Human Clan Defender

Such an answer was an implicit refusal. Regret flickered across Yi Ning's face, but he didn't press the issue. "Since Elder Shen has made a decision, I won't insist. If you have plans in the future, feel free to find me, provided I haven't yet entered that Ancient Ruin," Yi Ning said, not pressing any further. His personal invitation was already a significant gesture of goodwill. He had said so much, yet the other party still refused, so he let it be.

"Pavilion Master Yi, I take my leave!" Shen Changqing cupped his fists and then left the Hidden Heart Pavilion.

After he departed, Yi Ning's expression grew even more peculiar. He's not even tempted by that Ancient Ruin. The opportunity he received... could it also be on the level of Ancient Ruins? Perhaps there really is such a possibility. Otherwise, who else could advance to such a Realm in such a short time?

He genuinely wanted to invite Shen Changqing. After all, not every Ruin is without danger; some Ancient Ruins pose considerable risks. Even with his own abilities, Yi Ning wasn't confident he could safely enter them. After much consideration, Shen Changqing seemed the most suitable candidate. But now that Shen Changqing had refused, Yi Ning had to find another way.

「 」

After leaving the Hidden Heart Pavilion, Shen Changqing's mind kept replaying his conversation with Yi Ning, especially the parts about Ancient Ruins. The man's words had been like opening a new world to him. So, many years ago, during the Ancient Times, powerful beings truly existed. Whether those powerful beings actually broke through their limits is still debatable. But one thing is certain: great opportunities truly lie within Ancient Ruins.

The Martial Hall should have records of the Ancient Times. I'll find out once I have time to go back and check, Shen Changqing mused. It's highly probable that the Martial Hall contains records from the Ancient Times. And if not, the Scripture Pavilion definitely will. Yi Ning went into the Martial Hall earlier; I suspect he was looking for information about Ancient Ruins. It's just that since I entered the Martial Hall, I've mostly been focused on cultivation, rarely browsing unnecessary scrolls, so I haven't learned much about these things.

Arriving at the Council Hall, Shen Changqing entered directly; with his current status, he no longer needed to announce himself. Dongfang Zhao was there, along with other people.

"Greetings, Lord Defender!" Shen Changqing cupped his fists.

The conversation between Dongfang Zhao and the others immediately halted.

Dongfang Zhao smiled genially. "Elder Shen, you've come at just the right time. I was about to send someone to the Hidden Heart Pavilion to find you."

"Is there something you need, Lord Defender?" Shen Changqing asked, his expression unchanging.

Dongfang Zhao didn't answer directly. Instead, he pointed to the man beside him and introduced, "Elder Shen, this is Deng Gu, an Earth Rank Demon Hunter from the Demon-Subduing Division in Mountain-Breaking City, South Nether Prefecture!"

Then, he gestured towards Shen Changqing. "And this is Elder Shen Changqing of our Capital Demon Suppression Division's Martial Hall."

As Dongfang Zhao finished speaking, a clear look of shock appeared on Deng Gu's face. He looked at Shen Changqing and bowed solemnly. "I've long heard of Elder Shen's great name. Seeing you in person today, you are truly extraordinary."

"You're too kind, Demon Hunter Deng," Shen Changqing replied with a simple nod.

An Earth Rank Demon Hunter is just an ordinary Grandmaster. Besides, he's affiliated with South Nether Prefecture, making his status a notch lower than Demon Hunters from the Capital City. There's no need for me to be excessively polite, Shen Changqing thought.

After the two had been introduced, Dongfang Zhao said, "We've just received word from South Nether Prefecture that Demon Evils are causing trouble there. The experts from the various Demon-Subduing Divisions in South Nether Prefecture are mostly garrisoned in their respective territories and cannot be easily mobilized, leaving few available to act. Mountain-Breaking City hopes our Demon-Subduing Division can send a powerful individual to assist. Currently, within the Capital Demon Suppression Division, you are the most suitable person, Elder Shen. But I wonder, are you available right now?"

Deng Gu, standing to the side, was profoundly shocked once more upon hearing this. He was well aware of Dongfang Zhao's exact status. Although Dongfang Zhao was also a Defender Envoy, he was the most powerful and influential among them all. Defender Envoys from other regions would have to bow respectfully before him. Yet now, when Dongfang Zhao spoke to Shen Changqing, he didn't issue a direct order but used an inquisitive tone. This small detail alone was enough to reveal Shen Changqing's high standing within the Demon-Subduing Division.

"What exactly is the current situation in South Nether Prefecture?" Shen Changqing didn't answer immediately, asking first instead.

The stronger one becomes, the more cautious one must be. Until one is truly invincible, there's always a chance of being killed by a more powerful expert. Even though my current strength is comparable to an average Defender Envoy, I still need to get clear details before committing.

"Demon Hunter Deng, please tell us about the situation in South Nether Prefecture," Dongfang Zhao said, turning to Deng Gu.

Deng Gu clasped his fists. "To answer Elder Shen, about half a month ago in South Nether Prefecture, various Demon Evils began to appear sporadically in different locations. Almost all personnel from our Mountain-Breaking City's Demon-Subduing Division have been dispatched to suppress the widespread chaos. However, the number of Demon Evils appearing daily continues to increase, and Mountain-Breaking City is struggling to cope, which is why we had to request assistance from the Capital City."

Shen Changqing nodded silently. Then he asked, "What is the strength of these Demon Evils?"

