494: Chapter 494 Returning to Great Xia

Changyi Demon Realm Entrance.

In the Changyi City wilderness.

Three months ago, the betrayal of the Wang family left Changyi City completely devastated; six million people perished, and not a single soul survived, including those at the original Changyi base, where the Demon Suppressing Army suffered near-total casualties.

Only the Cultivators who had entered the wilderness to hunt Yao Beasts, along with some Demon Suppressing Army members out on missions, escaped the catastrophe.

Although Xie Zhiyuan later led the Demon Suppressing Army to retake Changyi City and killed Wang Wei, however, Changyi City and the original base were no longer suitable for habitation.

Under the guidance of the Great Xia authorities, the remaining survivors built a new base twenty kilometers from the entrance to guard the Changyi Demon Realm Entrance.

For the past few days, everything had been calm, which made the Demon Suppressing Army guarding the city feel somewhat unaccustomed.

"Damn it, why haven't those beasts attacked for several days?" a burly man wearing a general's uniform said on the city wall.

"What's the matter, Old Chen? Getting itchy hands?"

A short-haired man standing next to him, also wearing a general's uniform, laughed.

"Yeah, if I don't slaughter a few of those animals a day, I don't feel right."

"Hahaha, same here," the short-haired man laughed. "But it's good to rest for a few days and let the brothers take a breather."

In terms of individual strength and combat power at the same level, the Yao Race is inferior to the Demon Suppressing Army; to guard a Ninth Realm Demon Realm Entrance, the Demon Suppressing Army members must have at least Fifth Realm strength and have undergone a Second Awakening.

However, they simply cannot withstand the sheer number of the Yao Race, which comes in an endless stream, like chives being harvested crop after crop.

It is only because the Changyi entrance has restrictions—only four Demigod-level beings can enter—that they can hold their ground; otherwise, they might not be able to defend it.

"I heard news that several Demonic Race Demigods at the Red Flower Demon Realm Entrance of the Vermilion Bird Empire have been killed, and the Yao Race has retreated back into the Demon Realm."

"Hmm."

"I heard it was Xiao Weiqing who did it?"

"You don't know?"

"Nonsense, my rank isn't as high as yours, so how would I know?" the burly man retorted irritably.

He had access to the Vermilion Bird Empire's battle reports; as generals of the Demon Suppressing Army, they carefully read the battle reports from every major Demon Realm Entrance on Blue Star every day.

This time, the Vermilion Bird Empire's battle report regarding the Red Flower Demon Realm Entrance did not mention Xiao Weiqing's name, as if someone had deliberately concealed it.

However, with so many pairs of eyes watching on the battlefield, how could it possibly be hidden? The authorities hadn't issued a gag order either.

So, most people had heard some rumors.

"It's true. Not only did Xiao Weiqing kill the Demonic Race Demigods, but he also staged a heroic rescue."

"A heroic rescue? Who did he save?"

"Palace Master Yun Shu Yun Shu of the Vermilion Bird Empire?"

"Really?"

"Of course. And I also heard…" the short-haired man's voice suddenly lowered, "I also heard that the relationship between Xiao Weiqing and Palace Master Yun Shu Yun Shu is not ordinary."

"For real?"

"How could it be fake? I heard it directly from Commander Sun himself."

"What 'heard from me'? Don't talk nonsense! You two brats, get lost and go on patrol!"

A voice full of vigor, tinged with a hint of reprimand, came from behind the two men.

Both men stiffened instantly and turned to look at the newcomer.

An old man wearing the Demon Suppressing Army uniform, with graying hair but looking hale and hearty, stood there.

Standing next to the old man was a middle-aged man with a refined, scholarly appearance, like an ancient scholar, but the two knew that the middle-aged man was even older than the old man.

"Yes, Commander."

"Greetings, Principal Xie."

After greeting Xie Zhiyuan, the two generals immediately walked away.

"Ahem~"

"Old Xie, don't listen to those two brats spouting nonsense."

Xie Zhiyuan said: "It's not really a secret; it's just that Xiao Weiqing doesn't like being so high-profile."

"Besides, it's not like I don't know your temperament. I trust you."

"That's good," the old man nodded in satisfaction.

"After all, for so many years, you've never been able to keep your mouth shut. I'm sure you must have been the one who said it."

