……
A "sudden" war unfolded under the machinations of those with ulterior motives.
It's unclear whether the five major Demon King Fortresses were bewitched or suddenly went mad, but they quickly amassed a large number of demon soldiers, splitting into five forces to suppress the Eastern Gan Defense Zone.
Each Demon King army consisted of over a dozen lord-led troops, with a total of more than fifty thousand elite demon soldiers.
This was a terrifying force. In the past, when Great Gan was weaker, facing such a Demon King army would have meant a desperate struggle.
However, the current "Eastern Gan Defense Zone" is no longer the same as before. With significant national growth and enhanced development and fortifications against the outer demon realm, it is not so easily bullied.
Each Demon King army was blocked by solid defensive fortifications.
For example, the northern [Qiushui Stronghold] was built at the most perilous point of the towering mountains, serving as the first line of defense against the northern [Giant Scythe Demon King Fortress].
Building such a stronghold was extremely challenging. Over the years, Great Gan expended countless resources on it. Without the Wang's Clan leading allied families in strong support, relying solely on the national treasury, it would have been impossible to construct such a stronghold in just thirty years.
Fortunately, the Eastern Gan Demon Realm Defense Zone has been developed into an independent economic entity, achieving self-sufficiency in food crops and producing high-quality grains, refined iron ingots, various minerals, mid-to-high-end timber, and farmed products like demon ao shrimp.After consuming some in the outer regions, there is still a surplus that can be transported to Great Gan via Domain-Crossing Flying Boats. Whether for internal consumption or export, it can bring considerable profits to Great Gan.
While the immigrants and major families are earning handsomely, the official defense zone of the Demon Realm in Great Gan is also profiting, thus sparing no effort in investing in various defensive facilities and military construction.
Over decades, a solid foundation has naturally been built.
On the thick steel-reinforced concrete walls of [Qiushui Stronghold], new Divine Might Cannons stand imposingly on the turrets. These new cannons have long range, powerful firepower, fast loading, and high accuracy, making them highly effective in curbing large-scale group attacks.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Amidst thunderous explosions, one Divine Might Cannon shell after another rained down on the demon army like a storm.
Elite demon soldiers were blasted into pieces, and even demon generals suffered significant injuries when hit directly.
Wave after wave of the demon army's fierce attacks were repelled.
It must be said that Great Gan's defense system construction over the years has indeed been very successful. Facing one against five, Great Gan has managed to hold its ground.
However, the fierce offensive did not deter the demon army. Once an attack wave was curbed, the demon army organized another wave, continuously pressuring the defense of the Eastern Gan Defense Zone.
In the short term, the defense of the Eastern Gan Defense Zone can naturally hold, but ammunition will eventually run out. In the long run, no one dares to say how long they can sustain it.
Similar battle situations were unfolding on various defense lines.
As the war continued, the defense lines gradually became strained, and wave after wave of requests for reinforcements began to fly to the rear like snowflakes.
The Eastern Gan Demon Realm Defense Zone was thoroughly "dragged" into the quagmire of war. Upon learning the news, various sectors of Great Gan began to send manpower and resources to aid the Eastern Gan Demon Realm Defense Zone.
However, "when it rains, it pours." Just as the Eastern Gan Demon Realm Defense Zone was under full attack, the Blood Child Demon Lord, who had been holding back for a long time, finally took action.
Three Kunwu Giant Ships descended into the Western Sea, leading a fleet of hundreds of ships to press towards Great Gan, gathering elite forces from the Western Jin and Southern Qin to cross the Western Sea and launch an attack on the Western Sea Commandery.
The garrison of the Western Sea Commandery had never faced such giant ships before.
Immediately, the garrison of the Western Sea Commandery was defeated, unable to form a cohesive defense.
The Western Sea Commandery promptly sent out a request for reinforcements while organizing a mass evacuation of civilians within the commandery.
In no time, refugees abandoned their homes and fled to surrounding commanderies.
Families across the nation and the military of Great Gan also organized forces to support the Western Sea. The entire Western Sea Commandery became the center of a war vortex.
At this moment, Great Gan was already "overwhelmed" by the attacks from the five major Demon King Fortresses of the outer demon realm, with most elite forces tied up on the outer battlefield. The outbreak of this fierce battle in the Western Sea Commandery was undoubtedly adding insult to injury for Great Gan, whose situation was already dire.
