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"Could it be that they came out first?"

The feeling of a standoff between two armies was unbearable for both sides, especially for the soldiers, whether they are from the Demon Clan, the Four Holy Army, or the Western Sea Army. A quick battle would not be as torturous as waiting like now.

The need to stay focused and ready for combat while being unable to vent was bearable for a moment or two, but became excruciating after an hour or two.

It must be said that both armies possessed very high qualities; under such pressured confrontation, they still showed no signs of collapse.

Especially those Serpent Demons from Celestial Serpent Palace, their eyes filled with immense wariness as they gazed at the humans opposite them.

In Outer Space, they were famously patient hunters, but even so, they were extremely uncomfortable under this pressure and didn’t expect that the creatures of this world would have such endurance. Indeed, they should not be underestimated.

During this stalemate, a distinct distortion in Space drew everyone’s attention.

The next instant both sides sharply turned to look, the outcome of Chen Qing’s battle directly influencing the current military situation. Both sides knew their formation was unstable—winning meant gaining control of the Ancient Demon Army.

However, the emergence of two figures caused a sinking feeling in both camps.

Especially Emperor Siao, whose eyes flashed with evident disappointment.

Honestly speaking, the leadership of the Ancient Demon Clan’s Guard Commander, known to intimidate Kagura, and the King of Qin, a master of deep schemes, meant that if they cooperated, Chen Qing losing would be no injustice.

But... obtaining such a result still unavoidably caused disappointment in the Emperor’s heart.

He had thought that the creator of Jiangnan wouldn’t die so easily, but reality seemed more brutal than he imagined.

"Four Holy Army, hear my command!" bellowed the Guard Commander, his voice resonating throughout the venue: "Follow me in retreat, and ensure the Elder’s safe passage out of Yundu!"

This command stunned not only the Four Holy Army but also Kagura and the siblings from the Siao Family.

Retreat?

Are the Ancient Demons giving up?

If so, it was actually good news—both armies losing the Four Holy Army meant the formations were unsustainable, and whether to fight or retreat could be reevaluated after a reformation of the armies rather than one side simply collapsing.

But Kagura thought further. She knew the Guard Commander well. From the moment he issued that order, something in her heart sank slightly as if she realized something.

Almost subconsciously, the Four Holy Army was preparing to obey the military order at this critical juncture, but a Priest of equal rank to the Guard Commander suddenly spoke up.

"May I ask, honorable Guard Commander, where is Princess Ziyue?"

This question made the Four Holy Army hesitate, particularly those aligned with Emperor Siao, as in their hearts Princess Ziyue held a higher status than the Guard Commander. Though the Guard’s authority was better understood by the guard troops alone.

Many were aware that Princess Ziyue and the Guard Commander had already confronted each other directly, standing on the precipice of life and death; at this moment, to walk out alive and give orders, yet for the Priest to inquire about Princess Ziyue’s whereabouts—it seemed a bit tactless...

However... for some reason, the hearts of the majority of the Four Holy Army didn’t chill as they had earlier.

The Guard Commander represented the spokesperson of the noble elders, but as for where the army’s heart lay, that was still debatable.

From a genealogical standpoint, Princess Ziyue’s Imperial bloodline held more persuasive power; their inherent genes also told them to be loyal to the Imperial Clan.

In times of crisis, Princess Ziyue could command them out of peril, and thousands of years ago, she even risked her own life to act as a test subject for an integration experiment, in contrast to the Guard Commander who was merely a noble pushed forward by the Council of Elders.

Except for a few guards, not many truly hoped it was him who survived.

While that was the thought process, no one dared to speak out, and unexpectedly, the usually indecisive Warrior Priest chose this moment to utter such a sensitive phrase.

At this moment, what no one knew was that the Priest was sweating profusely.

When the Guard Commander rose to fame, he was still a junior, and at the time, his elder, who was the second highest in the Council of Elders, even warned him not to oppose the Guard Commander. The respected words from higher nobility evidenced the true capabilities of the Guard Commander.

To be honest, although I have never seen him take action, and although everyone is restricted to below King Level, I can feel that it wouldn’t take him long to kill me.

At this moment, stepping forward is simply putting myself out as a target to demonstrate his power...

I know as soon as I said those words, my chances of survival... are slim!

As expected, the next instant, the Guard Commander’s eyes instantly turned towards me, his blood-red pupils seemed like a turbulent sea of blood, nearly engulfing me in an instant.

But I forced myself to calm down. I had heard from my grandfather about the Guard Commander’s speed; he is a terrifying person, a moment of distraction when facing him, and by the time you regain focus, your head may no longer be on your neck.

Seeing the normally timid War Priest calming down, the Guard Commander’s pupils slightly constricted, a flash of brutality passed through his blood-red eyes, but he did not strike immediately.

There were many reasons; perhaps there wasn’t enough time, his current condition wasn’t good, if he couldn’t defeat his opponent immediately upon striking, both someone from the Siao Family and Kagura might see his weakness, especially Kagura, who would definitely seize the chance to attack me.

The second reason is that Princess Ziyue could return at any moment.

At this moment, having just absorbed the Four Fiends, Princess Ziyue, once she returns, would likely be the most dangerous person here!

Thinking of this, he slowly closed his eyes: "Out of respect for her being the daughter of the former emperor, I will spare her this time. Those among you who wish to stay and follow her... do as you please, those who wish to come with me, step forward!"

Princess Ziyue isn’t dead?

Both the Emperor and Kagura were startled, and seeing that the Guard Commander did not strike immediately, both sensed something fishy, suspecting that he might be seriously injured. However, his words made them hesitate.

He could have come out first, could have falsely claimed that Princess Ziyue was dead to deceive the Holy Army into leaving, so why didn’t he do that?

This confusion made neither of them choose to act immediately.

Because what both thought at first was... did this guy make some kind of agreement with Princess Ziyue and Chen Qing at the last moment?

The Priest was also stunned; if the other party had said that Princess Ziyue was dead, he would definitely have objected, as he had already staked his life on it. Even if Princess Ziyue truly was dead, he would still deny it, as once he stood up to challenge, there was no turning back.

But he never expected the other party to say this.

Princess Ziyue isn’t dead?

And even letting everyone choose?

This caused him to lose some of his assertiveness, and he cautiously looked back.

Now he wasn’t sure how many people were willing to follow Princess Ziyue like him; after all, many were more conservative, leaning more towards the Council of Elders’ side.

The Holy Army hesitated for a moment, then looked at each other, the atmosphere suddenly becoming very strange.

But the hesitation did not last long, though the Guard Commander didn’t urge them, his aura clearly indicated that he would not accept those who hesitated.

In less than ten breaths, a large number of people had made their choice.

First, the elite guards, at least eighty percent chose to move towards the Guard Commander, slowly walking to his side in the standoff atmosphere.

Later, the Holy Army, also within a few breaths, a significant portion followed to the Guard Commander’s side.

The Priest watched, slightly startled; he hadn’t expected the Guard Commander, who usually didn’t stand out, to still have such a strong influence, ultimately attracting so many to his side.

This scene was somewhat surprising even to the King of Qin.

He had thought that if the Guard Commander could take away his thousand guards, it would have been impressive, but he hadn’t expected such a pleasant surprise!