The next morning Congqian placed himself on the top of the gatehouse, seeing Lu Zheng and her patrol off as they marched away from the city. He closed his eyes and sighed deeply before he heard a familiar chuckle behind him accompanied by light footsteps.

'Ahh I see Lu Zheng is going out on patrol.'

'Yes…I did as you wanted and convinced her. Though it brought me no joy at all.'

'That's good, I would be quite concerned if you didn't feel anything about it considering your close connections.' Pang Tong stated, earning him a sideways glare from Congqian.

'Do not test me strategist. Just because I did this doesn't mean that we are on friendly terms.'

'Oh naturally, that is perfectly understandable but you understand the situation at hand enough that you are willing to work past this and make a difficult choice. A choice I feel is the correct one, though you are free to hate me for it if you so desire.' Pang Tong responded as they both saw off Lu Zheng

'I just hope she does what you say. If the queen-'

'She will, do not worry about that. Her sacrifice will not be in vain.' Pang Tong interrupted. Congqian sighed.

'You are a cold one, you know that don't you?' Pang tong looked up to the sky to the clear cloudless sky with the sun shining brightly.

'Maybe, but that is the nature of being a strategist is it not?' Pang tong asked before he walked away leaving Congqian alone. He looked up the cloudless sky and sighed heavily, hoping he made the right choice.

Pang Tong walked towards the courtyard where he saw the newly transformed troops of Mitsuko training ferociously being led by diamondback. They were in pairs training with various swords and axes. It did look like they were trying to kill each other for real but they always did stop before they delivered the finishing blow, exercising restraint where needed. When duelling with their opponents a few pulled sucker punches and cheap shots to get a clear advantage over the enemy while a couple tried teaming up and attacking another member. Diamondback did not discourage this, he simply oversaw them with his arms crossed, he understood that on the battlefield there are no rules so training like that will give them the upper hand. As a demon, he understood honour didn't have much of a place on the battlefield as victory had to be obtained. He smiled proudly of Mitsuko's new demonic troops.

'I see that our new recruits have gotten used to their new forms I take it?' Pang Tong asked as he walked up to Diamondback who nodded in response.

'Quite, they pick up things quick and are able to exert control rather than giving in to their primal instincts. The last battle helped with releasing that built up aggression that built inside them.' Diamondback explained.

'Indeed, it was a good thing they changed when they did. They are quite terrifying in battle. It's a good thing they're on our side. However though, do tell me how they came to be? As I recall these were the yellow turbans that I left with you from Xia Pi correct?' Diamondback turned and his eyes widened slightly by this as he didn't expect the strategist to ask that question.

'Yes…they were. Now though they are not simple bandits fighting for a lost cause, they are now full-fledged demons ready to fight for lady Mitsuko. Our Ophidian warriors.'

'Haha, you already gave them a name huh? That is fine, they'll bring terror to our foes soon enough, however you haven't answered yet how they came to be old friend.' Pang Tong pressed the issue a bit further, Diamondback looked a little nervous as his eyes darted away from him.

'I…it is not a particularly pleasant thing I must admit are you sure you would want to know?'

'I do indeed, knowledge is a powerful tool after all.'

'All right, its not like these warriors will care much anyway. Back when you brought me to them they were weak at first. In order to get them strong I needed to enhance them. I gave them a special…enhancer.'

'What kind of enhancer?'

'My blood.' Diamondback stated.

'You see our former leader Orochi used demonic blood to turn humans and other creatures into demons however they proved too difficult to control without sacrifices that weren't necessary. So our sorcerers normally have to do a ritual for the creatures to take said blood without them giving into their primal rage. Thus, making them easier to control, as a result Orochi forbid the use of giving humans or other creatures demonic blood without the ritual.'

'And yet you ignored said orders and did it anyway.' They both turned behind them to see Dodomeki leaning on a post.

'Listen Dodomeki.'

'Do not worry, I will not lecture you.'

'Exactly you will not…wait what?' Diamondback was taken aback by Dodomeki's statement. He expected to get into another argument with him about this.

