At the border of the Dark Stone country, the terrible clash between the Serpent Totem and the top three Gods raged on. The 9 remaining deities considered joining the battle dance, but realized early...the pointlessness of such a move.
Expansive clouds of dark-green smoke encircled the Flame Spirit King, Armored Bull Commander, and Uncorrupted Crane Mistress. One after the other, the elite soldiers they marshaled across the sky turned into bone debris—following the demise of their Door Gods. As long as the invoker breathed, Door Gods and the Divine Hosts couldn't perish. However, without extraordinary means, it could take years, if not decades, for a Door God to reform, restore the lost troops, and again lead his divine master's army.
