Disaster in Spirit Province, Sect Mission
"Lord Dragon, the swarm of insects has descended upon the Great Yan Imperial Capital. The Yan Emperor has just requested assistance from the Dragon-Seeking Sect."
"The swarm is spreading extremely rapidly; half of Spirit Province is now in a state of panic."
"Lord Dragon, many cities in western Spirit Province have fallen. The insect swarms have breached the cities, and countless civilians are fleeing to the ends of the earth."
"Dragon Lord, Gold and Iron City, the closest city to the Peach Blossom Spring Mountain Range, has also been attacked by the insect swarm, and its protective formation is on the verge of collapse."
In the courtyard.
Chen Ning frowned as he listened to Xiao Yuan and the others' report.
The insect plague came very suddenly.
And it has such a huge scale.
Something seems amiss.
The Longevity Hall had already notified the Dragon-Seeking Sect about the insect plague in western Spirit Province a day earlier.
Chen Ning immediately arranged for the Eighth Elder to lead a team of men to provide support.
I just didn't expect it to spread so quickly.
In the blink of an eye.
Half of Spirit Province was plunged into danger.
Moreover, the swarm continues to spread.
"Ding! Congratulations, host, for triggering a special sect-specific quest [The Calamity of Spirit Province]!"
Mission Introduction: As an unparalleled sect leader, you must take the survival of Spirit Province as your own responsibility. Spirit Province has suddenly been struck by disaster. The Qing Master is tasked with eradicating the insect infestation and saving the people of the land.
"Completing the mission will reward you with an exclusive epic-level title: [Spirit Province Guardian]"
"Completing the mission will grant exclusive sect-specific rewards [?]"
I heard the system's voice.
This was also the first time Chen Ning hadn't been overly surprised.
Instead, it was perfectly calm.
Even if the system does not issue any tasks.
He would also choose to address the insect infestation.
Simply because...
The fourth sect leader had entrusted me with protecting Spirit Province for him.
This is not just talk.
Although at the time, the task was automatically considered completed.
But this is the most difficult part.
We must persevere.
Chen Ning abruptly stood up and said, "The swarm was still in western Spirit Province yesterday, and it's already in the Great Yan Imperial Capital today. There's no way they could move at that speed. Someone must be manipulating things behind the scenes, using something like a teleportation array."
"Xiao Yuan, this time, it might require all the brothers of the Black Dragon Clan to fight to the death."
Chen Ning looked at Xiao Yuan.
Without the slightest hesitation, the latter, with his honest and simple face, spoke directly, "The lives of our people have always been prepared for the Dragon Lord."
"Good!"
Chen Ning smiled, and then summoned the Voice Transmission Spirit Stone to gather the elders at Vermilion Bird Peak for a meeting.
The main hall of Vermilion Bird Peak is rarely opened.
It has been a long time since there has been anything of great importance that warranted the sect leader summoning the elders to discuss matters.
And at this moment.
Of the eight elders, only the eighth elder, Lin Xiaotian, was sent to the western part of Spirit Province.
The remaining seven people.
Everyone was present.
Even Meng Yuyi, who usually dislikes such occasions, was present.
"Gentlemen, you are all aware of the insect plague. As a super power, the Dragon-Seeking Sect has an inescapable responsibility for the disaster in Spirit Province. The sect leader has summoned us here today to assign you several tasks."
Cang Yue glanced at the elders and spoke slowly.
Next.
Chen Ning then spoke directly, "All of my people who Dragon-Seeking Sect will be mobilized this time to quell the insect infestation in Spirit Province as soon as possible!"
And then...
These are specific, detailed tasks.
And each person's assigned area and route.
This mission is primarily focused on rescuing people.
The Third Elder was the first to declare, "I will do my utmost to help Spirit Province in the face of this disaster."
Chen Ning's words had once enlightened the Third Elder, helping him untangle the knot in his heart, so the Third Elder naturally felt obligated to help.
The other elders, however, hesitated.
