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 t – one gazing downward, the other looking up – and in that mont of silent devotion, their lips t in a lingering kiss.
After parting from Wei Xinqing, Yang Lingshu descended to the mountain’s base.
The six other Yang Family mbers 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 deploynt to the eastern front.
To bolster their survival prospects, Yang Lingqing had distributed nurous cultivation-enhancing elixirs throughout the preceding year.
She’d also provisioned their storage bags with ample dicinal pills, talismans, and combat-ready spiritual treasures before departure.
Augnted by handwritten copies of Dao cultivation insights, their cultivation levels showed marked improvent:
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 deploynt since the Twenty-Four Secret Treasure Sites incident.
At the journey’s midpoint, the He Family’s colossal cloud ship beca 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 excitent at their first aerial sighting.
Gao Hui awaited them at the town gates.
"Follow ."
Inside the town hall, he settled five Yang mbers in guest quarters, escorting only Yang Lingrui and Yang Lingshu further within.
Upon arriving at the top-level council hall of the town governnt, 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 n: He Shenglai reviewing docunts 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 lted into delight upon seeing Xiao Yize.
Xiao Yize dangled his grape cluster, explaining, "Shenglai’s got his own He Family cloud ship. Those Wanhuan elders’ vessel bored 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 docunts.
"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 clansn 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-nad elites. Join mine and Yize’s mobile units for raids, reinforcents, and decapitation missions." He shoved two docunts 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 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 exclaid.
"Full marks!" His senior brother applauded. "Lanyue doesn’t monopolize Dao Stone knowledge. These rats… beco our cultivation opportunities."
Understanding flooded Yang Lingshu. Tiger-Chasing sought more than Shen Yue’s solitary glory – they aid to birth another prodigy through battlefield trials, soone achieving Gathering Qi and Condensing Essence.
anwhile in the council hall:
"n 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 ca, 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."
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