"Currently, the strongest Demon Evils we've encountered are at about the Fiend Level."

"Are there any Demon Evils?"

"So far, we haven't found any trace of Demon Evils," Deng Gu replied, shaking his head.

Shen Changqing was inwardly relieved. No Demon Evils. That makes things much simpler. Unless I have absolute confidence, I'd rather not confront beings at the Demon Evil level. Of course, if it truly becomes unavoidable, then a fight is the only option.

"Demon Hunter Deng, you must be tired from your journey. Please go and rest for now. Tomorrow, I will arrange for someone to accompany you to South Nether Prefecture," Dongfang Zhao said.

"Thank you, Lord Defender!" Deng Gu didn't dare say more, merely bowing and taking his leave.

After Deng Gu left, Dongfang Zhao turned his gaze to Shen Changqing. "Demon Evils these days are very adept at concealing themselves. Last time, if that Demon Evil hadn't revealed its aura, I wouldn't have been able to detect its presence.

"Although no Demon Evils have apparently surfaced in South Nether Prefecture yet, we must always prepare for the worst. It's quite possible that a Demon Evil is indeed lurking in South Nether Prefecture; we can't be certain."

Shen Changqing remained silent for a moment. Then he slowly said, "I have a question I've always wanted to understand. I wonder if Lord Defender could enlighten me?"

"Speak," Dongfang Zhao replied.

"What exactly is the power level of a Demon Evil? If one's Physical System cultivation reaches the second stage, can they contend with a Demon Evil?"

"Yes." Dongfang Zhao nodded, giving a definitive answer. "Don't underestimate Demon Evils, but don't underestimate yourself either. The advantage Demon Evils hold over the Human Clan lies in their Demon Essence and Demon Blood—that's an Innate suppression.

"However, once a Martial Artist enters the Great Sun Furnace Realm, their vital energy and blood will also undergo further transformation. At that point, the vital energy and blood of someone at Grandmaster Peak are actually no weaker than the Demon Blood of a low-rank Demon Evil. Therefore, contending with a low-rank Demon Evil isn't a major issue."

So, low-rank Demon Evils aren't a problem. As for mid- and high-rank Demon Evils, Dongfang Zhao didn't say, but I can infer it myself. However, his answer regarding low-rank ones is already enough for now.

"I understand," Shen Changqing said.

Dongfang Zhao continued, "I originally planned to send you to Great Wilderness Prefecture. In a little while, winter will arrive, and the Barbarian Clan's attacks will grow more frenzied. Although Great Wilderness Prefecture is defended by the Black Tiger Army, they are under immense pressure. However, it's exceedingly difficult for one person to act as an entire army.

"Now that South Nether Prefecture is also troubled by Demon Evils, our Demon-Subduing Division's primary duty is to quell these Demon Evil disturbances. Other matters can be postponed."

Dongfang Zhao finished, his gaze on Shen Changqing calm. Then he continued, "You are a Martial Pavilion Elder. Whether or not to support South Nether Prefecture is your decision."

"If I don't go, who does Lord Defender plan to send?" Shen Changqing asked in return.

Dongfang Zhao chuckled. "The Demon-Subduing Division still has some manpower. If Elder Shen is unwilling, naturally Heaven Rank and Earth Rank Demon Hunters will be sent. If worse comes to worst, other experts within the Capital City can also take action."

Other experts... Shen Changqing thought of the Great Confucians. With their overwhelming righteous aura, they wouldn't be at a disadvantage even when facing Demon Evils.

I also understand, Shen Changqing thought. Although I'm not weak now, I haven't reached the point of being the main pillar of the Demon-Subduing Division. If I don't go, someone else naturally will.

"Since Lord Defender has spoken, I have no reason to refuse," Shen Changqing nodded.

Coincidentally, I'm also in need of Slaughter Value, Shen Changqing mused. I initially thought my accumulated Slaughter Value was more than enough for a significant boost. But when I actually used it for enhancement, I abruptly realized it was only enough for a minor upgrade. At this point, I must acquire new Slaughter Value. Otherwise, I won't be able to continue advancing. Both my Great Sun Golden Body and Great Sun Scripture have reached a plateau where further progress is impossible through normal means. Without relying on the panel, and with my current knowledge base, it would be very difficult to deduce the subsequent cultivation methods.

Across the entire Jianghu, it's highly probable that no Martial Arts exist that surpass Grandmaster Peak. The Myriad Buddhas Sect is a truly top-tier Sect in the Jianghu, yet both their Tathagata Golden Body and the Great Sun Scripture only reach Grandmaster Peak. The Tathagata Golden Body, even at Perfection, merely allows one to barely step into the Great Sun Furnace Realm. In comparison, my fused Great Sun Golden Body, upon reaching Perfection, can stably maintain one within the Great Sun Furnace Realm, making it a higher level than the Tathagata Golden Body. Of course, that's when not relying on deduction to break through its inherent limits. Now, my 27-layer Great Sun Golden Body has completely surpassed the Tathagata Golden Body by more than just a single level.

Therefore, Slaughter Value is indispensable to me. Only by possessing enough Slaughter Value can I possibly use the panel to deduce a Martial Art that breaks through these limits. If there's truly no other way, then I'll have no choice but to ask Yi Ning about finding an Ancient Ruin and trying my luck there. But that's a last resort. Until it comes to that, I still intend to rely on myself.