"Besides, it also shouldn't be too difficult. We aren't going to venture out but instead, help to guard and defend this place while the stronghold is being created. Not to mention, there are even two of the five commanders here and the Fairy of the Moon! As far as safety goes, we should be fine.

"

As she spoke, she kept her smile and gentle demeanor, allowing everyone else to feel much more at ease. Furthermore, when she mentioned reputation and other rewards, they couldn't help but feel a tinge of excitement even.

"Alright then, let's go greet the two commanders and do what is needed. As part of the Jadewood Sect, we are one of the best when it comes to defense! They will surely recognize our efforts!

"

After giving some more words of encouragement, this group of disciples headed for the camp.

Ming Yue watched from afar.

"That's right. All sects have deemed it safe enough for their own disciples to come. That also means that any chaos from that fight must be under control now if they are willing to sent out more than just their elites. I wonder if anyone from Heaven's Gate is coming. I wonder if the Elders are doing alright... Aunt Cui and Elder Fei too.

"

After a year in the Demon Continent, she couldn't help but think about her home and those she met.

"Commander Yu Zhen did say that this war wouldn't end for another few years

", she muttered.

After a moment of silence, Xue Yue spoke.

"You can reminisce when we get back. We should finish this as quickly as possible. Get rid of the Vore Demon and continue to push forward onto Kong Zhi.

"

"Mm, you're right.

"

She turned away and went off to get herself cleaned before going out into the marshes alone. What she planned on doing out there, no one would know.

Meanwhile, the six disciples found themselves in the commander's tent, standing in front of Yu Zhen and Zi Jing.

"I didn't think that the martial world would allow their own disciples to join this war. Much less, letting them come to a place like this

", said Zi Jing, studying each one of them carefully.

"The Jadewood Sect of Verdant Garden Kingdom, best known for their work and expertise in defensive formations. I assume that you've come to help maintain our security.

"

Reading from a few documents, Yu Zhen looked up at them, furrowing her brows.

The senior sister stepped forward, cupping her fists and bowing.

"It is an honor to meet the Windy Saber and Sage of Five Stars. I am Jian Yi, an Inheritor Disciple and senior sister to my five juniors. Indeed, we are here to help secure the area and protect this place until everything is settled

", she answered.

"I see. Well then, while we do have a barrier erected, it wouldn't do any harm to have a few more defensive measures

", said Zi Jing.

Unlike before, he was fully healed and no longer needed a cane to walk with. And so, he did all the walking he wanted to, circling the disciples while examining them from head to toe.

Jian Yi turned to him and bowed before speaking.

"Yes, that barrier. When we arrived, that was the first thing to have caught our eyes. It was ancient and powerful, something none of us have ever seen before. No doubt your creation, Sage!

"

"Bah, do away with that title, you can refer to me as Commander Zi Jing instead. As for that barrier, it is not mine. Even trying to emulate it to a fraction of its power is difficult.

"

Zi Jing corrected them with a stern and irritated tone as if he did not want to hear that name.

"Oh, then may I ask with esteemed expert had created this? We would very much like to meet and learn from them if possi-

"

"No, such information is classified.

"

Yu Zhen shut her down immediately, not even giving her time to finish.

"I- I see. Then, I will not ask any further

", said Jian Yi.

Yu Zhen then put her documents down and crossed her arms.

"In any case, if the martial world has decided to allow their own disciples to come. I assume that the chaos back home has been quelled?

" she asked.

Jian Yi nodded.

"Although the skies nearly brought down their wrath, it has been put under control. All sects have worked in cooperation with Heaven's Gate in order to help the public and chase after the criminals that have escaped. With the peace restored, everyone has decided to focus on the war against these demons.

"

This senior sister answered with a proud tone in a bid to show off. But the two commanders were unmoved.

"In any case, rooms will be dedicated to all of you. This trip must have been rough and I'm sure that a night of rest would do you good. Tomorrow, I will be sending someone to inform you of how we operate and what your responsibilities will entail. Is there anything else you wish to ask about?

"

Yu Zhen looked at them, waiting to see their answer.

Jian Yi looked around the tent before speaking.

"I hear that the Fairy of the Moon is here. After hearing about her accomplishments in the past few battles, my juniors and I have wanted to meet with her.

"

"Ah, so you wanted to meet with Ming Yue. Unfortunately, getting ahold of her will be difficult. she is preparing for an operation with our soldiers, something we have all been preparing for. If that is all, I must go now, there is quite a lot for me to do. Especially with the supplies this ship brought.

"

Zi Jing smirked at them before leaving everyone and Yu Zhen watched him go.

"What Commander Zi Jing said is correct. Meeting the Fairy of the Moon will be a difficult task in of itself. She's quite an elusive character. But if that is all, then I shall send someone for you

", she said.

Jian Yi and her juniors all cupped their fists and bowed.

"Thank you!

"

And the group of six were led away by one of the soldiers. Making their way towards the stone compound, none of the juniors could help but talk amongst each other.

"It wasn't the Sage of Five Stars that created that barrier! If it's like that, then who made it?

"

"Do you think it was the Fairy?

"

"It can't be, can it? I don't think formations were her forte.

"

"Strange... But the Windy Saber did say that she was an elusive person.

"

"Ah, I guess meeting her might be just a dream.

"

"What are you going to do when you meet her? Kiss her feet? She's a member of Heaven's Gate, reporting to the Grand Elder no doubt! Not to mention, she single-handedly dove into enemy forces and fought hundreds of demons. Didn't you hear the stories?

"

"Of course, I did! She rode a dragon in that very fight! And let's not forget the fact that she is skilled in medicine, always having bandages and salves for those who are hurt.

"

"Oh stop it, you two. The real reason you want to meet her is that she's our age and pretty too. I can see it in your eyes.

"

The banter continued until Jian Yi stopped them, chuckling at her juniors. But internally, she was also curious about Ming Yue, someone younger than her and yet so distinguished in battle. This Inheritor couldn't help but wonder if such things were true.

"Could she best me in a duel?

" she thought.

Be that as it may, none of these things mattered to Ming Yue.

She was too focused on the task at hand.

Hiding within the brush and the sparse trees of these marshes, the young woman waited as she watched her prey.

A jaguar with three eyes and spotted light gray fur and whose joints were sprouting with white tree bark