Human Clan Defender

In the span of one night, almost earth-shaking changes had occurred for the people of the Capital City. First, Demon Evils appeared both inside and outside the city. Even though powerful individuals from the Demon-Subduing Division intervened, many people still lost their lives at the hands of the Demon Evils. Then, Demon Evils attacked the Capital City, prompting both the Great Confucians of the Imperial College and Dongfang Zhao to take action. Next, there was turmoil within the Demon-Subduing Division. This internal strife suddenly revealed that so many Demon Hunters had secretly colluded with the Demon Evil Clan.

However, such turmoil was still considered trivial. The real problem lay in Tan Tianji's betrayal and the downfall of many Elders of the Internal Affairs Hall. Even for the Demon-Subduing Division, the loss of so many powerful individuals in one go was a crippling blow. After all, everyone who managed to become an Elder in the Internal Affairs Hall was no weakling. The weakest of them had reached the late Grandmaster stage, and they all had the opportunity to ascend to Grandmaster Peak. With these individuals around, even if Demon Evils infiltrated the Demon-Subduing Division, the issues could be resolved.

But this battle left all the Elders of the Internal Affairs Hall dead, completely wiped out. Moreover, even the two powerful individuals guarding the Demon Sealing Tower had perished. The cause of such consequences was Tan Tianji's betrayal. His betrayal not only caused the fall of many powerful individuals from the Demon-Subduing Division but also allowed the escape of a Great Demon imprisoned on the eighth floor of the Demon Sealing Tower. The escape of a Great Demon would lead to endless future troubles.

Just as Shen Changqing was about to head back, he saw several figures appear from the direction of the Imperial Palace, flying through the air and landing directly in front of him.

"We are here by His Majesty's command. Is there any way we can assist the Demon-Subduing Division?" said the leading middle-aged man, offering a polite cupped-fist salute.

Assistance from the Imperial Palace?

Shen Changqing looked at the group and shook his head. "There are no issues. Thank you for your trouble."

With that, he turned and left.

The Imperial Palace was supposed to be backing the Demon Sealing Tower. Although the recent battle didn't last long, it certainly wasn't short either. However, from beginning to end, no experts from the Imperial Palace had appeared. This meant either the Emperor had other plans, or these few people before him were simply too afraid to risk their lives. Regardless, none of this had anything to do with him, a mere Demon Hunter. Now that everything had settled, the people from the Imperial Palace finally showed up. It was impossible for Shen Changqing not to feel some dissatisfaction. So, he couldn't be bothered to deal with them.

"Sir—"

The middle-aged man's expression turned somewhat unsightly. But as he began to speak, Shen Changqing didn't even glance back.

Seeing this, the others in the group also showed anger on their faces.

"How rude!"

"What's there to be arrogant about? No matter how strong the Demon-Subduing Division is, wasn't it still invaded by Demon Evils? If His Majesty hadn't ordered us to come, who would willingly set foot in this godforsaken place?"

"Ungrateful wretch—"

Listening to the remarks, a flash of anger flickered across the leading middle-aged man's face before he raised his hand, signaling the others to stop.

"Alright. Since the Demon-Subduing Division doesn't appreciate our help, we'll just return and report. There's no need for us to meddle further. Let's go."

「Upon arriving at the Demon-Subduing Prison.」

Jiang Zuo and the others were still there.

"Brother Shen!" Jiang Zuo exclaimed, walking up to Shen Changqing as soon as he saw him.

"There was quite a commotion over at the Demon Sealing Tower. What's the situation now? And who was that fighting Defender Dongfang just now?" he asked, firing off several questions in a row, clearly eager to know what had transpired.

It wasn't just him; all the other Demon Hunters also pricked up their ears, hoping to glean some information from Shen Changqing.

Shen Changqing glanced at the crowd, pondered for a moment, and slowly replied, "There's nothing to worry about at the Demon Sealing Tower. The invading Demonfolk have all been dealt with. A Demon Evil did take the opportunity to break its seal and escape, but it's no match for the Lord Defender.

"It shouldn't take long for the Lord Defender to slay the Demon Evil and return. We just need to handle the affairs of the Demon-Subduing Division and not concern ourselves too much with the rest."

"I see."

Hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Jiang Zuo wore a peculiar expression, only half-believing Shen Changqing's words. However, he understood the situation. If Shen Changqing was unwilling to say more at this time, there was no point in pressing further.

Shen Changqing then asked, "Has the internal conflict within the Demon-Subduing Division been resolved?"

"It's been resolved," Jiang Zuo nodded, his face then clouding over with resentment. "Those damned traitors! The Demon-Subduing Division gave them opportunities, provided them with Cultivation Techniques and Martial Arts, allowing them to grow to where they are today. Yet, they chose to collude with Demon Evils at such a critical juncture. They truly deserve to die!"

For him, the Demon-Subduing Division was where he belonged. Anyone who betrayed the Demon-Subduing Division was, in his eyes, betraying him personally. Jiang Zuo was extremely resentful about this.

Seeing the uncontainable anger on Jiang Zuo's face, Shen Changqing said nothing. Everyone has their own perspective. While he didn't feel any particular rage towards the traitors, he certainly felt no fondness for them either. Everyone has the right to choose. But clearly, this time, those who betrayed had made the wrong choice. The complete suppression of the rebellion was the best proof of that.

「Half a day later.」

Dongfang Zhao returned alone. Upon his return, he immediately summoned several Stewards from the Demon Hunting Court, the person in charge of the Hidden Heart Pavilion, and Shen Changqing.

