……

These Purple Mansion Realm cultivators were merely the vanguard from each family and clan to support the scene. The subsequent arrivals of Celestial Realm and Lingtai Realm cultivators came one after another.

As the crowd gathered, the county officials responsible for registration and the disciples from Changchun Valley were immediately overwhelmed with work.

It took an entire day to register all the volunteers clearly.

In this recruitment, just from Changning Garrison alone, thirteen Purple Mansion Realm cultivators, one hundred and twenty-nine Celestial Realm cultivators, and as many as three thousand two hundred and fifty-one Lingtai Realm cultivators were recruited.

Following this, volunteers from the other five garrison towns in Changning County also arrived within the deadline.

The five surrounding garrisons were certainly far inferior to Changning Garrison. However, over the years, they had benefited greatly from the economic boom brought by their proximity to Changning Garrison and had easy access to the low-cost pills sold by the Wang's Clan. As a result, the quality of recruits from these five garrisons was far above the average level of the entire Great Qian.

Together, the Baidao Garrison, East Sea Garrison, and the other five garrisons recruited eleven Purple Mansion Realm cultivators, one hundred and three Celestial Realm cultivators, and over two thousand Lingtai Realm cultivators.

Adding the cultivators who came to enlist from Changning Garrison, there were a total of twenty-four Purple Mansion Realm cultivators, two hundred and thirty-two Celestial Realm cultivators, and over five thousand Lingtai Realm cultivators.

This was just a regular level of war mobilization, with only about ten to twenty percent of the manpower dispatched by each major family. If faced with a "national or clan extinction crisis," the number of mobilized troops could increase significantly.

What a terrifying potential for war!

The only thing lacking in the entire Changning County was probably Divine Realm cultivators.

But this was unavoidable. To cultivate to the Divine Realm, not only were massive resources required, but also the accumulation of time. If the current development trend of the southern six garrisons continued, in a few hundred years, the situation would naturally be different.

With the recruitment completed, all the recruited "mobilized soldiers" were orderly brought to the square behind the County Guard's residence.

Here, a "second-hand small Yun Yao flying boat" from the Wang's Clan and a Yun Yao flying boat rented from Yao's Air Transport were already waiting.

Soon, the flying boats, loaded with "mobilized soldiers," took off one by one, breaking through the clouds and heading directly to the Holy Land training point.

These troops recruited from civilian families could not be sent directly to the battlefield; they needed a certain period of training and adaptation.

After all, battlefield warfare and small-scale skirmishes were completely different. Moreover, the outer region demons were extremely ferocious, and going to the battlefield without systematic training would be sending them to their deaths.

This scene in Changning County was a "microcosm" of the Great Qian.

Under the national mobilization, one team after another set off from various places, converging from all directions towards the Lingyun Holy Land training camp.

Today's Great Qian was no longer what it used to be, with its comprehensive national strength increasing day by day. Although the troops mobilized from each commandery were far from comparable to Changning County, they were not what they were two hundred years ago.

The exaggerated number of recruits from Changning County naturally caused a sensation upon arriving at the Holy Land training camp.

This is a story for another time, so let's not dwell on it.

While the Holy Land and the Great Qian government began training the mobilized soldiers from all over the country.

In the Shenwu new recruit training camp "relic" over ten thousand miles southeast of Ping'an Town.

The Changning Wang's Clan Militia Regiment, having finished their rest, was undergoing intense and rigorous final training here.

After Wang Shouzhe and others first cleared this new recruit training camp, it was not sealed but effectively utilized, developed into a secret base for the Wang's Clan.

Including the initially discovered recruitment point, it was the same.

Generation after generation of young people from the Wang's Clan, upon reaching the appropriate cultivation level and age, would enter the new recruit training camp for training and assessment, taking advantage of every opportunity.

After the establishment of the Wang's Clan Militia Regiment, this place became the training base for the militia regiment.

"Sister Five."

Wang Anye, who had returned from the Immortal Dynasty, had also secretly entered the "Shenwu Army's Fifth New Recruit Training Camp."

