Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 774 The Role of the Surrender Faction in Stabilizing Ironwall City (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
The smoke of battle had not yet dissipated, and the setting sun, like blood, stained the broken walls and ruins of Iron Wall City with a tragic crimson hue.

Sporadic sounds of fighting still echoed within the city, as the allied forces purged the last remaining stubborn resistance fighters, but the overall situation was already decided.

The Crimson Sun True Lord stood in mid-air. Although his aura fluctuated slightly and his robes were stained with some scorch marks, his eyes were piercing and his imposing presence was even greater.

"Quickly assess the battle damage, repair some of the city's defensive formations, and be wary of a counterattack from the Zhao Kingdom."

He surveyed the devastated city and said in a deep voice, "All captured supplies must be registered and recorded; no one may keep them for themselves!"

As orders were relayed down, the massive war machine began to shift from a frenzied offensive mode to a mode of occupation and consolidation.

The disciples of the Yuanyang Dao Sect quickly took over key positions, and the array masters began to repair the relatively minor damage to the array nodes, attempting to restore Iron Wall City's most basic defensive capabilities as soon as possible.

Li Yunjing sheathed his longsword, approached True Lord Chiyang, and bowed, saying, "Congratulations, Uncle-Master, on taking this formidable pass!"

Behind him were the ten True Persons of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect", as well as Wang Hanyun, Mo Ying, Liu Zhengfeng, Zhang Yan and others.

The four major powers did not participate in the post-war takeover; instead, they obediently gathered together for rest and recuperation.

The Yuanyang Dao Sect was the main force in the war, and it was naturally their business to plunder the spoils and seize power. As for the benefits of the Shenxiao Dao Sect, they would certainly not be left out.

The Yuanyang Dao Sect dared not go too far.

However, the truly valuable items were definitely monopolized by the Yuanyang Dao Sect, while the resources allocated to the Shenxiao Dao Sect were likely commonplace items.

All these things combined are sufficient to reflect the merits established by the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

"In this battle, Junior Nephew Li deserves the greatest credit!"

"If it weren't for your foresight and coordination, we don't know how long we would have lingered here under the city walls and how much we would have paid."

True Lord Chiyang turned around, a genuine smile on his face, and patted Li Yunjing on the shoulder: "Once this matter is settled, I will personally bestow rewards upon you!"

"Uncle-Master, you flatter me. This is my duty, and it is also the result of the concerted efforts of all of you."

Li Yunjing said modestly, but his gaze was fixed on the people from the original four major forces in the city who were helping the Allied Forces maintain order or rescuing the wounded from the ruins. "However, the distribution of benefits after the war, especially the promises made to the Wang, Mo, Liu, and Zhang families and their agents in the city, need to be implemented as soon as possible in order to stabilize people's hearts and set an example for recruiting traitors in the future."

“What my nephew says is absolutely right.”

"This matter concerns our reputation and long-term plans, and we must not be negligent."

"I will immediately send people to contact them and delineate their respective shares and jurisdictions."

Upon hearing this, True Lord Chiyang's expression turned serious: "As for the specific details, I will have to trouble you, my junior brother, to take the time to coordinate them. After all, they trust you, Vice Sect Leader Li, more."

"It is obligatory."

Li Yunjing nodded in agreement.

This was a crucial step for him to expand the influence of the "Shenxiao Daozong" and consolidate his own authority.

Thirty percent of the territory of the Zhao state belongs to the "Shenxiao Dao Sect"!
He needs these forces to help him take over 30% of the territory.

Just then, a communication talisman flew through the air and landed in the hand of True Lord Chiyang.

He scanned the area with his divine sense, and his expression slightly hardened.

"We have just received news that the Zhao royal family was greatly shocked to learn of the fall of Iron Wall City. They have urgently drawn troops from other directions, and two other old fellows from the Hall of Offerings who have been in seclusion for many years are personally leading them. They are rushing here day and night and are expected to arrive at the front line within five days."

"The Crimson Sun True Lord said in a deep voice."

"Five days... although the time is tight, it's enough for us to initially establish a foothold."

Li Yunjing's eyes flashed: "We can use Iron Wall City as bait and see if we can catch a few more big fish."

"You're thinking the same thing as me!"

A hint of admiration and tacit understanding flashed in True Lord Chiyang's eyes: "If they come, this newly acquired Ironwall City will be their burial ground!"

The two looked at each other and smiled, saying nothing.

