Tang Dynasty Demon Suppression Division

Grand Secretary Wang clearly disagreed with his views, repeatedly emphasizing the importance of people's livelihood.

"Hmph! Grand Secretary Wang only knows how to cherish the people's strength, but he doesn't understand the principle of being surrounded by wolves. If the Northwest is lost and the Longyou Road falls, then it won't just be a matter of increasing taxes, but a matter of shaking the foundation of the country!"

Grand Secretary Yang argued his case forcefully, but Grand Secretary Zhang kept his eyes closed and head bowed, as if he hadn't heard a thing and didn't intervene in the argument between the two.

The officials in the court also took sides, with military generals supporting Grand Secretary Yang and civil officials advocating peace supporting Grand Secretary Wang. For a time, they argued fiercely and became a chaotic mess.

On the dragon throne, Li Yan looked down expressionlessly, a cold smile playing on his lips, listening quietly as his fingers lightly tapped the armrest of the throne.

He only spoke slowly after the two factions had almost finished arguing.

That's enough.

The court fell silent instantly.

Li Yan's gaze swept over the assembled officials below, and he said calmly, "What the two Grand Secretaries have said makes sense. Regarding the Northwest, we cannot simply show weakness, nor can we rashly launch an attack."

"I have decided to prepare for both possibilities."

"On the one hand, an order was issued to the Longyou Circuit, requiring all prefectures and counties to coordinate with the border troops to strengthen defenses. The Ministry of War was to draft a plan to expand the army, but the scale should be moderate and should not affect people's livelihoods."

"On the other hand, we should send capable envoys to the Demon Court to meet with the Demon Emperor and ascertain their intentions. If we can achieve peace, that would be best. But if they insist on war, our Great Tang will not be afraid."

The emperor's words represented a compromise. Although neither faction was satisfied, the emperor had already made his decision, and neither dared to say anything more.

"Since we are seeking peace talks, who do you all think is qualified to undertake the mission of envoy to the Demon Court?"

The senior officials looked at each other and remained silent in tacit agreement. Immediately, some of them began to volunteer.

"Your subject, Zhang Qi'en, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, frequently negotiates with the demon race and wishes to travel to the Demon Court to hold peace talks with the Demon Emperor."

A middle-aged man stepped forward to pay his respects. This man was a confidant of Grand Secretary Wang. This mission was of great importance, so he was naturally unwilling to easily cede power to the other party.

"Your Majesty, I, Zheng Wenzhao, a Hanlin Academician, have long studied the Demon Court. I wish to serve as Your Majesty on your behalf, to the Demon Court and to uphold the prestige of our Great Tang!"

Another young man stepped forward and said loudly. This man was a disciple of Grand Secretary Yang. The two factions each held their own views and refused to give in to each other.

Li Yan listened quietly to the debate below, a hint of weariness in his eyes. He waved his hand and said, "The selection of the envoy will be discussed later. That's all for today. Court adjourned."

Having said that, without waiting for the ministers' reaction, he got up and left the dragon throne, heading straight for the rear hall.

The court officials were left looking at each other in bewilderment.

Shenwu Academy, behind the mountain.

Mr. Mo's courtyard remained quiet and peaceful, with fallen leaves covering the stone table, indicating that no one had visited for a long time.

Under the cover of night, Liu Hongyan drove in through the side door and secretly brought Li Yuan in.

After settling Li Yuan in the quiet room where Mr. Mo usually meditated, Liu Hongyan sat by the bed, looking at her most outstanding disciple, and fell into deep thought.

She reached out and gently stroked Li Yuan's forehead, whispering, "Kid, I don't know what happened to you, but I know that no one can walk this path for you."

"However, you must remember that there are many people out there waiting for you to come back. Your classmates, your teachers, and those who need your protection."

"So, come back soon."

Her voice was very soft, so soft that it seemed as if she were talking to herself.

Deep within the galaxy, the illusory figure sitting cross-legged trembled slightly before returning to stillness.

Upon receiving the news, Su Wenyuan, accompanied by a doctor, rushed over.

