……

Outer Region Battlefield, East Qian Defense Zone.

Compared to the large-scale defense zones like Immortal No. 3, this area of the outer region battlefield is merely a remote corner.

The main adversaries of the East Qian Defense Zone are the three major Demon King Fortresses: Dragon Elephant Demon King Fortress, Long Kui Demon King Fortress, and Blood Thorn Demon King Fortress.

Among them, Long Kui and Blood Thorn Demon King Fortresses are positioned further back.

Therefore, the war between East Qian and the outer region demons usually takes place with the Dragon Elephant Demon King Fortress, while the other two fortresses only play a supporting role. Even so, the Great Qian struggled to cope until recent years when its national power steadily increased, stabilizing the situation.

These three Demon King Fortresses are all under the command of the Nether Fiend Demon God.

However, this area is just a minor region within the Nether Fiend Demon God's domain, with its main forces constantly being held in check by both the Immortal Dynasty and the Demon Dynasty.

Otherwise, relying solely on the strength of countries like the Great Qian, Southern Qin, and Western Jin, they would have long been wiped out by the Nether Fiend Demon God.

Recently, the havoc caused by Yuntai An, who transformed into the Dragonblood Demon God, has expanded from the vicinity of the Dragon Elephant Demon King Fortress to the Long Kui and Blood Thorn Demon King Fortresses, and his destructive path is gradually moving towards the heart of the Nether Fiend Demon God's territory.

For a time, the Demon King Fortresses were thrown into chaos, with large quantities of demon crystals either stolen or plundered, leaving the demons in a state of panic.

Correspondingly, the power of Yuntai An's Dragonblood Demon God form is also continuously recovering, now swelling to the peak level of a Demon King.

Of course, this is because the Dragonblood Demon God was originally a demon god-level powerhouse, so this is a recovery of power rather than a breakthrough in cultivation.

As Yuntai An's power surged, he became increasingly reckless, plundering several Demon King Fortresses in a short time, and on a few occasions, even openly appearing to rob them.

Due to his overwhelming strength, the Demon King Fortresses, though they hated him to the core, were helpless against him.

A peak-level Demon King, even among the outer region demons, is considered top-tier strength. Unless confronted by a few demon gods or surrounded by a horde of Demon Kings, a single or even a couple of Demon Kings, even with the fortress's army, would be unable to stop him.

With his open appearances and the "unintentional" information revealed in his words, the "legend" of the Dragonblood Demon God's return began to spread rapidly among the outer region demons.

The Dragonblood Demon God was one of the ancient demon gods, renowned in ancient times for his formidable combat prowess and illustrious reputation. It is said that his demon body was incredibly strong, and his fighting capabilities were exceptionally formidable, having once led an army to conquer vast territories of the human race, making him one of the most capable generals under the Great Demon Lord.

However, during another campaign following the Great Demon Lord to invade human territories, he was betrayed and fell within the human domain, leading to the end of his lineage.

Now, the remaining Demon Kings and lord-level bloodlines of his lineage have long since pledged allegiance to other demon gods.

A hundred thousand years have passed, and among the ordinary demons, almost no one remembers the Dragonblood Demon God.

Yet, with the emergence of the "demon god's return" storyline, the name of the Dragonblood Demon God suddenly became prominent again, becoming a hot topic within the demon race.

It's no wonder, for in ancient times, how powerful was the demon race?

At its peak, the demon race reportedly had dozens of demon gods, with even more powerful beings ruling the four regions, their might far surpassing the current demon race.

It is said that at that time, the demon race once had the humans gasping for breath, and at their most glorious, they even occupied vast territories of the human race.

Unfortunately, unexpected events later led to the downfall of many demon gods, and in the final battle, countless demon gods were permanently left on the human side, unable to even return as remnants.

Currently, only eight demon gods have survived in the demon realm.

If another demon god were to emerge, it would strengthen the entire demon realm. Moreover, with an additional demon god, there would be more opportunities for advancement.

After all, a newly emerged demon god means there are not yet many capable subordinates around him. If one could seize this opportunity to follow a new demon god, it might lead to becoming a key figure under a demon god in the future.

Although not every Demon King or lord would have the desire to pledge allegiance, there are always those who are not doing well and have already started secretly inquiring about the whereabouts of the Dragonblood Demon God, hoping to align themselves and perhaps become a founding hero of a new era.