After a brief discussion with True Lord Chiyang, Li Yunjing led the members of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" and the leaders of the Wang, Mo, Liu, and Zhang families to a relatively intact large mansion in the city that had been temporarily allocated to them as their residence.

Inside the mansion's main hall, candlelight illuminated the varied expressions on the faces of the representatives from all sides.

Besides the ten True Persons of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" and the leaders of the four major forces, there were also six or seven family patriarchs and cultivator leaders who had defected or provided significant assistance at crucial moments in the city. Their faces showed fatigue, but also a hint of anticipation and unease.

Li Yunjing sat in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over everyone present with a calm yet authoritative air.

"You all deserve great credit for our victory in this battle, which was achieved despite the impregnable fortifications."

He got straight to the point, his voice clear to everyone, "I, Li, am here to express my gratitude."

Everyone quickly stood up to return the greeting, repeatedly saying they dared not accept it.

"Vice Sect Leader Li, you flatter us. If it weren't for your strategic planning, how could we have had this opportunity to achieve merit?"

Wang Hanyun, as a representative of the four companies, was the first to express his opinion, speaking respectfully.

"Yes, yes, it's all thanks to Vice Sect Leader Li and the 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect' in managing the overall situation!"

The other inside leaders also chimed in.

Li Yunjing raised his hand and gestured for everyone to sit down.

"Let's skip the pleasantries. Uncle-Master Chiyang has made it clear that the Yuanyang Dao Sect is not one to abandon its allies after they've served their purpose. Your contributions will surely be rewarded handsomely."

He first set the tone to reassure the public, then changed the subject, "However, the war is not over. Zhao's reinforcements will arrive in five days, and a new round of battle is imminent. Now is not the best time to reward merits and divide up territories."

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall froze slightly, and several of the inside leaders couldn't help but show a hint of disappointment and anxiety on their faces.

"I will not break my promise to you."

Li Yunjing took in everyone's reactions and continued, "The reason I invited you all here today is to finalize a few important matters so that we can work together to fight against a powerful enemy and lay the foundation for the distribution of benefits in the future."

"Please give your instructions, Vice Sect Leader Li!"

Everyone said in unison.

"Firstly, all of you and your subordinates must be integrated immediately and temporarily incorporated into my 'Shenxiao Dao Sect', with Fellow Daoists Wang, Mo, Liu, and Zhang providing overall coordination and assistance to me."

Li Yunjing looked at the leaders of the four major forces. This was both to grant them power and to further bind them to the "Shenxiao Dao Sect". "All supplies of spirit stones and pills will be provided by our sect in advance, and can be deducted from your share after the battle."

Upon hearing this, Wang, Mo, Liu, and Zhang perked up and immediately clasped their hands in obeisance, saying, "We will obey Vice Sect Leader Li's order!"

This means they gained actual command and management authority, and their status has changed.

Seeing this, the leaders of the inner circle within the city felt somewhat relieved, at least they now had a clear organization and someone to rely on.

"Secondly, you have lived here for a long time and are familiar with the terrain, alleys and even the surrounding area of ​​Iron Wall City."

"Although the Yuanyang Dao Sect is in charge of defense, I need you all to send out capable people to form several reconnaissance and patrol teams to closely monitor the movements within a thousand miles, especially the direction from which Zhao reinforcements may come. Report any unusual activity to me immediately!"

"This matter concerns our very survival; it is of utmost importance!"

Li Yunjing added his instructions.

"Yes! We will do our utmost!"

This time, all the inside leaders loudly agreed.

This is a crucial task for them to demonstrate their value and gain trust, and no one dares to neglect it.

Thirdly!

"With the city now largely settled, it is inevitable that some loyalists of the Zhao state will remain hidden or take advantage of the chaos to cause trouble."

“The Yuanyang Dao Sect is in charge of the overall situation, but we will have to rely on you all for the 'cleaning up' of some minor details.”

“You should know better than outsiders who have resisted to the end and which families may have ulterior motives.”

Li Yunjing's voice softened, but his gaze sharpened. "I want this Iron Wall City to be free of internal threats until Zhao's reinforcements arrive! Is that even possible?"

The implication of these words sent a chill down everyone's spines. They were being asked to pledge their loyalty, thoroughly purge the former master's forces, and cut off any possibility of reconciliation.

But now that things have come to this, there's no turning back.

