Deposed Crown Prince: After three years of service on the frontier, the entire court knelt and begge

Seeing Lin Zhong's condition, Xiao Ce quickly helped him up.

Lin Zhong felt grateful to Xiao Ce; their relationship was indeed very deep...

However, the bond between Lin Zhong and Xiao Dingshan was even deeper than the sea.

Lin Zhong had followed Xiao Dingshan since childhood, and the two had gone through countless life-and-death situations, wading through mountains of corpses and seas of blood...

Therefore, Xiao Ce's arrival was a great shock.

But the shock was clearly even greater when Prince Xiao Dingshan, the ruler of Zhen, whose old master was still alive...

Xiao Ce helped Lin Zhong up: "Uncle Zhong, calm down for a while... your health is important..."

Xiao Ce was truly afraid that the old man would get too excited and die on the spot...

He really meant well but ended up doing something wrong...

After Lin Zhong was helped up by Da Lei and the others.

Xiao Ce continued, his gaze sweeping over the six department heads and Vice President Tian Jinxian: "Xu Zhiyuan is good at supervision, Rong Heping is transparent in finance, Nan Changfeng has no worries about military supplies, Lin Hai's household registration and grain are as stable as a rock, Xing Shoulu is strict in law and punishment, and Xin Xiaoci is well-versed in etiquette."

Vice President Tian manages government affairs in a well-organized manner.

The East Asian Union's current prosperity, stability, thriving industries, and orderly society are all thanks to your tireless efforts and dedication! I am deeply gratified.

Everyone whose name was called felt a surge of excitement, along with a tremendous sense of honor and responsibility.

They all bowed in return, saying in unison, "It is all thanks to Your Highness for laying the foundation and President Yin for his effective governance. We dare not take credit for it!"

Finally, Xiao Ce's gaze fell on the members of the Twelve Fiends.

Night Ox, Axe-Bull, Xie Zhi, Deer-Shu, Bat, Yang Wanli, Yin Tai Sui, Shan Lei, Yin Jiu, Wan San...

These partners who once followed him through thick and thin and now control a vast intelligence network and special forces are truly the original shareholders.

Without the Twelve Fiends, perhaps none of Xiao Ce's subsequent events would have occurred...

“Night Owl…” Xiao Ce’s voice carried a hint of warmth that was barely perceptible. “The secret guards have become a system, with eyes and ears all over East Asia. They’ve done a good job.”

"Your Highness!" Night Cat stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and choked with emotion, "Shadow Guards... Shadow Guards, will always be your blades! We long for your return day and night!"

The other members also knelt down on one knee in unison, their eyes burning with fervor...

"Get up, all of you." Xiao Ce personally helped Ye Mao up, then gestured to the others, "You are all my most trusted brothers. You've all worked hard these past years. I'm very happy to see you all safe and sound."

Da Lei stood behind Xiao Ce, watching this scene with a grin. He patted the shoulders of Axe Ox and Xie Zhi beside him with a forceful pat, and with just a glance, everything was understood without words.

The joy of reunion and the excitement of Xiao Ce's return flowed and collided silently in the air...

After Xiao Ce finished speaking, he immediately said to everyone, "Alright, everyone, calm down and take your seats..."

After listening to Xiao Ce's words, the group began to compose themselves.

After all, at this moment, they were somewhat out of control...

They all began to sort out their emotions...

After everyone was seated.

Yin Weiyong glanced at Xiao Ce.

Xiao Ce nodded.

This was something the two of them had discussed and agreed upon.

Yin Weiyong wanted Xiao Ce to speak, but Xiao Ce said that he would leave after dealing with these matters.

The work in the future will still need to be done by Yin Weiyong, so Yin Weiyong will be the main person in charge and he will be the assistant.

After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Yin Weiyong didn't hesitate and readily agreed.

Therefore, at this moment, Yin Weiyong spoke up, his voice steady: "Gentlemen, the return of the Prince is a great blessing for our Xiao Kingdom and even East Asia! However, the Prince's journey is not a simple triumphant return. The reason for summoning you all today is of paramount importance, concerning the survival of our Xiao Kingdom, the safety of East Asia, and even... the future of the entire human race!"

Yin Weiyong's words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing everyone's ecstatic joy at their reunion, and the atmosphere became heavy and somber once again.

