"Plus, many of the 'Fourth Step' have perished there in the past, so as long as we can stall, even Xuanqing Demon Monarch won't be able to swallow us Black Mountain!"

Ye Jing spoke sincerely, leaving Chen Zhao stunned for a moment.

The Third Step Demon Commander aims to conquer Black Mountain?

Wutong Prefecture has fallen so swiftly!

In an instant, his brow furrowed tightly:

"Director Ye, let's not hide anything now. You tell me openly, what is the current state of Baoping State? Is there any aid from Great Zhao?"

"Your father was a loyal successor, renowned as the 'Baoping Prefecture Venerable' Ye Huai, and your grandfather, the famous 'Baoping Grand General' General Ye Cang. You came to our Black Mountain, presumably related to the demise of a 'Demon Hunter General' successor here."

"Old me... I won't beat around the bush with you."

"The person beside Mr. Ji, named 'Tantai Yao,' I've met him; he came from 'Zither Sword Pavilion.' Since you've investigated so thoroughly, you surely know who 'Tantai Yao' is."

"Xuanqing Demon Monarch attacked Wutong Prefecture just recently. Tantai Yao was deeply concerned and has already returned to Zither Sword Mountain. Currently, he is no longer in Black Mountain City, even if asking him to act might be impossible."

"We cannot hold on by ourselves now."

"Should we abandon the city and flee to preserve the seeds of hope, or fight to the death and wait for help? We must have a sure plan."

"These old bones of mine... aren't aiming to stay alive. Sharing the fate with Black Mountain is fine, but Mr. Ji, and my Chen Family, we must leave something behind. They cannot all fall here."

Bang!

Chen Zhao forcefully hit the ground, speaking with a somber tone.

He fears not death, but he cannot let Song Chai Xin, who barely escaped death, meet his end again here.

Even though Chen Zhao doesn't know how Jixia, buried in the 'Immortal Nirvana Palace' and considered taboo as 'Black Mountain Old Demon,' suddenly emerged from the coffin.

But that isn't important.

As a former subordinate who held reins for the chief, Chen Zhao swore to protect this secret for life.

"Once, the 'Seven Prefectures and Forty-Nine Cities' of Baoping State were torn apart."

"Among them, the seven Prefecture Cities include Profound Soldier Cave, Gu Family, Dao lineages and aristocratic families friendly with the Government Office, Lord Lan and Baoping Grand General all combined forces to shield two."

"In Jianghu, there are True Master Martial Artists, like the abbot of 'Fumo Temple,' who preserved two Prefecture Cities as neutral sanctuaries, impartial, recognizing whoever wins."

"Besides that, three were tacitly acknowledged as conquered by demons and monsters, including our Wutong Prefecture."

"Decades ago, first came 'Baoping Chaos,' then the disaster of 'Black Mountain Old Demon,' happening one after another, causing Baoping State's struggle for breath these past decades."

"Furthermore, the Northwest Wilderness has continuously produced several Demon Monarchs, leading to such reversal in strength."

"But in a month or two at most, Baoping State's situation will improve!"

"After all, this is Great Zhao's territory!"

"It's said that the 'Duke Liang' of Great Zhao, the 'Divine Capital Gu Clan,' venerable experts from the family of the 'Dragon Slayer Marquis's Wife' who once died in Black Mountain, and adjacent states' knife and armor masters from 'Ten Extremes Pass' will all come to aid!"

"Though the dynasty hasn't been peaceful over the years, these demons, since they've made up their minds to clash with Great Zhao, is Great Zhao truly a pushover that they can freely squeeze?"

"As for us here in Black Mountain, an obscure place, usually not expecting much aid, my father is fighting on the frontline, unable to withdraw, but..."

"Outside 'Black Mountain,' lies a Celestial Abyss!"

"Back then, the 'Master of Profound Soldier Cave,' 'Gu Family Ancestor,' 'Baoping Grand General' were all buried within, along with dozens of authentic Dao inheritances and ancestors of several renowned families."

"Decades have passed now, and dark scouts from so many forces have already spread throughout Black Mountain City. As the news reaches all of 'Baoping State,' who can resist coming to explore with so many relics of the great experts left behind?"

"Rumor has it, back then the 'Half-Demon Prefecture Venerable' managed to control the Celestial Abyss, dragging several 'Fourth Steppers' to accompany him in death. Plus, the secrets he concealed are enough to obsess people for decades!"

"Seven days, at most seven days!"

"It's heard that forces like Profound Soldier Cave, Gu Family and others, a blend of various forces, will gather in 'Black Mountain City,' and moreover, 'Fourth Step Experts' arriving to confront 'Xuanqing Demon Monarch'!"

"By then... we will be liberated."

Ye Jing finished speaking.

Chen Zhao's face muscles twitched, keeping silent.

Seven days!

How can we last these seven days?

This 'Demon Avoidance Array,' can only withstand one Third Step for a day, and only within the Inner City boundaries!

Put it this way.

Even if the Primordial Pill Commander 'Deceitful Sea Yaksha' under Xuanqing Demon Monarch, as well as the 'Pure Blood Dragon Child' born after achieving the Fourth Step, indeed enable the local forces of Black Mountain City to hold on.

Then, would Xuanqing Demon Monarch, yearning for what's in the 'Celestial Abyss,' let it rest?

If he personally strikes, what can be done!

"Third-Grade Demon Hunter General Ye Cang, Fifth Grade Treasure Vase Prefecture Venerable Ye Huai, and him, such a young Eighth-grade Demon Hunting Department Chief Ye Jing..."

"Truly, a family of loyal martyrs, more orthodox and promising than my decades as Guardian of Black Mountain; his grandfather died during 'Baoping Chaos,' praiseworthy and lamentable, which I've heard about slightly."

"Facing demon invasion, the first reaction to fight to death, not retreat, is understandable."

"But..."

"Old me needs to think of a way to send the master out first, otherwise, if Xuanqing Demon Monarch learns of his identity..."