"Don't worry, Vice Sect Leader Li! We know who the stubborn and unyielding ones are!"

After a brief silence, the patriarch of a rebellious family with considerable influence in the city gritted his teeth and said, "We must completely eliminate the hidden dangers in the city within three days!"

"very good."

"Your efforts today will be the most important basis for evaluating your contributions in the future."

"Once we defeat the Zhao reinforcements and completely secure this city, it will be time for us to share the fruits of victory."

Li Yunjing nodded in satisfaction, "At that time, I, Li, will personally work with Uncle Chiyang to demarcate territories and allocate resources for you all, ensuring that what you receive will far surpass what you received in the past!"

He threw out the final temptation, painting a clear and enticing picture.

The breathing of everyone in the hall suddenly became heavier, and the hesitation and unease in their eyes were replaced by the intense light.

Risks and rewards coexist, but they have seen clear hope and a path forward.

"I am willing to serve Vice Sect Leader Li! I am willing to serve the 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect'!"

Everyone swore an oath in unison, and this time, their voices were louder and more sincere.

After the meeting concluded, the leaders from all sides received their orders and quickly took action.

Li Yunjing sat alone in the hall, his fingertips lightly tapping the armrest.

Xiao Anran and Lei Zhen walked out from the side.

"Vice Sect Leader Li, this arrangement is excellent."

"It not only appeased the people's hearts, but also firmly bound them to our sect's war chariot, and further utilized their local advantages."

Xiao praised it with a sigh.

“In extraordinary times, extraordinary things must be done.”

"They are the tentacles that have taken root in the State of Zhao, how can we not take good care of them?"

Li Yunjing smiled slightly: "Next, I will have to trouble you two senior brothers to keep an eye on them. We need to get them to contribute, but we also need to prevent them from taking the opportunity to eliminate dissidents and expand their influence too much."

"clear."

Lei Zhen responded in a deep voice.

The night was as dark as ink, but "Iron Wall City" was not completely asleep.

Disciples of the Yuanyang Dao Sect set up checkpoints and patrolled key points, while the light from repairing the formation flickered intermittently.

In the shadows of the city's deeper alleys, another silent cleansing is quietly unfolding.

Having received Li Yunjing's orders, the Wang, Mo, Liu, and Zhang families, along with those defecting families in the city eager to claim credit, were like hunting dogs released from their cages. Relying on their familiarity with the city, they accurately pounced on the targets that had already been marked.

In the east of the city, there is a seemingly ordinary house.

The gate was violently flung open, and Wang Hanyun personally led a group of cultivators into the courtyard. Immediately, shouts of shock and anger, along with brief but intense clashes of spells, filled the air.

"Wang family! You traitors! Zhao will not let you get away with this!" An old voice roared in despair.

"The State of Zhao? The Iron Wall City has fallen, and the fate of the State of Zhao is sealed! To resist stubbornly will only lead to certain death!"

Wang Hanyun gave a cold shout, a flash of light appeared, and the roar abruptly stopped.

Similar scenes were playing out simultaneously in multiple locations throughout the city.

Some were family members of officers who had once resolutely resisted, some were die-hard loyalists of the old dynasty who were secretly colluding to try to restore communication, and some were even gangs and rogue cultivators who tried to take advantage of the chaos but were identified as "destabilizing factors" by the new order.

The stench of blood quietly permeated the night air.

Their efficiency is astonishing. These local bullies know exactly who needs to be "cleaned up" and can often achieve their goals with minimal disturbance.

Any occasional resistance, however large-scale, was quickly suppressed by their overwhelming strength.

With the assistance of the "Yuanyang Dao Sect," even a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator would find it difficult to escape death.

Li Yunjing stood on the highest pavilion in the garrison, his hands behind his back, gazing calmly at the occasional flashes of magical light and the directions of screams that vanished in an instant.

Xiao Anran appeared silently behind him.

"Vice Sect Leader Li, the purge is underway. So far, they seem to be working very hard and very...thoroughly."

Xiao said in a low voice.

"Ah."

Li Yunjing responded casually, "Any unusual activity?"

"We have not yet found any expansionary activities targeting non-cleaning targets. They are all very law-abiding and report their actions to us in a timely manner."

Xiao smiled slightly, looking disheartened.

“Very good. Let them continue. A new city always needs to go through growing pains before it can settle down.”

Li Yunjing asked indifferently, "Where is Senior Brother Lei?"

