The Indomitable Master of Elixirs

Chapter 651: To Save Or Not to Save (2)

“Why!” Lu Shaoqing asked in dismay.

Zhan Fei smirked. “You just said that the Ping City demons can take the human form. Now is the crucial period before the battle between my army and the demons. Who knows if there are some demon spies hiding among these citizens!”

Lu Shaoqing’s expression shifted. The hearts of those Ping City people standing behind him also sank.

“We are not demons!” The citizens explained in panic.

Zhan Fei ignored them and looked at Lu Shaoqing. “Military Advisor Lu, I believe that most of this crowd are innocent citizens. But as long as just one of them is a demon, the consequences of letting them into the army camp are inconceivable.”

Lu Shaoqing’s face turned increasingly grim. Although Zhan Fei’s words were rather heartless, there was a sliver of truth in his reasoning.

“Even if we don’t allow them to enter the camp, could Lord Zhan allocate part of the tents and some soldiers—so they can stay in the area outside the camp. The citizens can no longer return to Ping City,” said Lu Shaoqing with a deep sigh.

Zhan Fei just shook his head. “No. Giving them tents is not a problem, but they need to be stationed far from the army camp. If they are too near, the demon spies can easily observe the movements of my troops. This will also expose the ongoings of my army.”

“This…” Lu Shaoqing looked even more grave. The citizens had already experienced a horrible battle. If they were stationed far from the army camp and were attacked again by the demons—the consequences would be unthinkable.

Many citizens panicked upon hearing Zhan Fei’s words. They had thought they could seek protection when they reached the army camp, but Zhan Fei’s heartless words struck off that hope.

“We are not demons.”

“You can check!”

The citizens rushed to explain. Several of them were severely injured and had already used the last of their strength to make it to the camp. If they had to move again to another location… several of them would die here and now.

Lu Shaoqing was no match for Zhan Fei. According to military rank, Lu Shaoqing was in no position to go against Zhan Fei.

“Lord Zhan, could we just send someone to rescue General Ji first?” Lu Shaoqing clenched his jaws. The only person able to oppose Zhan Fei was Ji Fengyan. Although Zhan Fei’s suspicions were understandable, Lu Shaoqing was well aware of the story behind these citizens.

They had given up peace and security to stand on the side the Wolf Smoke Regiment. If not for the citizens’ blood-filled battle efforts, that small group of Wolf Smoke Regiment soldiers would never have been enough to create that opportunity for Ji Fengyan to capture the demon leader.

“General Ji?” Zhan Fei glanced at Lu Shaoqing and said with false regret, “I am very sorry to hear that she is trapped and in danger, but… you said she was using that demon leader as bait and headed in the opposite direction. The Plain of Corpses is vast and it would be a futile effort to try finding one person in it? How many soldiers would be suitable to cover such a wide area? A small number would be useless, while a larger team would reveal the movements of my army.”

Zhan Fei’s tone was self-righteous and his words seemed to make sense. But Lu Shaoqing and the rest were completely incensed.

Zhan Fei was obviously using this opportunity to further his personal vendetta against Ji Fengyan. He had no intention of sending reinforcements to rescue her!