Human Clan Defender

Following behind Zhong Ning, Shen Changqing walked deeper into the Demon-Subduing Division. To tell the truth, the furthest he had ever been within the vast Demon-Subduing Division was the Demon-Subduing Prison. Shen Changqing had never ventured beyond that point. Arriving once again before the blood-speckled green wall, he recognized it as the location of the Demon-Subduing Prison. However, Zhong Ning didn't enter the Demon-Subduing Prison. Instead, he deviated slightly and approached the entrance of a passage where guards were stationed.

Having broken through to the Grandmaster level, Shen Changqing could tell that the two individuals guarding the passage were no weaker than the Innate Realm. After Zhong Ning presented his Identity Token, the two respectfully allowed them to pass. Upon entering the passage, the surrounding light grew dim. The soft sound of footsteps echoed, and combined with the dim surroundings, it created a very eerie atmosphere.

"The Demon-Subduing Division is divided into many areas," Zhong Ning explained. "Ordinary Demon Hunters can, at best, only go as far as the Demon-Subduing Prison. To venture beyond it and enter the areas behind, one must be a Defender Envoy or a member of our Hidden Heart Pavilion."

His words gave Shen Changqing a better understanding of the Hidden Heart Pavilion's status. It went without saying that the confidence in Zhong Ning's tone reflected the strength and extraordinary nature of this place.

Zhong Ning continued, "Beyond the Demon-Subduing Prison lies the Defending Compound, where all the Defender Envoys reside. Behind the Defending Compound is the Demon Sealing Tower."

"The Demon Sealing Tower?" Shen Changqing looked puzzled. Judging by the name alone, it sounded like a place for sealing Demon Evils. If the Demon Sealing Tower was for sealing Demon Evils, and the Demon-Subduing Prison served the same purpose, wouldn't that be redundant?

Zhong Ning's expression remained unchanged as he explained, "The Demon Sealing Tower, as its name implies, is a place for sealing Demon Evils. In nature, it's similar to the Demon-Subduing Prison, but in reality, the Demon Sealing Tower is of a far, far higher rank."

"The Demon-Subduing Prison primarily seals weaker Strange Monsters and lower-ranked Demon Evils. In contrast, the Demon Sealing Tower truly imprisons extremely powerful Demon Evils. If any one of those were to be released, it could bring calamity to an entire prefecture or region."

So, there were two places for sealing. The Demon Sealing Tower mainly sealed Demon Evils, while the Demon-Subduing Prison primarily sealed Strange Monsters. Only the fourth and fifth levels of the Demon-Subduing Prison contained Demon Evils, and those were low-ranked. By comparison, one could infer that the Demon Evils sealed in the Demon Sealing Tower were not merely low-ranked. Of course, even low-ranked Demon Evils were terrifying.

In the Scripture Pavilion, Shen Changqing had gained some understanding of the strength of Demon Evils, but his knowledge was still limited.

"Approximately what level of strength does a Demon Evil possess?" he asked.

"The strength of a Demon Evil—" Zhong Ning paused briefly before continuing forward and answering, "A Demon Evil is an existence completely superior to the Human Clan. No Grandmaster-level warrior can contend with any Demon Evil. Or rather, none of the Grandmasters currently existing in the Jianghu can." He added this last part as a clarification.

Hearing this, Shen Changqing looked even more confused. What did that mean? What did he mean by 'none of the Grandmasters currently in the Jianghu can contend with them'?

"Senior, what do you mean by that?" If in doubt, ask. Shen Changqing fully embodied this virtuous principle.

"You should understand that Grandmasters follow two major systems. Any warrior who pursues either system to its extreme becomes very formidable. Yet, in the current Jianghu, not a single Martial Artist has truly reached the end of one system. To reach the limits of both systems simultaneously is merely wishful thinking."

"From what I know, once any system is pushed to its limit, one will possess extremely powerful strength, towering above ordinary Grandmasters. Martial Artists who reach this realm qualify to contend with Demon Evils. Of course, they can only contend with low-ranked Demon Evils. It's hardly possible to contend with more powerful Demon Evils unless both systems are pushed to their limits, or someone breaks through the human physical limit—"

Zhong Ning's face showed a hint of melancholy. Breaking the human physical limit had been a research goal of the Hidden Heart Pavilion since its founding. Unfortunately, it was too difficult. To date, no Martial Artist had managed to break through the human physical limit.

Zhong Ning's explanation gave Shen Changqing a clear understanding of the strength of Demon Evils. Suddenly, he thought of the Defender Envoys. Dongfang Zhao had evaded the question of how to become one, but perhaps Zhong Ning knew.

"Senior, do you know how one can become a Defender Envoy?" Shen Changqing asked, then quickly added, "And what is the difference between a Defender Envoy and a Grandmaster?"

Zhong Ning, not finding it strange, shook his head with a wry smile. "Any Grandmaster, after understanding the Martial Artist Limit, asks the same questions: How can one become a Defender Envoy, and what is the difference between a Defender Envoy and a Grandmaster?"

"There are some things you don't need to know too much about until you become a Defender Envoy or are qualified to become one. All I can tell you is that Defender Envoys are the only ones who can contend with powerful Demon Evils. They are also the true foundation of Great Qin, ensuring it doesn't fear the chaos wrought by Demon Evils. If there were no Defender Envoys, no matter how many Grandmasters existed in the world, they would be unable to withstand an attack from Demon Evils."

