"Everyone present, listen up. From this moment on, the Lie family will fully support General Qin's efforts to recruit rogue cultivators."
"Furthermore, our Lie family will set an example by being the first to accept the Dragon Country's official recruitment."
"If any of you feel that this recruitment is unacceptable or wish to resist, you may speak up now."
"I, Lie Xinyuan, will then challenge General Qin on your behalf!"
Support recruitment?
The first to accept?!
Hearing Lie Xinyuan's words, not only the Lie family members, led by Lie Quan, but also the rogue cultivators from Jiangcheng and Shucheng were stunned.
However, when everyone noticed Lie Xinyuan's blood-stained attire, they instantly understood.
Damn it, Lie Xinyuan, who was at the Golden Core stage, was covered in blood, while the young Qin Xuan was completely unharmed.
Anyone with half a brain could tell that Lie Xinyuan had been thoroughly beaten.
The Golden Snake Old Monster's heart was pounding in his chest.
He was fortunate to have reacted quickly just now. Otherwise, setting aside whether Qin Xuan would make a move, Lie Xinyuan himself would have likely killed him first!
Why did the Golden Snake Old Monster think this way?
It was because the intensity of the fight between Qin Xuan and Lie Xinyuan was clearly one of life and death.
Yet, even so, Lie Xinyuan had returned alive.
This could only mean one of two things.
Either he had reached some kind of agreement with Qin Xuan, and Qin Xuan had shown mercy;
Or, Qin Xuan was so powerful that he could control Lie Xinyuan, making him willingly submit.
In either case, Lie Xinyuan would not stand by and watch the Golden Snake Old Monster make a sneak attack.
The Golden Snake Old Monster's realization of this point was what terrified him so much.
Fortunately, neither Lie Xinyuan nor Qin Xuan had noticed his covert actions.
Therefore, as expected, the Golden Snake Old Monster became the model for surrendering to the authorities, as mentioned by Lie Xinyuan.
The subsequent recruitment process proceeded very smoothly.
Neither of the two major families nor the rogue cultivators from Jiang and Shu offered much resistance.
It was a joke. With the presence of the only two super experts with Golden Core stage strength, let alone mere recruitment, they weren't even required to contribute yet.
Even if they were ordered to the battlefield without question, how many people would dare to refuse?
Thus, even the usually shrewd Lu Ao had to compromise for the time being.
He signed the agreement and accepted the appointment from Ke Wudi.
"Alright everyone, today I will offer this as a welcoming gesture as you join the official ranks!"
"At the same time, I must apologize to the heads of the Lu and Lie families on behalf of Ling'er and myself."
"In modern society, we value freedom in relationships. Ling'er and I are of the secular world and are accustomed to its rules."
"Therefore, please forgive Qin Xuan for his rudeness and for disrupting the weddings of both families."
"We also hope that both families can put aside past grievances and actively cooperate with the official work going forward."
After the recruitment was completed, Qin Xuan and the others returned to the banquet hall that was originally prepared for Lie Feng and Qin Ling'er's wedding.
The food was still being served, and the wine was flowing, but the wedding could no longer proceed.
Qin Xuan's apology to the two families was a polite gesture to appease them.
After all, with Qin Xuan's strength, even without saying anything, these two families would not have raised any objections.
After several rounds of drinks, the rogue cultivators began to take their leave, and even Lu Ao excused himself, citing his inability to hold his liquor.
Although they were recruited, during peacetime, their freedom would not be restricted at all.
So Qin Xuan and the others simply cupped their fists in farewell and allowed them to exit the Lie family's protective barrier.
"Master, is it really okay to let them leave like this?"
"Most of these people are cowards. If we don't employ some special measures, I fear they will falter when the true enemy arrives."
Hearing Lie Xinyuan's words, Qin Xuan gently shook his head. "Since the official channels stated it was a voluntary enlistment, they naturally will not restrict their personal freedom."
"As for the situation you mentioned, we have considered it. However, the timing of the enemy's arrival is still uncertain, and the Dragon Head fears that being too forceful might cause a backlash in their mindset."
"Of course, letting them leave does not mean they can act without restraint."
"If a war were to break out, who knows where the artillery shells might land, wouldn't you agree?"
"This..."
"Indeed..."
Seeing Qin Xuan's lips curve into a slight smile, Lie Xinyuan finally remembered that the Dragon Country's official forces were behind him.
During peacetime, the Dragon Country's authorities would naturally not bomb their own territory.
But what if enemies invaded?
What if the enemy "happened" to arrive near your cultivation cave?
You signed the papers and refused to act, right?
No problem.
With a barrage of artillery and missiles, "accidentally" destroying a few spirit gathering arrays or small barriers, you couldn't blame us, could you?
Upon realizing this, Lie Xinyuan couldn't help but let out a wry smile.
So, the Dragon Country's authorities had already figured out how to deal with these hidden cultivators.
It was laughable that they had all along believed that the authorities were merely putting on a brave front and dared not take any action.
Damn it!
If only he had known about the Dragon Country's plans earlier, he would have surrendered long ago!
Why would he have ended up in a situation where he was threatened, forced to swear an oath, and become someone's servant?
While Qin Xuan and Lie Xinyuan were conversing, the others were initially pondering the hidden meaning of their words. But as they thought about it, they looked at each other with disbelief.
If they hadn't misheard, Lie Xinyuan had just called Qin Xuan "Master," not "General."
The Lie family's ancestor, a Golden Core cultivator, calling Qin Xuan master?!
What in the world was going on?!
Ke Wudi and Zheng Wanqing were shocked, followed by immense joy.
As for the members of the Lie family, they were completely stunned, unable to breathe.
At this moment, they could only hope that their ancestor could provide a reasonable explanation.
Otherwise, wouldn't their Lie family forever be unable to hold their heads up in front of others?
"Old... Old Ancestor."
"What did you just call General Qin?"
Knowing it was his turn to speak, Lie Quan cautiously tested Lie Xinyuan's reaction.
He wasn't very familiar with this ancestor, only having seen him from a distance a few times.
Furthermore, given his Golden Core stage cultivation, even he wasn't bold enough to speak loudly.
However, even with his respectful tone, Lie Xinyuan's anger flared up instantly.
Damn it, he was still feeling down about becoming a servant, and this guy was rubbing salt in the wound!
If you weren't the current head of the Lie family, I would have smacked you!
Giving Lie Quan a fierce glare, Lie Xinyuan angrily said, "Master, Master!"
"What is it? Is that not allowed?!"
"It is, it is!"
"I was just asking, please don't be angry."
Seeing that his ancestor's eyes were about to spew fire, Lie Quan immediately backed down.
Although he still wanted to know how Qin Xuan became Lie Xinyuan's master, given the current situation, he feared that if he said another word, he would be instantly incinerated by Lie Xinyuan's fiery temper!
So, shrinking his neck, Lie Quan quickly shifted his attention from Lie Xinyuan to Lie Quan and Lie Feng, who were lying on the bed.
Seeing this, Lie Xinyuan nodded in satisfaction and looked at Qin Xuan questioningly.