"That's right..."

"I heard you brought the Iron Pagoda back with you this time?" Wang Yuanchang's eyes glinted as he suddenly asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Is Marshal Wang looking for a demonstration?" A hint of sarcasm touched Chen Zheng's face.

"You misunderstand." Wang Yuanchang slowly shook his head, sighing after a moment. "Actually, I have a favor to ask of you."

"I never thought the day would come when Marshal Wang would have to ask me for a favor," Chen Zheng said, watching him with deep meaning as a mocking smile played on his lips.

Wang Yuanchang is the commander-in-chief of the Central Plains Command, with countless experts under him. What kind of problem could have possibly occurred to make this old man swallow his pride and beg me for help?

Wang Yuanchang heaved a long sigh, his expression grave. "Have you ever heard of the Earth Demon?"

"The Earth Demon?" Chen Zheng's own expression grew more solemn.

Of course, he knew what an Earth Demon was. Such a creature requires at least a thousand years of cultivation. Wherever it passes, it leaves a thousand miles of scorched earth in its wake. Within a radius of several hundred miles from where it dwells, not a single drop of water can exist. What he didn't understand was how such a creature could have appeared now.

"The providence of the Nine Provinces is strong right now. Demons, ghosts, and monsters wouldn't dare to show themselves. How could something like this emerge?" Chen Zheng's brows furrowed deeply.

A creature like the Earth Demon only forms under specific conditions, like during times of extreme turmoil and war, or right before a major event is about to occur. It would suddenly manifest to wreak havoc upon the land. But based on the current providence, something like this shouldn't have appeared at all. It left him completely puzzled.

"Now you should realize just how serious the situation has become," Wang Yuanchang sighed deeply. "The Earth Demon has appeared in Yanzhou. It's the middle of a cold winter, yet the weather has become bizarrely and unbearably hot. Many people have been hospitalized for heatstroke."

"The bodies of many have begun to fester with sores. Due to the extreme heat, normal production has ceased in many areas, and it's starting to impact the local economy!"

"With your abilities, it shouldn't be difficult to eliminate it, right?" Chen Zheng asked, growing more confused.

Things have progressed this far; a single artillery shell should be enough to wipe it out.

"You don't understand..."

"This creature is as elusive as a phantom. It usually hides deep within primeval forests, making it impossible to track. Annihilating it is extremely difficult!" Wang Yuanchang's expression was filled with helplessness.

A moment later, he revealed a very gentle smile again. "So, under these circumstances, we can only ask for your Iron Pagoda to intervene!"

Understanding the other man's intention, Chen Zheng fell into silence.

This thing is indeed hard to handle. Although his Iron Pagoda is powerful, he is unwilling to let his brothers risk their lives.

"Chen Zheng..."

"Huaxia is in peril. If we can't handle this creature, countless more people will die. It will be an unprecedented disaster!" Wang Yuanchang's face was etched with worry. "At this point, I can only request your help!"

Chen Zheng remained silent for a long time before finally speaking, "Where is the creature now?"

"The Earth Demon is constantly roaming the Wuan area of Yanzhou. But the region is filled with mountains and rivers, making it extremely difficult to pinpoint its exact location." Wang Yuanchang's expression was once again filled with helplessness.

"Leave this to me. I'll handle it," Chen Zheng nodded.

"You... agree?" Wang Yuanchang was stunned for a moment.

He hadn't expected the other man to agree so readily, making the decision right on the spot.

"The fate of Huaxia is every man's responsibility. I am a soldier; naturally, I cannot refuse such a duty," Chen Zheng said calmly.

If this matter isn't handled completely, the consequences will indeed be severe. That's why, even with the risks involved, he could never stand by and do nothing.

"However, Marshal Wang," Chen Zheng suddenly looked at Wang Yuanchang and said calmly, "if I do eliminate this Earth Demon, I have one condition."

"What condition?" Wang Yuanchang laughed heartily. "As long as it's within my power, name it and I will agree!"

"It's very easy for you," a smile touched Chen Zheng's lips. "If I eliminate the Earth Demon, then next spring, you will go to my adoptive father's grave, kneel, and repent for what you did all those years ago."

Upon hearing this condition, Wang Yuanchang's smile instantly stiffened, and his expression turned strange.

"You insolent..." The adjutant beside him could no longer hold back, drawing his pistol and pointing it at Chen Zheng.

Without a moment's hesitation, Wang Yuanchang slapped him across the face. "Insolent! Who gave you the right to draw a weapon on Chen, the God of Soldiers?"

"Marshal, I..."

"I accept the condition," Wang Yuanchang said directly. "Since the safety of Huaxia is at stake, I can set aside my own pride. I have no problem with that. I accept your condition!"

"However, I must ask you to act quickly. You must use all your power to completely eliminate it within half a month!"

"This matter concerns the safety of ordinary citizens; it's no joking matter!" Wang Yuanchang said, staring into Chen Zheng's eyes, emphasizing each word.

"No problem." Chen Zheng waved his hand casually. "I can make a military pledge on the spot. If I fail to complete the mission within half a month, I will take my own life to atone for my failure!"

"Good, very good."

"The God of Soldiers truly has grit. I will leave this entire matter in your capable hands."

"I will report today's events truthfully. Furthermore, the military forces of Jingzhou, Yanzhou, and Bingzhou are all at your disposal!"

"I will be in Jiangnan awaiting news of your victory!"

After saying this, Wang Yuanchang immediately turned and walked out.

Not until this old fellow had completely disappeared did a figure slowly emerge.

"God of Soldiers, this matter is likely not as simple as it seems. This might be a trap set by that old fox!" Zhao Feng's brow was deeply furrowed, his expression filled with worry.

As the commander of the Central Plains Command, Wang Yuanchang is now handing over military authority to Chen Zheng. It's obvious he's preparing to shirk all responsibility.

"A trap?" Chen Zheng laughed mockingly. "If that old man were sharp-edged and blunt, I'd at least respect him as a man of character."

"But since he only knows how to scheme and play tricks, there's no need to worry. A man like that poses no real threat."

To be honest, he had never taken the old man seriously. He realized years ago that Wang Yuanchang was nothing but an opportunist who sways with the wind. A man like that has lost his integrity. No matter how powerful he becomes, he's merely a tool for others...

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