Zhao Qianzhang's expression turned utterly solemn.
"The situation with the Demon Barbarians is more dire than we have announced publicly. They outnumber us dozens of times over. If we did not have abundant resources to support large numbers of mechanisms in battle, they would have crushed us long ago."
"There is another reason: the Demon Barbarians are scattered, with no common ruler. They are savage and devoid of morality. When they launch a swift offensive, they are unstoppable, but once we hold them back and draw them into a prolonged war, the lack of moral and orderly restraints causes tremendous internal strife, forcing them to retreat."
"But now the situation has changed dramatically. A powerful Emperor has emerged among the Demon Barbarians, and he has been steadily absorbing the other groups. That process is nearing its end. In three to five months at most, the Demon Barbarians of the Craftsmen Realm will be united. Once they join forces and nibble away at our cities one by one, the Human Race of the Craftsmen Realm will be in imminent peril."
Fang Yun asked, "Have you tried to curb the Demon Barbarians?"
Zhao Qianzhang said helplessly, "We have been trying all along, but with little success. We even suspect that the Craftsmen Realm has been constantly strengthening the Demon Barbarians to force us to keep advancing. If our progress fails to meet the demands of the Will of the Craftsmen Realm-or, rather, First Sage Zhuge-the Craftsmen Realm may erase us and create new people. We are probably just..."
Zhao Qianzhang could not go on.
Fang Yun did not want to say it either. After all, no one wanted to admit that they were merely experimental subjects.
Fang Yun said, "I have some good news for you. The Literary World People of Sage