While watching the two deputy commanders, Lu Xiaoxiao and Wang Anxin, train the troops, he conversed with the Spirit Artifact: "Soon, we'll be going to fight the outer region demons. Can we issue a formal war mission?"

"Little Anye, in theory, our team should either have some graduates as instructors or just a few elite militia members, with only about ten percent being regular new recruits." Spirit Artifact Five seemed troubled, "I've already violated the rules by activating the training mode for you."

Wang Anye had a good relationship with Spirit Artifact Five since childhood. Even when he was just a little kid, Spirit Artifact Five would help him with his studies, almost like watching him grow up.

"Sister Five, you actually understand that the outside world has already changed." Wang Anye sighed.

Spirit Artifact Five remained silent.

"I know you have always been reluctant to accept this," Wang Anye said, "but regardless, our human race's determination to resist the outer region demons has not changed. Organizing this militia regiment has been quite challenging."

After a long time, Spirit Artifact Five sighed softly: "Little Anye, what do you want me to do? You must understand, I'm just a Spirit Artifact with many limitations. If I can't convince myself, the self-destruct program will be activated."

Wang Anye's spirit lifted, and he cupped his hands: "Sister Five, rest assured, I just want to know if, given the changed situation, we can activate the emergency mode after a defeat? For example, incorporating our militia regiment into the new recruit training camp's command structure."

"I understand your point," Spirit Artifact Five said, "According to the war regulations, in a crisis, our new recruit training camp does have the authority to recruit militia forces and train them to cope with adverse situations."

"Incorporating them into the regular structure is fine, but they can only be given a militia reserve designation. Is that acceptable?" Spirit Artifact Five asked.

"As militia reserves, if we achieve meritorious deeds, will there be resource rewards?" Wang Anye was very concerned about this.

"Now that the new recruit camp has no regular army, as militia reserves, you will naturally go to the battlefield," Spirit Artifact Five said. "The militia badge can also record merits and receive corresponding rewards. Little Anye, since your battle group calls itself the 'Changning Wang's Clan Militia Regiment,' you can continue to use this designation. Wait a moment while I enter the designation into the system."

"Thank you, Sister Five." Wang Anye breathed a sigh of relief.

This meant the militia regiment was officially incorporated into the Shenwu Army system.

Even though the Shenwu Royal Dynasty had long since perished, relics remained in various places. Just in this Fifth New Recruit Training Camp, there were still many basic resources yet to be tapped.

Not to mention, the Shenwu Army had a general warehouse. It even contained celestial plant seeds and celestial beast eggs. Who knows what else is hidden inside?

With an official designation, if they encounter similar Shenwu relics, they can legitimately exploit them.

Even those already exploited once, they can try to exploit again. After all, they have the official designation of the Shenwu Army reserves.

"Little Anye, according to the war regulations, I now represent the Shenwu Army's Fifth New Recruit Training Camp to grant you the title of 'wartime exceptional temporary promotion officer' as an outstanding graduate of this new recruit camp, allowing you to command the 'Changning Wang's Clan Militia Regiment.'" Spirit Artifact Five said solemnly, "However, you still need to hurry to the officer training academy to obtain a formal Shenwu Army officer qualification, so you can be justified in your position."

"Yes, Sister Five, we will find the academy as soon as possible." Wang Anye gladly accepted.

However, he understood that his great-grandfather cared even more about the "officer training academy" than Sister Five. Over the years of overseas exploration, he had been searching and investigating the true location of the officer training academy.

It's just that the long passage of time and the final battle had drastically altered the world's geography, with continents and oceans unrecognizable. It's normal not to find it immediately.

However, as more suspicious locations are ruled out, they will inevitably get closer to the truth.

"Commander Wang." Spirit Artifact Five's address for Wang Anye changed, her voice carrying a stern tone, "Regarding the military plan you proposed to proactively strike the perimeter of the Boundary Rift, based on the current situation, I have judged according to the war regulations and allowed you to carry out this war action. According to your plan, this action is named 'Spring Thunder Operation' and recorded in the system."

