Chapter 57: Conscription

After the time it takes to burn a stick of incense.

The water volume gradually decreased until no more raindrops fell, and the dark clouds dissipated in an instant.

Xu Chuan observed his spellcasting and felt it matched his imagination quite well, "From the looks of it, we'll need one more session to fill this square pond."

Then Xiao Changyuan patted the storage pouch at his waist, and a light blue talisman flew out, floating before his eyes. He formed a sword gesture with his fingers, channeled his magical power, and pointed at it from a distance.

In an instant, the light blue talisman shot toward the square pond above with a "whoosh."

After the pale blue radiance bloomed, dark clouds and rainfall appeared once again.

"This water-summoning technique is more suitable for cultivation purposes rather than replenishing water sources," Xu Chuan saw through the primary use of this spell at a glance.

Replenishing water sources was merely an overqualified use of this technique.

As long as one controlled the amount and range of rainfall, it could easily satisfy the precipitation needs for vegetables, fruits, and forests in an area.

Xu Chuan continued to accompany him.

"By the way, Immortal Official Xiao, how do you immortal cultivators detect whether someone has the aptitude for immortal cultivation?"

Xiao Changyuan looked at him with surprise, then smiled and said, "Those with vast divine powers can discover whether one has immortal cultivation aptitude with a sweep of their divine sense. We can also discover clues by using our magical power to carefully examine their entire body up close."

"However, these methods can only roughly confirm their aptitude. As for the specific grade of aptitude, specialized detection crystals are still needed for testing."

"Family Head Xu, before long, an Immortal Affairs Bureau office will be established in Qingjiang County, specifically responsible for detecting whether people in Qingjiang County have immortal cultivation aptitude. Although it's not free, it certainly won't be a problem for your Xu family. When the time comes, just send your clan's younger generation there."

"What if my Xu family wanted to possess such detection crystals ourselves? Does Immortal Official Xiao have a way?" Xu Chuan said calmly.

Xiao Changyuan immediately understood and said with surprise, "So that's how it is. Family Head Xu's boldness truly isn't small, completely unlike an ordinary small family from the county seat."

"Although this matter has some difficulties, it's not without solutions."

His eyes gleamed as he chuckled, "Xiao brought three testing crystals on this trip to Qingjiang County. I could spare one block, and after ten years or so, claim that one of them became ineffective."

"However, doing this would put Xiao at considerable risk."

Xu Chuan didn't speak, quietly waiting for him to continue.

"How about this, if the Xu family is willing to pay one hundred thousand taels, Xiao will transfer one of the testing stones to you."

Immortal cultivators needed resources even more than martial artists. This time when the Xiao family sent him to be an immortal official, they didn't provide many resources to begin with. He basically needed to accumulate resources through his own means.

Simply put, he was left to fend for himself.

One hundred thousand taels wasn't a small sum even for him, a small cultivator at the third layer of Qi Refining.

The testing fees couldn't possibly all go into his pocket, and even if he raised the fees, he couldn't raise them too much.

If they were too high, fewer people would come for testing.

And later when there were more colleagues, he would have to share a portion with them.

"One hundred thousand taels."

Xu Chuan fell silent, his face showing difficulty.

The Xu family had just used one hundred thousand taels of silver to purchase large amounts of farmland and mountain forests, and hired over a thousand people to excavate lakes, which was quite a large expenditure.

The drought hadn't completely passed yet, and although the various shops that had opened were already turning a profit, they couldn't compare at all to their peak period.

Numerous thoughts flashed through his mind.

He made his decision almost instantly. The reason he showed hesitation was to give Xiao Changyuan a false impression.

Counties everywhere were experiencing severe drought, and even aristocratic families were suffering heavy losses.

Xiao Changyuan had also witnessed the Xu family's massive project, and now that such a large sum was mentioned, he believed the Xu family couldn't easily produce it.

Even if they did produce it, it would certainly be painfully difficult.

After a long while, Xu Chuan said with difficulty through gritted teeth, "If Young Master Xiao has it with him right now, then I'll immediately go fetch one hundred thousand taels to trade with you."

