Lu Tao emerged from the pass.
He Zongming, He Yuanshuang, and the others were already in the courtyard, not cultivating, seemingly waiting for him.
Upon seeing Lu Tao, He Yuanshuang immediately rushed over, hugging his arm with a worried expression and a somewhat flustered look in her eyes.
Lu Tao asked, "What happened?"
He Zongming said in a deep voice, "Sect Master, the government just sent someone to inform our Immortal Sect that you need to go to the battlefield tomorrow."
Forced conscription.
Upon hearing this, Lu Tao's initial joy at breaking through to the Innate Realm gradually faded.
Lu Tao didn't know the specific situation at the front, but he understood one thing: although he had already reached the Innate Realm, he was still too weak in a national-level battle.
"Brother Lu, what should we do?"
He Yuanshuang looked at Lu Tao with worry, tears welling up in her eyes.
And aren't others the same?
The fact that they are now forcibly conscripting people into the army shows just how dire the situation is on the front lines. If Lu Tao were to be caught up in the battlefield, the consequences... they dared not even think about it.
The Immortal Sect is clearly in a period of rapid development, and everyone's aptitude is improving, so it could rise to prominence very quickly, but unfortunately, there is no such time.
Now even Lu Tao is going to enter the battlefield.
If Lu Tao were to perish, their Immortal Sect would be rendered obsolete.
Seeing the worry on everyone's faces, Lu Tao comforted them, "Don't worry, I have already broken through to the Innate Realm."
"The sect leader has already reached the Innate Realm?"
He Zongming, Chen An, and the others were overjoyed upon hearing this.
They knew about the Marrow Refining Realm, so the sect leader's true strength had already reached the Perfection of the Innate Realm.
While this level of strength is still slightly weaker compared to a national war, it is at least not as weak as someone in the early stages of Marrow Refinement, greatly increasing their chances of survival.
"Yes, you don't need to worry."
Lu Tao didn't want everyone to worry too much, so he gave them a pep talk. Then he called the other eight little guys over and gave them eight Cleansing Pills, which required less ingredients. "Eat these. After improving your aptitude, go and cultivate."
Lu Tao hoped that all the members of the Immortal Sect would survive this great battle.
Currently, Wu Ming, Chen An, and He Yuanshuang of the Immortal Sect have all reached the Refining Organs Realm, while He Zongming, He Wenjing, Wu Tianyou, and others are at the late Bone Forging stage.
The eight little guys are at the Blood Refining Realm.
Clearly, the officials who came to forcibly conscript Lu Tao did not discern the cultivation levels of Wu Ming and the others, so they did not forcibly conscript them, but only Lu Tao, the sect leader.
After all, the Immortal Sect's formations are not something that ordinary cultivators can set up. There's no need to look at Lu Tao's cultivation level to confirm that he definitely meets the requirements for recruitment.
"Yes, Sect Master!"
The eight little ones took the pills and sat down to take them.
"Come here, all of you. I will teach you some martial arts techniques."
"Yes, Sect Master!"
Next, Lu Tao continuously used his Heavenly Eye Technique to pass on some low-grade Xuan-level martial arts techniques and movement methods suitable for everyone, all of which were at the perfect level.
This greatly improved everyone's strength.
"Go and get used to it, otherwise you might lack combat experience when the fighting starts."
Lu Tao was also worried that if the front line collapsed, these people, who had strength but no combat experience, would die a very frustrating death.
"Yes, Sect Master!"
Everyone went into the mansion courtyard and fought each other to get used to martial arts techniques and movement methods, and improve their combat experience.
Only He Yuanshuang held onto Lu Tao's hand tightly, her face showing no joy but only worry.
"Shuang'er, come for a walk with me."
Lu Tao pulled He Yuanshuang along as they strolled around the mansion, lost in thought.
As they strolled around, He Yuanshuang suddenly turned around and threw herself into Lu Tao's arms, her voice choked with emotion, and said, "Brother Lu, Shuang'er is so scared."
A smile appeared on Lu Tao's face as he held He Yuanshuang's soft body in his arms, gently stroking her smooth hair, and whispered, "Shuang'er, don't worry, it's alright. Your brother Lu is omnipotent."
He Yuanshuang simply held Lu Tao tightly without replying, clearly still worried.
Lu Tao gently said, his divine sense sweeping over the small pearl in He Yuanshuang's eyes, "Don't worry, Shuang'er. Later, your brother will go find some Earth-rank cultivation techniques, and your strength will increase again, even if you reach the Grandmaster realm..."
Before she could finish speaking, He Yuanshuang broke free from Lu Tao's embrace and pushed him towards the exit of the mansion, urging, "Brother Lu, hurry up, don't waste time, find more books, quick, quick, quick..."
"Huh?"
Lu Tao was stunned and wished he could slap himself twice.
He finally got to hug He Yuanshuang, and it was the little girl who took the initiative, but he just 'pushed' her away like that. Couldn't he have hugged her a little longer before bringing this up?
"Brother Lu, hurry up and go."
Seeing Lu Tao's reluctant expression, He Yuanshuang blushed.
Lu Tao waved and left the mansion.
Walking down the street, Lu Tao saw that everyone was in a hurry and had a heavy expression, including those from the sects.
"Sigh, I miss peaceful China."
Lu Tao sighed softly and then walked into Tianyun Inn.
"Lu Tao? What brings you here?"
Manager Feng was somewhat surprised to see Lu Tao and led him into his office.
Lu Tao cut to the chase: "Manager Feng, do you have any Earth-rank cultivation techniques? Preferably martial arts or movement techniques, but of course, techniques that improve cultivation at the Innate Realm are also acceptable."
"Kid, I can let you buy on credit, but you can't rip me off like this."
