Chapter 373: Divine Martial Guard

Chapter 373: Divine Martial Guard

Fate is a fickle thing!

To seize it, one must have the strength to do so.

Lacking the necessary power,

attempting to claim such a fortune is nothing but courting death.

Gu Qingfeng's current strength is enough to rank him among the peak of the Ancient Realm. Even if ancient powerhouses were to awaken, they might not be able to pose a threat to him.

Thus,

even if Gu Qingfeng possesses a fortune,

it is not something others can covet.

Fortunately,

the Ancient Qin Family has always maintained a good relationship with the Gu Family.

Furthermore, a direct descendant of the Ancient Qin Family has become a personal disciple under Gu Qingfeng.

Their relationship,

is naturally far from ordinary.

At this moment,

Qin Zhen Tian couldn't help but speak up, "Ancestor, why don't we invite Gu Qingfeng to come? With his strength, he might be able to suppress the demon unrest in the Central Domain."

"This is not something to consider. As long as the Realm Gateway still stands, he will not be able to leave the Eastern Domain!" Qin Xiongdao glanced at him and then shook his head.

Gu Qingfeng is now the Eastern Domain's pillar of stability. Even if he wanted to leave, the Eastern Domain's cultivators would likely not allow it.

After all, without Gu Qingfeng, who could withstand the Demon Clan's onslaught?

If six demon emperors were to attack, it would be a nightmare for the Eastern Domain's cultivators.

Even if the Eastern Domain has some hidden strengths, truly resisting such a force would come at a tremendous cost.

Therefore,

for the time being,

in the Eastern Domain,

Gu Qingfeng is the key.

Despite the current favorable situation in the Eastern Domain, compared to the losses of other major domains, it has been minimized to the extreme.

But this is only because Gu Qingfeng is present to guard it.

Otherwise,

the Eastern Domain's losses would be the most severe among the five major domains.

It's a simple principle.

Just look at what happened a hundred thousand years ago.

During the demon invasion a hundred thousand years ago, the Raksha Demon Emperor led a group of demon powerhouses to wreak havoc in the Eastern Domain. In the end, it was only through the intervention of the Central Domain's Tianyuan Emperor that the demon unrest was truly suppressed.

Otherwise,

the Eastern Domain would have been destroyed long ago.

Qin Zhen Tian fell silent upon hearing this.

He naturally understood that Qin Xiongdao was right.

However, with the Central Domain now facing threats from demons and evil spirits, he couldn't help but think of the Gu Family.

If they could receive aid from the head of the Gu Family, the Ancient Qin Family's pressure would be greatly alleviated.

However,

as Qin Xiongdao said,

as long as the Realm Gateway stands, he will not be able to leave.

Just then,

a streak of light shot over.

Qin Xiongdao reached out and caught it, and a jade token appeared in his palm.

Seeing the bloodstains on the jade token, Qin Xiongdao's brows furrowed. He then immersed his divine consciousness into the token.

A moment later,

Qin Xiongdao's face turned furious, and he clenched his fingers, turning the jade token into dust.

"Ancestor, what has happened?"

"A demon emperor personally attacked our Qin Family's ancient city, and all the cultivators in the city perished!"

Qin Xiongdao's words made Qin Zhen Tian's expression change drastically.

A demon emperor's attack!

This is a serious matter.

Without a strong cultivator to resist, a demon emperor is a true dimension-bending threat to other cultivators.

"Ancestor—"

"I will personally take part in this battle!"

Qin Xiongdao left with these words and headed directly to the front lines, accompanied by the Ancient Qin Family's Imperial Weapon, the Four Symbols Dao Disk.

After all, without the Imperial Weapon, Qin Xiongdao would not be able to truly contend with a demon emperor.

A demon emperor is on par with an Empire Aspirant.

Only by utilizing the power of an Imperial Weapon can one transcend their current rank and battle against a higher one.

---

In Wilted Mountain Immortal City.

Gu Yang entered alone.

"Father!"

"Do you know why I summoned you here?"

"I do not, Father!"

Gu Yang shook his head.

His emotions had been on a rollercoaster recently.

Initially, when he learned that six Demon Emperors had personally arrived in Zhenyao Immortal City, Gu Yang was deeply shaken, fearing that Gu Qingfeng alone might not be able to withstand the might of the Demon Clan.

However, before Gu Yang could make any arrangements, more good news came.

Gu Qingfeng, through his own efforts, had slain four Demon Emperors and severely wounded two more.

Not only that, but he had also led the demon suppression army directly into the You Mo Realm.

Everything happened so quickly that Gu Yang was completely caught off guard.

When he saw Gu Qingfeng again, his respect for him grew even more profound.

Every time Gu Yang thought he had a clear understanding of Gu Qingfeng's strength, he would reveal even more formidable power, refreshing his perception.

Now, if Gu Qingfeng were to claim he was an Emperor, Gu Yang would have no doubt.