"This is the battle group record token." Spirit Artifact Five handed Wang Anye a battle group token, "It will automatically record all the merits of the Changning Wang's Clan Militia Regiment during the war, and after the war action ends, you can come to me to exchange for rewards."

The battle group token was only palm-sized, designed in the shape of the Shenwu Army's emblem. Judging by its texture, it seemed to be made of black iron, similar to the material of military badges, quite unremarkable.

However, since the battle group token could automatically record merits, it was evidently not that simple.

Wang Anye carefully accepted it, feeling very pleased. He had been waiting for Sister Spirit Artifact's final words.

This "Spring Thunder Operation" had been planned for a long time by his great-grandfather, who had secretly held countless meetings with Holy Master Jiang, Emperor Grandpa, and Prince An, finalizing numerous details.

With the outer region situation becoming increasingly tense, this battle was inevitable.

But if they could also "reward" some resources from the new recruit training camp, it would be a win-win situation.

It's not that Wang Anye was being greedy; it's just that the resources in these Shenwu relics had been "lying dormant" for too long, which was quite wasteful.

After carefully storing the "black technology" battle group token, Wang Anye solemnly said: "Sister Five, rest assured, I will not let you down."

"I believe in you." Spirit Artifact Five's tone softened.

……

During the time when the Great Qian was fervently mobilizing for the Spring Thunder Operation.

In the Red Moon Demon Dynasty, Demon Emperor's Palace, Haotian Hall.

The lighting in the hall was poor, and the magnificent fire crystal chandelier inside was always lit, illuminating the entire inner hall brightly.

A simple small tea stove had appeared on the low table in the center of the Arhat couch at some point, and at this moment, tea was bubbling on the stove.

The rich aroma of tea filled the hall, and the mellow immortal spirit energy was refreshing.

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor, clad in a black robe, leaned back on the Arhat couch. Seeing that the tea was ready, he carefully poured a cup, blew on it, and drank it in one gulp.

In an instant, the rich tea aroma filled his mouth, and strands of potent immortal spirit energy merged into his body, clearing his mind and making him feel light and airy.

"Ah~"

After a while, the Red Abyss Demon Emperor exhaled a long breath, looking at the teacup in his hand with deep emotion: "Good tea!"

"I don't know where that little girl Wang Ruobing got this from, but it's not inferior to the Enlightenment Tea and Laurel Dao Tea I once painstakingly obtained from that old hag Yun Tiange. Although it's slightly less mellow, in terms of taste, it even surpasses them and seems to have some benefits for internal injuries."

He muttered to himself as he drank, his expression relaxed and content.

The Demon Dynasty naturally had high-grade spiritual plants. For instance, the Shentu royal family cultivated a twelfth-grade peak clan-guarding spirit tree—the "Leaving Fire Dao Tree," a pure fire-type Dao spirit plant, partially compatible with the Shentu Clan's bloodline, though not entirely harmonious.

Meanwhile, the True Demon Hall had a Nether Tree, an exotic demon plant.

The Demon Emperor couldn't drink Nether Demon Tea, and he had grown tired of Leaving Fire Dao Tea, so he was particularly interested in the Enlightenment Tea from the Immortal Dynasty.

Basalt cultivators practicing demon arts, especially at the level of the Demon Emperor, also needed to balance yin and yang and stabilize their mindset. Therefore, in the Demon Dynasty, Immortal Dynasty Dao Tea of the same level was much rarer than Demon Dynasty Dao Tea.

Even as the Demon Emperor, he couldn't drink it all the time.

The Dao Tea he drank was either exchanged for resources from Immortal Emperor Mu Yun and Lingxuan Immortal Sovereign or painstakingly purchased from the black market on the Tianji Continent, each bit incredibly precious.

As he was drinking, an attendant suddenly reported: "Your Majesty, the Third Prince requests an audience."

"Not seeing him."

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor decisively refused.

That kid was probably coming to complain about failing his task.

However, the attendant outside the door did not leave as expected but continued: "Your Majesty, the Third Prince says he has completed the task you assigned him and has come to report."

