Chapter 737: Chapter 737

Great Gan Defense Zone.

After more than 150 years of development, the original Great Gan Defense Zone has expanded many times over, and the population has multiplied countless times.

Such vast land, such a large population, coupled with the increasingly prosperous and developed economy, has also made the economic status of the Demon Realm Defense Zone rise day by day.

For easier management, a hundred years ago, Great Gan established a state based on the ten newly opened commanderies of the Great Gan Defense Zone in the Demon Realm, named "Zhenmo State."

The highest authority in Zhenmo State is called the "Zhenmo Protectorate."

As the first "prefecture-level" administrative unit in Great Gan, the Zhenmo Protectorate holds a very special status in Great Gan, possessing both military and economic attributes. It is considered an attempt and innovation in the administrative system of Great Gan.

The capital of the Zhenmo Protectorate is called "Tenglong City."

Over the years, due to its special geographical location, this main base has become a huge city, renamed "Tenglong City."

Tenglong City has witnessed the hardships and bloodshed of the ancestors of the human race in resisting the demons, as well as the rise and glory of Great Gan.

Due to the continuous expansion of functional buildings in the city and the lack of defensive needs, the once towering city walls have long been dismantled, with only a small section retained at the edge as a historical witness.

Inside the city, high-rise buildings stand tall, streets are wide, and rail cars and self-driving carriages shuttle back and forth. In the sky, flying chariots occasionally glide by in formation, creating a three-dimensional transportation network.

Currently, the entire human-controlled area still strictly controls the demonic energy, with specialized protective formations to isolate it. As the heartland of the human race, Tenglong City naturally has the thinnest demonic energy.

Nowadays, the sky here is as blue as a wash, and the free spiritual energy in the air is already quite abundant, making it very suitable for human habitation and reproduction.

In the western part of Tenglong City, adjacent to an area near the Demon Sea, there is a large sparse complex of buildings, where many different varieties of tall spiritual woods are planted, and various kinds of spirit plants are abundant, resembling a giant garden.

This is the famous "Tenglong Advanced Academy."

This academy is a joint venture by the Wang Clan, the Great Gan government, and the Lingyun Holy Land, specifically established as the highest-level academy for the ten newly opened commanderies under the Zhenmo Protectorate.

The dean of the academy is a prominent figure in the Wang Clan's education system, Wang Lijue.

As the youngest daughter of Wang Shouzhe, Wang Lijue has been immersed in the field of education for many years, working diligently and achieving remarkable results, earning a reputation for having students all over the world.

An advanced academy personally managed by Wang Lijue is certainly not an ordinary academy.

As a result, the admission to Tenglong Advanced Academy is extremely strict. To enter the academy, one must first be the top graduate of a middle-level academy, and their bloodline aptitude must reach the level of a prodigy.

For the students who join the academy, the academy spares no effort in nurturing them.

Therefore, the entire advanced academy currently has only about 1,300 students, and less than fifty students graduate each year.

Outside the academy, there is a bustling food street catering to students and tourists.

Among them is a street-facing restaurant called "Weimei Pavilion."

At this moment, a man and a woman are sitting by the window in Weimei Pavilion.

The table in front of them is piled with various specialty foods from Zhenmo State, the most numerous of which is the local specialty, "Red Demonic Shrimp," prepared in garlic, thirteen spices, steamed, and charcoal-grilled.

"Ancestor, try this garlic-stuffed giant crab leg, it's the latest specialty of this restaurant~" Ximen Chuiyu picked out a giant crab leg and offered it to the middle-aged beautiful woman opposite him.

Ximen Chuiyu is a handsome young man, dressed in white, with an elegant demeanor. The middle-aged beautiful woman opposite him is also charming and graceful, with an extraordinary temperament. The two sitting by the window naturally form a picturesque scene.

"Chuiyu, time flies so fast." The middle-aged beautiful woman, Ximen Mixue, said with emotion as she enjoyed the crab leg, "Our Ximen Clan has been pioneering and starting businesses in the outer regions for almost two hundred years now. I was just a teenage girl when I followed Elder Xuesong on the Wanghai Domain-Crossing Flying Boat to set foot on this land."

