Human Clan Defender-Chapter 423 -s 181-182 Great Wilderness Ghost Hand (Combined - , Seeking Monthly Votes)_2

Riding Tiankui, whose speed was no less than that of a Grandmaster traveling at full tilt—especially given its ability to fly, which saved many unnecessary detours—Shen Changqing returned to Mountain-Breaking City in only about a day.

After returning to Mountain-Breaking City, he immediately sought out Ji Tianlu and the others.

In the great hall, several Defender Envoys from Mountain-Breaking City, along with Fu Lan, had all gathered. The difference was that the familiar Xun Qu had been replaced by an unfamiliar face. This was Mu Qing, the third Defender Envoy of Mountain-Breaking City: a middle-aged man who, despite his apparent age, possessed a refined and handsome appearance.

Mu Qing had already been stationed outside when Shen Changqing arrived, so this was Shen Changqing’s first time meeting him in person.

However, upon laying eyes on Mu Qing, his mind involuntarily conjured up the latter’s name and identity.

"This must be Defender Mu Qing!" Shen Changqing said.

"Mu Qing greets Defender Shen!" Mu Qing responded with a smile, performing a fist and palm salute. He was often stationed externally and had rotated back this time, with Xun Qu taking over his duties outside, which finally gave him the opportunity to return to Mountain-Breaking City. As it turned out, Shen Changqing had departed just after Mu Qing returned. Mu Qing had thought he wouldn’t have a chance to meet Shen Changqing anytime soon. Yet, unexpectedly, only a few days had passed before an opportunity to meet arose.

Shen Changqing returned a slight smile. "I have long heard of Defender Mu’s esteemed name. It is a great honor to finally meet you today."

"Defender Shen, you’re too kind!" Mu Qing replied with a smile.

After these brief introductions, Shen Changqing went straight to the point. "I won’t beat around the bush. I trust you all are aware of the situation in South Gate City?"

"The Heavenly Inspection Guard has already relayed the news," Ji Tianlu responded. South Gate City was not far from Mountain-Breaking City, and the Heavenly Inspection Guard had methods for delivering urgent reports. Thus, the news had arrived well before Shen Changqing’s return.

The moment he received the information, Ji Tianlu had been somewhat shocked. He hadn’t expected Shen Changqing to visit South Gate City so quickly, much less make an agreement with Shimohe in the blink of an eye. This was not how he had envisioned events unfolding.

"Defender Shen," Ji Tianlu’s brow furrowed, "regarding your agreement with Shimohe for a battle one year from now, are you absolutely confident?"

Ceding South Nether Prefecture was no small matter. If Shen Changqing won, all would be well; but if he lost, the repercussions would be significant. Even if his opponent was a Great Grandmaster, the Imperial Court would not easily let the matter rest.

"What happens in a year, we’ll discuss in a year," Shen Changqing stated calmly. "Currently, South Nether Prefecture is already overrun with Demon Evil. With the Heaven Alliance stirring up trouble, the situation will only descend into greater chaos. I have already ordered the forces in South Sea City to launch a full-scale operation to eradicate all Demon Evil within their jurisdiction. Next, Mountain-Breaking City must do the same."

He continued, "Additionally, I require the case files for all incidents over the years suspected to be the work of Demon Evil where their trails went cold."

"Understood," Ji Tianlu replied without hesitation.

Seeing this, Shen Changqing said, "Within three months, I want to ensure that not a single Demon Evil remains within Mountain-Breaking City’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, all sects must remain vigilant. If there is any sign of a sect attempting to relocate en masse, they are to be intercepted immediately. If they attempt to leave without authorization, they are to be treated as rebels and suppressed by force."

"No problem," Ji Tianlu nodded again. He understood this approach was aimed at preventing any more sects from defecting to the Heaven Alliance. Although this would inevitably cause some backlash, it was clear Defender Shen wouldn’t be concerned about such minor resistance. Therefore, Ji Tianlu didn’t waste his breath arguing.

"When I was in South Sea City, I forgot to inform Yun Venerable of something," Shen Changqing said, making his final decision. "Please relay this message to South Sea City as well: as long as no sects attempt to relocate, they are not to be interfered with for the time being. For the next three months, the primary focus must be on exterminating Demon Evil. All other matters are secondary."

Deal with the Demon Evil problem first, then attend to other matters. How can one deal with external threats if there is no stability within?

As for the Demon-Subduing Division’s efforts leading to a complete eradication of Demon Evil, Shen Changqing harbored no illusions that this would permanently rid South Nether Prefecture of the creatures. If Demon Evil could be so easily annihilated, they wouldn’t have caused Great Qin so much trouble for so long. Having the Demon-Subduing Division undertake the purge was merely a short-term measure to minimize the devastation caused by the rampant Demon Evil.

Once the Heaven Alliance was dealt with and the Demon-Subduing Prison was successfully constructed, new methods could be employed to deal with any Demon Evil that caused further harm. Shen Changqing had prepared for all of this well in advance.

"Furthermore, I need to leave the South Nether Prefecture Demon-Subduing Division for a period to return to the Capital City. If any issues arise, I’ll have to trouble Defender Ji to coordinate with South Sea City. I don’t ask you to achieve great merits, only to ensure no blunders occur."

In a spacious secret chamber, dim candlelight flickered on the walls. The flames, which should have burned normally, cast an eerie, oily green glow, instilling an irrepressible chill deep within.

Intricate, eye-dazzling patterns were carved into the floor, emitting an unusual light as they converged at a central point. A black mist slowly rose from this spot. Suddenly, a crimson color emerged from within the black mist. Looking closely, one could vaguely discern that the crimson color was, in fact, a gaze. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Before the black mist, the Martial Emperor, now wearing a new mask, stood with his head bowed in reverence. "Martial Emperor greets you, Master!"