Human Clan Defender

In the grand hall, the two men did not speak, instead looking at each other. After a long while, Ji Tianlu suddenly laughed, "The renown of Elder Shen is something I've long heard of. Since the founding of the Demon-Subduing Division over three hundred years ago, Elder Shen is undeniably the most gifted. Seeing you today proves it indeed!"

When he saw Shen Changqing, his heart was truly shocked. Forget the talk of his recent joining of the Demon-Subduing Division, indicating that he couldn't be that strong. In Ji Tianlu's eyes, the man before him had an aura as robust as could be, standing there like a blazing sun, drawing the gaze of others. One who becomes a Defender Envoy is never ordinary. He was very aware of what Shen Changqing's current display represented.

Great Sun Furnace!

It never occurred to Ji Tianlu that a man who had joined the Demon-Subduing Division not so many years ago could actually attain the Realm of the Great Sun Furnace. Shen Changqing did not conceal his aura, nor did he intend to hide his own capabilities. In the Demon-Subduing Division, strength was paramount. The stronger one's own strength, the more others would revere them. At the same time, Dongfang Zhao had sent him to Mountain-Breaking City, clearly intending for him to assist the Demon-Subduing Division there in solving their problems. At that point, he wouldn't be able to hide his strength anyway. Since revealing it was only a matter of time, why not be straightforward and lay it all out?

"The great name of Defender Ji is also well known to me, and it is my honor to meet you," replied Shen Changqing with a smile.

To become a Defender Envoy, one must be formidable. A lone Grandmaster Peak Martial Artist was merely equivalent to a Defender Envoy, but such a Defender Envoy was average in strength. As for Ji Tianlu before him, it was impossible for him to be a mere ordinary Defender Envoy. After all, he was the recognized leader of the Demon-Subduing Division in Mountain-Breaking City. Within Mountain-Breaking City's Demon-Subduing Division, there was more than just one Defender Envoy. Since Ji Tianlu could suppress others and take charge of the Demon-Subduing Division of Mountain-Breaking City, how could his strength be weak?

Afterward, Shen Changqing continued, "Some time ago, Deng Gu went to the Capital City for assistance, and Defender Dongfang had me accompany him here. If Defender Ji needs my help with anything, please feel free to speak up. As peers, it is our duty to slay Demon Evil, without any excuses."

It had been more than a month since the internal turmoil in the Demon-Subduing Division, and he hadn't gained any Slaughter Value in that time.

"Since Elder Shen is willing, it's perfect because Mountain-Breaking City is currently facing a serious problem. I was pondering over how exactly to solve it, but now that I have seen Elder Shen, I can rest assured," Ji Tianlu said with a slight smile on his face.

"Defender Ji, please speak frankly."

"Ten days ago, a city in South Nether Prefecture suddenly lost contact. There has been no news from the two hundred thousand civilians within, and even after sending many Demon Hunters from our Division, no word came back. Later, when Defender Xun Qu took action, he also disappeared without a trace," Ji Tianlu said, his expression very grave.

At these words, Shen Changqing's face bore a similar expression. A Defender Envoy had fallen. That was indeed a grave matter.

"So, Defender Ji, do you mean you hope I will take action?"

"Indeed," Ji Tianlu nodded. "I am stationed in Mountain-Breaking City and cannot leave casually, especially as hundreds of thousands of civilians depend on us here, and it's also where the Demon-Subduing Division is located. If attacked by Demon Evil, the consequences would be endless. Elder Shen is already a Grandmaster Peak powerhouse, and in terms of strength, you are not inferior to a Defender Envoy. Thus, your intervention would be most appropriate."

His gaze was intense; a Grandmaster Peak Martial Artist taking action would be much more suitable than himself.

Shen Changqing's brow furrowed slightly. "What Realm would you say Defender Xun Qu's strength is approximately, and after being out of contact for such an extended period, could he still be alive?"

"Defender Xun Qu hasn't been a Defender Envoy for long; his strength is roughly at the Grandmaster Peak. Additionally, he has a Soul Lamp left in the Demon-Subduing Division. The Soul Lamp hasn't been extinguished, which means he has not fallen," Ji Tianlu paused. Then, he spoke again. "I understand this task won't be easy, but if we let Xun Qu remain trapped, it will continue to be a problem. For our Mountain-Breaking City, the fall of a Defender Envoy—no, the fall of *any* Defender Envoy—could lead to an uncontrollable situation. Elder Shen, you don't need to do anything else, just rescue Xun Qu. After this issue is resolved, our Demon-Subduing Division in Mountain-Breaking City won't forget your contribution."

Shen Changqing fell deep in thought. He did not rashly agree, nor did he directly refuse. The disappearance of a city with two hundred thousand civilians, and even a Defender Envoy trapped within. There must be complicated matters involved. Although my strength is formidable, it wouldn't be much stronger than Xun Qu's, if at all. Therefore, if I were trapped there, it would be a great trouble.