"……"

"Xie Zhiyuan, that's going a bit too far. We've been old friends for decades. Is that the kind of person you think I, Sun Yezhou, am?"

Xie Zhiyuan looked at Sun Yezhou and nodded seriously.

"Yes."

"Damn!"

Sun Yezhou cursed under his breath, "Xie Zhiyuan, if it weren't for the fact that we haven't seen each other in twenty years, just for slandering me, I'd definitely show you what's what."

"Isn't it because you can't beat me?"

Not to mention that Xie Zhiyuan had already entered the Ninth Realm, even if they were both in the Eighth Realm, Sun Yezhou would still be no match for Xie Zhiyuan.

Although their voices were not loud, the Demon Suppressing Army members on the city wall were all extraordinary Cultivators with formidable strength and sharp senses, and they heard the conversation clearly.

Many people's bodies began to tremble as they tried hard to restrain themselves from laughing out loud.

"Old Ghost Xie, that's too much. Give me some Face at least; otherwise, how am I supposed to lead my troops in battle in the future?"

Xie Zhiyuan was well aware of the situation around him. After looking around, he said loudly:

"Listen up, everyone! Your Commander Sun is absolutely! Not! That kind of gossiping old biddy! Absolutely not..."

It would have been fine if he hadn't said anything.

Once he said that, everyone could no longer hold it back.

Someone burst into laughter, and once one started, others followed, and then everyone roared with laughter.

They knew their Commander well enough; from ordinary soldiers competing for affection to generals getting beaten by their own wives, as long as Sun Yezhou knew, it meant the entire army knew.

"Laugh! What the hell are you laughing at!"

Sun Yezhou was embarrassed and angry.

Rumble~~~

Suddenly, a massive explosion came from the Demon Realm Entrance.

Sun Yezhou composed himself and roared, "Assemble!"

"Su Huai, Ye Xiao!"

"Here!"

"Go see what's going on, and watch out for your safety!"

"Yes."

The two Eighth Realm Demon Suppressing Army commanders soared into the air and flew toward the Demon Realm Entrance.

Just then, a greater commotion erupted from the Demon Realm Entrance.

The pupils of the two experts who had just taken flight constricted as they saw four huge golden fire dragons wantonly slaughtering the Yao Race ranks in the distance.

"What is that?"

A general on the city wall pointed to the sky.

Above the Demon Realm Entrance, a fireball shimmered. In less than a few breaths, the fireball rapidly expanded, turning into a great sun over a thousand meters in diameter, illuminating the night.

Even from twenty kilometers away, everyone could feel the terrifying energy contained within that great sun.

"Two generals, come back!"

Seeing this, Xie Zhiyuan immediately called back the Eighth Realm Experts who had gone to investigate.

The two experts looked at Sun Yezhou, waiting for instructions.

"Old Xie?"

Sun Yezhou looked at Xie Zhiyuan, waiting for an answer.

"It's Xiao Weiqing."

Xie Zhiyuan stated with certainty.

"Xiao Weiqing?"

Sun Yezhou was startled, "Are you sure? I haven't received any news."

Xie Zhiyuan nodded and said, "It can't be wrong. I think he must have come out from the Demon Realm Entrance."

"The Demon Realm Entrance?"

Sun Yezhou thought for a few seconds, but chose to trust Xie Zhiyuan. He signaled the two Eighth Realm Experts to hold their position for now.

"It's crashing down!"

Someone exclaimed.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, that great sun in the sky slammed heavily into the ground and exploded in the center of the Yao Race.

Instantly, flames spread, and the Demon Realm Entrance turned into a sea of fire.

The terrifying heatwave surged and spread in all directions, reaching the foot of the city wall and then shooting straight up into the air; the temperature exceeded a hundred degrees, stinging everyone's skin.

"Old Sun, how many of the Yao Race are left at the entrance?"

Sun Yezhou said, "Forty Yao Sovereigns, and sixty thousand of the Yao Race."

As the two were talking, a figure rapidly approached the base. The Demon Suppressing Army immediately became alert; even though they knew it was highly likely a friend, without seeing the Face clearly, no one dared to relax.

"No need to be nervous, it's one of our own."

Xie Zhiyuan affirmed.