https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-735-Seizing-the-Fire-Dragon-Chariot-Again/13466015/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-737-You-Should-Know-Why-I-Can-Bear-the-Name-of-Nan-Huang/13466017/
Chapter 736: The Eve of the Southern Continent's Final Battle
Chapter 736: The Eve of the Southern Continent's Final Battle
Chapter 736: The Eve of the Southern Continent's Final Battle
The Great Southern Continent, Luli Prefecture.
This city was situated in the middle of the twenty-seven prefectures. Logically, even if the Southern Continent were to fall to the demons, it would be one of the last places to suffer.
However, all three Southern Guard Generals were currently stationed here.
This indirectly proved that the Southern Continent was no longer as it once was, where these three officials had to travel and oversee different areas to prevent any unexpected incidents. Now, they needed to gather their full strength, ready to respond to the greatest danger as quickly as possible.
It was midday.
Yang Mingli and Yan Lanting were poring over ancient, tattered texts. These records detailed the long-ago demon calamities of the Southern Continent. After traversing the vast expanse of time, they could gradually piece together the traces of the indigo figure from the fragmented information.
Finding the Southern Emperor's weaknesses through these ancient records was naturally very difficult.
Even if they did find something, it might not be applicable to the current Southern Emperor.
But with the imperial court's delayed response and the lack of any reinforcements, the two old men had no choice but to resort to this desperate measure. It was their last resort.
Just then, Feng Xi hurried in from outside, holding two letters in her hand. "The Imperial Capital has replied."
Despite this being something they had been waiting for, the beautiful woman showed no sign of joy on her face.
She gently placed the opened letter on the table. The letter bore the seal of the Divine Department.
The two elders raised their eyes in unison, their gazes swiftly scanning the words on the page, and then they both furrowed their brows simultaneously.
The Divine Department's reply was impeccable.
The letter praised the current stable situation in the Great Southern Continent and lavished generous commendations on the Southern Guard Generals, leaving no room for criticism.
However, the problem was that it did not mention sending reinforcements or any substantial rewards for the Nanyang General.
It was merely a formal letter.
"Hmph."
Before Yan Lanting could speak, Yang Mingli closed the ancient text in his hands and said with a forced smile, "This is not the emperor's usual way of doing things."
The emperor who dared to stake the Divine Dynasty on the table and gamble with the Celestial Court would never be so stingy with such trivial matters.
"It can't be that the Divine Department has kept our Southern Continent's resources for themselves", Yan Lanting raised an eyebrow.
It was well-known that the Divine Department was founded by the emperor himself, and even the imperial court could not interfere in its affairs. Lin Shuya, the head of the Divine Department, was the emperor's closest confidant, personally promoted to his current high position. There was no doubt about his loyalty.
These people would never have the audacity to betray the emperor.
"That's strange", Yang Mingli smacked his lips, a hint of confusion in his eyes. According to the content of the reply, the emperor certainly did not blame Nanyang, but the actual actions were hard to understand.
"Look at this."
Feng Xi's face was cold as she placed the second letter on the table.
This letter bore no seal and had no signature, clearly not an official document. However, since it was sent with the Divine Department's letter, the writer could only be Lin Shuya.
"Your efforts in guarding the Southern Continent are well-recognized. After reading your letters, I was both pleasantly surprised and deeply troubled. Someone has inexplicably escalated the situation, making it impossible to resolve."
"After much consideration, if it cannot be resolved, why risk lives needlessly?"
"While you must remain steadfast in your duties, remember to preserve your lives for the sake of the court. If the worst should come to pass, return to the Imperial Capital. I believe the emperor will not hold it against you."
After reading the content of the letter, the two elders fell silent.
If this letter was indeed from Lin Shuya, its value was immense, enough to save the lives of the three Southern Guard Generals.
In the current situation, to be given a way out was something that anyone would have to admire Lin Shuya's righteousness.
"Keep it well, for your own protection."
Yan Lanting picked up the letter and tried to stuff it into Yang Mingli's hands.
"Keep it yourself, old man!"
Yang Mingli irritably slapped away the old man's hand. At a time like this, he still had to be so petty. He wondered if all those years of cultivation had gone to the dogs.
He stood up abruptly. "What a load of nonsense about 'it cannot be resolved.'"
On the surface, the Great Southern Continent seemed stable, but when the time came, they would indeed feel helpless, which was why they had requested reinforcements from the imperial court.
However, the phrase "someone has inexplicably escalated the situation" and the deliberate mention of "the three of you" in the letter sounded like it was trying to sow discord.
