At the city gate, Luo Ye and others waited. Soon, Judo's figure slowly approached. "He's back safe!" the citizens shouted, "Judo!" Luo Ye quickly ran out. "I'm back," Judo said, recounting what had just happened.
"I see. It seems the situation in the capital is dire. The demon clan's reinforcements are heading there, and I don't know how Father and the others are doing," Luo Ye said worriedly. "Let's organize things here and then head back to the capital together," Judo suggested. "Alright," Luo Ye nodded.
Over the next few days, Luo Ye and Judo focused on coordinating the city's operations. Through a vote, they selected temporary administrators to manage all city affairs, with Yidela appointed as acting mayor. The people largely supported this, and as the city gradually regained its vitality, Luo Ye and Judo felt it was time to leave. Today, they packed their bags and prepared to depart. The citizens came to see them off, grateful for their help. "After I leave, Salim will be under your care for now. The capital is too busy to send anyone to take over. Once the war is over, I'll ask Father to arrange for someone to come as soon as possible," Luo Ye told Yidela. "Please rest assured, Princess. We'll do our utmost to protect this city," Yidela replied. Luo Ye and Judo mounted their horses and set off, with the crowd waving goodbye.
On the road, the two chatted. "It seems the Haifei Kingdom has become a thorn in the Demon King's side. Nations that hold out for long are targeted," Judo said. "We need to hurry back to the capital. I hope Father and the others are okay," Luo Ye replied.
In the demon clan's camp, Ding'er demanded, "Report on the enemy's troop deployment." An officer replied, "Yes, Lord Ding'er. The Haifei Kingdom has withdrawn all its forces to the capital's outskirts, abandoning other cities. Their estimated strength is over 30,000." Third Commander Moyinti added, "The assassination team we sent earlier was thwarted by their princess, but we've captured her as a hostage—a perfect bait to lure them out." Ding'er scoffed, "We attack head-on at dawn. I don't need bait. With my power, they won't survive past sunset."
The next day, the demon army marched openly toward the capital. The outer defenses clashed with them. "Your Majesty, the demon army charged toward the capital at dawn. Our frontline troops are engaged, but reports say the enemy's new general is exceptionally strong, and our formations are crumbling," an inner official hurriedly reported. King Jiedefeng of Haifei roared, "Damn demons! They kidnapped my beloved daughter, and now they dare show up again? Order all forces to attack!" "Yes, Your Majesty," the official replied and left. "Father, I'll lead troops to fight and save my sister!" Prince Yifeng, who had just arrived, requested. "Very well, but be cautious," King Jiedefeng instructed. Yifeng saluted and set out.
"They don't seem as strong as I thought. I don't know why it's taken you so long to defeat them," Ding'er mocked. "Forget it, I'll end this quickly." He flew forward, unleashing a wave of black flames that instantly killed many kingdom soldiers. "What kind of monster is that?!" the soldiers cried in fear. At that moment, Yifeng arrived with reinforcements. "Are you the one who kidnapped my sister? Return her now!" Yifeng roared. "What are you talking about? Whatever, since you're here, you can die too," Ding'er said dismissively.