Transmigrating to the Primordial Era as a Peerless Great Witch, Changing Fate in the Primordial Worl

"Since you want to, then start training like crazy from today onwards."

Three years from now, I hope to see each of you possess the strength of a second-rate master, and that you have all achieved a minor level of proficiency in the external martial arts you have chosen.

Those who fail to meet the requirements by then may leave. I, Wei Xiaobao, do not keep useless subordinates. Do you understand?

"clear."

The crowd roared again.

Now I'm giving you one last chance to choose.

"If no one withdraws, then unless one dies in battle, no one is allowed to withdraw midway."

Once you join, there's no turning back.

"Either you succeed, or you're eliminated."

However, none of the five hundred guards below withdrew.

"it is good."

A genuine look of satisfaction finally flashed in Wei Xiaobao's eyes.

He handed the two booklets to Zhao Yun beside him.

You are to keep these two martial arts manuals by Zhao Yun.

The five hundred people were divided into two groups and voluntarily chose to practice either "Iron Shirt" or "Golden Bell Cover".

If someone has exceptional talent, they can apply to cultivate a second book simultaneously. Do you understand?

Thank you for your kindness, sir. I will certainly live up to your expectations.

Zhao Yun accepted the manual with both hands with great care, as if holding a priceless treasure, and bowed deeply in gratitude once again.

Group training and skill selection, let's begin!

Wei Xiaobao glanced at Zhao Yun and gave the order in a deep voice.

Then, without saying another word, he took Shuang'er, turned around, and left the martial arts arena, where the atmosphere had been completely ignited, heading towards the inner courtyard.

After the two figures disappeared, only five hundred guards, led by Zhao Yun, remained in the large courtyard.

Zhao Yun suddenly turned around, facing the crowd, his tiger-like eyes wide open, his voice booming like a bell.

Brothers, our lord has given us a tremendous opportunity. If we don't give it our all now, and fail to achieve even a minor success in three years, how will we face our lord again?

How dare they claim to be the city lord's personal guard?

From this day forward, there will be no slacking off or laziness here, only training, training to the death.

Now, obey my command.

Those who practice the Iron Shirt Technique, please stand to my left.

Those who wish to cultivate the Golden Bell Cover Technique, please stand to my right.

Make your choice quickly, without delay.

As soon as he finished speaking, the five hundred guards immediately sprang into action, quickly splitting into two groups.

Some admire the comprehensive defense of "Iron Shirt," while others prefer the powerful and forceful "Golden Bell Cover."

Two teams were quickly formed.

Drink. Ha. Drink. Ha.

Before long, a deep and powerful shout rang out in the courtyard, accompanied by the dull thud of bodies hitting wooden stakes and stone locks, and muffled groans of gritting teeth and enduring pain.

These men, who were no longer young and whose bodies were already fully developed, began a near-self-torturing, frantic training regimen in order not to disappoint that person's expectations and to fulfill the ambitions ignited in their hearts.

Sweat quickly soaked through their clothes, shimmering brightly in the setting sun.

Just as Zhao Yun led five hundred guards to swear allegiance and began to train arduously in groups.

Wei Xiaobao, who had already returned to his study in the inner courtyard and seemed calm, suddenly paused slightly.

Buzz

He clearly felt that the illusory image of the "creator god" that had been quietly floating and emitting a faint light deep in his sea of ​​consciousness suddenly trembled slightly.

Immediately afterwards, more than four hundred threads of pale golden faith power, much clearer and more solid than before, emerged from the void, traversed space, and instantly flowed into the statue like rivers flowing into the sea.

The statue seemed to receive rain after a long drought; its light brightened slightly, and the efficiency of converting "Light of Creation" seemed to increase a little.

Although the total amount is still small, the power of faith that surged in at that moment, in both quality and quantity, far exceeded the previous scattered reverence from rumors in the marketplace or from palace guards.

As these pure powers of faith were transformed and replenished, Wei Xiaobao could feel his spirit invigorated.

