Chapter 78: Chapter 78: You Know How to Set Up Formations?
"When are the people from the Ye Family and Kunlun expected to arrive?" Emperor Chu’s face showed a hint of delight as he inquired.
After all, this place is within the borders of the Chu Kingdom, and the beast tide originated here, causing him no small amount of headache in recent times.
In fact, the Chu Kingdom had secretly prepared plans for relocating the city.
Otherwise, as Celestial Essence City is just a few hundred miles from the Demon Beast Mountain Range, further development here would be nearly impossible, and relocation would be the wisest choice!
However, the relocation of an imperial capital involves numerous complexities, and if not absolutely necessary, Emperor Chu was understandably reluctant.
Therefore, at this moment, knowing that the Ye Family and Kunlun Sacred Land might lend a helping hand, he couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
These two forces are the paramount rulers of Beiyou in this era, with profound and unfathomable foundations.
If they intervene, the beast tide disaster this time is sure to be resolved!
And naturally, the imperial capital wouldn’t need to relocate.
"Within seven days," said the Elder from the Purple Cloud Sect.
"Seven days..."
Qu Luoning slightly furrowed his brows, "Which means we need to hold Celestial Essence City for at least seven days. Recently, the magnitude of the beast tide has grown significantly, but if it’s just to hold on for seven days, it shouldn’t be a problem. I’m afraid..."
Before he could finish, an elder in the crowd spoke up, "I’m afraid there might appear exceptionally powerful demon beasts beyond our ability to handle. After all, the Demon Beast Mountain Range has existed for so many years, and no one dares to guarantee what kind of powerful aberrations might reside within. Even the former Emperor Ye spent great effort to subdue them."
"It’s indeed a concern, but apart from holding firm, we have no other options. Celestial Essence City is the closest ancient city to the Demon Beast Mountain Range, and this city must not fall. Otherwise, if the beast tide were to head south, not only the Chu Kingdom but also the Profound Domain, with all its sects and noble families, would face disaster."
This is no exaggeration. Celestial Essence City is closest to the Demon Beast Mountain Range, and when the beast tide emerges, this place is the first to bear the brunt.
Moreover, if we fail to stop the beast tide here and allow them to travel south, who knows how many people and forces will suffer along the way.
This will be the first line of defense, and everyone must hold this ground to prevent the beast tide from spreading further and endangering the entire Profound Domain.
"Currently, our Purple Cloud Sect has dispatched three Returning Ruins Realm experts, nearly a hundred Spirit Transformation Realm sixth-layer and above masters. Together with the forces from Zixiao Palace, Sword King Sect, and various noble families and dynasties, holding this city for seven days until reinforcements from Kunlun and the Ye Family arrive should be feasible."
"However, to prevent any unforeseen incidents, it’s best to construct a defense array within the city, ensuring everyone’s safety."
Upon hearing this, everyone couldn’t help but nod.
In the crowd, the Pavilion Master of the Anomaly Pavilion, Zhuang Miao, also appeared and said, "I anticipated this issue earlier. Two days ago, I used our connection with the Alchemy Master Alliance to invite some Array Masters, but you all should know, Celestial Essence City is quite large. Constructing such an extensive City Defense Array is no easy task."
"If it’s about the array, I might be able to help a bit." It was at this moment that Ji Chen, who had been silent, spoke up.
He exchanged glances with Qu Luoning, clearly aware that Qu Luoning knew he had comprehended Emperor Ye’s Cengling Array Codex at the Saint’s Dojo. Now that the situation had developed to this point, Ji Chen could no longer sit idly by.
"However, let me say in advance, constructing such a grand array requires a considerable number of spirit stones, and those spirit stones..."
"The spirit stones will be provided by the Royal Family immediately," Qu Luoning said.
She knew Ji Chen had comprehended the Cengling Array Codex, but such a supreme array technique was a legacy of Emperor Ye. With Ji Chen’s character, he would not reveal it unless absolutely necessary.
Yet, he offered to construct the grand array personally because he considered her favor.
In her heart, she couldn’t help but feel a little touched.
As for the spirit stones needed for constructing the array, they certainly couldn’t expect Ji Chen to bear the cost himself, could they?
"You know how to set up arrays?"
The crowd was filled with surprise, with Zhuang Miao being the first to voice the question on their minds.
It’s important to note that Array Masters are a unique profession, and array inheritance is even rarer compared to the Alchemy Dao.
As a result, Array Masters in the entire Profound Domain are even rarer than Alchemists.
"This concerns the survival of the Profound Domain. Besides, constructing an array covering Celestial Essence City—how could it be achieved by one person?" Hong Cheng snorted.
Not that he intentionally targeted Ji Chen, but in everyone’s view, constructing a City Defense Array covering all of Celestial Essence City is an extremely difficult task.
Even though Zhuang Miao used the Alchemy Master Alliance to invite some Array Masters, even they, combined with their efforts, may not accomplish such an array.
Now Ji Chen was so confident that not only Hong Cheng but many present felt he might be too bold in his claims.
"Why don’t we make a bet?" Ji Chen suddenly smiled, looking at Hong Cheng and the powerhouses from the Sword King Sect.
"A bet? On what?" Hong Cheng was taken aback.
Ji Chen nonchalantly said, "If I truly construct a defense array covering Celestial Essence City, then you and all the people from the Sword King Sect will be responsible for guarding outside the city and face the first wave of the beast tide. How about it?"
"On the other hand, if I fail, I will immediately order my father to bring all the disciples from the Lingyun Sect to guard the city."
"What a big talk!"
Hong Cheng couldn’t help but laugh, looking at Ji Chen with disdain. "Although I don’t know where you got your confidence from, I believe that such a defense array is beyond your capability. Since you want to bet, I will oblige!"
"Then it’s settled."
Ji Chen stood up and gave Qu Luoning a look, "I kindly ask the Eldest Princess to have the spirit stones delivered, then I can construct the defense array immediately."
At this point, still seeing the confidence on his face, the crowd’s minds were filled with curiosity.
Clearly, they did not truly believe Ji Chen possessed such skill.
After all, to single-handedly construct a complete City Defense Array, one must possess profound mastery in array techniques. Such a person would be a renowned Array Master in Beiyou, but Ji Chen was much too young for that.
Soon, Qu Luoning had the spirit stones delivered, packed in a storage bag.
Although Ji Chen didn’t count them one by one, with a quick glance, he confirmed that the spirit stones inside were indeed sufficient for constructing the grand array.
Without another word, under everyone’s gaze, Ji Chen walked out of the Ancient Hall.