Getting Stronger By Fighting-Chapter 604 - 602 - A Request_1

"So, does this mean all efforts will be concentrated on the defense line you mentioned? And the other defense lines won't be impacted, right?"

Everyone understood Wang Zhan's intentions. Essentially, he suggested gathering everyone on that one defense line for a decisive battle with the demonic beasts. If the demonic beasts were to suddenly turn back, things would become much more complicated. Without powerful individuals guarding this area, it would quickly become a battlefield for the demonic beasts, and everyone else would become their slaves. By then, even if Wang Zhan and the others returned, they wouldn't be able to control the battlefield.

Wang Zhan squinted, then said with a smile, "Although I can't be certain, I'm ninety percent sure. Of course, this is how I've planned it. If you don't trust me, we can leave two War Gods here to guard, and Bai Yu and I will take responsibility for matters on the main defense line."

As he spoke, Wang Zhan's gaze fell upon Zi Yuan. Among the few of them, Zi Yuan possessed the greatest strength, perhaps even rivaling Bai Yu.

In fact, Wang Zhan knew clearly that there was no true distinction of strength between himself and Bai Yu. If Bai Yu were to use all his trump cards, it wouldn't be an easy task for Wang Zhan to defeat him. Zi Yuan was similar, so naturally, Wang Zhan wanted to join forces with Zi Yuan. With the three of them combined, their strength might be enough to challenge the level 2 beast.

Of course, Wang Zhan was well aware that the level 2 beast was extremely formidable; they couldn't kill it. The only thing they could do was try to delay it as much as possible, or, if fortunate, severely injure it.

At least, this could buy them a significant amount of additional time.

Xiang Zhanfei certainly understood Wang Zhan's intentions. After glancing at Wang Zhan, he nodded heavily and then turned his gaze to Zi Yuan. "Go back, assemble your people, and immediately head with Wang Zhan and the others to the defense line he mentioned. Maintain contact with me at all times. If a decisive battle breaks out on your end, we will also dispatch reinforcements immediately."

Zi Yuan nodded. He and Bai Yu were complete opposites. Bai Yu preferred to act alone, but Zi Yuan had a grasp of the big picture view and commanded a group of elite soldiers. If it weren't for them holding the front line, the fifth war zone would have already been overrun by the demonic beasts.

All arrangements were made. Since Wang Zhan and the others had traveled overnight and were weary, Xiang Zhanfei didn't rush them back to the defense line. A great battle was imminent, and everyone needed to conserve their strength. Wang Zhan, not being made of iron, was naturally no exception.

However, just as Wang Zhan returned to his room, Xiang Zhanfei silently entered.

Seeing him, Wang Zhan asked with curiosity, "Is there anything else you need to discuss?"

"Not exactly."

Xiang Zhanfei frowned slightly before continuing, "I just want to know... will you resent me?"

Wang Zhan was taken aback and looked at Xiang Zhanfei in bewilderment for a good while. "Why would you say that? Why should I resent you? Besides, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't know where I'd be today. Although the fifth war zone is extremely dangerous, it's also a training ground for me."

Wang Zhan wasn't merely being polite; he was speaking the truth. When he first arrived in the fifth war zone, he was only a Grandmaster. But now, he had broken through to the Martial King realm, all thanks to the chaos within the fifth war zone.

Moreover, and this was the most crucial point, Wang Zhan knew in his heart that if he hadn't obtained the Deep Fire Blade, the fire within the Earth Core wouldn't have spread. Consequently, the demonic beasts from Hundred Beast Mountain wouldn't have assaulted the interior of the fifth war zone.

It was precisely because of this assault on the interior of the fifth war zone that every defense line came under pressure, leading to repeated breaches and a gradual decrease in the number of people within the fifth war zone.

Although Xiang Zhanfei and the others hadn't mentioned this, Wang Zhan himself was largely aware of it.

Furthermore, although the level 2 beast was terrifying, with Wang Zhan's current strength, merely dealing with level 1 demonic beasts was far from enough for him. His own combat power was improving too slowly. The only way for him to achieve a greater breakthrough and further strengthen his System was to find and eliminate level 2 beasts.

Xiang Zhanfei sat down beside him and said with a smile, "I'm glad you don't resent me. Everyone here has ties to the fifth war zone, except for you. You arrived suddenly and, despite gaining no personal benefits from the fifth war zone, have repeatedly risked your life for us. You even helped train Xiang Tian step by step to become who he is today."

