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Humans are still quite wary of monsters.

……

Another year has passed in the blink of an eye, and at this time, Weiyong Territory can be described as the only peaceful place in the vast territory of the Great Chu.

The surrounding prefectures and counties were plagued by either natural disasters or man-made calamities, resulting in a continuous influx of displaced people who brought sufficient labor and development momentum to the rugged frontier.

The five major cities were not expanded, even though the five city garrisons had long had ideas and opinions, but Xiao Shan suppressed them all.

He doesn't think that with the current level of productivity, the emergence of large cities with more than a million people is a good thing.

Conversely, the towns and villages surrounding the five major cities flourished under the stimulus of a large influx of young and middle-aged laborers.

Basically, the original urban population was mostly over 50,000, and it will increase over time.

However, Xiao Shan has already given the order that these towns have reached a certain population level and will no longer accept immigrants.

Conversely, many peripheral villages have experienced significant development, all converging towards becoming towns with populations of tens of thousands.

In just one year, nearly a million people poured in from neighboring prefectures and counties, almost all of them young adults and teenagers.

This population size and age distribution are extremely beneficial to Weiyong Territory.

In order to absorb more people from other states and counties, ten large shelters were built in just a few years in areas adjacent to neighboring states and counties.

Not only were the camps vast and built almost like military camps, but they also stockpiled a large amount of food and supplies, with each camp defended by 5,000 troops.

Several former rebel generals who had infiltrated the border city defense forces were coincidentally assigned to a reception station.

They were lucky; they caught a good time.

After undergoing rigorous and formal recruit training, coupled with continuous training afterward, they were all exceptionally capable and quickly distinguished themselves at the bottom of the city defense army system.

Currently, several former rebel generals who have infiltrated the city's defense forces have become junior officers, either squad leaders managing fifty men or centurions managing a hundred.

In the strictly disciplined city defense army, this is definitely considered a rapid promotion.

Just then, the situation in the neighboring prefectures and counties was turbulent, and a large number of refugees poured into the border areas. Along with them, some unscrupulous forces and lone bandits also stirred up trouble, making the situation at the border between the border and the neighboring prefectures and counties quite chaotic. Xiao Shan naturally could not allow the chaos outside to affect the stability of the border.

Therefore, the deployment of elite troops to guard the border reception stations in the five major cities and a number of expanded town defense forces became a good opportunity for the officers and soldiers of the city defense forces to make meritorious contributions.

Those former rebel generals who felt they had thoroughly mastered the basic training and were eager to climb the ranks naturally wouldn't let such an opportunity pass them by. They all took the initiative to apply for transfers to the internment station, and in the end, they all got their wish.

This is normal!

There are ambitious and eager-to-achieve great things in the military, but there are also many ordinary generals who are content with the status quo and unwilling to take risks.

After all, the five major border cities were quite prosperous and stable, and the surrounding towns and villages were also developing rapidly. In addition, a continuous stream of refugees brought chaos to the heart of the Great Chu, making the entire Weiyong Territory the only peaceful place in the Great Chu.

While feeling proud and honored, many soldiers were also complacent and not willing to go to the reception station at the border.

Not only was the environment there extremely harsh, but you also had to fight off roving soldiers and bandits from time to time; if you weren't careful, you could die.

Having lived a stable life for too long, most soldiers are not very willing to risk being stationed at the border.

The opponents are not only bandits and marauding soldiers, but also mountain spirits and monsters, as well as vengeful ghosts and vengeful spirits that ordinary soldiers fear and find extremely troublesome!

Only when they reached the border where it intersected with the heartland of the Great Chu did they realize just how chaotic the environment was and how dangerous the outside world was.

Ordinary soldiers are not afraid of bandits and rebels. With their own strength and skills, they may be a little troublesome to deal with, but they are definitely not a problem for them.

But those mountain spirits and monsters, as well as vengeful ghosts and vengeful spirits, are different. They are absolutely terrifying to soldiers, and if they are not careful, they will not even know how they died.

Only then did the soldiers realize just how peaceful Weiyongling truly was.

