After hearing about Ye Qingchen’s heroic deeds from Liu Feng, he suddenly seemed incredibly heroic in Zi Xing’s eyes. Therefore, she naturally assumed that when Ye Qingchen heard news of the Demon Clan, he would show the excitement she expected.

But the current Ye Qingchen seemed indifferent to the news.

In truth, he couldn’t be blamed for it. As a member of the human race, he would never sit idly by and watch the Demon Clan slaughter his people. However, he had already left Eternal City and knew his own strength was not yet enough to contend with them. It would be better for the leaders of the human race to handle the invasion, he reasoned. That would reduce the casualties.

However, if Ye Qingchen were to witness the Demon Clan massacring humans again, he would still intervene without hesitation. So, after listening to Zi Xing, he said calmly, "Senior Sister Zi Xing, our strength is still very weak. It’s best to leave dealing with the Demon Clan to the leaders of the human race."

Zi Xing sighed, but she continued, "Junior Brother Ye, the situation isn’t as simple as you think. After our leaders fought against the Demon Clan, they realized this invasion was carefully planned. It could very well turn into a long, drawn-out war, which is why they decided to divide the battlefield into nine defensive lines."

"These nine defensive lines separate the Demon Clan’s experts by rank. Humanity’s top experts will naturally handle the most formidable demons. Meanwhile, the zones with relatively weaker demons have become perfect training grounds for our people."

"Faced with a protracted war, the human race needs a battlefield to temper its younger generation. These nine defensive lines are the ideal place for such training."

The more Zi Xing spoke, the more excited she became. Her eyes blazed as she looked at Ye Qingchen, hoping to see some kind of change in his expression.

But to her disappointment, Ye Qingchen remained cool and detached about the news.

In the past, Ye Qingchen would have been thrilled to hear about a place where he could train and improve. After all, for someone like him who grew stronger through combat, only constant fighting could continuously enhance his abilities. But things were different now. Improving his strength was no longer his top priority.

Right now, what matters most is Qin Yue’s safety and finding a way into one of the Ten Ancient Clans to get news of her.

So, compared to going out to train, Ye Qingchen preferred to stay at the Divine Wood Academy and wait for Elder Yang’s return.

I’ll have to use my relentless pestering to make Elder Yang change his mind and take me to the Ten Ancient Clans.

Thinking this, Ye Qingchen shook his head and said, "Senior Sister Zi Xing, if you came to invite me to train there with you, I’m sorry, but I can’t go. I have to stay here and wait for the old man to return. I have more important things to do!"

Zi Xing, who had arrived full of enthusiasm, hadn’t expected to be rejected. She sighed, but upon seeing the resolute expression on his face, she accepted his decision. After a moment’s thought, she asked curiously, "Junior Brother Ye, when you say ’more important things,’ are you referring to your fiancée?"

During their time in Eternal City, Zi Xing had grown close to both Xue Zhao and Xiao Xiao. Since Ye Qingchen was the most frequent topic of conversation among the three beauties, they had learned some things about his fiancée through Xue Zhao’s probing. Xiao Xiao had been tactful, however, only saying that his fiancée wasn’t with him at the moment, without revealing any specific details. Now, seeing him give up a training opportunity, Zi Xing guessed it must be because of his fiancée.

Ye Qingchen was taken aback for a moment, then shook his head noncommittally. I’m not ready to discuss Qin Yue’s situation with anyone else.

Seeing that Ye Qingchen was unwilling to answer, Zi Xing sighed and said, "Junior Brother Ye, since I’m here, regardless of whether you want to go train or not, I feel I should explain the situation clearly to you."

Ye Qingchen nodded. "Then thank you, Senior Sister Zi Xing."

Zi Xing gave him a meaningful look and continued, "Junior Brother Ye, the human race has constructed nine defensive lines. The first three are where our experts are stationed to block the Demon Clan’s main army, while the others are open to the younger generation for training. In particular, the leaders have decided that elite disciples from the major sects and factions can go to the final line for a trial. They’ll be awarded points based on the number of demons they kill, and these points can be exchanged for various resources, Cultivation Techniques, and Martial Techniques. You can even exchange them for an opportunity to train and improve within the Ten Ancient Clans..."

"An opportunity to go to the Ten Ancient Clans?" Ye Qingchen couldn’t help but interrupt her with an exclamation.

Zi Xing hadn’t expected such a strong reaction from him, but she nodded and replied, "Exactly. However, the specific point system and exchange methods haven’t been announced yet. Very few people know this news, so it would be best if you don’t spread it around for now, Junior Brother Ye."

Ye Qingchen nodded. I was just worrying about how to get to the Ten Ancient Clans, and now Zi Xing brings me such good news. The Demon Clan may be powerful, but my own strength has advanced a level. As long as I’m careful, I can slowly accumulate enough points to exchange for a chance to go there. This method might take some time, but it’s far better than pinning all my hopes on that unreliable Elder Yang.

With this in mind, Ye Qingchen eagerly asked, "Senior Sister Zi Xing, how can I participate in this training?"

Zi Xing looked at him curiously. A moment ago, he had refused so decisively, but now he was agreeing. She couldn’t understand why he had suddenly changed his mind, but she answered patiently anyway, "Those who can enter this training are from the high-level sects of the Heaven Desolate Continent. Although our Central Celestial Academy is considered a high-level sect, on the Heaven Desolate Continent, it’s tacitly considered to be part of the Four Great Academies. So, if we want to participate, we must first go through a unified selection process held by the Four Great Academies."

Ye Qingchen asked, somewhat puzzled, "What are the Four Great Academies you’re talking about, Senior Sister Zi Xing? Isn’t our Central Celestial Academy the biggest academy in the Central Region?"

Zi Xing nodded, then shook her head. "Central Celestial Academy is the largest academy in the Central Region, that’s true," she explained, "but only because it has the most disciples. It isn’t the strongest!"