"Haha, what a coincidence, Xiao just happens to have it with me."

He patted the gray pouch at his waist, and a fist-sized crystal appeared in his palm.

"This is the testing crystal. You just need to place your hand on it for a few breaths and there will be a result."

"May I try it?"

"Naturally."

"Fugui, come here."

Xu Chuan had Sun Fugui test it, but there was no reaction whatsoever.

Xiao Changyuan explained, "Only those who possess immortal cultivation aptitude will cause the crystal to react."

As he spoke, he placed his own hand on it, and the crystal emitted a faint white light.

"The testing crystal can emit five types of light in total: gray, white, green, red, and purple, representing five types of aptitude for immortal cultivators. Gray represents a pseudo spiritual root, barely able to cultivate, but unless one has massive resources, there's no hope of entering the late stage of Qi Refining, and even reaching the middle stage is difficult."

"White light indicates miscellaneous spiritual root aptitude. One can cultivate to the late stage of Qi Refining but has no hope of Foundation Establishment."

"Green light represents possessing a true spiritual root, with hope for Foundation Establishment, but whether one can succeed also depends on opportunities."

"As for red light, that's earth spiritual root aptitude. Relying solely on oneself, there's a relatively high chance of entering Foundation Establishment, and even half a chance at Golden Core."

"Purple light represents heavenly spiritual root. One can enter Foundation Establishment without any bottlenecks, has a twenty to thirty percent chance of forming a Golden Core, and may even hope for higher realms."

"Thank you, Young Master Xiao, for your clarification." Xu Chuan cupped his hands, then asked again, "Are there any examples of transitioning from the martial Dao to the immortal Dao?"

Xiao Changyuan was silent for a while, then sighed, "There are naturally such cases."

"But it's not recommended because the efficiency is too low."

"Let me put it this way: some top-tier great families possess cultivation methods that can convert innate true qi into magical power. But even if a grandmaster at complete perfection converts all their true qi, it only converts to magical power equivalent to the fourth layer of Qi Refining."

"And the basic requirement for conversion is reaching innate complete perfection, only then is it possible to become a small cultivator at the first layer of Qi Refining."

"Of course, all of this has a prerequisite, which is possessing all five elements and having immortal cultivation aptitude."

Xiao Changyuan paused and looked at Xu Chuan with a light smile, "Family Head Xu, just imagine, if a martial arts genius starts practicing at age six and reaches innate complete perfection at thirty, after conversion they would only be a small cultivator at the first layer of Qi Refining."

"Meanwhile, a genius immortal cultivator with a true spiritual root, starting from the same age, would probably be at the late stage of Qi Refining by age thirty."

"The gap between them is enormous!"

"Immortal cultivators are like martial artists in that as age increases, it affects cultivation speed as well, just not as severely as it does for martial artists."

"In terms of direct confrontation, a grandmaster at complete perfection is roughly equivalent to the ninth layer of Qi Refining in strength, while innate complete perfection is comparable to the fifth layer of Qi Refining."

"Even an early-stage innate martial artist is comparable to the combat power of the second layer of Qi Refining."

"So, tell me, which grandmaster would be willing to waste their cultivation to become a small cultivator at the fourth layer of Qi Refining?"

"Listening to Young Master Xiao's discourse today has truly broadened my horizons. Young Master Xiao, please wait a moment. I'll go fetch the silver right away."

Both parties were very satisfied with the transaction.

After finishing business in Dongxi Village, Xiao Changyuan conveniently stayed overnight at the Xu residence and would visit other villages the next day.

Xu Chuan naturally welcomed this and entertained him with good food and drink.

"This Xu family is really quite good."

"Strict in governing subordinates, and the clan's younger generation are also strict with themselves. In several decades or even a hundred years, they'll likely be able to relocate and develop in the commandery capital."

Xiao Changyuan, having become an immortal official, would need to stay in Qingjiang County for quite a long period until his cultivation reached at least the complete perfection of the fifth layer of Qi Refining.

Alone away from home, the Xiao family could provide him with truly limited assistance.

