Chapter 195

Chapter 195: Different Purposes

On the tenth day, the He Family’s large cloud ship arrived punctually at Baishi Town.

Before departure, Yang Lingshu sought Wei Xinqing. As he opened his mouth to speak, she pressed a finger against his lips.

"I understand. I trust you. I’ll wait."

Warmth surged through Yang Lingshu’s heart. He tenderly clasped Wei Xinqing’s hand before drawing her into an embrace.

Their eyes met – one gazing downward, the other looking up – and in that moment of silent devotion, their lips met in a lingering kiss.

After parting from Wei Xinqing, Yang Lingshu descended to the mountain’s base.

The six other Yang Family members had already assembled.

Ranked by cultivation level, they stood in order: Yang Lingrui, Xie Chuan, Liang Yi, Zhao Qi, Chu Xuan, and Dai Wei.

Chu Xuan originated from the Qinghe Chu Family, now serving as a subordinate clan to the Yangs.

Having received intelligence from the main family, Chu Xuan had voluntarily requested deployment to the eastern front.

To bolster their survival prospects, Yang Lingqing had distributed numerous cultivation-enhancing elixirs throughout the preceding year.

She’d also provisioned their storage bags with ample medicinal pills, talismans, and combat-ready spiritual treasures before departure.

Augmented by handwritten copies of Dao cultivation insights, their cultivation levels showed marked improvement:

Xie Chuan attained the fifth level of Gathering Qi.

Liang Yi reached the second level’s peak.

Chu Xuan broke through to the second level of Gathering Qi.

Zhao Qi made significant strides within the second level.

Only Dai Wei remained at the initial stage.

"Apologies for the delay!"

"Lingshu’s here. We move out now."

The seven cultivators departed Song Mountain for Baishi Town – the Yang Family’s largest deployment since the Twenty-Four Secret Treasure Sites incident.

At the journey’s midpoint, the He Family’s colossal cloud ship became visible above Baishi Town’s skyline.

"That’s a cloud ship?"

"Majestic beyond words!"

"A spiritual treasure of such scale! Wind-riding and passenger-bearing – what divine craftsmanship!"

The earthbound trio of Xie Chuan, Chu Xuan, and Dai Wei buzzed with excitement at their first aerial sighting.

Gao Hui awaited them at the town gates.

"Follow me."

Inside the town hall, he settled five Yang members in guest quarters, escorting only Yang Lingrui and Yang Lingshu further within.

Upon arriving at the top-level council hall of the town government, Gao Hui halted at the doorway and gestured for the two individuals to enter.

Yang Lingrui and Yang Lingshu exchanged glances before stepping through the restriction barrier.

The room held two men: He Shenglai reviewing documents at the head seat, and another reclining on a green-red jade couch, idly munching grapes.

"Hey! Junior brother! Surprised?"

"Senior brother? What brings you here?"

Yang Lingshu’s initial shock melted into delight upon seeing Xiao Yize.

Xiao Yize dangled his grape cluster, explaining, "Shenglai’s got his own He Family cloud ship. Those Wanhuamen elders’ vessel bored me stiff, so I hitched a ride here instead."

He subtly gestured toward the still-reading He Shenglai. The Yang brothers waited respectfully until the official finished his documents.

"Songshan Yang Family, Yang Lingrui."

"Songshan Yang Family, Yang Lingshu."

"We greet Lord He."

"Be seated." True to his efficient nature, He Shenglai launched straight into business. "Five Yang clansmen will join the central eastern line’s main force – safest post for accompanying cultivators. If they die there, it’s their own incompetence."

"You two are dynasty-named elites. Join mine and Yize’s mobile units for raids, reinforcements, and decapitation missions." He shoved two documents at them. "Your special privileges are listed. Review them en route."

"Yize – take Lingshu elsewhere. I need private words with Lingrui."

"Right-o!" Xiao Yize sprang up, shepherding Yang Lingshu out.

Alone now, Yang Lingshu blurted, "Senior brother – Master sent you, didn’t he?"

"Still sharp as ever!" Xiao Yize grinned. "Couldn’t descend alone without Master’s orders. Guess why?"

After pondering, Yang Lingshu ventured, "Rats swarming from their holes?"

"Bullseye!" Xiao Yize’s smile widened. "All families’ rats itch to prove themselves in the Eastern Expedition. Master wants me clear of their scheming, hence this detour."

Yang Lingshu frowned. "Why doesn’t the dynasty just arrest them?"

Xiao Yize waited patiently until comprehension dawned.

"Maximize utility!" Yang Lingshu exclaimed.

"Full marks!" His senior brother applauded. "Lanyue doesn’t monopolize Dao Stone knowledge. These rats… become our cultivation opportunities."

Understanding flooded Yang Lingshu. Tiger-Chasing sought more than Shen Yue’s solitary glory – they aimed to birth another prodigy through battlefield trials, someone achieving Gathering Qi and Condensing Essence.

Meanwhile in the council hall:

"Men join the Eastern Expedition for wealth, destiny, or glory." He Shenglai’s finger traced the eastern line map. "You, Yang Lingrui, have one task."

When no elaboration came, Lingrui prompted, "My duty, Lord He?"

"Kill." The official’s charcoal sketched a vast circle. "Kill multitudes."

Silence gripped the chamber. Yang Lingrui studied the inked vortex before raising his hand.

"Lingrui accepts command."