Chapter 459: Departure, Su Chen's Boast

Chapter 459: Departure, Su Chen's Boast

The central command tent was spacious and expansive.

In the center was a twenty-five-foot-long rectangular table, specially crafted for assemblies.

The seating arrangement around the table represented the status and identity of each family.

Naturally, the Autumn Clan occupied the highest positions.

Qiu Ruofang sat at the right-hand side of Qiu Xingtian.

There was nothing unusual about these seating arrangements, and no one objected.

However, to Qiu Ruofang's right sat Su Chen.

Seeing Su Chen attending this assembly surprised many powerful cultivators from various sects.

After a moment of realization, their faces turned cold and disdainful.

Some chose suitable seats and sat down, their positions indicating their allegiance.

They were declaring their complete submission to the Autumn Clan.

Even though the Autumn Clan had brought a young man and included him in the assembly, they still expressed their agreement.

At least, they didn't openly oppose it.

After about half a quarter of an hour, those willing to sit had taken their places.

Yet, seven powerful cultivators from various sects remained standing at the side of the tent.

Their faces were cold, and they didn't speak, just staring at Qiu Xingtian.

Seeing this, Su Chen glanced at Qiu Ruofang beside him and stood up, intending to change his seat.

Sitting by her side was too prominent a position.

The powerful cultivators from the major sects wouldn't be able to tolerate it.

As he rose, Qiu Ruofang gently tugged at Su Chen's sleeve.

This small action made it even more challenging for the onlookers to accept.

It suggested that the relationship between Qiu Ruofang and Su Chen might be closer than they had imagined.

Among the many people present, none would want them to get closer.

Several sects were waiting for their young talents to approach and form a close relationship with Qiu Ruofang.

Now, with Su Chen and Qiu Ruofang being so intimate, and even inviting Su Chen to this high-level assembly, it was clear that they were trying to give Su Chen credit and fame.

Such behavior wasn't uncommon in this world.

Especially among major sects and royal families of various nations, these situations were more prevalent.

Royal princes, whose abilities had not yet been recognized by the court and various powers, would be sent on missions alongside others to solve problems.

In essence, they were seeking credit for their accomplishments.

With achievements and reputation, ascending to high positions would attract less gossip.

Observing this scene, the powerful cultivators from the sects subconsciously thought of these circumstances.

Bringing Su Chen along was a way to gain credit for him.

Could Qiu Ruofang genuinely want to recruit Su Chen as a son-in-law for the Autumn Clan?

This situation was something they couldn't accept.

If their disciples didn't get close to Qiu Ruofang, it didn't matter.

But the Autumn Clan couldn't bring in a son-in-law like this.

To prevent these people from spreading rumors, Su Chen had stubbornly remained standing.

He had already moved to the lowest position.

However, seeing this, several elders who hadn't sat down still refused to take their seats.

Wei Huifang from Huayan Sect couldn't help but laugh in anger at Su Chen's actions.

"Sometimes I really can't tell if you're pretending to be stupid or if you genuinely are," Wei Huifang said.

"You don't even have the qualifications to enter this assembly today.

Do you really think you can just move to another seat and sit down?"

As Wei Huifang finished speaking, Qiu Ruofang quickly spoke up in explanation.

"Su Chen's expertise in dealing with monsters surpasses most of us here.

He was invited here for one reason only: to analyze the current crisis on the frontline.

Hearing this, many people scoffed.

"Third Miss, we can see why you invited this young man here.

Although we are old, our eyes are not dimmed.

If you want to give him credit, take it from your own share.

Don't put the credit that belongs to us on his shoulders.

If we find out, we'll demand an explanation, even if it means confronting a Third Rank powerhouse!"

As the words fell, many people around echoed in agreement.

Someone looked at Su Chen with a serious expression and spoke sternly:

"I used to look down on you, but now I genuinely want to ask: What have you done to win over the Third Miss's favor?

If you had such talent in the Martial Way, you might have reached the Third Rank by now.

If you were so capable of dealing with monsters, you should have helped us eliminate these Heavenly Demons during this crisis."

As the conversation continued, the situation became more complicated.

Qiu Xingtian, the commander on the frontline, looked grim.

It was clear that he wasn't willing to compromise, especially when it came to his sister.

