Chapter 1359: But Whatever You Ask

“The significance of this battle on the Star Moon Plain is far greater than you imagine. To distinguish oneself in this conflict could shape your prospects for the next decade. Especially now, to face the battlefield and leave, the losses incurred will also be greater than you imagine... You truly must leave?”

Heavy Profound Victory’s expression was solemn as he fixed his gaze upon Jiang Wang.

“I must,” Jiang Wang affirmed. “Merit and renown are naturally important, but for me, some matters hold more weight… I only came to inform you. On the battlefield, swords and blades have no eyes. After I depart, you must take good care of yourself!”

“Begone, begone!” Heavy Profound Victory waved his hand. “Do you think I cannot survive without you? This old man is descended from a military family!”

Jiang Wang continued, “Please convey my message to Long Chuan and Yan Fu. Also, regarding Lin Xian, that camp will fall to his responsibility. His leadership of soldiers is commendable, and he is a reliable individual. He should not become a burden to you all.”

Heavy Profound Victory was clearly reluctant but conceded with a wry grimace, “Alright, alright, I remember!”

Jiang Wang wasted no further words and turned to leave the tent.

The continuously unfolding military tents stretched out in neat order beneath the starlight. The brilliant torches in the dark night extended further than the eye could see, like waves… From some vantage point in the sky, would it not resemble gazing upon stars?

Life held too many hazy reveries; not all questions required answers.

Jiang Wang held his breath and concentrated his spirit, quietly slipping into a military tent.

“Who goes there?”

Tian Chang, who had been assigned to Chao Yu’s command since he could not personally lead a camp, rose, knife in hand.

The flickering cold light revealed a fine blade, though it could not compare to Chao Xin’s.

“It is I.” Jiang Wang stepped into his view and transmitted his voice.

Tian Chang sheathed his knife, his tone flat as he transmitted his reply. “Amidst the great army, ears and eyes are numerous. Your visit at this time is not a wise choice.”

“Precisely because we are within the great army, where soldierly malice gathers and divine souls are awed, it is not easy to be spied upon,” Jiang Wang said.

“Though that may be true… Given our circumstances, one should always exercise greater caution.”

“Provide me with a defense map of Seven Star Valley.” Jiang Wang wasted no time with pleasantries, getting straight to the point.

“How could I bring such a thing when I came to participate in the battle on the Star Moon Plain?” Tian Chang instinctively refused, then asked, “What do you intend to do with it?”

“I believe you have a way.” Jiang Wang’s gaze swept lightly over him. “If you wish to know, my time is quite limited.”

That calm glance sent a sudden chill through Tian Chang’s heart.

He seemed to see once more the scene of this individual charging straight into the sword sea during the day, that unwavering resolve to push forward without hesitation, and the courage to wager life and death on the sword…

And of course, the terrifying strength of an Inner Mansion cultivator unparalleled in ancient and modern times.

He turned to his desk, spread out a piece of paper, and lifted a brush to sketch.

“I do recall it, but I do not know if there have been changes during this period,” he said.

“Tell me what you know is sufficient,” Jiang Wang said.

The Seven Star Tower secret realm was, after all, a forbidden area of the Great Marsh Tian Clan. Although it had not been long since the last opening, one could assume the Tian Clan had not given up surveillance of Seven Star Valley.

He was, of course, going to the Forest Sea Source Realm to assist Grandmaster Guan Yan, but he did not wish to blunder into the Tian Clan’s pit, becoming entangled in any way, especially not wanting to encounter that madman Tian Anping.

Therefore, acquiring a defense map of Seven Star Valley to avoid the Tian Clan’s troubles and quietly infiltrate the area was essential.

A character like Tian Chang, who was deeply hidden, had lived in the Tian Clan for so many years, participated in the secret realm in Seven Star Valley, received punishment in Lost Heart Valley, could still represent the Tian Clan in maritime affairs, and came to the Star Moon Plain to participate in the war…

Jiang Wang believed that he could certainly provide accurate intelligence.

Conversely, if he couldn’t even accomplish this much, what did Tian Chang rely on to delusionally struggle free from Tian Anping?

In short order, the defense map was drawn.

It was a highly detailed map.