Shopkeeper Feng rolled his eyes. Although he said that, he still took out two cultivation manuals and a jade slip and pushed them to Lu Tao. At the same time, he asked with some doubt, "I'm not saying this to be mean, but with your high comprehension, how come you haven't created your own Earth-rank cultivation technique yet? What have you been doing all this time? Slacking off?"
Throughout Mufeng City, many people knew that Lu Tao had learned the Xuan-rank cultivation technique, Flying Divine Feather, immediately after auctioning it off, and that he had also created his own sword techniques, movement techniques, and eye techniques.
Moreover, Manager Feng learned from other people in the inn that Lu Tao had just received the formation yesterday and set it up.
Such insight is truly astonishing.
So Manager Feng was very surprised that Lu Tao had not yet created his own Earth-rank cultivation technique.
"..."
Lu Tao opened his mouth, but couldn't say anything.
Manager Feng had even more confidence in his comprehension than he did in himself.
Lu Tao was at a loss for words, so he could only make up an excuse and say, "Earth-rank cultivation techniques are too difficult to create. That's why I'm asking you for a cultivation technique so I can refer to it."
"Huh? What do you mean by 'want'? You're buying on credit."
Manager Feng was displeased and glared at him, saying, "No, you're not planning to pay back the debt, are you?"
"No, no, it was a slip of the tongue, a slip of the tongue."
Lu Tao quickly explained, but then asked curiously, "Grandpa Feng, speaking of which, are you really that trusting of me? Aren't you afraid I'll take the things and run away? These things, including the seven sets of formations, must be quite valuable, right?"
Upon hearing this, Manager Feng paused for a moment, then said in a somewhat desolate tone, "Whether I can survive this time is still uncertain. If you can survive with these things, I can die in peace even if I die on the battlefield."
Lu Tao remained silent.
When he bought the formation earlier, he felt that Manager Feng was saying goodbye, and now, Manager Feng's words directly confirmed this.
Is the battlefield really that terrible?
Lu Tao's expression was somewhat solemn. Manager Feng was also at the peak of the Innate Realm. If Manager Feng didn't have much confidence in surviving, Lu Tao felt that he himself was probably in a precarious situation.
Manager Feng sighed, "The battlefield is a meat grinder; how can it not be terrifying?"
"What if you advance to the Grandmaster realm? What are your chances of surviving?" Lu Tao asked after a moment of silence.
"Grandmasters certainly have a greater chance of surviving, the odds... wait a minute."
As Manager Feng was speaking, he suddenly realized something and exclaimed in surprise, "How did you see through my cultivation level, kid?"
Lu Tao blinked and gave a harmless smile.
Manager Feng sighed to the heavens, "Pupil technique, right? Your pupil technique is truly amazing. It can even see through my cultivation level. It's a pity you've used your comprehension in the wrong direction. Wouldn't it be better if you created your own sword technique?"
Manager Feng had no idea that Lu Tao had already advanced to the Innate Realm. He hadn't hidden his cultivation level, and Lu Tao could sense it with a slight effort.
Lu Tao didn't offer much explanation; he already knew that having the strength of a Grandmaster would give him a greater chance of survival.
He felt much more relaxed.
At this moment, Lu Tao looked at Manager Feng, his mind filled with a cacophony of thoughts.
Finally, Lu Tao made a decision. He looked at Manager Feng with a serious expression and said, "Old Master Feng, I'm going to give you a gift, but you must promise not to reveal any information about this gift."
Goodwill is reciprocal. Manager Feng values him so much, giving him cultivation techniques and formations so readily. How could Lu Tao just stand by and watch Manager Feng die?
Shopkeeper Feng was slightly taken aback, but he was still somewhat moved. This young man was not a heartless person. He then waved his hand dismissively and said, "Forget it, you can keep it yourself. Live well. I have long since become indifferent to life and death."
"This gift might save your life."
Listening to Lu Tao's words, Manager Feng recalled the question Lu Tao had asked earlier and guessed that it might be a precious pill or medicinal herb that could help someone who had reached the peak of the Innate Realm break through to the Grandmaster Realm.
Manager Feng pondered.
He would refuse anything else, but this kind of resource wouldn't be of much use to Lu Tao right now. If he could advance to the Grandmaster level, he could compensate Lu Tao with other things in the future.
If you can survive, who would choose to die?
"Very well, then I will accept your kindness."
Manager Feng took a deep breath and said, "Don't worry, I will never reveal any information about it."
"No, a verbal promise isn't enough; you need to swear an oath."
Lu Tao shook his head. Oaths in the martial arts world are very effective. Once broken, it is easy to go astray in the cultivation process. In severe cases, one may even be directly killed by heavenly lightning and have one's soul annihilated.
He doesn't believe in verbal promises, but he believes more in martial arts oaths.
Manager Feng sighed helplessly. Was it really necessary to be so cautious about resources that could help one advance to the Grandmaster realm?
Despite his thoughts, Manager Feng still made a martial arts oath in front of Lu Tao.
Lu Tao finally breathed a sigh of relief, then took out a storage bag and handed it to Manager Feng before turning and leaving Tianyun Inn, leaving only one sentence: "If anything really happens... I hope Old Master Feng can help look after the Immortal Sect."
Shopkeeper Feng was slightly taken aback; he hadn't even seen what the gift was before Lu Tao left.
Manager Feng watched Lu Tao's departing figure with a complicated expression. "Immortal Sect? Don't worry, if that's the case, I will take good care of the Immortal Sect. However... I hope you can survive."
After rubbing the storage bag, Manager Feng probed inside with his divine sense, wanting to see exactly what was inside.
The next moment, Manager Feng froze on the spot, his eyes wide open, his face filled with disbelief...
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