After a moment, Shen Changqing said, "I need to think carefully. Also, I need a report on that city. I will give Defender Ji an answer within a day at most."

"Good!" Ji Tianlu did not insist. It is normal to give serious consideration to matters concerning one's own life. Moreover, since the other party is a Martial Hall Elder, even if he wanted to force the issue, he had no means to do so.

"Elder Shen can go back first. Later on, I will have someone send the relevant documents and information over."

"I take my leave." Shen Changqing did not say much more. After a slight bow, he turned and left.

Soon, only Ji Tianlu was left alone in the vast hall.

Less than three years to reach Grandmaster Peak, he must have gained a powerful opportunity, and that opportunity might even be from the Ancient Ruins. It's truly enviable— He was genuinely envious. If I had such an opportunity, perhaps I would have become a Defender Envoy by now. Shaking his head, Ji Tianlu stopped thinking about it. Such opportunities... they had little to do with him. And even if I wanted to seize it by force, with that Elder Shen's strength, I wouldn't have complete confidence in succeeding.

----

「Capital City. Imperial Palace, in a small pavilion in the back garden.」

Two people sat face to face. Between them was a chessboard, the black and white pieces scattered across it like armies confronting each other on a battlefield.

As a piece was placed, Gu Xuanji spoke calmly, "Demon Evil has been growing more rampant by the day. Should the number of Defender Envoys be increased?"

Opposite him, Dongfang Zhao did not hesitate for long before placing a piece, immediately responding, "The role of Defender Envoy is of significant importance; a rash expansion might boost the forces of Demon Evil. After all, not everyone can withstand the erosion of a Demon's Power. Over the years, the Demon-Subduing Division has seen numerous Defender Envoys fail to merge successfully and end up siding with Demon Evil."

"Inside the Imperial Palace, however, numerous staunch and determined dead soldiers have been trained. I think it's worth considering letting them attempt the process. If they succeed, the strength of Great Qin will increase considerably. The problem of Demon Evil causing chaos could also be solved."

As Gu Xuanji placed another piece, a smile surfaced on his face. Dongfang Zhao's actions were not much slower. While a section of the white pieces was being decimated, he still played aggressively, without any hint of defense.

"Becoming a Defender Envoy is not so simple. Furthermore, the methods to become a Defender Envoy have always been controlled by the Hidden Heart Pavilion. Your Majesty is well aware that although the Hidden Heart Pavilion is part of the Demon-Subduing Division, to speak frankly, we don't have much control over them. Moreover, the people from Hidden Heart Pavilion are all old sticklers; they might not really be willing to hand over the methods. If we force it, it might cause unnecessary trouble. Your Majesty is a Holy Monarch; you must understand this."

Dongfang Zhao's expression remained calm, and he spoke in an unhurried tone. However, the eunuch serving at the side felt a cold sweat break out on his back.

"What Defender Dongfang says makes sense. It was just a casual remark from me," said Gu Xuanji. His movement in placing the next piece paused slightly; his expression seemed to change, yet it also appeared as if it had never changed at all.

During their conversation, the struggle on the chessboard continued unabated.

Suddenly, Dongfang Zhao placed two pieces on the board, then stood up and bowed. "Your Majesty is superior in this game, and I concede wholeheartedly. There are other matters that require attention in the Demon-Subduing Division, so I shall not stay any longer."

Having said that, he bowed again, stepped back three paces, and then turned to leave.

Gu Xuanji watched him depart without saying anything. The serving eunuch stood motionless, not daring to move. Even though his back was soaked in cold sweat, he still forcibly endured it.

"What do you think of Dongfang Zhao?" Gu Xuanji suddenly asked.

The eunuch was startled at first, then hurriedly replied, "Defender Dongfang is a pillar of the country. I dare not make careless remarks!"

"A pillar of the country!" Gu Xuanji murmured to himself, then smiled. He stood up and walked outside.

"Today, I wish to rest by myself. Unless it is something urgent, I will not meet anyone who comes."

"Yes!"

----

Ji Tianlu was very quick. No sooner had Shen Changqing returned to his residence than someone came to deliver the needed items. The person who came was the somewhat familiar Deng Gu.

"Elder Shen, I have brought all the items you requested," Deng Gu said as he handed a dossier to Shen Changqing.

Shen Changqing took the dossier but did not immediately look through it, instead asking, "Deng Demon Hunter, do you know anything about the fall of the Defender Envoy?"

"Elder Shen is joking. I've just returned to the Demon-Subduing Division myself, only learning about the matter upon hearing others mention it. But in terms of details, I don't know much more than Elder Shen," Deng Gu said, shaking his head with a wry smile.

Seeing this, Shen Changqing did not press further, "I was just asking casually. Since Deng Demon Hunter is not clear on the matter, I'll just look through the dossier. Thank you for personally delivering it."

"It's my duty. I won't bother Elder Shen any longer."

"Take care."

After seeing Deng Gu out, Shen Changqing closed the courtyard gate, then went to sit down in the small pavilion in the courtyard and began to examine the dossier that had been delivered.