Clouds hung low in the skies from the immortals riding through the heavens. A storm beckoned on the horizon, not of wind or rain but brewed with bloodshed and betrayal, thick with ancient grudges. The Celestial Kingdom had been overthrown by one of mortal heritage, and the Cloud Wall was defending those who had cast it from its borders. The Four Seas were divided once more; old alliances broken, and new ones forged in the span of days. It was like the world had been turned over and shaken for good measure. The Immortal Realm might never go back to what it once was, and I did not realize how much I regretted this until faced with its loss.

Liwei and I soared over the Cerulean Mountains, a jagged ridge of peaks that lay to the north of the Cloud Wall and west of the desert. Sunlight gleamed across Liwei’s gold armor, while I wore just a dark blue robe, with my bow slung across my back. Behind us flew Shuxiao, along with my mother and father.

Wenzhi was already here with his soldiers, working to reinforce the wards ahead of the impending confrontation. As he flew toward us, the light danced off his black armor in glints of bronze. His great sword was strapped to his side, a green cloak swirling from his shoulders.

As his cloud drew alongside ours, he inclined his head in greeting. “We expect Wugang’s forces to strike soon. Tomorrow, or the day after.”

“Is there any news from the other kingdoms?” Liwei asked.

“No. Perhaps they will not come,” Wenzhi replied, the corners of his mouth tightening.

In the distance, the soldiers of the Cloud Wall had gathered, casting a shadow over the pale sands beneath. Such terror they had struck in me before, and now I wished there were more of them. Not enough, my mind whispered. Not enough to stand against Wugang’s deadly soldiers, the vast white-and-gold army that curled like a monstrous serpent along the edge of desert and cloud.

The wind strengthened, whipping my hair across my cheek. As I brushed it aside, I caught a brightness on the horizon. Soldiers in blue and silver armor, soaring toward us, led by Prince Yanxi. My chest caved at the memory of the last time I had seen him, bearing his brother’s body in his arms. While Prince Yanxi’s expression was somber, he greeted Liwei and me with warmth. However, he stiffened at the sight of Wenzhi.

“Your Majesty.” He spoke with cool formality, and it startled me to hear Wenzhi addressed so. “The Eastern Sea does not march on behalf of the Demon Realm. I am here to avenge my brother.”

Wenzhi inclined his head. “Nevertheless, we welcome your aid. We need not be friends to be allies.”