Human Clan Defender

"Recently, the Saber Blade Sect has been constantly sending people to spy on us. Do they have any suspicions?"

Within the tent, Gu Ming's brow was deeply furrowed. Sitting in front of him was a robust middle-aged man who, merely by sitting there, exuded an imposing aura without needing to show anger. He was Kong Ye, an Earth Rank Demon Hunter from the Demon-Subduing Division. This time, the responsibility for supervising Minor Hillock Mountain fell to Gu Ming and Kong Ye. With two Earth Rank Demon Hunters assigned, it was clear how seriously the Demon-Subduing Division regarded Minor Hillock Mountain.

Kong Ye heard this and said in a deep voice, "The news of the Calamity cannot be concealed. The Saber Blade Sect is a local power, so it's normal for them to speculate about our Division's actions. But let them speculate. No matter how they probe, we needn't pay them any mind. If the Saber Blade Sect dares to recklessly attack the defensive line, hmph, then they will understand who truly rules here!"

The Saber Blade Sect... the Demon-Subduing Division hadn't taken them too seriously. Even though the Saber Blade Sect had a Grandmaster in Wu Que, they couldn't contend with the overall strength of the Demon-Subduing Division—any single regional Division could defeat them easily. Therefore, Kong Ye didn't give the Saber Blade Sect a second thought. It's fine if they don't stir up trouble. But if they do, then the Saber Blade Sect will be extinguished. Although doing so would cause some commotion, it's a disturbance the Demon-Subduing Division could suppress.

Gu Ming nodded slightly; he had only mentioned the Saber Blade Sect in passing. It was inevitable that the Demon-Subduing Division setting up defensive lines here would attract attention.

"The Saber Blade Sect is a trivial matter," Gu Ming said. "I hear that Demon Evils have even infiltrated the Capital City. They've crossed our defensive lines and penetrated deep into the Capital City's heartland. Are they planning to launch a full-scale attack?"

This Demon Hunter from the Demon-Subduing Division felt immense pressure. Though a Grandmaster himself, Gu Ming was well aware that to the Demon Evil Clan, even a Grandmaster was no different from an ant. If the Demon Evil Clan truly launched a major assault, people like him would be as helpless as a mantis trying to stop a chariot—utterly defenseless.

A gleam of murderous intent flashed in Kong Ye's eyes before vanishing. "If the Demon Evil Clan wants to attack, we won't fear them. But with both of us stationed at Minor Hillock Mountain, many things are beyond our control. Our most urgent task is to ensure that the 'thing' in Minor Hillock Mountain doesn't cause too much devastation. Otherwise, neither of us can escape responsibility."

The Calamity in its nascent stage. Although not very strong, it is indeed troublesome. Even with the defenses set up by the Demon-Subduing Division, that Calamity continues to grow stronger. And because the Calamity is growing, the defensive line at Minor Hillock Mountain must be expanded step by step. Otherwise, the defensive line would be swallowed by the Calamity. Even a nascent Calamity is a formidable challenge for a Grandmaster within its Domain.

Speaking of the Calamity, Gu Ming looked troubled. "Why would something like a Calamity appear? It's even more troublesome than Demon Evils—it can't be killed or trapped, and it grows stronger every moment. I have a premonition that if this continues, the greatest threat to our Human Clan might not be Demon Evils."

No matter how strong Demon Evils are, at least they can be killed. But the Calamity—setting aside whether it's truly indestructible—no one has yet found a way to slay it. The Calamities of Great Qin aren't confined to Minor Hillock Mountain. In some places with powerful Calamities, Defender Envoys have tried to attack them. However, these Defender Envoys could only retreat in the end. Facing an unkillable Calamity, their only recourse is to establish defensive lines, preventing anyone from approaching, lest they 'feed' the Calamities and make them stronger.

"Who knows." Kong Ye shook his head, his expression also showing a hint of helplessness.

Inside the tent, their conversation gradually died down. Neither wanted to discuss it further; after all, their mission was simply to remain here and prevent anyone from approaching Minor Hillock Mountain. Other matters didn't really concern them.

From above, the vast expanse of Minor Hillock Mountain could be seen heavily surrounded by multiple layers of troops, rendering it almost impenetrable. With guards positioned every five steps and sentries every ten, even a bird flying past would attract the guards' attention. In this way, any possibility of someone sneaking into Minor Hillock Mountain was completely ruled out.

「When night fell」

Amidst the shroud of darkness, faint lights flickered in the depths of Minor Hillock Mountain. Looking at these lights, Gu Ming's expression grew even graver.

That thing is truly getting stronger! When I first arrived, that Calamity would only manifest from the void at night and during rain. But now, rain is no longer necessary; as soon as night falls, it appears. A nascent Calamity is weak, requiring specific times and locations to reveal its Domain. But now—the condition of rain has been eliminated. This proves the Calamity's strength is steadily increasing. Before long, perhaps it will be present even without the cover of night. And then, as the Calamity Domain expands, it will become a true malignant tumor in Great Qin.