Therefore, when Gu Qingfeng sent a message, Gu Yang promptly came to Wilted Mountain Sacred Ground.

"Here, take these!"

With a flick of his sleeve, Gu Qingfeng made four blood-stained inner cores appear before Gu Yang.

As Gu Yang's gaze fell on the inner cores, a terrifying imperial aura erupted, overwhelming him with a mountainous and oceanic pressure that made his face pale.

"Is this... a Demon Emperor Core!?"

Gu Yang's voice trembled, his eyes filled with disbelief.

The energy contained within the four inner cores was so formidable that even at his current half-saint level, he felt an overwhelming sense of oppression.

The traces of blood on them exuded a world-destroying aura.

Such an aura, even in the slightest trace, could suppress the Palace of Dao Realm and crush mountains and rivers.

Gu Yang had once faced a Saint-level expert, but the aura of such a powerful being paled in comparison to the inner cores before him.

Thus, Gu Yang immediately recognized them as Demon Emperor Cores.

Gu Qingfeng nodded. "You are correct. These are the inner cores of the four Demon Emperors. Such cores are of no use to me. At present, the Divine Martial Empire lacks top-tier experts, and these four Demon Emperor Cores are sufficient to cultivate a batch of powerful warriors.

However, there is one crucial point to remember: under no circumstances should anyone attempt to refine a Demon Emperor Core alone, as they will surely be invaded by the residual consciousness of the Demon Emperor."

As he spoke, Gu Qingfeng's expression became increasingly stern.

Demon inner cores inherently contain residual consciousness. Attempting to refine too many without special methods can easily lead to the invasion of the Shen Hun, causing one to become mad and bloodthirsty.

This is even more true for Demon Emperor Cores.

At such a level, even Saints dare not refine them rashly, for they would certainly be unable to withstand the residual consciousness of a Demon Emperor.

However, this also underscores the power of a Demon Emperor Core.

"Father, on behalf of the court, I thank you!"

Gu Yang took a deep breath and bowed.

He naturally understood the significance of the four Demon Emperor Cores.

To put it simply, the terrifying energy contained within each core is enough to cultivate a million Ninth Stage of Divine Transformation cultivators.

This is no exaggeration.

A Demon Emperor is a powerful being on par with an Empire Aspirant, whose single drop of blood can suppress a galaxy. The inner core left behind by such an existence is, of course, a tremendous boon for others.

Even a fraction of the power of a Demon Emperor Core can easily burst a half-saint cultivator.

Therefore, if utilized properly, a single Demon Emperor Core could conservatively cultivate a million Ninth Stage of Divine Transformation cultivators.

Four demon inner cores.

They could allow the Divine Martial Empire to have four to five million peak Ninth Stage of Divine Transformation cultivators.

Such a group of cultivators, if formed into an army, would be the elite of the elite, capable of laying a solid foundation for the Divine Martial Empire and giving it the qualifications to sweep through the entire Eastern Domain.

Afterward,

Gu Yang said, "I plan to leave one Demon Emperor Core for the Wilted Mountain Immortal City. The Demon Suppression Bureau and the other city guards have fought against demons for many years, and they deserve to be a priority for the court's cultivation."

"Decide as you see fit."

Gu Qingfeng nodded and did not overly interfere with these matters.

Gu Qingfeng rarely concerned himself with court affairs.

Half a day later,

Gu Yang summoned Jiang Nanfeng to the Demon Suppression Bureau residence.

"Your servant Jiang Nanfeng pays respects to Your Majesty!"

The commander of the Demon Suppression Bureau showed utmost respect, not daring to be the slightest bit impolite.

Gu Yang looked at him and smiled slightly, "Commander Jiang has defended the Immortal City for many years, and all your deeds are seen by this emperor. A person like you is a pillar of the court!"

"This is merely my duty, and I dare not claim any credit!"

Jiang Nanfeng replied with utmost humility.

Gu Yang waved his hand and said with a light smile, "If I say you have merit, then you have merit. Tell me, apart from the Demon Suppression Bureau, how many troops are there in the former Zhenyao Immortal City and the current Wilted Mountain Immortal City?"

"Your Majesty, there are now around 1.3 million troops in both Immortal Cities combined!"

Jiang Nanfeng answered without hesitation.

Initially,

The number of troops was naturally more than 1.3 million.

But after years of battles, many had fallen in the city of war, leaving the remaining 1.3 million as capable and elite soldiers.

Gu Yang nodded and said, "These 1.3 million troops will all be incorporated into the demon suppression army, under your command!"

"Your servant obeys Your Majesty's command!"

Jiang Nanfeng was delighted and immediately accepted the order with a bow.

Incorporating 1.3 million troops into the demon suppression army would significantly enhance the strength and foundation of the Demon Suppression Bureau.

As the commander of the Demon Suppression Bureau, Jiang Nanfeng could not possibly refuse such a boon.