As the newly appointed "Guardian Duke's Mansion" of Great Gan, the Wang's Clan naturally had an unshirkable responsibility in defending the nation.
Wang Shouzhe immediately announced the suspension of the originally planned "Grand Banquet of Divine Realm" and "Duke's Banquet."
Moreover, the Wang's Clan quickly took the lead in organizing batches of militia within Changning County and even Longzuo Commandery, either to be deployed to the Western Sea Commandery battlefield or the Eastern Gan Demon Realm Defense Zone.
As the war situation became tense, even some Divine Realm and Lingxu Realm guest officials and enshrined members of the Wang's Clan were gradually dispatched to the battlefield for support.
The once bustling Changning County seemed to suddenly become quiet, with the main residence of the Wang's Clan appearing particularly empty, as almost all capable clan members had gone to the battlefield.
Soon, some friendly nations of Great Gan, such as the Northern Zhou of the Muzhen Continent, also received the news. However, just as they were preparing to gather elite forces to cross the ocean to support Great Gan, they received news of provocations and skirmishes from the border demon nations.
The stance was clear: if they dared to deploy elite forces to support Great Gan, the demon nations would immediately send troops.
The Northern Zhou and other countries dared not act rashly. Even if they wished to support, they had to temporarily abandon the idea, only secretly sending some resources.
Similar situations occurred in various countries.
The Immortal Dynasty was slightly better, but many main forces were still at the Immortal No. 3 Defense Base and had not yet been withdrawn. Similarly, the defense zones overseen by the Immortal Sovereign and Immortal Emperor also experienced some minor issues, delaying them for a while.
For a time.
Rumors spread within the human race, with many privately lamenting that the current situation of Great Gan was extremely dire, fearing it might not hold out until the Immortal Dynasty could lend a hand.
Internally, Great Gan seemed to be in a state of panic.
The entire Great Gan seemed to be shrouded in a sense of impending doom, as if on the brink of collapse, with an atmosphere of fear and chaos.
……
At the same time.
Western Sea Commandery.
Inside the flagship of the three Kunwu Giant Ships, the Blood Child Demon Lord was in his cabin, reviewing the latest battle reports.
The more he read, the more apparent the smile on his face became.
Recently, the development of the war situation had been very smooth, with everything progressing as he had envisioned. At this rate, it wouldn't be long before he could successfully obtain the "Holy Gu Codex."
By then, merging the two codices and breaking through to the True Immortal Realm might no longer be just a dream.
Just as the Blood Child Demon Lord was filled with excitement.
Suddenly.
A spatial ripple spread through the study.
Someone was about to tear through space and teleport in!
The Blood Child Demon Lord's heart stirred, and just as he was about to gather his profound energy, he saw a towering figure in black attire stepping out of the spatial ripple, walking towards him leisurely.
It was the Demon Sovereign!
The Demon Sovereign's movements were casual, and even stepping out of the spatial ripple seemed as effortless as a stroll in the garden, as if spatial teleportation was as routine as flying, executed with ease.
Perhaps due to just traversing space, the aura around him was not restrained, and overwhelming demonic might spread from him as the center, making the entire world seem a bit dimmer.
The Blood Child Demon Lord's heart tightened, and he immediately stepped forward to pay his respects.
"Greetings, Demon Sovereign."
The Demon Sovereign waved his hand, signaling him to rise, before speaking, "I've already received the news. Well done."
"Thank you for your praise, Demon Sovereign. It's all thanks to the treasures you bestowed that everything has gone so smoothly."
"But this level is still not enough," the Demon Sovereign replied. "Next, I want you to incite the Western Jin and Southern Qin to commit all their forces, strengthen the offensive, and directly capture Guilong City. Add fuel to the fire for my upcoming plan."
"This... Demon Sovereign, isn't this a bit too hasty?" The Blood Child Demon Lord hesitated upon hearing this. "The current intensity of the attack is already about the limit that the two countries can bear. If we strengthen the offensive further, the loss of troops will inevitably increase, and the emperors of the two countries will likely have more grievances. Moreover, if we act too hastily and fall into the enemy's trap, wouldn't it all be for nothing?"
The Demon Sovereign said nothing, only giving him a cold glance.
The Blood Child Demon Lord's heart tightened, feeling an unparalleled pressure suddenly bearing down on him, and he quickly changed his tune, "I spoke out of turn. I will immediately pressure the emperors of the two countries to continue strengthening the offensive."
