Chapter 174: Rushing to the Frontline

After the two men left, Wang Yaozong casually set up a sound-proof barrier, enclosing himself and Wang Changsheng.

"Changsheng, I initially thought my participation would suffice, but I didn't anticipate them conscripting two Foundation Establishment cultivators. For every Foundation Establishment cultivator they lack, they demand fifty Qi Refining cultivators. I had no choice but to call you back. If eighty clan members were sent to the front lines, most would surely become cannon fodder."

Wang Yaozong sighed, his face etched with helplessness.

"Second Elder Uncle, I understand. I've long anticipated this day. The incident at Ghost Abyss was a clear example. The four major sects are unwilling to sacrifice too many of their own disciples, so they resort to conscription. What they term 'conscription' is simply offering incentives for us to risk our lives for them. When you're under someone else's roof, you have no choice but to comply. Twelfth Elder Uncle and the others are already well-versed in coordinating. As for Twenty-first Elder Uncle, I've asked Second Elder Uncle to notify him to return quietly later to oversee the family, in case of any disturbances."

"Troublemakers? Where would so many come from? The real threat is them," Wang Yaozong sneered, gesturing toward the two departing Zixiao Sect disciples. He then sighed, reflecting, "Ultimately, we lack profound foundations and powerful patrons. It's uncertain how many of our clan members will return from this battle."

"Let's protect them as much as possible. As long as we return safely, our family line will endure."

After a brief chat, Wang Changsheng departed.

Liu Qing'er already knew Wang Changsheng was heading to battle; the presence of two Zixiao Sect disciples on Green Lotus Mountain made it impossible to keep secret. Her face was etched with worry as she urged Wang Changsheng to proceed cautiously and take care of himself.

Wang Changyue, also aware of the dangers of Wang Changsheng's mission, said earnestly, "Brother, I'll wait for you to return. You must come back."

"Don't worry! Your brother will return. Just be good at home." Wang Changsheng smiled and nodded, reassuring her.

The following morning, Wang Changsheng and Wang Yaozong, accompanied by thirty clan members, departed from Green Lotus Mountain. A Zixiao Sect disciple named Li Yuze accompanied them, while the other Zixiao Sect disciple left Green Lotus Mountain to report back to their base.

Over a month later, they arrived at Xianyuan City.

A blue flying boat appeared on the horizon, swiftly approaching Xianyuan City. As the blue flying boat neared Xianyuan City, still several hundred zhang away, over a dozen streaks of spiritual light shot out from within, intercepting it.

Wang Changsheng stood at the bow of the blue flying boat, his brows deeply furrowed. Xianyuan City's outer walls were heavily scarred. About ten li away, directly opposite the city, a golden colossal tower, over forty zhang tall, stood prominently. Around this golden tower, hundreds of crude structures were visible, teeming with countless figures. The open ground between the colossal golden tower and Xianyuan City was riddled with craters, strewn with numerous corpses, shattered magical artifacts, and broken formation flags. A heavy scent of blood permeated the air.

"Where are you from? Do you have official orders?" a middle-aged man with a stern countenance inquired.

"I am Li Yuze of the Zixiao Sect, and these are reinforcements from the Wang family of Green Lotus Mountain in Ningzhou." Li Yuze produced a shimmering purple token and handed it over.

After the middle-aged man confirmed its authenticity, he gestured, instructing, "Junior Brother Chen, please settle them in and guide them to the Hall of Miscellaneous Affairs for registration and item collection."

A young man in green robes acknowledged the order, then led Wang Changsheng and the others as they flew into Xianyuan City. Li Yuze then departed from the blue flying boat.

Xianyuan City had undergone reconstruction; simple bamboo buildings now dotted the cityscape. Despite their humble appearance, the city was bustling with activity, far more lively than before.

"You'll be residing here from now on. Two fellow daoists, please follow me for registration and item collection." The young man in green robes gestured toward a simple bamboo building as he spoke.

