Given Ling Feng's relationship with Tong Chengtai, obtaining permission to use Qianji Pavilion's teleportation array was effortless.
After preparations, the group reconvened outside Qianji Pavilion. Though only Ling Feng, Li Bufan, Mu Qianxue, and Tuoba Yan would travel to the Northwestern Garrison, the rest of the team came to see them off.
"By the way, Xiaofan."
Ling Feng retrieved a token given to him by Tianmeng's Supreme Elder Feng Wuhen and handed it to Jiang Xiaofan. "While you train in the imperial capital, there's someone who might help you."
"Who?" Jiang Xiaofan's eyes lit up.
"Take this token to the Tianmeng Chamber of Commerce and ask for Supreme Elder Feng Wuhen. With this, no one at Tianmeng will give you trouble."
Jiang Xiaofan nodded eagerly.
"Then have Supreme Elder Feng or Supreme Elder Yuanzhi take you to Flame Valley to meet a senior called Sword Maniac. Though he's... eccentric, your temperament and talent should appeal to him. Tell him I sent you to learn blacksmithing."
"Blacksmithing?" Jiang Xiaofan blinked. "Why blacksmithing?"
"You'll understand when you get there." Ling Feng patted his shoulder. "There's also a senior called Pill Devil there. Both are unorthodox but not malicious. Even learning a fraction of their skills would benefit you immensely."
Jiang Xiaofan nodded solemnly, never doubting Ling Feng's words. "Then I'll learn blacksmithing from Sword Maniac!"
"Give it your all." Ling Feng smiled. Jiang Xiaofan was like unpolished jade—his raw strength was terrifying, but his technique was crude. Under Sword Maniac's training, he could refine his power control and truly shine.
Even without entering the Ancient Tower Grove, this could lead to a massive breakthrough.
"Wow, Brother Feng, you're playing favorites!" Lin Mochen complained. "Only Xiaofan gets a master?"
Ling Feng smirked. "If you want, you can go to Flame Valley too."
"Really?" Lin Mochen and the others brightened instantly.
"Yes," Ling Feng said with a faint smile, thinking to himself, If you can handle it.
Pill Devil and Sword Maniac were indeed extraordinary masters—but only someone as tough as Jiang Xiaofan could endure their "guidance." As for Lin Mochen and the others...
Well, some hardship might do them good!
Amidst the Western Wilderness's endless sands, Luohe City stood as an oasis, its river never drying. This made it the most prosperous settlement in the northwest.
Five hundred li[1] west lay the famed Qingtian Fortress—a crucial border stronghold!
When the Tianyang Empire's envoy delegation had visited the Tianbai Empire under the pretext of retrieving Nangong Yin, their true goal had been seizing three strategic passes—with Qingtian Fortress as the primary target.
The Northwestern Army's unshakable defense relied on this fortress's impregnable terrain. If Qingtian Fortress fell, Luohe City would be reduced to ashes overnight.
But as long as the fortress stood, the cities behind it would remain secure.
As the teleportation array's glow faded, four figures emerged—Ling Feng's group.
A guard stepped forward. "This is a border outpost. All teleportation array users must register."
"Of course." Ling Feng clasped his hands respectfully. Every soldier here stood tall and vigilant, even the lowest-ranked.
This discipline reflected the Northwestern Army's caliber—a truly elite force!
"Tianwei Academy students?" The squad leader's expression softened upon reviewing their registration. Four major academies graduates could expect at least centurion ranks, far above common soldiers.
"No need for formalities."
Ling Feng glanced at the setting sun. "It's late. We'll rest here tonight and head to Qingtian Fortress tomorrow."
"Qingtian Fortress?" The squad leader's pupils contracted. "Why go there?"
"Some elder brothers in the army invited me to broaden my horizons," Ling Feng fabricated smoothly. "Perhaps gain a general's favor."
"I see." The squad leader nodded. "But now isn't the best time. The northern demon tribes has been restless lately."
"Northern demon tribes?"
Ling Feng's eyes narrowed. His past travels to the Southern Demon Domain had exposed him to rumors about northern tribes—like the Three-Headed Demonic Jiao Clan, insignificant in the south but dominant up north.
"Lately, they've been harassing our borders nonstop. The fortress generals are swamped—your brothers probably can't spare time for visitors."
The squad leader sighed. "We've even deployed garrison troops to reinforce the frontlines. Hence the heightened security."
"Thank you for the heads-up." Ling Feng nodded and gave a respectful fist-and-palm salute to the squad leader, who knew he would arrive at such an inopportune time.
"Still, his connection with Yue Tengfeng in the Northwestern Army should make it easier to meet the commander-in-chief. Moreover, as a General of Weiyuan—albeit less renowned than the frontline commanders—he had some leverage."
"What now?" Li Bufan frowned. Had he known about the situation, he'd have requested a recommendation letter from his grandfather, the Grand Commandant.
Ling Feng remained unruffled. With a month to go, there was no rush. Moreover, the northern demon unrest might present an unexpected opportunity.
A chance to continue advancing his Eight Desolations Body Refinement Art!
1. 1 li = 500m. 500 li = 250km or 155 freedom miles. ☜