Chapter 0693 – Recruitment

"Though we are all people whose nations have fallen and families scattered, drawn from different worlds, eras, and times, we share one identity—the human race. As soldiers, our duty is to protect the people. That is our purpose. Soldiers seek the path of protection through killing. If you four generals were to come to Xuanhuang City, I believe you would surely be put to good use. Your talents would not be wasted."

"In Xuanhuang City, all kinds of infrastructure are complete. It governs countless villages and towns within a ten-thousand-li radius. It is virtually no different from a regular dynasty. With a population of over ten million and a fully developed civic system, it is a land where human civilization can flourish once more. This is the perfect place for you generals to showcase your abilities."

Yi Tianxing spoke slowly, his tone sincere and imbued with a unique charisma that naturally inspired trust.

These words weren't only for Feng Xianlin and the others—they were also spoken for the ears of the million soldiers gathered on the oasis.

Most of these soldiers were independent, unaffiliated with any major force, yet they were all battle-hardened veterans. During their fight against the undead army, it was evident that once battle began, they could quickly coordinate and form cohesive units.

They had instinctively internalized military strategy and coordination, skills etched into their very bones.

If these veterans could be recruited and put through minimal training, they could quickly form an army capable of devastating power—especially after their bodies had been tempered by the militant baleful energy within General Valley. Their blood vitality was strong, their bodies sturdy, and their combat prowess astonishing. Their potential was immense. These were elite troops, capable of rising to even greater heights. From among them, future commanders and generals would surely emerge.

Bringing these million veterans back to Xuanhuang City would undoubtedly cause the city's overall strength and foundation to surge dramatically.

Yi Tianxing's speech had its intended effect.

Many of the old soldiers began to show subtle changes in their expressions.

If General Valley had not been destroyed, they might not have been so easily swayed. But now that the valley was no longer habitable—engulfed in flames likely born of Nvba's corpsefire—even cultivators who entered would be reduced to ashes.

With no home and no refuge, it was only natural for people to seek a new one.

Yi Tianxing's invitation to Xuanhuang City, coming at this moment, was undeniably alluring to many of the veterans.

"If I'm not mistaken, Fellow Daoist Yi, you must be the Lord of Xuanhuang City. To manifest a Battle Dragon Robe as a divine ability from a life aperture requires powerful fate and destiny. A regular merchant wouldn't possess such reserves. Your strength—so vast that even a Life Chart couldn't suppress you—makes it hard to believe you're just a businessman."

Feng Xianlin suddenly spoke, locking eyes with Yi Tianxing.

He had noticed far too many unusual traits about this man and could not help but speculate on his true identity.

Yi Tianxing was not surprised.

He had never truly hidden who he was. Being seen through didn't trouble him; in fact, if no one had suspected anything, that would have been truly odd.

"You're right. I am indeed the Lord of Xuanhuang City—Yi Tianxing."

He answered without hesitation.

"You really are the city lord?"

Hua Mulan blinked in surprise, casting curious glances at him. "Since you're the city lord, and the Golden Desert is tens of thousands of li away from your city, how can you afford to leave it for so long? Aren't you afraid something might happen in your absence? A city lord should hold his post—after all, 'a noble son doesn't sit beneath a crumbling roof.'"

This didn't match her impression of what a city lord should be like.

Even the Queen of Jingjue, ruler of Ancient Jingjue City, wouldn't leave her domain lightly.

Danger was everywhere. If anything went wrong, the entire power structure could collapse. This wasn't something to be taken lightly.

"I have my methods. And besides, I believe that Xuanhuang City today isn't something just anyone can threaten. Unless the surrounding foreign races unite, I truly don't fear any attempts to invade it."

Yi Tianxing smiled with calm confidence.

Xuanhuang City had earned its reputation through blood and battle. Not just anyone could provoke it.

"If we do go to Xuanhuang City, what kind of treatment can we expect?"

Yue Qiang asked bluntly after taking a deep breath.

