Swing the sword at the future female devil

Chapter 454 Kid, do you crave honor?
Duan Huaige immediately composed himself, adopting a stubborn expression. Following Xie Changming's lead, he raised his voice and angrily said:

"Xie Laodeng! You've gone too far! I think you're just using this as an excuse to settle a personal score. Cangling and I are deeply in love, a perfect match, and it's none of your business, you old stubborn fool, to object!"

"You arrested me just for your daughter's happiness? I, Duan Huaige, refuse to accept this!"

"Do you know that I have come here to track down that witch Taiqing! She ambushed and plotted against me in the Zen sect, and later stole the fragment of the 'Map of the Land and the State' from the Zen sect!"

"This demoness has grand ambitions, plotting to unleash a cataclysmic disaster! I, Duan Huaige, though insignificant and powerless, know my responsibility to protect my home! That's why I risked my life to infiltrate, solely to uncover the truth and stop that demoness's scheme! Is that wrong?!"

Duan Huaige cleverly portrayed herself as a passionate cultivator who disregarded the prohibitions to stop evil spirits, while subtly linking her imprisonment to Xie Changming's desire to stand up for his daughter. This gave Xie Changming some room to maneuver.

This kid is quite clever.

Hearing Duan Huaige's righteous declaration, Xie Changming's eyes flashed with a hint of admiration, but his face remained icy and unyielding. He sneered, "The witch Taiqing? The military has been operating here for many years; how could she infiltrate so easily? Trespassing is a serious crime! No reason can justify your violation of military law!"

He paused, then said in a chilling tone, "Even if I weren't Cang Ling's father, I would still uphold the law! You're in my hands now, so you can just wait to die!"

"Old Xie, Cangling and I are truly in love... I'm going to report this to the military!"

"Heh, I heard that someone embraced the little girl from the Yan family and your childhood sweetheart in front of so many people from the Zen sect? Embracing them on both sides... You must be very happy, Duan Huaige?"

"..."

"Um... cough cough... no matter what, Cang Ling and I are truly in love!"

Xie Changming said calmly, "Go and say whatever you want to the military court. If you want to sue me, I'll fight you to the end!" He emphasized "sue him" again, his eyes seemingly casually sweeping over Duan Huaige, carrying a hint of unseen meaning.

Duan Huaige knew in his heart that Xie Laodeng was implying that he should make a big fuss about it and then seize on Xie Changming's personal vendetta to get the supervisory authorities involved, so that he would have a chance to escape from this place.

Just then, a light footstep sounded outside the stone chamber, followed by an aged yet powerful voice, tinged with laughter:
"Hehehe, Changming, young people are full of vigor and have a heart for the common people. Such sincerity is rare. Why be so harsh?"

The stone door slid open silently inward.

An elderly man dressed in a simple gray long gown walked in slowly. His hair and beard were all white, his face was thin, but his eyes were exceptionally bright and gentle, and he wore a warm smile, like a kind elder from next door. When that gentle gaze swept over me, it seemed to see through all pretense.

He had no rank insignia on his shoulders, but the moment Xie Changming entered, he immediately bowed slightly, his expression solemn, and respectfully took half a step back.

"Greetings, Commander." Xie Changming saluted.

The visitor was none other than Commander Zhang Dingfang, who was stationed at the Kunlun Ruins Military Headquarters! He was a veteran of the military who had already held a high position before the spiritual energy revival, and who quickly gained powerful strength after the revival by virtue of his profound knowledge and strategic vision!
Zhang Dingyuan chuckled and waved his hand, indicating that Xie Changming didn't need to be so polite. He walked straight up to Duan Huaige, looking him up and down with the appreciation and scrutiny of an elder looking at a junior. "You're Duan Huaige? Hmm, not bad, indeed a handsome young man, with a powerful aura and solid foundation. No wonder you were able to cause such a commotion on the outskirts of Kunlun."

Commander Zhang's voice was gentle, like a spring breeze. "My name is Zhang Dingyuan, and I am honored to be the military commander of this area."

Alarm bells rang in Duan Huaige's mind! This Chief Zhang felt even more unfathomable than Xie Changming; behind that gentle smile seemed to lie unspeakable calculations.

If Duan Huaige had not received a series of warnings beforehand, he would probably have assumed that this was a kind and gentle old man who posed no threat.

He quickly stood up, clasped his hands in a respectful bow, and said humbly, "This humble one, Duan Huaige, greets Commander Zhang. I was reckless and disturbed the forbidden area; it was truly inappropriate. I will return immediately!"

"Hey, young people, it's good to have drive." Chief Zhang's smile remained unchanged. He gestured for Duan Huaige to sit down, and then casually sat down on a stone bench opposite him, while Xie Changming stood by his side like a javelin.

"General Changming enforces the law strictly; it's his duty, so don't hold a grudge. However," he changed the subject, his gaze fixed intently on Duan Huaige, "I see that your actions are not entirely without reason. You just mentioned 'the demoness Taiqing' and 'triggering a cataclysmic disaster.' It seems you know quite a bit about the secrets of Kunlun Ruins?"

Duan Huaige's heart skipped a beat, but he showed a perfectly measured excitement on his face: "Reporting to the commander, I only heard about it secondhand. In addition, I felt the eerie aura of Taiqing in the Zen sect, which made me feel uneasy. I knew that she was heading towards Kunlun Ruins, so I rushed over to warn you in a hurry."

"But now it seems you already know."

"I've also heard reports about the Zen sect." Chief Zhang stroked his beard, his smile still gentle, but his eyes had become even more profound.
"At such a young age, you have made great contributions one after another. Whether it is Longhu Mountain or Zen Buddhism, you have saved many people. With young people like you, China has a bright future."

He leaned forward slightly, his tone carrying a sincere, persuasive quality: "Young friend Duan, to be honest, Kunlun Ruins is the hope for China and even the entire world in dealing with future upheavals! The ancient secrets it contains are crucial to the survival of humanity!"

"However, the path of exploration is fraught with peril. Unknown evil forces are hindering us, and an ancient demoness who has broken free from her seal covets the treasures within the ruins, harboring malicious intentions!"

Commander Zhang's tone became solemn and filled with a sense of mission: "The military headquarters is here, shouldering the heavy responsibility of exploring the mysteries and protecting humanity! But human strength has its limits. Faced with those ancient restrictions and lurking demons, we urgently need talented individuals like you, with exceptional abilities and unwavering loyalty, to join us!"

"I see that you have extraordinary courage and a heart for the common people. You are just like us! The military is willing to give you an excellent opportunity to serve your country and make a name for yourself in history!"

"Join the 'Kunlun Tian Shu' core research group!"

Chief Zhang's voice carried a seductive power: "Become a pioneer in unlocking the ultimate mysteries of Kunlun Ruins! Use your talent and your strength to uncover those long-buried histories and fight against those covetous demons! This is not only about saving yourself, but also about saving this world!"

Duan Huaige: "..."

I don't believe you! You old man are so evil!

(End of this chapter)