Chapter 1009 - 309: Unreliable Saintess (3)

Even though it doesn’t take much time to rush from here to the Imperial Capital, Takka still cannot leave, because the Demon Race’s army could attack Viduo City at any moment.

Moreover, he must stay here to stabilize the army’s morale; otherwise Viduo City could easily fall into chaos. After all, if the Great Mage leaves, it could lead people to suspect that the Imperial Capital has already abandoned Viduo City, resulting in riots.

Despite possibly having already given it up······

Previously, Xibei City at the front line was easily breached by the Demon Race due to its own chaos, not even holding out for two hours.

Unsurprising.

The Demon Race did not launch another attack on Viduo City, after all, with Luo Haodong being such a big presence sitting in front of Viduo City barbequing, anyone with eyes could see the thick rolling black smoke.

However.

Even if Viduo City withstands the Demon Race’s army, it won’t completely halt the Demon Race’s offensive; their army is split into three, attacking the Empire from different directions.

Viduo City is the weakest defended area, essentially, a city tacitly abandoned by the Empire. To tighten the defenses, the outer cities must pretty much be sacrificed; only then can there be a chance to battle the Demon Race’s army.

Unexpectedly, Viduo City held its ground, which undoubtedly shifts the entire battle’s dynamics.

If Viduo City stands, the central plains of the Empire are temporarily secured, preventing the main contingents from being flanked by two Demon Race armies from different directions.

······

Riding a griffon, a messenger adorned with Bai Yu flew into the Imperial Capital from above; every two hours, a messenger would report from the direction of Viduo City about the battle status.

Even though Viduo City is more likely to be leveled by the Demon Race’s army, there’s still a sliver of hope in people’s hearts for a miraculous occurrence.

"Good news."

"Good news."

"Good news."

A grey-plumed owl perched on the elm tree tilted its head and called out.

The ministers in the grand hall were in an uproar, discussing spiritedly, not expecting good news, knowing Viduo City was a battle bound to be lost, carrying little hope.

The refusal to openly concede was merely a matter of face.

"Mu Gu Ying must not be slacking off today, delivering false news, right?" Lune, the Magic Consultant, whispered.

Owls are symbols of wisdom; Mu Gu Ying is an old owl with magic, capable of foreseeing the future, generally not making mistakes, able to tell the nature of news, whether good or bad, though occasional errors are normal, even for a Great Mage.

Around him, the ministers exchanged glances without offering much opinion; in such times, everyone was cautious, avoiding speaking if possible.

The Emperor, seated above, also showed a surprised expression but remained silent, waiting for the messenger to enter and report.

The massive griffon landed on the flat ground outside the grand hall amidst strong winds; the messenger, wearing a green hat and Bai Yu, jumped off, ran inside, bowed, and handed the scroll in his hand to the attendant, then reported:

"Latest battle report, Viduo City repelled the Demon Race’s army! A powerful being descended from the skies to aid Viduo City in repelling the Demon Race’s army, fighting until dusk; the Demon Race’s army did not breach the city walls, an overwhelming victory!"

"Furthermore, there’s a secret letter from Great Mage Takka."

These words exploded in their ears, leading to an unusual silence within the grand hall, with only the sound of breathing.

The fiery-tempered Minister of Military Law couldn’t contain himself: "Is it true? How could Viduo City withstand the Demon Race’s army, are you not a spy for the Demon Race!"

Saying this, he prepared to draw his longsword from his waist to restrain the supposed spy.

The messenger was terrified, but stood still, shouting, "I am not a Demon Race spy; this is the battle report relayed from the front line."

"Don’t act rashly."

The Emperor waved his hand, calming down the fiery-tempered Minister of Military Law, placed the read scroll on the table, steadying his emotions, and spoke slowly:

"It seems to be true, Viduo City has held and easily repelled the Demon Race’s army."

Although he roughly understood the event, he still felt disbelief, for the Divine Spirit, unseen for millennia, indeed appeared at this time.

"According to Great Mage Takka, there is a God in Viduo City, who manifested miracles and repelled the Demon Race’s attack."

God!!!

The ministers below were shocked, with many being mages; even if they’re not mages, they know a bit of magic, so they’re not entirely unfamiliar with Gods; magic itself evolved from studying the creations left by the Divine Spirits.

Many, upon hearing this news, first reacted with skepticism, but since it came from the Emperor’s mouth, it was unlikely false.

The white-haired, deeply contemplative Prime Minister inquired: "Has Great Mage Takka already established contact with that Divine Spirit?"

The Emperor nodded, speaking in a stable and profound tone: "Yes, Takka says as long as the Divine Spirit’s faith spreads across the Empire, it can help us resist the Demon Race’s invasion."

A struggling expression flashed in his eyes, for long before the new era, the Empire had eradicated all faith and forbade the existence of any religion.

Those generations considered themselves too proud, believing humanity had long outgrown the need for Divine help and care, setting a code that unless a Divine Spirit truly appeared within the Empire, no religion should ever emerge.

Perhaps no one ever thought a day like this would come.