Thus, he became even more determined to maintain good relations with the Xu family.

The next day, Xu Chuan saw Xiao Changyuan off.

After returning to the main hall, Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingyuan, and a group of others were all there.

"What's the matter?"

Xu Chuan looked at them.

Xu Mingshu stepped forward with a beaming smile, "Father, I heard you bought a testing crystal for immortal cultivation aptitude. Xueji wants to take the test."

Xu Chuan surveyed the others.

Except for Xu Mingwei, they were all curious whether they had immortal cultivation aptitude.

"You several don't need to think about this matter. Wait until you reach the innate realm before discussing it. Focus on cultivating the martial Dao and don't be greedy for more!"

"Why not?"

"Isn't it just a test?"

Xu Mingyuan and the others all looked disappointed.

Xu Chuan didn't answer. He looked at Xu Mingwei and handed him the box containing the testing crystal, "In a few days, arrange for someone to see whether, aside from these few, anyone else in our Xu family possesses immortal cultivation aptitude."

"If there is, their family can become an affiliated family, enjoying the same status as the Chen and Bai families, and the person themselves can receive key cultivation from the Xu family."

"Yes, Father."

Afterward, Xu Chuan left the main hall with his hands behind his back.

Xu Mingyuan and the others all crowded around Xu Mingwei, asking questions incessantly.

Xu Mingwei was under great pressure but didn't dare leak anything. He could only sternly warn, "This matter concerns the Xu family's core secrets. Those who haven't reached the innate realm cannot know."

"If you want to know, focus on the martial Dao. Whoever reaches the innate realm, I'll tell them the Xu family's secrets."

"The Xu family's secrets."

This piqued everyone's curiosity.

"That puts me at a disadvantage."

Xu Mingyuan scratched his head, feeling somewhat irritated.

He didn't have Xu Mingwei's talent and was also busy with the family's development. Whether he could even reach the innate realm was uncertain.

"Second Brother, I'm going to practice." Xu Mingxuan said with a smile.

"Little White, let's go."

Xu Mingshu leaped onto the white tiger's back and also left the main hall.

At some point, Xu Mingxian had also disappeared without a trace.

"These guys!"

Xu Mingyuan became even more depressed.

Xu Mingwei looked on helplessly. Just then, a voice entered his ear.

"Ahyuan, come to my study."

Having received Xu Chuan's instructions, Xu Mingwei told Xu Mingyuan the secret that the Xu family possessed the fortune of entering the path through martial arts.

He managed the family finances and was already one of the two most core members, qualified to know.

"Only Yunnu among us has immortal cultivation aptitude?"

"The 'Innate Five Elements Creation Art' can complete our incomplete spiritual roots, allowing us to possess all five elements and embark on the immortal Dao?"

"Immortal cultivation aptitude can be upgraded to true spiritual root aptitude?"

It was as if countless thunderbolts fell in Xu Mingyuan's heart, his pitch-black pupils reflecting incredulous shock.

"Ahyuan, this secret must be buried in your heart. You cannot speak of it with anyone who doesn't know, not even reveal a trace, as it might bring catastrophic disaster to our Xu family.

Before the family truly grows strong, we must keep a low profile. In the future, try not to display your true strength in front of others."

"Yes, Elder Brother."

Xu Mingyuan understood the severity of this matter. His expression was extremely solemn, but his heart also harbored three parts excitement.

That was immortal cultivation after all!

…

Another half month passed.

After the immortal officials took action across the counties of Yuehu Commandery, water resources had been somewhat alleviated. However, this was only temporary.

The drought was still continuing, just somewhat milder than the previous months.

However, before long, all counties issued conscription decrees. The decree clearly stated that silver could not be used as a substitute. Families with two males aged thirteen or above must have one person enlist.

Furthermore, for each additional person, the family could receive twenty dou of rice and three taels of silver as a subsidy.

Very clearly, this provision targeted the common people.

Many wealthy merchants in Qingjiang County rushed to the county office, wanting to ask clearly and see if there was any roundabout way but County Magistrate Wu made it clear there was no room for negotiation.