Now, the once young girl has long shed her youthful innocence, becoming a Celestial Realm ancestor and supporting the clan.

"Thanks to the ancestors who braved the thorns and hardships to pioneer and start businesses." Ximen Chuiyu nodded, "We younger generations don't have to worry about money and can focus on studying and cultivating."

No wonder he felt emotional. Although his innate aptitude was good, it wasn't at the level of a prodigy. It was entirely due to the clan's nurturing that he became a prodigy.

Over the years, with the clan's unwavering support and his own efforts, he received scholarships and managed to reach the Celestial Realm at the age of seventy-six, with a promising future.

Ximen Mixue smiled, "Now that you've graduated from Tenglong Advanced Academy and entered the Protectorate's Secretariat with your own abilities, your future is bright. In a sense, you're also paving the way for the clan's future and laying the foundation for future generations. By the way, I haven't properly congratulated you yet~~ This is a top-grade magical treasure prepared by the clan for you."

As she spoke, Ximen Mixue took out a crystal-clear sword from her storage ring. The sword was only the size of a palm but exuded a sharp, icy aura.

"A top-grade magical treasure?" Ximen Chuiyu's eyes lit up, but he hesitated, "This must be worth several million Gan gold, right? Ancestor Mixue, this is too precious."

The clan is only a strong sixth-grade family, such a lavish gift might strain their resources.

"To be precise, it cost 4.3 million Gan gold." Ximen Mixue laughed, "But don't worry, the clan has been doing well these years. The farm's main crop, third-grade Snow Jade Crystal Rice, has been harvested in abundance, selling for a good price. With this income, it's easy to get a loan from Wang's Bank, and the clan can afford it."

"Chuiyu, now that you're in the Protectorate's Secretariat, part of high society, if the clan can't even provide you with a top-grade magical treasure, it might make people look down on you."

Ximen Chuiyu gritted his teeth and accepted the top-grade magical treasure, solemnly saying, "Ancestor Mixue, I will work hard to reach the Purple Mansion Realm as soon as possible and bring glory to the clan."

"You must work hard to let me see our Ximen Clan produce a Purple Mansion Master in my lifetime." Ximen Mixue laughed happily.

However, it wasn't a joke. She was already over two hundred years old, and generally, a prodigy would reach the Purple Mansion Realm around three hundred years old.

Now that Ximen Chuiyu had just reached the Celestial Realm, reaching the Purple Mansion Realm might take over two hundred years, by which time Ximen Mixue, only at the Celestial Realm, would likely have passed away.

"Ancestor Mixue, I will work hard to earn money to buy you Longevity Pills." Ximen Chuiyu said with a hint of sadness.

"Longevity Pills suitable for the Celestial Realm are too expensive and can only extend my life by ten years at most, so don't waste money on that." Ximen Mixue blinked and said with a smile, "If you really want to honor me, get me an autographed photo of Young Master Ningxi."

"Ancestor Mixue... you're still thinking about Young Master Ningxi?" Ximen Chuiyu said with a wry smile, "I heard you met Young Master Ningxi once when you were young and were captivated by him, collecting his albums and biographies ever since. I'd love to help you, but Young Master Ningxi is a high-ranking figure who rarely visits the Zhenmo Protectorate. I might not even get to meet him!"

"I don't care~ why don't you ask your dean for help? I heard she's a senior of Young Master Ningxi."

"Ancestor, please spare me. I only got to see the dean up close during the graduation ceremony... I was so nervous I couldn't even speak."

"You're so useless! Aren't you an outstanding graduate? Didn't you get into the Protectorate's Secretariat?"

The current Lord of the Zhenmo Protectorate is Wang Shoulian, the sixth of the seventh generation "Shou" character of the Wang Clan.

This appointment was personally decided by Prince An. Firstly, although Wang Shoulian is from the Wang Clan, he is married into a military family and has spent his life in the military system of Great Gan, possessing dual identities as both a Great Gan official and a Wang Clan member.