What? So soon?

The Demon Emperor was taken aback and immediately sat up straight: "Let him in."

At the same time, he couldn't help but wonder.

Could this kid be lying just to see him? It wouldn't be the first time he's done something like this.

"Ancestor."

In just a moment, the Third Prince, Shentu Jingming, entered the inner hall under the attendant's guidance, solemnly saluting the Red Abyss Demon Emperor.

"Ancestor, are you drinking the celestial tea I sent?" Smelling the tea aroma in the air, his eyes lit up, staring straight at the tea stove on the low table, swallowing a gulp of saliva, "Is it good?"

"Celestial tea" was just a flattering term, like calling someone "beauty" or "handsome guy." Low-grade families would label some fine spiritual tea as celestial tea.

However, at the level of the Demon Emperor and Immortal Emperor, only "Dao Tea" would be called "celestial tea." Truly "celestial tea" would only appear when Wang Lixian advanced to the thirteenth grade.

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor disdainfully moved the teacup away: "You sent this celestial tea to me, yet you act like you've never had it, drooling like that?"

He was also frustrated, not understanding why every time he had something good, this kid could sniff it out and come running?

To ensure he could enjoy the celestial tea alone, he had even found an excuse to send the surname Shi away, yet this kid somehow managed to arrive just in time.

"Ancestor, one must be reasonable." The Third Prince looked aggrieved, "Goddess Ruobing only gave me a tiny bit, and I brought it all to honor you. I haven't even tasted it myself~"

"I'd believe you if pigs could fly." The Red Abyss Demon Emperor looked skeptical, "When have you not said that? And what happened? You always keep the lion's share for yourself and only give me a tiny bit."

"But this time is different~" The Third Prince argued, "This is celestial tea, so rare. She only had a little herself. If it weren't for me taking her to explore the relic, she probably wouldn't have given me even this much."

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor looked suspicious: "Really?"

"Of course it's true. Truer than gold!" The Third Prince swore, then shamelessly eyed the tea stove in front of the Red Abyss Demon Emperor, drooling, "Since I got it, can't you spare me a bit~"

"…Alright, just half a cup, no more."

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor hesitated for a long time but finally gave in, reluctantly pouring him half a cup of celestial tea.

Although this kid was always full of nonsense and couldn't be trusted, he wasn't wrong about one thing. Celestial tea was rare, and even if he kept some, there probably wasn't much, and he might not be willing to drink it himself.

Oh well, he's family, after all. Seeing him drool like that, just give him a little~

"Ancestor, I knew you loved me the most." The Third Prince, Shentu Jingming, was overjoyed, immediately drinking the celestial tea with delight, showering compliments like they were free.

"Enough, stop with the flattery." The Red Abyss Demon Emperor waved his hand in exasperation, "Tell me, how did you resolve the matter of Huarong Island? If I find out you were just muddling through, don't blame me for punishing you."

The Third Prince nodded, sipping tea as he spoke: "Actually, the issue with Huarong Island wasn't hard to resolve."

Not hard to resolve?

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor glanced at him.

The dispute over this island had caused friction between the You Kingdom and Qi Kingdom for thousands of years. How could it be easily resolved?

"After thinking it over, I realized that the disputes over Huarong Island weren't really about its resources but mainly its geographical location," the Third Prince analyzed. "The island is right at the border of the two kingdoms' territorial waters and serves as a maritime hub. Merchant ships conducting sea trade pass by Huarong Island, and the tolls alone are a significant sum each year."

"Moreover, the island's unique geographical location makes it a tool for both sides to control the other. Whichever kingdom owns Huarong Island has the upper hand at sea."

The conflict over Huarong Island's ownership could be traced back to the last immortal-demon war.

During the war between the Immortal and Demon Dynasties, the seven kingdoms of You, Qi, Xuan, Chen, Chu, Song, and Wu on the Xuanzhen Continent were naturally embroiled in chaotic battles.

