“Earth Net can easily kill common ordinary demons and weaker demon monarchs,” said Elder Yi. “If we encounter powerful demon monarchs and bigger threats, we will have to send Patrollers to deal with the issue.
“Patrollers will mostly be Marquis and Regis Godfiends, but a few peak Great Solar Godfiends will take on the duties as well. After all, many demons will enter our human world. Even Marquis Godfiends and Regis Godfiends won’t be able to deal with everything by themselves.
“The two of you are a team. You will advance and retreat together.” Elder Yi looked at the two and said with a smile, “The area you are in charge of is Wu State’s Gu Mountain Prefecture and the area 500 kilometers around it. If your help is needed, your Patroller tokens will alert you.”
“Understood.” The two nodded.
“The two of you will usually live in Gu Mountain Prefecture. As for which compound you will live in? You can choose it yourselves. Remember, don’t let the outside world know about your hidden Godfiend identities,” said Elder Yi. “From now on, most of our Archean Mountain Godfiends will go incognito across the world. If we reveal their true identities, demon monarchs might attempt to assassinate our Godfiends.”
“Yes.” Meng Chuan and Liu Qiyue understood the need for secrecy.
“Disguise yourself as mortals and live in seclusion in Gu Mountain Prefecture. You will lead normal lives like mortals,” said Elder Yi. “If you receive a mission, you are to complete them immediately. Of course, I don’t think there will be many missions assigned to either of you. Powerful demon monarchs will be handled by Marquis Godfiends. The weaker ones will be settled by Earth Net directly. You will perhaps be mobilized a few times a year.
“Also, the fact that the two of you are living in Gu Mountain Prefecture is also a secret! In Archean Mountain, only Archean Mountain Lord, the Supremacy, and I know of your whereabouts. Don’t tell your family or your friends. Once your location is known, the demons and Skydemon Sect might learn of it after some investigation. They might even send a fourth Firmament demon monarch to Gu Mountain Prefecture to seek you out.
“Also, as Patrollers, there’s no need to handle any trivial matters. No Godfiend can order you. The two of you can only be commanded by Archean Mountain directly,” said Elder Yi.
…
Meanwhile, in Eastcalm Prefecture, the Imperial Court’s messengers arrived at the Meng family’s ancestral mansion. Meng Dajiang led his clansmen to welcome them.
The Imperial Court’s messengers publicly announced the conferment of a noble title! This shocked many people who watched from afar. This was because ever since the Great Zhou Dynasty was established, no one in Eastcalm Prefecture had ever been conferred a noble title!
“Earl Eastcalm, Meng Chuan?”
“Young Master Meng is impressive. Back then, I knew he was amazing. In just over ten years, he has been made an earl.”
“In a few years, he might be conferred the title of marquis.”
“Our Eastcalm Prefecture has also produced a powerful Godfiend.”
“I wonder if Young Master Meng Chuan can become a Regis Godfiend.”
The people of Eastcalm Prefecture felt honored and proud. As for the other Godfiend family clans in Eastcalm Prefecture, they were poignant. Fairy Meng had died from severe injuries, but Meng Chuan rose to prominence almost immediately. He had taken first place in Archean Mountain’s entrance examination. How long had it been since he entered Archean Mountain before he was made an earl? Only a few Great Solar Godfiends could manage such feats. Furthermore, it usually took a long time to accumulate enough credit.
To be conferred earlship at such a young age? He’ll probably be conferred the title of marquis in the future!
Meng Chuan has been made an earl? Yun Fu’an sat in the study, looking considerably older. His father, Yun Wanhai, had died in battle. Yun Wanhai had left the Yun family his treasures and credit. They naturally had plenty of savings, but if they didn’t produce a new Godfiend, their clan would gradually decline.
Seeing Meng Chuan soar in prominence, Yun Fu’an truly felt regretful. He was a man who was good at dealing with people. He was good at praising the mighty and trampling the weak. Unfortunately, even if he were to slap himself, Meng Chuan—a Great Solar Godfiend—no longer had any relationship with the Yun family.
