Chen Xiao met Xiao Tian Ce in an office at the airport.
The God of War's demeanor was as imposing as ever, his weathered face etched with resilience.
"Apologies, Chen Xiao, it's not convenient for me to pick you up with so many eyes around. Please don't think I'm putting on airs!"
Upon seeing Chen Xiao, Xiao Tian Ce greeted him warmly, his large hands clasping Chen Xiao's firmly.
As the God of War of the Northern Territory, Xiao Tian Ce was a public figure frequently appearing on television, making it unsuitable for him to be in a crowded public place like the airport.
"Marshal, you are too kind. Why would I blame you?"
Chen Xiao replied with a smile.
It was strange, Chen Xiao had met countless influential figures, and many were far more powerful than Xiao Zhan.
In fact, one could say that any random person from a ancient martial arts sect would likely be stronger than him.
Yet, none possessed the unique charisma that emanated from him.
Not even Chu He, the殿主 (Diànzhǔ - Hall Master) of the Zhushen Temple, had it!
It was an indescribable charm that inspired an inexplicable sense of trust.
"Chen Xiao, you've truly accomplished something significant without making a sound this time. It's incredibly satisfying! I, Xiao Zhan, haven't truly admired many people in my life, but you, I truly do. I am deeply impressed, utterly humbled!"
After they were seated, Xiao Tian Ce couldn't hide his excitement.
"Marshal Xiao, what exactly are you referring to..."
Chen Xiao asked, completely bewildered.
"Are you playing coy with me, you rascal?"
Xiao Tian Ce pointed at Chen Xiao, his face beaming with a smile, and leaned in to whisper, "You've completely overturned the entire Eastern Yang supernatural world, even the Emperor himself! I must say, you're truly audacious!"
"You already know about this?"
Chen Xiao wasn't pretending to be confused; he simply hadn't expected the news to spread so quickly.
"Not only do I know, but to be perfectly honest, the entire world knows by now."
Xiao Tian Ce said with utmost seriousness.
Chen Xiao thought to himself that it made sense. This matter might not seem like much to him,
but it involved the emperor of a nation. Such a significant event couldn't possibly be concealed.
The intelligence agencies of various countries around the world weren't just for show.
However, knowing about it didn't bother Chen Xiao. He wasn't worried about the Eastern Yang cabinet retaliating.
After all, with Amaterasu vouching for him, who would dare to act rashly.
Then, Chen Xiao asked curiously, "Marshal, you came to wait for me before I even landed. Is it just about this matter? Is there something else?"
"As expected, nothing escapes your notice!"
Xiao Tian Ce laughed heartily, then changed the subject. "Actually, there is something I need to trouble you with."
"Marshal, please just say what you need. We don't need to beat around the bush between us."
Chen Xiao said generously.
"Alright, I'll be direct."
"But before that, please take a look at this."
As he spoke, Xiao Tian Ce took out his phone and played a video for Chen Xiao.
The video showed a landscape of ice and snow. At the tenth second, a wolf's howl suddenly echoed.
Immediately after, a hungry wolf ran at full speed from a kilometer away.
The distance of over a kilometer was covered in less than ten seconds, and the wolf was already close to the person filming.
And that wolf was clearly not normal.
After all, a normal wolf wouldn't be over two meters tall.
The wolf in the video was at least two meters tall.
If it stood up, it would likely exceed four meters, almost as tall as a room.
It exuded an immense sense of pressure.
Following that, a group of heavily armed soldiers appeared in the video.
After a burst of gunfire, the hungry wolf finally succumbed to the dense firepower and fell bleeding.
The video ended, and Xiao Tian Ce asked, "Chen Xiao, do you recognize this beast?"
Chen Xiao pondered for a moment and said, "If I'm not mistaken, this is a demon beast. Although it's only a low-level demon beast, its lethality to ordinary people far surpasses that of lions or tigers. Marshal, where did this video come from, who filmed it, and where was it filmed?"
"It was captured by the Tian Ce Army while patrolling deep in the Northern Territory. And there isn't just one or two of these monsters; the Tian Ce Army has already killed over a dozen."
Xiao Tian Ce said with deep concern. "These monsters are extremely strong in combat. Even the Tian Ce Army needs to deploy at least a platoon and expend a significant amount of firepower to eliminate them."
"Fortunately, they all act alone. If they were to gather in packs like ordinary wolves... the consequences are unimaginable."
The appearance of demon beasts in the Northern Territory was indeed peculiar.
"It's also fortunate that they are only low-level demon beasts. If they were demon beasts in the transformation stage, even a regiment might struggle to resist them."
Chen Xiao sighed. "Marshal, have the soldiers encountered any demon beasts stronger than this hungry wolf?"
"Not yet, but who knows about the future. That's why... I've come to seek your help!"
"Oh? You want me to help eliminate these demon beasts?"
Xiao Tian Ce shook his head upon hearing this. "Instead of giving a fish, it's better to teach someone to fish. Chen Xiao, I've selected some promising young individuals from the Tian Ce Army. My purpose in coming to you is to ask for your guidance in training them into super soldiers."
Hearing this, Chen Xiao hesitated slightly. Training either martial artists or cultivators was not something that could be accomplished overnight.
Chen Xiao was pressed for time and didn't want to waste his efforts on this matter.
He wanted to gather the sacred relics as soon as possible and improve his strength... to prevent the worst-case scenario from actually occurring.
"What, is there a problem?"
Xiao Tian Ce's gaze narrowed slightly as he asked cautiously.
Chen Xiao carefully considered his words but ultimately decided to be honest.
"Marshal, it's not that I don't want to help you, but I have more important matters to attend to. The stakes are too high, and I truly cannot spare the time. I hope you can understand."
A flicker of disappointment flashed in Xiao Tian Ce's eyes, followed by a hearty laugh. "It's alright. I was just trying my luck. Since you're busy, then so be it. Don't dwell on it, and certainly don't blame yourself."
Seeing this, Chen Xiao felt a pang of guilt and said, "If you encounter any insurmountable difficulties, you can contact me anytime. I can't guarantee I'll be there immediately, but I will do my utmost!"
"Alright, with your words, I feel reassured!"
Xiao Tian Ce patted Chen Xiao on the shoulder. "Don't be unreachable when the time comes, alright?"
Chen Xiao smiled slightly, took out a piece of jade marrow from his person, and handed it to Xiao Tian Ce.
"Marshal, if you can't reach me by phone, just crush this jade marrow, and I will sense it."
Xiao Tian Ce took the jade marrow, played with it for a moment, and carefully put it away.
"Chen Xiao, on behalf of the entire army, I thank you!"
*Snap!*
Xiao Tian Ce stood up and gave Chen Xiao a military salute.
Chen Xiao felt unworthy and quickly returned the salute.
"Marshal, don't thank me yet. I haven't helped with anything..."
As he was speaking, Chen Xiao's eyes lit up, and he suddenly thought of someone.
"Marshal, while I can't help guide the Tian Ce Army, there is someone who might be able to!"