My strength increases by one percent every day; I can destroy stars with my bare hands.

Li Xuancang fell into deep thought. If Li Ling'er could really join the Xuanxin Sect, it might not be a bad thing.

Although he could protect Li Ling'er, no matter how much he protected her, it couldn't compare to her cultivating herself and becoming capable of protecting herself.

If something were to happen to her, Li Ling'er could protect her family.

Chaotic times are cruel, and relying solely on one's own protection is ultimately not a foolproof solution.

"Thank you for the reminder, Fellow Daoist Shen. I will keep this in mind."

Although Li Xuancang had his own opinion, he still wanted to ask Li Ling'er for her thoughts. If she was unwilling, Li Xuancang would not force her.

The group chatted for a long time, and the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves immensely before Li Xuancang took his leave.

Upon returning to his residence, Li Xuancang sought out Li Ling'er and got straight to the point.

"Ling'er, I have received news that the Xuanxin Sect will be coming to Anzhou soon to recruit disciples."

Li Ling'er looked bewildered, not understanding why her brother had told her about this.

Li Xuancang asked in a calm tone, with earnest concern.

"This selection of disciples by the Xuanxin Sect is a once-in-a-century event. Are you willing to join the Xuanxin Sect and embark on the path of cultivation?"

Upon hearing this, Li Ling'er lowered her eyes slightly and remained silent for a short while.

Scenes from the past flashed through her mind.

From struggling to survive in Qingxi Village to moving from place to place, and now to Anzhou City, Li Ling'er's eyes are getting brighter and brighter.

Although she was still young, she knew that in this cruel world, only strength could determine everything.

She had previously fantasized about cultivating herself to protect her family and share the burden of her brother's life.

Now that the opportunity is within reach, she will not let it slip away.

Li Ling'er's clear eyes were incredibly firm, without the slightest hesitation.

She looked at Li Xuancang with a resolute gaze and said firmly, "Brother, I'm willing."

Seeing his younger sister's resolute expression beyond her years, Li Xuancang was slightly taken aback.

"Ling'er, joining the Xuanxin Sect is not the same as being at home. You will suffer a lot and endure a lot of injustice."

Joining a sect and diligently cultivating were commonplace, and being bullied by others was a frequent occurrence. Although Li Xuancang felt sorry for her, he still hardened his heart and told his sister.

No matter how much he protects her, it can't compare to Li Ling'er's own strength.

"Brother, you underestimate me. I might suffer."

Li Ling'er felt slighted and looked displeased.

She was no pampered young lady; having grown up in Qingxi Village, she had endured all kinds of hardships, and she could completely bear the suffering of cultivation.

Seeing his younger sister's sullen expression, Li Xuancang smiled and chuckled.

He reached out and gently stroked his sister's hair, saying with a doting expression, "I underestimated Ling'er. Brother apologizes to Ling'er."

After learning of Li Ling'er's thoughts, Li Xuancang told his parents about it.

"Xuan Cang, Ling'er is still young and has never left our side. Can she manage?"

Li's mother looked worried, not wanting her daughter to leave her side.

Li Xuancang never wanted his family to be separated, but now he had no choice but to harden his heart.

"Mother, the Xuanxin Sect is a reputable and righteous sect. Ling'er will be safe."

The Xuanxin Sect is renowned among humans for its upright and honorable conduct; otherwise, Li Xuancang would not have considered having Li Ling'er join the sect.

Born in the Yin hour and Yin month, Li Ling'er was the prey of countless evil cultivators. He could not stay by Li Ling'er's side to protect her at all times, so he had to cruelly send Li Ling'er to the Xuanxin Sect so that she would have the power to protect herself.

"Xuan Cang has his own plans, so we should just listen to him."

Mr. Li was also worried, but he knew that his son's arrangement was not without reason, so he tried to persuade Mrs. Li.

"All right!"

Even though Li's mother was reluctant, she had no choice but to agree.

In the following time, Li Xuancang explained the path of cultivation to Li Ling'er and also gathered some cultivation resources.

If Li Ling'er successfully joins the Xuanxin Sect, he will give her these cultivation resources to take with her.

Meanwhile, Wang Xiaoniu and his team recruited soldiers in nearby villages with great success; within seven days, they had already recruited over a thousand soldiers.

"Clang, clang..."

The dull, urgent sound of a gong rang out in Xiahe Village, startling all the villagers.

"The imperial court has come to recruit soldiers, and everyone is to gather at the grain drying ground."

The village head's voice rang out, informing every household.

"What? The imperial court is here to conscript soldiers? Are they going to force people into military service?"

"Good heavens! How are we supposed to live like this?"

"I only have this one son, and I absolutely cannot let the imperial court arrest him."

"..."

The villagers thought the government had come to conscript people for military service, and they sighed and lamented, with many looking worried and blaming others.

Before long, all the villagers arrived at the threshing ground, their hearts heavy.

Some of the people glanced away, secretly observing Wang Xiaoniu and his group.

Wang Xiaoniu, being from an ordinary background, immediately understood the concerns of these people; they were being treated as people to be conscripted into the military.

Wang Xiaoniu stood up, with Muramasa following closely behind him, his face full of obsequiousness.

"Don't worry, we're not conscripting people for military service."

Wang Xiaoniu's words immediately reassured everyone.

"We have been ordered to recruit soldiers. Anyone who joins the army will receive five qian of silver per month, and all food, clothing, lodging and transportation will be provided by the army."

These words caused a stir in the room.

"What?! There's even silver to collect!"

"Is this...is this real?"

"Would the government be so kind?"

"..."

The villagers were shocked, then incredulous.

How could the imperial court be so kind? If such a good thing were to happen, why would it be available to peasants like them?

The villagers, believing it to be a conspiracy by the imperial court, became even more vigilant.

Seeing the guarded look on everyone's face, Wang Xiaoniu continued, "Don't worry, everyone. As long as you join the army today, you can receive a month's salary and ten catties of grain."

Wang Xiaoniu directly lured them with benefits, completely dispelling the doubts of these people.

"What?! I can receive silver and food right now? Did I hear that right?!"

These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, causing an immediate uproar.

The villagers looked at each other, their eyes filled with shock and surprise.

"I want to join the army. Give me food and silver."

"Count me in, my family is starving."

"I want to join the army too."

"..."

The villagers rushed to apply, fearing that if they were a step too late, they would miss out on a spot.

They no longer doubted the government's conspiracy. In chaotic times, human life was worthless, and their lives were worth less than five coins and ten catties of grain. The court had no reason to deceive them with silver and grain.

Even if they were deceived, they would accept it, which would be equivalent to selling themselves to the government for five coins and ten catties of grain.

"Line up, one at a time."

Wang Xiaoniu loudly instructed the villagers to line up and register slowly.

Wang Xiaoniu doesn't accept just anyone; some elderly people or those who appear to be in poor health will be screened out.

Everyone who registered received silver and grain immediately.

Holding the food in their hands, they were all overjoyed, some even with tears streaming down their faces, for it was their family's hope for survival.