"I understand that if it weren't for you, Xiang Tian might still be a child, always under my protection, oblivious to the dangers of the Star War Battlefield. However, your arrival changed all that. Not only did you help turn Xiang Tian into a warrior, but our father-son relationship has also significantly improved."

Wang Zhan remained silent, a constant, reserved smile on his lips.

He didn't particularly dislike Xiang Zhanfei. After all, even though Xiang Zhanfei was an authority figure, he didn't exude the air of superiority typical of those in high positions.

Xiang Zhanfei spoke again, "In the near future, you will likely face a decisive battle with the demonic beasts, which will undoubtedly be fraught with peril. I have a request; I wonder if you would grant it?"

Xiang Zhanfei gave a self-deprecating smile. He was now considered a ruler in this rear base, yet he still harbored his own private worries.

"You want me to help protect Xiang Tian, don't you?"

Wang Zhan saw right through him. He could see that Xiang Tian was foremost in Xiang Zhanfei's thoughts. Perhaps Xiang Zhanfei was also thinking about the people in the war zone, but Xiang Tian was his son, after all. He couldn't possibly watch his son walk into dangerous places, could he?

Xiang Zhanfei sighed, then said, "Perhaps my decision is selfish. But as a parent—you'll understand when you have children of your own—I would rather trade my life for Xiang Tian's than let him encounter any trouble. If the fifth war zone hadn't suddenly fallen into this state, I would never have allowed Xiang Tian to set foot on a battlefield."

Wang Zhan nodded. "Rest assured. Xiang Tian and I are brothers. Even if you hadn't asked, I wouldn't let Xiang Tian come to any harm. Besides, if the fifth war zone truly falls and I am powerless to change things, I will take Xiang Tian and leave here immediately."

Hearing this, Xiang Zhanfei smiled with relief. Wang Zhan's guarantee was enough.

"Alright, everything that needed to be said has been said. In that case, you should get some rest. You still need to lead the others on the journey tomorrow."

Wang Zhan nodded. As Xiang Zhanfei walked towards the door, he seemed to have aged considerably in that instant.

Meanwhile, Xiang Tian, who had been waiting outside for some time, quickly walked in. He had been listening to Wang Zhan and Xiang Zhanfei's conversation. While he felt a degree of gratitude towards Xiang Zhanfei and understood his father's intention was to protect him, he couldn't help but wonder: Does my father think I'm a coward?

Thinking this, Xiang Tian lowered his head and sat on the bed. He glanced at Wang Zhan, then said, "I'm warning you, once we're on the battlefield, I don't need anyone's protection, nor do I need your help. Just worry about yourself. Don't worry about me; I can protect myself."

"And what if you encounter a level 2 beast?"

Wang Zhan wasn't trying to discourage him. With Xiang Tian's current abilities, even a level 1 demonic beast would be extremely challenging for him. Their strength levels were currently similar, but their combat experience differed vastly. Wang Zhan could easily defeat Xiang Tian.

"So what? At worst, I'll fight it to the bitter end! It would be best if I could take a piece of its flesh. If not, then death is just death!"

Xiang Tian's attitude was extremely resolute. He clenched his fists, his mind replaying the image of the Xuanlong Beast. It had to be said, seeing such a powerful level 2 beast for the first time had terrified him. If Wang Zhan hadn't covered their retreat, escaping from that defense line would have been incredibly difficult.

Wang Zhan glanced at him. "It seems you still don't understand your father's intentions. Do you think he wants to see you fighting on the battlefield? He just wants you to live out the rest of your life safely and peacefully."

"Besides, if all the defense lines fall, even if you and I manage to escape, what then? The fifth war zone will undoubtedly become an ocean of demonic beasts. Our final outcome would be the same. Wouldn't it be better to leave at the first opportunity? The fifth war zone might then have a chance to make a comeback, and you could help your kinsmen seek revenge, right?"

Wang Zhan and Xiang Tian had different perspectives. Perhaps because Wang Zhan had witnessed too much life and death, he knew that sometimes, a pointless sacrifice achieves nothing. It's better to preserve one's strength and wait for an opportune moment. That way, one might still reclaim their dignity and honor. But what good comes from sacrificing oneself in vain?

Xiang Tian lay down on the bed and said nothing more.

Wang Zhan didn't press him further. With a resigned smile, he walked to one side.

Perhaps only by experiencing more would Xiang Tian truly mature. As it stood, he still seemed like a child. Although Wang Zhan and Xiang Tian were close in age, the gulf in their mental fortitude was immense—truly worlds apart.