Human Clan Defender-Chapter 556 - 283 Zhou Pass (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Chapter 556: Chapter 283 Zhou Pass (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Shen Changqing!

Which Shen Changqing?

For a moment, many inside the tent were baffled, but they quickly came to their senses. In the current world, there should be quite a few people named Shen Changqing. But if it’s someone dispatched on an official mission, there could be only one.

Defender Envoy of South Nether Prefecture!

Shen Changqing!

All of a sudden, the expressions of many changed slightly. Nowadays, there were not many who had not heard of his name. Towards such a powerful person, they felt both reverence and a great deal of curiosity in their hearts.

At the main seat, Gu Xuanji was also somewhat surprised. He wasn’t surprised that Shen Changqing had come, but that he had arrived so quickly. If he remembered correctly, it had only been a few days since the message was sent. For the news to reach South Nether Prefecture and for Shen Changqing to come from there, it wasn’t something ordinary people could do at such speed. In Gu Xuanji’s estimation, even if Shen Changqing were to come, it should have taken several more days. However, although he was surprised, he did not show it.

"Since Defender Shen has arrived, please come in!"

As his voice carried, the tent flap was lifted, and a person walked in from outside. Clad in blue, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, he carried a natural and commanding presence that elevated his entire temperament.

Shen Changqing!

Upon seeing the newcomer, even those who had never seen his portrait conjured up this name in their minds. Indeed, just going by the first impression, he had an air fitting for a Defender Envoy.

While others were taking stock of Shen Changqing, Shen Changqing was also sizing up the others. At a glance, there were many seated in the tent, yet there was not a single familiar face. In an instant, his gaze fell upon Gu Xuanji. Although he had never personally met Emperor Qin, the position the other party was sitting in, and the natural bearing he exuded, were enough to reveal his identity.

"Your servant Shen Changqing pays his respects to Your Majesty!" Shen Changqing bowed in a salute.

"Defender Shen, please take a seat," Gu Xuanji said with a slight smile, then pointed to an empty spot below himself. That spot had been empty until now.

Seeing this, Shen Changqing did not refuse and directly sat down in the empty spot to Gu Xuanji’s right. Then, his eyes shifted towards the person sitting opposite him, feeling somewhat puzzled. Traditionally, the left side held higher honor. The person sitting in the first seat to the left in front of Gu Xuanji must be of no ordinary status. But the appearance of the person across from him felt strangely unfamiliar.

However, just as this question arose, Shen Changqing dismissed it. With so many in Great Qin, there were not many he truly knew, so feeling unfamiliar was nothing strange.

"Good, Defender Shen’s arrival is timely. For the upcoming assault on Zhou Pass, Defender Shen will accompany Us. What do you think?" Gu Xuanji picked up on the earlier topic.

Upon hearing this, although Shen Changqing had just arrived, he could discern some implications from the other party’s words.

"Your servant obeys the command!"

Attacking Great Zhou meant that Demon Evil might join the battle. That was the reason he had come.

"Good, everyone may leave. Immediately prepare the troops; we attack Zhou Pass in half a two-hour period," Gu Xuanji proclaimed with a wave of his hand.

All at once, everyone in the tent stood up, saluted, and then turned to leave. Before long, there were only three people left in the tent.

At that moment, the person on the left suddenly spoke with a laugh, "It has been a while since we’ve last met, Defender Shen. Your presence is indeed startling!"

Hearing that familiar voice, Shen Changqing was first taken aback, then quickly realized.

"Defender Dongfang?"

He really hadn’t recognized that the person would be Dongfang Zhao. Looking again at the person’s features, which differed greatly from Dongfang Zhao’s, it was clear he had disguised himself. If it had not been for that voice, he truly would not have been able to tell.

Dongfang Zhao laughed, "My identity makes it inconvenient to leave the Demon-Subduing Division, so I disguised myself; it’s better if the news gets out a few days later. As for you, Defender Shen, your speed is surprisingly quick. I thought even if you were to come, it would take a few more days to arrive."

Shen Changqing understood. Indeed, Dongfang Zhao’s identity was not suitable for openly leaving the Demon-Subduing Division. It was only now, with the Star Plate, that he dared to sneak out quietly. Otherwise, even in disguise, he could not leave the Demon-Subduing Division. As soon as he left, Demon Evil would attack the Capital City and directly open the Demon Sealing Tower.

"It’s just a small trick; nothing worth mentioning," said Shen Changqing, not delving further into his swift arrival at Luo’an Prefecture.

At this time, Gu Xuanji scrutinized him carefully, an approving expression on his face.

"Speaking of which, this must be the first time I’ve met Defender Shen, right? Great Qin truly is a land of outstanding talents. Though I reside in the Capital City, I frequently hear tales of Defender Shen’s exploits.

"Having met him now, I see he truly lives up to his reputation."

"Your Majesty flatters me too much!" Shen Changqing gave a faint smile, showing not the slightest hint of arrogance.

Some words were best just listened to. Especially when they came from an Emperor of Great Qin like the one before him; such rulers often said pleasant things to one’s face, while their true thoughts remained hidden, beyond anyone’s guess. Being close to the sovereign was akin to lying with a tiger, and it was no joke. However, with absolute strength at his disposal, he wasn’t overly apprehensive.