Isn’t it just a daughter? Why was I in such a rush to annul the engagement? Why was I so stupid? Yun Fu’an vented his emotions in the study.
He had missed his chance, one that would forever be missed.
…
Meng Chuan and Liu Qiyue arrived at Gu Mountain Prefecture on a bird.
“From today onwards, this will be our home.” Meng Chuan and Liu Qiyue stood in a compound. The two of them had personally chosen it at a broker. They had only chosen it after seeing several ones.
There was no term limit to their job as Patrollers. The couple would likely stay here for a long time.
“Good.” Liu Qiyue looked at the compound in satisfaction. A gray sparrow-like bird flew above the compound and landed on Liu Qiyue’s shoulder. It was a third Firmament demon monarch and cost the couple 1.5 million credits. Ever since the demons entered the human world en masse, birds became much cheaper on Archean Mountain. There was now a 50% decrease in price.
This bird could change its size. Usually, it would be the size of a palm. It also had a mystic technique given by Archean Mountain—which allowed it to restrain its aura within its body and disguise itself as a mortal bird.
“We’re only short of a child now.” Meng Chuan looked at the compound and smiled at his wife.
Liu Qiyue laughed as well.
It was time to have a child as they lived a peaceful life in seclusion.
Final Chapter of Volume—Undercurrents
Chapter 191 - Demon Monarch Congregation
By the East Lan River, in one of the many residences of Gu Mountain Prefecture City, there was an additional family. The neighbors knew that the household’s owner had Meng as their surname, and he was quite friendly.
Creak.
The door opened, and a guard said respectfully, “Madam.”
Liu Qiyue smiled and nodded as she walked into the compound. The compound wasn’t large, so the couple only hired two servants. One was an elderly man in his fifties—who had served on the battlefield only to have his Quintessential Energy crippled. He was still quite fit, so he was hired by Meng Chuan to watch over the house and clean it. The other was a middle-aged woman—who was in charge of washing clothes and cooking. The two servants were enough to manage all household matters.
These ordinary compounds usually had several servants. Some people—who were middle-class citizens—didn’t hire servants. They did the household chores themselves.
“Ah Chuan, Ah Chuan.” Liu Qiyue came to the study and pushed open the door. She could see Meng Chuan painting seriously.
Liu Qiyue didn’t say anything. Instead, she stood to the side and watched.
He was working on a long scroll—the rightmost part of the painting. With a glance, Liu Qiyue could tell that it was depicting North River Pass. The Godfiends led a large number of soldiers to guard the city pass and fend off the demons.
It’s drawn so well. Liu Qiyue was somewhat shocked. The heavily injured soldiers on the outer city wall fought the demons ferociously. This seemed to play out before her eyes.
Liu Qiyue had experienced many demon invasions at North River Pass. Every invasion led to a large number of soldiers dying or becoming crippled… Meng Chuan only drew a small portion of them, but he brought out the tragedy in those scenes.
She could tell that Meng Chuan had put a lot of effort into the painting. The eyes of a soldier were exquisitely drawn. He was extremely patient. He probably spent an hour painting that soldier—which he put more effort in.
“You’re back?” Meng Chuan smiled and lowered his brush.
“Not painting any longer?” Liu Qiyue asked in surprise. “It’s not finished yet.”
<
br /> “I won’t finish that quickly,” said Meng Chuan with a smile. “This painting will probably take a month or two to complete. There’s no rush.”
“Why did you suddenly paint the battles at North River Pass?” Liu Qiyue asked curiously, “I’ve never seen you painting so seriously for the past few years.”
Meng Chuan felt a little wistful. For the past three years, he had been fighting demons almost all the time.
“Having been down the mountain for the past three years, I’ve encountered a lot. There are things I wish to depict in paintings.” After saying that, Meng Chuan smiled and asked, “How do you feel after going out shopping around Gu Mountain Prefecture City?”
“Gu Mountain Prefecture City is quite similar to our Eastcalm Prefecture City. They are all prefecture cities of Wu State, and the weather is similar. At first glance, I thought I was in Eastcalm Prefecture,” Liu Qiyue said.
