There are no ancestors at all; I made them all up.

Chapter 71 How about we make up another one?
"It's the Zhenhai Garrison Order!"

Bai Shaoyou's face turned extremely ugly. Seeing Chen Qing's puzzled expression, he immediately explained, "This order is one of the 'Iron Orders for Conscription' forged by the Great Yan Dynasty! Once issued, the sect or family must immediately send qualified cultivators to report with the order and be at the command of the Zhenhai Division to deal with sudden disasters or demonic calamities!"

Chen Qing frowned: "Tell me in detail."

Bai Shaoyou nodded and said, "In the case of disasters like this in the coastal areas, the Zhenhai Division will definitely set up many 'Zhenhai Locking Spirit Formations' first! These formations are presided over by elite soldiers and high-level cultivators respectively, covering the outer perimeter of the disaster, isolating the source of the disaster, suppressing the calamity, and stabilizing the earth's veins and water elements. They are the first and most important line of defense!"

He paused, then continued, "After the cultivator carrying the order arrives, a court official will be in charge of the 'Dongxuan Mirror' to examine the cultivator's cultivation level, true essence attribute, and even the general category of the cultivation technique."

Chen Qing pressed further: "How should those with low cultivation levels conduct themselves?"

Bai Shaoyou said solemnly, "The Zhenhai Division will assign and place each person according to their strengths. The cultivators will be ordered to enter their assigned formations to await orders, using their own strength to nurture the formations and suppress calamities. During this time, they can also cultivate and exchange ideas, but they must leave the formations every certain period of time to complete at least one 'good deed,' otherwise they will be subject to military law!"

He paused, then added, "However, it's not like we're just ordering people around. The Zhenhai Division will open its treasury, where merits can be exchanged for cultivation techniques, pills, and other resources, including many rare items! The Zhenhai Division is a large and powerful organization; even a little bit of resources slipping through their fingers is enough to make small sects very prosperous! It's common for minor sect leaders to use this opportunity to break through their cultivation levels and rise to prominence, leading to the great flourishing of their sects!"

In this world where spiritual energy is scarce, it is indeed difficult for small sects and factions to rise to prominence, given even the slightest opportunity.

He knew what Chen Qing was worried about. He glanced at Fang Da'ao and Qu Xiaoyao, then said, "Junior brothers and sisters are still too weak to be forcibly conscripted, but Sect Leader, you..."

I can't avoid it, can I?

Chen Qing pondered this, and a thought struck him.

According to Bai Shaoyou, although this conscription is domineering, it is supported by an array and the responsibilities are clearly defined. As long as one acts cautiously, it can be considered a safe way to earn resources.

"Uncle-Master! This disciple is willing to go!" Fang Da'ao, who had come out to investigate after hearing the commotion, had just overheard most of the commotion. He stepped forward, his eyes burning with fervor. "Slaying demons and protecting our homeland is our duty!"

Qu Xiaoyao's face turned pale as she clutched Chen Qing's clothes tightly: "Uncle-Master, shouldn't cultivation be carefree and unrestrained? Why must we be driven by others to go to that dangerous place?"

"Where in the world can one find a carefree immortal?" Bai Shaoyou explained. "Spiritual energy is scarce these days. Maintaining a sect, supporting disciples, and cultivating spiritual fields and medicinal gardens all require massive resources. Even those giant sects that possess spiritual mines and immortal veins have to manage industries and rely on the dynasty!"

Then, he changed the subject: "Although the Zhenhai Division's conscription is domineering, it is for the purpose of protecting the peace of the region! Moreover, it has designated a safe zone and opened the vault for exchange, which is already rare. If it were in a chaotic place like Nan Yan Continent, small sects would be in danger of losing their lives, which would be truly miserable! I heard that the royal family of the Great Yan Dynasty originally fled from Nan Yan Continent to seek refuge, and then rose to prominence in Dong Ling."

Upon hearing this, Qu Xiaoyao calmed down somewhat.

Chen Qing observed this and thought to himself: Bai Shaoyou is shrewd, resourceful, and comes from a wealthy family. If he could be brought into the sect to manage its affairs, it might solve the sect's problem of having a shallow foundation.

"We need to observe further."

He suppressed his thoughts, and the other party, Da'ao, said, "Now that this order is in my hands, I shall go myself. You two guard the mountain gate, hold the great formation firmly, and do not give any villains an opportunity to take advantage!"

Fang Da'ao hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement. He then remembered something and reminded him, "A senior named Yu Qing came by earlier, but left because you weren't there. He was kind and spoke gently, and even praised my junior sister and me for our solid foundation!"

“Kind? Soft-spoken?” Bai Shaoyou’s expression was strange. When Chen Qing looked over, he immediately explained, “Sect Leader, you may not know this, but Daoist Yuqing is the abbot of the Iron Tomb Temple in the South Sea. He reached the third realm of perfection fifty years ago! His personality is as fiery as fire, and his actions are so upright that they are almost cruel! Junior Brother Fang said he was kind, but that must be because he is in a very good mood today.”

Fang Da'ao was dumbfounded.

Chen Qing then returned to the main topic: "When will I return after this journey?"