The Demon Sovereign, understanding the principle of giving a sweet reward after a slap, retracted his gaze and said lightly, "Rest assured, the time is ripe, and the plan is about to enter the closing stage. The strong offensive from the two countries won't need to last long."
"Once this battle is over, if you haven't successfully obtained the 'Holy Gu Codex,' I will personally retrieve it for you, helping you advance further."
The Blood Child Demon Lord was overjoyed and quickly bowed in thanks, "Thank you, Master."
After he finished expressing his gratitude and straightened up, the Demon Sovereign's figure was no longer there. In the air, only a spatial ripple slowly spread, indicating that the Demon Sovereign had been there.
Seeing this, the joy in the Blood Child Demon Lord's eyes gradually faded, replaced by deep contemplation, "Although the war is progressing smoothly, the casualties from the strong offensive are significant. Yan Qing and Yuan You have already voiced their dissatisfaction. To make them strengthen the offensive, ordinary means won't work; I need to apply more pressure to force them."
With this thought, he immediately summoned two trusted subordinates and whispered instructions to them. The two subordinates promptly accepted the orders and left.
……
While Great Gan was in turmoil, seemingly caught in a deep crisis.
A cloud ray flying boat from the Immortal Dynasty gracefully landed at [Xinping Airport].
To welcome the distinguished guests, Xinping Airport had long been under lockdown, with only members of the Wang's Clan and the guard team on high alert.
The one coming to receive the boat was Wang Fugui, the representative of the new generation of the Wang's Clan's direct line.
At this moment, Wang Fugui was no longer the young man he once was. Nearly fifty years old, he still appeared youthful, but his demeanor had become mature and steady, exuding reliability. Although his features weren't extraordinarily handsome, his slightly rounded face gave him a friendly and trustworthy appearance.
Notably, thanks to the prize he received from the military academy, Wang Fugui's cultivation had broken through to the Purple Mansion Realm, making him the youngest in the Wang's Clan's history to achieve this level.
His aptitude, after inheriting the codex, had reached the Heavenly Son B level, placing him in the Wang's Clan's first sequence.
At this moment.
In the airport, wearing a jade crown, a jade belt, and luxurious attire, Wang Fugui stood surrounded by people, exuding a commanding presence.
Coupled with his profound and unfathomable aura, he already had the air of a superior.
He appeared more like a peerless noble son from an immortal-grade family than the heir of a third-grade family.
As the door of the flying boat's cabin opened and a group began descending the gangway, Wang Fugui stepped forward with a smile, cupping his hands in greeting, "Wang Fugui of the Changning Wang's Clan welcomes His Highness the Crown Prince of the Red Moon."
It turned out that the visitors were Shentu Jingming and Wang Ruobing, who had traveled from the Demon Dynasty.
For this official diplomatic visit, Shentu Jingming naturally dressed formally, wearing a complex and formal crown prince's attire, with everything from the crown to the shoes and accessories meticulously crafted, exuding an ancient charm.
The black attire added a touch of steadiness to his demeanor, and the few strands of beard he had deliberately grown on his chin gave him a mature and reliable appearance.
He cupped his hands and smiled at Wang Fugui, "What virtue or ability does Jingming have to warrant the personal reception of the 'First Noble Son of the Human Race'?"
"Your Highness, please don't joke." Wang Fugui shook his head with a wry smile, "That title was forcibly given by those with good intentions. I am merely a direct descendant of a third-grade family and cannot bear such a title."
Third-grade family?
Shentu Jingming's mouth twitched.
Your third-grade families in Eastern Gan are truly valuable.
If all the third-grade families in the world were like yours, wouldn't conquering the outer demon realm be as easy as snapping fingers?
After some brief pleasantries, Shentu Jingming introduced the people around him, "Fugui, this is Miss Ruobing and Zhuo Lao, whom you've met at the Immortal No. 3 Base, so I won't elaborate."
He then introduced some accompanying personnel, all elites from his Eastern Palace, future pillars and close ministers.
The trip to Eastern Gan was just a small part of Shentu Jingming's visit to the Immortal Dynasty, so he brought few accompanying personnel. Among the delegation of dozens, half were reception envoys from the Immortal Dynasty.
After the formalities, the Wang's Clan began to host the visitors from the Immortal and Demon Dynasties with the highest standards.
Shentu Jingming, "Wang Ruobing," and Zhuo Lao were invited to the main residence of the Wang's Clan and directly into Shouzhe's Small Courtyard.
