Chapter 353: Chapter 315: The Warzone Has Fallen? Who Started the Rumor?

The Southeast Battlefield.

The peace it once knew was long gone.

Wounded soldiers, one after another, were carried away on stretchers to the infirmary.

Outside the Restricted Area, the faces of many soldiers were etched with exhaustion and anxiety.

Clad in his military uniform, Yi Nanshan walked among the soldiers.

He took in the scene around him.

For the past two months, the demonic beasts within the Restricted Area had been relentlessly assailing the barrier.

It was as if they were hell-bent on breaking out.

To stop those demonic and variant beasts,

the soldiers of the warzone had disregarded their own safety, beating them back time and time again.

Yi Nanshan led Yi Xiaotian and the others.

They, too, were constantly repelling the variant beasts.

After several major battles, Yi Nanshan had also sustained minor injuries.

The other officers were all wounded to varying degrees.

Fortunately, there had been no severe casualties. However, in the past few days,

the demonic energy within the Restricted Area had been spreading, and it was only getting worse.

There were even signs that demonic beasts of higher realms were preparing to charge.

"Dad, the situation here has gotten harder to control recently!"

"I’m worried that if this keeps up, the soldiers’ morale will collapse!"

"What in the world is wrong with these demonic beasts? They just keep attacking the barrier. I’m afraid it won’t hold for much longer!"

Yi Xiaotian’s expression was grim.

Ever since he had come to stand guard here, nothing like this had ever happened.

These demonic and variant beasts were acting like they had a death wish.

They kept charging, undeterred even by the threat of death.

Yi Nanshan shook his head. Ever since he had become a Defender,

he had never seen anything like this either.

Typically, the demonic beasts might attack for three to five days before stopping.

Demonic beasts valued their lives; they knew fear.

The shadow of death loomed over them, which was why they would be afraid.

But now, it was as if these demonic beasts were immune to death.

For over two consecutive months, they had charged relentlessly, and the number of dead demonic and variant beasts was countless.

Strangely, they showed not a single trace of fear.

They continued to throw themselves forward, one wave after another, heedless of death...

Yi Nanshan frowned, his gaze fixed on the distance.

The demonic beasts there were piled up into a small mountain.

It was a mountain of corpses, all of which would be transported to the mess hall.

The staff there would process them.

Some would be cured, others dried into jerky.

This would all become the soldiers’ rations in the future.

With this jerky and cured meat, they could save a significant amount on provisions.

"It’s like they’re possessed. Their eyes are lifeless, filled with nothing but slaughter!"

"Do you think... they’re being controlled?"

Yi Nanshan turned to look at Yi Xiaotian.

In truth, this idea had been brewing in Yi Nanshan’s mind for a long time.

Given all their strange behaviors, it did seem as if their minds were being controlled.

Nothing but slaughter, with no trace of their own consciousness.

Yi Xiaotian nodded. He had entertained the same suspicion before.

He just couldn’t imagine what kind of demonic or variant beast could control tens of thousands of others.

Just as the two of them were discussing the matter,

a soldier came running over. "Old Chief, General, a Daoist calling himself Mu Ru wishes to see the Old Chief!"

"Who? Mu Ru?"

"Where is he?"

Hearing the name, Yi Nanshan’s expression changed abruptly, and he quickly looked behind him.

The soldier hurriedly replied, "He’s in Four-direction City!"

"Good, I’ll be right there!"

A smile finally appeared on Yi Nanshan’s face, which had been devoid of one for a long time.

He turned and said, "Xiaotian, come with me to see the Elder Celestial Master!"

"Yes, sir!"

Yi Xiaotian nodded quickly and followed Yi Nanshan straight toward Four-direction City.

Four-direction City was located behind the battlefield.

It was also the last line of defense against the demonic beasts.

There were no ordinary civilians in the city; it was entirely populated by the soldiers stationed there.

At that moment, the Elder Celestial Master was strolling down the street with his hands clasped behind his back.

Military vehicles roared past, one after another.

There were also squads of soldiers, armed and carrying live ammunition, patrolling the streets.

Occasionally, he saw people in plain clothes.

However, it was clear from their demeanor, aura, and gait...

...that these people were soldiers all the same.

As for why they weren’t in uniform, the Elder Celestial Master had no idea.

Before long, a military vehicle slowly drove toward him.

The moment the vehicle stopped, Yi Nanshan opened the door and got out.

"Hahaha... You old codger, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be cooped up on Dragon Tiger Mountain?"

Yi Nanshan laughed heartily as he approached.

Upon seeing Yi Nanshan, the Elder Celestial Master looked him up and down several times.

"This warzone is teeming with demonic energy—an ominous sign. You’ve been here so long, I was afraid you might kick the bucket before me, so I came to check on you!"

"But, it’s just as I expected. The situation in the warzone is far from optimistic!"

The Elder Celestial Master said, his brow deeply furrowed.

Yi Nanshan sighed. "Come on, get in the vehicle first. Let’s find a place to sit and talk."

The Elder Celestial Master nodded and got into the military vehicle with him.

Back at the command center, Yi Nanshan led the Elder Celestial Master into his office.

Yi Xiaotian had already returned a step ahead of them.

The moment he saw the Elder Celestial Master, he quickly stepped forward and bowed. "This junior pays his respects to the Elder Celestial Master!"

"Hahaha... It’s been years, Xiaotian. You’ve grown much stronger. Hmm, and your realm has improved too!"

"It seems this warzone is truly a place that forges a person!"

Yi Xiaotian nodded eagerly.

He then followed them into the office.

"First, tell me, how is my grandson doing? Is anyone bullying him?"

Yi Nanshan couldn’t help but ask about Lin Yi the moment he sat down on the sofa.

