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"I have no opinion."

Under the gaze of the crowd, Shen Yi gently shook his head.

When it comes to commanding the overall situation, as a newcomer who can't even recite the full names of the twenty-seven Prefectures, how can he compare with the three Generals of Southern Defense?

It's better to refrain from giving commands in matters I'm not good at.

"However, in the coming period, I may not be permanently stationed in the Great Nan Continent."

Shen Yi also gave everyone an advance warning, as it's not feasible to cause a fuss every time he departs, like today.

Upon hearing this, everyone was momentarily stunned.

As a messenger soldier of the Demon Slayer Bureau, without a legitimate reason, openly abandoning one's post is unprecedented in the Great Nan Continent.

Only Feng Xi and Yang Mingli showed no hesitation, directly nodding their heads, merely adding, "Take care of yourself."

"Since you have returned, we shall take our leave."

Yang Mingli stood up and led a group of Titled Generals out; he was eager to leave, not wanting to take another glance at that old bastard Yan.

This old mule has only one virtue left, which is his good fortune. He managed to gain a valuable ally like General Nanyang to support the western nine prefectures for him.

"Thank you, everyone."

Shen Yi took steps to see them off.

After all, the crowd had been busying themselves for his affairs, so this courtesy was necessary.

As the streaks of light scattered, quickly disappearing beyond the horizon.

It was only then that he turned around and returned to the residence.

However, just as he stepped into the courtyard, he met Yan Lanting's incredulous gaze, while Wushan beside him looked proud.

Evidently, this plump man had accurately recounted the matter of imparting teachings.

A matter deemed quite thorny across the entire Divine Dynasty was ultimately handled by a Titled General of the Great Nan Continent. The western nine prefectures, which everyone once waited to ridicule, now vaguely became the mainstay of the Great Nan Continent; such changes naturally needed to be shared to please the old man.

"No wonder they are so eager to find you..."

Yan Lanting was silent for a long time, then exhaled deeply.

Thus, the peculiarities he sensed finally had a reasonable explanation. He realized why Yang Mingli gave him that envious look before leaving.

Yan Lanting was somewhat puzzled.

Out of curiosity, he once followed Ye Lan and coincidentally met a congenial young man. At the time, he didn't have any intentions; he simply couldn't stand letting a Great Demon that plagued the Three Prefectures escape. Since someone was willing to act, he might as well step in to protect him.

It wasn't the meticulously cultivated subordinate that others imagined.

Yet this young acquaintance, made by chance, turned out to be an unparalleled figure who suppressed all the Heavenly Pride of the Three Religions.

"A Titled General who, with his own strength, could influence the entire Southern Continent Demon Hunting Bureau for months, is none other than ours."

Wushan couldn't help but sigh. Before the other's return, he even noticed a barely concealed sense of panic on Lord Yang.

Upon hearing this, Shen Yi shook his head, slightly lifted his garment to reveal the jade token on his waist, and explained, "Not a Titled General."

"..."

Yan Lanting and Wushan fell into simultaneous silence, staring fixedly at the token.

Wushan, who initially wanted to surprise the old man, now had his expression frozen on his face.

The Great Nan Continent welcomed a fourth General of Southern Defense!

If this isn't shocking enough, adding the fact that this individual only joined the Demon Slayer Bureau a few short years ago makes it even more astonishing.

Yan Lanting's hand, which had just been lowered, began rubbing his brow again, "How long have I been in seclusion?"

He even began to suspect he'd lost track of time.

After a long while, the old man slowly stood up and walked towards the courtyard exit. As he passed Shen Yi, he gently patted the young man's shoulder, and the cheerful smile on his face couldn't be contained any longer.

Once, when he casually brushed away the clouds over this young man's head, in return, the latter upheld the sky for him.

The phrase "Everything is my responsibility" might soon be said by him in return.

"We are leaving?"

Wushan quickly stood up to follow.

"What else, staying here to let this kid scare this old man to death?"

Yan Lanting joked with a laugh. He had to admit that today's experiences had made him somewhat numb with astonishment. Encountering anything else might not stir up any greater waves in his heart.

With that, he briskly walked out of the residence.

Just as he was about to summon the Auspicious Cloud to leave, his peripheral vision inadvertently caught sight of a corner by the main gate.

Out of habit, Yan Lanting intended to retract his gaze, but in an instant, he froze as if struck by lightning, turning back to stare intently at the ordinary-looking black dog in the corner.

"Lord Yan, what is it?" Wushan saw the old man's incessantly twitching face and couldn't help but be surprised.

"Nothing, nothing at all."

Yan Lanting felt his mouth go dry as he recalled where he had previously seen this black dog.

And now, it appeared here alone, with the chain held by someone else also vanished.

In connection with Shen Yi's mysterious disappearance for several months and his seemingly perfunctory explanation upon return, claiming delays on the road... The so-called matter might be far more terrifying than everyone imagined.

Upon this thought, the old man abruptly turned around, his eyes filled with questions.

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