'Do not mistake me I don't think it was the best idea considering the risks of getting out manoeuvred by so many undergoing the process however your risk had paid off and we would certainly be in a different situation by now if your forces did not interfere in Xia Pi nor the recent battle here.' Dodomeki replied keeping his arms crossed.

'Interesting. So, your demonic blood changes creatures in contact?'

'Only when digested. When it is fully ingested is when the transformation process begins.'

'Hmm interesting so in a sense they would have to be…chosen.'

'You could say that, but sometimes we just use the process as a way to recruit more soldiers to our cause.'

'And on the mystics? What effect does this have on them?'

'None.' Diamondback spoke up. Pang Tong tilted his head as he turned towards him.

'None at all?'

'No, mystics are unaffected. Their divine blood rejects ours when ingested. There are ways which that can happen though that is normally done by the rituals of our sorcerers long ago but they have all been exterminated since he last cycle.'

'Oh? That's a shame. But pray tell then how did you appear? I assume you would've joined Dodomeki and Gyuki if you already survived the last cycle with them.'

'I…am unsure, this body was of a former mystic its true. But it was like death was a dream and I just woke up. There's no other voice in my head either, its just me.' Diamondback replied,

'Hmm, fascinating. So potentially you could've always been there, maybe that's why one of the ones that attacked us felt like she was undergoing some sort of transformation, fighting against her demonic side perhaps? You fought with that one Dodomeki, what are your thoughts on her?' he turns his attention to Dodomeki who closed his golden eye as if in deep in thought.

'I must admit, she was particularly different to other mystics we faced. She certainly fought with a certain bloodlust one wouldn't expect from a mystic, she was also the one who spared me when Gyuki and lady Mitsuko was arriving whereas she could've just finished me off and still escape. She wasn't a typical mystic.'

'Is that so? Well in that case we should use that to our advantage but we would need to know more about her and mystics in general I would assume. I'll ask our prisoner what he believes.'

'I'm surprised you got him to talk, most mystic prisoners we captured if any resisted our interrogations no matter how far we went so we just killed them.' Dodomeki responded. Pang Tong chuckled sinisterly at this as he revealed his shadow hand.

'I can be quite persuasive when I need to be.'

That night Pang Tong visited the woods, this time free from any curious tacticians he returned to his prisoner Grus, who looked worse for wear. Scars were present all around his body, from scratch marks to burn marks. His clothes were all but torn to shreds by Da Ji's vicious interrogation methods. Several places on his biceps were torn due to the hooks at the end of the chains. Those chains that surrounded his legs, permanently imbedded itself into the legs. His hair was messier, his facial expression was dimmed and screamed for rest. Although the bags underneath the eyes shown that he was tired of this pain and wants it to stop. He couldn't muster much resistance anymore, his body had all but given up on him. He was almost a shell of his former self. Something Pang Tong and Da Ji was hoping to rectify. He walked closer and chuckled as if to signify his presence. Grus couldn't even raise his head. He was too weak.

'I…I told you, all that I know. Please, release me, from this torment.' His voice was dry and raspy, his previous defiance and energy all but drained away. Pang Tong did supply food and water, but it wasn't enough to keep his energy, just enough to be alive.

'Soon, Grus, soon. However first you will tell me about mystics in general, I have asked things like your fortification and alliance with the bandit king however your people are still a mystery to me. And I would like to solve that if you were to be so kind.'

'…I…can't…'

'Oh? You can't? Oh, that's a shame because I now get to hear your screams again!' Da Ji screeched as Pang Tongs eyes became a dark purple colour and the shadow hand pierced his gut, Grus released a blood curling dry scream. But it was noticeably weaker than when he was first getting this treatment. Tears running down his face, he couldn't hold bear this anymore.'

'Ok ok! Just stop please!' Grus pleaded. Da Ji did as she was instructed. She removed her shadow hand and violently shook her head. The purple colour in her eyes were gone. Pang Tong tilted his head a couple of times.

'Oooh, I got to get used to that. Well as long as you co-operate is the main thing. Tell me about you mystics. Tell me about your nature from the beginning. Tell me why Lady Mitsuko is considered your enemy.' Pang Tong interrogated in a sinister tone. His eyes staring at Grus', piercing his soul and waiting for him to answer.

