Upon saying this, Xu Yuan paused:
"Moreover, you previously stated that Xu Xinyao left before the final stage of the Grand Formation’s construction, but the outside world has spread rumors that Xu Xinyao left after the Formation was verified to be effective. This has established the belief that she is the creator of the Formation."
Colonel Wang clenched his teeth, speaking in a low voice:
"The activation of the Grand Formation at that time was to verify the effectiveness of the Illusion Array’s mist, not for official acceptance."
"But you never denied it before," Xu Yuan said.
Colonel Wang’s voice trembled slightly, "Ms. Xu has done so much for Shengshan County, and with such a reputation, how could Shengshan’s Border Army deny it?"
"So, it’s all the same."
Xu Yuan glanced at the Grand Illusory Fog Formation: "There’s no way to investigate this matter any further."
Colonel Wang’s voice was suppressed with anger:
"Are you saying that Ms. Xu’s identity has become a shield for those bastards of the Myriad Manifestation Sect?!"
Xu Yuan fell silent for a moment before nodding:
"Given the current situation, that is indeed the case.
"Even if Xu Xinyao is willing to testify afterwards, it would only seem like she’s doing it to protect her own reputation to the outside world.
"The status of the Fourth Young Lady of the Prime Minister’s Mansion will greatly influence the judgment of the Imperial Court’s investigators, since her foster father is the current Prime Minister."
"If the Myriad Manifestation Sect is more prepared, even if Shengshan’s Border Army could break through the siege, they would most likely be accused of fleeing during battle. Then whatever you say will be dismissed as lies made up to escape blame."
Colonel Wang’s voice sounded much older as he pointed inside and outside the city:
"Does that mean these four hundred thousand civilians will surely die?"
Xu Yuan looked at Colonel Wang, took a deep breath, and said in a low voice:
"There is one way, but the chance is very slim."
"What is it?" Colonel Wang immediately asked, a rare glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes.
"The technology for controlling Formations from a long distance isn’t feasible yet,"
Xu Yuan spoke calmly and steadily, "That means if the Myriad Manifestation Sect wants to control the Grand Illusory Fog Formation, they will have set up a control station somewhere near Shengshan County. You arrange the Formation to help my senior sister and me break through a gap. We go out, find the person, and kill them, then use that control station to manipulate the Illusion Array."
Upon hearing this, Colonel Wang hesitated slightly:
"Won’t the Myriad Manifestation Sect have strong guardians waiting there?"
"There will definitely be strong guards, but their strength won’t be too formidable, at most a Third Grade Great Master."
"Why?" Colonel Wang frowned.
Xu Yuan’s analysis was swift and steady: "The overall strength of the Myriad Manifestation Sect is strong, but not so strong that they could cultivate a Second Grade Origin Initial soundlessly. Their First Grade Mortal Transcendence and Second Grade Origin Initial individuals are all well-known. If these people make a move and leave traces, it would be tantamount to confirming the Myriad Manifestation Sect’s intention to massacre the city. The Sect wouldn’t take that risk."
As the words fell, a moment of silence permeated the air,
without a hint of hesitation, the burly Border Army soldier sank to his knees on the ground.
Xu Yuan frowned, intending to help him up, but the other party knelt down firmly, making it impossible for him to lift him with his skills.
Colonel Wang clasped his hands together, bowing deeply to Xu Yuan:
"Shengshan County is grateful for Young Master Zhou’s great kindness."
Xu Yuan frowned, and said in a low voice:
"Colonel Wang, I...cannot guarantee that we will definitely be able to find the control station.
"This won’t be sufficient to convict the Myriad Manifestation Sect."
Colonel Wang shook his head, smiling wryly:
"Young Master Zhou, at least now there’s a chance for these four hundred thousand civilians to survive."