Moreover,

These 1.3 million troops were seasoned veterans, far superior to ordinary new recruits.

Subsequently, Gu Yang took out a Demon Emperor Core and handed it to Jiang Nanfeng.

"This is a Demon Emperor Core. You can use its power to enhance the strength of all the demon suppression army. I have only one requirement: within a year, all 1.4 million troops must reach at least the Ninth Stage of Divine Transformation!"

Gu Yang instructed solemnly.

If 1.4 million troops could all reach the Ninth Stage of Divine Transformation, it would greatly benefit the Divine Martial Empire.

After all, the improvement of the nation's fortune depends not only on the common people but also on the strength of the cultivators.

If the number of common people is sufficient and the strength of the cultivators is generally improved, then the fortune of the Divine Martial Empire will naturally grow.

Of course,

The improvement of the nation's fortune is never determined by a single individual but by the overall comprehensive enhancement.

The improvement of a single person's strength has a very limited impact on the nation's fortune.

Otherwise,

With Gu Qingfeng's strength alone, he could elevate the Divine Martial Empire to an imperial dynasty in no time.

Therefore,

If the 1.4 million troops of the demon suppression army all reach the Ninth Stage of Divine Transformation, it would significantly boost the fortune of the Divine Martial Empire.

"Demon Emperor Core—"

Jiang Nanfeng's face lit up with an uncontrollable fervor as he gazed at the supreme treasure before him. He could hardly believe that the imperial court would entrust such a priceless item to the Demon Suppression Bureau.

Without delay,

Jiang Nanfeng solemnly put away the Demon Emperor Core and then clasped his fists, saying,

"Your Majesty, rest assured. With just one year, I will ensure that the entire 1.4 million-strong demon suppression army will all break through to the Ninth Stage of Divine Transformation!"

In the past, Jiang Nanfeng would not have had such confidence.

Not even in a hundred years.

He would not have dared to guarantee that the 1.4 million-strong demon suppression army could all reach the Ninth Stage of Divine Transformation.

After all, unless someone was a prodigy of unparalleled talent, it would take an enormous amount of resources for an ordinary person to advance to the Ninth Stage of Divine Transformation within a century.

But now, things were different.

A single Demon Emperor Core was enough to solve all the problems.

The energy contained within such a core was hundreds of times more powerful than the resources of an entire imperial treasury.

In this situation,

With the Demon Emperor Core at his disposal, Jiang Nanfeng had every confidence in boosting the strength of the 1.4 million-strong demon suppression army.

Seeing Jiang Nanfeng make this promise, Gu Yang was pleased. He then left the Demon Suppression Bureau.

With the demon suppression army's issue resolved,

Gu Yang's next task was to deal with the remaining three Demon Emperor Cores.

Any supreme treasure must be converted into strength to be truly useful.

Otherwise,

If a supreme treasure is left idle, it is no different from a piece of waste.

Therefore, upon returning to the Divine Martial Empire, Gu Yang first summoned Gu Yi and handed one of the Demon Emperor Cores to him, instructing him to enhance the strength of the Imperial Guards and the entire Shadow Guard.

The Imperial Guards were the visible blade of the court, while the Shadow Guard served as Gu Yang's secret eyes and ears. Their strength needed to be bolstered.

Next,

It was the turn of the Heaven Patrol Guard.

However, the numbers of both the Imperial Guards and the Heaven Patrol Guard were not large, so a single Demon Emperor Core was more than sufficient.

For this reason,

Gu Yang convened a meeting with his other ministers to discuss the matter.

In the end,

Gu Yang made the final decision.

He would recruit elite soldiers from each of the armies and form the true elite force of the Divine Martial Empire.

"From each army and each camp, select a portion of the best soldiers to form the Divine Martial Guard. I initially plan for the Divine Martial Guard to have around three million members!"

"Prince Gu Shengan can serve as the commander of the Divine Martial Guard, overseeing the imperial guard army!"

Gu Yang ordered someone to draft an edict, appointing Gu Shengan as the commander of the Divine Martial Guard.

After all, the three million-strong Divine Martial Guard was the most crucial trump card of the Divine Martial Empire. This army must be absolutely loyal to the court.

It wasn't that Gu Yang did not trust the others; the royal family's interests were better secured with Mai Xue.

Thus,

After much consideration,

Gu Shengan was deemed the most suitable to command the Divine Martial Guard.

The others, though they might have felt some regret in their hearts, could only obey and did not dare to voice any objections.

They knew very well that even if they opposed, it would not change the fact that Gu Shengan would command the Divine Martial Guard.

On the contrary,

Opposing at this moment would only incur the wrath of the second prince.

Given this, no one was willing to be the one to cause trouble.

It was better to go along with the decision, if not to do Gu Shengan a favor, at least to avoid offending him. (End of Chapter)

Chapter end