Whispers circulated between the imperial court and the wild plains, naming Jiang Wang the next military god. While Jiang Mengxiong neither affirmed nor denied this, he was acutely aware of the Emperor’s inclinations. He had personally nurtured five disciples, each a paragon of their generation, yet none had garnered such widespread acclaim.

Jiang Wang, a banner for the burgeoning strength of the Qi people, had within a mere few years earned the recognition, support, and even adoration of so many. This spoke volumes of his unique charisma.

Even Jiang Mengxiong himself held a grudging admiration for the Martial Peace Marquis. Though often stiff and lacking the vivacity of youth, he was diligent, earnest, and sincere. Apart from his deficiencies in military strategy and limited knowledge, he possessed no significant flaws.

To become the next military god seemed unlikely, yet to stand alongside him in military might was not an impossibility – though, admittedly, this path was initially paved by his final disciple, Wang Yiwu.

That boy had declared, “No need to conquer myriad enemies, for I myself am invincible among ten thousand.” While Jiang Mengxiong believed in Wang Yiwu’s confidence and courage, how could he defeat a man already deemed unbeatable, should Jiang Wang fail to return this time?

What increasingly bewildered and even perplexed Jiang Mengxiong was the current state of Martial Peace City.

Initially, two Divine Arrivals from the Wash Moon Nunnery arrived. One was nearing Cave True, a rebuilt puppet body, thus not particularly noteworthy. Where in the cultivation world were such trials uncommon? Martial Peace City, a newly established battlefield between races, naturally attracted cultivators who had just entered the Demon Realm. Jiang Mengxiong was not so petty as to concern himself with such matters.

However, the “Person in Painting” from the Wash Moon Nunnery, who had long remained cloistered from the world, surprisingly sent a letter requesting he look after two of their disciples on the battlefield!

This was indeed a favor he could not refuse.

Later, Ye Lingxiao of Cloud Country, both wealthy and militarily capable, brought his daughter to experience the battlefield. This carried considerable weight. Although Cloud Country was not a major power, its neutrality and prosperous trade granted it astonishing influence among smaller nations. And Ye Lingxiao was no ordinary True Person, with a future brimming with possibilities. Wenren Shen’s position alone warranted a formal greeting. Then came Helian Ni Hu of Pasture Country, accompanied by Princess Helian Yunyun and that Zhao Rusheng.

This posed a significant problem.

While it was true that anyone could perish on the Heaven Prison battlefield, Helian Yunyun’s noble status meant that any misfortune befalling her in Martial Peace City would inevitably strain diplomatic relations between Qi and Pasture.

Moreover, Zhao Rusheng’s identity was particularly sensitive: he was a descendant of the Qin Huai Emperor. His presence on the Heaven Prison battlefield would undoubtedly stir various thoughts among the Qin people.

According to intelligence, this young man was currently highly favored by the Empress of Pasture Country. His talent in literature, strategy, and cultivation was exceptional. He had remained in Erdelmi for eight months, undergoing training as a future marshal. Of course, his complex identity likely contributed to the Empress’s regard; he might serve a crucial role in the future. Regardless, he was of immense importance. Should the Qin people secretly orchestrate his demise, it would again jeopardically impact Qi-Pasture relations.

Though Jiang Mengxiong personally oversaw the area, he expected Gan Xie would not dare to act recklessly. However, among the three True Monarchs recently rotated to Sui Ming City, one was from Qin Country. His name was Qin Changsheng, known as the “Knife Maniac.” If this one True Monarch and one True Person were intent on subtle maneuvers, he would find it exceedingly difficult to guard against them.

As Jiang Mengxiong, he was inherently proud and disdainful of the world, disinclined to manage anyone. But as the Great Qi Empire’s Town Country Great Marshal, he was obligated to oversee the affairs of these individuals within the vast territory of Qi Country.