TING-A-LING!

A subtle sound of bells rang out in the silent night. What should have been a crisp, pleasant sound somehow carried an eerie quality. Gu Ming's ears twitched slightly, and he turned his head towards a direction in the darkness. There was nothing in his line of sight, but Gu Ming sensed an uncomfortable feeling emanating from there. He never doubted his perception; as a Grandmaster, such premonitions often indicated impending events.

Demon Evil! Gu Ming's face turned solemn. Although there was no Yin Evil Aura, he was almost certain a powerful Demon Evil was approaching.

The sound of wind chimes, carried by the breeze, grew closer.

TING-A-LING! TING-A-LING!

This time, the sound was distinct. Not only Gu Ming, but also Kong Ye, who was inside the tent, heard it clearly. Stepping out of the tent, Kong Ye came to Gu Ming's side.

"Something's coming!" he said, his voice low.

"With the nascent Calamity here, the Demon Evil arriving now must undoubtedly be after it," Gu Ming replied without looking back, his gaze still fixed in that direction.

TING-A-LING—

The sound drew nearer. Now, even the much weaker soldiers heard it loud and clear.

"What's that sound?"

"It sounds like wind chimes, but... different somehow."

"This sound is really unsettling!"

The soldiers looked puzzled. Some frowned deeply, feeling an intense discomfort from the faint, persistent ringing.

Just then, the expressions on some soldiers' faces suddenly turned bizarre. They drew their sabers and attacked those beside them. Caught off guard, several soldiers were immediately wounded.

"AH!"

The screams caught everyone's attention. At the same time, more soldiers' faces contorted strangely, and they too drew their sabers, turning on their comrades.

"Liu Er, are you insane?"

"Damn it, Wang Wu and the others have gone mad! Quick, help—"

The sudden attacks plunged the soldiers into chaos.

Such commotion naturally couldn't escape the notice of Gu Ming and Kong Ye.

The ringing is the problem! They exchanged a knowing glance.

Immediately, Kong Ye gathered energy in his Dantian and roared, "QUIET!"

The single word, like the heavens rending or a dragon's roar and tiger's cry, thundered in everyone's ears. The soldiers who were on the verge of being mesmerized by the bells instantly regained their senses. As for those already bewildered, their faces showed intense struggle, as if caught in an internal battle, before they finally slumped to the ground, spent.

Seeing his voice had an effect, Kong Ye felt reassured and shouted again, "The ringing is the problem! Everyone, guard your minds! Don't let your guard down for a moment! Soldiers, form units of one hundred and hold your positions! Do not move!"

"Remember, with no fear in your heart, evil influences cannot invade!"

The ringing was indeed bewitching their minds. However, the soldiers of Minor Hillock Mountain were also warriors of Great Qin, seasoned in battle, and naturally possessed a martial aura. As long as they fortified their minds and formed units of one hundred, ordinary Demon Evils would find it difficult to bewitch them.

His resounding voice reached everyone's ears. Immediately, all the soldiers gathered, forming battle formations in units of one hundred as instructed, while some began to tend to the wounded. Fortunately, although some soldiers had been bewitched earlier, no deaths had occurred.

At this time, the TING-A-LING sound was even closer. The strange ringing, combined with the darkness of night, created an intensely eerie atmosphere.

Kong Ye's voice was majestic, like that of a Vajra descended to the mortal realm. "Which Demonfolk dares to use such despicable tricks here? Show yourself and fight!"

The sound waves of his voice rolled directly into the night. Suddenly, the foliage shook as if a gale had surged from the ground. Startled birds perched in the trees took flight, soaring into the sky, while some ground animals fled in panic. Kong Ye and Gu Ming both watched impassively.

It wasn't long before an earth-shattering Yin Evil Aura erupted, blasting back towards them like a fierce wind.

"HUMPH!" Kong Ye snorted coldly. His voice seemed to shatter the air as it violently collided with the Yin Evil Aura. The two forces clashed invisibly, ultimately neutralizing each other.

"Quite a move, that Buddha Sect Lion Roar," a raspy, chilling voice rose from the darkness, like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, sending shivers down one's spine. "It's rumored that the Demon-Subduing Division collects Martial Arts from all over the world, and it seems to be true. Your skill with the Buddha Sect Lion Roar... I fear few even within the Buddha Sect could match it!"

As the voice trailed off, neither Gu Ming nor Kong Ye replied. They were trying to pinpoint the source of the voice and locate their hidden adversary.

Suddenly—dark shadows undulated in the dense forest ahead, as if something was approaching step by step. With its approach, the Yin Evil Aura grew increasingly potent. When the figure finally emerged, the two men could at last clearly see what had arrived.