The emergence of such a "troublemaker" naturally caught the attention of some demon gods, with the Nether Fiend Demon God being the first to take notice.

It had no choice, as the returning Dragonblood Demon God appeared right in its territory. If it didn't act, its domain would truly be thrown into chaos by this Dragonblood Demon God.

Therefore.

On one occasion, when Yuntai An's confidence was swelling, having plundered several Demon King Fortresses and returned to his temporary lair with the stolen demon crystals, happily counting them and devouring the energy stored within, feeling his power grow.

Suddenly.

A chilling and oppressive demon god aura appeared abruptly, enveloping his simple lair like a dark sky.

Under the terrifying demon might, even the air seemed to become stagnant.

"Dragonblood, you have some nerve." A cold and cruel voice came from within that terrifying demon god aura, "Daring to snatch food on this demon god's territory."

Accompanying the voice, a massive demon god exuding a chilling demonic aura appeared above Yuntai An's simple lair.

It was a humanoid demon god.

With silver hair and crimson eyes, tall and exceptionally handsome, aside from the pair of curved, massive demon horns on its head signifying its demon god status, it almost looked indistinguishable from a human at first glance.

However, its terrifying demon might was like an infernal hell, constantly eroding the surrounding space, cold and murderous, seemingly containing endless terror.

"So it's the Nether Fiend Demon God." Yuntai An was momentarily stunned, but his ferocious face showed no fear, instead displaying a natural arrogance, his tone lofty and filled with disdain, "A mere descendant of the Nether Fiend lineage dares to speak to this demon god in such a manner?"

"Hmph! Times have changed. The demon realm today is no longer the demon realm of the past." The Nether Fiend Demon God's handsome face showed a cold smile, "You were lucky to survive and return, so you should have tucked your tail and behaved. Only then would there be a place for you in this demon realm. Otherwise, don't blame this demon god for making you vanish into thin air..."

Unexpectedly.

Before it could finish its words, the previously arrogant and disdainful Dragonblood Demon God silently tore open the space, fleeing desperately.

The words the Nether Fiend Demon God was about to utter got stuck, and a look of obvious astonishment appeared on its handsome face.

However, in the next moment, it immediately reacted, furiously tearing open the space to pursue.

One can't blame Yuntai An for being cowardly; he currently only possesses peak-level Demon King strength, capable of bullying a group of Demon Kings, but standing up to the Nether Fiend Demon God head-on is absolutely impossible.

However, at his level of strength, encountering a demon god doesn't mean he has no chance to fight back. If he can't win, he can still run, especially when he has already prepared and calculated his escape route and direction.

The chase between the demon and the demon god lasted over ten days.

After more than ten days, the Nether Fiend Demon God completely lost the trail of the Dragonblood Demon God.

"Damn Dragonblood Demon God, so cunning, already prepared a retreat route." The Nether Fiend Demon God was filled with resentment, its handsome face twisted with anger.

Yet, at the same time, it was filled with confusion.

In the records left by the previous generation of demon gods, the Dragonblood Demon God was described as an impulsive brute, with the ancestors even unceremoniously calling it muscle-brained in their records. How did it become so cunning after dying once?

Leaving aside the Nether Fiend Demon God's confusion, on the other side, Yuntai An, who narrowly escaped, also breathed a sigh of relief.

This Nether Fiend Demon God was truly persistent, chasing him for ten days. If he hadn't been prepared, he might have been caught this time.

However, although he was almost cornered by the Nether Fiend Demon God, Yuntai An felt no fear in his heart. Instead, he felt a sense of excitement, with his blood boiling.

Firstly, he ventured deep into enemy territory with the determination of facing death, fully prepared for being hunted by various demon gods. He wasn't afraid when he first arrived, so why should he be now?

Secondly, the arrival of the Nether Fiend Demon God was expected. Since he managed to escape this time, in the future, as his strength increases, it will become even harder for these demon gods to corner him.

It seems that Shouzhe was right. His bloodline is both a crisis and an opportunity. For him now, this outer region is like a treasure trove with a hint of danger.

If he can truly seize this opportunity to break through to demon god level, the balance between humans and outer region demons will be disrupted. His responsibility is immense.

In an instant, Yuntai An felt the weight of the burden on his shoulders.

It seems he must find a way to quickly restore himself to demon god level.

However, his current strength has reached the peak of Demon King, and ordinary demon crystals have become ineffective for him. To break through to demon god level quickly, he must find a way to obtain more and higher quality demon crystals.

