Weapon seller in the world of magic

One week later;

Imperial City, Leon Empire;

Three Supreme realm experts, the leaders of Iron Thunder Sect, Celestial Crane Sect, and Scarlet Lotus Sect, gathered at the imperial palace on the Emperor's invitation.

These three sects stand on top of the cultivation world, within the borders of the Leon Empire. They were also considered top 5 in the whole continent, and the Scarlet Lotus Sect was even in the top 10 in the entire world.

For ages, sects have stayed away from matters of the material world. Whether the Leon Empire collapses or not has nothing to do with them. And if they used their strength to meddle in the affairs of the empire, the other sects would combine their strength to wipe out the sect that broke the rules.

They intended to stay away this time, too, but the fact that demons were involved in this mess forced these righteous sects to come to Emperor Shi's aid.

Several of their sect elites were stationed on the palace grounds alongside the troops from the vassal states. Apart from this bunch, there were also mercenary groups from various guilds of the empire gathered to protect the palace.

Due to their rivalry in the past, they didn't mix with each other and had their own set of groups, camping out in the dim-lit grounds.

Five young men - a monk, a warrior, a noble, a masked swordsman, and an assassin, were having dinner together, sitting around a small campfire. This is a mercenary group that traveled all the way from the Black Tortoise Continent. Not much there is known about them, apart from the fact that four of them are Exalt realm experts and the masked swordsman seemed like he doesn't even have any ether energy at all.

While the four young men were having wine and laughing together, the masked man was sitting slightly a bit away from the group and just staring at the campfire in silence.

Assassin: "Brother Xiao, do you think the demons going to attack this midnight?"

Masked man: "No doubt about it. According to the info I gathered from the servants, the demon general clearly told the second prince that they would return three days later, after sparing his life."

Warrior: "The demons aren't some righteous beings that will keep their words. They will attack when we least expect it."

Monk: "But the enemy is powerful enough to take out the former Supreme Commander. Those with strength and authority rarely lie. Moreover, it is a fact that they have attacked three times so far and still yet to attack the imperial family members or the ones hiding in the palace, and also the ones that escaped the premises of the palace. This says something."

Warrior: "What if the second prince was colluding with the demons? He was, after all, the only one who survived so far."

Noble: "I highly doubt that. The second Prince isn't a politician. He is more of a warrior. He is also very righteous, unlike those false righteous sect disciples."

Assassin: "By the way, your friend was awfully silent today. Is he in a bad mood or something?"

Warrior: "Probably nervous."

Noble: "Him? Nervous? Don't make me laugh. Did you forget how Brother Xie alone took down that sea beast while we were on our way?"

Warrior: "I really wonder where he comes from. You always try to change the subject whenever we ask about his past, Brother Xiao."

Assassin: "Even more surprising is that on his request, you actually brought us here, willing to work with these righteous sects which you hate to the core."

Warrior: "Sometimes, I wonder why he hides his face. I never saw his face even once during the past few weeks."

Monk: "I know what he looks like."

Assassin, Warrior: "You do?"

Monk: "Hmm…you could say he looks like a human, just a bit otherwordly."

Noble: "Seriously, I don't know his objective either. I believe there is something Brother Xie was looking for."

Warrior: "Forget about his past for a second. Tell us about yours, Brother Xiao. You still haven't told us what kind of beef you had with the righteous sects."

Monk: "From what we know so far, you are the heir of Xiao Manor which you inherited through your mother, but have the knowledge of techniques from the Nethersect, which no longer exist, and hate the righteous sects. It would perfectly make sense if your father is from the Nethersect and killed by the righteous sects."

Noble: "Hmpf, keep on writing the stories, baldy. You won't get anything from me."

Warrior: "C'mon, what would sharing your past do bad for you? We went through so many life-and-death situations. You don't have to keep it mysterious from us."

Masked man: "Such cheeky dialogues won't suit your personality, Li Zhu."

Warrior: "Tch… worth a try…"

Monk: "Anyway, let's get to the business. Our aim is to take out the captain-level demons. And we shall approach it with our isolated method. Listen carefully, Brother Shen."

Assassin: "Hmm…"

Monk: "Brother Xiao is versed in sealing techniques. He'll be the first one to attack. Then, Brother Li (warrior) and I will…"

*zzzzz*

All of a sudden, the sounds of some kind of insect were heard all over the place, instantly alerting everyone stationed on the grounds. They got up with their weapons as a portal appeared in the sky. This time, a horde of demons didn't rush out like before. Instead, it was just one demon.

The scholarly-dressed demon, Mephisto, came out alone and looked down at thousands of warriors gathered to fight him. With a quick scan of the field, he let out a smirk, "weaklings gathered one more time. This time, they should be taught a thorough lesson."

Mephisto summoned the flaming sword, which he snatched away from the Grand Marshal in the first attack a week ago, and raised it above his head. The flames grew brighter and more intense.

"Everyone, get into the formation," shouted a General. The elite soldiers rushed toward the General, who never expected this demon general to take action in person, this time.

It was at this moment three artifacts, one resembled a round shield, one resembled a seven-layered pagoda, and the last one a crown, suddenly shot from different directions and trapped Mephisto in a prism-shaped prison. It happened quite instantly. The latter calmly looked at them and then shifted his gaze to his surroundings.

Three old men, having the demeanor of experts, were seen floating in the sky, appearing in different directions and surrounding the demon.

"It's Grand Master Xi, Venerable Yu, and Venerable Nie."