Chapter 0363: Mu Guiying

Dong, dong, dong!

Hearing the conversation from inside the room, Yi Tianxing stepped forward and knocked on the door.

A maid opened the door. Seeing Yi Tianxing, she quickly moved aside.

"Brother Yi, you're here."Cai Yan smiled as she spoke. "Sister Guiying, this is the current lord of Xuanhuang Town and the man who saved you—Brother Yi Tianxing. You can just call him Brother Yi. This is Mu Guiying, truly a heroine whose valor rivals any man's."

She introduced both parties to each other.

"It really is her. Only she could be worthy of being called such a legendary heroine."Yi Tianxing silently pondered, confirming her identity and sighing inwardly.

"Mu Guiying greets Brother Yi. I owe my recovery entirely to the spiritual medicine you provided. Without it, I fear I would have remained in eternal slumber, like the living dead."Mu Guiying bowed slightly and greeted him earnestly.

"No need for such formality. This was your own destiny. It was your father who brought the people of Mu Village here to Xuanhuang Town in exchange for this. In a sense, it was just a transaction. If you insist on thanking me, I truly don't deserve it."Yi Tianxing replied with a smile.

"The fact that the villagers from Mu Village can now live stable lives here in Xuanhuang Town is a blessing for all humankind. Even if I hadn't been saved, knowing my father, he would still have agreed to move the villagers here if it meant protecting them. To shelter tens of thousands of human lives, to defeat invading alien armies—Brother Yi, you are more than worthy of respect."Mu Guiying's expression grew serious as she spoke. Her brows exuded a natural heroic air, devoid of any feminine frailty—full of martial grace and determination.

Yi Tianxing observed her closely.

Now that she was awake, her complexion had changed significantly. The aura around her was entirely different from when she had been unconscious in bed.

Even he couldn't help but admire her—what a remarkable woman.

Memories of her from history surfaced in his mind.

According to historical texts and tales, Mu Guiying was the daughter of Mu Yu of Mu Village. She was highly skilled in martial arts, clever and courageous, said to have been taught divine archery and throwing blade techniques by a goddess. She once captured Yang Zongbao during a battle and married him, later joining the ranks of the Yang Family Generals. Alongside them, she fought valiantly to defend the nation. Even when She Taijun (She Saihua) took command at age one hundred and led the Twelve Widows on a western campaign, Mu Guiying, at fifty-three, still held the vanguard seal and fearlessly ventured into danger. She famously destroyed the Heavenly Gate Formation during a grand battle. A paragon of heroic women in Chinese history, she had the talent to command armies and could be considered the equal of Hua Mulan.

Of course, the Mu Guiying standing before him was now just a young woman. Her tall, slender frame and long legs traced a flawless silhouette shaped by years of training. Her striking features and bold demeanor created a powerful charisma. While her beauty may not surpass Cai Yan's, her warrior's aura gave her a unique and captivating charm.

She was truly unforgettable.

At any time, a woman like her had a massive impact on men.

And coupled with the historical knowledge he had of her, Yi Tianxing couldn't help but feel a subtle affinity and admiration for Mu Guiying.

"I wonder how you're feeling now, Miss Mu. Do you have any lingering discomfort? Soul injuries are no minor matter—if any issues remain, it could be dangerous."Yi Tianxing asked with a gentle smile.

"Thank you for your concern, Brother Yi. After taking the spiritual medicine, I feel more energized than ever before. My spirit and willpower seem greatly enhanced—better than I've ever felt in my life."A smile bloomed on Mu Guiying's face.

She could feel it—not only had she recovered, but she was stronger than before. Her soul had been healed and even fortified multiple times over, turning misfortune into fortune.

It was an unprecedented sensation.

"That's good to hear. It's nearly noon now. Why don't we have lunch together and then take a stroll through the town? It'll give you a chance to get familiar with Xuanhuang's layout. I'm sure the town won't disappoint you."Yi Tianxing looked at the sky and extended an invitation.

"Then I'll trouble you, Brother Yi."Mu Guiying, ever straightforward and decisive, didn't hesitate to accept.

As she looked at Yi Tianxing, countless thoughts arose in her heart:

This Eternal Continent is in chaos—fierce beasts and monsters far outmatch most humans. Even Mu Village struggled at the beginning. Despite all our resources, we couldn't resist those creatures. We could only provide the most basic shelter, barely feeding our people. Every day, someone vanished, taken by monsters...

To build a powerful domain in such a world—that requires more than talent or fortune. It takes true greatness. Greater than any genius or wise ruler from peaceful times. Such a man is a true hero.

Her heart naturally began to grow curious about Yi Tianxing.

Meanwhile, in Xuanhuang Town...

A new notice had been posted at the town square.

No promotion was necessary—when the townspeople saw a new announcement, they immediately gathered to read it. And once they did, shock filled their faces.

"Unbelievable—a complete military reform! They're introducing a new military system!"

"The Nine-Rank Military System—Nine-Rank Heavenly Soldiers, Nine-Star Heavenly Generals. It's incredible! Promotions are based solely on strength and merit. If you have the cultivation and the accomplishments, you can rise in rank—no one can stop you! This is a visible path to advancement!"

"Military positions and ranks are fully unified. Your rank directly reflects your status and duties. This change is enormous. Could this really work? Won't it cause chaos?"

"Look—it says heavenly soldiers can rise through cultivation and merit. But to rise from Ninth-Rank Heavenly Soldier to One-Star Heavenly General, you need to pass a test in military strategy and command ability. If you don't have that, you become a One-Star Battle General instead. Battle Generals have rank and status but no authority to lead troops."

"Those with command ability become Heavenly Generals and can lead armies. Battle Generals are frontline warriors. This avoids putting incapable people in charge—no more 'one incompetent general dooming three armies.' It's a perfect balance of merit and capability."

"I'm joining the army! I used to hesitate since I lacked education, couldn't study classics or take exams. But now I can climb the ranks through battle. Even I have a future!"

As the notice was read, many hesitant townspeople made up their minds and rushed to enlist.

"What a brilliant Nine-Rank System. Just reaching Ninth Rank means formidable power. The integration of military rank and position is bound to create problems if left unchecked, but distinguishing Battle Generals from Heavenly Generals solves this! Heavenly Generals lead; Battle Generals fight. Clear roles, clear paths. This is a system built for power."

"Such a system ensures rapid growth of the military. Soldiers will give everything to rise—training, fighting, killing, all for merit. On the battlefield, this becomes a ferocious army of tigers and wolves. The strength they'll unleash will be terrifying."

Even elite minds from other villages were shocked.

It was clear: the Nine-Rank Military System was a weapon forged for troubled times.

But even knowing of it, copying it was no easy task.

One needed strength. One needed a capable army. Could they fairly and accurately track military achievements?

Xuanhuang Town had something they didn't—the Star Network and the Sky Record Card, tools that ensured fairness and transparency.

Only with these could such a revolutionary system succeed.