With the Task Token in hand, Chen Jiuge, fully armed, arrived at the Grotto Heaven rental service in Hundred Herbs Garden Immortal City. This facility could accommodate over a thousand people, far too many for a regular inn.
"Jiuge, are you ready? Are we setting off?" Hua Yu asked upon seeing Chen Jiuge.
"No, the task only specifies that we need to arrive today; there’s no need to rush. Let’s first discuss the intelligence I’ve gathered." Chen Jiuge then presented all the information he had collected from the Sect and the details disclosed by the siblings from the Zhu Family.
The Chen Family’s small world had been occupied a long time ago. The family Cultivators currently present didn’t know much about it, which somewhat disappointed Chen Jiuge.
"Right, Jiuge, your reward from the last Sect assessment has been delayed until now," Hua Yu said, pulling out a Storage Bag.
Chen Jiuge didn’t particularly care for such minor rewards anymore, but every little bit counted, especially since he had earned it through his actions.
An hour later, Chen Jiuge prepared to activate the Token.
Upon activation, a radiant beam of light erupted from the ground. Everyone within the pillar vanished in the blink of an eye, leaving only a slowly dissipating column of light behind.
"Is this the small world?" Casually releasing a Wind Blade and observing the trench several tens of meters long it carved into the ground, Chen Jiuge began to feel the changes within himself.
The recovery rate of his Spiritual Energy was only about one-tenth of what it was in the Heavenly Realm, perhaps even slower. However, its potency had increased severalfold, likely due to the weaker Laws of this small world.
"Which peak’s Disciples are you? Don’t just stand around, and don’t cast Spells recklessly," a grim-faced Steward said discontentedly.
"Apologies, senior brother." Chen Jiuge handed over his Task Token.
The grim-faced Steward docked his own Token with Chen Jiuge’s and said, "I have already imported the detailed intelligence about this world and your task into your Token."
"Next is choosing your position. To establish a foothold in this world, it’s best to have a formal identity. Take a look and see which one you want," the grim-faced Steward said, taking out a paper list.
The societal system of this world somewhat resembled the enfeoffment system of the Zhou Dynasty from his previous life, though some details differed.
Governor of Taiyuan City: Responsible for garrisoning Taiyuan City.
Governor of Black Stone City: Responsible for defending Black Stone City.
General of Pacification: In charge of eradicating rebels.
Besides these three positions, all others were civilian roles related to construction. Chen Jiuge said, somewhat dissatisfied, "Senior brother, are these the only three positions?"
"Aren’t the others listed too? Ah, right, the task you accepted is to pacify this world’s resistance forces. In that case, yes, only these three positions are truly relevant. You’re actually here relatively early. Most positions were reserved long ago by those major families who pulled some strings," the grim-faced Steward explained with a helpless shrug.
Sighing, Chen Jiuge realized how little he understood. With my Master being a Heavenly Immortal, reserving a position should have been simple. I just hadn’t anticipated this kind of under-the-table dealing.
"Junior brother, considering you are a Disciple of a Heavenly Immortal, I, your senior brother, advise you this: if you want to earn greater Merit, it’s best to choose a governor position. I can’t say much about the specifics," whispered the grim-faced Steward after a moment’s hesitation.
"Thank you, senior brother." Chen Jiuge didn’t hesitate upon hearing this. He secretly passed over a small bag of Spirit Stones and chose the position of Governor of Taiyuan City.
The bag contained a significant number of Spirit Stones, clearly pleasing the grim-faced Steward. He warned again, "Junior brother, both Taiyuan City and Black Stone City have experienced a massacre. Although they aren’t ghost towns, nine out of ten houses are empty. I hope you manage them well; this also counts as Merit."
"Thank you, senior brother."
With the map and the official seal of the Governor of Taiyuan City gifted to him by the grim-faced Steward, Chen Jiuge led his contingent toward Taiyuan City.
「On the top floor of an inn closest to the city gate」
Two figures watched intently as Chen Jiuge’s army departed. Yu Shaohai said in despair, "How powerful are these Outer Heaven Demons? So many Martial Saints, lesser Martial Saints, and an army of nearly a thousand Marquis-rank troops!!!"
"Didn’t we already know the outcome? Is Defender Yu thinking of giving up?" Li Qiuyue said, her face devoid of expression.
Yu Shaohai knelt on one knee. "This worthless life of mine was given by the late Emperor; death is of no concern to me. However, the strength of these Outer Heaven Demons is too terrifying. I fear we will struggle to restore our nation."
Li Qiuyue clenched her fists tightly and didn’t speak, only gazing into the distance. Father, what am I to do?
There were many forces in the city resisting the rule of the Myriad Beasts Sect. Having learned that these Outer Heaven Demons were due to be replaced today, numerous powers had dispatched observers throughout the city early in the morning.
"Alliance Hierarch, can we truly defeat these Outer Heaven Demons?" atop another building, a young man asked, his voice trembling.
Looking at the disheartened Fang Tianzhi, Su Hai felt a pang of disappointment but still explained, "This world is ours. No matter how strong these Outer Heaven Demons are, they are outsiders. Even the world itself aids us. We will not lose."
Apart from these two largest rebel forces, many smaller factions also witnessed the scene. However, lacking the resolve of Su Hai and Li Qiuyue, most of them considered retreating, only hesitating because they were reluctant to give up their current prosperity and status.
Chen Jiuge paid no mind to their thoughts. Taiyuan City was situated on the farthest border of this dynasty. Beyond it lay undeveloped, untamed lands. Fortunately, it wasn’t too far from his current location, only about a three-day journey.
Along the way, Chen Jiuge heard about many changes in this world. One piece of news, in particular, caught his attention.
Chen Jiuge frowned. "Did you gather this information?"
"Yes. By now, practically every older person knows about this," a soldier of the Red Armored Army said, bowing his head.
The direct male line of the Imperial Li Family has been wiped out? Isn’t it said that annihilating an Imperial Family incurs the backlash of the Heavenly Dao? Which Disciple did this? So reckless!
Any Cultivator aspiring to become an immortal, even if they don’t revere the Heavenly Dao, would not dare to provoke its displeasure. The one who gave this order is probably going to be consumed by Karma and struck dead by lightning upon their return.
Upon his return, Baili Wen was immediately summoned by his father. As the legitimate son of a Golden Immortal—a child born late in his father’s life—Baili Wen was naturally doted upon endlessly. Despite his poor talent, a result of some accident, he was still the Young Master of the Baili Family.
"What did you do?" Baili Tianren thundered, looking at Baili Wen, who was practically glowing red from the Karma clinging to him.
"I didn’t do anything, Father!" Baili Wen exclaimed, feigning innocence, his voice laced with panic.
"You’re wreathed in Karma! Did you massacre a city or annihilate that small world’s Imperial Family? Or did you do both?" Such intense Karma could only be accumulated through such deeds.
"That small world’s Emperor was disobedient, and their armies constantly opposed me. I got angry and had them all killed," Baili Wen said stubbornly, his neck stiff.
"I, Baili Tianren, renowned throughout my life, never expected to father such a creature in my old age! Come with me," Baili Tianren said furiously.