"Fugui, does your ancestor live in such a simple courtyard?" Shentu Jingming marveled at the simple decor and furnishings of the courtyard, "But looking at the countless exotic flowers and plants inside and outside the courtyard walls, it seems your ancestor is a man of refined taste."
"Brother Jingming," Wang Fugui smiled, "My ancestor is naturally serene and doesn't like wandering around. Being a nostalgic person, he's accustomed to living in this small courtyard since childhood and never allowed us to change it, so it remains as it was. Brother Jingming, Zhuo Lao, Miss Ruobing, please come this way."
Wang Fugui led the three into Shouzhe's Small Courtyard.
Amidst the greenery, a figure in a long robe, pruning flower branches, suddenly came into view.
Judging by the figure alone, he appeared tall and had the demeanor of a reclusive sage.
However, Crown Prince Jingming was slightly taken aback by the familiar appearance of the figure, as if he had seen it somewhere before.
He was about to step forward and greet him when the figure turned around, smiling at him.
That appearance, that demeanor, instantly matched a figure from his memory.
"Boom!"
Crown Prince Jingming felt as if his mind had been struck by a thunderbolt, leaving him utterly bewildered and his brain buzzing.
This, this, this isn't...
His eyes widened in shock as he looked at Wang Shouzhe, then cautiously glanced at the goddess Ruobing.
The last time he saw him, he had appeared as a descendant of the goddess Ruobing's family.
But wasn't Ruobing from the Demon Dynasty's camp?
"Gulp!"
He swallowed hard, seemingly understanding something, and his legs began to tremble.
This, this, this... he seemed to have stumbled upon a monumental secret~
The goddess Ruobing was from the Immortal Dynasty's camp, yet she infiltrated the Yinsha Sect and aimed for the position of Demon Sovereign in the True Demon Hall.
What a profound and terrifying scheme and conspiracy!
If successful, the entire world's structure would change.
For any family or force, such a level of conspiracy would be the most core secret. Once uncovered, there would be no way out but death.
As the saying goes, the more you know, the faster you die... If you don't want to die, you must pretend to know nothing and keep the secret.
Yes, I, Shentu Jingming, know nothing.
Crown Prince Jingming's mind raced, and he quickly made a decision, pretending to be calm and trying to act as if it was their first meeting.
However, just as Crown Prince Jingming was frantically building his psychological defenses, Wang Shouzhe had already leisurely put down the flower shears and greeted him with a smile, "Brother Jingming, it's been a while since we parted on Green Immortal Island."
In an instant, Crown Prince Jingming almost burst into tears.
Big brother, please don't say it out loud, I really don't want to know your big secret~~
Zhuo Lao also became tense, feeling as if he had fallen into a grand conspiracy.
"Don't be nervous." Wang Shouzhe patted his shoulder, "Come, come, sit down and let's talk. Try the Immortal Spirit Rice Wine I brewed myself."
In the courtyard, Shouzhe set up a small table. This time, Liu Ruolan didn't cook personally; instead, the cook prepared some simple home-cooked dishes.
The reason wasn't that Liu Ruolan doubted her culinary skills, but she believed that her carefully prepared dishes should only be enjoyed by those she deemed worthy.
This Shentu Jingming was undoubtedly still far from that. As for the ancestor, he had always had a light palate and was one of the few who didn't particularly enjoy her meticulously prepared delicacies.
The Immortal Spirit Rice Wine was delicious, rich, and sweet, and the side dishes were fresh and tasty.
However, Shentu Jingming couldn't taste anything, his eyes constantly darting between Wang Shouzhe and Wang Ruobing.
"Ancestor, it's been a while since you had some hometown dishes." Wang Shouzhe dutifully served Ancestor Long Yan, "You've worked hard all these years, traveling and toiling."
"Shouzhe, we're all working to protect the family, there's no need to talk about hardship." Ancestor Long Yan, eating the hometown dishes, had a touch of warmth and tenderness in her eyes, "If anyone's had it tough, it's you. You've been under a lot of pressure these years."
Such a warm scene made Shentu Jingming even more uneasy.
Revealing the secret so openly in front of him, could it be that they planned to kill him after this meal to silence him?
"Brother Jingming? Is the food not to your taste?" Wang Shouzhe noticed his discomfort and asked with a smile, "Shall I have the cook prepare something else for you?"