It seems it's time to venture deeper into the heart of the outer region demons.

With his decision made, Yuntai An immediately spread his massive dragon wings, soaring into the sky with terrifying might, heading towards the territories of other demon gods in the demon realm's heartland.

Along the way, he no longer concealed his tracks, instead exuding overwhelming demonic might, openly flying and plundering.

Firstly, this method increases the efficiency of his raids.

Secondly, it also announces to the entire demon realm that he, Yuntai An, the Dragonblood Demon God, has returned!

……

At the same time.

In the Immortal No. 3 war zone, East Line Defense Command.

Old Marshal Zhao Tingjian's mood has been quite good lately.

By employing various tactics, he finally managed to secure a large amount of resources from Princess Suiyun, including various logistical supplies, merit-rewarding pills, spiritual tools, magical treasures, and a large batch of new battle armor and new Divine Might Cannons.

As a result, the overall strength of the East Line Defense Zone has been significantly enhanced.

The only thing that slightly displeased him was the final decision by the Immortal No. 3 military headquarters to assign the two troublemakers, Wang Yingxuan and Wang Lici, to his command, instructing him to keep a close watch on them and prevent any further mischief.

Having spent a lifetime on the outer region battlefield, Zhao Tingjian has always adhered to a war philosophy of "caution leads to long-term success" and "surviving to the end is victory."

Therefore, entrusting the two troublemakers to him for supervision is indeed a reasonable decision.

However, these two energetic girls are truly not easy to manage, having already caused several disturbances in a short time.

In desperation, he could only assign Wang Lici and Lan Wan'er to the Tenth Corps, which is specifically responsible for logistics and supplies.

But who would have thought that after Wang Lici joined the Tenth Corps, also known as the "Cook Corps," she would thrive and excel.

Upon learning about the scarcity of food resources in the outer region, the difficulty of transporting supplies, and the high consumption during transportation, she embarked on large-scale breeding of outer region demonic beasts and large-scale cultivation of outer region demonic plants, among other seemingly absurd initiatives.

Initially, no one believed in her plans, but with her keen intuition and exceptional judgment in the field of food, coupled with her recent "research," she actually managed to identify some demonic beasts and demonic plants that could be cultivated and consumed, making significant progress in breeding and cultivation.

Of course, this is excluding the incidents of "food poisoning in various corps" and "outer region demonic beasts attacking the command center" that occurred during this period.

Nevertheless, despite the numerous mishaps, she has indeed alleviated the monotonous diet and frequent food shortages on the outer region battlefield.

Given time, she might actually develop a self-sufficient food logistics system for the demon realm.

However, while Wang Lici is capable of causing a stir, she is relatively less worrisome compared to Wang Yingxuan, who gives Zhao Tingjian a bigger headache.

Since Wang Yingxuan assumed the role of deputy commander of the Seventh Corps, she has successfully sidelined the corps commander in just a few months.

Now, the entire Seventh Corps, from top to bottom, including the corps commander, follows Wang Yingxuan's every word, displaying a fervent admiration.

They have all been deceived, actually believing in her fervent slogan of "conquering a Demon King Fortress in three years, breaking through the Demon God Hall in a hundred years, achieving great military merits, and returning home to marry a noble family's eldest daughter."

Moreover, this slogan and the fervent atmosphere have gradually begun to spread to other corps, with the main battle sentiment within the corps unknowingly becoming increasingly intense.

Sensing that if she continues like this, trouble is inevitable, Zhao Tingjian had no choice but to transfer Wang Yingxuan to the command center and introduced her to a set of equipment, teaching her to play "Corps-Level Battle Simulation."

This is a type of corps simulation game that originated during the Shenwu Royal Dynasty and has been passed down by both the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty and the Red Moon Demon Dynasty. It is somewhat similar to a sandbox game, but more detailed and complex, testing the commander's ability to command and coordinate.

He introduced this to help her understand the reality and harshness of war and to channel her excessive energy.

It's important to know that corps-level warfare is not about both sides lining up and charging at each other foolishly.

Typically, a corps needs to operate within a very large area, defending and engaging in combat with enemies from another region.

The process of war is also quite complex, often involving infiltration, counter-infiltration, raids, counter-raids, offense, defense, and other tactics. In certain situations, direct confrontations may even occur.

