C21 The Alliance of Defenders

Ming Yu and Elder Chen poured over the map, their eyes tracing the terrain in silent contemplation. They exchanged a glance, a mix of excitement and apprehension flickering between them. If Ye Kong's words held true, and the Giants were allies rather than foes, then an alliance could change everything. Should the Giants establish their encampment just outside Long Night Castle, the combined forces would stand a formidable defense against the Darkling Spectres' onslaught. The need for the gates to remain perpetually sealed would vanish. The Night's Watch could venture forth, training beyond the walls, hunting Darkling Spectres, and seizing much-needed resources. Such a turn of events would be a monumental boon, significantly easing the defensive burden on the Wall.

Yet, the nagging fear persisted: what if the Giants' intentions were not as cooperative as they hoped? Should they secure their position and then betray the alliance, the consequences would be dire.

Sensing their trepidation, Ye Kong produced a document. "Please, review this. It's the preliminary agreement from the Giants. We can send envoys to hash out the details or, if you're amenable, the Giants could send representatives here to negotiate."

Ming Yu offered a wry smile. "Perhaps we should go to them."

"No, we'll welcome them here," Elder Chen interjected.

"Elder Chen!" Ming Yu protested.

With a reassuring gesture, Elder Chen addressed the concern. "Consider this—if the Giants intended to strike, they could do so now, and we'd be powerless to stop them. Let's extend an invitation, show our good faith."

Ming Yu pondered briefly before nodding. "Very well, I'll defer to your judgment."

With the negotiation venue agreed upon, the success of the talks now hinged on reaching a consensus on the terms.

Elder Chen fixed Ye Kong with a stern gaze. "You're the one who brought the Giants into this. I'll be informing the Divine King. Should the Giants prove to be our natural allies, your role will be pivotal. But if they harbor ulterior motives, you'll find no refuge among our people."

Ye Kong was acutely aware of the gravity of the situation. He delved deep into his memories of his time with the Giants, searching for reassurance. Finally, he opened his eyes, resolute.

"I trust them. They are allies, not adversaries. And if I'm wrong, I'll fight them to my last breath."

"Very well," Elder Chen replied, his voice carrying a note of finality.

Elder Chen and Ming Yu simultaneously rose to their feet, thumping their chests with their right hands.

"I am the sword in the darkness, the sentinel atop the Wall, steadfast until death!"

Together, they executed a flawless Night's Watch salute, which Ye Kong promptly reciprocated.

In that moment, he felt as though a massive weight pressed upon his heart.

He was acutely aware of the high regard these individuals held for him, solely because he had secured the Giants' friendship.

With the formidable Giants on his side, his voice carried weight.

Without them, his own strength was inconsequential.

He wouldn't even merit the privilege of speaking before Ming Yu and the rest.

Exiting the conference room, Yvran employed the Giants' unique method of communication to alert the village chief beyond the city walls.

Soon thereafter, the city gates swung wide, and three towering giants strode forth.

From a distance, their presence was hardly imposing.

But now, up close, their mountainous statures and vibrant energy exuded an overwhelming aura that set hearts racing.

"Good heavens! I feel like he could crush me with a mere finger."

"I reckon he could flood me with a single leak."

"Quiet down, don't provoke them. One slap and it's no big deal if you're gone, but don't flatten the rest of us."

...

"Look, the Giants have hoisted someone onto their shoulder."

"Whoa, is that Ye Kong?"

The speaker was the instructor of the daredevil squad.

He had never imagined that the most diminutive, number 66, would return alive, let alone in such a manner.

Upon hearing the name Ye Kong, he hadn't associated it with number 66, expecting some illustrious figure instead!

Now, recognizing Ye Kong's face, he was so astonished he was at a loss for words.

His colleague nudged him, "Who is this Ye Kong, to be marked by the Darkling Spectre?"

"He's my student, number 66 from the last group of daredevils."

"No way, such an unassuming person!"

"Looks like you've dropped the ball, Instructor. Your student's come this far, and you're still just a grunt."

"Get up there, show what you're made of."

"Quiet!" Ming Yu's voice boomed.

A hush fell over the crowd.

"Let's give a rousing round of applause to welcome the Giants."

Thunderous applause erupted, with Ye Kong clapping the most joyously atop the Giant's shoulder, basking in the surprised and envious gazes.

He felt like a wealthy man returning to his village.

Though his strength wasn't quite there yet,

at this moment, perched on the Giant's shoulder, he shone the brightest of all.

The Village Chief surveyed the Wall with a resonant voice.

"Upon Ye's request, we've journeyed thousands of miles to the foot of the Wall for rescue.

Though not everyone could be saved, we've secured the Human Realm's Wall of Despair."

"After much deliberation, to prevent future Giant attacks,

we've agreed with your Human Realm's Elder Chen to establish a permanent garrison at Misty Shadow Mountain, northeast of the Wall.

Henceforth, our two races will join forces to hold the Darkling Spectre at bay."

His voice carried to every corner of the Wall.

Some were still processing the implications of this development.

Elder Chen rose, levitating to the Giant's level.

"I have reported the matter to the Icebound Divine King and have his blessing," he declared.

"The days of the Night Castle's sealed gates are over.

We shall venture beyond the Wall, slaying Darkling Spectres to hone our skills.

The northern frontier of the Wall will bear the marks of your valor."

"Yay, fantastic!"

The crowd erupted in vigorous applause.

They could now venture into the vast Northern Kingdom,

rich with untapped mineral wealth.

With safety assured, it promised boundless riches.

The agreement was signed smoothly.

The Giants established their new stronghold at Misty Shadow Mountain, northeast of the Wall.

The Nightwatchers supplied materials and dispatched workers to assist in construction.

Together, they forged an alliance of offense and defense, vigilant and united.

Night fell.

The liveliness subsided, and the Wall was tranquil once more.

Bodies were consumed by flame.

Ye Kong entered a room,

startled as he pushed open the door.

There, the old drunkard lay on the ground.

Blood smeared the floor, staining it red.

He rushed over and checked for a breath.

"Thank goodness, still alive."

He recalled the pill Guta had just handed him.

A realization dawned on him.

With a wry smile, he placed the pill into the old drunkard's mouth.

Half a quarter of an hour later, the old drunkard coughed twice.

Opening his eyes to see Ye Kong, he chuckled, "Haha... *cough*... Haha, I've managed to survive this ordeal. Thanks, Brother Ye."

In that moment, he truly recognized Ye Kong.

He addressed him as 'brother,' no longer just 'Ye.'

"What exactly happened? I was right there when the Giants signed the agreement, and nobody left!"

The old drunkard, struggling, took a sip of wine and said, "Cough, no one left, but my cultivation level was boosted by them. As long as we're within a certain proximity, they can constrain me at any time."

"Oh, so there are drawbacks after all!"

Ye Kong remembered when he had first grasped the Divine Script of Imprisonment.

The Village Chief had warned him that it could accelerate his growth but came with drawbacks, suggesting it was best avoided.

Back then, Ye Kong had felt some resentment, thinking the Village Chief was just stingy with his energy.

Now, it seemed he had unjustly misjudged a kind soul.

"Ye Kong, do you still recall the Gene Castle?"