Immortal Martial Academy - Chapter 19
Wu Xianyao returned to his office and reviewed the students’ profile sheets.
Li Junlin and Chen Beixuan were both at the pinnacle of the Body Tempering Realm, likely just days away from entering the Blood Ignition Realm. These two were destined for the battlefield.
Jiu Xian’er, currently at the “Qi and Blood like a river” stage, also expressed interest in going, as did Lan Yuecai, who was at a similar level.
With these four confirmed, there were still two spots left. However, Chunqiu and Qiu Xia, being Nightwatchers, could not participate.
Xia Jiufeng and Mao Mao had not even reached the entry-level of the Body Tempering Realm, so they too were ineligible. This left only Li Linyue and Li Linyang remaining.
Thus, the chosen six for the battlefield would be Chen Beixuan, Li Junlin, Li Linyang, Li Linyue, Jiu Xian’er, and Lan Yuecai. They would embark on a one-month mission before returning, effectively ruling out any immediate military enlistment options.
However, this plan significantly increased the danger; a single misstep could lead to catastrophic losses on the battlefield.
As Bai Qi’s movements were restricted within the academy, faculty members cannot leave its premises, with their activities limited to the Outer Court. It would be impossible for him to venture beyond it.
Therefore, Wu Xianyao himself must assume the role of protector and guide during this endeavor.
Wu Xianyao had no objections to this arrangement. Chen Beixuan was appointed as the team’s Captain, with Li Junlin serving as Vice-Captain.
Chen Beixuan was steady and composed, while Li Junlin tended to be impulsive; their contrasting personalities could complement each other well.
Li Linyue and Li Linyang, having previous battlefield experience, could provide valuable guidance. Jiu Xian’er might seem naive, but as long as she followed commands, there shouldn’t be any major issues.
Lan Yuecai, on the other hand, was rather unpredictable, leading Wu Xianyao to suspect that her thought processes were somewhat unconventional.
At that moment, Xia Yi entered. “Headmaster, the items you submitted for auction will go up tonight. Would you like to attend?”
Wu Xianyao knew all too well that auctions in this world were dominated by mysterious black-robed figures with disguised voices, making it nearly impossible to identify them.
“There’s nothing worth seeing; those people just get more enigmatic by the day.” The auctions were controlled by the royal family, making any attempts at manipulation quite challenging.
“Actually, it might be worthwhile to attend. Some treasures could benefit our academy.”
Wu Xianyao rose from his seat and headed towards the door. “Arrange these matters yourself. I’ve sent you the list of selected squad members. Instead of focusing on the auction, prioritize recruiting more students.”
Xia Yi seemed about to respond but ultimately held back. In his eyes, Wu Xianyao had become increasingly enigmatic and unpredictable.
Upon arriving at the Refiner Pavilion, Xiao Lin was still directing Bruce and Kelly in their crafting, while also working alongside them.
Wu Xianyao waved him over, “Xiao Lin, come here, I need to discuss something with you.”
Dressed in a small suit, Xiao Lin hurriedly approached, panting, “Boss, what can I do for you?”
Wu Xianyao produced a list, “Prepare six sets of these items; I’ll have use for them soon.”
The list included space rings, armor, weapons, and various necessities for military operations such as tents and tools.
“Sure thing, no problem. I’ve got connections for the materials, and just let me know when you’re ready for reimbursement,” Xiao Lin assured, patting his chest confidently.
“No issue, you can settle that with Xia Yi later.”
With arrangements made, Wu Xianyao prepared to head out. Having visited Districts Eight and Nine, he now aimed for District Seven.
At the Outer Court entrance, Wu Xianyao noticed Xia Jiufeng conversing with a young man. He simply smiled and continued on his way.
Xia Jiufeng noticed Wu Xianyao’s friendly wave and greeted him, “Hello, Headmaster!”
Wu Xianyao simply waved back, saying, “Carry on with your conversation, I’m going for a stroll.”