Therefore, as a "corps commander," one not only needs to possess outstanding combat abilities but also requires a good overall perspective, coordination skills, and the ability to analyze intelligence. Only then can they employ suitable strategies or tactics at the right time to achieve victory in war.

This "Corps-Level Battle Simulation" is a simulation game that tests command abilities.

At this moment.

Zhao Tingjian and Wang Yingxuan are each in their respective "command tents," accompanied by an equal number of strategist teams.

These "command tents" are made of special materials that can isolate divine sense detection, preventing any cheating.

In other words, during the entire competition, neither side can see the other, nor can they know the other's tactics and strategic layout. All information must be obtained by themselves.

Inside the tents, there is a crystal screen that displays the acquired maps and information.

They need to command their "soldiers" through the crystal screen in their respective tents to gather intelligence, make judgments, explore terrain, and arrange strategies and tactics.

Between the two "command tents" is a large sand table.

This sand table is specifically used for corps battle exercises, featuring complex terrain and numerous military camps, even with soldiers.

It is paired with the crystal screens inside the command tents, and even has a spirit artifact. When the "commander" gives orders on the small sand table, the soldiers on the large sand table will move accordingly.

This is a large trial equipment, with a very complex structure.

Due to the lack of key technology, even modern master craftsmen find it difficult to replicate such sand tables. The existing exercise sand tables were all excavated from ruins, and each one is unique.

This corps exercise sand table is very intricate, allowing the corps commander to micro-manage down to the battalion level. Of course, under normal circumstances, the corps commander would not micro-manage beyond their level.

A corps can have up to fifty thousand people, and the area they need to defend is vast. Just managing the overall situation is enough to give the corps commander a headache.

Of course, since the sand table was crafted during the Shenwu period, its corps organization naturally follows the Shenwu period's standards.

Fortunately, the Immortal Dynasty's military organization also references the Shenwu period's military structure, with a fully staffed corps consisting of about fifty to sixty thousand people, nine to ten regiments, totaling over a hundred battalions. Therefore, there are no obstacles in actual command.

At this moment, the competition has already begun, with the "blue soldiers" and "red soldiers" on the sand table frequently moving, executing their respective commanders' orders.

"Strengthen the attack on enemy-controlled Area Nine with the Seventh Regiment." Wang Yingxuan stood in her command tent, looking at the crystal screen in front of her, calmly issuing orders, "The Fifth and Ninth Regiments flank from the sides and forcibly take Area Nine."

As her words fell, the blue figures holding flags on the corps sand table began to move, engaging in a "ping-pong" battle with the "red soldiers."

On the screen in front of her, the terrain and topography of the sand table were displayed clearly, but many enemy-occupied areas were in a semi-fog state, requiring repeated reconnaissance to clear the fog.

Moreover, this fog-clearing state had a time limit, with the fog gradually gathering again as reconnaissance frequency decreased.

This was to make the commander's perspective closer to the actual situation.

After all, in a real battlefield, commanders don't have an "omniscient view" and must rely on limited information to make judgments about the overall situation.

At this moment, as the battle in Area Nine intensified, Zhao Tingjian couldn't help but chuckle with satisfaction, "Wang Yingxuan indeed moved her main force to Area Nine. Haha~ That girl may be smart, but she's ultimately too young. This time, I'll show her what 'the world is a dangerous place' means!"

Before this, Zhao Tingjian had used various deceptive tactics to fully mislead Wang Yingxuan, making her believe that Area Nine was his secret command center, luring her to concentrate her forces there to take down his "command center" in one fell swoop.

But in reality, Area Nine was just a decoy, and his main force had already secretly penetrated deep into Wang Yingxuan's territory, preparing to take advantage of her command center's vulnerability and execute a sneak attack to capture her!

Unexpectedly, before Zhao Tingjian's laughter subsided, his main force was ambushed from all sides while passing through a gorge.

Despite the red figures' valiant resistance, the disparity in numbers was too great, and moments later, the sand table's spirit artifact determined that his main force had been completely annihilated.

In an instant, Zhao Tingjian was dumbfounded.

After a long pause, he finally slammed the table in disbelief, roaring, "Sand table spirit artifact, I've been scouting this gorge daily, how could there be an ambush? And didn't Wang Yingxuan concentrate her main force in Area Nine? How did she ambush me here?"

