Immortal Martial Academy - Chapter 25
The recruitment season began, and countless young men and women flocked to the streets. Despite the sweltering heat, people bustled about amidst cars, electric vehicles, and bicycles.
Their parents knew that their sons and daughters might not return from this journey; even if fortunate enough to come back, they could be severely injured or disabled.
Nevertheless, these parents steadfastly sent their children to the battlefield, fully aware that if xenobeasts breached Great Xia’s borders, it would mean the downfall of their nation and certain doom for their families. Without a country, there can be no home.
The youths also understood that once they embarked on this path, they may never return. Yet, with unwavering determination, they stepped forward.
The girls were keenly aware that their parents couldn’t bear the thought of losing them, but they recognized where their duty lay. Even if it meant being consumed by a xenobeast on the battlefield, every second they delayed could potentially save their country and their loved ones another moment.
What hurts most is knowing the inevitable outcome yet still choosing to face it, despite the slim chance of changing anything.
These young individuals did not yet grasp the harsh realities of war, the shattered armor worn after countless battles, the city besieged by multiple layers of enemies, nor the heroic struggle of leading a battered force back against all odds.
At least in the eyes of these parents, whether their sons return as young men or daughters as maidens, it brings them immense satisfaction.
From atop the still-under-construction technology building, Wu Xianyao gazed at the distant recruitment office, his thoughts seemingly far away.
“What are you looking at?” Xia Jiufeng approached Wu Xianyao unnoticed.
Wu Xianyao treated his students like friends, and he wasn’t surprised by Xia Jiufeng’s presence. “Just watching them.”
“Watching them? Why bother? You’re leaving tonight; can’t you just avoid this?” This was Xia Jiufeng’s first interaction with Wu Xianyao.
She felt an indescribable depth about him, as if he were a thick volume of history encapsulated in one person.
“No, there are certain things we must do. If I don’t, someone else will have to step up. And if I fail, future generations can learn from my experiences and strive further.” Wu Xianyao spoke solemnly today, and after these words, he seemed reluctant to say more.
The two quietly observed the recruitment office below, neither moving. As the sun began to set, Xiao Lin arrived panting heavily, followed closely by Bruce and Kelly.
“Boss, finally found you! Boss, here’s the 4th Rank saber I crafted. This saber embodies my lifelong dedication; although currently it’s only 4th Rank, with enough energy absorption, it can advance to 6th Rank.”
Wu Xianyao sheathed the saber and looked at the young boy, smiling warmly. “While I’m away, make sure to eat well. I’ve already spoken to Pan Xiaopang, ensuring he’ll bring your meals on time every day. You’re still growing, so it’s crucial that you don’t skip meals.”
Xiao Lin was Wu Xianyao’s primary concern; when absorbed in his work, the boy often forgot to eat. If not for discovering Xiao Lin unconscious from hunger in the Refiner Pavilion once before, Wu Xianyao might never have known.
“Yes, Boss! I promise to eat properly,” Xiao Lin assured him, standing straight.
Checking the time, Wu Xianyao noticed dusk had fallen. He patted Xiao Lin’s head and then turned to Xia Jiufeng, saying, “Don’t give me that look; remember, I am the Headmaster, incredibly powerful.” With that, white wings materialized behind him, “I’m off!”
Wu Xianyao soared into the sky, leaving a trail of shimmering light behind.
“Please come back safely,” Xia Jiufeng shouted loudly after him.
At that moment, Xia Yi emerged with Mao Mao, reassuring her, “Don’t worry, he is the pioneer of the Martial Dao, the leader of a new era.”
Little did Wu Xianyao know, his departure marked the beginning of a crucial period where Great Xia’s ten defensive lines would fiercely guard their nation.
As the horizon came into view, Wu Xianyao spotted the Black Cliff Mountain defense line. He landed outside Black Cliff City, produced his pass, and entered the fortified town.
The city was predominantly inhabited by warriors, with most civilians providing support services for them.
At Peace Hotel, a young woman clad in military attire, appearing to be around twenty years old, stood behind the reception desk.
“Room reservation,” Wu Xianyao stated succinctly.
“Do you have any credentials? With proper identification, accommodation can be arranged free of charge.”
Recalling his Dao Protector documentation, Wu Xianyao opened his smartwatch and showed it to her. “Will this suffice?”
“Yes, please wait a moment.” The young woman operated on a virtual screen, then handed him a room key with both hands. “Sir, here you go. Your room is on the top floor.”
“Thank you.” Wu Xianyao took the elevator to Room 101 at the highest level.
The room was clean, featuring a bed, a desk, two chairs, and some disposable amenities. When paying earlier, he had opted for a one-month stay.
In other words, Wu Xianyao planned to reside here for an entire month.
He activated his smartwatch, connecting to the military network, to briefly familiarize himself with the surroundings.
The Black Cliff Mountain defense line spread out fan-like, with Black Cliff City as the last line of fortification. Ahead lay five more defensive lines: the second line had two strongholds, and the third line, also known as the front lines, contained three strongholds. If these six strongholds were breached, the entire Black Cliff Defense Line would fall, leaving Great Xia directly exposed.
The primary adversaries along the Black Cliff Mountain defense line were the Ferocious Lions, Blood Wolves, and Flame Rats—the three major alien factions. The Flame Rats constituted the largest force, numbering over 300 million, followed by the Ferocious Lions and Blood Wolves, each around 100 million strong. With the Flame Rats being the dominant threat, additional assorted alien groups combined forces, totaling approximately another 200 million.
In essence, the Black Cliff Defense Line stood against seven billion aliens beyond its borders.
Combining advanced technology with the abilities of the gifted, Great Xia managed to defend against such vast numbers, showcasing the nation’s remarkable technological achievements. Given time, Great Xia could potentially forge a path forward solely through technological advancement.
However, the Alien Race wouldn’t allow it. Whenever human geniuses emerged, they swiftly received intelligence and made relentless attempts at assassination.
Aliens infiltrating Great Xia’s cities indicated the presence of spies, albeit deeply hidden ones.
After settling in and registering his identity, Wu Xianyao opened the window and flew out. He headed towards the first line of defense, eager to assess the situation there.
As Wu Xianyao soared through the sky, he spotted Blackcliff Mountain, where the central forces were stationed, led by a high-ranking general.
Flying another hundred kilometers ahead, he arrived at a military outpost and descended onto the plain before walking towards it.
At the entrance stood an enormous fortified wall, serving as a key defense against the Alien Race.
These fortresses surrounded Great Xia, marking the front lines of conflict.
Entering the outpost, numerous military tents lined the area.
Signs hung outside each tent: Military Administration Hall, Supply Exchange Point, Identity Management Office.
The three largest tents bore these labels. Wu Xianyao entered the Identity Management Office, presented his identification, and received authorization for his wristwatch.
With this authorization, any xenobeasts slain would instantly update his merit point tally. In Great Xia, not having a wristwatch meant being considered undocumented, potentially even suspected as a spy.
Thus, the wristwatch served as proof of identity. If lost or damaged, one needed endorsements from three individuals along with a thorough background investigation to obtain a replacement.
After completing his registration, Wu Xianyao began gathering information.
Although referred to as “gathering,” much of the intelligence was publicly available within the Administrative Hall.
One notable piece mentioned an impending wave of xenobeasts expected in about one to two months. Additionally, there were reports of small groups of alien scouts frequently probing the fortress, prompting warnings for outbound squads to remain vigilant.