Chapter 2213: Red General's Request

Since she was already here, He Lingchuan went straight to the point: "I have a question I'd like General Hong to answer."

"Speak."

"Commander Zhong said you possess a primordial body, and your cultivation progresses at an incredible pace." He Lingchuan chose his words carefully. "I want to ask, how much weaker is your soul strength compared to Mitian?"

This answer was crucial.

For most people, body and soul are naturally in harmony from birth. As Zhong Wuhuan possesses a primordial body, her soul is inherently powerful, giving her a significant advantage over others. Combined with her resolute character and arduous cultivation, her soul's progress should be on par with her cultivation level.

The environment of Panlong City was also incredibly harsh, a severe test for one's spirit and enlightenment. While cultivators speak of immersing themselves in the mundane world, General Hong was born steeped in karma.

She was silent for a few breaths, seemingly making a mental comparison.

"Mitian used to descend in avatars, wielding only three or four tenths of its true power, and I can now contend with those." She continued, "Mitian knows this, but isn't concerned, because my sea of consciousness bears its mark."

He Lingchuan exclaimed in admiration, "That's incredible, truly worthy of General Hong."

Three or four tenths of a Great Heavenly Demon's soul power was already a terrifying force in the mortal realm. General Hong had only been cultivating for a little over twenty years, having begun in the womb, yet she could already contend with it.

He Lingchuan was truly tired of expressing his envy.

However, General Hong also highlighted the word "mark."

Mitian had placed its exclusive brand in her sea of consciousness. Before General Hong's strength could rival it, if she dared to resist, the brand would ruthlessly suppress her.

He Lingchuan had also been marked by Nairuotian in the past, allowing him to deeply empathize with her helplessness and resentment.

"As long as the mark remains, you can't muster any resistance?"

He Lingchuan had never attempted to directly confront Nairuotian's mark, so he didn't have an answer himself.

"No," General Hong replied, taking a couple of steps, causing the osmanthus flowers on her shoulder to fall. "Since Mitian's first divine descent, I've resisted many times. I had to ascertain the full extent of the mark's suppressive power."

He Lingchuan silently applauded her in his mind.

Indeed, this tenacious and unyielding spirit was characteristic of the General Hong he knew.

Daring to resist the Great Heavenly Demon's mark, how much suffering had Zhong Wuhuan silently endured for it?

Yet, she remained silent about it.

Mitian's wrath was far beyond what any ordinary person could endure. Yet, Zhong Wuhuan knowingly provoked it, time and again.

Her resistance against the Great Heavenly Demon had never ceased.

"And the result?" It was precisely because of this persistent struggle that she could provide He Lingchuan with the answer he most desired.

"My cultivation progresses daily. When first facing the mark's suppression, I was indeed powerless, but now I can withstand it for over forty breaths."

Forty breaths were enough to manage many situations.

General Hong added, "It's precisely because the mark's suppressive power over me is diminishing that Mitian's true form is eager to descend."

He Lingchuan nodded.

He had long learned from other Heavenly Demons that a Heavenly Demon's mark could not suppress an entity more powerful than the Heavenly Demon's true form, much like a chicken coop cannot hold a tiger. This was easily understood; for instance, God Pu Yin could not use a mark to restrain the True Immortals of Mount Ling.

As the spiritual energy between heaven and earth grew more abundant, General Hong's cultivation rapidly advanced, and the restrictive effect of Mitian's mark on her naturally diminished.

"Commander Zhong said that the time for Mitian's true form to descend is drawing nearer."

"Yes. It's only a matter of months," General Hong said, her tone remarkably calm.

Long ago, she had mentally prepared herself, knowing this day would inevitably arrive.

"Then—" He Lingchuan said solemnly, "There is one thing, General Hong, that you absolutely must do!"

"Tell me."

Having known each other for so long, this was the first time General Hong had ever used the word "request," and He Lingchuan immediately knew the matter was of great importance.

"If Mitian's true form successfully descends and we are powerless to resist—" General Hong raised a finger to her temple, a hint of fierce resolve in her calm demeanor, "you must destroy this body before it gains complete control!"

He Lingchuan was visibly moved but remained silent.

She was so fearless, capable of such ruthlessness towards herself.

"I know why I was born, and even if my father and I fail, we cannot allow the Great Heavenly Demon's true form to descend and plague the world, or it would be an eternal sin," General Hong's voice finally took on a subtle, uncharacteristic tone. "Panlong City is nothing compared to the human realm. Just as I am nothing compared to Panlong City."

In front of He Lingchuan, it was the first time she had referred to Zhong Shengguang as "father."

She half-turned, looking directly at He Lingchuan. "I am asking you this because you are the only one who can accomplish it!"

General Huyi's strength and reliability were unparalleled in Panlong City.

He Lingchuan remained silent, gazing intently at her mask, as if trying to penetrate that barrier and see into her true heart.

His gaze was exceptionally complex; even without her mask, General Hong would not have been able to decipher it.

After another long moment, he finally let out a long sigh.

"Very well! Your request is one I cannot refuse."

His tone was remarkably gentle.

Five days later, Panlong established its nation, and Zhong Shengguang ascended the throne as king.

The new kingdom celebrated for three days.

Greetings arrived from all directions, including congratulatory messages from Mount Ling.

This event was not recorded in true historical accounts, indicating that the Panlong world had indeed taken a different trajectory.

It was only after the demise of the "motherland" that Zhong Shengguang established his nation and claimed kingship. This was legally irreproachable, leading to even greater support from both the new and old Panlong people.

He Lingchuan knew this also served as a delaying tactic.

With the new nation freshly established and numerous affairs to attend to, there would naturally be no time to dispatch troops in the short term, which also served to temporarily divert the attention of the Panlong people.

Furthermore, Zhong Shengguang had very compelling reasons for establishing the nation. Beyond various practical considerations, the formidable armies within the Panlong territory also required vital energy!