Huarong Island originally belonged to the Demon Dynasty's Qi Kingdom, but during the long immortal-demon war, it was successively occupied by the Immortal Dynasty's Chen Kingdom, the Demon Dynasty's Xuan Kingdom, and the Immortal Dynasty's Song Kingdom. It wasn't until the war was nearing its end that the Demon Dynasty's You Kingdom reclaimed it.

After the war ended, no large-scale conflicts erupted among the kingdoms, and their territories remained largely unchanged.

Post-war, Qi Kingdom naturally wanted to reclaim Huarong Island, repeatedly petitioning the Demon Dynasty, but You Kingdom was unwilling, leading to inevitable friction.

You Kingdom's refusal to return Huarong Island was well-founded.

During the immortal-demon war, Qi Kingdom suffered internal strife, with the original prince captured during the conflict, along with the royal tome, by an Immortal Dynasty nation, and they were never returned even after the war ended.

With the original Qi royal family losing the tome and heir, they naturally weakened. The one who later ascended to the Qi Emperor's throne wasn't from the original royal family but another titled king of Qi.

With the royal family changed, You Kingdom naturally wouldn't acknowledge the current Qi Kingdom's claim to Huarong Island.

In short, it was a mess, with everyone having their reasons.

After understanding the situation, the Third Prince, Shentu Jingming, pondered for a while and directly sought out two Lingxu Realm ancestors of the royal lineage to accompany him to Huarong Island.

Upon learning of his arrival, the two emperors of You and Qi Kingdoms naturally rushed to Huarong Island.

Regardless of the Third Prince's unreliable reputation, he was ultimately representing the Demon Emperor in mediation, and the two emperors naturally wouldn't disrespect him. However, respect aside, they still argued fiercely.

When it came to their national interests, neither emperor would yield an inch. Their arguments were more intense than a fishwife's brawl, nearly escalating into a full-blown fight, even with Shentu Jingming, the Third Prince, present.

The Third Prince, Shentu Jingming, listened for half an hour before his head started to ache.

Shentu Jingming was eloquent, turning a simple process into a dramatic and vivid tale, captivating the Red Abyss Demon Emperor, who subconsciously asked: "And then? How did you handle it?"

"I told them…" The Third Prince cleared his throat, repeating his words from that time, "You've been arguing over Huarong Island for so many years, severely affecting our Demon Dynasty's internal unity. If this continues, it might even lead to internal conflict. So, after much consideration, I've decided to solve this problem once and for all."

Once and for all?

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor glanced at him, listening as he continued: "As long as Huarong Island is gone, the problem naturally disappears. So, I've asked two elders from our clan to use Lingxu power to move Huarong Island to the Demon Dynasty. After all, whether it belongs to You Kingdom or Qi Kingdom, it's part of the Demon Dynasty's camp."

"After I said this, the two emperors' faces turned green, and they quickly urged me to reconsider, expressing their willingness to compromise and negotiate a solution."

Goodness! Is this solving the problem by eliminating the source of the problem, Huarong Island?!

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor's mouth twitched.

But he had to admit, although this approach was unconventional, it was effective.

Having mediated numerous interstate disputes, he understood the psychology of these subordinate emperors well and knew why they changed their stance. Ultimately, it boiled down to "interests."

Previously, they fought fiercely for interests, and now they were willing to compromise for interests.

After all, if the island were gone, there'd be nothing left to fight over. If they negotiated, they could at least keep the island. The choice was obvious.

However, this outcome could probably only be achieved by Shentu Jingming.

After all, everyone in and outside the Demon Dynasty knew this kid was a reckless troublemaker, capable of causing chaos. If he dared to say it, he could do it.

Even if he did it, he'd undoubtedly face a scolding from the Demon Emperor, but if the island were gone, it would be truly gone. Neither the Qi Emperor nor the You Emperor dared to challenge this.

Once both kingdoms were willing to compromise, resolving the issue of Huarong Island became relatively straightforward.

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor didn't ask for more details, only instructing the Third Prince, Shentu Jingming, to summarize the situation and submit a formal report.