Three? There were four Southern Guard Generals in the Great Southern Continent.
The missing one was, of course, that "someone."
"From the moment the teachings were passed, it was already deemed impossible. Back then, he was just a titled general."
"But now, he is still here, and the Great Southern Continent seems to be improving under his watch."
The Divine Department is the most trusted agency of the Human Emperor, and Lin Shuya, who controls the Divine Department, is not exaggerating when he is called the second most powerful person in the land.
However, his personal letter now lay lightly on the ground, trampled underfoot by Yang Mingli.
Faced with this supposed fallback, the three of them didn't even give it a second glance.
As for what to do if the situation becomes hopeless, as Yang Mingli had said earlier, that person is still in the Great Southern Continent. A young prodigy who just joined the Demon Slayer Bureau isn't afraid to take risks, so why should they, a group of old men with no future prospects, hesitate to stay and face the challenge?
...
Inside the Luli Prefecture government office.
As two figures stepped in, a chorus of respectful greetings echoed throughout.
"Lord Nanyang!"
"Lord Nanyang!"
Whether they were ordinary officials or officers of the Demon Slayer Bureau, all of them paused their work and bowed respectfully.
Over time, what had happened that night when the three Southern Guard Generals were stationed in Songfeng Prefecture had spread throughout the Great Southern Continent.
The terrifying chasm that might take many years to repair was proof of the demon lords' formidable power. However, the unscathed city of Jianyang Prefecture revealed just how terrifying Lord Nanyang was.
Rumors also circulated that since this general's appearance, the demons and evil spirits had been intimidated by his reputation, and the entire Southern Continent had not seen any demon-related incidents in a long time.
In contrast to the tragic news from the other three continents, the current peace and prosperity here seemed all the more precious.
"..."
Yue Lan, following behind Shen Yi, noticed the unrestrained joy on the faces of her colleagues and couldn't help but look at Shen Yi's side profile.
The current situation could be said to be entirely dependent on this one person.
But the situation was not as smooth as her colleagues thought. The true calamity in the Southern Continent had yet to be averted. If anything went wrong, these smiles would quickly turn into the despair of those about to die.
"Grandmaster!"
Amidst the uniform greetings, a different voice suddenly emerged.
Shen Yi's steps paused, and he turned to look.
A youthful, innocent face greeted him. The young man, dressed in official attire, clenched his fists tightly, his excitement making him seem like a child.
"Qingfeng?"
A faint smile appeared on Shen Yi's face.
Since their parting at the land temple, he hadn't seen his old friend in a long time.
"Introduced by the land god, I now work in the government office."
Li Qingfeng quickly ran up, introducing himself while carefully examining the young man before him from head to toe. He then rubbed his reddened face and sighed in relief, "It really is you!"
Lord Nanyang's reputation was well-known, but specific details were scarce.
Based on the description of the black robe and handsome appearance, as well as his decisive and resolute actions, and the familiar title, Li Qingfeng somehow felt that this Lord Nanyang matched the image of Master Shen in his memory.
However, the gap between them was too great.
On one side, there was a native of Hongze who had just entered the Divine Dynasty, and on the other, a great figure who had saved the Southern Continent from chaos.
The difference in cultivation was immense, from the Dao Realm to the lofty realms of gods, Buddhas, and Immortal Lords, making Li Qingfeng feel that his guess was absurd.
But today, finally seeing the real person, Li Qingfeng felt his face tingle.
That formidable figure who dominated the Treasure Land of Nanyang was still standing tall in the vast expanse of the Divine Dynasty, moving the hearts of millions!
"Master and senior sisters have all found good futures."
"Even Baiwei, who placed in the top hundred in the sect competition, was taken as a disciple by a Seventh Rank True Immortal, who praised her for her talent."
Li Qingfeng chattered on, following the two.
Yue Lan was confused, not understanding why a True Immortal would be called a senior, and even less understanding why placing in the top hundred in an unknown minor sect's outer sect was something to be praised.
After all, in such a minor sect, even seeing one of the eight peaks of Shen Xu Mountain would be a lifelong dream, let alone any of the hundreds of surrounding peaks.
However, she noticed that Shen Yi was listening intently, without any sign of being dismissive.
What Yue Lan didn't know was...
The so-called master and senior sisters were only at the Reversion to the Void stage, not even reaching the Dao Union stage, and thus not among the Nine Ranks. As for Baiwei, she was just a Qi Practitioner.
