Chapter 268: High‑Standard Reception of the Demon Clan

The green mountains twist and turn without end, lofty ancient trees can be vaguely seen joining to form a verdant sky; this place forms a world of its own, towering between heaven and earth, setting a standard for ages.

The negotiation team, composed of members from the 749 Bureau, the scientific expedition, and official personnel, has been loitering at Mountain Base for months; the demons have not replied, nor have they clearly said when their master will be free.

They also dare not ask more, for fear of annoying the demons; after all, that demon who calls himself Hu Dawang looks ill-tempered and often likes to threaten them, saying he wants to taste human flesh.

Although Hu Dawang has taken no actual action, hearing such words still makes their bodies tremble involuntarily; after all, the aura emanating from Hu Dawang is truly enough to make one's heart race with fear.

Xu Tiancheng couldn't help but sigh, "We've been waiting this long; when will the demon's master have time?"

Wang Xuehao proposed, "Should we urge them again?"

Hearing this, Xu Tiancheng glanced at him and teased, "What gall, to dare urge them—aren't you afraid Hu Dawang will snatch you away as a side dish?"

Song Ze and the others also wore worried faces, "The higher-ups have already asked several times; from their tone they seem urgent, wanting us to speed up."

Although the negotiation team is far from the city's clamor, they can still browse external news online, and they also know that many major events have occurred recently.

Xu Tiancheng looked at the news push on his phone, "So much has happened lately; it must be the work of the Longyuan Mountain demons, no wonder the officials are so anxious."

"Who says otherwise? Longyuan Mountain's attitude is vague and unclear; even if we're anxious, it's useless, and besides, the higher-ups said we must absolutely not offend these demons."

Just as everyone sighed in despair, a rustling sound came from the sky; a clear cry rang out, like jade shattering on Kunshan, and a white great bird flew toward them, its whole body snow-white, tail feathers glowing with brilliance, appearing extraordinarily divine.

Hearing the movement, everyone quickly looked up.

The great bird spoke human words and dropped a bombshell: "The master has decided to hold talks with you."

As the words fell, an envelope flew from midair into their hands.

After the great bird finished speaking, it turned and plunged into the verdant mountains, gradually fading into a tiny black dot and disappearing.

Everyone was immersed in great joy, still not having come to their senses; Wang Xuehao stammered, "I—I didn't hear wrong, did I? The demons of Longyuan Mountain have decided to hold talks with us!"

They had thought this matter would remain deadlocked, but they never expected the joy to come so suddenly!

The team burst into sharp cheers; having endured wind and dew for these months just for this day, even if they had to eat more and weep, they would willingly do so.

"Quick, quick, quick, let's hurriedly pack up and head back."

Everyone scrambled to pack, preparing to set off.

The news that Longyuan Mountain agreed to hold talks quickly spread throughout Great Xia, and the high-level officials were all shaken.

That day, the heads of all regions dropped everything they were doing and rushed to South Province; those who couldn't make it in time joined the meeting by video.

The negotiation team also traveled day and night, finally delivering the letter into the hands of that great Xia magnate.

South Province's officials received the urgent news and immediately provided a meeting venue for all regional heads; outside the conference room were soldiers with live guns and nuclear weapons, layered and airtight—not even a mosquito, let alone a fly, could get in.

After all, here there are not only Great Xia's high-level officials but also the heads of all regions; any one of them, if lifted and given a stomp, would be a major figure capable of making Great Xia tremble, and if anything happened to them, they could not bear the responsibility.

All the high-level officials gathered together; seeing that everyone had arrived, they then opened that letter.

The hall fell silent; every face was filled with solemnity and reverence, for this was the first time Longyuan Mountain formally engaged in talks with the authorities.

The envelope slowly opened, revealing the paper below; a few lines of text came into view, the brushwork vigorous and powerful, a mighty aura sweeping over them—one could see genuine skill beneath the strokes.

"Vast and boundless the nine provinces, immense and grand Great Xia; a single stroke can be called a backbone; the divine land, every blade of grass and tree together build harmony; among all things in the world, only peaceful coexistence constitutes the Way of Heaven and Earth."

"In three days, our clan will emerge from the mountains to jointly seek the Great Dao!"

Having clearly seen the contents, everyone dared not even breathe; truly deserving of the title Master of Myriad Demons, to be honored as master by the demons—indeed they possess some real ability.

One might have thought them barbaric and uncivilized, yet the text exudes an ancient, simple charm, and it is clear that this demon master should yearn for peace and not favor slaughter.

