Tang Dynasty: Inherit the Evil Sword Immortal and destroy gods and demons with one thought!
Chapter 7 - Li Shimin’s Shock—A Battle for Survival!

Chapter 7: Li Shimin’s Shock—A Battle for Survival!

The commotion from Shu Mountain reverberated across the Great Tang, alerting all major factions. In Huaiyang, Crown Prince Li Chengqian sat in the city lord’s mansion alongside Huaiyang Prince Li Daoxuan. As they strategised city defences, a messenger rushed in, kneeling. “Your Highness, Prince of Huaiyang, intelligence from Hui Province reports that Shu Mountain has engaged the Yellow-Browed Demon King!”

Li Chengqian and Li Daoxuan’s eyes narrowed. Shu Mountain had clashed with a Demon King sooner than expected. Such boldness seemed reckless. Li Chengqian turned to Li Daoxuan. “Uncle, what’s your view?”

Li Daoxuan toyed with a yin-yang stone, its faint glow betraying his unease. After a pause, he spoke. “Your Highness, Shu Mountain is among the world’s foremost sects, with its own rationale. Their clash with the Demon King offers us a chance to gauge the enemy’s strength. In Huaiyang, we hold the city and refrain from attacking.”

Li Daoxuan’s approach was measured—observe from afar, gleaning insights into the ten Demon Kings’ capabilities. After all, the Heavenly Demon Emperor, their master, remained an enigma, and the unknown bred fear. Li Chengqian nodded, interlacing his fingers. “Very well, as you advise. Send the Golden Star Guards to Hui Province to monitor the Demon King’s every move!”

In Xiangyi, Li Tai, the Star of Water Virtue, frowned upon hearing of Shu Mountain’s battle. Behind him sat Xiangyi Prince Li Shenfu, who, noticing Li Tai’s expression, stroked his white beard with a chuckle. “Tai, my thirty thousand Earthly Fiend Army guards Xiangyi. The city is impregnable—fear not.”

Li Tai turned, his brow still furrowed. “Grandfather, my concern isn’t Xiangyi. With your army, no Demon King can breach us. My worry is Shu Mountain’s clash with the Demon King.”

Li Shenfu’s brow creased, puzzled. “Strange… this isn’t Shu Mountain’s usual restraint.” As a premier sect, Shu Mountain was known for its prudence. With the ten Demon Kings backed by an enigmatic Demon Emperor, their proactive strike seemed tantamount to inviting disaster.

Li Tai pondered, then declared, “Grandfather, lend me fifty thousand troops. I wish to aid Shu Mountain in Hui Province.”

Li Shenfu hesitated. This was his favoured grandson. Keeping Li Tai in Xiangyi ensures his safety. Sensing reluctance, Li Tai explained, “Grandfather, Shu Mountain, as a great sect, likely holds secrets unknown to outsiders. They may know the Demon Emperor’s nature, prompting their desperate fight. Supporting them now could aid my bid in the succession struggle.”

Li Shenfu’s eyes lit with understanding. Li Tai sought to curry favour with Shu Mountain. Pleased with his foresight, Li Shenfu nodded. “Go, my boy, but tread carefully.” In Chang’an’s Zichen Hall, Li Shimin conferred with his court when a shout rang out. “Report! Your Majesty, General Yuchi sends an urgent dispatch!” Li Shimin’s gaze sharpened. “Present it!”

A messenger hurried in, offering a scroll. A star officer swiftly delivered it to Li Shimin, who unfurled and read it hurriedly. The ministers watched eagerly until Li Shimin lowered the scroll, his expression inscrutable. “My lords, see for yourselves.”

With a flick of his finger, the scroll’s words transformed into starlight, hovering in the hall. The ministers gasped. “Shu Mountain has engaged a Demon King!”

“The Star of Golden Virtue holds his ground.”

“The Star of Water Virtue leads troops to aid…”

Li Shimin addressed his court. “My lords, your thoughts?”

Fang Xuanling, the Star of Right Assistance, stepped forward. “Your Majesty, Shu Mountain’s strength offers a prime chance to probe the Demon Kings’ capabilities. I commend the Star of Water Virtue’s initiative—supporting Shu Mountain upholds imperial honour without disrupting our strategy.”

A faint smile curved Li Shimin’s lips. “Tai’s foresight is thorough.” The ministers’ reactions varied, but all noted Li Shimin’s approval of Li Tai. Conversely, Li Chengqian’s inaction, despite Huaiyang’s proximity to Hui Province, seemed lacking in imperial grace. Li Shimin rose, proclaiming, “Prepare my carriage for the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion! I will witness our Tang heroes vanquish demons!”

Meanwhile, factions like the Moon-Worshipping Sect, Chunyang, and Buddhist orders turned their attention to Hui Province. In Yidu, Li Yuanba gripped his Thunder Drum Urn Hammers, gazing toward Hui Province’s demonic miasma. Sword energies flashed in the blackened sky, signalling combat with a Demon King. After a moment’s silence, Li Yuanba hefted his hammers and soared toward Hui Province.