Chapter 853: The Beginning of the War 

After Blood and Smoke separated from the women of Lothur to hunt spectres, the weeks passed while the continent was still at peace.

Soon after the meeting of the continental experts, the world coalition was made official, and the major sects, clans, and organizations began to prepare for war.

The Demon Emperor's return had not taken long to be confirmed, which had rapidly accelerated the pace of the continent's defense force formation.

Just a few days after the great meeting in Rablus, the continent's most powerful forces sent late 4th and early 5th-stage people to work full-time for Concordia's defense forces.

A fraction of the continent's specialists would initially stay out of the war, staying in their headquarters or major cities to maintain local security. As soon as the Demon Emperor's return was confirmed, organizations across the continent began lockdowns, city closures, and many other measures to suppress non-essential movement.