98: Call up another 25,000 believers

Shen Xiaochuan had just put down his terminal when he saw a route map on the screen: a figure in gray robes set out from the East District black market, passed through the southeast mine, and finally stopped at the edge of a cliff. He quickly saved the information into the System and rose to walk out of the Main Hall.

Outside, the sun was shining brightly, and the streets were bustling with activity. Vendors were shouting to hawk their wares, people were repairing tools, and patrol squads were patrolling back and forth on the city walls.

He had just stepped down the stairs when Karl hurried over. He held a stack of papers in his arms with an anxious expression. He pulled out the top sheet and handed it over: "My Lord, this is last week's population statistics."

"The number of indigenous people has reached 8,117, an increase of 2,300 compared to last month."

Shen Xiaochuan took the paper and glanced at it; the numbers matched his memory. He nodded slightly and asked: "How much longer can the food supply last?"

"At the current consumption rate, about forty days," Karl said with a tense tone. "If we want to expand the army, we must cultivate new fields as soon as possible."

"Let's not talk about that for now." Shen Xiaochuan returned the paper to him. "Go to the Training Ground and notify Shen Yan, Ling Feng, and Yang Lie to assemble immediately."

Karl was taken aback but didn't ask any further questions, turning and walking away quickly.

Shen Xiaochuan walked north along the main road. By the side of the road, a few children were chasing a mechanical beetle—a toy made by Lolia. He paused for a moment, then continued on his way.

The Training Ground was located in the north of the city, surrounded by mountains on three sides. The three major legions—Azure Dragon, White Tiger, and Vermilion Bird—had already formed their ranks. Shen Yan stood at the front, clad in iron armor; Ling Feng was organizing the troops, and seeing Shen Xiaochuan arrive, he immediately ordered the soldiers to stand at attention; Yang Lie stood in the corner, his body wreathed in a faint layer of black Qi, the lingering mark of the Evil God.

Shen Xiaochuan ascended the high platform and his gaze swept across the entire field.

"I have summoned you today because the traitor has been eliminated," he said. "Ji Boduan is dead, and his body has been thrown into the Northwest Wilderness Valley. He harbored tokens of foreign races and intended to lure enemies into our territory. White Snow Princess has verified the evidence, and it is indisputable."

The scene of Ji Boduan's last visit to the Main Hall flashed through his mind. The man had kept his head down, claiming that the mine's output was abnormal and that more manpower was needed. At that time, he had been in seclusion refining the Remnant Armor of the Thunder Emperor and had failed to investigate thoroughly. Looking back now, it was all lies. If he had realized it sooner, perhaps the losses could have been avoided. Fortunately, the truth had finally been revealed, which could be considered a consolation to the people.

Everyone remained silent.

"From today on, the three major legions are officially established." Shen Xiaochuan waved his hand, and three golden lights pierced through the air, landing on the heads of the three men respectively. "Shen Yan will lead the Azure Dragon Legion, Ling Feng will command the White Tiger Legion, and Yang Lie will lead the Vermilion Bird Legion. Those with outstanding military service will be recorded, rewarded, and given housing. The military merit System will be implemented immediately."

The three men knelt on one knee and solemnly accepted the order. The surrounding soldiers watched this scene, their eyes filled with envy and reverence, and some whispered with emotion: "Only by following the Lord will we have a future to look forward to!"

Shen Xiaochuan opened the System interface, and the faith points displayed: 1,582,700. He entered the command—

【Summon Believers: 25,000】

【combat power Range: 30–35】

【Initial Loyalty Value: 70】

The earth trembled slightly. Beams of light descended from the sky, piercing into the Training Ground. A figure appeared within each beam of light. In less than ten minutes, all 25,000 new recruits had arrived.

They wore gray tunics and carried spears or shields, and were quickly assigned to their respective legions.

Shen Xiaochuan calculated in his mind: eight thousand indigenous people, plus over thirty thousand Believers, brought the total population to nearly forty thousand. Housing was insufficient and needed to be built; the water channels also needed to be widened.

While he was pondering, Yang Lie walked forward and knelt on one knee.

"My Lord..." his voice was low. "I know that the power of the Evil God still remains within me. I fear that one day I will lose control and harm my comrades. I only ask that... when the Divine Kingdom rises to the Imperial level, you help me completely eradicate it."