The Immortal Affairs Bureau would be responsible for supervision.

If any officials were found to be corrupt over this matter, immortal officials had the authority to arrest them and strip them of their official status and records.

The Xu family also quickly received this news.

In the Xu family's main hall.

"Father, what should our family do about the conscription? This time it's extremely strict and seems impossible to avoid."

Xu Mingyuan's face was somewhat heavy, "Moreover, according to the information I've received, this battle is no small matter. It's a nine-deaths-one-life situation."

"Father is the head of the family and cannot rashly face danger. This family can lack anyone except Father."

Xu Mingwei said righteously, "I'm the eldest in the family, and my younger siblings are young, so naturally I should go."

Bai Jing, upon hearing this, her eyes brimmed with tears.

No matter which child went to the battlefield, she couldn't bear it.

Yang Ronghua, holding Xu Dezhao, was equally reluctant. She softly called out, "Husband."

"Elder Brother, you're the Xu family heir. If something happens to you, whom would Father pass the family head position to?"

"I believe Second Brother, you can also lead the Xu family well."

The two locked eyes. Xu Mingyuan shook his head, "I can't do it. Without Elder Brother's martial prowess, I can't intimidate the other aristocratic families. I'd even become fat meat in their eyes, with everyone wanting to tear off a piece."

His face was full of determination, "So, I'll go. I'm now a second-rate martial artist."

"Second Brother, I'm also a second-rate martial artist, and in combat I'm even better than you. Moreover, I don't need to manage such a vast enterprise like you do. This family can't do without you, so I'm the most suitable one to go."

"I'll go!" Xu Mingshu said, "With Little White, I can fight and flee."

"Right, Little White?"

"Roar~"

The white tiger echoed as usual, but didn't understand what Xu Mingshu's talk of going to battle meant.

"I'll go!"

Xu Mingxian said calmly, his face showing neither sorrow nor joy.

Bai Jing looked at them, both gratified and heartbroken.

Not a single child shirked responsibility. As for letting Xu Chuan go to the battlefield, not one of them even mentioned it.

"A drought isn't enough, and now they want people to go to war. What kind of world is this?" Bai Jing was extremely sad, lowering her head to wipe away tears.

The five siblings argued endlessly, all competing to go themselves.

"Enough!"

Xu Chuan suddenly spoke.

The five, Xu Mingwei and the others, all looked toward Xu Chuan in the family head's seat. His face was extremely calm, without any emotional change.

"Xueji, Yunnu, the decree clearly states it must be males, aged thirteen and above. What are you two doing joining in?"

"Shitou, Ahyuan, you both have your own heavy burdens on your shoulders. Do you expect me to handle the affairs you're managing?"

Both of them lowered their heads somewhat ashamedly.

"I told you I'm the most suitable." Xu Mingxuan grinned.

"Tantou."

"Third Brother."

The others' faces all turned grave as iron, for battlefield campaigns were nine-deaths-one-life journeys. This parting might become an eternal separation between the living and the dead.

Xu Chuan gazed at Xu Mingxuan, and the scene of his birth floated up in his mind.

"Tantou, do you blame Father?"

"Never."

"Mm." Xu Chuan nodded with gratification, "For you, I as your father only have two things to say: no matter when, believe in your own instincts, and also..."

"Come back alive to see Father."

"Yes, Father."

Afterward, Xu Chuan continued, "I estimate there are quite a few others in our Xu family who must go, like Daniu, Li Zhi, Bai Hui and others. Shitou, you go handle the statistics."

"I, the Xu family, will absolutely not permit anyone to be a deserter!"

"Violators will be expelled from the Xu family!"

…

Days passed one by one.

The conscription officials also arrived at Dongxi Village. Xu Mingxuan, Li Zhi, Chen Daniu, Bai Hui and others all signed up.

The second day after the year-end sacrifice.

All the youths, young men, and middle-aged men who answered the call assembled outside the south gate of Qingjiang County, led by military personnel toward the border with Da Liang.

Countless parents or children came to see them off, with cries filling the air.