The towns and villages here are orderly, and the monsters here are greatly reduced in number, so they will not launch any initiative to attack humans.

Most importantly, there are no vengeful ghosts or spirits here. They were all eliminated long ago by the Lord of Weiyong Territory. Otherwise, Weiyong Territory would never be so peaceful and stable.

Chapter 865, Let the rebel leader go stir up trouble next door! (Please subscribe!)

The frontier regions are teeming with vengeful ghosts transformed from former frontier soldiers!

These vengeful spirits are not only shrouded in malevolent energy, but what's most formidable is their ability to deploy military formations for offense and defense.

Let alone ordinary people, even cultivators with weak skills and abilities would find it difficult to guarantee their safety if they didn't have a way to escape.

This situation meant that once the support of the Great Chu court was lost, the border situation would immediately collapse.

It can be said that the Weiyong Territory, which is close to the Demon Realm, is the least likely area to break away from the control of the imperial court on its own initiative; it is a typical court faction.

Unfortunately, the power of the Great Chu court has been weakened to a certain extent, and its ability to control the local areas has greatly decreased. The heartland is in chaos, so how can it have the energy and mind to deal with the frontier?

As a result, Weiyong Territory, which normally had a population of over ten million, was reduced to a mere five hundred thousand before Xiao Shan took over.

Moreover, demons roam freely, mountain spirits and wild monsters run rampant, and the fierce spirits of the army wreak havoc, turning the border region into a desolate wasteland.

These were things that the former rebel generals who had infiltrated the border troops were unaware of before. However, now that they have been stationed at the border reception stations for several years, they can basically figure out the ins and outs by comparing the situations in the border prefectures and counties.

……

On this day, several former rebel generals happened to be on leave and unconsciously gathered together to chat and joke around.

Huddled in a corner of the restaurant lobby next to the shelter, they were toasting and drinking, creating a lively atmosphere.

One of them took a big gulp of strong liquor, slammed the rough porcelain bowl onto the thick, rough table, and roared angrily with a murderous look on his face: "Damn it, this is unbearable! I was leading a patrol earlier, and we ran into a few more ghosts. It was a struggle to kill them, and we suffered considerable losses ourselves!"

These words failed to evoke any emotion from his friends at the table, and even the other drinkers who heard the voice remained unmoved, as if it were commonplace.

It's really not surprising!

As the situation in neighboring prefectures and counties became increasingly chaotic, battles broke out repeatedly between the government, the rebels, and local powerful clans, resulting in widespread devastation and bloodshed.

Tens of thousands of ordinary people were affected, and among them, there were naturally many who died with resentment and became vengeful ghosts after death.

As the situation in neighboring prefectures and counties became increasingly turbulent, even magic-based sects and families were drawn into the conflict.

The vengeful spirits, which were originally kept in a limited number, suddenly found themselves without any dedicated sorcerers to target them, and thus became unrestrained and lawless.

As a result, more and more vengeful spirits, drawn by the yang energy of the large number of refugees, are drawn to the borders of Weiyong Territory, and it is not surprising that patrolling soldiers encounter them.

"What's there to complain about? Who hasn't encountered this a few times while leading a patrol?" the general at the table said irritably. "You're back safe and sound, aren't you? And I don't see that your troops are much fewer! The important thing is to hone your skills so that if you encounter this again, you can just wipe them out. There's no need to bring it up and make yourself miserable!"

"Exactly!" another general shouted. "We've been notified in advance that the situation in the neighboring prefectures and counties is becoming increasingly chaotic. The number of refugees and vengeful ghosts that are pouring in, and even the number of lawless criminals, will likely surge. What's the use of worrying now? In a while, I'm sure even more troublesome things will emerge!"

"That's not what I meant!" The general who had complained earlier shook his head and said, "Haven't you noticed that the vengeful ghosts that have appeared recently, as well as those bandits and rebel soldiers, have all increased in strength to varying degrees?"

kindness?

These words piqued the interest of the people at the table and those around who were also drinking.

Chaos at the border is a normal phenomenon. I don't know what the officials and troops in the neighboring prefectures and counties are doing, allowing the situation within their own borders to completely collapse, with almost every prefecture in chaos.