"In Xuanhuang City, we've established the Military Affairs Pavilion. It governs all armed forces and answers only to me. Non-military personnel may not interfere with its operations. Civil officials are forbidden from meddling in military matters. Soldiers only need to cultivate, grow stronger, and kill foreign enemies. All resources are allocated with priority to the military, as much as possible. We do everything we can to protect the interests of our soldiers."

Yi Tianxing spoke calmly.

Separating civil and military affairs—this was the status he offered the military in his city.

In history, no army had ever enjoyed such status.

Emperors across dynasties had always feared the military. Armies could seize the world and establish dynasties—but once uncontrollable, they could just as easily bring down an empire.

There were countless examples of rulers restraining military power.

Thus, soldiers had rarely received true respect throughout the ages.

But this Military Affairs Pavilion, free from interference, allowed the military to operate autonomously. It was not about power—it was about respect.

This respect was something countless soldiers had pursued their whole lives.

At this moment, many old soldiers were visibly moved.

They could not remain isolated from the people. In this age of chaos, soldiers had their purpose.

No one could remain detached from the world. No one could live in peace without strength.

An invitation issued by Yi Tianxing—personally, and as a city lord—was not something he would say lightly. In such times, deception was out of the question. His words were fact.

"Does Xuanhuang City permit women to lead troops and join the military?"

Hua Mulan asked.

"Of course. There is no concept of male superiority in Xuanhuang City. Anyone who cultivates can become strong. There's no essential difference—women can absolutely serve in the military. If capable, they can lead troops, go to war, and command armies. That's not an issue at all."

Yi Tianxing replied confidently.

His tone left no room for doubt.

"We'll need to think it over," said Feng Xianlin after exchanging glances with the others.

"Naturally. As long as you give an answer within three days, that's enough," Yi Tianxing nodded.

"One day will suffice," Feng Xianlin responded directly.

"Very well—one day it is," Yi Tianxing agreed.

He then turned to the other independent veterans and said, "Brothers of the military, anyone who wishes to come to Xuanhuang City is welcome. Whether you want to enlist or become a regular citizen, the choice is yours. If you prefer not to enlist, you can become a hunter. We have a Hunter Hall, where you can work as a bounty hunter, slaying fierce beasts and completing bounty missions to earn cultivation resources."

Whether becoming soldiers or hunters, joining Xuanhuang City would empower them all.

Meanwhile, this sudden battle had come and gone just as quickly.

Back in Xuanhuang City, a storm was brewing.

The Beastman Tribes had formed a coalition army and were marching directly toward the city—a message that spread across tens of thousands of li in record time, reaching even farther regions.

The battlefield had been confirmed—outside the Iron-Blood Great Wall.

The Golden Behemoth cub was still nailed to the wall, blood dripping from its body.

But given the monstrous vitality of golden behemoths, this was hardly life-threatening. Still, the humiliation of being nailed there was too much—it kept its eyes shut and said nothing. Clearly, it had no intention of speaking.

The army was already gathering.

On the Iron-Blood Great Wall, soldiers in full armor stood every few paces, exuding a thick, iron-blooded aura. Their mere presence brought a sense of absolute security.

Within Xuanhuang City, the military had reached over 500,000 elite troops. Adding the defense forces gathered from surrounding towns and villages, the total army now numbered over one million.

In times of crisis, every citizen of Xuanhuang could become a soldier.

The city's population had also reached two million.

At the final moment, the teleportation arrays could even be activated to summon all remaining forces from surrounding settlements. If worst came to worst—they would perish together with the enemy.

Every person in the city radiated a fierce, killing intent.

Merchants had stopped doing business and were sharpening blades instead.

Farmers had abandoned their fields, walking around with hoes slung over their shoulders.

"What a perfect calm before the storm. This battle is attracting quite the audience. Many powerful individuals we've never seen before have emerged."

Lord Emptiness sighed, shaking his jade fan leisurely.

His gaze swept over the city with meaningful glances.

Down one street, a group of young men and women had gathered. Each one carried a sword and bore cultivation. Their aura was distinct from the common folk.

Their aura—neither detached nor wholly transcendent—was defined by a deep-rooted pride and confidence.

It came from their very bones.