Interesting. I wonder how I will navigate the situation given my identity as a Demon Suppressing Sorcerer, Wang Linchi thought as he entered the Xuanzhou State battle instance.

Xuanzhou State was the territory of the Demon Slaying Army, which had always been at odds with the Demon Suppression Alliance. As a Demon Suppressing Sorcerer entering Xuanzhou State, gaining the respect of the local population would be challenging; avoiding capture as a sacrificial pawn would be a feat in itself.

Theoretically, this identity wouldn't provide any benefits, only serve as a burden.

However, Wang Linchi wanted to see how the Game System would help rationalize his identity.

This time, he didn't appear at the city gate but within the city, though not far from it. He could clearly hear the commotion coming from the gate. The Abyssal Demons were already laying siege, and battles had begun. More than half of Xuanzhou State was already occupied by the Abyssal Demons. The city he was in now was the last line of defense.

If the city fell, no armed forces would be left behind it capable of resisting the Abyssal Demons.

"Master Wang, we've been waiting anxiously for your arrival," a burly man with a slightly fatigued expression said as he approached Wang Linchi, his spirits lifting somewhat at the sight of him.

"I just got here, and I'm a bit confused," Wang Linchi admitted honestly.

"Well, the situation is confusing for me too. Let's talk as we walk," the burly man said. He then introduced himself as Changsun Kui, the third-ranking figure in the Demon Slaying Army, currently in charge of all affairs in Xuanzhou State. He wasn't overly arrogant; in fact, he seemed like an ordinary person.

As they walked, Changsun Kui briefly explained the current situation to Wang Linchi. That morning, Abyssal Demons from various locations had been gradually arriving. They hadn't launched an attack yet, seemingly waiting for a high-ranking Abyssal Demon to arrive and take command.

It was estimated they might attack before evening.

Hearing this, Wang Linchi felt a headache coming on. This is a hopeless situation from the very beginning, he thought.

Additionally, Wang Linchi inquired about his own situation.

He was indeed a Demon Suppressing Sorcerer, but not the kind who served devils. He was from a remote region, an independent Demon Suppressing Sorcerer who hadn't joined the Demon Suppression Alliance.

His purpose in coming here was to support Xuanzhou State.

He had been accepted due to his past exploits: slaying a True Magician in the South Ridge Mountain Range, annihilating the Demon-suppressing Alliance Branch in Qing State, killing the Ten Evil Demon, and countless other victories, large and small. As for the Black Wind Stronghold, it had a lesser impact, so no one knew about it, and it wasn't included in his background story.

Therefore, although Wang Linchi was currently a Demon Suppressing Sorcerer, he was also on the Demon Suppression Alliance's wanted list, and among those with the highest bounties.

The Demon Slaying Army had verified Wang Linchi's battle record. Coupled with the fact that he had traveled a great distance to offer aid, no doubts were raised.

After all, this place had become a den of devils that even Demon Suppressing Sorcerers dared not approach. If a battle broke out, the Abyssal Demons wouldn't care whether one was a servant or not; it was entirely possible they would seize and devour them on the spot.

"I generally understand the situation. The disparity between our forces and the enemy is too great. If a battle of this scale breaks out, our city might…" Before Wang Linchi could finish, Changsun Kui continued,

"We can last an hour at most, no longer. Our Demon Slaying Army was never a match for the Demon Suppression Alliance and the Evil Demons from the start, but we must hold on for at least seven days so the Demon Slaying Army can evacuate the other survivors in Xuanzhou State."

Changsun Kui knew this was practically impossible, yet he was still giving it his all.

"So, Master Wang, I need to ask a favor of you. I'm sorry we couldn't welcome you with a grand feast. If we survive this, I promise I'll make it up to you," Changsun Kui said, getting straight to the point.

"You're not going to ask me to carry out a decapitation mission, are you?" Wang Linchi immediately understood Changsun Kui's intention.

What else could it be?

In Changsun Kui's eyes, Wang Linchi's combat strength was astonishing. But no matter how strong he was, if he plunged into an unceasing tide of Abyssal Demons, death would be his only fate.

The best approach was to have Wang Linchi intercept and kill the potentially incoming Abyssal Demon leader, thereby weakening the Abyssal Demon forces as much as possible.

"Yes, that's exactly my thought," Changsun Kui confirmed.

"It's a good idea, and I can take it on. The question is, where do I find this leader?" Wang Linchi replied. I won't refuse, he thought. This is a side quest; completing it will significantly help the main quest.