The sand table spirit artifact's voice was cold and emotionless, "The judgments made by this spirit artifact are based on the operations of both corps commanders, and there are no errors. Corps Commander Zhao Tingjian, your current win rate has dropped to nine percent. Do you wish to continue?"

Nine percent win rate?

Zhao Tingjian slammed the table, his brows furrowed in anger, nearly coughing up blood.

With such a low win rate, what's the point of continuing? I surrender, I surrender~

He was quite experienced in playing this corps-level sand table simulation, with a consistently high win rate, and he brought it out to show Wang Yingxuan the gap in their corps command skills.

In fact, at first, it went as he expected, with him completely dominating her in the initial rounds.

But who would have thought, in such a short time, they would start having back-and-forth battles with mutual victories.

In the last three rounds, especially the last three rounds, Zhao Tingjian actually tasted the bitterness of consecutive defeats.

As Zhao Tingjian conceded, the curtain of the command tent automatically opened.

Wang Yingxuan, accompanied by a group of strategists, swaggered into his tent.

"Old Zhao, as they say, 'make the real appear false and the false appear real,' you fell for it. I've always said that making me a mere deputy corps commander is a waste of talent. Why don't you consider promoting me to deputy marshal? In the future, I'll lead you to conquer the Demon God Hall and return to marry your first love." Wang Yingxuan crossed her arms, looking at Zhao Tingjian with a smug expression, her delicate face full of pride and arrogance.

"Get out of here!" Zhao Tingjian finally couldn't hold it in, shouting in anger and embarrassment, "Go back to your Seventh Corps base and reflect on your actions. Don't come looking for me for three months."

With that, he didn't stay for a review, leaving the command tent in a huff.

For a moment, Zhao Tingjian felt a sense of lament.

He was having a tough time~

With Wang Yingxuan and Wang Lici under his command, they were truly a pair of hidden talents, and if they continued like this, who knows if it would be a blessing or a curse~~

……

Meanwhile, as the winds of change swept across the outer region battlefield.

In the sea near the Tianji Continent.

A massive Yuan Shui Azure Dragon suddenly flew in from the distant sky, roaring over the sea.

It was an enormous dragon, its azure scales glistening in the sunlight, its ferocious dragon head exuding majesty and power, and its massive dragon body, stretching dozens of meters long, was as terrifying as a prehistoric beast. As it soared through the sky, it seemed to blot out the sun.

Wherever it passed, the overwhelming dragon might spread in all directions, causing various local overlords to scatter and hide, not daring to show themselves.

Judging by its size and might, it was clearly an eleventh-level Yuan Shui Azure Dragon!

Behind this enormous and fierce Yuan Shui Azure Dragon was a flying carriage with a modest exterior but a very comfortable interior.

The carriage was not as thick as the Yuan Shui Azure Dragon's body, and it was so inconspicuous that if one didn't look closely, they might not even notice it.

It wasn't until they reached a remote, uninhabited island that the Yuan Shui Azure Dragon landed with the carriage, its body flashing with light as it transformed into a dignified and spirited old man in green robes.

"Hahaha~ Master Wang Shouzhe, was I fast?" He laughed heartily, looking at the flying carriage behind him.

A male voice with a hint of laughter came from the carriage, "Ancestor Dragon truly lives up to being the strongest of the Yuan Shui Azure Dragon lineage in this era, your speed is indeed swift. Thank you, Ancestor Dragon."

As he spoke, a young man in white gracefully descended from the carriage.

This figure wore a jade crown on his head, a jade belt around his waist, exuding a gentle and composed demeanor, like a breeze in the mountains, making people feel an involuntary sense of warmth and familiarity. He was none other than Wang Shouzhe, the head of the Wang Clan.

Behind him were several others, all outstanding members of the younger generation of the Wang Clan, including Wang Anye, Wang Ningxi, Wang Fugui, and Wang Lixian.

These individuals were either extremely lucky, exceptionally intelligent, or like Wang Fugui, both smart and lucky, and of course, there was Lixian, the utility tree.

Such an extravagant and luxurious lineup was almost the best the Wang Clan could offer at present, naturally indicating that Wang Shouzhe's journey was not a simple one.

Their goal was also evident.

It was the long-awaited "Shenwu Army Officer Training Academy" instance that Wang Shouzhe had been looking forward to. They were merely the vanguard, here to explore the situation.

At this moment, even the usually composed Wang Shouzhe couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.

Who knows what kind of Shenwu treasures they might be able to extract from the officer academy this time?

……