Yi Xiaotian, meanwhile, listened from the side, his face full of curiosity.

The Elder Celestial Master stroked his long beard and said with a light chuckle, "What if I told you that Lin Yi is currently attempting to break through to the Star Tempering Realm?"

"What? Breaking through to the Star Tempering Realm?"

"How is that possible? Dad, didn’t you say he was only 6-star? How long has it been? How could he already be breaking through to the Star Tempering Realm?"

Yi Xiaotian wasn’t the only one who was utterly shocked.

Even Yi Nanshan was stunned.

He stared intently at the Elder Celestial Master. "Mu Ru, don’t joke with me. I’m asking you a serious question. How is Lin Yi doing now?"

"Hm? Didn’t I just tell you? He’s breaking through to the Star Tempering Realm!"

"And if I recall correctly... hmm, it’s been almost a month now!"

HISS—

Seeing that the Elder Celestial Master wasn’t joking,

but was answering with a serious expression, Yi Nanshan felt as if a storm was raging in his heart.

’I have to admit, my grandson’s talent is actually this strong?’

’In just a few short months, he went from 6-star to the peak of 7-star.’

’And now he’s even breaking through to the Star Tempering Realm?’

Even Yi Nanshan, his own grandfather, felt a pang of envy at such talent.

If Lin Yi could reach the Star Tempering Realm at his age,

he would truly be the first in history.

Back when the previous Martial God was still around, he had reached the Star Tempering Realm at what seemed to be twenty-five years old.

Even so, countless people had been incredibly envious of him.

To have such a cultivation level at a young age meant his future was limitless.

But how old was Lin Yi this year?

He had only been in his first year of university for a little over half a year, yet he had shot up all the way from 4-star to the brink of the Star Tempering Realm.

If he really broke through, he would be number one.

A full six or seven years earlier than the previous Martial God.

Who wouldn’t envy such talent? Who wouldn’t be jealous?

The Elder Celestial Master stroked his long beard, watching Yi Nanshan’s silence.

The smile on his face, however, gradually faded.

"Lin Yi’s meteoric rise in realm is certainly a good thing.

However, it is also the work of destiny!"

"The faster one’s realm improves, the heavier the burden on one’s shoulders!"

"For someone so young to experience these things, it may not necessarily be good for his state of mind!"

"The Martial God... is the number one person under the heavens!"

"How could just anyone be worthy of such a title?"

"Once the Martial God returns to his rightful place, he will have to bear a burden of a thousand, no, ten thousand catties!"

"I’m truly afraid he won’t be able to bear that kind of pressure!"

At these words, Yi Nanshan nodded as well.

A flash of heartache crossed his eyes, and he sighed, "I understand everything you’re saying."

"But this is the will of the heavens. How can you or I possibly defy it?"

"Right now, the situation in the warzone is precarious. It’s highly likely those demonic beasts will break through the Restricted Area!"

"Everyone is hoping for the Martial God’s appearance. The morale of the soldiers is being affected bit by bit!"

"The only one who can resolve this crisis now is the Martial God!"

"The fate of the entire New District rests on him... Sigh. If it were possible, I would truly want to bear all this in his place."

"Just let him be like any other ordinary kid, without having to shoulder such a mission!"

The Elder Celestial Master gave him a deep look.

He said no more, and the atmosphere between the two men grew even more solemn.

"Wait..."

The Elder Celestial Master’s expression changed as if he had thought of something.

"You just said the warzone hasn’t fallen?"

"And no demonic beasts have snuck out from the warzone?"

the Elder Celestial Master asked in surprise.

Yi Nanshan gave him a strange look. "What, are you questioning me?"

"Why do you think we stand guard here?"

"Isn’t it to slay these demonic beasts and stop them from entering the residential areas?"

"How many soldiers have lost their lives for this?"

Yi Nanshan said, slightly angered.

The Elder Celestial Master’s words were tantamount to questioning their efforts.

If a demonic beast had truly snuck in, wouldn’t that mean their defense had failed?

The Elder Celestial Master paid no mind to Yi Nanshan’s anger.

His brow furrowed as he sank into deep thought.

After a long moment, he shook his head and said, "No, that’s not right!"

"Lao Yi, even if the problem isn’t here with you, could it be one of the other warzones..."

"Impossible. We are all in contact with one another. If any warzone’s defensive line were to collapse and be overrun by demonic beasts, all other warzones would sound the alarm!"

"Currently, every warzone is intact. How could a defensive line have fallen?"

"No, what’s gotten into you? Why are you asking these things?"

"Have demonic beasts infiltrated the residential areas?"

Yi Nanshan and Yi Xiaotian asked, bewildered.

They had been defending this place for a long time and were not up-to-date on the situation in the other cities of the New District.

Nor did they have the time to find out.

Dealing with the demonic beasts every day already left them with no time to spare.

How could they have the energy to worry about anything else?

The Elder Celestial Master gave him an intense look and nodded.

"I’m afraid the situation has already escalated beyond our expectations!"

"Someone is deliberately spreading false information to confuse the public and create panic!"

"But where did all these demonic beasts come from?"

The Elder Celestial Master then recounted the recent situation in the various cities.

When Yi Nanshan heard it all, he too found it unbelievable.

Large numbers of demonic beasts had infiltrated the cities.

And yet, here at the warzone, there had clearly been no breach.

Although the demonic beasts were frantically attacking the barrier,

it had not yet reached the point of collapse.

’Then... where did these demonic beasts come from?’

’And who is behind the rumors, the false news that the warzone has been overrun?’

’What is their goal...?’

Yi Nanshan also fell into deep thought, his face darkening.

’This is no small matter. Someone is brewing a massive conspiracy!’

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