「In the Royal City,」
A highly anticipated press conference was about to begin.
News of the Evil Spirit turmoil above the Demon Cave had spread like wildfire.
At the same time, the bustling metropolis of Dalang City had also been invaded by Evil Spirits.
The death toll was like candles being snuffed out in the dark; with each one extinguished, the number climbed at an alarming rate.
Across the entire Great Jing Empire, the facade of peace was torn asunder, and a heavy gloom settled over the hearts of the people.
Inside the Royal City's palace, the resplendent, golden hall was already packed to the rafters.
Queen Ji Shengyue, dressed in a magnificent gown, wore a calm and composed expression.
Her appearance instantly silenced the once-boisterous hall.
Today, she would personally address the public, intending to quell the panic and doubt sparked by the Demon Cave's instability and the Evil Spirit infestation in Dalang City.
Reporters raised their microphones, eager to pry a clue to the truth from the young Queen's lips.
"Her Majesty the Queen, what are your thoughts on the statement issued by the Time Girl Group from atop the Demon Cave?" a reporter asked, firing the first shot.
Ji Shengyue gave a slight nod, her voice clear and strong. "The twelve members of the Time Girl Group, though all women, each possess unique personalities and backgrounds."
"Some of them come from renowned and noble families, others are the daughters of the rich and powerful. Some came from the depths of the mountains, and still others emerged from orphanages, having endured countless hardships and tribulations..."
As Ji Shengyue spoke, photos and profiles of the twelve members of the Time Girl Group gradually appeared on the large screen behind her.
Every face radiated youth and vitality.
Their agile forms and outstanding strength during cultivation were truly admirable.
"When the decision was made to send the members of the Time Girl Group to the Demon Cave to suppress the Evil Spirits, they had already prepared for the worst."
"Faced with such a perilous mission, they did not shrink back but forged ahead bravely."
"I ask you, with such courage and determination, how could they possibly lie about the so-called Evil Spirit incident?"
Ji Shengyue's words were filled with trust and admiration for the Time Girl Group.
She continued, "The members of the Time Girl Group are the best of the best, handpicked by me."
"Whether in terms of strength, talent, or character, they are all paragons."
"I can vouch for them. They would never do anything to harm the interests of the Empire."
As Ji Shengyue finished speaking, the image on the large screen suddenly switched, revealing footage filmed by the Time Girl Group above the Demon Cave.
The footage was blurry and bizarre, but it was enough to convey the danger and terror of the place.
A reporter broke the silence. "Her Majesty the Queen, what do you believe is the reason for the Evil Spirits' sudden unrest?"
Ji Shengyue smiled faintly.
The large screen behind her changed again, displaying a series of clear photographs.
"Everyone, please look. These photos document the true state of the seal above the Demon Cave."
Ji Shengyue pointed at the screen. "This Talisman Paper and these Chains, used to suppress and seal the Evil Spirits, have suffered irreparable damage after years of exposure to the elements."
"This is the root cause of the Evil Spirits' reemergence from the Demon Cave."
"And regarding this matter, our former National Guardian War God, Chu He, never once reported it."
"This forces one to believe he was derelict in his duties at the Demon Cave."
"Or perhaps, is his strength truly as great as the people imagine?"
The conference hall fell silent.
Only Ji Shengyue's voice echoed through the room. "In the operation to suppress the Demon Cave, two of the twelve members of the Time Girl Group have already made the ultimate sacrifice."
"The youngest of them had only just turned eighteen."
"They gave their lives to protect the peace of the Great Jing Empire."
"At a time like this, everyone in the Great Jing Empire, from top to bottom, should stand united, not doubt one another."
Ji Shengyue's voice was filled with respect and sorrow for the Time Girl Group. "I hope that all our citizens can place their full trust in me and in every member of the Time Girl Group."
"I am confident that the ten remaining members will continue to handle the crisis at the Demon Cave perfectly with their fearlessness and courage."
"At the same time, I have decided to dispatch the new National Guardian War God, Xiao Cangqing, to Dalang City to deal with the Evil Spirit infestation there."
"Here and now, I officially announce that Xiao Cangqing will assume the position of National Guardian War God."
The hall erupted in applause. Ji Shengyue nodded and continued, "Regarding all of Chu He's former benefits and duties,"
"as well as the personnel arrangements for the new National Guardian War God, Xiao Cangqing, I will issue a Queen's Decree to make a formal announcement later."
"Once the Great Jing Empire is stable again, I will issue a Pursuit Order for Chu He."
Her voice grew stern. "A man who chases fame, neglects his duty, disregards the safety of the people, and boasts about his own strength is nothing but a paper tiger."
"He is not worthy of being a citizen of the Great Jing Empire, much less of holding a position of great responsibility within it."
"I will ensure that Chu He pays the price he deserves and answers for his despicable actions!"
Below the stage, camera flashes twinkled like stars, and the incessant CLICK-CLICK-CLICK of shutters seemed to add weight to Queen Ji Shengyue's words.
The atmosphere in the live stream chat rooms also quietly shifted. The audience, once seething with outrage, gradually calmed down after the Queen's speech. Some were even moved.
"The twelve sisters of the Time Girl Group are as beautiful as flowers. Why would they risk their own lives just to slander some guy named Chu He?"
"Chu He? Who the hell does he think he is? Every member of the Time Girl Group is a King-level powerhouse, the center of attention wherever they go. Why would they throw their lives away over someone like him?"
"A guy like Chu He isn't worthy of being called a man. As a man myself, I'm ashamed of him. Not only should he be held accountable, he should be forced to give back everything he ever enjoyed. Does he deserve it? Hell no, he doesn't!"
"Chu He is worse than the Evil Spirits!"
Ji Shengyue's speech was undeniably persuasive, successfully swaying the once-skeptical audience to her side.
Posts and videos on all major platforms sprang up like mushrooms after a spring rain.
Almost without exception, they all lambasted Chu He, painting him as the Great Jing Empire's number one sinner.
...
「At the entrance to Dalang City,」
A convoy of business vans slowly approached from the distance.
After the convoy came to a stop, the City Lord of Dalang City stepped out of a luxurious RV.
He had already received notice from his superiors: as soon as the new National Guardian War God arrived, all command authority was to be transferred to him.
Therefore, upon seeing the convoy, the City Lord of Dalang City couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
The transfer of command meant the heavy burden on his shoulders would be significantly lightened.
Soon, a tall young man slowly emerged from one of the business vans.
His steps were steady, his face was stern, and his brow held an indescribable air of authority.
This was none other than the new National Guardian War God, Xiao Cangqing.
He looked up in the direction of Dalang City, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
"What a dense Evil Spirit aura."
Xiao Cangqing said in a low voice, "It seems there are quite a number of these malevolent Evil Spirits. No wonder Dalang City lost control so quickly."