Perhaps for everyone else, this was a calculation, but it was also the immediate response Jin Botao made when he had no other choices. However, there were also people who, upon hearing Hua Qing's proposal, immediately understood its implications and burst out laughing.

"State Governor, I may be untalented, but since someone dares to leave the city as a scout, fearing neither life nor death, how could we old folks be afraid? Count us in too! Let us wreak havoc deep within the beast ranks!"

"Hahaha! Such a great opportunity, how could we not be included! State Governor, my brothers and I are already old, our strength is waning, and our realms have stagnated. We might as well dedicate our remaining strength to ensure Quan State's survival! Please, State Governor, grant us this wish…"

For a while, everyone echoed in agreement, volunteering as if they didn't care at all about the slight calculations hidden within. In this way, the atmosphere became much livelier, breaking the stalemate.

As for whether there were any moles among them, or other conspiracies aimed at preventing the Federation from continuing to exist, no one knew.

But to these people, remnants of the dark years and witnesses to the Federation's rise, there was one thing they could be certain of: death really wasn't a big deal!

Moreover, to die for Quan State was heroic! To die for the Federation was glorious! To die for the future of the Human Race—they were willing to embark on that path themselves!

Therefore, at this moment, even Jin Botao was truly moved. For an instant, he even wanted to immediately assign these experts to the city wall to take charge of its defense. But in the end, he forcibly suppressed the softness in his heart, his gaze filled with infinite guilt.

He looked at these warriors, destined for a lonely path once they left Quan State City. Then, somewhat stiffly, yet with an exceptionally straight and firm posture, he bowed deeply.

This time, he, Jin Botao, would salute these older generations. This time, he would salute these people, full of enthusiasm, yet ultimately forced to fight what seemed like a suicidal battle. This time, it was his first time saluting others in such a manner, disregarding the usual subtle implications of such etiquette.

Perhaps this etiquette shouldn't differentiate between superior and inferior individuals but rather signify an attitude of mutual respect.

Among those who received Jin Botao's salute were, naturally, Hua Qing and Green Grain. They accepted it openly, without further comment. After all, Hua Qing had also decided to leave the city wall. Green Grain knew even better that although Jin Botao hadn't said a word, his actions and arrangements clearly indicated that the situation in Quan State was far from optimistic.

Therefore, at this final critical moment, she still chose to stay by Hua Qing's side. If we really have to die, then let us die together.

At least, though our flesh and blood might be devoured by the Beast Clan, perhaps some fragments of our bones will survive their onslaught and be buried together in the future. Together in life and death.

Who made this the worst of times, yet also the best of times? The bad part is that beneath the city walls, the Beast Clan hordes are endless. No one knows if Quan State will see another day. The good part is that, at least when we face death, I'll have a companion by my side!

Thus, these people stood silently, allowing Jin Botao to stand before them, his face solemn and guilt-ridden. Then, they departed cheerfully, their resonant laughter seeming to echo with the heroic aspirations of countless souls in the world.

When they left the previously unattended military warehouse, truly led by Federation employees, they finally arrived at the city wall.

A few unobservant beasts that had managed to break through immediately bared their fangs and roared incessantly upon seeing these individuals, who were essentially ancient powerhouses in disguise. However, they didn't expect that even a gentle kick from these old folks could turn them into a pile of gore.

After this happened two or three times, no beast dared to provoke them anymore. Even the surrounding section of the city wall seemed to have suddenly cleared, looking remarkably spacious and calm.

As for the ordinary soldiers constantly fighting on the city wall, upon witnessing such a scene, envy and longing filled their eyes.

This is the Federation's most powerful strength! So formidable that killing a powerful beast is as simple as eating and drinking. At least, in their presence, no beast can survive!

Thus, as everyone watched powerful beast after powerful beast fall to these individuals, at this moment, the shadows of these old figures began to lengthen and sway upon the ground, as if reflecting a beautiful and inspiring world.

Under the Sun, the light reflecting off the ground shone brilliantly, even seeming to cloak these elders in a faint, golden armor.