They must have studied Great Xia culture extensively; otherwise they would not have written such phrases.

Seeing this, the great stone weighing on the hearts of all the high-level officials eased slightly; this demon master bears no hostility toward humanity, and should the talks succeed, they will have a bit more confidence.

Recalling the combat power displayed by those terrifying great demons—Mount Hua, Changbai Mountain, the Magic Capital, etc. —if they were truly enemies of humanity, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Indeed extraordinary!"

Who knows who sighed that; many nodded repeatedly.

Conversing with the demons of legend, and moreover being an existence that has stirred countless stormy waves in Great Xia, just thinking of this makes even high-level officials accustomed to great winds and waves unable to keep their hearts from racing.

The chief elder reacted immediately, "Quick, swiftly reply to Longyuan Mountain; Great Xia's officials await eagerly, we will set a banquet to receive the many great demons, the location is set at——"

"Mountain City, South Province!"

"Mountain City is not too far from Longyuan Mountain; if we use air transport, the timing is fine, and it also possesses a heavily defended military base that absolutely will not be disturbed by anyone."

"We will use the highest-spec aircraft to transport the Longyuan Mountain Range representatives!"

As for why not hold the banquet and talks at the foot of Longyuan Mountain, it is out of safety considerations; although the demon side shows no movement for now, their attitude also leans toward peace.

But after all, this is an unprecedented talk, worthy of a century‑scale operation; we must eliminate any unstable factors, and in sum, Mountain City is the best choice.

Mountain City's geography is favorable, benefiting both sides; this also helps prevent the talks from leaking, lest other countries get wind of it.

Regarding this decision, all the high-level officials agreed, feeling the plan is feasible.

The chief elder, with vigorous brushwork, quickly wrote a reply invitation; Longyuan Mountain also promptly responded, agreeing to Great Xia's arrangements.

From this point on, the entire high-level cadre sprang into action, tightly arranging everything in South Province.

"Quickly send someone to liaise near Mountain City; temporarily requisition the airport in three days, and three days after that, reroute all flights to Mountain City!"

"Summon the finest chefs from Great Xia, from all corners of the land, from every faction; prepare the choicest ingredients, with every standard set to that of a state banquet—no, higher than a state banquet!"

"The security forces must not be lacking either; quickly dispatch personnel from South Province, and if numbers are insufficient, draw from surrounding regions!"

"From now on, Mountain City's military base enters first‑level combat readiness; no idle personnel may approach, and any suspicious person discovered is to be seized first and questioned later!"

"After these matters are settled, we will all go together to Mountain City to await the arrival of that Longyuan Mountain Range representative!"

As one high‑level order after another was issued, resources were frantically reallocated, preparations for this talk began, and countless troops were mustered to South Province's Mountain City.

South Province's largest airport was temporarily requisitioned for one day, and the whole of Mountain City announced the news that flights would be delayed and rescheduled three days hence!

Even to escort this talk and guarantee the safety of the Longyuan Mountain Range's passage to Mountain City by air, five J‑series fighter jets were specially detached to clear the way and provide cover!

Meanwhile, regarding how to banquet the Longyuan Mountain Range great demons three days later, numerous high‑level officials also launched an urgent discussion.

After all, matters such as how the talks will be conducted, who is qualified to participate, the content of the talks, and so on—all these need to be deliberated.

Originally the chief elder intended to attend in person, but for safety reasons, no one could gauge the demons' true attitude, so the final decision was to have the heads of all regions attend instead.

After all, it's always wise to be cautious when meeting for the first time.

To ensure the first talks ran smoothly without any leaks, troops were also mobilized from nearby to garrison around the mountain city, and in the end not only were the mountain city's flights suspended.

On the day of the talks, all flights passing near the Longyuan Mountain Range were completely blocked, and even the roads nearby were not spared.

That alone would have been enough, but various universities were also drafted a large batch of talent.

Zoology, sociology, history, diplomacy and so on—hundreds of expert professors from dozens of top national universities were drafted overnight.

This directly left the school principals and students utterly bewildered.

"What's going on? Today isn't Professor Li's class, so why is nobody here?"

"Haven't you seen the group message? The notice just sent out said a unit of soldiers had come, drafting a large number of zoology professors, and no one knows what they're for."

"This is just too absurd."

"Not only our university, it seems other universities too have had many professors drafted, and even some experts received temporary notices."

"What on earth are they up to, with such a huge mobilization?"

"Who knows? Since we have no class, we can slack off—anyone up for gaming?"