Inside the Council Hall, the atmosphere was oppressive. The representatives from both the Suppressing Evil Hall and the Demon Sealing Hall seemed rather impatient.

The Elder representing the Demon Sealing Hall was the first to break the silence. "Defender Dongfang, do you have any instructions? If not, I have other matters to attend to."

"Indeed," the Elder of the Suppressing Evil Hall chimed in, nodding. "The Suppressing Evil Hall also has affairs to manage. Lord Defender, if you have something to say, please be direct."

They had heard some things about the internal strife, but neither of them felt particularly strongly about it. Betrayal? So what if there was betrayal? It didn't concern them much anyway. Rather than focusing on these matters, it would be better to spend their time studying Demon Evils. Perhaps they could find something they wanted from them.

Dongfang Zhao spoke indifferently, "I believe you both have heard about the recent turmoil within the Demon-Subduing Division. The betrayal of Tan Tianji, an Elder of the Internal Affairs Hall, allowed several Grandmaster Level Demonfolk to infiltrate, leading to the fall of many powerful individuals.

"Moreover, the Demon Revealing Mirror that was mounted on the Demon Sealing Tower was also damaged in the great battle.

"I have summoned people from the Suppressing Evil Hall and the Demon Sealing Hall today because I have a few matters to assign."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of both Elders turned serious.

"Lord Defender, please speak."

"The fact that Demonfolk were able to infiltrate the Demon-Subduing Division indicates not only that there was an inside collaborator but also that our own defenses against Demonfolk are inadequate," Dongfang Zhao stated. "I hope both the Suppressing Evil Hall and the Demon Sealing Hall will increase their efforts in detecting Yin Evil Aura.

"Furthermore, the Demon Evils' methods of concealment are becoming increasingly sophisticated. If we don't strengthen our perception of Yin Evil Aura, it will be easy for them to exploit our vulnerabilities."

"Secondly," Dongfang Zhao continued, "since the Demon Revealing Mirror has been damaged, the Demon Sealing Hall needs to develop a new one as soon as possible. Additionally, regarding the lifespan issue of Demon Evils, I hope there can be some progress.

"If we can make advancements in resolving the lifespan issue of Demon Evils, allowing Defender Envoys to be less constrained by such limitations, I believe the number of Defender Envoys across all regions will significantly increase."

Among those present, aside from Jiang Zuo, everyone was aware of the existence of Defender Envoys. Therefore, Dongfang Zhao spoke without reservation. As they listened, most people's expressions remained unchanged; only Jiang Zuo looked utterly confused.

This was not the right occasion to ask questions. Even though he had doubts, he could only suppress them for now.

The Elder of the Demon Sealing Hall responded with a salute, "Lord Defender, the materials for the Demon Revealing Mirror are precious, and crafting a new one is no easy feat. However, the Demon Sealing Hall has recently made some progress in this area. We've found alternative materials that can create a mirror with the same effect.

"Just give this old one about a month, and a new Demon Revealing Mirror will be presented."

After saying this, he pondered for a moment before continuing, "As for the lifespan issue of Demon Evils, we currently don't have many ways to learn more. However, if Defender Dongfang allows the Demon Sealing Hall to dissect Demon Evils without restriction to uncover their secrets, I guarantee we will make our utmost effort to discover what lies within them."

"Agreed. The Demon Evils within the Demon-Subduing Prison and the Demon Sealing Tower can be used by the Demon Sealing Hall at will," Dongfang Zhao nodded in approval.

Joy instantly spread across the face of the Elder from the Demon Sealing Hall. Capturing Demon Evils was no easy task. In the past, the Demon Evils detained within the Demon-Subduing Division could not be used freely. Each year, the Demon Sealing Hall was allocated a certain quota of Demon Evils. If they exceeded this quota, they couldn't use more for their research, as excessive use could hinder the emergence of new Defender Envoys. But Dongfang Zhao's current words had lifted this restriction.

At that moment, the Elder of the Suppressing Evil Hall also spoke up. "Lord Defender, I've heard that all the Strange Monsters within the Demon-Subduing Prison have been eradicated. If enough Strange Monsters could be provided to the Suppressing Evil Hall, I believe we could also make new discoveries.

"What the Demon Sealing Hall can do, the Suppressing Evil Hall can do as well! And what the Demon Sealing Hall cannot do, the Suppressing Evil Hall might just be able to accomplish!"

"Old Liu, what do you mean by that!" the Elder of the Demon Sealing Hall immediately bristled. To say his Demon Sealing Hall is incapable right to his face? What is that if not a direct slap in the face?

In response, Old Liu was unfazed, sneering, "Did I say anything wrong? Over these years, the Demon Sealing Hall has received no shortage of resources. But look at what progress you've made! It's always just that Demon Revealing Mirror.

"Demonfolk infiltrated the Demon-Subduing Division, and you didn't detect a thing! If the Suppressing Evil Hall had been given the same resources, things definitely wouldn't have turned out this way."

"Aren't you afraid of spraining your tongue with such big talk—"

"Was I wrong?" Old Liu retorted.

Just as the two were about to come to blows, Dongfang Zhao sternly interjected, "Enough!"

"Lord Defender, please calm your anger!" Both Elders froze for a moment, then quickly shut their mouths.

Dongfang Zhao continued, "Soon, the Demon-Subduing Division will receive a new batch of Demon Evils of the Strange Monster level. When they arrive, they will be fully supplied to the Suppressing Evil Hall. Furthermore, regarding resources, I will find a way to increase the allocation for the Suppressing Evil Hall as well."

"Thank you, Lord Defender!"