In that instant, even their aged appearance seemed to become a symbol of their status. There wasn't a trace of the weakness or fatigue of old age; instead, they looked more like conquering lions!

Of course, this was, in fact, just a momentary illusion. The people's yearning for the path of the Martial Artist and immense personal power had blinded them.

However, while it was so for them, for others, it seemed like a completely different world. For instance, in the eyes of Jin Botao, who had just bent his back to express his profound guilt, the figures of these people, their backs, were so incredibly tall. So tall they seemed to touch Heaven and Earth, so tall they could seemingly blot out the sky with a single hand!

Jin Botao was speechless. He knew. Perhaps in their eyes, his little act of reluctance and scheming was an open secret.

So undoubtedly, he, Jin Botao, was a petty man, one who judged noble hearts with his own small-mindedness. Otherwise, how could it be that these people, who had recuperated in Quan State for decades, couldn't even have the chance to stand on the city wall one last time, but were instead forced to choose a path to certain death?

Therefore, at this moment, Jin Botao, having slowly straightened his back once more, finally faced these people. He spoke softly, yet his head was held high, "Come back alive! If I am still alive on that day, at that moment, I will ensure that all of Quan State City remembers you forever!..."

Because that was what he owed them!

However, in reality, Jin Botao also knew he had been impulsive this time. Otherwise, he should never have agreed to let these powerful individuals use the city wall as their passage.

One should know, just by looking at how a minor incident had instantly cleared a large section of the city wall, it was evident how terrifyingly strong these people were. So strong that even facing the Beast Tide, they moved as if through an undefended land.

Therefore, it wasn't hard to imagine that if any one of these individuals harbored hostile intentions, Quan State City could collapse in the very next moment.

Furthermore, Jin Botao also saw Guan Shan—the man he had slapped that very morning, the Director of the Quan State Martial Management Bureau—who had clearly noticed the commotion here and was now rushing over, presumably to provide support.

Undoubtedly, Guan Shan must have misunderstood, assuming some disturbance had occurred on my side, perhaps even that I'd lost control and the city wall had been breached! That's why he's rushing over so desperately to help.

Meanwhile, all the Martial Kings and Grandmasters had naturally heard Jin Botao's voice. Whether at the Martial King Realm or even just the Grandmaster Realm, they were, in essence, far beyond ordinary humans. One realm represented the final hurdle before a great leap in power, the other, the first stage after achieving it.

However, regardless of their strength, at this moment, none of them blamed Jin Botao or questioned him in their hearts as to why he would send them away from the city wall instead of using their assistance.

Because they too had emerged from that bygone era, carrying its unique blood and vigilance within them. Therefore, they understood perfectly well that the essence of battle, ultimately, served one purpose: to survive!

And before that, one must fight resolutely and unswervingly. Fight! Fight!! Fight!!! Fight against Heaven, fight against Earth, fight against men…

Therefore, even though they could guess Jin Botao's thoughts, just as easily as they could guess why he was so urgently making battle preparations, this was why they chose to react with composure and a dismissive smile.

So, after hearing Jin Botao's words, they simply gave him a radiant smile—be it kind, understanding, or nonchalant—and then laughed it off, moving on.

In that moment, though they were in fact nearing seventy, they appeared remarkably youthful. And, not wanting to add to Jin Botao's mental burden, they even chose to forgo any necessary explanations.

Immediately afterward, they all laughed heartily. Their previously stooped backs suddenly straightened, resembling those spirited soldiers of yesteryear who advanced rapidly onto the battlefield.

Even their full heads of white hair, their haggard faces, and the deep wrinkles etched by time seemed to transform into an invincible aura, making them appear indomitable.

So, they stood upon the city wall, as if commanding the world itself, and declared with bold laughter, "Hahahaha, brothers! Forty years have passed since we last left the battlefield. Today, we return to Liangmeng Pass! Who among you will charge with me against these beasts that haven't learned a thing?"

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