Everyone looked at Xiao Ce, waiting for him to continue.

Because they believe that everything in East Asia is thriving.

They even held several meetings to compare and simulate Western military capabilities.

The simulations showed that they had an absolute chance of winning.

Moreover, these messages were all sent out by Xiao Yang and Han Da's spies, as well as by many Westerners throughout East Asia.

They believed these messages to be reliable.

Therefore, people felt that Yin Weiyong's words were somewhat serious.

However, since Xiao Ce was there, they also felt that Yin Weiyong wouldn't deliberately exaggerate like that...

Looking at everyone's expressions, Yin Weiyong said, "Everyone is probably suspicious. Next, let the Prince lead the discussion."

As Yin Weiyong spoke, he gestured for Xiao Ce to proceed...

The gentle expression on Xiao Ce's face gradually faded, replaced by a serious look...

At this moment, Yin Weiyong saw Xiao Ce get up, so he raised his hand and had Lin Feng behind him bring over the world map that had been prepared beforehand, and unfolded it...

At this moment, Xiao Ce slowly walked to the huge map of the Xiao Kingdom and the East Asian Alliance, his finger gently tracing the outline of the continent, finally stopping at the edge of the vast ocean...

Xiao Ce's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying a strange penetrating power: "Gentlemen, what you see in Kyoto, which you now call Dragon City, is a new look! The steam roars, the railways crisscross, and the ironclad warships patrol the seas... This is very good, very good. This is the result of our joint efforts, the glory we have rebuilt from the ruins."

"What you've accomplished is the result of your collective, and our entire nation's, risking our lives... Although the achievements are significant... but..."

He abruptly changed the subject, like a sword being drawn from its sheath: "But this glory, in the face of a real threat, may be as fragile as glass."

A chill ran through everyone. A real threat? Even greater than the Western powers?

"In the years I have been away, I have traveled to the West, experienced life and death, and gained far more than you can imagine, and know far more than you know."

Xiao Ce's gaze swept across the entire area, as if it were a tangible presence. "The land beneath our feet is not the only one in the universe. In the vast sea of ​​stars, there exist civilizations and powers far beyond our imagination."

Stars? The universe? Far beyond imagination?

These words were too distant and abstract for the people present.

Even someone as knowledgeable as Lin Zhong only scratched the surface of things through occasional astrological calculations conducted by the Tianji Academy.

Most people looked bewildered and incredulous.

However, they all knew that Xiao Ce wouldn't say these things without reason...

Since Xiao Ce said that, he must be absolutely certain of success...

"Your Highness...you mean...there are heavens beyond heavens?" Vice President Tian Jinxian asked tentatively. He was well-read, but what Xiao Ce said went far beyond the classics.

However, he had actually learned something from the research conducted by the Tianji Institute...

“That’s right!” Xiao Ce replied decisively.

"Moreover, this heaven beyond heaven is not an unattainable myth. Visitors have already come to our side, or rather, they have been lurking for a long time."

Hum...!

Xiao Ce's few words truly made them feel like their world had been turned upside down...

A suppressed gasp and gasps of surprise filled the conference room...

Infiltrating? Like the ninjas of Japan back in the day? What is the visitor's purpose?

Xiao Ce saw through everyone's thoughts and then explained to them, "They are not the Japanese spies you imagine. The visitors I am talking about, their appearance, their strength, and their purpose are all beyond our human comprehension. They are purely mechanical creations, without feelings or emotions, born only to obey orders, and their strength far surpasses that of ordinary people."

His gaze, intentionally or unintentionally, drifted towards A-Tie, who was standing at the door.

Han Da, Yan Jia, and the others followed his gaze, their hearts filled with doubt.

Actually, they had already noticed these people when Xiao Ce arrived...

They felt... felt that these people's aura was too heavy and imposing.

Xiao Ce continued, "Some of them are a combination of flesh and machine, with an appearance no different from humans, and even possessing intelligence and emotions. However, their strength, speed, and regenerative abilities far exceed human limits, and they can be called 'simulated humans.'" He looked in the direction of Director Mi and the other two.

The three people remained standing there, expressionless...

"Even worse..." Xiao Ce's voice carried a hint of coldness!