"I've already written the report, Ancestor, please review it." Shentu Jingming had been waiting for this, immediately taking out a memorial from his storage ring and handing it over.

In fact, he got the idea from Green Demon Island.

If he hadn't heard that Wang Zheme had directly uprooted and taken Green Demon Island, he wouldn't have thought of this drastic solution of moving the island.

After all, this approach was truly unconventional.

"Your Majesty Ancestor, do you think I've completed the task?" The Third Prince, Shentu Jingming, looked eagerly at the Red Abyss Demon Emperor.

"Not bad~ Consider it a pass for the first round." The Red Abyss Demon Emperor reluctantly nodded.

Though the method was unconventional, it was effective.

As the ruler of the Demon Dynasty, he wasn't a stickler for rules. Or more accurately, when it came to adaptability, no one understood it better than he did.

This kid managed to swiftly and decisively quell the conflict between the two kingdoms, which was commendable.

Though, relying solely on this ability wasn't enough to govern the vast Demon Dynasty, it at least granted him entry.

"Then… the Scarlet Lotus of Immortality…" The Third Prince, Shentu Jingming, rubbed his hands, a bit excited.

"Are you daydreaming?" The Red Abyss Demon Emperor gave him a sidelong glance, "If the Scarlet Lotus of Immortality were so easily given to you, would it still deserve the name 'Immortal Lotus'? To obtain it, you'd need to pass numerous trials. Moreover, the Scarlet Lotus of Immortality is potent and requires my personal guidance to help you absorb its power. Even if I gave it to you now, you couldn't use it."

As he spoke, an attendant suddenly entered to report: "Your Majesty, the Second Prince has arrived."

"Second Brother? Isn't he overseeing the development of new armor? What's he doing here?" The Third Prince, Shentu Jingming, was puzzled.

"I summoned him." The Red Abyss Demon Emperor said casually, "Let him in."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The attendant immediately left.

Seeing this, Shentu Jingming also shifted his position, moving from across the Red Abyss Demon Emperor to stand beside him, automatically blending into the background.

Soon, a young man with an imposing presence entered the inner hall of Haotian Hall under the attendant's guidance.

This young man wore a dark red embroidered robe, exuding a spirited aura, slightly more composed than Shentu Jingming.

He was, of course, the Second Prince, Shentu Kaixuan.

"How is the development of the new armor progressing? Any advancements?" After he paid his respects, the Red Abyss Demon Emperor directly inquired about the development progress.

"Well…"

Shentu Kaixuan stood at the steps, visibly tense.

Despite having a vague idea of what the Demon Emperor would ask before coming, hearing the question still made him feel immense pressure.

"Your Majesty Ancestor, the Armament Department has been working tirelessly for the past half year, with all trial equipment makers putting in their utmost effort, never slacking. However, developing new armor involves too many aspects, so currently, there hasn't been any progress."

"No progress is no progress, why so many words?" The Red Abyss Demon Emperor was a bit impatient.

Effort? What use is effort? He wanted progress!

"Ancestor, please calm down." Shentu Kaixuan was so nervous that he broke out in a cold sweat.

"Calm down?"

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor snorted.

Recalling the intelligence he received earlier, his heart was filled with frustration, and his tone was even angrier: "The Immortal Dynasty has already developed new armor, even putting it into mass production. The first batch has already gone with Princess Suiyun for field testing in the outer regions, yet you have no progress at all. How can I calm down?"

Clearly, the Demon Dynasty had its own intelligence network, especially keeping a close eye on Princess Suiyun.

"With your ability, you can't even compare to Wang Fugui, let alone your third brother.""Look at your third brother..." The Red Abyss Demon Emperor said as he pulled the Third Prince over to his side. "He may seem unreliable at times, but he completed the task I gave him in just over two months, and even organized the reports neatly. And you? Have you been spending all your time on dogs?!"

Third Prince Shentu Jingming felt a wave of embarrassment.

How did this end up involving him?

Only then did Second Prince Shentu Kaixuan notice that Third Prince Shentu Jingming was also present and had witnessed him being scolded. His face turned a mix of green and white, looking extremely unpleasant.