Meng Chuan nodded. “This place is only 300 kilometers away from Eastcalm, so it won’t take us long if we wish to return.”
With his speed, he could reach Eastcalm Prefecture City and rush back very quickly.
Liu Qiyue continued, “I went shopping in the city today. The entire city is now talking about military conscription. They are currently conscripting soldiers on a large scale.”
“Yes.” Meng Chuan nodded. “Right now, serving in the military is much safer than before. Mandatory service now lasts three years, but many still serve in the military.”
“That’s right. From the age of 20 to 25, everyone needs to serve in the military,” said Liu Qiyue. “No matter how strong they are, they will have to serve in the military. It will naturally affect the city.”
“I remember there are some exceptions,” said Meng Chuan.
“Those who are only sons can delay their military service. They can start their military service any time within five years,” said Liu Qiyue. “Those who get married and have children can also delay their mandatory service for up to five years. There are other situations where one doesn’t need to serve the military, but they are rather special cases. Ninety-nine percent of the youth population will serve in the military. The only advantage is that military service isn’t as terrible as it used to be. Furthermore, they are serving in their own prefecture.”
Meng Chuan nodded slightly.
The people from Gu Mountain Prefecture completed their mandatory service within Gu Mountain Prefecture. Archean Mountain had set the rules, and the goal of conscripting mortals was to create a massive net! Any demons that appeared would be discovered as soon as possible.
Thus, the locals naturally held the upper hand.
Those who served in the military would have annual leave too, so they could often head home for visits.
“Now, all small and medium-sized city passes in the world have been abandoned. The demons are flooding in. It may be calm in Gu Mountain Prefecture, but many other places are engaged in battle,” said Meng Chuan softly. “When Godfiends fight, they need to find the demon monarchs first. Mortals are the eyes of us Godfiends.”
Liu Qiyue nodded. “Yes. Birds are watching the small and medium-sized World Entrances from the sky. Once the demons enter, powerful Godfiends will be sent in pursuit. This is the first stage of the humans’ interception plan.”
“Those demon monarchs who survive might lurk in the darkness and probably attack many prefecture cities whenever they can,” said Meng Chuan with a frown.
…
The days in Gu Mountain Prefecture were peaceful. No demon monarchs came to stir up trouble. The changes in the military were completely enacted within a month, and Gu Mountain Prefecture City was restored to its normal operations. After all, the prefecture city could still maintain its former bustle even when youths—between the ages of 20 and 25—served in the military.
In the blink of an eye, it was a new year.
In an underground palace—about a hundred kilometers away from Gu Mountain Prefecture City.
“Come, have a drink.”
“Great wine.”
“Everyone, have a taste of this food. It’s made by the humans I abducted. Although these humans are weak, the food they make is very exquisite and delicious. It’s much better than our demons’ crude food,” said Demon Monarch White Fox, who was sitting in the seat of honor. The demon monarchs were rather obedient. After all, Demon Monarch White Fox was a descendant of a demon sage and had high status.
A wolf demon monarch held pieces of roasted meat and ate. He shook his head and praised, “It’s delicious. One piece of meat is sliced and roasted. They even used plenty of seasonings. Why doesn’t our Demon Realm have something similar?”
“Those lesser demons are clumsy. How are they capable of this?”
“Human clothing and buildings are all very exquisite.”
These demon monarchs were extremely intelligent and knew how to appreciate such exquisiteness.
After the meal was almost over, Demon Monarch White Fox finally got down to business. “It’s not easy for everyone to gather here alive after entering the human world.”
“Yes, yes, yes.”
“It really wasn’t easy!”
“The humans say that they have abandoned the small and middle-sized city passes, but in reality, they are watching them in secret. The demon monarchs that enter will be swiftly killed by them. Only half of us can survive after fleeing in all directions.”
“I came from Two World Island’s Great Yue Dynasty territory. The security there is a little weaker. They have even more World Entrances, and there are even fewer powerful Godfiends. After I entered a jungle, I traveled 500 kilometers north to enter the Great Zhou Dynasty.”