'…We…we are from the mystic realm. Its said that we were once humans formerly like yourselves. Once we died its said that were cleansed of corruption. That is how the first of us were born. We became gods. Most of us are not recognised in your world but we all became stronger all the same. Most do not become like us as they are sufficiently weakened and are unable to get a physical body like mine, instead they are used as nutrition to sustain us in a way. We oversee your world from our realm.'

'And why would you do that?'

'To make sure that demons do not infiltrate your world and allure you to become one of them.'

'And how did the first demon come about?'

'One of us was corrupted after being cleansed the first time, I do not know the full story but it is said that she was the first of the demons. And become one for destruction. She tempered with the humans to make more demons rather than us mystics, we've been in constant battles with demons ever since.'

'Interesting…well lady Mitsuko does not do anything to promote this "corruption you speak off. Yet you hound her to the ends of the land…why?'

'She…she is the reincarnation of Orochi, the one who made us realise how threatening the demons could be to our survival. It could actually corrupt us gods, making us turn into those hideous creatures! He had them be organised and turn their sword arms against us! Why would we not try to slay them!?' He demanded to know of the strategist who glared at him.

'I didn't say anything about Orochi, I was talking about Lady Mitsuko.'

'Her name does not matter to us. She is the reincarnation of lord Orochi and therefore she will die.'

'Oh? Is that so? Is that why she's a corpse and why you're running around free with her head in your hands?'

'I-'

'Of course it isn't!' Pang Tong and Da Ji both responded, their voice unifying into one. One of Pang Tongs eyes became violet colour which was visible as it contrasted with the darkness surrounding them.

'You talk about how you're gods, how you're purified! About how you wish to slay Lady Mitsuko…yet you skulk in the shadows and work with other humans…why?'

'I…I don't-'

'Worthless cur, tell us or you will suffer a deathless existence.' Da Ji stated as she pierced one of Grus's arms with one of Pang Tongs shadow claw, causing him to scream. Pang Tong suddenly took a step back and shook his head again.

'Now what did I say? We have to play nice. Now Grus, I can't really control my companion here for too longer. You will need to co-operate fully or else your suffering will never cease.' Pang Tong persuaded him.

'Ok…ok. We…we have no choice.'

'Why not?

'We had to keep ourselves hidden?'

'Hidden from who? You outnumber us surely.'

'No, not from you…other mystic forces.'

'Oh? Why would that be? You're on the same side, right?' Grus sighed very weakly.

'We are…yet we are fractured. In the last cycle of Orochi's destruction, he did the unthinkable…he killed our beloved emperor, the first of us! While he was being reincarnated debates and duels happened to see who was the one to lead the mystic realm into a new age. But once we realised that Orochi had returned once again, there was a mutual consensus with everyone. The one who claimed the head of the serpent will be the new yellow emperor. Most chose to serve those that are very strong candidates, some choose to go into it for themselves. I'm off the former. Lord Jinzha will eviscerate your serpent.' Grus threatened weakly. which only earned a dark chuckle from Pang Tong.

'Ahh, that is why you don't inform others, because they are working blindly. However, you haven't answered my question. Why do you skulk in shadows and work with humans if you oversee us?'

'We…cannot.' Grus groaned.

'For some reason…this cycle…we cannot detect the serpent…it seems it…cloaks itself too well for us to find.'

'I see, and your talking of cycles implicate this has happened more than once.'

'Yes…No matter how many times we slay it, the soul is still not purified. When we slay the others they get purified some become mystics over time…yet Orochi constantly evades us.' Pang Tong kept silent for a while as Grus groaned with barely any air in his lungs, He's exhausted, he's weak. He just wants everything to be over.

'I see…Hahaha!' Pang Tong laughed demonically as he paced in front of Grus. '

'What is…so funny?'

'You all.' Grus tilted his head in confusion.

'How…is this a joke!?' He questioned. His voice raised as loud as it could, though it had still pained him to do even that. Pang Tong glared at him in his eyes.