Shen Xiaochuan gazed at him and reached out to help him up.

"You once saved me, and I have always remembered that," he said. "I will exchange for the 'Evil God Extraction Technique' in the Faith Mall and perform the ritual for you myself. You are not a slave; you are a warrior."

A glimmer appeared in Yang Lie's eyes, and the surrounding soldiers also cast looks of admiration. The black Qi that had once been frightening now seemed to be purified by this conviction. He looked up at Shen Xiaochuan, his eyes slightly red, nodded heavily, and returned to his unit.

Shen Xiaochuan leaped off the high platform and stood in front of the troops.

"Listen to my order, everyone!" His voice was resonant. "For the next seven days, the three major legions will act in coordination. Objective: clear out all exotic beast strongholds within thirty kilometers of the city. Veterans will lead the new recruits, training while fighting. Move out!"

The sound of horns rang out, and the three teams left the city in three directions.

Shen Xiaochuan personally led the eastern line troops. This route passed through swamps, dense forests, and abandoned mine pits, which were exactly where the exotic beasts hid.

On the first day, they fought three small-scale battles. On the second day, they encountered a group of flying Bone Crows. On the third day, they blew up an underground nest. On the fourth day, they recaptured an old watchtower. Every night when they camped, he would teach the new recruits how to use the Remnant Armor of the Thunder Emperor to defend against attacks.

On the fifth day, he took a direct charge from an Iron-Horned Rhino head-on. The armor fully activated, protecting his entire body. The recoil force made him retreat five steps, but he remained unharmed. The new recruits watched, their blood boiling.

As the sixth day ended, a System prompt quietly appeared:

【Current combat power: 499】

Just a little bit, just a little bit more.

He sat by the campfire, ate half a roasted beast leg, and drank a bowl of medicinal soup. In the past, at times like this, his combat power would always increase. But this time, there was no reaction.

He stood up and paced back and forth in the camp. His physical condition was good, his Thunder Force was circulating smoothly, and his old injuries showed no abnormalities. Yet, he was stuck right here.

He remembered Lolia's words from the day before: the steam engine was nearing completion, the casing was installed, and the gears were being adjusted.

He stared at the dancing flames, then suddenly turned and walked towards the tent.

"Prepare to withdraw," he said to the messenger. "We return to the city first thing tomorrow morning."

At noon the next day, they returned to Skydome City. Shen Xiaochuan did not return to the Main Hall, heading straight for the Industrial Zone instead.

On the way, he saw several mine carts driving out from a newly opened mine tunnel, fully loaded with black iron ore. Workers were resting by the side of the road; some recognized him and stood up to pay their respects. He nodded slightly in response.

The Industrial Zone was located in the west of the city, which used to be a ruin, but now more than ten iron sheds had been built. A wooden sign hung in front of the largest one, with "Mechanical Workshop" written on it.

He pushed the door open and entered.

The room was bright, with lighting crystals embedded in the walls. In the center stood a behemoth; the iron casing was not yet topped off, and several sets of gears were exposed, rotating slowly. Lolia was crouching to one side, holding a wrench in her hand, adjusting a connecting rod.

Hearing the movement, she looked back, her face stained with grease.

"You're here," she said. "Perfect, there's only one last step left before we can test the machine."

Shen Xiaochuan walked closer to inspect it. Steam pipes were connected to the boiler, and the pressure gauge needle was trembling slightly. He reached out and touched the casing lightly; the iron plating was still warm.

"How many Materials did you use?" he asked.

"Three hundred catties of black iron, two copper axles, and the bearing design from the 'Detailed Explanation of Mechanical Principles' you gave me." Lolia stood up and wiped her hands. "As long as the gear ratio is adjusted, we can pipe in the steam."

Shen Xiaochuan nodded.

She picked up a hammer and tapped the gear set lightly. With a click, all the gears began to rotate in synchronization. A low hum emanated from inside the machine.

The boiler spewed out white steam, and the pressure gauge needle rose slowly.

Lolia stared intently at the gauge, calling out the numbers.

"Pressure met... transmission normal... preparing to ignite."

She reached out and grasped the lever to the side.

The moment her fingers touched the lever, the ground suddenly began to shake.