“This won’t do. For the past two weeks, Two World Island transferred 29 medium-sized city passes to Archean Mountain and Black Sand Grotto-Heaven. Their net has become much tighter. The Demon Realm can only send demon monarchs through the various entrances in the world.”
The demon monarchs discussed.
Demon Monarch White Fox smiled as her eyes glowed red. “We came here because we wanted to earn credit! Now, the Demon Realm has given orders for all demon monarchs to scatter across the world and attack the humans! All demon monarchs are to take action alone.”
The demon monarchs present listened carefully.
“Our branch is in charge of attacking Gu Mountain Prefecture,” said Demon Monarch White Fox. “All demon monarchs will take action alone. You can attack village forts or county cities as you please. Those who are bold enough can attack prefecture cities! I have to mention that there will definitely be powerful Godfiends guarding prefecture cities. County cities and village forts will be safer. You’ll earn credit from probing the human’s defenses. If you can kill a Godfiend, the credit will be even greater,” said Demon Monarch White Fox.
“I’ll give Gu Mountain Prefecture’s Chang Valley County a try.”
“I’m going to Gu Mountain Prefecture’s Guchou County.”
The demon monarchs decided their targets one by one.
Some even said, “All of you are going to county cities. I’ll attack the village forts and see if any Godfiends stop me.”
“I’ll attack Gu Mountain Prefecture City!” said an eight-armed demon monarch with a smile as he drank his alcohol. He immediately caused the other demon monarchs to look over.
Chapter 192 - Eight-Armed Demon Monarch Chan Du
The demon monarchs present were either towering, ferocious, or charming. They were all extraordinary as they were all third Firmament demon monarchs! After all, second Firmament demon monarchs were not qualified to attend Demon Monarch White Fox’s banquet.
Although the eight-armed demon monarch, Chan Du, was rather powerful, he wasn’t ranked in the top three among the group of third Firmament demon monarchs. Other demon monarchs were unwilling to attack a prefecture city because they knew that powerful Godfiends likely protected them!
“Demon Monarch Chan Du is very bold!” said Demon Monarch White Fox loudly as her
eyes lit up.
“Demon Monarch Chan, I’m truly impressed.”
“I’ll leave the reconnaissance of the prefecture city to Demon Monarch Chan.”
The group of demon monarchs praised Chan Du. These demon monarchs were all very cunning. They knew very well how dangerous the human world was! Just the 'slaughter” after one exited a World Entrance made them well aware of the fact. They were unwilling to touch the tough nut that was a prefecture city.
“Powerful Godfiends from Archean Mountain, the imperial capital, and state capitals are all guarding prefecture cities.” A green snake demoness laughed. “Demon Monarch Chan, you have to be careful when attacking the city.”
The eight-armed demon monarch immediately smiled and said, “Thank you for your concern, Demon Monarch Greenjade. Among the demon monarchs present, my strength is considered ordinary, but I’m the best at earth escape techniques. Even if the prefecture city has powerful Godfiends, I can still escape underground.”
“In terms of escaping through the earth, you are indeed the best amongst us.” The green snake demoness nodded in approval.
The group of powerful demon monarchs quickly made plans. Gu Mountain Prefecture’s prefecture and county cities would be attacked, and at least five demon monarchs would attack village forts.
“The day the attacks happen is February 1st.” Demon Monarch White Fox glanced at Demon Monarch Greenjade. Without any objections, Demon Monarch Greenjade agreed.
In terms of status and bloodline, Demon Monarch White Fox was supreme. In terms of strength, Demon Monarch Greenjade was the strongest demon monarch present.
…
Gu Mountain Prefecture spanned 235 kilometers from north to south and 155 kilometers from east to west. Eleven counties—with a population in the millions—laid within the prefecture.
After the demon monarchs entered the human world en masse, young soldiers were everywhere in Gu Mountain Prefecture due to military service. However, the entire prefecture was very peaceful since no demon monarchs were discovered.
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