, covered in thorns and poisonous weeds that exuded waves of foul stench.

“That is the ancient fiend, the Nine-Infant!” Liu Kaixin cried out.

He had once read about the Nine-Infant in an ancient text and knew that it was an extraordinarily powerful and savage monster. It was adept at manipulating both water and fire, possessed nine lives, and was exceedingly difficult to defeat.

The Nine-Infant let out a roar that shook the heavens. All nine tails lashed toward the group at once, each carrying a thunderous wind and tremendous force. Everyone hurriedly scattered to evade the assault, while Ox Woman and Pig Woman of the twelve zodiac warriors stood at the front, using their immense strength and formidable defenses to shield their companions.

“Everyone, be careful! The Nine-Infant’s attacks are devastating!” Tiger Woman shouted as she swung the sharp blade in her hand at one of its tails.

Yet the Nine-Infant’s tail was extraordinarily tough. Tiger Woman’s strike merely left a shallow mark upon it.

Seeing this, Dragon Woman immediately summoned wind, rain, and thunderbolts, launching an assault against the Nine-Infant. Bolt after bolt of lightning struck its body, making it tremble faintly, but causing no substantial harm. Instead, Dragon Woman’s attack only enraged the beast. It opened its jaws and spewed forth blazing flames that swept toward the group.

Just as everyone was plunged into danger, a deep dragon’s roar suddenly came from the opposite side of the swamp. A golden radiance then flew in from afar, piercing through the flames vomited by the Nine-Infant in an instant.

As the light faded, a colossal golden dragon appeared before them. Golden radiance shimmered across every scale of its body, while its whiskers streamed in the wind. It possessed an awe-inspiring majesty.

“Is that... a golden dragon?” Liu Kaixin asked in astonishment.

He had never seen a golden dragon so powerful, and his heart filled with reverence.

The golden dragon paid no attention to them. It flew straight toward the Nine-Infant, opened its cavernous jaws, and unleashed a mighty breath that engulfed the monster. The Nine-Infant writhed in agony within the dragon’s breath, releasing scream after scream.

While the golden dragon battled the Nine-Infant, tremendous forces suddenly surged from the four corners of the swamp. One after another, a gigantic white tiger, a blue Vermilion Bird, and a black Black Tortoise slowly emerged from those forces.

These divine beasts represented the powers of the West, South, North, and East respectively. Their arrival made the atmosphere throughout the swamp even more tense.

“The Four Divine Beasts!” Daoist Master Xuanyi exclaimed excitedly.

He knew that the Four Divine Beasts were among the most powerful beings in all creation. Their appearance might well become the turning point of the battle.

The Four Divine Beasts did not immediately join the fight. Instead, they circled the group once. Then their gazes fell upon Liu Kaixin, as though scrutinizing him.

Feeling their eyes upon him, Liu Kaixin was seized by a strange and inexplicable tension.

Suddenly, the golden dragon released another mighty roar and flew toward him. It stopped before Liu Kaixin and slowly lowered its enormous head, as if bowing in salute.

Seeing this, the other three divine beasts also flew toward Liu Kaixin, gathered around him, and lowered their heads.

“What... what is happening?” Liu Kaixin asked in astonishment. He could not understand why the Four Divine Beasts had suddenly bowed to him.

At that moment, Daoist Master Xuanyi stepped forward and said excitedly, “Kaixin, the Four Divine Beasts have acknowledged you as their master! They have sensed the righteous aura and immense potential within you, and have decided to entrust their power to you so that you may oppose the Demon God alongside them.”

Liu Kaixin was both overjoyed and deeply moved. He knew that this was an unimaginably weighty responsibility, yet he felt not the slightest desire to retreat. Raising his head, he gazed at the Four Divine Beasts and declared firmly, “I, Liu Kaixin, will never betray your trust. Together, we shall save this world!”

The Four Divine Beasts seemed to understand his words. Once again, they let out a collective roar, their voices brimming with strength and resolve. Then their bodies gradually dissolved into light, transforming into four radiant beams that flowed into Liu Kaixin’s body.

He felt a surging, overwhelming power erupt within him. Clenching his fists, he looked ahead with confidence shining in his eyes.

“With the power of the Four Divine Beasts, we will surely defeat the Demon God!” Liu Kaixin proclaimed.

His companions were filled with hope upon hearing this. With Liu Kaixin and the Four Divine Beasts now on their side, they knew they possessed enough strength to face the final battle.

Led by Liu Kaixin, the group once again set out toward the place where the Demon God was sealed. The Nine-Infant within the swamp had already been gravely weakened beneath the attacks of the Four Divine Beasts and no longer dared to obstruct them. The group crossed the swamp without further trouble and continued onward.

The closer they drew to the Demon God’s prison, the denser the surrounding evil aura became. Their unease deepened, yet their footsteps never faltered. They knew that an unprecedented war was about to begin—and they would be the heroes at its center...