Chapter 142 The Conscription Order

Chapter 142: The Conscription Order

"What happened?" Wang Hao asked, his voice low as he followed the two elders into the main hall.

Wang Yanzhao turned, his expression grave. He held out a token glowing with a cold, cyan light. The characters for "Qingyuan" were carved deeply into its surface, pulsing with authority.

"The Qingyuan Sect has issued a Conscription Order," Wang Yanzhao announced, his voice tight. " The five families of Green Bull Market must each provide one Foundation Establishment cultivator and twenty Qi Refining clansmen. We are to assist them in an extermination campaign against Demon Cultivators."

"Demon Cultivators?" Wang Hao frowned, looking between his father and great-uncle. "Where did they spring from? I just returned from Qingyuan Market days ago, and the winds were calm."

"On the very day you returned, a Qingyuan Sect convoy was ambushed," Wang Yanzhao explained slowly. "They had just crossed the Severed Origin Mountains, laden with wealth and resources. The Demon Cultivators were waiting."

"The Severed Origin Mountains? That doesn't add up," Wang Hao countered. "Isn't that route only passable for Golden Core Daoist Masters?"

"There was a Golden Core escort," Wang Longyou sighed, stroking his beard anxiously. "But it seems that Daoist Master was carrying a specific treasure. Once they cleared the core dangers of the mountain range, he separated from the main group to return to the sect early. He likely thought they were safe in the outer territories. Who could have predicted a coordinated ambush?"

The old man shook his head. "The Qingyuan Sect has traversed those mountains for centuries without incident. This is the first time bandits have dared to strike so brazenly. That is why the sect is furious. They have mobilized hundreds of subordinate forces to encircle and annihilate these Demon Cultivators."

Wang Hao took the token and scanned the spiritual message embedded within. The losses were heavier than Yanzhao had let on. Six Foundation Establishment cultivators had fallen, including a core disciple whose father was a Hall Elder.

It was no wonder the sect was making such a grand display of force. This wasn't merely about the age-old conflict between the Righteous and Demonic paths; it was about face. If they didn't avenge their dead, the sect's prestige—accumulated over thousands of years—would crumble.

More critically, they feared for the trade route to the Qian Yuan Continent. Compared to the impoverished Leizhou Peninsula, the continent was a land of gold. That route was the sect's financial lifeline. Even a behemoth like the Qingyuan Sect would bleed if that artery were severed.

The Leizhou Peninsula was not a monarchy; the Qingyuan Sect had rivals. If they showed weakness, the wolves would circle. This mobilization was a classic tactic: killing the chicken to scare the monkeys.

"The last Conscription Order cost the Wang family over ten disciples," Wang Longyou murmured, his eyes shadowed with old grief. "It severely damaged our vitality. Although we have recovered somewhat, we cannot withstand another purging. The Old Ancestor is in deep seclusion and has not responded to my summons. How should we handle this?"

Wang Hao’s eyes narrowed. The Qingyuan Sect likely intended to weaken their subordinate forces while they were at it—killing two birds with one stone.

"The Old Ancestor is at a critical juncture in his cultivation," Wang Hao said firmly. "We cannot disturb him. Father must guard Ruojun Mountain, and Great-Uncle must hold the fort here at Wang Family Ridge. I will go."

"This..." Wang Yanzhao hesitated. His son had suffered enough hardships in his youth. Now that Wang Hao was finally safe and prosperous, sending him into a war zone felt like a failure of fatherhood.

Wang Longyou, however, looked at Wang Hao pragmatically. "Unless you give me a compelling reason, it is not your turn to die for the family."

Wang Hao straightened his back, his aura flaring slightly to reveal his true depth. "The family is thriving, but that requires steady management—something Father and Great-Uncle excel at. I, on the other hand, have never been good with administration. My talent lies in combat."

He let the pressure of his cultivation release fully. "Furthermore, I have recently advanced. I need battle to temper my True Essence and solidify my foundation. Going to war is the most suitable path for me right now."

Wang Longyou’s eyes widened. In the excitement of the previous day’s haul, he hadn't scrutinized Wang Hao’s cultivation. Now, sensing the density of the young man's power, he realized Wang Hao had reached the Fifth Layer of Foundation Establishment. He had already surpassed his father, Wang Yanzhao.

"Mid-stage Foundation Establishment..." Wang Longyou murmured, a look of gratification replacing his worry.

Ideally, he would have gone himself. He was old, and his potential was spent. But the Qingyuan Sect had called up hundreds of Foundation Establishment experts; the danger to someone of that rank was manageable. The true meat grinder would be for the Qi Refining disciples.

"Very well," Longyou nodded, deciding to test the family's rising star. "Once you lead the team there, what is your strategy?"

Wang Hao didn't hesitate. "With such a large mobilization, there will likely be Golden Core Daoist Masters commanding the front. Even if it’s just Foundation Establishment elders, the grand strategy is not for us to decide. My plan is simple: obey orders, keep a low profile, and do not play the hero."

"Good," Longyou approved. "The Qingyuan Sect will inevitably use the Qi Refining families as cannon fodder to scout for traps. Do not conflict with the Sect disciples over this. Protect our own if you can, but remember: your life is the priority."

The conscription order specified numbers, not quality. The Wang family would send the elderly with no future or those with poor spiritual roots. They would not send their seeds of hope to die in a ditch.

"If you encounter a difficult decision," Longyou added, "consult with the Li family cultivators. In times of crisis, the five families of Green Bull Market must stand as one shield. However, remember that five families are not one family. Trust them, but keep one eye open."

Wang Hao nodded. Longyou had navigated these political waters for a century; his advice was sound.

Seeing the decision was made, Wang Yanzhao sighed. He knew Wang Hao was the best choice—the other Foundation Establishment cultivators were all early-stage and lacked combat experience.

He reached into his storage bag and retrieved three talismans, passing them to his son. "You brought back many magical artifacts yesterday, so I know you are well-equipped. But take these Tier 2 talismans for self-defense."

He pointed to each one. "A Tier 2 Mid-Grade Ice Rain Talisman. A Tier 2 Mid-Grade Earth Escape Talisman. And this..." He held up a shimmering gold slip. "A Tier 2 High-Grade Taiyi Golden Blade Talisman. Its power rivals a full-strength strike from a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. Use it wisely."

Wang Hao accepted them with gratitude. He had plenty of the Li family's 'Hundred Blade Talismans', but those were low-grade trash compared to these. The Earth Escape Talisman was particularly valuable; it could transport him a thousand meters deep and a thousand miles away—far superior to his own limited grasp of the Earth Escape spell.

"And the selection of the clansmen?" Wang Hao asked.

"Do not worry about that," Yanzhao said, his voice hardening with the ruthlessness required of a patriarch. "We are only required to send twenty people. The Wang family will provide five. The Qian, Liu, and Zhang vassal families will provide the remaining fifteen."

It was a cold calculation. Since the Qi Refining cultivators were destined to be fodder, the main family would minimize its exposure.

"When do we depart?"

"There is no rush," Longyou replied. "The Qingyuan Sect demands assembly within the month. We have coordinated with the other four families of the market. We will depart in five days to rendezvous at Green Bull Market, then travel to the sect together."

The old man looked at the map on the wall. "The fighting will likely be near the Severed Origin Mountains. Be vigilant, Wang Hao. Your enemies will not just be Demon Cultivators, but the beast tides as well."

Wang Hao nodded grimly. A month was plenty of time for Foundation Establishment cultivators, but with a train of Qi Refining disciples, the journey would be slow. They would need to secure flying mounts or a spirit boat if they wanted to make the deadline without exhausting their troops.