To think that he, Jiang Mengxiong, who had shattered Frost Wind Valley with his fist and furiously decimated the Ape Immortal Court – what kind of magnificent barbarity was that? Yet after merely a few days, he was besieged by requests and contacts, relegated to the role of a guardian? He was meant to watch over these youngsters, this and that child! Guarding children with his fist?

But compared to these, who had brought their chaotic retinues to Martial Peace City for unknown reasons, one individual arrived alone, the most significant of all.

This person’s golden flame from the Civilization Basin flew horizontally, spanning several thousand li, arriving directly from the great city of Chu Country –

The Great Chu’s Duke of Huai, Zuo Qi, had actually personally come to the Heaven Prison World, to Martial Peace City! This was a veteran of veterans, a predecessor among predecessors. Even Jiang Mengxiong, who rarely deferred to anyone, had to personally greet him!

“Left Duke Lord!” Sensing the aged duke’s presence, Jiang Mengxiong immediately ended his remote standoff with the Ape Immortal Court, personally descending to the area outside Martial Peace City, offering a welcoming courtesy: “What matter brings you here personally? Jiang has indeed failed to welcome you from afar!”

Heaven Breath Wasteland, South Heaven City’s city wall.

The Ape Immortal Court’s eyebrows rose: “It seems another True Monarch has arrived on the opposite side, currently in secret discussion with Jiang Mengxiong. It’s Zuo Xiao!”

“Chu Country’s Zuo Xiao?!” Zhu Yi was greatly startled, immediately turning his gaze. “An old fellow, what is there to fear?” The Ape Immortal Court spread his five fingers, the colossal battle halberd already gripped in his palm, and coldly snorted: “Nothing more than killing one if they come, a pair if two arrive.”

Zhu Yi immediately said: “I will inform Qi Guan Ying at once.”

“Good.”

With Jiang Mengxiong’s temperament, he would certainly respect Zuo Xiao’s status, reputation, and cultivation, but this alone would not warrant such courteous treatment.

What truly earned his respect was Zuo Xiao’s lifetime of conquests, the countless legends he had forged.

In any ranking of the world’s military strategists, Zuo Xiao’s name would be prominently featured.

He was a renowned general, his son a famous general, his grandson a famous general. For three thousand years, his family in Great Chu had been loyal and valorous.

Although his momentum had suffered a great blow when he faltered in his attempt to reach the absolute peak, and his son and grandson subsequently perished in battle, upon donning his armor once more, he could still evoke memories of past glory. He could still earn Jiang Mengxiong’s respect.

Today’s Zuo Xiao wore the exceedingly luxurious attire of a Great Chu state duke, sweeping across ten thousand li with a red glow, stepping through the void with a calm and infinitely majestic demeanor. The characteristic complex clothing of Chu land, when worn by such a person, did not appear extravagant but only showcased his nobility.

He did not speak of desiring to see the absolute peak, like Ye Lingxiao, nor did he mention guarding someone’s experience, like Helian Hu.

He directly breached the Ten Thousand Demons Gate, arrived directly at Martial Peace City, looked directly at Jiang Mengxiong, and stated directly: “I have come for Jiang Wang.”

Jiang Mengxiong was momentarily stunned by the straightforwardness. You are a Great Chu state duke, he is a Great Qi state marquis, and you have come for him? May I ask your relationship? How could I not know his surname was Zuo? And his hometown wasn’t in Zhuang Country?

But Zuo Xiao’s next sentence was even more direct: “Has Jiang Wang truly perished?” Heaven and earth fell into silence.

The area outside Martial Peace City was enveloped in an absolute stillness. All sounds ceased, all gazes could not penetrate, all thoughts could not be conveyed.

Martial Peace City currently hosted guests from all corners, soldiers from various armies, thousands upon thousands of people.

But here, only Zuo Xiao and Jiang Mengxiong existed!

Only their dialogue could persist, only their communication could continue. Zuo Qi’s will and determination were as unshakeable as a mountain!

This attitude left no room for evasion.

Jiang Mengxiong replied directly: “If asked by others nearby, I would have no other answer. Since it is Left Duke Lord inquiring, I must say it is still uncertain.”

