Chapter 189

Chapter 189: News Arrives

Word of the Zhuhu Dynasty’s impending Eastern Expedition swept through every corner of the realm.

This became the first full-scale war mobilization since the dynasty’s western expedition.

From that day onward, all cultivators within the realm—whether from noble clans, sects, or Loose cultivators—could register for combat at local Immortal Patrol Offices.

These offices would organize them by cultivation realm and dispatch groups to Wang Hai City for war preparations.

Few believed patriotic sentiment alone could drive cultivators to battlefields.

Clear-eyed observers saw this as Tiger-Chasing’s attempt to justify war through grand claims of "punishing traitors" and "seeking vengeance," masking territorial ambitions.

High-level cultivators prized their lives too much.

Full-scale wars between nations meant bloodier battlefields than ever before—risks every seasoned cultivator understood well.

Yet Tiger-Chasing had prepared enticements.

During the campaign, the Dynasty Treasury would open fully.

Combat merits could be exchanged for treasures like Spirit Communication-level artifacts or rare spiritual materials.

Lower-level cultivators received monthly spiritual crystal payments based on cultivation level.

Even first level Gathering Qi practitioners earned twenty crystals monthly—surviving a month at the front guaranteed this sum.

Outstanding performers might join Chongtian City’s nobility after the war.

Consider the Yang Family’s past struggles—two mid-stage cultivators once scraped together thirty-six crystals after years of saving.

Now twenty crystals came easily for surviving one battlefield month, with payments rising alongside cultivation levels. This meant a month’s work could yield ten years’ earnings!

The final bait moved even sects and noble houses:

All Eastern Wilderness territories captured would belong to their conquerors.

Where there are hefty rewards, brave warriors follow.

Soon Immortal Patrol Offices overflowed with applicants.

"Twenty crystals a month! A year’s pay equals two decades!"

"I’ll gamble on this—fortune or disaster!"

"Get rich—oops! Down with bandits! Protect our homeland! Now!"

"True cultivators bring peace to the people!"

"Let’s do this! Brothers!"

In pursuit of wealth and a brighter Path of Cultivation, cultivators across the land flocked to Immortal Patrol Offices to enlist.

Around this time, Gao Hui paid a visit to the Songshan Yang Family.

"Greetings, Yang Master."

As Gao Hui bowed, he sensed the shift in Yang Lingqing’s aura. "Fifth Level! Congratulations on advancing your cultivation!"

"Just some nourishing elixirs," Yang Lingqing returned the courtesy. "I wouldn’t normally resort to this, but our family’s influence keeps growing. A Master needs strength to maintain appearances."

She added, "Congratulations to Mayor Gao too. Eighth Level means Baishi Town’s upgrade must be nearing."

Gao Hui gave a noncommittal smile. Yang Lingqing’s sharp mind had already pieced together the dynasty’s plans. He Shenglai’s support clearly aimed to push Gao Hui to Condensing Essence stage quickly, replacing Song Kaiyang in Moon Watching City. This way, He Shenglai would control the region through Gao Hui and the Yangs.

Gao Hui then explained the Zhuhu Dynasty’s Eastern Expedition mobilization. The Yang Family’s five-year exemption still applied – they wouldn’t need to deploy to the eastern front for over a year. But He Shenglai’s message was clear: once time expired, Yang Lingrui would join the eastward push, and the family must contribute at least five cultivators.

Yang Lingqing showed no surprise, having anticipated the Tiger-Chasing campaign’s goals. "We all serve the nation. The Yang Family will obey the dynasty and Lord He’s arrangements." She casually added, "Besides, it’s been Ten Years since we last saw our Elder. This gives us reason to visit the eastern line."

A flicker in Gao Hui’s eyes betrayed him. Yang Lingqing immediately pressed, "Mayor Gao. Has something happened to our Elder?"

After hesitant pauses, Gao Hui sighed. "Two months back, the old Master took a support mission to the northern front of the eastern line." His voice lowered. "They located retreating forces, but entered the battle zone to rescue rear-guard accompanying cultivators… and vanished."

Yang Lingqing merely frowned. She noted Gao Hui avoided confirming Yang Guanfeng’s death. Had the Elder truly perished two months prior, the Immortal Master would’ve informed her.

"Missing…" She repeated. "Meaning his body wasn’t found?"

"Correct." Gao Hui nodded. "Others’ remains were recovered. Border authorities believe the Eastern Wilderness took him prisoner."

"How does Eastern Wilderness treat captives?"

"Not well." Gao Hui produced letters. "These reports describe widespread prisoner abuse and torture there."

Silence fell between them. Gao Hui withheld the cruelest truth – for Tiger-Chasing cultivators, capture meant death. Every accompanying cultivator bore a Zhuhu Dynasty secret technique in their sea of consciousness. Disclosing dynasty secrets triggered instant mental collapse. Captives either died confessing or endured endless torture.

"Abuse? Torture?"

Chen Yang set down his half-knitted scarf, examining Yang Guanfeng’s soul fire instead. Multiple checks confirmed the Elder’s condition – stable, unharmed.