Two Months Later...
Within two months, the world had begun to change. On the surface, everything appeared peaceful. Markets in the cities bustled as they always had, trade flourished, and people remained occupied with their daily lives. Yet beneath that calm surface, a storm was taking shape~one that was destined to engulf the entire Realm of Consciousness in its flames.
This was not merely preparation for war.
It was the beginning of a great world war. In the eastern lands, King Omas and Humbha Yakshini worked day and night to strengthen their forces. Within the vast training grounds of the royal palace, thousands of soldiers underwent relentless training. The clash of swords and the echoes of war cries resounded day and night. Wandering cultivators were being captured by force and recruited into their army, further increasing its strength.
Meanwhile, in the west, circumstances were changing just as rapidly.
Lily, Master Jins, and Lith Yakshini had set aside all their differences and forged a united force. Lith's army now stood shoulder to shoulder with the army of Kankal City. Not only that, Lily had also brought many nearby towns and small settlements under her protection and control. Gradually, the power of the west was transforming into a vast alliance.
At the same time, Luna demonstrated her extraordinary talent for commerce. By strengthening her connections with merchants spread across the land, she amassed immense wealth. Using that fortune, she raised a formidable force of ten thousand trained soldiers, loyal only to Kankal City.
As time passed, the armies on both sides continued to grow. Millions of soldiers stood prepared for war. Activity along the borders intensified. Weapons were being forged, supplies stockpiled, and new strategies devised with each passing day.
This was no longer merely a conflict between two powers.
It was the foundation of a great war that would change the future of the entire Realm of Consciousness.
On one side stood Humbha Yakshini.
On the other stood Lily Yakshini.
And history would place the mark of victory upon the forehead of only one of them.
That night...
Far away, deep within a dense forest, a fire burned inside a small, broken-down hut. Its flame pierced through the darkness and could be seen clearly even from a great distance.
Inside the hut, two cultivators sat facing each other, speaking in low voices.
Suddenly, a sharp voice filled with bitterness echoed through the room. It was Lela.
"I still remember my humiliation. Lily left many wounds on my body... but now we have time."
At that very moment, a deep, heavy voice was heard. It was Arjun.
"We should join hands with Humbha Yakshini and take our revenge. We will never get such an opportunity again. Besides, Lily will either die in this war... or become King Omas's slave and bow at his feet."
The two burst into loud laughter.
Their laughter shattered the silence of the forest, echoing far into the night. Suddenly, the fire burning inside the hut went out.
A powerful gust of wind swept through the entire forest. The branches of the trees began to sway, and the rustling of dry leaves spread in every direction.
It was not only armies that were preparing for war across this land.
Every person carried within themselves an old hatred that had never truly faded. Some were devising plans for revenge, while others waited patiently for the right opportunity.
Very few, however, ever stopped to consider whether the path of revenge was truly the right one... or whether staying away from the coming war would be the wiser choice.
If anything stirred within their hearts, it was nothing but dark clouds of hatred.
At the same time, in Kankal City...
Lily and Master Jins stood inside a room, carefully studying the large map spread across the table before them.
Letting out a deep breath, Jins said, "We'll have to gather more soldiers and cultivators to our side. Only then will we be able to crush them with ease. And don't forget, they may have terrifying schemes that we're still completely unaware of. Besides, Humbha is no ordinary Yakshini."
Lily gave a slight nod. She then walked toward the window and looked out over the peaceful land stretching far beyond the sleeping city's walls. Seeing such a great distance was an ordinary thing for a cultivator like Lily.
After remaining silent for a few moments, she spoke softly, "I have one option. Perhaps we can find help from somewhere else as well. And... Snehwal has been away for two months now. I wonder how he's doing."