Chapter 2249 - 1201: Siege Assault 5

"I know what to do," Sheng Yanlin nodded.

"Good, then make a quick preparation. Once ready, set out immediately. The car is waiting downstairs for you," Hong Anguo instructed.

With arrangements from the Patrol Defense Office, their convoy travelled smoothly without encountering a single red light, arriving in Yiling City fifteen minutes ahead of schedule.

Upon the horizon, as the remnants but majestic old city walls of Yiling City appeared, Sheng Yanlin, sitting beside Yang Xiao, couldn’t help but tear up. It had been a full eleven years since this old dean left Yiling.

He had waited for this day for eleven full years, during which only he knew the hardships involved.

Hong Anguo remained at the Taian Province Office, responsible for liaising with the headquarters, while the local Chief Chen traveled with them, heading towards Yiling City.

However, he did not enter the city; instead, he stayed outside, setting up a temporary command post, ready to mobilize personnel at any time to intercept various experts coming to reinforce.

On the road, Yang Xiao received a message from his good friend Qu Muzhi, assuring him that they had already arrived outside Yiling City and had connected with Director Hong Anguo, who was in charge of frontline command in Taian City. They would be responsible for intercepting the most troublesome team, the combined forces of the Bone Painting Tower and the United Federation.

It had been some time since they last met, and Qu Muzhi had grown more mature. He consoled Yang Xiao, saying the likelihood of a real battle was low.

After all, for a single academy like Yiling Academy, neither the United Federation nor the Bone Painting Tower would risk everything, though some verbal sparring was inevitable.

Qu Muzhi also mentioned that Chief Commissioner Gu originally planned to personally oversee the frontline command, but was ultimately held back by higher-ups. They didn’t allow him to come.

The reason sounded noble, claiming there was no need for a bull to slaughter a chicken, but in fact, it was to prevent his explosive temper from causing conflict. If he severely injured a significant figure from the United Federation or Bone Painting Tower, it would be embarrassing for everyone.

Shortly after hanging up the call, their convoy arrived near Yiling Academy, where Yang Xiao clearly sensed numerous eyes clandestinely watching.

Clutching the Human Bone Staff in his possession, even with a mere cursory search, he detected at least ten formidable presences, the strongest nearing a Half-step Nether Realm level, presumably belonging to their Patrol Defense Office’s experts.

But these people couldn’t be relied on. Their role was solely to enforce the blockade, not participate in combat, to avoid gossip.

Though the whole world knew Sheng Yanlin had the backing of the Patrol Defense Office, certain matters remained unacknowledged unless the thin veil was pierced.

Soon, they stopped their car at an intersection, where the road was blocked by gathered crowds ahead.

On one side, people wore the signature black uniforms of the Patrol Defense Office, while on the other, individuals donned academy attire adorned with badges, starkly facing off, creating an atmosphere of imminent confrontation.

"Captain Zhang, what does this mean? Why have you blocked the road in front of our academy?" an elder, appearing dignified with gray hair and beard, sternly questioned, holding an old-fashioned hoe.

Behind the elder were dozens of academy teachers and students, united in spirit, displaying imposing momentum.

Leading the Patrol Defense Office’s side was a middle-aged man, around forty-five years old, looking very amicable. Despite holding a weapon, his attitude remained pleasant, smilingly explaining to the academy elder:

"Elder Sun, don’t misunderstand us. We have no intention against your academy. This lockdown is city-wide due to reports of a very dangerous evil cultivator infiltrating the city last night. We’re worried about your safety," the middle-aged man revealed his seasoned nature, unfazed by the elder’s rebukes while refusing to retreat.

"Do you believe what you just said? What evil cultivator would dare cause trouble at Yiling Academy? Are they tired of living?" Elder Sun rebuked without mercy.

"Hey, Elder, you can’t say things like that. These are troubled times, and our Chief Chen reiterated in meetings to be on high alert."

"Elder Sun, have you forgotten the recent tragedy at Ru Lin Academy? It serves as a bloody example," the middle-edaged official patiently reasoned.

A female officer from the Patrol Defense Office positioned slightly further back recorded the entire exchange, ensuring the lawfulness and empathy of the enforcement.

"You’re simply making excuses! Over the years, affairs inside Yiling City have been managed by Yiling Academy. Since when have they been your duty? Do you think we’re defenseless?"

Elder Sun roared deeply, causing the hoe in his hand to hum with power, fully revealing his Upper Ghost Level strength.

Then, Yang Xiao’s group disembarked, led by Sheng Yanlin, strolling forward. The Patrol Defense Office’s team soon dispersed, letting an unobstructed path form.

"Sun Liang, do you still recognize me?" Sheng Yanlin’s voice was not loud but precisely audible to every person present.

Upon entering Yiling City, Yang Xiao noticed a change in Sheng Yanlin’s demeanour: that benevolent aura vanished, replaced by a dominating presence.

At these words, the gaze of the elder Sun instinctively converged on Sheng Yanlin. Yang Xiao clearly saw his pupils tremble violently.