Over the years, Wang Shoulian has reached the early stage of the Divine Realm, and with his peerless prodigy bloodline, his strength is among the top in Great Gan.

Now, he is a significant figure in the court, a true regional governor.

However, Wang Shoulian mainly focuses on defense and controlling the general direction, not managing everything. Most of the time, he is busy cultivating, striving to reach the next realm.

The numerous operations and affairs of the Zhenmo Protectorate are managed by Wang Anrui, the second branch of the Wang Clan.

Speaking of Wang Anrui, although not as dazzling as Wang Anye of the "An" generation, he has always been introverted and steady, gaining experience in various family industries, later serving as the city lord of Qingluo Garrison, and assisting his grandfather Wang Zong'an in managing the affairs of Dala Commandery. He is a typical excellent internal affairs talent.

Within the family, as Wang Anrui gradually grows and takes on significant responsibilities, his prestige is also increasing, almost rivaling that of his uncle Wang Shizhao.

Even Wang Shouzhe is quite satisfied with his great-grandson Wang Anrui.

Of course, when it comes to his troublesome father Wang Shihai, Wang Shouzhe doesn't have such a good expression.

The Zhenmo Protectorate governs ten newly opened commanderies, with numerous daily affairs, so Wang Anrui established a Secretariat for this purpose.

The Secretariat may sound insignificant, but it is the core institution assisting Wang Anrui in operating the entire Zhenmo State.

Currently, the Secretary-General of the Secretariat is Wang Yinglei, the fifteenth of the ninth generation "Ying" character of the Wang Clan.

When the Wang Clan's "Spring Thunder Plan" was first implemented, she had already come to the Demon Realm. Over two hundred years, she witnessed the barren and harsh environment of the Demon Realm gradually transform into a paradise for humans, becoming the foundation supporting Great Gan, the Wang Clan, and various families.

Now, her status has also risen, and she holds high prestige throughout Zhenmo State.

In the large and complex Secretariat office building.

Under the watchful eyes of security personnel, Ximen Chuiyu entered the office building in neat attire, swiping his card.

His energy and spirit were full, looking vibrant, fully prepared to tackle the day's complex and tedious work.

As a newcomer who had been in the Secretariat for less than half a year, although he handled various trivial and complex tasks daily, he had no complaints, diligently completing them with meticulous care.

He knew that his present was hard-won, and he must establish himself in the Secretariat to avoid disappointing the expectations of his family and fellow villagers.

As he walked, he greeted colleagues around him, smiling naturally and warmly.

Suddenly, a female voice called out to him, "Chuiyu, come here for a moment."

Ximen Chuiyu looked up and saw a beautiful woman in a smart business suit, a white shirt, a gray jacket, and a knee-length skirt with stockings and leather shoes, clearly carefully coordinated. Her hairstyle was also a comfortable-looking wavy curl, making her look professional and elegant, yet still charming and feminine.

This professional female style, who knows where it became popular, but since Secretary-General Wang Yinglei dressed , naturally, those under her followed suit.

"Senior Sister Qin Lan."

Ximen Chuiyu hurriedly jogged over and greeted respectfully.

This Senior Sister Qin Lan also graduated from Tenglong Advanced Academy, but she joined thirty years earlier than Ximen Chuiyu, with experience and qualifications far beyond a newcomer. Now she has been promoted to team leader, leading Ximen Chuiyu and a few other newcomers.

Because of their senior-junior relationship, Zhao Qin Lan has always taken good care of Ximen Chuiyu.

"Chuiyu, you're just in time." Zhao Qin Lan said, "Leader Meiheng needs to handle a reception task, and our Group Nine and Group Thirteen will accompany. Remember, perform well and don't embarrass Leader Meiheng."

Upon hearing this, Ximen Chuiyu's expression turned serious, and he said with a hint of nervousness, "Senior Sister Qin Lan, usually a single group can handle a reception task, right? What level of reception task requires Leader Meiheng to personally attend?"

"Don't ask too much." Zhao Qin Lan also lowered her voice, "We're just small figures running errands in the Secretariat. Remember, be cautious in words and actions, observe more and speak less."

