Chapter 23 Rash Advances, Undercurrents

"If I forcibly break through the Restriction barrier, I might alert the enemy," Yun Bai muttered to himself. "The strength of these monsters far exceeds the ordinary, and there is likely a more powerful existence behind them. If I act rashly, not only might I fall into danger, but I could also allow the Demon Race's conspiracy to succeed."

The Demon Race definitely had a conspiracy. Yun Bai was certain of this.

In this world, both the Human Race and Demon Race civilizations already possessed a profound foundation of knowledge. No matter which race's hands the Universe Shuttle's wreckage fell into, its extraordinary nature would inevitably be discovered.

Clearly, the Demon Race was already studying the instruments within that wreckage.

He looked up toward the distant Huangfeng Mountain, where a massive high platform stood faintly visible on the summit—this was the spirit connection platform currently being constructed by the State Religion.

The spirit connection platform was an important strategic foundation within the Human Race's territory, spread across their domains to form a massive network. They could not only regulate spiritual energy, allowing Human Race Cultivators to absorb it faster, but also enhance their Cultivate speed and combat prowess.

The night was too deep, and the mountain forests obstructed his view; he could not see the situation on Huangfeng Mountain clearly.

He had passed by Huangfeng Mountain while piloting his flying boat. Back then, countless craftsmen, garrison troops, and porters were bustling about the mountainside; more than half of the seventy-two Spirit Suppressing Pillars had already been erected, and the Ore furnaces were spitting out blue flames day and night without rest.

The spirit connection platform was the strategic key for the Human Race. It was both the most important base station for the communication network and the most vital node of the energy network.

"This place is distance from Huangfeng Mountain..." Yun Bai narrowed his eyes. "I hadn't noticed before, but the straight-line distance from here to Niwa Village is very close."

Since Jiuxu Village and Niwa Village were separated by mountains, unless one had the determination of the Foolish Old Man, normal travel between the two villages was very inconvenient. One had to go around the large mountains, taking the original path, to be able to connect with each other.

Niwa Village was right at the foot of Huangfeng Mountain.

"This place is too close to the construction site of the spirit connection platform." Yun Bai thought to himself that this was bad. If the spirit connection platform were destroyed, the regulation of spiritual energy across the entire Human Race territory would fall into chaos, and the consequences would be unimaginable.

Yun Bai had recovered some of his strength by now; he frowned, his fingers tapping the stone wall unconsciously.

He thought of the State Religion's formidable power; if he could obtain the State Religion's support, his confidence in exploring the path ahead would undoubtedly increase greatly. But he was also worried; once the State Religion intervened, this crucial core would very likely fall into the hands of others, and his own efforts would go down the drain.

Yun Bai's left hand reached for the communication Formation Plate at his waist; the faint light emitted by the Formation Plate flickered in his eyes.

Xiao Liu understood Yun Bai's worries.

The next moment, a 2.5D three-dimensional image unfolded in Yun Bai's mind, and a clear route was outlined by Xiao Liu.

"What is this?"

[Encrypted signal received...]

Another wave of information drilled into Yun Bai's mind, instantly sweeping away all his anxieties.

It was actually, actually like this!?

Joy appeared on Yun Bai's brow; he hesitated no longer and poured spiritual energy into the Restriction before him.

With a continuous series of cracking sounds, the Restriction shattered completely.

Yun Bai walked straight inside.

"He is hesitating." The owner of those eyes in the darkness began to grow anxious.

He was not confident in killing Yun Bai outside; he had to find a way to lure Yun Bai inside!

His thoughts shifted, and he looked at the black spherical object on the edge beside him.

That black sphere was deep and terrifying, wantonly plundering everything from the heavens and earth, causing the surrounding space to be distorted.

"I still have to borrow the power of the divine corpse, hehehe." He extended a withered finger, and wisps of pure Devilish Qi were transferred from his fingertip into the black sphere.

The black sphere vibrated slightly, as if it had received some kind of command, and an indescribable ripple spread out in all directions.

Sure enough.

"He came in?! Hehehe, as expected of the divine corpse, truly powerful." He licked his lips, his eyes full of burning heat.

If he could deal with this brat, His Majesty the Demon Emperor and the Celestial Master would surely permit him to borrow this divine corpse for a few more days.

At this time, the State Religion was busy with affairs in the Cang Plains, while the great Confucian official sent down from the capital, Huang Shouren, was in Chu Prefecture City, occupied with military affairs concerning the safety of the Human Race.

As a strategic fortress for the Human Race to resist the Demon Race on the Northwest border, the importance of Chu Prefecture City was self-evident.

"The main force of Chu Prefecture City totals 55,000 troops. There are 42,000 conventional troops, including 3,000 'Black Armored Heavy Cavalry' equipped with 'Dragon Scale Black Iron Armor' and 'Demon-Breaking Spears'; 1,000 'Divine Mechanism Battalion' troops equipped with 'Nine Heavens Thunder Crossbows'; and 500 'Shadow Guards' who practice the 'Void Realm Escape Technique'..." General Lin Jian, with his square face, reported to Huang Shouren with a serious expression.