To be recognized by a Seventh Rank True Immortal would be like being favored by the heavens in Hongze. It was indeed something to be celebrated.
"And the little junior sister."
Li Qingfeng mentioned another familiar face, sighing, "She refused to join the Immortal Sect and instead followed a demon slayer to learn skills, hoping to one day join the Demon Slayer Bureau..."
Ever since the imperial court issued the demon-slaying decree, the Demon Slayer Bureau was no longer a secret.
Even a minor official like Li Qingfeng could grasp the gist of it.
What amazed him was that while he had merely speculated that the Nanyang General was the sect leader, his young junior sister had been so certain and followed without hesitation.
After finishing his story about Jiang Qiulan, Li Qingfeng finally noticed his dry mouth and throat, and he rubbed his head in embarrassment. "You know, Sect Leader, I have a tendency to chat. Plus, this office is so dull, so I often like to send messages to them..."
"Good for you."
Shen Yi's lips curled into a slight smile. This acting sect leader was far more competent than he was.
"You go ahead and get busy." Li Qingfeng also noticed several important figures approaching from the other end of the corridor.
"We'll catch up later."
Shen Yi nodded and watched as Li Qingfeng left, then turned his attention back.
"Why did he call you Sect Leader? Which sect?"
Yue Lan's eyes were full of curiosity, and she finally found the opportunity to ask. Although she had known that Shen Yi had fled to the Divine Dynasty after causing trouble in Hongze, she had never probed into the specifics. She never imagined there was such a backstory.
"Nanyang Sect."
Shen Yi walked toward the Southern Guard Generals who had been waiting for a while.
Hearing this name, Yue Lan was momentarily stunned.
In that instant, she finally understood why Shen Yi, despite knowing he owed nothing to the Divine Dynasty, was unwilling to leave.
Nanyang Sect, Nanyang General.
The disciples of his sect were now either practicing in small sects, serving in the government, or hoping to join the Demon Slayer Bureau. Regardless of what they were doing, they were all in the Great Southern Continent.
If the Southern Continent were to fall, what would happen to these people?
As the sect leader, he had to stand in front of his disciples. The reason she had never understood was, in fact, so simple and straightforward.
"Welcome back."
Yan Lanting looked at the young man before him with satisfaction. The three Southern Guard Generals wore smiles, but none of them mentioned the Divine Dynasty's response.
They did not want the Nanyang General to feel that they had no choice but to stay because of him.
As Southern Guard Generals, they should not have any notion of retreat.
Otherwise, what did the word "Southern" signify?
"Actually, we went through some old records and found that the problem might not be as daunting as we thought."
Yang Mingli continued, "According to these scrolls, the Southern Emperor is cautious by nature and never acts without a plan. Even at his most confident, when he clashed with the Three Immortal Sect, he only dared to retaliate against the minor forces left behind, not even the sect members. And after that, he immediately prepared to flee."
As he spoke, Wushan, who had been standing quietly nearby, suddenly twitched his face. He pressed his lips together but said nothing, lowering his head again.
"Based on my analysis, the demon race has suffered significant losses in their consecutive invasions of the Southern Continent. Given its nature, it is highly likely to abandon this plan rather than retaliate out of anger, as we might have thought."
Yang Mingli grew more confident as he spoke.
Although he had never directly confronted the Southern Emperor, his years of experience allowed him to deduce certain things from the historical records.
"Your predictions have never been right."
Yan Lanting lightly shot back.
"You old geezer..." Yang Mingli was so angry that he sputtered, but he couldn't deny the truth. "This time, this time is different!"
Desperately, he turned to Shen Yi, hoping for some support.
"This time is the same."
Shen Yi smiled gently, walked past the three, and patted Wushan's shoulder.
He then sobered and said calmly, "It will definitely come."
As he spoke, the image of the emaciated figure in white robes from Mount Sumeru floated in Shen Yi's mind.
The Great Liberation World-Purifying Bodhisattva, a ruthless figure who dared to command the Bodhisattvas to challenge a True Deity, would never allow the Southern Emperor to return to the wilderness.
"..."
The three Southern Guard Generals fell silent, their faces pale.
Everyone knew that, unlike Yang Mingli, the Nanyang General's judgments had never been wrong.
This meant they would ultimately have to face the ancient demon lord who had lived for countless ages.
"Please be cautious."
With that, Shen Yi left the government office.
Wushan, left behind, stared blankly at his shoulder... No, why did he pat my shoulder? It's as if the Southern Emperor is my doing!
(End of Chapter)
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