Chapter 22: Emergency Conscription

And so, Xiao An'an's life in Maple Forest City began. Aunt Song did send word eventually, stating she had wed and relocated to Wangjiang City. A mercantile hub of considerable repute, Wangjiang City's prosperity was second only to the Prefectural Seat of Qinghe itself. Especially as her husband hailed from the Lin clan, a prominent local lineage, one could say she had found a suitable match.

Small wonder, then, that she could not take her daughter with her.

As for the lingering remnants of the Jiang family's fortune in Fengxi Town, Jiang Wang pressed no further. Regardless, Aunt Song had been married to his father and tended to him in his illness. Granting her a portion as dowry was only fitting.

But the ties between them had likely severed there; no further contact was necessary.

At the tender age of four or five, when a child's education commences, Jiang Wang enrolled his younger sister in a private academy. It was the finest in Maple Forest City, save for the schools of the three major clans, and not one that admitted students readily. Jiang Wang, having distinguished himself in the outer halls of the Daoist Academy for so long, still commanded that much respect. Particularly now that he had advanced to the inner halls, his Dao veins outwardly manifested, a guaranteed pillar of the Zhuang State in the future – few would dare slight him.

Each day, after attending the scripture lessons at the Daoist Academy and engaging in a period of cultivation, he would make his way to the private academy to fetch An'an. He also endeavored to select tasks that could be completed within a single day, usually departing and returning on the same day, so as not to neglect An'an's care. Should an unavoidable mission arise, he would entrust her temporarily to Ling He, Zhao Rucheng, and others in rotation.

The days flowed by, full to the brim. The foundational formation diagram within his Heavenly Palace grew increasingly intricate, its initial form beginning to take shape. Yet, the further he progressed, the more arduous the task of laying the foundational formation became, especially before the true foundation was set, requiring the movement of the Dao Yuan. A single misstep, and the Dao Yuan would scatter, rendering the efforts to impact the veins utterly in vain. Because of his choice of the Grand Heavenly Stellar Array, his foundational progress was slower than others, thus during this crucial stage, with each displacement of an array point, Jiang Wang permitted no room for failure.

In terms of combat prowess, as the foundation remained unlaid, he could not yet cultivate Dao arts. Jiang Wang could only redouble his efforts on the Violet Star Sword Art. This sword art possessed nine techniques for practice and five for killing. As their names implied, the practice techniques were for cultivation, the killing techniques for combat and slaying. He refined his physique and gleaned insight into the Way of the Sword through the former, and engaged and overcame foes through the latter.

Fortuitously, having mastered the nine practice techniques, their effects on nourishing the physique and invigorating qi and blood were astonishing. Jiang Wang could even clearly perceive his physique providing greater feedback to his Dao veins and True Spirit, accelerating the condensation of his Dao Yuan.

After a period of diligent practice, he had actually increased his chances of impacting the veins for cultivation, now able to condense three Dao Yuan per day, which undoubtedly significantly reduced the time required to successfully lay the foundation.

Life was abundant and satisfying, and amidst such a life, Jiang Wang welcomed his first large-scale mission since entering the Maple Forest City Daoist Academy.

…

"Emergency mobilization mission! All disciples must remain within the academy!"

Within the academy halls, morning lessons had just concluded when a general clad in Xuan-colored robes burst through the entrance.

"Who is this person?"

"What is he doing?"

The disciples murmured amongst themselves, but soon someone identified the newcomer, "Silence! That is Wei Yan!"

The entire academy instantly fell silent.

Second on the Dao Merit List, a formidable general in the City Defense Army – either identity was sufficient to command respect. Furthermore, this military official was known for his unyielding and cold demeanor.

Wei Yan seemed indifferent to the crowd's reaction, or perhaps, he only needed to project his authority.

"Since last week, Xiaolin Town has been out of contact for five full days."

Jiang Wang and Ling He exchanged glances. Xiaolin Town, a major settlement under the jurisdiction of Maple Forest City, though not subject to constant detailed reports, still required regular updates.

Five days of silence was tantamount to Maple Forest City losing all control over it. A town with a population of thousands suddenly isolated from the outside world – this was no small matter.

Wei Yan continued, "Holding the City Lord's Seal, I am mobilizing no less than thirty inner hall disciples from the City Daoist Academy to proceed to Xiaolin Town to investigate this matter."

"Is this not the purview of the Department of Criminal Investigation?" a disciple questioned, clearly disgruntled.

A mission of such magnitude, requiring the mobilization of thirty inner hall disciples from the City Daoist Academy, would undoubtedly be fraught with danger. Hence, many were reluctant.

"The Soul-Devouring Demon, Xiong Wen, has appeared in Three Mountains City. Currently, the Department of Criminal Investigation has dispatched most of its forces throughout the entire Qinghe Prefecture to Three Mountains City."

Wei Yan offered no response, his adjutant, Zhao Lang, explained from the side.

The official structure of the Zhuang State mirrored that of the Yong State. Generally, mundane cases were handled by the local yamen, while matters involving extraordinary beings fell under the jurisdiction of the Department of Criminal Investigation. This department oversaw all extraordinary incidents across the realm. Theoretically under local governance, its direct allegiance to the capital often meant local authorities could not command it at will.

Just as in this instance, the mobilization of personnel to pursue Xiong Wen was dictated by the higher echelons of the Department of Criminal Investigation. Even the City Lord of Maple Forest City, Wei Quji, could not interfere and recall them.