He turned his gaze to the side, looking at Su Chen.

It seemed that Su Chen was the one willing to compromise.

"Don't sit there, just stand by Ruofang's side and listen."

Qiu Xingtian's arrangement was a step back.

Qiu Ruofang was somewhat reluctant, but Su Chen didn't want to dwell on these matters and had already walked behind Qiu Ruofang.

Wei Huifang and the others also took this opportunity to sit down.

At this moment, the assembly began to discuss the matter at hand.

Qiu Xingtian shared the news he had heard from Qiu Ruofang with those present.

Combining the information about the Heavenly Demons, who seemed to be showing signs of aging, Qiu Xingtian offered his own conjecture.

The Heavenly Demons in the wilderness were likely seeking something to prolong their lives.

They were already aging and didn't have much time left.

Now that they had the opportunity, they were naturally desperate to fight for it.

Qiu Xingtian's speculations explained many previously incomprehensible issues.

The Heavenly Demons were known for their cautious nature, only daring to venture forward in the Mingying Battlefield.

At other times, they mostly stayed in the rear.

Without absolute safety, they wouldn't easily confront Transcendent Realm warriors.

In the Mingying Battlefield, they were certain that the Demon Emperor was orchestrating things behind the scenes.

But even the Heavenly Demons in the Mingying Battlefield weren't as ferocious and reckless as the ones they were currently facing.

The representatives of the various sects nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

They mostly agreed with most of this conjecture.

At the very least, it was more reasonable than their previous assumptions.

But what good would knowing this do? After explaining his speculation, Qiu Xingtian began to discuss the next plan.

He still advocated for maintaining stability and a defensive stance.

If this approach was taken, the Heavenly Demons in the wilderness would never be completely eliminated.

Knowing the purpose of the Heavenly Demons wasn't of much use either.

The high-ranking members of the various sects at the rectangular table couldn't help but frown.

In their hesitation, Wei Huifang and the others turned their gazes towards Su Chen.

"Isn't this Su friend quite proficient in dealing with monsters?

If he's so capable, why not offer us some suggestions?

Now that we're in the central tent, he must have some abilities.

If he can't provide a clear explanation, and he's just here to claim credit and fame, I suggest he should have some face."

Facing this, Qiu Xingtian furrowed his brows tightly.

Su Chen was invited by Qiu Ruofang.

If he lost face, it would also cause Qiu Ruofang and the Autumn Clan to lose face.

Upon hearing this, Qiu Ruofang remained calm.

She turned back to look at Su Chen, indicating that he could start discussing the response methods.

Su Chen actually wanted to share his ideas with Qiu Ruofang.

He wanted her to explain them to these elders.

But Qiu Ruofang didn't want to take this credit; the others weren't wrong in their guess.

She genuinely wanted to give Su Chen some credit and fame.

In the future, as they grew closer, this credit and fame would serve as evidence to convince others.

Seeing this, Su Chen no longer hesitated and stepped forward slightly.

"The northern region of Jin Kingdom has complex terrain, making it a natural barrier.

This terrain will significantly impact both us and the monsters.

However, relatively speaking, the monsters' keen perception of top-tier warriors makes the terrain more challenging for us.

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Taking the initiative to attack the monsters in the wilderness isn't a good idea; defense is a better choice."

Before Su Chen could finish speaking, he was interrupted after a brief pause.

"If you just agree with the Autumn Clan's second young master, there's no need to repeat it again."

Several people hadn't finished listening to Su Chen and had already started speaking in a sarcastic tone.

But Su Chen ignored them and continued expressing his thoughts.

"Yesterday, at the frontline, I noticed that the traces left by the Heavenly Demons already raised some questions.

The object of their pursuit might already be in their possession.

I don't think the previous attacks were meant to block us.

Instead, they were meant to draw everyone's attention elsewhere.

Seeking stability is a good method, but in the current situation, seeking stability might give those Heavenly Demons ample time."

Su Chen paused slightly after saying this.

The first half of his words were indeed very similar to what Qiu Xingtian had said.

After all, Qiu Xingtian's words were what Su Chen had told Qiu Ruofang, and she had shared them with him.

But the second half was completely different from what everyone had expected.

Su Chen's words weren't in support of seeking stability.

What Su Chen said was that the Heavenly Demons had already found what they were seeking.

