According to intelligence, more than 1,500 magical forces have appeared along the southwest border, adopting a posture of imminent attack. With their track record in Europe, a force of 1,500 magical warriors could simultaneously assault over fifty medium-sized cities, reducing each to ruins within a single fifteen-minute period. Indeed, everyone had been on edge before, as only the Chinese nation and the United States had thus far avoided direct attacks. In fact, the Americans were in a more dire situation—though no magical forces had targeted them directly, they now faced a coalition of millions of troops from various nations. Once the world's dominant power, accustomed to showcasing their strength with aircraft carriers, they now found themselves merely retreating and strengthening their defenses. The Chinese nation has long prided itself on its practitioners of cultivation—a strength that has always been a source of national pride. Yet all recognized that the number of cultivators was limited, and even fewer were capable of holding their own against the magical forces in direct combat. Can they hold off the magical army? That question is being pondered by everyone. The government, through various media outlets, continuously reinforces the same message around the clock: The Chinese nation is invincible; the Chinese people will always prevail. The city closest to the national border—a bustling international trade hub—once attracted people eager to realize their wealth dreams. Indeed, many have achieved significant financial success here. More and more people have come in pursuit of this reputation. Thanks to favorable national policies, a once-unknown border town has grown seven to eight times in just ten years, becoming the region's most important commercial center. Since the magical forces first appeared along the southwest frontier, residents have gradually migrated inland. This time, the movement has intensified dramatically—within a single night, the city's population has dropped by one-fifth, and half of its shops remain closed by morning. After the morning news segment, the mayor appeared on camera, delivering a firm and resolute message urging everyone to remain in place. He emphasized that the nation and the military would not allow the demonic forces to invade at will, and would certainly ensure the safety of lives and property. This speech had a stabilizing effect, giving those who had been panicking a sense of confidence. Many who had previously intended to evacuate now decided to stay. He leader glanced at them carefully and shook his head, saying, "It's not the wealthy—it's the officials." "How do you know?" Qingya asked, puzzled. He leader smiled gently and said, "Look at their license plates—they're the numbers assigned to government vehicles. Ordinary people, no matter how rich, can't secure those." "Government vehicles?" Qin Shao also paused, having just checked the local news on the way over. The mayor had been so firm, declaring he would stay with the people until the very end, never leaving the city. "Exactly," said He Muqing with confidence, pointing to one of the cars, "Notice the one ending with '1'. Only the mayor or the party secretary would dare to use that number." Qin Shao was instantly furious: "By heaven! I was just encouraging the people not to worry—now they're running away themselves. This issue I absolutely have to address." Qingqing has set up the camera, and I'll step in as a live reporter on the scene." With that, he controlled the flying sword to dive downward. On the back seat of Vehicle No. 1, two stout middle-aged men sat side by side, one of whom was none other than the mayor who had just appeared on television. "Comrade Li, won't people notice us?" the mayor asked, wiping his sweat. "Don't worry, Mayor Chen," said the secretary with a smile. "We've already recorded several speeches. If we broadcast one segment every day, those ordinary folks will think we're still active in the city." "You really think ahead." "Of course. Besides, we won't be going too far—just a few dozen kilometers from the city. Even if they follow up, we'll have plenty to say." *Thud...* The leading vehicle, which was meant to clear the way, collided with a sudden large stone, its front hood severely deformed and now beyond repair. "What on earth? Is it a magical invasion?" The mayor was shrieking in panic, and the party secretary wasn't much better off—almost had to pee his pants. At that moment, the secretary rushed over and said, "Both of you, don't worry—suddenly a large stone appeared on the road, and we can't proceed past it." "A large stone?" The party secretary's heart finally settled. "Yes, the lead vehicle has been crushed. We'll have to turn around and go back." The secretary replied. The mayor wiped a bead of sweat from his brow and said, "Then what are we waiting for—let's turn around!" "Who's in charge here?" A strong, resonant voice came from above. The group instinctively looked up, and there stood Qin Shao, his feet seemingly gliding on flying swords. Seeing it was a cultivator, the secretary quickly said, "It's the Party Secretary and the Mayor. They were out on an inspection tour and have been blocked here by this stone. Would you be so kind as to help move it?" Hmm, that stone was actually something I myself dropped earlier. He straightened his expression and said, "Out on an inspection tour?" What are you inspecting? The demonic forces have pressed upon us—shouldn't we be staying put in the city, or are you suggesting we're going out to seek refuge? The two leaders blushed slightly, and the party secretary apologized with a humble smile, "Of course not. It's true that the enemy forces are pressing in, but our daily lives and operations must continue as well. This inspection was actually scheduled long in advance. How could we simply stop everything because of the demonic invasion?... This esteemed guest, you seem familiar. May I ask your name?" His tone was indeed dignified and well-phrased—suitable for convincing the general public—but would I really be so easily deceived? He said coldly, "Go back right now." The secretary was taken aback. "Why?" "Because the city is where you belong," he replied with a sharp smile. "I've blocked your path—give yourselves a chance to reform. Otherwise, you'll be treated as deserters!" The secretary grew increasingly agitated. "You're just a cultivator, aren't you? How can you possibly command us? Shouldn't we be managing our own affairs without needing your interference?" "If you've got the strength, go straight to the magical race and press your case—what then is your accomplishment?" "You can't even look after the common people, yet you claim to have a reason," he said calmly. "The mayor and the party secretary both went out for inspections—what a splendid excuse. Let the entire nation see what you've done."