Wang Yaozong gave a few instructions, telling the clan members to remain in the stone building, then he and Wang Changsheng followed the young man in green robes.

After a short while, Wang Changsheng and Wang Yaozong arrived at the entrance of a green hall. A plaque above the doorway clearly displayed the characters "Hall of Miscellaneous Affairs." The young man in green robes led them inside to register and collect their assigned items. The four major sects forcibly conscripted cultivation families, knowing that without incentives, these families would likely not commit fully to their tasks. Wang Changsheng and Wang Yaozong each received a mid-grade magical artifact and two mid-grade spirit stones. Qi Refining cultivators, in turn, each received twenty spirit stones and a mid-grade spiritual artifact.

After the items were collected, the young man in green robes gave them a few instructions, specifically advising Wang Changsheng and Wang Yaozong not to leave Xianyuan City, before allowing them to move freely.

"Changsheng, go find Twenty-fifth Brother and bring him to our bamboo dwelling. I'll head back and keep an eye on the clan members."

"No problem, Second Elder Uncle." Wang Changsheng agreed and parted ways with Wang Yaozong.

The streets were bustling with cultivators, a lively flow of people. Wang Changsheng quickly located Wang Yaolong, who appeared very pleased to see him.

"Twenty-fifth Elder Uncle, how have you been recently?"

Wang Yaolong's face was clouded with worry as he replied with a bitter smile, "Good? What's good about it? A few months ago, disciples from the Four Great Sects of Great Song arrived here, constructing fortifications and enforcing a strict entry-only, no-exit policy. Your grand-aunt is pregnant, and I haven't even had a chance to send her back to Green Lotus Mountain. Oh, by the way, Changsheng, are you here by yourself?"

"No, besides me, Second Elder Uncle and thirty Qi Refining clan members are also here. The Four Great Sects of Great Song conscripted us for the battle; there was no way out. Second Elder Uncle asked me to bring you to him. We just arrived in Xianyuan City from Green Lotus Mountain, so our understanding of the situation is limited."

"When the Four Great Sects of Great Song sent more disciples to Xianyuan City, I knew this day would come. I've gathered some information recently, hoping it will be useful to you. Come, I'll go with you to see Second Brother. If only we could send your grand-aunt away, that would be a relief."

After giving a few instructions to Wang Mingcan, Wang Yaolong departed with Wang Changsheng.

Wang Changsheng hadn't walked far when he suddenly stopped, his brows subtly furrowed. A refined, fair-faced scholar in green robes approached them, accompanied by a young woman in a long blue dress. The two were chatting and laughing, appearing very affectionate. The scholar in green robes was none other than Nangong Chen. Wang Changsheng vaguely understood why Zhao Ningxiang had been so cold to him previously—it was likely because Nangong Chen had found a new companion. Nangong Chen appeared not to notice Wang Changsheng, walking past with the woman in the blue dress.

"Changsheng, is something wrong?"

"Nothing, let's go! Let's not keep Second Elder Uncle waiting."

Shortly after, Wang Changsheng returned to the bamboo dwelling with Wang Yaolong. After activating the sound-insulating formation inside the bamboo dwelling, Wang Changsheng and the others gathered. Wang Yaolong then shared all the information he had gathered.

Five months prior, the Four Great Sects of Great Song dispatched additional disciples to Xianyuan City, where they expanded the city and conscripted some cultivators to assist in its defense. Over three months ago, the Five Sects of Wei State launched an assault on Xianyuan City. The Five Sects of Wei State and the Four Sects of Song State engaged in over a dozen battles, resulting in significant cultivator casualties. For unknown reasons, Core Formation cultivators did not intervene; instead, each skirmish devolved into a chaotic conflict involving only Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining cultivators, with both sides suffering heavy losses.

"How was Ziyue Market captured so swiftly? That's illogical! The Four Sects had managed Ziyue Market for years, yet they couldn't withstand the Five Sects of Wei State. Xianyuan City will be even less capable of resisting."