Lin Zhan looked at Wei Qing, who was offering to take on a lot, and said, "Ancestor Wei Qing, we don't lack crystal cores. I can earn hundreds of Lord-level crystal cores from one hostage situation. We don't need those; it's better to leave them for the brothers on the front lines. However, I am in need of elemental attribute crystals and similar treasures."
Wei Qing pondered for a moment. "These things can be salvaged from various battlefields. I'll have someone select a portion for you when I return."
"Ancestor Wei Qing, please don't rush. These types of elemental treasures must meet the following criteria. First, they must be abundant and sustainable. If the quantity is insufficient, these integrated bombs would lose their significance to the military."
"Second, stability is crucial. These elemental treasures must be highly stable; otherwise, they'll explode as soon as they're placed, which would be useless."
"Third, I need the Ancestor to help us find some toxins that are unaffected by high temperatures, as well as some items that can autonomously produce stable elements. This will allow us to increase the power and lethality of the bombs."
Di Xin, Liu Che, and Liu Xiu, who knew Lin Zhan's true nature well, understood that the military was in for a major financial hit the moment Wei Qing uttered his words.
However, when Lin Zhan finished making his demands, the three of them wore expressions of disbelief. How had this kid changed his ways? He was letting go of such a huge opportunity for a substantial gain.
Lin Zhan looked at these three rather unconventional ancestors and said, "Ancestors, I am also a descendant of Huaxia. I can't bleed our own people dry. Besides, I earned over 3,000 Lord-level crystal cores from my trip to Fusang, which is more than enough."
Huo Qubing and other kings who were unaware of Lin Zhan's extortionate nature looked on in surprise. No wonder this kid wasn't interested in the paltry offerings from the military. However, stepping back, if they were to assign this kid to manage logistics for the military, he would undoubtedly be a capable hand.
Wei Qing nodded and said, "I will do my best to satisfy your requirements. You are a good kid, a true descendant of Huaxia. The military's doors are always open to you." Sudancanxiaoshu.com
After Lin Zhan and the kings finished their conversation, the battle was drawing to a close.
This battle, with the participation of the disciples from the Celestial Masters' Mansion, resulted in minimal casualties for the human race. In the end, the kings decided that Wei Qing and Huo Qubing would remain to lead the troops in swiftly annihilating the Yougui clan.
Zhang Zhen's Thunder God Legion, having participated in two consecutive clan-extermination battles, suffered nearly a third of its troops lost. They would return to Fusang to rest and recuperate, assisting the troops stationed in Fusang's capital to pacify the region and thoroughly investigate human traitors.
Lin Zhan and the members of the Huaxia battle team were brought back to Fusang under the pretense that they could no longer contribute to the war effort.
After two days of aimless waiting, the news of the human race's great victory finally arrived on the third day.
The human race had also plundered the Yougui clan's luck, and the Yougui realm consequently perished into the void.
A high-level meeting was convened within the Huaxia army. Lin Zhan and the other youths were also required to attend due to their status as key individuals being groomed for the future.
Zhang Zhen held a document and spoke with grief. "Regarding the war to annihilate the Bone Demon clan and the Yougui clan, our human army's casualties are as follows: Thunder God Legion—85,355 deceased, 12,560 severely injured and disabled. Swift Wind Legion—26,785 deceased, 13,251 severely injured and disabled."
"The soldiers of the Feathered Forest Guard and the Galloping Cavalry are all transformed human spirits and can regenerate, so their numbers were not included."
"Following that are the Leng family's Hunter Brigade—572 deceased, no severely injured or disabled. 80,000 hunting dogs perished."
"Celestial Masters' Mansion—1,351 deceased, 29 severely injured and disabled."
"In total, 114,063 human soldiers were killed in action, and 25,811 were severely injured and disabled."
Upon hearing the casualty figures, everyone fell silent.
Although everyone present knew that war inevitably involved deaths, seeing so many lives extinguished was undoubtedly sorrowful, especially since these were the sons and daughters of Huaxia.
Di Xin also spoke sternly. "I don't want to waste time with empty words. First, compensation for the deceased and disabled must be delivered in full. Anyone who dares to embezzle will be beheaded."
"Second, engrave an heroic spirit monument to serve as a warning to the world. Heroes must not be forgotten."
"Alright, let's move on to the next matter."
Lin Shanhe also stood up, holding a document. "There are a total of 195 Fusang noble families who betrayed the human race, with over 1.56 million direct participants. Additionally, there are over 800,000 individuals with lesser culpability."
A murmur of discussion arose. "Good heavens, over 2.3 million people. This is going to be problematic."
Di Xin looked at Lin Zhan and the other youths. "Zhan'er, this matter will be handled by you young ones. Execute those who deserve it, and decide what to do with the rest. You have one day to discuss this."
"Alright, the meeting is adjourned. The entire army will rest for three days. After you young ones have dealt with this matter, we will return to the capital."
After all the high-ranking officials departed, Lin Zhan and the others remained seated, and no one spoke.
He Dazhuang broke the silence, looking at the somber group. "Brothers, this is not an easy task. 2.3 million people. We can't just execute them all, can we?"
Ying Xuan also chimed in. "Indeed, Old Lin. It's difficult to decide what to do with these people. Executing them is one option, but keeping them is a nuisance. If we kill them all, the karmic burden will be too great to bear."
Lin Zhan said to He Dazhuang, "Old He, have Miyamoto Musashi, Maya Yukina, and Yamamoto Mieko come over to discuss this with us."
"Old Jiang, summon the report from the Garrison Command and the main person in charge of this review."
Afterward, everyone fell into silence once more.
Di Xin, along with a group of kings and old quasi-kings, observed the actions of Lin Zhan and his group through the screen before them.
Lin Hai looked at Lin Zhan's distress and said, "Ancestor, isn't this matter a bit too cruel for these children?"
Di Xin looked at everyone, then turned to Lin Hai. "Xiao Hai, how many people have your brother and his peers killed?"
"Uh... Ancestor, counting those who acted personally and those who gave orders, it must be in the hundreds of thousands."
"Exactly. The future of the human race belongs to these young ones. We old relics cannot shield them forever. Furthermore, the King's War is imminent. In this first King's War, we and the myriad races will exercise restraint, and not many will participate. But what about the future?"
"As long as no kings emerge, I can still hold up the sky for the human race. However, as time progresses, the strength in the King's War will undoubtedly increase. It's possible that one day I will fall in battle. At that time, if the ancestors still haven't awakened, what will the human race do? Whom can we rely on?"
"It's not that I, as an ancestor, am cruel, but the threat of extinction looms before us. These young ones no longer have the luxury of slow growth. We can only accelerate their development and training."