"With Defender Shen’s arrival, breaching Zhou Pass shouldn’t pose any problem. As far as I’m aware, there aren’t many powerful figures in Great Zhou. To find one or two that can match Defender Shen’s level would already be quite remarkable.

"This time, Defender Dongfang will hold the line, while you and I, Defender Shen, will break through Zhou Pass. If the Demon Evil Clan decides to intervene, we will adapt our strategy accordingly," Gu Xuanji spoke in a grave tone.

Despite Great Zhou’s might, Great Qin was by no means weaker. Were it not for the lurking and covetous Demon Evil Clan, he would be confident in directly penetrating into the heart of Great Zhou. Even if it weren’t possible to completely overthrow Great Zhou, they could still deal a devastating blow. But now, with Demon Evils circling around, they had to be more cautious.

Upon hearing these words, Dongfang Zhao and Shen Changqing exchanged glances, both nodding slightly.

「Zhou Pass.」

As the strongest bulwark of Great Zhou against foreign aggression, it stretched for hundreds of miles and more. In ordinary times, many troops would be stationed at Zhou Pass. However, as the news of Great Qin’s invasion spread, reinforcements poured into the pass, quickly amassing millions of soldiers in a short span of time.

Within the governor’s residence, the military leaders of Great Zhou were gathered.

"Great Qin’s forces have already arrived, and it seems they are ready to attack Zhou Pass. If they act quickly, it could be a matter of a few hours, or else a day or two at most before they make their move.

"Now, gentlemen, do you have any opinions?"

The speaker was a burly middle-aged general, who exuded a strong presence as he sat in the chief seat.

The Great General of Great Zhou.

Zhou Chi!

As his words concluded, someone slowly spoke up.

"The intentions of Great Qin are quite clear, and honestly, there isn’t much in the way of strategy that we can discuss. We can only meet their soldiers with force and counter their attack with our defenses.

"Great Qin is already on the decline; how could they possibly contend with Great Zhou?

"If it weren’t for Gu Xuanji leading the charge personally, bolstering the morale of Great Qin, they wouldn’t even be able to think of repelling Great Zhou, let alone manage to defend Heavenly Gate Pass."

"Instructor Yang is right," another person chimed in. "There’s no longer any stratagem to consider given our current situation. Fortunately, Great Liang and Dayue seem to want to sit back and watch Great Qin and Great Zhou exhaust each other. With this in mind, we needn’t worry about their hasty interference.

"As for Great Qin, their morale is wholly driven by Gu Xuanji’s personal leadership. This is why they are strong in the first assault, weaker in the second, and exhausted by the third. As long as we hold Zhou Pass, if Great Qin’s siege fails to break through, they will inevitably weaken."

Hearing this, Zhou Chi remained silent, his gaze shifting to the others present. There were many seated there, yet there weren’t many among them whom he was familiar with. Moreover, each of them radiated an aura so cold and forbidding it sent shivers down one’s spine.

These were the powerful experts dispatched by Emperor Zhou. To be precise, they were sent by the faction behind Emperor Zhou. Zhou Chi was well aware of who these people truly were. Demon Evils! Each one was an existence from the Demon Evil Clan, at the demonic being level. Once, it would have been hard for him to imagine himself one day associating with these Demon Evils. Back then, his duty was to exterminate Demon Evils. However, such was the unpredictable nature of the world; despite his reluctance, Zhou Chi knew he had no choice. In recent years, there had been a major purge in the court of Great Zhou, and he was very clear about the fate of those who disappeared. As for why they vanished, Zhou Chi fully understood the reasons. Though he was reluctant, when he thought of the power he currently wielded, as well as his family standing behind him, he knew he had no choice but to see things through to the bitter end.

He shook his head inwardly, casting aside the distractions in his mind.

"As for the few of you, I’m going to need you to proceed to the critical points of Zhou Pass. Should any of Great Qin’s powerhouses take action, please fend them off."

Since Demon Evils were not subjects of Great Zhou, Zhou Chi couldn’t directly command them; he had to request with a tone of negotiation.

As his words finished, one of them replied indifferently, "General Zhou, rest assured, I know what to do."

"Follow Emperor Zhou’s directive to delay as long as possible, focusing on fortifying Zhou Pass. Without my command, do not engage the enemy rashly!" Zhou Chi added sternly.

On hearing this, all the generals belonging to Zhou Pass nodded in agreement.

After the others had left, Yang Yue remained. He looked at Zhou Chi and said in a grave tone, "Has the Great General completed all the tasks assigned by Emperor Zhou?"

"What do you mean, Instructor Yang? Do you distrust my capacity to lead?" Zhou Chi’s brows furrowed, and his expression turned displeased.

Yang Yue shook his head. "It’s not that I distrust the Great General, but rather, I worry that you might harbor mercy. We have no path of retreat; don’t let so-called racial concepts lead you to lifelong regrets. Once the war begins, our cooperation with the Demon Evil will inevitably be exposed.

"If the Great General does not act according to Emperor Zhou’s wishes, should such news come to light and incite rebellion within the legions of Zhou Pass, it will spell trouble."

Cooperating with Demon Evil was in itself an act that would not be endorsed by others.

On hearing this, Zhou Chi’s face darkened.

"Instructor Yang need not remind me of that."