It clearly outlined the Great Marsh Tian Clan’s defensive arrangements in Seven Star Valley. Not only were key positions and hidden sentry points marked, but even the cultivators guarding them were described with a rough range of their cultivation.

Furthermore, it even provided a small path for entering and exiting Seven Star Valley…

To claim that Tian Chang had no designs on Seven Star Valley was likely something even he himself would not believe.

As Jiang Wang had anticipated, when the Seven Star Tower secret realm was not open, Seven Star Valley’s defenses were indeed considerably relaxed.

“Thank you for your effort.”

Jiang Wang rolled up the map and turned to leave.

Tian Chang said nothing further, nor did he ask any additional questions.

Even though his heart was consumed by curiosity, wanting to know why Jiang Wang would leave the Star Moon Plain battlefield at such a critical juncture, abandoning almost certain merit, risking the charge of desertion, all to leave this place and sneak into Seven Star Valley in Great Marsh County.

Could it be that some crucial treasure was about to appear in the Seven Star Tower secret realm? But the secret realm had not even opened yet?

He had already climbed to a certain position within the Tian Clan, yet he had not received the slightest news. From where did Jiang Wang obtain his information?

But Tian Chang had already learned to endure.

He simply took out a white cloth and meticulously wiped his long knife, again and again.

Enduring curiosity was more difficult than enduring pain.

Having obtained the Seven Star Valley defense map, Jiang Wang departed the Star Moon Plain that very night.

He did not know if Fang You failed to notice, or simply chose to ignore it, but in any case, during his departure from the Star Moon Plain, he encountered no obstruction.

Even the military god Jiang Meng Xiong, whose presence had weighed on Jiang Wang’s mind, made no move.

Thinking on it, even a military god at the peak of the transcendent realm would not pay attention to every rustle of wind and blade of grass on the Star Moon Plain.

The Xiang and Xu countries had almost emptied their nests, deploying nearly a hundred thousand troops across the entire Star Moon Plain.

A mighty military god of Great Qi would not neglect proper business to monitor every single person in the army.

Leaving the Star Moon Plain behind, Jiang Wang confirmed his direction and flew non-stop.

To speak plainly, this rash departure from the Star Moon Plain battlefield was not a wise choice.

As a main general of a camp, to leave alone on the eve of a great battle, it would not be impossible to be charged with desertion.

The position of main general for this camp was something Heavy Profound Victory had fought for on his behalf, and it was tacitly left for him after discussions among the various heavenly prides… By leaving in such a manner, he had offended too many people.

Heavy Profound Victory and other friends might understand, but others would find it very difficult not to take offense.

But from another perspective, before the start of this great battle, he was still in a state of “missing for the country” and had already clearly refused to participate in the war on the Star Moon Plain, having received no summons.

His intrusion onto the Star Moon Plain battlefield was to pursue and kill a human demon… The pursuit and killing of a human demon was not merely punishing evil and promoting good; it was also a battle for him to clear his name, strike a heavy blow against Jing Country’s Mirror World Platform, and secure a claim to righteousness for Qi Country.

It was against this backdrop that he had stayed on the Star Moon Plain for half a night.

From this standpoint, he had never truly participated in the battle, nor been involved in a single skirmish or fight… Perhaps the charge of desertion would not stick.

But one point was certain—

This matter would undoubtedly cost him greatly in the Military Affairs Hall. If he wished to enter the Military Affairs Hall in the future, he feared he would need to exert ten times the effort to compensate for today’s choice.

Thus, Heavy Profound Victory had said that by making such a decision, his losses would be greater than he imagined.

These problems were not lost on Jiang Wang.

He naturally understood that something that could prompt Grandmaster Guan Yan to proactively seek help was absolutely not without danger. His rash intrusion might not guarantee his safety.

How overbearing the Great Marsh Tian Clan was, and how terrifying Tian Anping was, he had already experienced profoundly.

But…

Once, on the Star Moon Plain.

Grandmaster Guan Yan had said, “Perhaps there will be a day when I will also need to seek assistance from you.”

And Jiang Wang’s answer at that time was—

“Should there be a request, I shall not dare decline.”

This was his promise.

Unrelated to anything else…

He had made that promise, and so he acted accordingly.