They might not be able to take it away or move it.

They could only use it in that location.

To prevent others from approaching and discovering their secret, they launched these sneak attacks.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the tent was stunned for a moment.

Qiu Ruofang had been busy with other matters with Qiu Xingtian all morning, and Su Chen hadn't mentioned these things to her either.

So she, too, was a little surprised.

After a moment of silence in the tent, the elders snapped out of their daze, their faces now carrying a hint of amusement.

"Young man, continue. We want to hear what solution you can offer.

Don't just point out problems without providing a solution.

If that's the case, we'll just think you're spouting nonsense."

Wei Huifang stood up and looked at Su Chen, expecting him to provide a solution.

Many people can identify problems, but offering a solution is the real challenge.

Facing this, Su Chen remained calm.

He had already formulated a response in his mind.

"The Heavenly Demons in the wilderness are quite cunning.

From the traces they leave behind, they seem to be hiding their true intentions.

Their various ambushes and sneak attacks seem to be aimed at penetrating deep into the heart of Jin Kingdom.

But in reality, they've been concealing one direction.

The northeast direction is the one they've been trying to hide.

Heading in that direction, we should be able to find something unusual.

Along the way, we'll undoubtedly encounter various dangers, and they'll continue to persist.

So, we should carefully verify the northeast direction."

Once again, Su Chen didn't finish his sentence before several people around him started to refute.

"The northeast direction?

When giving suggestions, it's best to consider the situation.

We've been at this camp for a day, haven't you inquired about the origin of these Heavenly Demons?

Have any of them come from the northeast side? Moreover, we've already sent people to investigate that direction."

Wei Huifang spoke while waving his hand.

He couldn't bear to listen further.

This gesture was a signal for Su Chen to leave and stop talking.

"Wei Gong is right, this young man speaks with such certainty.

I thought he had some profound insights to share.

But he wants us to investigate the northeast direction, if there's a problem there, our previous investigations should have discovered it already."

Another person in the tent stood up, agreeing with Wei Huifang.

Most of those present considered Su Chen's suggestion absurd.

His initial words had indeed managed to impress them.

The Heavenly Demons have found what they need, and their current actions are to prevent discovery by Jin Kingdom's martial artists.

It must be said that this explanation fooled quite a few people.

And to a large extent, it made sense.

But when Su Chen mentioned the northeast direction, everyone became skeptical.

"Qiu Family's Second Young Master and Third Miss, what do you think of this suggestion? Do you believe there's a problem in the northeast direction?"

Qiu Xingtian, of course, didn't believe it.

He had led several investigations in the northeast direction.

Whether there was a problem or not, he could confirm it himself.

If there was a situation, the previous investigations should have revealed it.

But before he could respond, Qiu Ruofang replied, "I believe it."

Her words caused several elders' faces to twitch.

Their expressions turned sour, as if they were angry.

This time, even Qiu Xingtian didn't side with his sister.

"Ruofang, I personally led the investigation in the northeast wilderness.

If there was something mysterious there, how could we have missed it?

I wasn't the only one leading the team.

There were two or three more trips to check the situation, and none of them found any traces."

Qiu Xingtian's explanation didn't sway Qiu Ruofang's opinion.

"Su Chen wouldn't speak recklessly about matters concerning monsters. Since he's shared this publicly, there must be a reason."

Facing Qiu Ruofang's explanation, Qiu Xingtian's brows furrowed deeper.

"The Heavenly Demons possess intelligence and are incredibly cunning in their actions.

It's normal for a young man to not see the problem. Insisting on this point is rather inappropriate."

Below the tent, Wei Huifang spoke up again.

It seemed that Qiu Xingtian had sided with them, not supporting Qiu Ruofang.

"The situation hasn't been fully resolved, and we don't know who's right or wrong. How am I being unreasonable?

Given the current circumstances, we should take this opportunity to investigate.

Whether there's a problem in the northeast direction or not, we'll find out by going there."

Qiu Ruofang concluded the day's assembly.

Having spent time with Su Chen in the wilderness, she knew his skills in dealing with monsters and predicting their movements.

Moreover, Su Chen rarely boasted.

He was more inclined to humility.

The fact that Su Chen was willing to speak publicly made Qiu Ruofang feel that these insights were well-founded.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end