Shentu Jingming's heart skipped a beat, feeling overwhelmed, and he decided to just go for it, slamming his chopsticks on the table, "Master Shouzhe, if you're going to act, just do it quickly. This soft knife is too torturous."
!!!
Zhuo Lao was so startled by his action that his heart skipped a beat, and he stared intently at Wang Shouzhe, unconsciously gripping his chopsticks tightly.
If Wang Shouzhe showed the slightest abnormality, he might not be able to hold back from taking action.
However, Wang Shouzhe was slightly taken aback, looking at Shentu Jingming with some confusion, "Act?"
"Isn't it? I've stumbled upon such a big con-, no, secret of your family..." Shentu Jingming patted his chest, looking ready to face death with dignity, "If you're going to act, just do it. I have no regrets dying in Ruobing's, sigh, her family's hands."
"Brother Jingming, you're overthinking it." Wang Shouzhe shook his head with a smile, "I have no grievances with you, and I find you quite congenial. Why would I want to kill you?"
"Not kill?" Shentu Jingming was full of doubt, "But aren't you afraid I'll expose your secret?"
"Brother Jingming isn't that kind of person." Wang Shouzhe's expression turned serious, "I've often heard the ancestor and Fugui mention that Brother Jingming is a man of great vision, ambition, and aspiration. Therefore, I didn't want to hide it from you any longer."
These words made Crown Prince Jingming feel light as a feather, full of hope, "Did the goddess Ruobing really say that about me?"
Wang Long Yan coldly glared at him, "Eat."
"Yes, yes, yes. I'll eat, I'll eat." Shentu Jingming quickly shoveled food into his mouth, finding the meal unprecedentedly delicious and sweet.
Even Zhuo Lao quietly breathed a sigh of relief and began eating in silence.
One had to admit, the Wang's Clan's spirit rice was truly excellent, seemingly sweeter than the same variety in the Demon Dynasty.
Once relaxed, Zhuo Lao also ate with great enjoyment.
After the meal, Wang Shouzhe ordered the servants to clear the table and brought out tea sets to serve tea, "Honestly, the internal strife between our Immortal and Demon Dynasties is quite laughable. Not to mention that the demon realm has never extinguished its desire for invasion, from a broader perspective, our Shenwu World is just a remote corner. Fighting among ourselves is truly unwise."
"Master Shouzhe's thoughts resonate with me," Shentu Jingming said excitedly, "I've always told the old folks at home that we need to have a long-term vision and a broader perspective. Our goal should be the stars and the sea. Under my influence, our old, no, our ancestor's perspective has finally broadened a bit."
"Alas, but the tree wants to be still, yet the wind won't stop." Wang Shouzhe sighed, "Some people just love internal strife."
Shentu Jingming clearly understood what he meant, and his expression became serious and solemn, "Master Shouzhe, I've heard about the situation you and the Wang's Clan are facing in Eastern Gan. How about this, I'll first send people to reprimand the emperors of Southern Qin and Western Jin and the Yinsha Sect, ordering them to withdraw their troops and assist the Eastern Gan Defense Zone in resisting the Demon King Fortresses' invasion on the outer battlefield."
"Brother Jingming, you're truly noble." Wang Shouzhe cupped his hands in salute.
Even Ancestor Long Yan nodded slightly, giving him a look of approval and encouragement.
This Shentu Jingming, though usually lively, could still be relied upon in critical moments.
In an instant, Shentu Jingming felt lighter by a few pounds, "Hehehe~ Master Shouzhe, you're too kind. Actually, I also dislike the Demon Sovereign's secretive ways. If you need me to do anything else for you, just say the word, and I'll fully cooperate."
"Alright, then I won't stand on ceremony with Brother Jingming." Wang Shouzhe casually continued, "First, we need to take down the Demon Sovereign."
"Alright... wait!"
Shentu Jingming's words were only halfway out when his eyes bulged, filled with shock and disbelief as he looked at Wang Shouzhe.
His voice became stammering and incoherent, "Master Shouzhe, you, you, you, you said what? Take down the Demon Sovereign? And first..."
……
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(Thanks the brothers and sisters for the tickets, and congratulations to the one who got 666 votes. I've always said that i don't dare claim my writing is very good, but it's definitely written with heart. Moreover, maintaining long-term stable updates is actually more challenging than writing sporadically. Nearly four million words, this isn't something that can be achieved with just a burst of enthusiasm; it requires long-term perseverance. Continuing to thank for the tickets.)