Xia Jiufeng was speechless, thinking, “This Headmaster truly appears and disappears like a ghost; even finding him requires Xia Yi to notify beforehand.”
“Little Sister, is this your future husband? He seems unaware of who you are,” said the man speaking with Xia Jiufeng, her Eighth Brother.
“Eighth Brother, it was my decision, guided by the Blackbird, which matched us perfectly with a hundred percent compatibility,” Xia Jiufeng replied with a smile, clearly satisfied with Wu Xianyao.
“Ninth Sister, as you know, our royal family isn’t bound by feudal traditions anymore. In fact, we’re more akin to national treasures now,” remarked the man resembling Xia Jiufeng slightly.
“Eighth Brother, I understand. Currently, only you and I from the Xia family have not yet gone to war. In our royal lineage, if one remains unmarried, they are destined for the battlefield. Your time is near too; during the next conscription season, you’ll be called up. If you don’t want to go, find a wife,” Xia Jiufeng said earnestly.
Xia You pursed his lips, “In our imperial family, there’s no room for fear of death. They’ve all gone to war, and so will I. Little Sister, once I return after my service, you can bring your future husband to visit our royal gardens.”
The thought that Eighth Brother would also head to the battlefield next year weighed heavily on Xia Jiufeng’s heart. It was an unwritten rule within the imperial family – upon reaching adulthood, they were destined for the battlefield, with few ever returning.
Currently, only three managing uncles remained in the family: First Uncle, Fifth Uncle, and Tenth Uncle. The imperial lineage had no cowards; every member chose the battlefield upon reaching adulthood, even finding their spouses amidst the fighting.
Eighth Brother and herself were brought back from the battlefield as infants, never knowing their parents. They were raised by these several uncles.
“What about you, Little Sister? Do you plan to go to war too? Don’t think I haven’t figured it out. You merely want to ensure the continuation of the imperial bloodline before heading off, free from worries.” Xia You looked at Xia Jiufeng, seemingly reading her thoughts effortlessly.
“Eighth Brother, I know you’ve been observing my actions closely. But let me assure you, this academy may hold Great Xia’s opportunity for change. Trust me, just stay here until adulthood, and everything will transform.”
Xia Jiufeng was well aware of the academy’s prowess. To prevent the high casualties among the royal family, enrolling in the academy seemed like the best choice.
Xia You looked at Xia Jiufeng, unsure why Little Sister insisted on him joining the academy. For peace of mind, he didn’t refuse and signed the acceptance letter handed to him by Xia Jiufeng.
Seeing Xia You sign, a smile appeared on Xia Jiufeng’s face. By mastering the Martial Dao taught here, Eighth Brother should have no trouble surviving the battlefield once he enters it.
Unaware of these developments, Wu Xianyao began strolling around District 7. He spotted an old-fashioned teahouse with storytelling inside, paused, and stepped in.
“Speaking of Lan Haoyue, she is the fearsome general who strikes terror into the hearts of the Alien Race.
During the Blackcliff Mountain campaign, Lan Haoyue single-handedly slaughtered ten thousand alien warriors. It was a massacre so intense, the sky darkened, blood flowed like rivers, instilling dread in the enemy ranks.”
“Blackcliff Mountain is one of the ten defense lines of Great Xia, and General Lan Haoyue stands among them. Without Lan Haoyue, there would be no current Blackcliff Mountain defense line.”
Wu Xianyao ordered a pot of tea and a plate of pastries, enjoying his meal while listening intently.
He was aware that Blackcliff Mountain was indeed one of the ten defense lines for Great Xia, with new recruits annually dispatched to bolster these frontiers during conscription season.
The ten great generals were considered the pillars of Great Xia. Over a thousand years, not once had any of the ten defense lines retreated, thanks solely to their presence.
To the public, these ten generals were akin to divine warriors. Without them, there would be no present-day Great Xia – a fact widely acknowledged.