"So, it seems you haven't made a move, correct? Then let's settle this here and now." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Wang Zhan's expression changed immediately.

Nearby, Luo Tianhong was also eyeing him intently. However, even after a considerable time, no powerful aura erupted from her. Clearly, she had no intention of confronting Wang Zhan here.

She squinted, studying Wang Zhan for a long moment before speaking, "It seems you still want to fight a desperate battle with me. Perhaps you're overthinking it; I have no intention of starting a battle with you here."

"Moreover, I hope you understand one thing: I only want to continuously improve my strength. Other matters have nothing to do with me."

As Luo Tianhong spoke, she stepped aside. Crossing her arms, she continued, "And I'm not joking. These demonic beasts definitely won't let this go. If you want to protect Tianxiong City, it won't be easy. All the demonic beasts are gearing up now, so I advise you to conserve your energy and prepare for a desperate battle against them."

Wang Zhan frowned slightly. At this moment, he had to believe Luo Tianhong's words. After all, the previous beast siege had nearly plunged Tianxiong City into crisis. Although he knew the City Protection Formation could be activated, Wang Zhan was still worried. Once the great formation was active, leaving would be difficult; even he would struggle to get away.

Thinking of this, Wang Zhan's expression darkened further.

He stared at Luo Tianhong for a long moment, then frowned and said, "I advise you not to harbor too many devious intentions. If you want the city-guarding treasure, you'll naturally need to break through my defense line. Otherwise, you can forget about ever obtaining it."

"Then let's wait and see. Don't worry, what I want will never elude me."

Luo Tianhong squinted and smiled, then ignored Wang Zhan. In the next second, she vanished from his sight.

Wang Zhan wasted no more time and immediately headed towards Tianxiong City. The city urgently needed its defenses reorganized. He didn't have much time to spare. After all, with Luo Tianhong lurking nearby, he had to devise a fool-proof plan to deal with her.

Time ticked by. Wang Zhan had returned to Tianxiong City and was standing atop its city wall, silently observing the scene before him. Everything appeared peaceful, with no visible threat. However, Wang Zhan knew this was merely the calm before the storm. If the demonic beasts attacked again, the onslaught would be like a raging tempest, and Tianxiong City would find it incredibly difficult to withstand.

Contemplating this, Wang Zhan's expression soured further.

Indeed, before arriving, Wang Zhan had anticipated the terrors of the Star War Battlefield. But he had never expected it to be a place where people preyed on each other so fiercely. To survive here, one needed absolute strength; otherwise, one would merely become food for others.

The sound of footsteps approached from behind. Wang Zhan turned to see Ju Tian'en walking towards him.

Ju Tian'en smiled at him and asked, "How is it? The view here isn't bad, is it?"

Wang Zhan nodded with a smile. "It's quite good. That's why so many people like coming to Tianxiong City. Compared to the villages, not only is the scenery better, but there's also protection. Even I feel like staying."

"If that's the case, you might as well stay here permanently. Tianxiong City needs a strong individual like you," Ju Tian'en said with a grin.

Indeed, wherever Wang Zhan went, people on the Star War Battlefield would want him by their side. This was because most individuals on this interface lacked strength, especially when compared to those at higher levels. Their goals were simple: protecting their own territory was sufficient. Therefore, a powerful individual like Wang Zhan naturally provided an extra layer of security. Even Ju Tian'en felt this way. Of course, Ju Tian'en only wished to protect the people of Tianxiong City; otherwise, with his own strength, establishing himself on the Star War Battlefield wouldn't be difficult.

"I still have most things to do, so I might not be able to stay in Tianxiong City for long. But we can be together for now."

Wang Zhan patted Ju Tian'en's shoulder and smiled. "Regardless, I'll definitely help settle matters in Tianxiong City before considering leaving. My own affairs are trivial in comparison."

Compared to Ju Tian'en, Wang Zhan's concerns were indeed minor. He had come to the Star War Battlefield primarily to advance his cultivation as quickly as possible; other matters were not as important. Ju Tian'en, however, was different. He shouldered far greater responsibilities; they were fundamentally different kinds of people.

Ju Tian'en nodded, smiling gratefully. "By the way, have you thought of any good way for us to hold out in Tianxiong City?"

Tianxiong City currently faced external threats, and its internal defenses were not particularly strong. Moreover, the demonic beasts were watching them like tigers stalking prey, and it was uncertain when they might charge. This was a troublesome situation for Ju Tian'en.

Wang Zhan, standing beside him, hesitated for a moment before gritting his teeth. "I think you know I just went out to meet my so-called friend. In reality, she is the demonic beast I mentioned—extremely powerful."

"I had originally planned to ask for her help, but I never expected her to be so focused on our city-guarding treasure. She even told me to be mindful of the invading demonic beasts. This, however, wasn't because she was concerned for us, but because she wants to seize the opportunity to snatch the city-guarding treasure."

Ju Tian'en felt a shock and quickly asked, "Are you talking about the one who has reached the level of a level 8 demonic beast?"

Wang Zhan nodded, his brow furrowed. "Correct. And her current strength is far beyond what it was. I believe she's already broken through to the level of a level 8 demonic beast. However, we haven't fought, so I'm unsure of her true capabilities. But one thing is certain: her skills might already surpass mine. Therefore, if she decides to act, it will be a severe blow to us."

"So, from my perspective, perhaps the best solution is to hand over the city-guarding treasure and join forces with her against those other demonic beasts. What do you think?"

This was, in truth, a choice Wang Zhan felt forced into. It would be easy for him to leave. However, seeing the people on the Star War Battlefield who needed protection, especially within Tianxiong City, he couldn't bear to abandon them. Yet, he saw no better way to protect everyone. The only option seemed to be surrendering the city-guarding treasure. Only with Luo Tianhong's help could they swiftly resolve the current crisis.

Ju Tian'en was immediately caught in a dilemma. He wasn't overly attached to the city-guarding treasure itself, but it played a crucial role for Tianxiong City. Giving it up could plunge the city into crisis, as the treasure had essentially merged with Tianxiong City.

With this in mind, Ju Tian'en made his decision. He clenched his fists and continued, "Brother Wang, let's not speak of this again. The city-guarding treasure absolutely cannot be handed over to anyone. If it's given away, Tianxiong City itself might collapse. We should focus on how to face the formidable enemy before us. Even if she has reached the level of a level 8 demonic beast, we can completely seal off Tianxiong City. We might not be able to leave then, but it would also be extremely difficult for them to get in."

Wang Zhan hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded.

He understood Ju Tian'en's intentions perfectly. It wasn't about making things difficult; it was for the sake of Tianxiong City. If it truly came to that, Wang Zhan wouldn't have to worry too much. He could quickly lead a few people away from Tianxiong City. Unfortunately, if things reached that pass, the ordinary people of the city would suffer disaster. Leaving Tianxiong City would not be easy then; they might have to remain there for the rest of their lives. But those were their own affairs.

"Alright, if there's nothing else, I'll return to the City Lord's Mansion to plan our defenses," Ju Tian'en said. "After all, a great battle is imminent. We can't just wait for them to come to us; we need to figure out how to resist."

Wang Zhan nodded. "Don't worry. Since I've chosen to stay in Tianxiong City, I won't stand by and watch everyone fall into difficult times. I'll definitely help you manage everything and do my utmost to protect everyone within the city. However, if it truly comes to sealing the city, I might have to leave beforehand. Don't blame me for not warning you then."

Ju Tian'en nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. After all, for them, it was still too early to reach that point.