Many professors and experts were hastily summoned to South Province Mountain City; after receiving the urgent notice from above, they too were completely bewildered, unaware of what had happened.

All they saw were rows of solemn soldiers and the regional chiefs in charge.

But these high officials had no time to explain in detail; they simply told them calmly that this operation was a top secret of Greater Xia, and everything they saw and heard must be kept confidential.

Beforehand, the ancestors three generations back of these expert professors had been investigated thoroughly, confirming there were no foreign spies or anyone bribed by ill-intentioned persons, only then could they relax.

Facing such an utterly solemn scene, the expert professors felt uneasy inside, whispering among themselves.

"What major event has happened, that they've mobilized so many people here?"

"Zoology, linguistics, sociology, huh, and even diplomacy? What on earth are they trying to do?"

Faced with such a draft, naturally people would discuss it online, but before their talk could gain any heat, it was already silently suppressed by the high officials.

All this massive effort is solely for one purpose: to await the successful holding of the talks between humanity and the Longyuan Mountain Range monsters!

The high officials had a premonition that this would be the most watched scene in human history!

It might even change the entire course of human societal development!

As time passed, the day finally arrived for the talks between the two sides; today is destined to be a special day, worthy of being kept in mind by all Greater Xia high officials.

Before the huge military helicopter, several regional military generals stood here, ready and waiting.

Others, such as the regional chiefs in charge, the representatives of the Greater Xia talks, were waiting at the distant South Province Mountain City Airport, followed behind by Greater Xia's top linguists, zoologists, diplomatic experts, and so on.

Because of the magnetic field of the Longyuan Mountain Range, communications were intermittent; even if the high officials felt excited inside, they could only wait here for the plane to arrive.

The distant mountain peaks were utterly tranquil, yet the Longyuan Mountain garrison here was anxiously waiting.

Watching the minutes tick by, approaching noon, the tranquil mountain range finally stirred.

The mountain wind brushed past, the air underwent a mysterious change, and the ground nearby began to faintly tremble, as if something were drawing near to the garrison.

An indescribable aura spread out from within Longyuan Mountain.

The garrison commander gazed at the distant lush, splendid peaks, feeling the silent forest instantly spring to life, his spirit instantly soaring: "They're here!"

The instant his words hit the ground, countless birds shot straight up from the mountain range into the sky, like a massive black torrent!

Covering sky and earth, blocking clouds and sun!

At the same time, the many high officials waiting in South Province Mountain City finally received the communication from the Longyuan Mountain garrison.

"How is the situation at Longyuan Mountain?"

On the other end of the communicator, a reply came quickly; due to the excited voice, it seemed somewhat distorted.

"They're here."

At this moment, the Longyuan Mountain Range saw wind and clouds surging, heaven and earth changing color, countless birds wheeling in the high sky.

A mighty beast tide surged from the heart of the mountain range, gathering into a flood that struck this heaven and earth; the force of the beast tide's surge was so terrifying that the entire ground kept trembling.

Even before reaching the garrison, they sensed a huge pressure pressing down like a vast primordial mountain, almost making everyone unable to breathe.

Sensing this aura, many soldiers stationed on the apron only felt their scalps go numb and their faces turn grim.

This apron had been built by them working overtime; although they had already made mental preparations, seeing the dust flying in the mountains and the sky‑covering beast tide scene, they inevitably still felt a bit fearful.

"Hold steady! Show me the bearing of soldiers!"

"This is the first contact between Greater Xia officialdom and the Longyuan Mountain Range; you are all the face of Greater Xia!"

"Straighten your backs!"

The garrison commander was issuing commands through his earpiece; although he had considerable presence, when faced with those awe‑inspiring terrifying aura and the beast tide, even though he was prepared, his face also turned somewhat grim.

An officer drew a deep breath, gazed into the distance at the beast tide, his eyes suddenly turning solemn, his heart rate uncontrollable.

Many soldiers before the apron could almost see the fierce beasts' sharp fangs and ferocious faces, roaring as they charged to kill.

Even if they had undergone special training and their physiques surpassed ordinary people, they had never seen such a grand scene; countless snarling fierce beasts, a fear rising from deep in the blood, surged wildly—this is human instinct.

Only when confronting the beast tide did they realize how terrifying its aura was; goosebumps rose on their skin, countless pores cried out danger, urging them to flee at once!

"No one may retreat half a step!"

The officer roared, but in reality he was merely putting up a brave front; inside he was also filled with unimaginable shock and astonishment.

These soldiers, facing the oppressive aura pressing like a crush, were holding on tight, not letting fear take over, the string in their minds pulled taut.

