Human Clan Defender-Chapter 520 -s 259-260: Break and Rebuild (Two-in-One - , Seeking Monthly Votes)_3

Dongfang Zhao didn’t respond to this, merely offering a slight smile. The eunuchs following behind dared not interject.

As they arrived before the Council Hall, Gu Xuanji suddenly stopped. "Recently, urgent reports from South Nether Prefecture have come in, stating that Shimohe has been executed and the Heaven Alliance completely eradicated. The Demon-Subduing Division did well in this matter."

"Eradicating rebellious parties is precisely the duty of the Demon-Subduing Division."

"Regardless of duty, by eliminating the Heaven Alliance, the Demon-Subduing Division has indeed performed a greatly meritorious service. Shen Changqing is very strong. Shimohe illicitly performed a Refinement of South Nether Prefecture’s fortune using an Ancient Secret Method and ascended to the Domain Realm. This act caused frequent natural disasters in South Nether Prefecture, resulting in countless deaths and injuries. Now that Shen Changqing has managed to slay him, I’m afraid his strength might not be inferior to yours!"

Gu Xuanji turned his head to look at Dongfang Zhao.

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Zhao nodded slightly. "In Ancient Times, Demon Evils did not exist, so the number of those in the Domain Realm remains unknown. However, from the intelligence gathered on the battle at Saint Buddha Mountain, it is evident that the Domain Realm does possess strength comparable to that of a Venerable Rank Defender Envoy. Since Shen Changqing was able to slay him, when it comes to strength, even I might not be able to defeat him. Moreover, Martial Artists have long lifespans, unlike the fleeting lives of Defender Envoys. With him around, ensuring the Demon-Subduing Division remains stable for a century will not be a problem."

He was also aware of the Domain Realm; Yi Ning had been the first to relay this news back, allowing him some understanding of matters from Ancient Times.

Great Grandmaster! Domain Realm! Dongfang Zhao even suspected that above the Domain Realm, other, higher Realms might exist. If that were the case, Defender Envoys would truly be unable to rival Martial Artists. Since the establishment of the Demon-Subduing Division, the strongest Defender Envoys have only ever reached the Venerable Rank. Martial Artists in the Domain Realm are already equivalent to Great Demons; breaking through the Domain Realm would undoubtedly mean surpassing the Venerable Rank.

"The Defender Envoy system was devised as an alternative path for those cut off from the Martial Artist heritage. Compared to the thousands, even tens of thousands, of years of exploration and development by Martial Artists, the path of the Defender Envoy is still in its nascent stages, making further advancement exceedingly difficult. The Martial Artist heritage, however, has long been perfected. I believe Shen Changqing must possess such a heritage. For someone of his talent to reach Great Grandmaster is merely a starting point; attaining the Domain Realm and even higher levels should not be a problem for him at all."

"It seems you’ve had this planned for a long time," Gu Xuanji said, looking at Dongfang Zhao with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile.

Dongfang Zhao’s expression remained unchanged. "I do not have much time left, and I must consider what needs to be considered. The Demon-Subduing Division is currently lacking personnel, and having such a strong individual capable of holding the fort alone is incredibly valuable."

"Your point is well taken." Gu Xuanji resumed his steps and walked into the hall. Dongfang Zhao followed him inside. The eunuchs and Attendants, however, remained at the entrance, not entering.

「Inside the hall.」

Both men took their respective seats. Gu Xuanji surveyed the interior and said with a slight smile, "Your Demon-Subduing Division is almost as imposing as My Imperial Palace."

"Your Majesty jests. How could the humble Demon-Subduing Division possibly be compared to the Imperial Palace?"

"Let’s put that aside for now," Gu Xuanji said, changing the subject. "Your Demon-Subduing Division has eradicated the Heaven Alliance. Is there anything you desire?"

Dongfang Zhao spoke gravely, "Yesterday, news arrived from South Nether Prefecture indicating that the Demon-Subduing Division in Baiyue City requires reconstruction, and they are hoping for funds to rebuild. Furthermore, Shen Changqing has stated that his Merit Points are insufficient and hopes for support from the Imperial Court as well. As Your Majesty is aware, my Demon-Subduing Division is currently operating at a loss and lacks the funds to rebuild the Baiyue City branch, let alone spare any Merit Points. If the Imperial Court could offer some assistance, it would be most appreciated."

His words were diplomatic, but the message was clear. Gu Xuanji shook his head with a wry smile. "You are still as frugal as ever. Nevertheless, the Baiyue City Demon-Subduing Division is an institution protecting Great Qin and must be rebuilt. The Imperial Court cannot be parsimonious in this matter. I shall allocate five million taels for the reconstruction of the Baiyue City Demon-Subduing Division and to address any subsequent issues. As for Merit Points, Shen Changqing executed Shimohe and dismantled the Heaven Alliance, a meritorious deed. He shall be awarded ten thousand Merit Points. What do you think, Defender Dongfang?"

"Your Majesty has full authority to decide; how could I dare to object?" Dongfang Zhao replied, avoiding a direct answer.

"Good. Since you see no problem, then it is decided." Gu Xuanji smiled faintly, then his smile faded, and his expression turned serious again. "The matter of South Nether Prefecture can be temporarily set aside. With the Heaven Alliance eradicated, there should be no further issues there for a short while. The two remaining concerns for Great Qin now lie with Great Zhou and the Barbarian Clan. All the armies from the various prefectures have arrived; it is time to place the imperial expedition on the agenda."

An imperial expedition! Dongfang Zhao’s expression also turned solemn. Indeed, as Gu Xuanji had said, compared to the imperial expedition, the situation in South Nether Prefecture was a minor issue.

"News of Your Majesty’s imperial expedition has likely spread far and wide. The Demon Evil Clan has always sought to breach Great Qin’s defenses. If Your Majesty departs, the Demon Evil Clan will undoubtedly seize this opportunity." His voice was heavy.

For the Demon Evil Clan, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Gu Xuanji scoffed. "An opportunity is precisely what I intend to give them. I want to see just how much power these Demon Evils still conceal. The imperial expedition is imperative. Defender Dongfang, do you plan to remain at the Demon-Subduing Division, or will you accompany Me?"

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Zhao fell silent. This was a difficult choice. It wasn’t that he feared death, but rather that the Capital City was also critically important. The seals within the Demon-Subduing Division, in particular, could not afford any mishaps. However, Dongfang Zhao did not immediately refuse.