"Demon Evils are superior to the Human Clan, and in certain respects, Defender Envoys are also superior to the Human Clan. Of course, if you truly join the Hidden Heart Pavilion, even if you don't become a Defender Envoy, you will come to understand their secrets."

As Zhong Ning spoke, they emerged from the passage. Unlike other parts of the Demon-Subduing Division, behind the walls of the Demon-Subduing Prison lay vast courtyards resembling a palace complex. While people could often be seen moving about outside, here, not a single person was visible.

Zhong Ning pointed towards the cluster of palatial buildings ahead. "That is where the Defender Envoys reside. Despite the numerous palaces, many are actually vacant, awaiting new Defender Envoys to occupy them."

Shen Changqing didn't ask the reason for the vacancies, as there was no need. The only plausible reason for vacancies in the Defending Compound was that the resident Defender Envoys had died in battle.

"That is the Demon Sealing Tower." Zhong Ning suddenly gestured towards a massive tower up ahead that appeared to be a hundred zhang tall.

The hundred-zhang tower was clearly visible whether one was inside the Demon-Subduing Division or outside the Capital City. Ever since arriving at the Demon-Subduing Division, Shen Changqing had seen the tower from a distance but hadn't understood its true significance. Only now, after Zhong Ning's explanation, did he finally understand. It turned out that this tower was the Demon Sealing Tower, which imprisoned Demon Evils.

"The Demon Sealing Tower is the most crucial place in the Demon-Subduing Division, bar none. Consequently, the Defending Compound is also established here, its primary purpose being to guard the Demon Sealing Tower and prevent any Demon Evil imprisoned within from breaking its seal and escaping. If such powerful Demon Evils were to leave the tower, it would lead to significant trouble, even here in the Capital City."

Zhong Ning continued speaking without pausing, still walking forward. "The Hidden Heart Pavilion is also behind the Defending Compound. However, the Demon Sealing Tower is to the left, and the Hidden Heart Pavilion is to the right; that's the only difference."

"Then what lies behind the Hidden Heart Pavilion, or rather, behind the Demon-Subduing Division?" Shen Changqing asked. According to Zhong Ning, both the Hidden Heart Pavilion and the Demon Sealing Tower were located in the innermost part of the Demon-Subduing Division. But 'inner' and 'outer' were relative terms; in some ways, the innermost part was equivalent to the outermost. If the area beyond the Demon-Subduing Division wasn't secure enough, then the Demon Sealing Tower would be better placed in a more central location.

"Behind the Demon-Subduing Division?" Zhong Ning smiled faintly, his next words quite startling. "Behind the Demon-Subduing Division is the Imperial City!"

The Imperial City! Shen Changqing's expression changed. The Capital City was divided into an inner and outer city, but its true core was neither of these; it was the Imperial City. Another name for the Imperial City was the Imperial Palace. So, behind the Demon-Subduing Division lay the Imperial Palace! He hadn't understood just how important the geographical location of the Demon-Subduing Division was, but now, Shen Changqing truly comprehended. Backed by the Imperial City, it was indeed extremely safe. Even without thinking, one could understand that the Imperial City housed numerous powerful individuals, far beyond what ordinary forces could compare to. The Demon Sealing Tower's location, with the Defender Envoys' residences in front and the Imperial City behind, was as secure as it could possibly be. Even if a problem arose, both sides would immediately dispatch powerful experts to suppress it, preventing any major repercussions.

As they spoke, the two quickly passed through the Defending Compound. The already towering Demon Sealing Tower appeared even loftier and more majestic now that they were closer.

Shen Changqing couldn't help but think, If this hundred-zhang Demon Sealing Tower were to fall, it would surely crush a great many people.

While he was lost in these thoughts, Zhong Ning came to a halt. Seeing this, Shen Changqing followed his gaze and saw a hall, similar in appearance to the Demon Slaying Hall, come into view. The hall's doors were wide open, and the plaque above bore large characters: Hidden Heart Pavilion.

"This is the Hidden Heart Pavilion. Come in with me," Zhong Ning said, taking the lead and stepping towards it.

Hearing this, Shen Changqing followed closely behind.

Upon entering the Hidden Heart Pavilion, the view opened up. Numerous halls stood around, and people could be seen entering and exiting these buildings.

"Doesn't the entrance to the Hidden Heart Pavilion need to be guarded?"

"Of course, it's guarded; you just can't see them," Zhong Ning scoffed. "You're only able to enter this time because I'm leading the way. Without me, you wouldn't even be able to get past the gates of the Hidden Heart Pavilion. Don't think that being a late-stage Grandmaster makes you all that strong. Within the Hidden Heart Pavilion, there are plenty who have embarked on the Physical System."

Shen Changqing did not take offense.

Then, Zhong Ning continued, "The Hidden Heart Pavilion is divided into four main areas: the Martial Hall, the Suppressing Evil Hall, the Demon Sealing Hall, and the Internal Affairs Hall."

"The Martial Hall primarily researches the limits of the human body. Those who can enter the Martial Hall either possess great talent in the Martial Dao or have incredible strength. Only such individuals have the potential to break through their limits in the future."