Bai Shaoyou's expression was solemn: "It's hard to predict! It could take a month or two, or even several years! It all depends on when that 'vortex' will subside."

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing suddenly thought of something!
The period of service in rotation can range from a month or more to several years!
If, during this period, one needs to rely on the "patriarch" but has no disciples or followers by one's side, how can one tell the story and portray the past life?

"Does he intend to accept disciples on the spot?" He shook his head inwardly. "Those who came here by order are all elites from various regions and leaders of minor sects. Why would they condescend to join my insignificant sect? This path is not an option!"

In a flash, a thought crossed Chen Qing's mind.

"Why not take advantage of this gap to establish a patriarch! Secure the position and sow the seeds of karma! Later, refine the method and forge the lineage in dreams! This is to prepare for the worst, to have a trump card that can be drawn at any time in the face of unpredictable dangers!" As soon as this thought arose, everything became clear!
He then asked Bai Shaoyou, "What are the specific procedures for earning good deeds? What is the most convenient and effortless method?"

Although Bai Shaoyou did not understand his meaning, he still replied: "Situations are ever-changing. If we encounter foreign enemies, the best deeds are usually to kill generals and capture flags; if we explore ruins, the key is to break through formations and lift restrictions; in the face of disasters like today, rescuing people or attacking fortified positions are also common occurrences."

He paused, pondered for a moment, and then said, "However, there are a few types of good deeds that are always useful: breaking and setting up formations, breaking restrictions and unsealing, refining pills and crafting weapons, and repairing and nurturing magical artifacts and formations! Those who are proficient in these arts can not only secure their livelihood but also build extensive good relationships and acquire abundant resources!"

After listening, Chen Qing seemed to be deep in thought.

This land of conscription is bound to be a melting pot of all sorts of people, fraught with danger. If one possesses a skill, one can protect oneself in advance, break through restrictions to escape danger, and maintain combat strength! It is truly a perfect choice that combines offense and defense, allowing for flexible advance and retreat!
"Good!" Chen Qing had already made up his mind.

Then, he instructed Fang Da'ao: "The outcome of this journey is uncertain, and the return date is unknown. Da'ao, there is spiritual marrow in the jade box in the quiet room, enough to offset a year's blood tax. If they arrive, even if their words are harsh, you must be patient and not act rashly!"

"Uncle-Master!" Fang Da'ao clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. Recalling his master's death due to the blood tax, his chest heaved violently. Finally, he nodded and said, "Disciple understands! I will guard the mountain gate and await your return!"

"Sect Leader, please calm down!" Bai Shaoyou stepped forward. "Those who are collecting the blood tax are the claws of the Crimson Flame Dynasty of the Southern Flame Continent! They usually take advantage of the fact that the emperor is far away to exploit us, but now..."

He pointed to the southern sea.

"The Zhenhai Division's warships are sailing across the sea, and a demonic calamity is imminent! If they dare to ask for anything more, they will be courting death!"

Chen Qing nodded slightly, then said to Bai Shaoyou, "This journey is fraught with danger and unpredictability, you..."

"I am willing to go with the sect leader! I will do my best to help!" Bai Shaoyou was prepared and spoke without hesitation.

Chen Qing shook his head: "No need. I have only recently taken charge of the sect, and I know very few people. Those I can trust are even rarer. Your staying here to guard the sect and look after them is the greatest help you can give me!"

"Don't worry, Sect Leader!" Bai Shaoyou puffed out his chest upon hearing this.

Qu Xiaoyao's face showed worry again, and she whispered, "Uncle-Master, when you get there, there will be no one to serve you tea and water, or make your bed. You must take care of yourself!"

"Squeak! Squeak squeak!" the golden monkey cried out.

Feeling a warmth in his heart, and seeing that the atmosphere was just right, Chen Qing said, "Don't worry. Our Hidden Star Sect has a long history, and in the past, our ancestors have faced dire situations, surrounded by powerful enemies. The dangers were even greater than today, but in the end, they escaped unharmed..."

These words immediately lifted everyone's spirits!
Qu Xiaoyao forgot her worries and fears, and asked curiously, "Were you also trapped in the treasure vault?"

Chen Qing smiled and shook his head, then said, "At that time, that patriarch was trapped, surrounded by wolves and jackals, facing imminent danger. But he was not only proficient in Taoist magic, but also very talented, possessing remarkable skills in many methods such as formations, weapon crafting, and alchemy. Through various means, he not only turned danger into safety, but also found an opportunity to attain the Great Dao in the midst of his desperate situation..."

After the story was told, the worry in everyone's eyes was replaced by amazement.

Seeing that everyone's minds had calmed down a bit, and given the urgency of the situation, Chen Qing nodded slightly to Bai Shaoyou after compiling a considerable amount of biographical information, and then stepped onto the flying boat.

"Respectfully seeing off our Martial Uncle!" Fang Da'ao and Qu Xiaoyao came to their senses and bowed in unison.

The flying boat hummed, and the streaks of light rose again, turning into a tiny dot on the horizon in the blink of an eye.

Qu Xiaoyao sighed, then suddenly had an idea and looked around with her little head.

"Where's the little monkey?"

　Please show your support by voting and reading! Thank you everyone!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)