"Junior Brother Lei led his men to the warehouse area in the west of the city. The people from the Yuanyang Dao Sect are counting their spoils. Although they say it nicely, we need to have someone present so that they don't 'neglect' our share."

A mocking smile appeared on Xiao Anran's lips.

"It should be so."

"Tell Senior Brother Lei that there's no need to fight over it, but what's rightfully ours, we can't lose a single spirit stone."

Li Yunjing nodded: "The key is those maps and documents about the distribution of spirit mines, spirit vein nodes, and the garrison forces in various places within the Zhao Kingdom. The Yuanyang Dao Sect may not value those things, but they are crucial for us to take over 30% of the territory."

"clear."

Xiao nodded sadly, his admiration for Li Yunjing growing even stronger.

This newly promoted Nascent Soul Realm cultivator, after getting to know him, is even more outstanding than rumored. From now on, the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect" will be well managed by him.

Just then, a barely perceptible stream of light quietly arrived and landed in Li Yunjing's hand; it was an encrypted communication talisman from afar.

He scanned the area with his divine sense, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

"The sect has replied."

He said softly, "The sect leader and the elders are very satisfied with this great victory. They have dispatched an additional reinforcement led by three Nascent Soul cultivators, bringing a large number of array masters and supplies to help us consolidate our gains and take full responsibility for the subsequent takeover of 30% of Zhao's territory."

"Great!"

Xiao Anran was overjoyed upon hearing this: "In that case, we have even more confidence!"

"Reinforcements are expected to arrive in about a month."

"Before that, we must firmly hold our ground in 'Iron Wall City' and make good use of local strongmen like Wang and Mo to extend our reach as far as possible."

Li Yunjing put away the communication talisman. "The Zhao reinforcements five days from now are both a crisis and an opportunity for us to further establish our authority and make these dependent forces rely on us even more."

"Senior brother, pass the word down and have our reconnaissance squads go further out. I need to know the specific composition of the Zhao reinforcements, their marching route, and even the personality traits of their leaders."

He turned to look at Xiao Anran: "Only by knowing yourself and your enemy can you present a 'generous gift' to Uncle Chiyang."

"Yes!"

Xiao accepted the order and quietly withdrew.

Li Yunjing turned his gaze back to the city in the darkness, a cold smile curving his lips.

Ironwall City is just the beginning.

The following game will be more complex and more interesting.

Five days passed in the blink of an eye.

The smoke and blood of the past have not completely dissipated, but Ironwall City has already taken on a completely new look.

The dilapidated city walls have been initially repaired. Although they are far less sturdy than before, the key defensive array nodes have been barely repaired by the array masters of the "Yuanyang Dao Sect," and a thin layer of light has been erected again, symbolically enveloping the entire city.

The Zhao state flags that once fluttered atop the city walls had long since been taken down, replaced by the "Crimson Flame Flag" of the "Yuanyang Dao Sect" and the "Purple Thunder Flag" of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect," which fluttered in the wind.

The city streets have been roughly cleared, the ruins have been gathered up, and the bloodstains have been washed away and buried.

Teams of cultivators dressed in the robes of the two sects patrolled in turns, their expressions wary.

Most shops remained closed, but a few bold ordinary people began to appear on the streets, their eyes filled with fear, numbness, and awe of the new rulers.

Thanks to the "efficient" purge by the Wang, Mo, Liu, and Zhang families and their affiliated forces, no large-scale riots or resistance incidents occurred in the city.

All destabilizing factors were swiftly and thoroughly eliminated during these five days of darkness.

Iron Wall City, once a fortress on the western frontier of the Zhao Kingdom, now resembles a tamed beast, temporarily sheathing its claws and accepting a new master.

The Crimson Sun True Lord was stationed in what was once the city lord's mansion, now the central command tent. He issued orders, mobilized troops, reinforced city defenses, distributed captured supplies, and did his best to restore the city's war potential.

Li Yunjing, on the other hand, focused more on integrating the newly attached forces.

With the assistance of the Wang, Mo, Liu, and Zhang families, the cultivators who had surrendered or defected within the city were reorganized, dispersed, and incorporated into a temporary system led by the four major powers, with the ten True Persons of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" serving as supervisors.

A preliminary temporary ruling structure, with the "Shenxiao Daozong" at its core and local powerful forces as its henchmen, has been formed.

