National Guardian's Gone and We're Done

In the office, the members of the think tank sat crowded together. Their expressions varied, yet all were unmistakably grave.

Each member of this think tank was an elite, handpicked by the Great Jing Empire with immense effort and care.

Some were veteran analysts who maneuvered deftly on the international chessboard, leveraging their encyclopedic knowledge of global affairs.

Others were business prodigies, capable of discerning opportunities from dry economic data to forge new paths for the Great Jing Empire’s commercial development.

And still others were strategists who, with their vast experience and exceptional intellect, could accurately predict the course of wars and devise masterful battlefield plans.

At this moment, they were flipping through intelligence files urgently gathered from around the world. At times, they would lower their heads in deep thought, brows furrowed, as if locked in a silent battle with the information before them.

At other times, they would lean in to whisper amongst themselves, discussing key points. Though their voices were low, they were tinged with urgency and tension.

"According to this report, the White-Red Empire’s sudden lockdown seems to be hiding a dark secret."

A middle-aged man in black-rimmed glasses, his eyes sharp and wary, jabbed a finger firmly at the document in his hand.

His brow was knitted in a deep frown, his voice full of concern. "The White-Red Empire has always maintained frequent contact with the outside world. For them to suddenly sever all ties... this is no coincidence."

His voice, startlingly clear in the quiet office, was like a stone tossed into a still lake, sending ripples through the room.

"That’s right. And the Defense Teams of several neighboring countries have been mobilizing frequently as well."

An elderly, gray-haired man beside him chimed in. Though his face was etched with the ravages of time, his eyes remained sharp. He shook his head slightly, a worried look on his face, as if he could already foresee the coming storm. "The Lance Empire on our Western Border has deployed three additional large Defense Teams to the frontier, and the southern federation is moving large quantities of military supplies in our direction. I’m afraid they’re preparing for the changes to come."

Ji Shengyue sat quietly at her desk, her expression stern. Her gaze swept over each person in the room as her fingers tapped a steady, rhythmic beat on the tabletop. She nodded slightly from time to time, contemplating their next move.

In this turbulent world, every decision was critical. One misstep could mean losing everything. The fate of the Great Jing Empire was now hanging by a thread.

"Tell me, everyone. How should the Great Jing Empire respond?"

Ji Shengyue finally spoke. Her voice was deep and powerful, carrying an innate authority that instantly silenced the entire office.

All eyes snapped to her. The air was thick with tension as they waited for what felt like a life-or-death verdict.

A young strategist was the first to rise, his eyes gleaming. "Your Majesty," he said eagerly, "in my view, our most urgent task is to strengthen our defenses. We must immediately deploy the Defense Team to the borders to construct fortified defensive lines, paying special attention to the northern region adjacent to the White-Red Empire, as well as the vulnerable strategic points to the east and west."

"At the same time, we must increase investment in the Defense Team, develop new weapons, and enhance their combat effectiveness to repel a potential foreign invasion."

"I believe we cannot neglect diplomatic mediation,"

a female official in ornate robes said slowly, her voice crisp yet calm. "We could dispatch envoys to communicate and negotiate with neighboring countries in an attempt to resolve this crisis through diplomacy."

"By clarifying our position and seeking common ground for cooperation, we might be able to avert war. After all, once fighting breaks out, it is the common people who suffer most."

"We also need to make economic adjustments."

A portly business advisor stroked his beard, speaking in an unhurried manner. "We must bolster our domestic economy, encourage commercial development, and increase tax revenue."

"At the same time, we must stockpile sufficient resources—especially food and energy—to be fully prepared for a potential war."

"Furthermore, we could consider establishing closer trade relations with the Neutral Empire to ensure a stable supply of resources."

Ji Shengyue listened attentively to each opinion, but a trace of exhaustion and helplessness crept into her eyes.

As they continued to speak, the look of deep disappointment in her eyes intensified.

For Ji Shengyue knew full well that the one causing such a stir in the White-Red Empire was almost certainly the traitor, Chu He.

At the thought of Chu He, a wave of complex emotions washed over Ji Shengyue:

regret, indignation, and above all, blame for her own disastrous decision.

Once, Chu He had been the Great Jing Empire’s National Guardian War God. His military exploits were legendary, his reputation was known far and wide, and he had rendered invaluable service to the Great Jing Empire.

In battle after battle against the Evil Spirits, Chu He had always been the first to charge into the fray. His figure stood like a towering mountain, blocking the Evil Spirits’ onslaught and safeguarding the peace of the Great Jing Empire.

Under his command, the Defense Team he led was like a razor-sharp blade that struck fear into the hearts of their enemies.

Yet, for her own selfish reasons, Ji Shengyue had feared that her ascension as a woman to the throne of Queen of the Great Jing Empire would incite widespread insubordination.

Furthermore, she had never personally witnessed the true extent of Chu He’s power or the terror of the Evil Spirits,

as he had single-handedly contained them all within the Demon Cave.