Doctor Qin, who was also an instructor at the academy and possessed superb medical skills, could only shake his head and sigh after examining Li Yuan's pulse.

"His body is fine, his meridians are clear, his blood and qi are abundant, and he is even stronger than the average person."

Doctor Qin put away the silver needles, his expression grave. "But his soul seems to be enveloped by an extremely powerful force, which cannot be penetrated. In my decades of medical practice, I have never seen anything like it."

Su Wenyuan was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Thank you for your trouble, Doctor Qin. Please keep this matter confidential."

"Don't worry, Dean, I understand." Doctor Qin cupped his hands in greeting, then left with his medicine box on his back.

Su Wenyuan stood by the bed, looking at Li Yuan's lifeless face, sighed, reached out and gently pressed his forehead. After a moment, he withdrew his hand, turned and walked out of the quiet room.

"I'll have someone set up another layer of the Concentration and Locking Formation. You'd better guard him carefully."

Liu Hongyan nodded without saying anything.

The news of Li Yuan's return to school was strictly kept under wraps, and no one outside of a few people knew about it.

The official statement continues to be that Li Yuan is still in seclusion and will not return to the academy in the short term.

That day, the Tian Shu Class finished their training in the training ground and were taking a short rest when Jin Duoduo couldn't help but think of Li Yuan again.

"I wonder how Senior Brother Li is doing now."

"I didn't expect him to have been in seclusion ever since he came out of the secret realm. Could he be holding back a big move?" Zhou Mo said curiously.

"Of course! How could the top student of our Divine Martial Academy be an ordinary person?" Cheng Zhao replied proudly.

"Sigh, I wonder when he'll be back..."

The trainees sat in twos and threes on the sidelines, resting and chatting. In their hearts, Li Yuan was the undisputed senior brother and their pride.

Wu Yu leaned against an old locust tree, holding a pot of water in his hand but not drinking it. He suddenly sighed, "By the time Brother Li returns, will he have already broken through to the Core Formation Realm? I hope he doesn't leave us too far behind."

Upon hearing this, Shen Lian, who was standing nearby, remained silent for a moment without replying. He lowered his head, wiping the long sword in his hand, his expression solemn.

"Shen Lian, what's wrong?" Wu Yu noticed his unusual mood and patted his shoulder. "Why do you look so troubled?"

Shen Lian stopped wiping the knife, looked up at him, and said, "I'm leaving."

He suddenly spoke, which stunned the students around him.

"Go? Where to?" Wu Yu asked in surprise.

"Yumen Pass." Shen Lian sheathed his longsword and stood up. "Yumen Pass is under siege. My father wrote that the demon race outside the pass is active frequently, and the garrison is under great pressure. I am the only son in the family, and I cannot sit idly by."

"I have submitted my application for early graduation to the college, and I will set off as soon as it is approved."

"So urgent?" Wu Yu was getting anxious. "You should at least wait for Brother Li to come back! If he finds out you're gone, he'll definitely..."

"We can't wait any longer." Shen Lian interrupted him. "The military situation at Yumen Pass won't wait for anyone. Li Yuan... he'll understand."

Everyone fell silent, realizing that Shen Lian's decision was not made on a whim.

Yumen Pass is a crucial link in the northwest defense line. If Yumen Pass falls, the entire Hexi Corridor will be exposed to the iron hooves of the demon race.

As the son of a border general, Shen Lian has the responsibility and the obligation to return to the land that gave him birth and nurtured him, to protect those who need protection.

"Shen Lian is right." Chu Yunhe suddenly stood up, walked to Shen Lian's side, and patted him on the shoulder. "A man should make achievements and protect his country."

He turned to look at everyone and said, "I also have some news to tell you all. I have submitted an application to join the Demon Suppression Division of Longyou Road and will go to the front line of Xuansuo Pass."

"What? Senior Brother Chu, you're leaving too?"

"Suspension Pass? Isn't there a war going on there?"

"That's way too dangerous!"

The trainees exclaimed in surprise.