If the human race suffers a major defeat, preserving the spark ensures the race won’t be completely annihilated, leaving a chance for a future counterattack.
The Fire Cloud Emperor then issued several more orders.
Currently, the flames of war in the Fire Cloud Empire were only burning in Dongyuan Prefecture, but other prefectures were on high alert, with all immortals ready to enter combat at any moment.
The reason was simple: other prefectures might have demon clan teleportation arrays, allowing demons to appear directly in those regions.
The empire would also unreservedly distribute resources from its treasury, rewarding soldiers who killed demon beasts.
The empire already had a merit system where demon beast corpses could be exchanged for merit points, which could then be traded for spirit crystals, tribulation pills, and other resources.
In peacetime, earning such merits was difficult.
But once battles erupted, merits could be earned, and achievements could be made.
After the meeting, everyone dispersed quickly.
Only Lin Yun and the Fire Cloud Emperor remained in the hall.
“Disciple, this catastrophe has finally arrived,” the Fire Cloud Emperor sighed.
Having lived through the last war, the Fire Cloud Emperor knew how terrifying such a conflict could be.
Many immortals, including his friends and comrades, had fallen in that war.
“Yes, I hoped it could be delayed by hundreds or thousands of years, but the demon clan won’t give us that time,” Lin Yun said with a sigh.
“Disciple, I’ve suggested to Deputy Palace Master Yao that even if Heavenly Demons and immortals join the fight, you shouldn’t participate,” the Fire Cloud Emperor said.
Lin Yun was surprised. “Why, Master? I’m ranked tenth on the Heavenly God List, a top human powerhouse. I can play a significant role.”
“Because you are the hope of our race, the light of humanity. Even if we lose, as long as you’re alive, I believe our race still has hope,” the Fire Cloud Emperor explained.
Lin Yun understood his master’s intent.
“Master, I understand, but I can’t stand by and watch,” Lin Yun said earnestly.
“If you secure the Dragon Clan’s help, your contribution will be immense. You don’t need to fight personally to make a difference,” the Fire Cloud Emperor said.
“But…” Lin Yun tried to protest.
“Disciple, focus on your tasks. The war has just begun, and no one knows how it will unfold. I’m heading to the Heavenly God Palace; Deputy Palace Master Yao has summoned the leaders of the eight immortal factions for a meeting,” the Fire Cloud Emperor said, waving his hand.
“Alright, I’ll take my leave.”
Lin Yun exited the hall.
After leaving the palace, he murmured, “I wonder where Yi’er is now.”
With his son hiding his identity, Lin Yun couldn’t easily find him unless he sent a signal.
Lin Yun then hurried out of the city, heading to Dongyuan Prefecture.
On his way, he noticed the news of the demon clan’s attack spreading rapidly in the divine capital, with an atmosphere of panic spreading.
Still, the divine capital remained relatively safe, guarded by the Fire Cloud Emperor and other powerhouses.
…
Dongyuan Prefecture.
Upon arriving, Lin Yun found a starkly different scene.
Large numbers of civilians were fleeing the prefecture.
Entering the prefecture city, Lin Yun saw chaos, with many residents preparing to escape, the streets no longer bustling as they once were.
Lin Yun went straight to the Prefecture Lord’s Palace.
The palace was a hive of activity, with the deputy lord managing urgent conscription to defend the homeland.
Lin Yun entered the palace.
Prefecture Lord Huo Zhen and many generals were present, along with Old Man Yan, Yang Wan, and Wei Qi.
Lin Yun had come to see them.
“Big Brother, you’re here!” they exclaimed, saluting.
“Paying respects to Lord Lin Yun,” the generals also saluted.
“Huo Zhen, what’s the situation in Dongyuan Prefecture?” Lin Yun asked immediately.
“Big Brother, the border’s Demon Suppression Army is battling the attacking demon clan. Half the city guard has been sent to support, and imperial reinforcements are on their way. We’re also evacuating civilians and organising sects and families in the prefecture to resist, though it’s voluntary. If they choose to leave, I won’t stop them,” Huo Zhen said.
Lin Yun nodded.
“By the way, I have a residence in the Heavenly God Palace. I can take some people there; it’s safe. Who wants to come?” Lin Yun looked at Huo Zhen, Old Man Yan, Yang Wan, and Wei Qi.
“Big Brother, I won’t go. I’m in the Tribulation Realm now; death is inevitable. I’d rather contribute now, atoning for my past sins,” Yang Wan said.
Yang Wan had been bribed by the demon clan before being captured and won over by Lin Yun.
He knew how well Lin Yun treated him.
Old Man Yan added, “Lin Yun, I’m also in the Tribulation Realm. Why cling to life? I’d rather do something meaningful.”
“Big Brother, I can’t leave. As the Prefecture Lord, I’ll stand or fall with Dongyuan Prefecture. My only wish is to send my family to the Heavenly God Palace. I know it’s selfish, as space there is limited, but I beg you,” Huo Zhen said.
Ordinarily, soldiers’ families would be protected in the capital, the empire’s safest place.
Securing a spot in Tiancheng at the Heavenly God Palace was extremely difficult, a privilege mostly reserved for immortals.
“Leave it to me,” Lin Yun said, patting Huo Zhen’s shoulder.
He then turned to Wei Qi. “Wei Qi, what about you? You’re young, with great talent in archery. You must come with me.”
“Big Brother, Dongyuan Prefecture is my home. I won’t leave. I’ll fight the demon clan to defend it. I’m in the Tribulation Realm and can contribute!” Wei Qi said firmly.
“Don’t be stubborn. You’re coming with me. That’s an order. Moving you to the Heavenly God Palace preserves a seedling for humanity. If we lose, you seedlings are our hope,” Lin Yun said resolutely.