"Yes, Senior Sister Qin Lan." Ximen Chuiyu replied obediently.

As they were talking, a young man's voice suddenly sounded behind them, "Sister Qin Lan, what gossip secrets are you whispering about?"

Zhao Qin Lan immediately became nervous and quickly turned around with a smile, "Young Master Baoguang, I'm teaching the new colleague some workplace rules."

Not far behind them stood a handsome young man.

He was tall and handsome, with an extraordinary demeanor, the kind of handsome guy that catches the eye at first glance.

He was the prodigy of the Wang Clan's second branch, Wang Baoguang.

Hearing Zhao Qin Lan's perfunctory response, Wang Baoguang glanced at her with slight dissatisfaction, "Sister Qin Lan, although I'm young, don't forget I have a Purple Mansion Realm seventh-layer cultivation. Your little whispers can't hide from me. Tell me, who are we preparing to receive? Don't worry, I, Wang Baoguang, will absolutely keep it confidential."

Zhao Qin Lan bit her lip, almost in tears.

This young master of the Wang Clan was noble and powerful, but he was also notorious for loving gossip. Wherever there was excitement, there he would be. If she told him the secret, it wouldn't be half an hour before the entire Secretariat knew.

But Zhao Qin Lan couldn't afford to offend this young master. After all, he was the great-grandson of Commander Anrui of the Protectorate.

It's said that Commander Anrui had some opinions about certain aspects of this great-grandson's character, so he specifically brought him to his side to keep an eye on him, teaching him daily.

Seeing Senior Sister Qin Lan about to cry, Ximen Chuiyu had no choice but to brace himself and step forward, blocking Wang Baoguang, "Young Master Baoguang, the Secretariat has its rules, we can't casually disclose task information."

Naturally, he was filled with fear towards Wang Baoguang.

This young master was only about one hundred seventy or eighty years old, yet he was already at the seventh layer of the Purple Mansion Realm, crushing him would be like crushing an ant.

However, seeing Senior Sister Qin Lan suffer such grievance, he couldn't just stand by.

"Hey, hey, what do you take me for?" Wang Baoguang was speechless seeing their expressions as if facing a bandit, "I just asked casually. I'm not the kind of playboy who bullies others relying on family and strength."

"Baoguang, you're not allowed to bully my people."

At this moment, a woman with an extraordinary aura strode over from the other end of the corridor.

She was also dressed in a well-tailored women's business suit, with a pretty face and a professional demeanor. Her ten-centimeter-high heels added to her imposing presence, especially as she walked briskly, exuding an invisible pressure.

Seeing her, Zhao Qin Lan and Ximen Chuiyu seemed to find their backbone, instantly relieved.

And she didn't disappoint, directly pushing Wang Baoguang aside, glaring at him, "Uncle Anrui arranged for you to be in the Secretariat to calm down and systematically learn about internal affairs, not to dig for gossip and spread rumors."

Seeing this woman, Wang Baoguang quickly stood up straight, showing a flattering expression, "Aunt Meiheng, I'm just curious~ If you don't want to say, then I'll just..."

"Stop." Wang Meiheng gave him a sideways glance, "Since you're here, come with me to pick someone up."

"Pick someone up?" Wang Baoguang became excited again, "Aunt, who are we going to pick up?"

"To pick up Brother Ningxi." Wang Meiheng said with a half-smile, "And assist him in completing a task."

"What, pick up the Forty-Seventh Uncle?" Wang Baoguang turned to leave, "No, no, Uncle Ningxi is too scary."

But before he could take two steps, Wang Meiheng grabbed his ear and pulled him back.

"Since you're in my hands, you have to go whether you want to or not."

Although Wang Baoguang was formidable in combat, who could resist when Wang Meiheng was two generations his senior? He couldn't even resist, let alone fight back, and could only gasp and beg for mercy, "Aunt, lighter, lighter, I'll go, okay?"

Wang Meiheng's team welcomed Wang Ningxi and a group of researchers from the domain-crossing port.

