Lu Zhaozhao followed the palace guard into a separate tent.
She looked around. Various furs hung on the walls, and next to them was a huge sheepskin map with intricate drawings on it—a geomantic map from somewhere unknown. Below it was a sand basin marked with roads, rivers, and other symbols, seemingly used for commanding troops.
Walking further in, at the very top is a chair covered with tiger skin, looking majestic and imposing. Behind it is a screen, and only after stepping through it do you realize that there is a hidden world inside.
The folding chairs and armchairs were casually placed around the perimeter, and there seemed to be a copper oven in the center.
When Lu Zhaozhao's gaze fell upon this spot, it stopped.
The palace guard didn't notice her actions, but simply walked to the shelf on the side and took out a gilded blue-plated box from the shelf full of books.
When she turned around, she found Lu Zhaozhao standing by the oven, looking inquisitive.
What are you looking at? This oven?
Hearing the voice behind her, Lu Zhaozhao realized that she had been so engrossed in what she was watching that she had forgotten she was in the palace guard tent, and she had to immediately straighten up.
"I was just curious because this thing was new."
She subtly averted her gaze, pretending that she was genuinely attracted to the small object.
The palace guard understood and nodded, explaining, "This is called an owl-foot bronze stove. It is used for heating, but most areas in the western region are not afraid of frost, so this item is not common."
As expected, Lu Zhaozhao thought to herself. She had noticed it as soon as she entered the tent; there were an absurd number of human items inside.
If it was for understanding during the great battle, then those sand table maps would be understandable, but the folding chairs and armchairs were too unexpected. It wasn't until she saw the oven, something completely useless in the western region, that Lu Zhaozhao confirmed her inner thoughts.
She feigned curiosity and asked, "Owl feet? Why would you choose such an image? I don't think I've ever seen this creature in the Western Regions."
"This creature mostly grows in deep forests or wilderness. The western region is mostly desert, so it is naturally difficult to find. Even if it exists, it will probably be used as food in the desert."
Listening to the palace guard's explanation, Lu Zhaozhao slowly steered the question she wanted to ask. She said, "So, this thing belongs to the human race?"
The palace guard's gaze fell on her, and Lu Zhaozhao met his gaze, unable to discern his true intentions.
Why do you think that way?
When the palace guard asked the question, Lu Zhaozhao thought for a moment and replied, "You yourself said that the oven is of little use in the Western Region, and the beasts on it are not common in the Western Region. Moreover, it is during a time of war, so it must have been obtained from the human race."
The palace guard did not answer yes or no, but simply brushed aside the topic and handed her a box, gesturing for her to open it.
Lu Zhaozhao carefully opened it, and in the very center was a silk scroll.
Lu Zhaozhao looked at the palace guard in confusion. The palace guard took out a silk book and said, "The Western Region uses animal hides to record things, such as sheepskin, while the human race uses this."
He unfolded it, revealing the text written on the silk scroll.
Lu Zhaozhao glanced at it, then looked away and asked, "Is it written in human characters?"
"Yes." The palace guard did not pay attention to Lu Zhaozhao's expression, but stared at the silk scroll with a deep gaze, his tone unfriendly: "The two races have been isolated for a long time, and their languages are no longer interchangeable. When the Demon Lord was here, he could still translate it, but now, even if we have obtained the silk scroll that transmits information, we cannot decipher it."
Seeing the genuine frustration in his expression, Lu Zhaozhao pondered for a moment and tentatively asked, "I heard that the Demon King and the Demon Lord came together. Even he can't solve it?"
"Although the Demon King came from the human race, his true form is still a beast. He only went to the human realm by chance and was brought back by the Demon Lord after a few years. Therefore, he does not know human writing."
Although the palace guard's explanation was far-fetched, it wasn't entirely without flaws. Lu Zhaozhao nodded, then feigned an anxious expression and said, "What should we do then!"
The palace guard looked at her and gently coaxed, "Yes, the entire army is in a state of chaos because of this. If someone who knows how to decipher it were to appear at this time, they would be treated as an honored guest."
Looking at the palace guard's appearance, Lu Zhaozhao sneered inwardly.
Of course she could understand what was written on it, but if she were to actually say it, forget about being a guest of honor; whether she could even save her life was another matter entirely.
It seems the palace guard hasn't let his guard down yet. It's likely that everything from when she entered the camp and saw human objects until now has been just a test for him. If she had shown the slightest mistake just now, even if it was just a natural familiarity, she would probably have been taken down immediately.
The thought sent chills down her spine. She swallowed hard, her mind racing, before asking, "The two races have been separated for so long; finding such a capable person would be difficult."
“Indeed.” The Palace Guardian withdrew his gaze, his tone returning to its original indifference. “The two races cannot communicate with each other, so neither can decipher the other’s messages. But these days, the human race has sent many spies to try to infiltrate the ordinary demons, and the situation is becoming increasingly serious.”
The palace guard sighed, but Lu Zhaozhao understood his unspoken meaning and naturally didn't echo his sentiments: "Your Excellency is so powerful that he won't let the human race live carefree, but I'm afraid this matter of documents can't be delayed any longer..."
“You’re right. So, I discussed with the Demon King about sending capable individuals to the human race as well. However, it’s difficult to decide on a candidate. They must not have any disloyal intentions, and they must also be exceptionally capable and not easily detected.” The Palace Guardian looked at Lu Zhaozhao, a chilling smile spreading across his face like a hawk catching its prey. He said, “The Demon King recommended you to me. You are a female demon, and you have never appeared in the world before. Even now, you’ve mostly worn a veil. Furthermore, your disguise skills are superb; even I didn’t recognize you. There’s only one thing we need to investigate about such a capable individual. That is…” He paused.
“Loyalty,” Lu Zhaozhao continued. “So, from the moment you took me away from the northern front, everything I’ve encountered along the way has been a test from you?”
“That’s right. Leaving the northern front proves that you have not submitted to the eight tribes, and everything that happened tonight proves that you are not a human spy.”
"I see." Lu Zhaozhao sighed.
The palace guard didn't dwell on her thoughts and directly gave the order: "Today I command you to go to the human realm. There are three tasks. First, learn human writing; second, investigate the true strength of the human realm; and third, and most importantly, you must secretly find the Demon Lord's whereabouts!"
Lu Zhaozhao frowned: "The Demon Lord has disappeared without a trace, and I'm afraid it will be difficult to find him."
The palace guard's gaze sharpened instantly, and his voice became piercing: "The Demon King has discovered some clues, and the Demon Lord's disappearance may be related to that human Qinghuizong."
Emperor Huizong of Qing? Upon hearing this name, Lu Zhaozhao paused, but feigned ignorance and asked, "Emperor Huizong of Qing? What is that?"
"You'll understand later. Remember your mission: even in death, keep it buried in your heart," the Palace Guardian said coldly.
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