"Your Majesty, Ancestor, please believe me. Give me a little more time..." He forced himself to speak, then gritted his teeth and made a military pledge, "Give me one more year. Within a year, I will give you a satisfactory answer. If there is still no progress in the development of the new battle armor by then, I will voluntarily resign from my position as Minister of the Demon Army, and you may punish me as you see fit."

The Red Abyss Demon Emperor glanced at him, and seeing his confidence, his expression softened. He nodded and said, "Alright. Since you've made a military pledge, I will give you a chance. In a year, I will review your results."

With that, he waved his hand, "I'm tired. You may all leave."

"Yes, Ancestor."

Second Prince Shentu Kaixuan and Third Prince Shentu Jingming immediately took their leave and were led out of the Demon Emperor's Palace by the attendants.

On the way, the two naturally exchanged pleasantries and compliments, appearing harmonious and brotherly on the surface.

Once they exited the palace gates and boarded the flying carriage back to the prince's residence, Second Prince Shentu Kaixuan's expression instantly turned grim.

"Second Prince, don't worry too much. Being scolded by His Majesty is nothing serious. He won't really punish you harshly, at most just a pay cut or a reprimand," Hu Yan Tinghe, who had been waiting in the carriage for news, comforted him upon seeing his expression. "Among the three princes, the eldest is incompetent, the third is reckless, and you are ultimately the most suitable heir."

He was a direct descendant of the Hu Yan Clan, the maternal family of Second Prince Shentu Kaixuan, and by seniority, he was Shentu Kaixuan's cousin.

In his twenties, he was sent to Shentu Kaixuan's side and practically grew up with him, sharing a close bond and being a true confidant, allowing him to speak more freely than others.

"Shentu Yuanzheng is indeed incompetent, but that kid Shentu Jingming..." Second Prince Shentu Kaixuan sneered, "He's quite capable. I think he's played us all for fools!"

"What do you mean?" Hu Yan Tinghe was puzzled.

The Second Prince recounted what had happened in Haotian Hall.

"So, the Third Prince really managed to mediate the conflict between the You and Qi nations?" Hu Yan Tinghe's face showed an incredulous expression once he understood what had happened.

He had heard about the Demon Emperor sending the Third Prince to mediate the conflict between the You and Qi nations. At the time, he thought the Demon Emperor was just looking for an excuse to punish the Third Prince. After all, everyone knew the conflict between the You and Qi nations was a deadlock, impossible to resolve.

Who would have thought that in just a few months, the Third Prince not only resolved it but did so beautifully, earning rare praise from the Demon Emperor?

Not only was Second Prince Shentu Kaixuan surprised, but even he found it unbelievable.

It could only be said that the Third Prince had hidden his abilities too well.

"In the past, if I failed to deliver results, at least I had my elder brother to take the fall. But now, if I don't produce results, the Ancestor might turn his attention to Shentu Jingming. If he really becomes the heir to the throne, all my efforts over the years would be in vain." The Second Prince's expression was quite grim.

"Your Highness, don't worry too much. I can't help with the development of the new battle armor, but I have other gains." Hu Yan Tinghe said with a mysterious smile, taking out two large wooden boxes from his storage ring and pushing them in front of Shentu Kaixuan. "These are two sets of new battle armor I had people acquire from the Immortal Dynasty. They just arrived while you were in the Demon Emperor's Palace. If we can crack their technology, our new battle armor will naturally have a breakthrough."

"That's great!"

The Second Prince's eyes lit up, and the gloom on his face instantly disappeared.

He patted Hu Yan Tinghe's shoulder, "Tinghe, you truly are the most reliable. Once the new battle armor is developed, I'll credit you with the first achievement!"

For a moment, both the prince and his advisor were filled with joy, as if they could already see a bright future ahead.

Unfortunately, they had no idea what kind of opponent they were up against.

Thinking of copying?

Wang Ningxi, who grew up with a background in intellectual property, would never give them the chance.