"What of the City Defense Army?" the previous disciple inquired again.

The City Defense Army was the direct military force at the City Lord's disposal, charged with quelling all forms of evil and rebellion. A major incident like the complete loss of contact with Xiaolin Town was surely sufficient to warrant the City Defense Army's intervention.

"The City Defense Army has other important duties," Wei Yan impatiently cut off the discussion, "This mission will see a thirty percent increase in Dao Merit rewards. Participation is, in principle, voluntary, but should the number of inner hall disciples who sign up prove insufficient, I shall, by the City Lord's decree, enforce a compulsory mobilization!"

"I must remind everyone that prior to this mission, the City Lord's Mansion had already lost two ninth-rank Wandering Vein realm cultivators who were dispatched to investigate in Xiaolin Town. I urge each of you to assess the risks for yourselves and act within your capabilities."

The Daoist Academy system was the most crucial channel for cultivating extraordinary talents in the Zhuang State. Local City Daoist Academies recruited local cultivation seeds. After several years of cultivation, they would advance through examinations to the various Prefectural Daoist Academies, and then from the Prefectural Daoist Academies to the National Daoist Academy, a process of layered selection.

Ultimately, the geniuses of the entire Zhuang State would converge in the capital. Those who advanced would contend with the heroes of all nations, while those who did not would be assigned to various regions to guard and govern.

Although the Maple Forest City Daoist Academy only admitted ten inner hall disciples annually, due to the stringent requirements for advancing to the Prefectural Daoist Academy, many cultivators lingered in the City Daoist Academy for several years, or even over a decade. Over the years, the Maple Forest City Daoist Academy had accumulated a considerable number of inner hall disciples. Excluding those on prolonged journeys who had not returned and those in secluded cultivation, there were approximately three hundred inner hall disciples.

From Wei Yan's perspective, he might have hoped that too few would volunteer. According to his intentions, he would directly mobilize the thirty strongest individuals from the entire Maple Forest City Daoist Academy through a mandatory decree, ensuring a greater certainty for this expedition. However, the Daoist Academy and the City Lord's Mansion were not subordinates, and a forced mobilization without sufficient cause would be difficult to manage should it cause an uproar.

"Are you going, boss?" Jiang Wang whispered to Ling He. He was a little concerned, as this mission would inevitably involve extraordinary powers, and Ling He and Du Yehu had not yet opened their veins. The danger, in his eyes, was exceedingly high.

"Of course I'm going." Ling He did not hesitate. He was already lagging behind on the path of cultivation, and an opportunity like a thirty percent increase in Dao Merit was something he absolutely could not afford to miss. As for the danger? If they feared danger, they should have been content farming in the village from the outset.

"I'm signing up!" Du Yehu had already bellowed, "The four of us are all signing up!"

Zhao Rucheng nudged him disapprovingly, "What's the rush? I still wanted to go back and catch some sleep."

He was the least ambitious of the group, merely passing the days leisurely. Life, in his view, was meant for relaxation.

Wei Yan cast an indifferent glance over them. As they had not yet successfully laid their foundations, he paid them little mind and simply instructed his adjutant, "Take note."

The adjutant announced in a loud voice, "Registration is limited to the time it takes for one stick of incense to burn. There are still twenty-six places remaining."

"We cultivators, nurtured by the state, should contribute to the state. I shall participate in this endeavor." Li Jianqiu's voice preceded his arrival, as he walked in from outside the courtyard gate.

Disciples of his caliber already enjoyed a great deal of freedom. Not only were they not required to attend the academy daily, but they could even refuse this kind of mandatory mobilization. Unless it was a time of national crisis, their focus was solely on advancing their cultivation. His appearance immediately elicited gasps of surprise.

"How could I allow Brother Jianqiu to claim all the glory? Count me in, Wang Changxiang." Unlike Li Jianqiu, who carried a sword with him, Wang Changxiang's temperament was much more gentle. He was still wearing the hemp robe Jiang Wang had seen previously in the Dao Merit Hall, and he walked with slow, deliberate steps.

"With Brother Wang and Brother Li joining, this expedition will have greater certainty!" Wei Yan's cold and stern face rarely managed to squeeze out a smile.

Facing Wang Changxiang, who ranked seventh on the Dao Merit List, even he dared not be arrogant.

With the addition of Wang Changxiang and Li Jianqiu, the enthusiasm for signing up among the crowd surged, and the places were soon filled.

Of the thirty inner hall disciples, excluding Jiang Wang and his three companions, almost everyone was at the ninth-rank realm, all of them possessing extraordinary abilities. Such a force could almost sweep across the territory of Maple Forest City.

Wei Yan casually took the list and glanced at it, nodding, "You people still possess some courage. You haven't spent all your time reading scriptures and lost your martial spirit."

Perhaps, in his eyes, this was already praise, but the condescending tone was still quite jarring.

The Ministry of War and the Daoist Academy were two distinct systems for advancement, with both cooperation and inherent rivalry. It was common for them to look down upon each other.

Immediately, a disciple voiced his dissatisfaction, "If Senior Brother Zhu were here, I wonder if some people would still dare to point fingers!"

The person, of course, was referring to Zhu Weiwo, the number one on the Maple Forest City Dao Merit List.

Wei Yan did not get angry; he simply waved his robe and walked out of the Daoist Academy, "Depart!"