Despite the tight schedule, under pressure and clear promises of benefits, this framework actually operated quite systematically, at least maintaining basic order within the city and effectively cooperating with the defensive deployment of the "Yuanyang Dao Sect".

On the evening of the fifth day, the furthest reconnaissance patrol team finally sent back definite news.

"Report!!!"

A weary allied soldier rushed into the main hall of Li Yunjing's camp, knelt on one knee, and reported, "Reporting to Vice Sect Leader Li! The vanguard of the Zhao Kingdom's reinforcements has arrived at 'Black Wind Valley,' 500 li away, and their main force is expected to be at the city gates around noon tomorrow!"

The expressions of everyone in the hall tightened.

"Just in time."

Li Yunjing put down the jade slip in his hand and glanced at Xiao Anran, Lei Zhen, and the leaders of the four major forces present. "Can you ascertain the opponent's strength and weakness?"

"It's been discovered!"

"The main force of the reinforcements is about 50,000 men, personally led by 'Golden Radiance Sword Lord,' the number one expert in Zhao!"

"There are no fewer than twenty Nascent Soul cultivators! Over a thousand Golden Core cultivators! The rest are all Foundation Establishment elites!"

The disciple spoke rapidly but clearly, "They also carried large siege weapons such as the 'Formation-Breaking Crossbow' and the 'Earth-Shaking Beast'!"

“Old man Jinhuang… he wasn’t killed by True Lord Chiyang in the last great battle!”

Wang Hanyun gasped, his face turning grave.

The atmosphere instantly became somewhat oppressive.

A True Monarch at the Nascent Soul stage, plus more than twenty Nascent Soul cultivators—this power is enough to overturn the course of a battle.

"With such a luxurious lineup, it seems that the Zhao Kingdom is really in a hurry and has brought out all its resources."

Li Yunjing's expression remained unchanged; instead, he revealed a meaningful smile: "That's fine, it saves us the trouble of searching for them one by one later."

In terms of the number of experts, their allied forces still have more.

Although the Yuanyang Dao Sect divided its forces and quickly occupied city after city, the main force left behind still consisted of twenty Nascent Soul Realm cultivators.

Including myself, there are sixteen or seventeen real people here.

There were nearly forty people on both sides combined!
Unless they are ambushed and trapped in a formation by the Zhao state, the Zhao army has no chance of victory.

Zhao's move was more of a demonstration of its determination to stabilize other parts of Zhao and then find a way to drive out the Yuanyang Dao Sect and the Shenxiao Dao Sect.

Now that this large army has arrived, neither he nor True Lord Chiyang will let them go easily.

The Zhao state had virtually no chance of establishing a stalemate outside the "Iron Wall City".

Li Yunjing stood up and said to the disciple, "You've worked hard. Go and collect your reward and rest."

"Gentlemen, the big fish has arrived. Let's prepare according to the original plan."

Then he looked at everyone and said, "Don't forget, what we are guarding now is a 'weak city' that has just gone through a fierce battle, suffered heavy losses, and whose defenses have not yet been restored."

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback at first, then suddenly realized what was going on, and their faces lit up with knowing smiles.

"Rest assured, Vice Sect Leader! We will certainly put on a good show!"

Mo Ying grinned.

"That's right, we'll make sure they never leave alive!"

Liu Zhengfeng was also eager to get started.

"Go, everyone to your positions."

Li Yunjing nodded: "Let Zhao see how Iron Wall City is after it changed owners... an impregnable fortress."

The group accepted the order and quickly dispersed, beginning the final pre-battle preparations in a tense but orderly manner.

Li Yunjing moved swiftly, transforming into a streak of azure light, and in an instant arrived at the former city lord's mansion, now the central location of the allied forces.

The Yuanyang Dao Sect disciples guarding the entrance had clearly received instructions beforehand and did not stop him. After bowing respectfully, they let him in.

The atmosphere inside the mansion was solemn. The Crimson Sun True Lord was standing in front of a huge sand table with twenty Nascent Soul True Men from the Yuan Yang Dao Sect, their faces serious as they deduced something.

Upon seeing Li Yunjing enter, True Lord Chiyang raised his head, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.

"Nephew Li, you've come at just the right time."

"You've also received the intelligence from the reconnaissance patrol team."

True Lord Chiyang beckoned him closer. “Old man Jinhuang has come in person, and with so many troops. It seems he intends to settle things in one battle and take back ‘Iron Wall City’ while we are still establishing our foothold.”

(End of this chapter)