Human Clan Defender-Chapter 409 -s 174 to 175 The Strong Outer, The Hollow Inside (Two-in-One - , Asking for Monthly Pass)

Chapter 409: Chapters 174 to 175 The Strong Outer, The Hollow Inside (Two-in-One Chapter, Asking for Monthly Pass)

"Where has the Heaven Alliance reached now?"

Inside South Sea City, Yun Venerable, who should have been in secluded cultivation to heal, had personally come out to oversee the situation. There was no other choice.

Baiyue City had actually fallen, and his old friend Yuan Ji had even died at Shimohe’s hands. This news had completely stunned him.

Regarding personal strength, Yun Venerable believed he wasn’t much stronger than Yuan Ji.

At the same time, when it came to the Demon-Subduing Division’s overall power, South Sea City was no stronger than Baiyue City.

Now, with Baiyue City breached and Yuan Ji killed in action, the Heaven Alliance’s massive army was on the verge of reaching South Sea City. It would be impossible to claim he wasn’t nervous.

If not for his pride, Yun Venerable would have already planned to lead the Demon-Subduing Division’s forces in a temporary retreat to avoid the brunt of the Heaven Alliance’s advance.

Hearing his inquiry, Luo Jin, the Steward of the Heavenly Inspection Guard of South Sea City, responded with a clasped fist, "After the Heaven Alliance breached Baiyue City, they barely paused, continuing towards South Sea City with formidable momentum. So far, several cities under South Sea City’s jurisdiction have fallen. However, in many of the conquered cities, only Imperial Court personnel and those who resisted were slain. The rest of the populace was unharmed."

"Shimohe truly regards South Nether Prefecture as his own possession!" Yun Venerable’s eyes turned cold. The enemy’s actions are undoubtedly aimed at winning the people’s hearts. Attacking Great Qin’s cities but only killing resisters and Imperial Court officials, leaving the common folk untouched—it’s a blatant attempt to curry favor. If this news spreads, resistance in the various cities will only weaken. After all, the Heaven Alliance’s momentum is too overwhelming. When faced with the inevitable, I believe few would willingly fight to the death. Only in a situation of certain death would they swear to resist to the end. Tactics like those of the Heaven Alliance can significantly undermine the morale of the cities.

Yun Venerable then asked again, "Is there any news of support from Mountain-Breaking City yet?"

"No news for the time being."

"What on earth is Ji Tianlu thinking?" Yun Venerable felt it was utterly absurd. "Could he be planning to wait for South Sea City to fall before consolidating all forces to resist the Heaven Alliance’s offensive? We’ve reached this stage, yet Mountain-Breaking City still hasn’t made a move." He couldn’t help but wonder if Ji Tianlu had already defected to the enemy, which would explain why he sat back and watched the Heaven Alliance conquer city after city. However, such thoughts were merely wild speculation. Yun Venerable himself was very clear: Ji Tianlu would never betray them.

At this moment, a bird flew in from outside.

Luo Jin extended his hand, and the bird obediently settled on his palm. He then removed the bamboo tube tied to its leg. With a wave of his hand, the bird dutifully flew away.

Inside the main hall, all eyes fell upon Luo Jin. Carrier birds were one of the communication tools used by the Heavenly Inspection Guard. At this critical juncture, any news could pertain to the very survival of South Sea City.

Under everyone’s gaze, Luo Jin opened the bamboo tube and read its contents. His expression changed dramatically.

"What happened?" Yun Venerable asked solemnly. He had a sinking feeling.

Luo Jin lowered the bamboo tube, his expression grave. "The news is from the Capital City. Firstly, the Eternal Alliance Master has been identified as Martial Emperor, the Martial Hall Master. He has now betrayed the Demon-Subduing Division and has been formally expelled."

"Martial Emperor has betrayed us!" Yun Venerable’s heart lurched. He was of the same generation as Ji Tianlu and also knew Martial Emperor. This news dealt him a significant blow.

However, with South Sea City’s situation so dire, Yun Venerable was more concerned about the rest of the message than Martial Emperor’s betrayal. "What else?"

"Martial Pavilion Elder Shen Changqing has become the new Martial Hall Master, and—"

"And what?"

"And the Imperial Court has issued a decree appointing Shen Changqing as the Defender Envoy of South Nether Prefecture, granting him the authority to make decisions on all matters within the prefecture!" Luo Jin’s expression was somber, and his voice held evident disbelief as he spoke of this. Since the establishment of South Nether Prefecture, there has never been a Defender Envoy. This isn’t unique to South Nether Prefecture; none of the other eight prefectures in Great Qin have a prefectural Defender Envoy either.

Yun Venerable murmured to himself, "What Defender Envoy of South Nether Prefecture? This is clearly the Prefect of South Nether Prefecture! His Majesty is willing to pay such a great price just to win over Shen Changqing. Is his strength truly that formidable?"

It was incredible, yet he had to believe it. The news from the Capital City couldn’t be false, and the Imperial Court wouldn’t make such appointments recklessly. Now that the appointment had been made, it signified one thing: Shen Changqing truly possessed the strength and qualifications to serve as the Defender Envoy of South Nether Prefecture.

Not only was Yun Venerable shocked, but Xiang Yuan, who had delivered earlier news, and the other Defenders in South Sea City were also visibly astounded.

Luo Jin said, "It is said that Defender Dongfang holds Shen Changqing’s strength in extremely high regard. Furthermore, according to this message, he is another powerhouse who has reached the Grandmaster Realm, much like Shimohe. Such an expert might genuinely possess the strength to contend with Shimohe; it’s not out of the question."

"Let’s hope so!" Yun Venerable shook his head slightly. Shen Changqing is in Mountain-Breaking City, but with no news currently arriving from there, I can’t be certain what actions the newly appointed Defender Envoy of South Nether Prefecture will take.

At his side, Fei Yun remarked, "Since Shen Changqing is the Defender Envoy of South Nether Prefecture, he certainly won’t allow South Sea City to fall."