Human Clan Defender-Chapter 584 - s 301-304: First-Class Divine Skills, Demon Saint’s Assault (Four in One, Requesting Monthly Votes) _3

"It seems Defender Shen has reaped a considerable harvest this time!"

He was somewhat shocked and also deeply moved. Although Dongfang Zhao had long contemplated that the other party would surpass him one day, he had not expected this day to come so swiftly. Without a physical contest, based solely on what had just transpired, it was already clear who was superior.

Slightly emotional, his heart was filled more with joy. The stronger Shen Changqing became, the more it signified a successor for the Demon-Subduing Division. This way, even if he were to pass away, the Demon-Subduing Division would not crumble.

"I have gained a little, thanks largely to Lord Defender sharing his Martial Arts with me," Shen Changqing replied modestly with a smile.

Then, he changed the subject. "What is the current situation at Heavenly Gate Pass?"

As this subject arose, Dongfang Zhao's smile faded, his expression turning somber. "His Majesty has not appeared for several days, and the undercurrents are already stirring. Some perceptive individuals have already guessed quite a bit. While the news hasn't spread, the Demon Evil are surely well aware."

"Next," he continued, "we'll see if that Demon Saint takes the bait."

Gu Xuanji's feigned death was meant to lure the Demon Saint into a trap. If the Demon Saint didn't show up, then the feigned death would serve no purpose. Moreover, seven days had passed. In just over another half a month, Gu Xuanji's lifespan would be truly exhausted. If the Demon Saint came after that, it would all be too late.

Shen Changqing's brows furrowed. "If I were the Demon Saint, I probably wouldn't act hastily. I would wait until things were completely certain before attacking Great Qin."

He had always felt that Gu Xuanji's plan was somewhat risky. Under normal circumstances, if the Demon Saint truly dreaded his opponent, he would not easily risk danger. Unless... unless that Demon Saint truly hated Gu Xuanji to such an extent that he would act in haste upon receiving the slightest bit of news.

"You're aware that a Demon Saint's remnant body is sealed in the Demon Sealing Tower in the Capital City, aren't you?"

"Mm." Shen Changqing nodded.

Then, a thought struck him. "Lord Defender, are you saying that the remnant body of that Demon Saint comes from the Ghost Saint?"

"Exactly." Dongfang Zhao nodded. "A hundred years ago, the Ghost Saint invaded Great Qin. Back then, he was arrogant and full of himself, holding Great Qin in utter contempt. So, upon entering Great Qin, he went straight for the Capital City, intending to carry out a decapitation strike. However, His Majesty intercepted the Ghost Saint in the Capital City and, drawing upon the fortune of Great Qin, severely wounded him. Later, we of the Demon-Subduing Division took action, severed part of his body, and sealed it within the Demon Sealing Tower. That is why the Ghost Saint has not appeared for a hundred years."

Severing part of his body was tantamount to permanently losing that portion of his strength. Whether he could recover in a hundred years was questionable. Similarly, the Ghost Saint would certainly not let such enmity go easily. Gu Xuanji's confidence was also based on the Ghost Saint's hatred for him and for Great Qin.

"I have a premonition that it won't be long before a great battle takes place at Heavenly Gate Pass!" Dongfang Zhao stood up, his expression melancholic.

When it came to this great battle, neither he nor Shen Changqing would be the protagonists this time. Only Gu Xuanji and the Ghost Saint were the main players. Victory or defeat would be revealed then.

Shen Changqing understood this. "What are Yan Jing and the others planning now?"

"Right now, they still don't know the truth of the matter. Some things are best not known by too many," Dongfang Zhao said, shaking his head. "They have already sent the message back. Once preparations in the Capital City are complete, they will transport the 'remains' back. This whole process will take a considerable amount of time, so there's no need to worry too much for now."

Then, he turned his gaze to Shen Changqing. "Defender Shen, rest and recuperate well. If something goes wrong in the upcoming battle, it will be time for you and me to step up."

If Gu Xuanji were defeated, the strongest remaining in Great Qin would be himself and Shen Changqing. At that point, a desperate battle would be unavoidable.

Hearing this, Shen Changqing's expression remained calm. "I understand."

「Another two days passed.」

Inside Heavenly Gate Pass, all was calm.

Atop the city walls, Shen Changqing sat alone, his gaze directed towards the land of the former Great Zhou. There, he could still make out the silhouette of Zhou Pass. However, with Great Zhou now fallen, Zhou Pass had also been completely abandoned.

Gazing in that direction, his thoughts drifted far away.

If Gu Xuanji is defeated, then only Dongfang Zhao and I will be left! he thought.

Truthfully, he had once considered that if Great Qin were to collapse, he would just flee using his own strength. After all, although the Demon Saint was powerful, with his own methods, survival wouldn't be a problem. But now that it had come to this, he found that he really seemed to have no retreat.

Flee? Where could he flee to?

Heaven and Earth are vast, but ultimately, they have limits.

After receiving several Divine Skill inheritances and experiencing those Illusory Realms—though he didn't know if they were real or false—his heart had gained some unique insights. Perhaps there truly were such powerful beings in existence, capable of destroying Heaven and Earth with a mere flick of the wrist. If that were the case, even if he fled, where could he possibly go?

Moreover—

Shen Changqing looked ahead at Zhou Pass, feeling its eerie stillness.

If the Human Clan were truly annihilated, even if he alone survived, he would probably feel an endless loneliness, wouldn't he?

Loneliness! It was a terrifying thing.

The destruction of Great Zhou made him feel as if he were witnessing a potential future for the Human Clan. If the Demon Evil could destroy Great Zhou, they could potentially destroy the entire Human Clan. If the Human Clan were extinguished, then what would be the meaning of his own survival? It was like his pursuit of immortality—if the end of immortality was eternal desolation, then it seemed rather pointless.

"Perhaps—I should no longer retreat!" he resolved inwardly.