Human Clan Defender

Freeloading! No one can refuse a freebie.

Although the spiritual energy in the Martial Pavilion Secret Chamber wasn't of much help for him to comprehend True Intent now, one thing was clear: the spiritual energy within the Martial Hall could replenish not only mental exhaustion but also other types of depletion. For example, it could be converted into the vital energy needed by Martial Artists. To put it simply, spiritual energy was like a panacea; most kinds of consumption could be compensated for through it. It was just that while the free-roaming spiritual energy in Heaven and Earth existed, it wasn't concentrated enough. However, the spiritual energy in the Martial Pavilion Secret Chamber was different, as a spirit vein was placed there. Even if the spirit vein's energy couldn't perfectly balance consumption, it could still offset a significant amount.

"If I can improve my panel attributes here, then to a certain degree, I can reduce the trouble of consuming large amounts of elixirs!"

A sharp light flashed in Shen Changqing's eyes.

He was the first to discover the benefits of becoming a Martial Pavilion Elder.

No, that's not right. It should be the benefits of Tan Tianji's betrayal. After all, due to Tan Tianji's betrayal, the Elders of the Internal Affairs Hall are all dead. I don't believe anyone else will come to watch over me now. Besides, others are Elders, and so am I. In terms of status, everyone is on an equal level. Because of this, Elders from the other divisions do not have the right to constrain me. Similarly, Zhong Ning, as a Martial Pavilion Elder, also doesn't have the qualifications to restrain me.

As a Martial Pavilion Elder, currently, only the Pavilion Masters of the four major divisions and the Defender Envoy of the Capital City can constrain me! Shen Changqing thought to himself. By 'constraint,' he meant those within the Demon-Subduing Division with higher positions than his own.

Sitting down on a reclining chair, Shen Changqing, like others, lay there gazing up at the sky and suddenly felt a sense of ease. It was as if here, he could truly isolate himself from the world, away from the strife of society, without so many troubles.

The environment of the Hidden Heart Pavilion is too comfortable!

Yes. Comfortable.

Unlike other places in the Demon-Subduing Division, there were no specific constraints on the people of the Hidden Heart Pavilion. It was a lot more comfortable than for the usual Demon Hunters. Sometimes, comfort is a good thing, but at other times, it can also be a bad thing.

The Suppressing Evil Hall and the Demon Sealing Hall mainly study Demon Evil, so being in a comfortable environment doesn't pose a big problem. However, the Martial Hall is not suited to remain in such a relaxing environment.

Shen Changqing somewhat understood why people from the Martial Hall seldom stayed here. Without sufficient trials through combat, the majority of people would have their fighting spirit worn away by comfort. Over time, they would become complacent. Although wearing away fighting spirit wasn't necessarily a bad thing, the purpose of the Martial Hall was to produce powerhouses who broke through human limits. If the members of the Martial Hall were content to stay here for retirement, breaking human limits would undoubtedly be a flight of fancy.

At that moment, a shadow blocked his line of sight. Shen Changqing squinted his eyes and made out the newcomer's appearance.

"Defender Dongfang."

"Elder Shen, now that you've become an Elder here in the Hidden Heart Pavilion, do you have any particular feelings?"

"Feelings?" Shen Changqing got up from the recliner, shaking his head with a wry smile. "What feelings could I have? The Hidden Heart Pavilion gives me the feeling of... well, probably being too comfortable!"

"Comfortable—" Dongfang Zhao nodded, turning his head to look around the rest of the Hidden Heart Pavilion, sighing softly. "Yes, the Hidden Heart Pavilion is too comfortable. The Demon-Subduing Division should not have such a place of comfort, yet the Hidden Heart Pavilion is an exception to this rule."

Having said this, he shook his head again and chose not to dwell on the topic.

"You're now a Martial Pavilion Elder, so let me tell you about the privileges that come with the position!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Changqing's expression grew serious. "I would be grateful for your explanation, Lord Defender!"

He had long wanted to know the privileges of a Martial Pavilion Elder.

Dongfang Zhao said, "First, the monthly stipend for a Martial Pavilion Elder is fifty silver taels. You are a Heaven Rank Demon Hunter, so you would normally receive twenty silver taels. However, now that you are a Martial Pavilion Elder, your stipend includes the Demon Hunter's stipend. Fifty silver taels a month is a small subsidy from the Demon-Subduing Division, though I believe you won't care much for such a small amount of silver."

He looked deeply at Shen Changqing, a faint smile on his face.

Shen Changqing chuckled, "Lord Defender, you jest. No one would ever find silver to be too much."

"Moreover, every year, a Martial Pavilion Elder can obtain three hundred Merit Points as another subsidy."

"Three hundred Merit Points?" Shen Changqing was astonished. "Does the Martial Hall grant Merit Points directly to its Elders, instead of resources?"

When he was a member of the Martial Hall, the Hall provided resources, not simply Merit Points.

"It's quite normal. When you were a member of the Martial Hall, the resources provided were mostly aligned with your cultivation needs at that stage. However, for those who can become Martial Pavilion Elders, although most haven't reached the peak of their cultivation system, they are not far from that realm. Martial Artists at this realm each have different cultivation needs, which is why the Martial Hall offers Merit Points directly," Dongfang Zhao explained patiently.