After a brief exchange, Wang Ningxi affectionately put his arm around Wang Baoguang, saying, "Baoguang, I wondered why I hadn't seen you in years, turns out you're building a career in Zhenmo State?"

"Forty-Seventh Uncle... the story about you getting beaten for breaking off an engagement wasn't spread by me... you have to believe me..." Wang Baoguang shivered, tears almost falling.

"Small matter, small matter, your Forty-Seventh Uncle's greatest virtue is being magnanimous and not holding grudges." Wang Ningxi smiled kindly, "By the way, you're so strong and already in the late Purple Mansion Realm at such a young age. I just developed a set of stealth mimicry skin, why don't you help me test it by wandering around a Demon King Fortress to see if those demons can spot you?"

"Uncle, please spare me~"

"Don't like it? No problem, our team just developed a manned version of the 'Expedition Nine,' capable of breaking through the sky to the endless void. Help your Forty-Seventh Uncle test it and see the vastness of the void."

"Uncle, I was wrong, I'll never dare again." Wang Baoguang's legs went weak, firmly saying, "From now on, I'll keep my mouth shut about everything."

"Hehe~ very good, then let your Aunt Meiheng supervise you. If you relapse, I'll send you to count stars in the endless void."

"Brother Ningxi, I promise to complete the task." Wang Meiheng replied with a smile.

Wang Ningxi came to Zhenmo State for an important mission, and after the little episode, he let Wang Baoguang go and began his work.

First, he had Wang Meiheng help him summon a "Lingyun Nineteen."

The "Lingyun Nineteen" is an air transport flying boat powered by spiritual stones.

The origin of this flying boat can be traced back to the Gongye Clan.

When Wang Anye got married, the Gongye Clan, as in-laws, gave the blueprints of this cargo flying boat as a wedding gift to Wang Anye, along with the broken blueprints excavated from the ruins and related patent rights, all given to the Wang Clan.

After obtaining it, the Wang Clan carefully studied the blueprints and built the Lingyun flying boat.

However, the initial version of the Lingyun flying boat consumed too many spiritual stones during flight, with low cost-effectiveness and practicality, so it was never mass-produced.

But after nearly three hundred years of continuous iterative research by the Wang's Research Institute, the practicality of the spiritual stone air transport flying boat has greatly improved, with all aspects of performance relatively mature, stabilized at the nineteenth generation.

Now, the Lingyun Nineteen flying boat, with its large carrying capacity, has become an important air transport force for the Wang Clan.

The secret weapon brought by Wang Ningxi was carried by the Lingyun Nineteen, heading towards the distant border.

After several days and nights of flight, the Lingyun Nineteen finally reached the frontier of Zhenmo State, in the border camp of Dingyuan Commandery.

Under the command of Wang Ningxi and his team, launch towers were erected, each equipped with a five or six zhang high, six or seven chi thick "Heaven's Wrath Seventeen."

This is also a secret weapon developed by the Wang Clan.

The concept of this secret weapon originated from the family head, Wang Shouzhe, who always had various whimsical ideas.

He envisioned a terrifying weapon capable of targeting a specific area or point thousands or even tens of thousands of miles away.

Though it sounded outrageous, Wang Liyue, after careful consideration, found the plan feasible, though it required overcoming many technical challenges and needed slow research and adjustment.

This research naturally took over two hundred years, consuming countless resources, energy, and effort from the Wang Clan!

Fortunately, they eventually succeeded.

The latest version of the "Heaven's Wrath Seventeen" has seen comprehensive improvements in performance compared to previous versions, even solving the long-standing issue of long-distance targeting.

This time, since they wanted to deter the Nether Fiend Demon God forces on the other side, Wang Ningxi proposed testing the latest version of the "Heaven's Wrath System."

Unsurprisingly, his proposal was quickly approved.

This time, he led the team to the Demon Realm to oversee the first test firing of the "Heaven's Wrath Seventeen."

As for the test target, he had already chosen it.

The "Scorpion Demon King Fortress," the closest to Dingyuan Commandery.

In the past one hundred and fifty years, this Demon King Fortress and the human race have remained at peace.

