Chapter 811 - 673: Departure for the Barren Forbidden Land
Looking at the memorial handed over by Emperor Xuanwu, Qin An felt immense pressure and a headache coming on.
The content of the memorial was simple, instructing Qin An to visit the Barren Forbidden Land.
However, within the capital, this Barren Forbidden Land is far from as simple as described in the memorial.
The Barren Forbidden Land is one of the foremost forbidden areas among all Defender Forbidden Areas and yet is the most prestigious.
Why does this forbidden area, not the strongest, have the most prestige?
This is because long ago, the people of the Barren Forbidden Land resisted the invasion of Heavenly Demons, suffering casualties and lifelong curses.
This curse causes them to endure the pain of soul-burning periodically.
It is precisely because they paid a huge price that this earns them respect among Defenders, and their prestige is incredibly high.
Emperor Xuanwu’s intention is clear, to have Qin An go to the Barren Forbidden Land to gain the support of its people.
If their support can be secured, the previously undecided Defenders might immediately join the Daqian Kingdom’s alliance.
Emperor Xuanwu ascended the throne not as a fool, but as someone extraordinarily intelligent.
Although anger clouds his mind, he wouldn’t act recklessly; he would weigh the pros and cons, aiming for a bloodless resolution.
He hopes for this as well.
If some of the wavering individuals can be swayed, this mission becomes much easier, allowing him to more smoothly deal with those Defenders who stood in opposition.
Yet Emperor Xuanwu also pondered who should be dispatched to the Forbidden Land.
Ultimately, he thought of Qin An.
Only this man known as the "Savior" possesses the ability to resolve this matter.
Qin An looked at the memorial, increasingly feeling a headache.
He understood Emperor Xuanwu’s intentions and his earnestness.
But the Barren Forbidden Land is not as simple as it is imagined.
Because the Barren Forbidden Land, though not standing against the Daqian Kingdom, is still a rather undecided force.
Such a forbidden area force, merely relying on Qin An’s identity as a Savior, is essentially ineffective.
Qin An is more aware of this than anyone.
Since it’s ineffective, the difficulty of this mission is evident.
Qin An remained silent.
Emperor Xuanwu let out a sigh.
He walked over to Qin An, patting his shoulder: "I know this mission is tough, but it’s also the best method available right now."
"If this mission succeeds, it can significantly reduce casualties and sway those opposing Defenders, potentially shortening the time for unification."
He had no other choice.
In fact, he knew the mission was difficult and was aware of the immense pressure Qin An would face if he accepted it.
But even so, certain things must be done.
Qin An pondered for a moment, then placed the memorial on the table and nodded: "When do I set out?"
He chose to agree.
After all, in his thinking, the good and bad of the Forbidden Land concern not only the world’s common people but also his own survival.
Having one more person to resist the Heavenly Demons also ensures greater assurance when the ultimate battle comes.
He also knows that this might be the last major mission before the ultimate battle.
If indeed all the Defenders in the Forbidden Land are unified, it would build a strong defensive line.
This line would be a solid barrier against the invasion of Heavenly Demons.
Emperor Xuanwu contemplated briefly and then said: "Naturally, the sooner the better; the matter cannot be delayed as it adds to the world’s woes, even saying each delay increases danger."
Qin An pondered for a moment: "It’s late today, I’ll rest for the night and set out tomorrow."
He was quite exhausted from rushing all the way here.
This exhaustion was not physical but mental.
After all, prolonged journeys pose great adaptation challenges for anyone.
Moreover, he needs a night’s time to plan the next steps; even if he doesn’t come up with a plan, it’s better than heading to the Barren Forbidden Land rashly.
Emperor Xuanwu nodded, without intending to stop Qin An: "If that’s the case, rest in my Imperial Palace."
Qin An agreed, said no more, and then stepped out of the grand hall.
Outside the grand hall, the old eunuch was patiently waiting.
Upon seeing Qin An appear, he promptly stepped forward and said: "Mr. Qin, the room is prepared, please follow me to your quarters."
Qin An didn’t say much, agreed, and followed the old eunuch to a side hall.
Subsequently, the grand hall fell into silence.
Emperor Xuanwu looked at the empty grand hall, clenching his fists: "I must succeed this time, failure means not only the fall of the Daqian Kingdom but also the demise of countless commoners."
Upon this thought, Emperor Xuanwu stopped pondering further and began carefully laying out subsequent plans.
He needed a comprehensive plan, especially to rapidly strengthen the Daqian Kingdom after Qin An completes the mission.
The grand hall fell silent, becoming quiet enough to hear a pin drop.
...
Time passed, and night quickly gave way.
When the morning’s first light shone through the window, Qin An was already in his room, ready to depart.
As he stepped outside, the old eunuch, having waited for a while, held the reins of a fast horse.