“I personally searched Frost Wind Valley but found no trace of Jiang Wang’s life force. His corpse was not decomposed by the extreme cold wind; instead, the demon race warriors all perished completely.

However, I breached Frost Wind Valley and stepped into South Heaven City, but I did not find his life force within the city either. I suspect that if he is still alive, he must have escaped elsewhere after eliminating the demon race warriors. In order to provide him with possible cover, I then erased all traces within Frost Wind Valley and directly spread the news of his death, indicating that South Heaven City would be his burial ground.

If possible, I would have searched more widely. However, you are aware of the demon race situation; the Ape Immortal Court arrived promptly, and we engaged in a battle.

Later, Zhu Yi also joined the fray, and I chose to withdraw from the Heaven Breath Wasteland and construct a great city on the Civilization Basin side, opening a new racial battlefield for a prolonged war. Once initiated, the demon race forces in the Heaven Breath Wasteland will inevitably converge greatly towards South Heaven City. This will weaken forces in other areas, and if Jiang Wang is still alive and escapes from there, he will face relatively fewer challenges.

Regarding Jiang Wang’s life and death, this speculation is known only to him, the Emperor, and Xiu Yuan in the entire Qi Country.

Jiang Mengxiong’s willingness to share this with Zuo Qi was indeed a sign of sincerity, a testament to his trust in Zuo Xiao.

However, Zuo Qi’s expression did not soften even slightly because of this trust.

“When Jiang Wang’s cultivation was still very low, this old man advised him to remain in Chu Country. The Huai State Duke’s mansion would always have a room for him. But he refused. He has feelings for Qi Country, he wished to forge his own path, unwilling to accept the shade of others – this is also one of the reasons I value him.”

Zuo Xiao looked at Jiang Mengxiong and said: “He has fame, title, and a fief in Qi Country. Qi Country has treated him well. You, Jiang Mengxiong, have personally come to the Demon Realm to search for him. In truth, Jiang Shu has not mistreated meritorious ministers. But this old man must tell you, with Jiang Wang’s talent, merit, character, and temperament, he would be heavily relied upon in any country. Simultaneously, no country would allow such an unparalleled prodigy of the world to venture into the Ten Thousand Demons Gate for the first time without any preparation!”

Jiang Mengxiong’s face also grew somber.

He could not refute Zuo Xiao’s words. The Qi Court had initially arranged for Nine Cadets Commander Xiu Yuan to personally assist Jiang Wang and provide military strategy guidance, but from beginning to end, Xiu Yuan never even met Jiang Wang.

In this matter, Ji Zhaonan was largely to blame. This individual had underestimated the danger of Frost Wind Valley and the value of Jiang Wang!

It was true that fighting to the death with the demon race was common, and that human cultivators had the duty of Divine Arrivals, and everyone should engage after entering the Ten Thousand Demons Gate. But should an unparalleled prodigy like Jiang Wang, a True Person with the potential to become a True Monarch, be so easily sent to the battlefield and into peril? Insufficient prior intelligence, delayed rescue afterward, allowing those with malicious intentions to exploit the loophole, causing the fall of an unparalleled prodigy – this was indefensible anywhere. “In this matter, I do bear responsibility,” Jiang Mengxiong finally admitted.

Ji Zhaonan could not shoulder this responsibility, and placing it on Xiu Yuan would truly be unfair to him. Only he himself could accept it.

Zuo Xiao looked at him quietly for a moment, then said: “How to divide responsibility is an internal matter for your Qi Country; this old man will not interfere. As for now…”

He did not step a single foot into Martial Peace City. He turned around directly outside the city gate. Martial Peace City lacked a renowned ‘Martial Peace,’ why should he step within?

His long hair was tied tightly under his white jade crown, his luxurious robe billowed in the wind, and his tall, slender figure strode directly towards the so-called Demon Race’s South Heaven Gate in the Heaven Breath Wasteland!