The border troops stationed there were utterly dumbfounded, not knowing what to say.

If it weren't for the continuous supply of food, salt, and other necessities from Weiyong Territory, ensuring that the people of neighboring prefectures and counties still had something to eat, they wouldn't have had the mental and physical strength to bring their families to Weiyong Territory for refuge.

Speaking of which, these former rebel generals who infiltrated the border army often felt a complex mix of emotions and turmoil upon seeing the chaotic situation, which was both familiar and unfamiliar to them.

When they were causing trouble in the heart of the Great Chu, the situation in their prefecture was better than that of the neighboring Weiyong territory, but not by much.

After all, once war breaks out, order collapses, and all sorts of monsters and demons are eager to emerge, which has a huge impact on people's production and lives, causing a large number of civilian casualties.

It also created an extremely tragic environment, as well as some terrifying ghost realms.

Seeing the devastation in neighboring prefectures and counties now, it would be a lie to say I wasn't moved.

Of course, there was more of a sense of solemnity about the possibility of encountering powerful enemies in the future.

"If you hadn't told me, I really wouldn't have realized it!" the general at the same table said in a deep voice. "This shouldn't have happened. Could it be that something has happened in a neighboring prefecture that we're unaware of?"

“Very likely!” Another companion nodded in agreement. “It’s best to report this situation promptly and ask the higher-ups to clarify the enemy’s situation. Otherwise, it could be difficult to handle if we suddenly encounter a powerful enemy in the future!”

Such a heavy topic made the brothers who had been through thick and thin with each other lose their appetite for drinking. They quickly finished off the food and drinks on the table, and without lingering, left the restaurant and returned to the military camp at the shelter.

After reporting the situation, the group gathered at one of the tents.

After a moment of silence, they exchanged a glance, both seeing a subtle glint of shrewdness in each other's eyes.

"Should we inform the chieftain? I think the chieftain could take advantage of the chaos and perhaps even make a name for himself in the neighboring prefectures!"

"Yes, I had the same thought. Anyway, the neighboring prefectures are in chaos, with all sorts of monsters and demons emerging. With the Great Chief's strength and ability, it wouldn't be difficult for him to seize a territory and firmly control it!"

"I wonder what the chieftain is thinking now, and whether he has made any progress in his studies? We can secretly lend a hand. If he really wants to establish a foothold in the neighboring prefectures and counties and have a territory, we can help him purchase money, food, and weapons. Who knows, he might be able to carve out a place for himself!"

"Let's not delay any longer, let's write back and ask the Great Chief what he thinks!"

"That's exactly right, we can't miss this opportunity!"

.......

Chapter 866, Ready to Fight! (Please Subscribe!)

When the chieftain in Pojun City received the letter, he made a decision after only one day of consideration: to take a gamble!

The next day, he summoned several of his trusted henchmen who worked as government officials, told them his decision directly, and asked for their opinions.

"Isn't this a bit too hasty?" a trusted brother asked directly. "We haven't even found out the specific situation in the neighboring prefectures yet. Going there rashly now would be quite risky!"

“There are opportunities in risks!” the chieftain said calmly. “According to the few who serve in the border army, the situation in the neighboring prefectures and counties is getting worse and worse. The evil spirits they have encountered on patrols recently have become more and more powerful and difficult to deal with. Obviously, the area is in complete chaos!”

"Great Chief, I'll go with you!" another trusted brother said excitedly. "After nearly two years of peaceful life, I'm so bored I'm practically rusting. It's the perfect opportunity to follow the Great Chief out of the mountains and fight again!"

"We're going too!" Several brothers who had joined the Po Jun City government and were currently doing mediocre work chimed in. "Staying in Po Jun City as government officials and clerks, who knows when we'll ever get ahead! It's better to follow the big boss to the nearby chaotic prefectures and counties to fight our way up. Who knows, in a few months we might become generals with tens of thousands of soldiers under our command!"

They were all former rebel generals who had commanded large armies, each ambitious and absolutely unwilling to settle for the status quo.

Moreover, the current situation does not meet their expectations at all.