Although they are indeed close in a straight line, they are actually separated by an entire mountain range. Whoever attacks first must conquer those natural barriers, and even if victorious, it would likely be a "pyrrhic victory."

Behind the Scorpion Demon King Fortress lies a rare oasis, known as the "Green Demon Territory."

Its lord, the Green Demon Lord, possesses late-stage lord-level strength, making it a top-tier figure among the many demon lords under the Scorpion Demon King, with formidable troops and extraordinary strength.

Recently, after receiving mobilization orders from above, the Green Demon Lord entered an excited state.

After so many years, the opportunity to make a name for itself had finally arrived! If it could achieve great merit this time, it might have a chance to become the next Demon King!

It immediately entered recruitment mode, gathering a thousand elite guards and four thousand demon soldiers in the camp, ensuring they could mobilize at any time once orders were given.

The demon soldiers' camp was brightly lit, with the bright fire illuminating the sky. Under the flickering firelight, even the blood moon overhead seemed to dim a bit.

In the camp, many demon soldiers and generals gathered around the bonfire, roasting various foods.

Among them, the Green Demon Lord, served by two "beautiful" female demons, was eating meat and drinking wine, its mind filled with thoughts of conquering the wealthy humans, reclaiming lost demon lands, and seizing the wealth that should belong to them.

As one of the demon territories closest to human settlements, it had heard many stories of the prosperity and abundance on the human side over the years. It had been waiting for this day for a long time!

The camp was very safe, and everyone was relaxed.

Since the camp was four thousand miles away from the nearest human border checkpoint, with a Demon King Fortress and several lord territories in between, it was very safe, and everyone was relaxed, with no sense of vigilance.

But as the Green Demon Lord remained oblivious.

Amidst the dense clouds.

A delicate special puppet silently hovered.

This puppet was small, resembling a semi-transparent eyeball, named "Floating Sky Eye," one of the most important inventions of the Wang's Research Institute in recent years.

It had no energy fluctuations, just quietly floating in the ethereal demonic mist, as if it naturally belonged there, completely inconspicuous.

But its large convex eye was staring far down at the Green Demon Lord's camp.

Unnoticed by the demons, it was continuously sending signals back using a very special energy wave: "Floating Sky Eye Nine calling Floating Hub, target camp found, coordinates are..."

At the same time, it transmitted the captured images to the Floating Hub.

"Floating Hub received~ continue monitoring the target, confirm and transmit coordinates every thirty breaths."

The Green Demon Lord, having eaten and drunk its fill, was preparing to carry two "demon beauties" back to its tent for some fun.

In the dark sky, a dozen meteors, trailing long flames, whistled through the sky, descending from above.

Their speed was extremely fast, seemingly accelerating continuously.

As the soldiers in the demon camp just realized something was wrong and hadn't had time to react, the leading meteor, trailing flames, crashed heavily into the center of the camp.

"Boom!"A violent shockwave wrapped in flames swept in all directions, countless remnants and fragments of demon soldiers flying through the sky. Even some demon generals couldn't withstand such terrifying power and were killed on the spot.

A demon general struggled to crawl out of the ruins, letting out a heart-wrenching cry.

However, before its cry could fade, meteors followed closely, crashing down.

Over a dozen meteors exploded with a thunderous roar, instantly leveling the Green Demon Camp to the ground. Blazing flames rose continuously, engulfing the entire camp in a sea of fire.

Only seven or eight figures managed to escape from the Green Demon Camp in a sorry state. The demons who survived were at least of the demon commander level, but each was severely injured, many left crippled. Only the Green Demon Lord survived intact.

The explosive force was not enough to deal a fatal blow to the Green Demon Lord. Coupled with its quick reaction and immediate evasion, it only suffered minor injuries.

However, despite the light physical injuries, the sight before it dealt a massive blow. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs novel-fire.net

Its eyes stared blankly at everything, unable to comprehend what had happened.

Its army, its dreams, everything vanished in an instant.

"Heaven's punishment, this is heaven's punishment!"

The remaining demon commanders looked at the devastation and began to scream in terror.