'For all your talk about your superiority, purity and power. You're no less human than the rest of us. Your pretentious arrogance stinks like those of noble families who want to preserve themselves. You speak about being purified yet you talk about your hatred for lady Mitsuko and the demons despite them doing nothing so far to you in this cycle. You talk about being free from corruption before you stated that you want to kill lady Mitsuko whom you have expressed no desire to know at all before making that decision and hunt her to fulfil your desires of leadership. Despite your origins, mannerisms and tricks you're still human enough to be killed. This is most interesting information, my thanks to you Grus. Now you are no longer any use to me.' Pang Tong concluded. Grus sighs a breath of relief.

'I can finally find peace.'

'Oh? Is that what you think?' Pang Tong asked. Grus looked up with a puzzled look on his face.'

'I…I don't-'

'You see your particular crime against lady Mitsuko can't go unpunished, some may consider this session of ours punishment enough but my companion disagrees. As a result of my special relationship with her I cannot really disagree with her on this. As of this moment you are useless to everyone involved. No doubt a peaceful death would be fair to you. However, life seldom is fair due to the nature of it. If Orochi can corrupt you, why not us? You will be severely more useful as an ally than a corpse. Lets see how you like corruption.' Pang Tong sinisterly chuckled as his shadow hand is in plain view as he slowly walks towards Grus who stared in absolute horror, finding himself struggling to break free once more despite the futility of it.

'Wait! No! You can't do this!' Grus pleaded with his throat completely dry.

'We can, and we will.' Da Ji and Pang Tong answered in unison.

'Please I beg you, don't do this. You can leave me here if you wish just don't taint me!'

'Whatever happened to that pride of yours Grus? Hmm? For a god you seem awfully frightened.' Pang Tong chuckled.

'...You know she doesn't belong here in this time!' Grus said causing Pang Tong to cease temporarily. Seeing this Grus continued, feeling hopeful that this intelligence of this human can overpower the demon,

'She's from somewhere far away from a place that has yet to be. She shouldn't be here, you must know with your intellect the ramifications of that. The serpent will do anything to survive, if we don't stop the serpent now how else can we protect humanity? Do you think it would care? It'll discard you and your so-called allies in an instant. It may pretend now to care but it'll betray you to save its own hide. You're smart enough to know this.' Grus stated, he found enough energy to at the very least utter these words and make him at least doubt. That should be enough, right? Pang Tong chuckled at this.

'A compliment from a god? Oh, I feel honoured. However, your arguments would have merit were it Orochi. Though as you do not know lady Mitsuko your arguments can be discarded. If you'd know her, you'd know she only fights for a better future. Her officers and I, as her strategist will endeavour to fight for that future.' Pang Tong started to walk away with his back turned before suddenly stopping as extending his arms and raised them at a 30-degree angle.

'Where she came from is irrelevant as she has now made this land her and time her home. We will treat it like that is the case. If she has come from the future to alter it then I say let her, to me there is no difference for we focus on the now. Focusing too much on the far future will blind us and we won't be able to see the path we are taking.' Pang Tong turns towards Grus with both of his eyes becoming a dark purple colour.

'And you will walk down that path with us, voluntarily or not.' Da Ji stated smirking underneath the veil as she walked forward and punctures Grus right in the gut with her shadow hand fully inside. The flesh around the hand starts to darken into pure blackness. Grus felt severe pain as he screamed as loud as he could but to no avail. No will rescue him. No one will end this pain for him. No one will save him. He felt his entire body becoming very cold as the darkness spread across his body. As the darkness expanded on the outside, it also did on the inside, he felt what seemed to be thorns of some kind, puncturing and penetrating the insides of his body. He spits out golden blood and groaned, clearly suffering. Too much blood started to build up in his mouth and began to cough out as much as he could. He shrieks as loud as he could for a brief while before that shriek started to transform into a monstrous roar.

A/N: Hey look at that I actually finished it, really sorry for the delay. Couple of months hasn't exactly been kind to me but I'm back and I'll try to not have you all wait 2 months for the next chapter. Apologies for the inconvenience and hope you are all keeping safe.