Chapter 417

Chapter 417: Mu Lin Trained as a Military Leader

Seeing the distressed face of Zhang Hemiao, deputy commander of the Agricultural and Martial Corps, the envoys from surrounding legions refrained from further mockery or kicking her while she was down.

They were comrades who had fought side by side. Though rivalry existed between their different camps, it remained mostly healthy.

Someone now offered comfort:

"General Hemiao, don’t fret too much. Master Hetian’s actions surely carry deeper meaning."

"True. He founded the Agricultural and Martial Corps himself—it’s his life’s work. He’d never jeopardize it."

Yet others mirrored Zhang Hemiao’s anxiety. Mo Feng of the Black Sha Legion and Cai Tian of the Thunder Legion frowned as they cautioned her:

"General Hemiao, tread carefully."

"Abandoning two years’ resource shares for Mu Lin alone? This affects not just you, but your entire corps and the millions under your protection."

Their urgency stemmed from the three legions’ strategic triangle against monsters and evil spirits. If the Agricultural and Martial Corps fell, neighboring legions would suffer too. Instead of mockery, they pressed her to reconsider.

Zhang Hemiao threw up her hands. "You think I didn’t try? I begged Grandfather immediately after the order came—trading two years’ supplies for one man is madness!"

"But he refuses to listen."

Her words silenced Mo Feng and Cai Tian. Questioning a Master’s decree was beyond them.

As hesitation hung in the air, the Dragon Elephant Army envoy spoke up:

"I’ve figured it out!"

"Master Hetian’s failing health demands an heir. But Masters aren’t trained—they’re born. Among the human race, only Mu Lin can reliably achieve Master-level advancement now."

"Even North Wilderness’s unparalleled geniuses might fail. But Mu Lin? His potential outstrips seven Earth Immortals combined. Suffer now, gain a future Master to secure your corps."

"That’s why Master Hetian indulges his demands—he’s not hiring a subordinate, but grooming your next leader."

The logic held. Mo Feng and Cai Tian withdrew their objections—interfering with another legion’s future plans crossed lines.

Yet Zhang Hemiao’s frown remained. "So Grandfather bets our future? But can we survive two lean years?"

…

Unaware of the debate at Grand Marshal Tianwu’s residence, Mu Lin journeyed northward with his companions.

Traveling north from the Southeast Province, Mu Lin first witnessed prosperity.

Countless roads converged toward the heart of the Great Spirit Dynasty, creating an imperial capital teeming with over ten million inhabitants—a colossal city.

Lacking towering structures, it sprawled wider than any capital Mu Lin remembered from his past life.

Beyond its size, the city blazed with countless lanterns that never dimmed, night after night.

But this human prosperity ended at the capital.

Past the capital, the initial stretch showed peaceful, ancient countryside views.

Yet once beyond the Great Spirit Dynasty’s reach, everything shifted.

Towns here didn’t just lack night lights—they feared even lighting a candle after dark.

In these lands, Mu Lin often spotted monsters and evil spirits in wilds, villages, and towns.

Humans and monsters coexisted here.

The Demon Exorcism Division kept daytime safe for humans, but nights belonged to the creatures.

Still, worse lay further north.

In the North Wilderness, villages had vanished.

No roosters crowed for miles; bleached bones littered the fields—this was the North Wilderness.

Monster hordes claimed broken mountain hamlets, barren hills, and crumbling towns.

Human forces now gathered in a few major cities.

Only cities shielded by formations offered some safety in the north.

But cities relied on villages for supplies.

Without villages and key resource points, northern life grew harsh, resources desperately scarce.

“No wonder northern aristocrats chose to migrate south, why so many turned to forbidden power… This land can’t sustain ordinary folk.”

Mu Lin mourned the north’s suffering, but soon determination replaced pity.

“North Wilderness people suffer, but I’m here now!”

“I’ll restore yin-yang order here. A peaceful era for humanity begins.”

Carrying this ambition, Mu Lin reached Tianwu City, the North Wilderness’ heart.

His arrival drew immediate attention.

Some gazed with awe; others exchanged curious whispers.

“That’s Mu Lin? The one holding seven Earth Immortal slots?”

“Looks ordinary to me.”

“Will the Agricultural and Martial Corps survive this?”

“Hope they do. If not, our northern defenses—whether retreating or reinforcing—will collapse…”

Murmurs trailed Mu Lin through the city gates.

Before Mu Lin could understand what was happening, a middle-aged woman with weary features stood before him.

"Young Master Mu Lin?"

"Yes. And you?"

Unlike the slender girls of southeastern river towns, this woman had a sturdy frame. To Mu Lin’s eyes, she resembled a field laborer more than a cultivator. Yet her spiritual pressure felt overwhelming.

‘An Earth Immortal? Do all female cultivators in the North Wilderness dress so plainly?’

His quick glance around confirmed most northern women carried themselves with fiery confidence rather than this matronly solidity. ‘Must be her cultivation method.’

As Mu Lin pondered, the woman spoke again. "Zhang Hemiao. Grandfather Master Hetian spoke of me. I’ll oversee your activities here."

"Shall we tour Tianwu City or proceed directly to the Agricultural and Martial Corps base?"

Mu Lin cut to the chase. "My terms – do you accept them?"

He knew his demands sounded unreasonable. Compliance would breed resentment, but he’d come prepared to establish his own territory regardless. The exaggerated conditions were meant to deter alliance-seekers.

Zhang Hemiao’s response stunned him. "The Corps agrees."

"…Certain?" Mu Lin’s gaze sharpened. "Refusing is acceptable. Master Hetian aided me greatly – I’ll simply establish adjacent territory for mutual support. But deception…"

The unspoken threat hung between them.

"Grandfather’s word binds us," Zhang Hemiao stated. "Dissenters exist, but his orders stand."

"Good. To your base then. The city can wait."

Her shout summoned dozens of brawny men. They boarded a flying vessel, though Mu Lin noted other groups laden with supplies and recruits. His lone presence stood out.

"Why take nothing?" he asked. "Tianwu distributes resources. Don’t you need provisions or allies?"

The Corps members exchanged weighted glances. Finally one blurted: "You consumed two years’ resource shares! We’ll scrape by alone until next allocation!"

"……"