Among them, the Fourth Elder had the most indifferent attitude.
He was an undercover agent from a top-tier power in Martial Province.
Although he has lived in Spirit Province for many years.
But he showed no affection whatsoever; he didn't care about the survival of Spirit Province at all.
He simply wanted to protect himself.
"Sect Leader, I am old and fear I am no longer able to shoulder this great responsibility. I can only remain at the Dragon-Seeking Sect to ensure the safety of the sect."
After the Fourth Elder finished speaking...
Chen Ning considered it carefully for a moment before speaking, "Then let the Fourth Elder stay behind to guard the sect and protect the last line of defense."
"Your subordinate will certainly do his utmost."
The Fourth Elder chuckled inwardly; this job suited him perfectly.
Very peaceful.
All they need to do is stay and guard the sect.
There's no need to go out and fight to the death.
Chen Ning was also worried that if the Fourth Elder, this seemingly innocuous wolf, were sent out, he might turn out to be more of a hindrance than a help.
To save more people.
Let him stay.
The Third Elder stared at the Fourth Elder with a disdainful expression.
That sounds nice.
Still staying behind?
It's obvious they don't want to put in the effort.
The Peach Blossom Spring Mountain Range is protected by a formation.
The swarm of insects simply cannot fly in.
When will he be needed to stay behind?
Their sole responsibility is to control the formation.
The Third Elder suppressed his disgust, unwilling to associate with such a person.
The elders accepted the order and departed.
They themselves didn't even realize it.
Without realizing it.
They had even greater faith in this young leader.
After the elders left...
A fragrant aroma wafted over.
Xiao Mei emerged from the hidden door and quietly approached Chen Ning.
"Sect Leader, Spirit Province is under your protection; your safety will be entrusted to me."
"It's alright, you should go and take charge of the Law Enforcement Hall."
Chen Ning smiled slightly.
"Sect Leader, even I, a humble woman, can see that this matter is not simple. There is probably someone pulling the strings behind the scenes. You must have noticed as well. Your precious health cannot be compromised."
Xiao Mei became serious for the first time.
She is even more beautiful and captivating now.
Especially after the two had a deeper conversation, Xiao Mei possessed an indescribable charm.
Chen Ning then spoke up, "We'll deal with whatever comes our way, but the most urgent task is dealing with this insect infestation."
In the Gold and Iron City.
Even the imperial capital was exploited, so Gold and Iron City naturally suffered an invasion by the insect swarm as well.
There seemed to be a commander within the swarm of insects.
This meant that while the city's defensive array could protect against large swarms of insects, it was not the only factor.
But there are always small groups of insects that manage to slip through the net.
Inside the Gold and Iron City at this moment.
It was complete chaos.
Countless ordinary people were on the streets, while many more stayed at home with their doors and windows tightly shut.
Soldiers guarding the city were fighting swarms of insects in the streets.
After a volley of arrows...
A passage has just been cleared.
The defending general was extremely angry.
No matter how fiercely they fought.
However, the number of insects was simply too large.
"General, another hundred of our brothers have fallen in battle."
A soldier with bandages wrapped around his head was weeping bitterly.
Clang!
The city's general cleaved a beetle that had jumped up with a single stroke of his sword.
While protecting the soldier whose head was wrapped in bandages, he said, "Leave this to me, you quickly take these civilians and leave!"
"General, if I leave, won't you surely die?"
The sergeant refused no matter what he said.
But the defending general cursed fiercely, "My life is precious, but the lives of the common people aren't? Get the people out of here!"
The sergeant nodded, tears welling in his eyes.
They escorted the people away into the distance.
The defending general was quickly surrounded by countless winged insects.
He knew he was going to die here.
But then...
A Vast Righteous Qi swept across.
The golden light dispersed countless winged insects.
The defending general, having narrowly escaped death, looked at the person who had attacked him.
The man had a basket on his back.
Holding a book of poems in his hands.
Very refined and scholarly.
Beside him stood a young man of remarkable bearing.
It was Chen Ning.