As the beast tide was about to crash into the troops, yet it seemed to have received some command, suddenly stopping, as if it had undergone seasoned combat training.

Seeing the fierce beasts standing in neat rows, although numerous, the formation showed no disorder; in a daze, people had the absurd illusion that these were not savage beasts but well‑trained soldiers.

Soon these wild beasts parted like a tide to open a path; watching the silhouette emerge from the midst of the beast tide, everyone's pupils contracted sharply, even their breathing momentarily stalled.

Nobody dared believe their own eyes, suspecting they were hallucinating.

"How could this be!"

South Province Mountain City Airport, many Greater Xia high officials were also anxiously waiting.

Outside the airport, fully armed soldiers were stationed—almost a post every three steps, a sentinel every five—so the whole airport was tightly sealed off.

Numerous armored vehicles were parked at various positions around the airport, along with countless soldiers, and Yanjin was vetting personnel entering and exiting; the whole airport exuded an atmosphere of strict security.

Some passengers could only go to the airport's outer perimeter, where a temporary waiting shed had been set up; they could wait here for the requisition to end, and via airport arrangements and broadcasts, await their flight's departure.

Upon learning that the airport had been temporarily requisitioned, the passengers were furious; some even called the airport authorities demanding an explanation, after all they had paid for their tickets—why should they be delayed?

However, the airport's relevant departments were just as confused, unaware of what was happening; this was a directive from the top, so they could only follow orders, and they also provided compensation to the delayed passengers.

Even so, a few remained dissatisfied, phoning the relevant departments to complain—but every complaint disappeared without a trace, met with no response.

They said it would be handled right away, yet three days passed with not a word of information.

These passengers went to the airport to demand an explanation, but upon arrival, seeing a contingent of fully armed soldiers and armored patrols, they froze in place.

How could there be so many soldiers?!

Soon a soldier spotted them and hurried over, asking, "What are you here for?"

Faced with these tall, cold‑eyed special forces gripping black rifles, the passengers were nearly weak‑kneed, stammering, 'I‑we're just here to catch a flight.'

'Comrade, go over there—there's a temporary tent set up; don't hang around here.'

The passengers nodded quickly, 'Okay, I'll head over right away.'

They meekly made their way to the temporary tent, only to find it already crowded with people, their faces alight with excitement and shock.

'I've never seen such a massive show of force—it's absolutely terrifying!'

'Who says otherwise? The entire airport has been requisitioned—you don't see this every day.'

'I heard it's not just the airport being taken over—many nearby flights are delayed too, supposedly by orders from above.'

'What? They're not letting any surrounding flights take off—this is a massive deployment; could it be connected to this?'

'I heard that once you're inside, you can't leave until a day has passed.'

'This is ridiculous—who are they receiving to justify such a show? Could it be a foreign president?'

Faced with this, the countless people waiting here are racking their brains, probably unable to guess what kind of entity is being received.

In this situation, facing the heavily guarded Shancheng Airport, some personnel couldn't resist their curiosity and wanted to see what was happening.

They brought their phones, pretended to go to the bathroom, went out to take pictures—but were spotted and immediately detained by soldiers and taken away.

'We were wrong! We just wanted to snap a few photos, we had no ill intent.'

Faced with these few troublemakers, the soldiers were utterly cold, refused to hear their excuses, confiscated their phones, and took them straight to the police cars outside the airport.

The police cars sped away, taking the detainees straight to the Bureau for tea—this swift combo left no time to react and left many onlookers stunned.

Those who had hoped to gain attention by secretly filming inside quickly stowed their phones, dropped the idea, and instantly turned meek, fearing they'd be next.

At this time, Shancheng too saw a surge of online discussion about the airport's requisition.

Many expressed curiosity, asking who was being received inside, why the area was sealed off, and even whether they could go in to see.

Faced with these comments, someone waiting here immediately spoke up.

'Brother, I urge you to drop that dangerous idea—at Jiangcheng Airport just now a few buddies tried to go in for photos, got caught, and have already been taken for tea.'

'??? No way, they're going all out!'

'You haven't been here—just ask the armored‑vehicle troops if they're scared; I even saw a machine gun, can you believe it!'

'Awesome—what big shot are they receiving in there? Does anyone know?'

'We daren't speak, we daren't ask—just stay put and stay out of trouble.'

A few photos leaked out, likely taken from a distance; the photographer didn't dare approach, but the airport's tight security is still evident.

Instantly, another wave of heated discussion erupted online. (End of chapter)