Members were members. Elders were Elders. Those who could become an Elder were fundamentally different from ordinary Martial Hall members.

Hearing the explanation, Shen Changqing also had a sudden realization.

Afterward, Dongfang Zhao continued, "Additionally, once you become a Martial Pavilion Elder, your status will be second only to the four Pavilion Masters and the Capital Defender. As for the Defender Envoys of other branches, they will not have the authority to issue direct orders to you. Anyplace within the Demon-Subduing Division is accessible to you with your status. As for assignments, there isn't much difference from when you were a member of the Martial Hall. When the Demon-Subduing Division needs you, they will naturally send someone to notify you. At other times, you can make your own arrangements."

"I understand," Shen Changqing nodded.

At first glance, the authority and responsibilities of a Martial Pavilion Elder seem similar to those of a Martial Hall member. However, the mere fact that Defender Envoys of other branches don't have the authority to issue commands to him is very telling. This is a very significant privilege. As long as he leaves the Capital City, with his status, almost no one can constrain him.

"This is your Martial Pavilion Elder's Identity Token and the key to the Martial Hall. Keep them safe. As for your original Identity Token, it must be dissolved according to tradition." Dongfang Zhao took out a Token and a key from his robes and handed them to Shen Changqing.

The Martial Pavilion Elder's Token didn't look much different from that of a regular member. At most, it looked a little more impressive. Besides that, it just had the two additional words: 'Elder.' As for the key to the Martial Hall, it didn't reveal anything special.

After handing over the items, Dongfang Zhao thought of something else. "Right, weren't you planning to go to the Great Wilderness Prefecture last time?"

"Uh..."

"The message from the Heavenly Inspection Guard says that the current situation in the Great Wilderness Prefecture is also quite severe. If you have time, you could go there. With your current strength, you would be a great help to that side," Dongfang Zhao said earnestly. A second-stage Physical System practitioner was not to be overlooked anywhere.

Shen Changqing hesitated. "I plan to go into seclusion for some time. After I emerge, I will then proceed to the Great Wilderness Prefecture. What are your thoughts on this, Lord Defender?"

"No problem." Dongfang Zhao nodded. The current situation in the Great Wilderness Prefecture had not reached the point of collapse, so there was no need to force a Martial Pavilion Elder to go for support.

Then, he looked at Shen Changqing with admiration in his eyes. "Elder Shen's dedication to cultivation is truly exemplary for our peers. It's no wonder that in such a short period, you have achievements that others could not reach in decades. Perhaps the hope of breaking through limits really lies with you."

Exceptional talent, and diligent in cultivation. Such a person was undoubtedly a cultivation talent. Dongfang Zhao was sincerely pleased that the Demon-Subduing Division could recruit such an individual.

Especially after last night's battle with Wang Mubai. If it hadn't been for his whimsical act of giving me the Demon Revealing Mirror, I might not have been able to defeat Wang Mubai so quickly. One must be aware, the battlefield was in the Capital City. The longer it lasted, the greater the impact would be. If others were to misunderstand that the Demon-Subduing Division couldn't handle a Demon Evil, the spread of such a rumor would greatly demoralize the public. Therefore, in Dongfang Zhao's view, during last night's battle, although Shen Changqing had only given him the Demon Revealing Mirror, it had still played a significant role.

Talent is valued wherever it is. Moreover, Shen Changqing had entered the second stage of the Physical System and had become a Martial Pavilion Elder. During the conversation, Dongfang Zhao treated him as an equal. In the past, although this Defender Envoy was gentle with people, there was always a sense of superiority about him. This feeling came from both the difference in strength and status.

After leaving the Martial Hall, Dongfang Zhao hadn't gone far when he saw Jiang Zuo approaching.

"Greetings, Lord Defender!"

"What is it?"

"Someone from the Imperial Palace has arrived and is waiting in the Council Hall," Jiang Zuo replied truthfully.

Dongfang Zhao nodded and went towards the Council Hall.

「 」

「Imperial Palace.」

「In the study.」

Gu Xuanji was sitting there. Looking at Dongfang Zhao, he asked, "Has the matter with the Demon-Subduing Division been settled now?"

"Your Majesty, there are currently no problems within the Demon-Subduing Division; all the rebels have been slain. Wang Mubai has escaped from the Demon Sealing Tower, but he is also seriously injured. I have the Heavenly Inspection Guard searching for his whereabouts, and we will definitely not let him escape."

"Wang Mubai, this Great Demon, is somewhat different from the others. He is best kept in the Demon Sealing Tower. His escape poses a considerable problem." Gu Xuanji nodded.

Subsequently, the atmosphere grew somewhat silent again.

Dongfang Zhao said, "Last night, the Demon Sealing Tower was attacked, and the palace delayed sending aid. Only after the event did someone arrive. I hope Your Majesty will decide on a course of action regarding this matter."

"We understand what you mean." Gu Xuanji's eyes were slightly cold, and a faint killing intent permeated the air. "Great Qin nourishes them with the hope that they will act in critical moments. Now that they have shirked from battle out of fear, that is a capital offense. We will give the Demon-Subduing Division an explanation."

"Thank Your Majesty!"