“Since Jiang Wang still has a possibility of being alive, what are you all waiting for?”

The silence outside the fortified city was broken.

Zuo Qi returned to the world and advanced across the wasteland.

Jiang Mengxiong was momentarily stunned, then without hesitation, he followed suit. Besides, he wouldn’t back down. In a battlefield confrontation, who did Jiang Mengxiong fear!

Meanwhile, Wenren Shen, the nominal holder of the Martial South battlefield and the core figure responsible for handling the affairs of Martial Peace City, was officially titled the Human Race’s Chief Political Officer for the Martial South battlefield, effectively a miscellaneous affairs officer under the Town Country Great Marshal. These past few days had truly been overwhelming.

Ye Lingxiao had brought numerous matters, the Pasture Country princess was delicate, the descendant of the Qin Huai Emperor was troublesome, and the Wash Moon Nunnery’s intentions were difficult to fathom. Hanging Air Temple had an individual named Bitter Awareness who had been incessantly bothering him to come to Martial Peace City these past few days. Reportedly, Hanging Air Temple internally forbade him from coming to the Demon Realm, so he ran to Qi Country’s territory and asked Song Yao to open the gates for him! Song Yao, unable to cope with the entanglement, could only send a message to inquire.

Especially today, the Duke of Huai, Zuo Xiao, had also arrived!

It was as if they were having a disagreement with the military god.

Wait longer, and who knew what else might happen.

How could an ordinary, newly built great city suddenly become so entangled and filled with surging winds and clouds?

The situation inside Martial Peace City was extremely complex! It severely tested his political wisdom!

One could say that the affairs of all the cities in Qi Country within the entire Civilization Basin combined did not exhaust him as much as Martial Peace City had in these few days.

From trivial matters like who lived where and how to maintain proper etiquette, to significant issues like the overall battlefield situation and the complete planning of Martial Peace City – a thousand threads converged into one place, enough to give even a worldly True Person a headache.

But troublesome as these matters were, Wenren Shen suddenly turned his head and realized that the current lineup in Martial Peace City, including himself, actually comprised two True Monarchs and three True Persons. Counting the already approaching Bitter Awareness, they would have four True Persons. This force was entirely capable of fighting a large-scale war!

How did Martial Peace City suddenly become so strong?

Heaven knew, when he, Wenren Shen, received his assignment, he was merely tasked with managing this battlefield area well, laying a foundation for a small-scale, prolonged war, and securing a steady source of resources.

Now, suddenly so many powerful individuals had surged in, all desiring what?

If the demon race discovered this, they would undoubtedly suspect Great Qi Empire and these forces were hatching some scheme!

Wait, no.

Wenren Shen suddenly realized that with Martial Peace City’s current lineup, it wouldn’t be excessive to have a scheme, would it?

But the figures of the two True Monarchs were faster than his thoughts.

Just as this thought flashed through his mind, the two Derivation True Monarchs had already ascended into the sky. In an instant, they traversed a hundred li, crossing the already leveled Frost Wind Valley, and went directly towards South Heaven City!

Shouldn’t they first conduct a few small-scale probes?

If they truly intended a large-scale operation, shouldn’t they transfer more troops?

Where were they planning to attack? Shouldn’t the strategic objective be discussed with him, the highest officer of the Martial South battlefield!

Were they intending to break out of the Civilization Basin and establish a city in the Heaven Breath Wasteland? According to military texts, now was not the time—

In an instant, a thousand thoughts arose and perished in his mind. In reality, there was simply no time. The two True Monarchs had rushed ahead too impulsively. Before Wenren Shen could even think, he had already leaped into the high sky, his voice echoing throughout the city: “Frost Wind shakes, but this world shall not grind! Martial Peace’s enmity must be repaid today! Whole army assemble! Follow Great Qi’s military god and charge! Follow Great Chu’s Duke of Huai and charge! Follow me, Wenren Shen, and charge! Before the golden sun sets today, South Heaven City must be annihilated!”