"Through certain means, we've roughly determined the location. The suspected Abyssal Demon leader will arrive at Antelope Valley to the west in about three hours. That place is easy to defend and hard to attack. With the right strategy, just ten men could hold off a thousand." As he spoke, Changsun Kui beckoned, and a member of the Demon Slaying Army brought over a map.

He then pointed to the unique terrain feature named Antelope Valley and began to describe it to Wang Linchi.

The more Wang Linchi listened, the colder his heart grew. I don't even have to think to know this information must have been provided by the Game System and just rationalized somehow, he thought. Otherwise, how could this group from the Demon Slaying Army obtain such timely intelligence?

He suspected this so-called Abyssal Demon leader might be an Abyss Offspring. As for whether it was fully mature, Wang Linchi wasn't sure.

If it were just an ordinary Abyssal Demon, given my equipment, my ability to 'plug in,' and cooperation from the Game System, I'd stand a chance of winning, Wang Linchi mused.

However, facing an Abyss Offspring, I'll have to give it my all. One careless mistake, and I could face disaster.

"So, your plan is for me to lead some men to intercept it? How confident are you?" Wang Linchi asked.

"Seventy percent. If you succeed, the Abyssal Demons' attack can be delayed until at least tomorrow morning." These words were spoken by Changsun Kui, but it seemed he was relaying them from the Game System.

"Alright, I'll set off immediately!" Wang Linchi declared. Even though this will only delay things for less than twelve hours, it's enough, he thought. At my speed, it will take an hour and a half at most to reach Antelope Valley, and the whole operation can be resolved in about five hours total. I don't intend to drag this out; I need to collect the quest items quickly, or I risk being worn down in the fight. Besides, there are so many of them—far more than I can handle alone. I can only hope the quest items provided by the Game System are powerful enough. Otherwise, I'll have to trouble the Saint Master and my little helper.

"Wait! It's too dangerous for you to go alone. I can give you ten men as backup. It's a small number, I know, but we really can't spare more people right now. Besides, a larger group would be more easily spotted en route," Changsun Kui said, startled to hear Wang Linchi planned to go alone.

"No need. It's best if I go alone. If you really want to support me, provide something else instead." I don't want any dead weight, Wang Linchi thought. Instead of people, I'd rather see if I can get the quest items from the Demon Slaying Army in advance.

"That... might be too risky." Changsun Kui hesitated. This was a crucial matter, and Wang Linchi's approach did seem somewhat reckless.

"The Demon Slaying Army can hardly spare even ten men; it's clear the situation is not optimistic," Wang Linchi said, his expression solemn. "I'll take this gamble. It's far better than sending a few more men to their deaths together. My success alone, as one person, can also buy us more time."

Hearing this, an expression of guilt appeared on Changsun Kui's face. "Alas, the Demon Slaying Army's poor development has burdened you, Master Wang."

"Don't speak of burdens. When I came here, I never expected to leave alive," Wang Linchi declared righteously.

This kind of pep talk to boost morale still has some effect at times like these, he thought.

"Master, you are truly a righteous man! In that case, I cannot let you down either."

"I won't send any men with you. Instead, the Demon Slaying Army has a Demon Suppression Mage Vessel that we seized from the Demon Suppression Alliance. It's fitting for you to use it, Master," Changsun Kui said directly.

This item had originally been reserved for defending the city. However, after Wang Linchi's words, Changsun Kui understood that if Wang Linchi succeeded, they would gain even more time.

Keeping it in the city wouldn't buy them much delay anyway; it was better to give it to Wang Linchi to increase his chances of success.

Upon hearing this, Wang Linchi inwardly sighed in relief. Finally, I've got it. Without it, I wouldn't have much confidence going into this fight.

"Thank you," Wang Linchi said sincerely. Then he asked, "In that case, General, please have it brought quickly. I need to hurry over. This Abyssal Demon leader is bound to be unfathomably strong, and I need to make some preparations."

"I'll send someone to fetch it right away." Changsun Kui quickly arranged for a man to retrieve the item, then added, "This item has quite an extraordinary origin. Master, you must be cautious when using it to avoid its backlash."

"Backlash?" Wang Linchi said heroically. "No matter. As long as I can win, let it backlash all it wants."

In reality, he wasn't concerned at all. If it has the guts to cause a backlash, let it try it on the Game System, he thought.

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