Compared to his comrades who joined the border army, the few who joined the Po Jun City government as officials and yamen runners are still low-ranking officials patrolling the second-class streets.

Those who want to climb the ranks of the officers patrolling the main streets will likely have a long way to go, and they can't wait that long.

For stable professions like government officials and yamen runners, it is extremely difficult to get ahead.

Unless they established connections with government officials and received strong support, they could not be promoted quickly. Otherwise, they could only rely on seniority, which was something that several former rebel generals found unbearable.

They are currently just ordinary government officials. Only by infiltrating the patrol teams on the main streets can they barely reach the highest level of ordinary government officials, and only then can they be promoted to become leaders among the government officials and yamen runners.

If you climb the ranks step by step, it would take at least five years to reach the top rank among the officials and yamen runners, and that's assuming everything goes smoothly.

If something unexpected or unforeseen happens along the way, it could take ten or eight years, which they could hardly accept.

Of course, if the overall situation in the Great Chu was stable, they wouldn't necessarily find it unacceptable, since life in Weiyong Territory was quite comfortable.

But they still have a chance to rise rapidly, so they can't give it up easily. It's more promising to follow the big leader.

"Have you all thought this through?" The chieftain smiled slightly, clearly not surprised by his trusted subordinates' choice. "Once you go to the neighboring prefectures, I'm afraid there will be no more peace!"

That's absolutely true. Not to mention how chaotic the situation is in the neighboring prefectures and counties, once they decide to get involved in the territorial struggle, the peaceful days will be gone forever.

Working as an official in the Po Jun City government may be a slow way to climb the ranks, but it's peaceful and stable. As long as you follow the steps and take your time, there won't be many unexpected events.

Given the abilities and strength of his trusted subordinates, it's certain that he'll rise to the top; it's just a matter of time.

But once you go with him to a nearby prefecture, you might become a general commanding nearly 10,000 troops within a month, or you might die on the spot not long after you arrive. No one can guarantee what the future holds.

Although the Great Leader was quite confident in his own abilities and strength, he was not so arrogant as to think that he could handle any situation.

If a neighboring prefecture or county were to produce some strange or dangerous creatures, such as powerful mountain spirits, monsters, or ghost generals, coupled with an extremely chaotic situation, it could easily become a quagmire that devours lives, and one careless move could lead to everyone's demise there.

Compared to such risks, life here in Weiyong Territory is practically a paradise on earth.

"No need for the chief to say more, we've already made up our minds!" said a trusted brother dressed in official uniform. "Having gotten used to the life of risking our lives, and then suddenly enjoying nearly two years of peace, we can't wait to get back to work!"

At this point, he laughed heartily, his face full of pride: "What's there to be afraid of in danger? The greater the risk, the greater the reward! We've been stuck in government offices as yamen runners for far too long. We've long since grown tired of this mundane life. It's the perfect opportunity to follow the Great Chief and rise again!"

The chieftain smiled broadly, knowing perfectly well what was going on.

He did believe his trusted subordinates were still obedient, but he didn't quite believe they would abandon their peaceful lives without hesitation and follow him to risk their lives in a dangerous and chaotic neighboring prefecture at his mere word.

However, she found it difficult to climb the ranks quickly in the official hierarchy and couldn't stand the monotony of patrolling second-class streets all day, which is why she thought of making a comeback with him.

Look at those trusted brothers who infiltrated the border army. They didn't say anything about leaving the army and going to the neighboring prefectures and counties with him. They just said they would help him out through the border reception station.

What does it mean?

It's not that he felt life in the border army was good and had a promising future, so he was reluctant to give it up easily. That's why he didn't mention in the letter that he would follow them into the chaotic neighboring prefectures.

Two years ago, the chief would probably have been furious, feeling abandoned by his trusted subordinates, and would have taken drastic measures to intimidate them.

Now, after nearly two years of living and studying in Weiyong, his mindset has completely changed.

Actually, this is good. It prevents putting all eggs in one basket. With trusted brothers stationed at the border internment station secretly helping out, there will be smooth channels to purchase both food and military equipment when the country makes a comeback in the chaotic neighboring states.