My senses seemed to be more acute, and even the flow of qi and blood in my body seemed to be slightly smoother.

This shows that at least 400 of the 500 guards, at that moment, truly and completely placed their loyalty and hopes for the future on the person "Wei Xiaobao," rather than on his identity as "Imperial Envoy" or "City Lord."

This discovery brought a slow smile to Wei Xiaobao's lips.

However, beneath that smile lay a chilling understanding.

With over four hundred people completely pledging allegiance, what about the rest?

Wei Xiaobao's mind raced.

Are they born ungrateful, cold-blooded, and heartless?

Or is he simply a spy planted by someone else next to him?

He almost instantly identified the most likely "that person".

Only that person would plant a seed in advance.

It seems this brother isn't as trusting as he appears.

A cold glint flashed in Wei Xiaobao's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

Having informants isn't necessarily a bad thing.

This is perfect opportunity for them to see how I, Wei Xiaobao, can forge this force of five hundred men into a truly formidable army. The news that the projected Wei Xiaobao had taken over as the lord of Yangzhou spread like wildfire throughout the land.

This already prosperous city in the Jiangnan region underwent a dramatic transformation in the next two years at an astonishing pace.

Time flows like water, and two years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Under the rule of the projection of Wei Xiaobao, Yangzhou City seemed to be injected with some kind of magical vitality, and its development speed far exceeded outsiders' expectations.

Leveraging its advantageous geographical location and the policy benefits derived from his dual identity as Wei Xiaobao, "Imperial Envoy" and "City Lord,"

With his own business acumen that was ahead of its time, Yangzhou's commerce was quickly revitalized and propelled to unprecedented heights.

Goods from both the north and south, and rare treasures from all over the world, all converge here.

Commercial taxes, salt taxes, and even emerging handicraft taxes, like trickles of water flowing into a mighty river, filled Yangzhou's treasury and resulted in astonishing grain reserves.

The continuous flow of wealth provided the most solid material foundation for all of Wei Xiaobao's subsequent plans.

Talent is the core of development.

Wei Xiaobao knew he couldn't do everything himself, so he focused his main energy on controlling the overall direction and his own martial arts training.

Instead, specific political and military affairs are handed over to the discovered talents.

Over the course of two years, he relied on his keen intuition, perhaps also influenced by some quality of "projection body."

He was unconventional in his approach, promoting, appointing, and rewarding countless talented individuals who had distinguished themselves in their respective fields.

Two of them stood out, shining brightly and becoming irreplaceable pillars of Wei Xiaobao's army, both in literature and martial arts.

The foremost civil official was Li Shi.

This man was nearly forty years old and came from a poor family. He was originally just a frustrated and unsuccessful minor official in Yangzhou Prefecture.

After taking office, Wei Xiaobao happened to see a petition compiled by Li Shi that was well-organized, insightful, and pointed out the root causes of the corrupt practices while dealing with a long-standing case.

Wei Xiaobao immediately summoned him, and after a deep conversation, he was amazed by his extraordinary talent.

Li Shi was not only proficient in criminal law, finance, and official administration, but also had a systematic and pragmatic understanding of people's livelihood, economy, and local governance. Moreover, he was upright, did not flatter, did not form factions, and only recognized the principles and laws.

Despite opposition, Wei Xiaobao promoted him to the position of "Tongpan" in Yangzhou Prefecture, granting him full authority over civil affairs, the judiciary, and finance.

Li Shi lived up to expectations, acting swiftly and decisively after taking office. He eliminated long-standing abuses, rectified official corruption, promoted water conservancy projects, and encouraged commerce and industry.

A series of effective policies and laws have been formulated.

This perfectly implements Wei Xiaobao's vision for economic development.

This led to political stability and social harmony in Yangzhou, peaceful living for its people, and a significant increase in tax revenue.

His outstanding political achievements have attracted attention from both the government and the public.