General Shawn returns to the Demon Cave after ten years of isolation, facing public scorn and accusations that demonic energy twisted his mind. Martial Saint Wendy Smith, a rising talent favored by the Empire, confronts him with claims that the seals containing the demons are failing. Shawn reveals that the pure land and a tree at the cave's entrance are part of a purifying seal connected to a deeper Demon-Subduing Sword Formation he created, now compromised. As the outer seal is destroyed, Shawn orders a lockdown to prevent demon escape, then leads two men deeper into the cave, marking a critical descent into unknown dangers.