"Continue," Huang Shouren said, head bowed as he studied a stack of lists.

"Inspector, next is the economic aspect of Chu Prefecture City."

"The permanent population is approximately 300,000. 40% are military-related, which is 120,000; 60% are livelihood-related, which is 180,000. The spiritual plant farms around Chu Prefecture City produce 2 million tons of 'Mystic Crystal Rice' annually; the 'Cloud Plank Road' transports 100,000 tons daily; and there are over 100,000 of each type of Medicinal Pill in stock. The floating population is about 30,000 daily, peaking at 50,000. The following is the detailed report..."

Huang Shouren's military reorganization campaign was in full swing, and his swift and decisive actions made many of the cancerous elements in the army tremble with fear. His brush swept across list after list, and every name crossed out meant an incumbent officer had been dismissed or replaced.

These officers were mostly descendants of aristocratic families in Chu Prefecture City; they had long been corrupt, forming cliques for personal gain within the military, severely affecting the army's combat effectiveness.

Huang Shouren knew deeply that to resist the Demon Race's invasion, he must first rectify the internal affairs.

After General Lin Jian finished his report, he stood quietly, his eyes full of admiration.

"You have done well." Huang Shouren looked up and glanced at General Lin Jian.

"The situation in Chu Prefecture City has now been basically clarified." Huang Shouren's voice was low and powerful, carrying an unquestionable majesty.

"My Lord, this measure of yours will surely give our army a fresh start. It is just that those aristocratic families will likely not let this rest," General Lin Jian said with worry.

Huang Shouren gave a cold snort: "How could I not know? But for the future of the Human Race, why should I fear them! If they dare to resist, I will definitely punish them severely!" A cold light flashed in his eyes, as if it could pierce through all obstacles.

He knew deeply that the Demon Race was secretly mobilizing troops, intending to target the Human Race's Northwest border territory. The Northwest region had been occupied by warlords for the past few decades, and the State Religion had only just taken control of it this year; the Demon Race wanted to take advantage of the State Religion's unstable footing to invade.

"General Lin, this Cang Plains border is the first line of defense for our Human Race and must not be lost. You must go personally to supervise the military affairs; do not be the slightest bit slack." Huang Shouren said to General Lin Jian seriously.

General Lin Jian straightened his body, cupped his hands, and replied loudly: "Rest assured, my Lord, this general will do his utmost to defend the border to the death!"

Huang Shouren nodded, his gaze falling back onto the various strategic points on the projected sand table constructed by the Formation Plate beside him. He knew deeply that every decision concerned the life and death of countless people and could not tolerate the slightest carelessness.

"By the way, where is General Yang Cang?" Huang Shouren suddenly asked.

A subordinate hurriedly stepped forward and replied respectfully: "My Lord, General Yang Cang is at home on sick leave."

Huang Shouren's brows furrowed slightly; he felt a faint sense that something was wrong. As the General of Chu Prefecture City, General Yang Cang taking sick leave at this critical moment was truly suspicious.

"Send someone to invite him; tell him that this Inspector has important matters to discuss. No matter how sick he is, he must come." Huang Shouren said in a deep voice. The subordinate took the order and left, while Huang Shouren continued to discuss military deployment issues with General Lin Jian.

They carefully studied every piece of terrain and every stronghold on the map, striving to ensure nothing went wrong.

"Look at this Huangyang Town outpost; although its military strength is not high, it is our important eyes and ears. If the Demon Race breaks through here, we will fall into a passive position." General Lin Jian said, pointing to Huangyang Town on the map.

Huang Shouren nodded slightly: "Correct, the defense of Huangyang Town must be strengthened. Pass down the order to dispatch 100 Divine Mechanism Battalion soldiers there, and be sure to strengthen the forces of the Earth Listening Battalion and the Flying Kite Guard to closely monitor every move of the Demon Race."

"Yes." General Lin Jian hurriedly recorded it.

"Hmm?" Huang Shouren's brows furrowed. Just at this moment, he received a report from his student, Supervisor Zhou Shengtai.

"According to the plan, how long until the spirit connection platform is completed?" Huang Shouren suddenly asked.

"Approximately another 80 hours," General Lin Jian said.

Huang Shouren paced back and forth a few times, then looked up and stared at General Lin Jian.

"General Lin, I will make the following deployments. Dispatch the Third and Fifth Regiments of the Black Armored Army to the Cang Plains Western Mountains immediately; the First and Sixth Regiments to the north slope of Huangfeng Mountain; and dispatch 300 men from the Divine Mechanism Battalion to Huangfeng Mountain immediately..."

"... That is basically it. You should also set off immediately to the Cang Plains to supervise the army!" Huang Shouren said expressionlessly.

"Yes!" General Lin Jian said no more, turned around, and left.

Huang Shouren stood with his hands behind his back, continuing to look at that sand table.

He did not know how many times he had simulated this.

In fact, no one knew what the Demon Race was relying on for their restless movements this time.

"I hope the State Religion and the others can be successful..."