"They possess energy weapons that we cannot comprehend, whose power far surpasses that of our most powerful artillery."

Energy weapons? Incomprehensible? Far surpassing artillery?

The expressions of the three marshals and Nan Changfeng, the head of the Ordnance Department, changed drastically.

Artillery was already considered the god of war in their minds. What kind of weapon far surpassed artillery? What does that mean?

Xiao Ce continued, "To make an analogy, back then, we used cold weapons, while the West used all sorts of powerful cannons..."

After Xiao Ce finished speaking, he waved his hand and said, "No...no, that's not quite right...the difference between the firearms I initially made and the automatic rifles we have now is probably even greater...anyway, if they come in large numbers, we will be completely helpless..."

"It wouldn't be an exaggeration to describe it as an old man teasing a mischievous child..."

After Xiao Ce uttered these words, the entire room fell silent.

The only sound was swallowing.

Everyone present knew the difference...

"Your Highness..." Han Da said, swallowing hard...

"Are these visitors friends or foes? What are their intentions in lurking here?"

This is the question on everyone's mind.

"enemy!"

Xiao Ce didn't hesitate; he was extremely determined!

The answer was only one word, yet it carried immense weight and a chilling killing intent.

"Their purpose is by no means friendly exchange or trade. What they covet is some kind of ancient power contained in this land beneath our feet, or rather, the key to opening some kind of door. For this, they will spare no expense, including instigating wars, overthrowing regimes, enslaving humanity, and once humanity is no longer of use, even...exterminating the human race."

Exterminate humanity!

These four words struck like a thunderbolt, sending chills down everyone's spines and sending a shiver down their spines...

The temperature inside the hall seemed to drop suddenly...

"Your Highness...is this...truly true?" Lin Zhong's voice trembled. As the Dean of the Heavenly Mystery Academy, he understood better than most what Xiao Ce's words meant.

Xiao Ce answered without room for doubt: "Absolutely true. I have already fought against them in the West. Uncle Zhong, do you remember the good news I told you?"

Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, Lin Zhong's face immediately showed an embarrassed and nervous expression...

"certainly..."

Xiao Ce said to Lin Zhong, "Weren't you curious why the King of Zhen didn't come with me?"

Lin Zhong's expression grew increasingly grim. He was very intelligent, and by now he was already vaguely guessing what was going on...

Xiao Ce said earnestly to Lin Zhong, "Those extraterrestrial visitors kidnapped the King of Zhen..."

After hearing this, Lin Zhong's face turned extremely grim, but he knew very well that since Xiao Ce had appeared here, he certainly wouldn't stand idly by...

Therefore, Lin Zhong did not continue speaking at this point.

Seeing this, Xiao Ce continued, "They kidnapped Prince Xiao Dingshan, forcing me to show myself. The recent rumors in the capital and even East Asia about my return, life or death, coincide precisely with this timeline, which is no coincidence! Behind this, they are stirring up trouble, trying to disrupt the situation and fish in troubled waters! They are lurking among us, and may even have infiltrated our system!"

Infiltration! Kidnapping the town's king! Manipulating rumors!

The series of explosive pieces of information shocked everyone, turning their faces pale.

If there was any lingering doubt before, it has now been completely shattered.

Xiao Ce would never joke about the safety of the King of Zhen and the fate of the Xiao Kingdom.

After Xiao Ce said this, everyone immediately looked at each other...

Han Da's face was stern, and his voice boomed like a bell, breaking the dead silence, "Your Highness, whether the enemy is a robot, a mechanical dog, or some kind of demon or monster, as long as they dare to harm Your Highness or the Xiao Kingdom, we will do everything in our power to destroy them... We have faced desperate situations every time we have come this far."

But with the Prince by our side, we have nothing to fear... I believe that as long as the Prince is here, as long as he leads us... we will risk everything, even our lives!

"Your Highness!" Night Cat followed closely behind, his eyes sharp as an eagle. "The entire Dark Guard swears to follow Your Highness to the death! We will dig out these cowardly rats and grind their bones to dust! Even if they are gods, we dare to kill them!"

These two individuals set an example, their words inspiring...

Once they started talking, the others followed suit...

After all, Xiao Ce didn't know if any of them had been infiltrated, so they were all trying their best to show their loyalty and didn't want to be misunderstood.