Chapter 15: Recruitment and Departure

  The Su family's compound buzzed with activity as the recruitment commenced.

  A platform had been erected near the primary gates, where Su Liang presided over the selection. Behind him, a large banner proclaimed the Su family's requirements in bold ink. The turnout was impressive; mercenaries and independent cultivators seeking the prestige of the Su family contract had formed orderly lines.

  "Next!" Su Liang called out.

  A man in his early thirties stepped forward. His dark robes were travel-worn, and the sword at his side showed the marks of frequent, effective use.

  "Name and cultivation level," Su Liang requested.

  "Chen Wulong. 7th Level Martial Core Realm."

  Su Liang nodded as a guard made notes. "Combat experience?"

  "Fifteen years as a mercenary specializing in caravan protection. I've completed over two hundred missions without losing a single cargo."

  "Acceptable. Report to Guard Captain Liu."

  Captain Liu stood to the side, recording each acceptance with quiet efficiency. He was a handsome man in his early thirties, his noble bearing and sharp martial aura marking him as someone who had reached the 2nd level of the Martial Soul Realm at an uncommonly young age—a rare talent by any measure.

  Su Liang's experienced eye swept each applicant without sentiment. Several who tried to bluff their cultivation levels found themselves dismissed before the words had fully left their mouths.

  However, the atmosphere shifted when the Martial Soul Realm experts stepped forward.

  The first was Feng Yanran, a middle-aged woman whose elegant bearing suggested a noble upbringing. "3rd Level Martial Soul Realm," she announced. "I specialize in water-attributed techniques and tactical coordination."

  Su Liang narrowed his eyes. He could immediately feel the subtle pressure of her power—a cold, fluid aura that confirmed her rank. As a 6th Level Martial Soul expert himself, he was the weakest of the Elders, but he knew real strength when he felt it.

  "Your background, Master Feng?" he asked.

  "Former Inner Elder of the Flowing River Sect until political disagreements prompted my departure five years ago," she replied without apparent embarrassment. "Since then, I've operated as an independent cultivator, primarily offering protection services to high-value targets."

  The second candidate was Jian Feng, a tall, imposing man with a bald head that gleamed in the sun and intricate tattoos that looked menacing on his skin. "1st Level Martial Soul Realm. Sword cultivator."

  "Experience?" Su Liang inquired.

  "Twenty years of wandering cultivation. I've faced everything from spirit beasts to rogue cultivators. My sword speaks for my capabilities." His hand rested on a plain-looking sword that radiated a quiet, jagged menace.

  The third expert was Mo Tianming, a man in his forties with such forgettable features he could disappear in any crowd. "1st Level Martial Soul Realm," he offered with a slight smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I prefer versatility to specialization."

  Su Liang studied him carefully. Mo Tianming's cultivation felt... different. More controlled, almost muted. "Your background, Master Mo?"

  "Various activities across neighboring cities," Mo Tianming replied vaguely. "Adaptability serves better than a long resume."

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  The non-answer prompted raised eyebrows from the advisors, but Su Liang didn't press him. In the cultivation world, mysterious backgrounds were common and everyone had their secrets.

  "All three are accepted," Su Liang announced.

  As the experts moved to sign their contracts, Su Liang felt a flicker of satisfaction. Ten skilled guards—seven at the Martial Core Realm and three Martial Soul Realm experts—it was more than enough to crush any bandits.

  Yet, something about Mo Tianming's evasive eyes lingered in his mind, a subtle unease he couldn't name. Time would reveal whether his instincts were justified.

  The Su family's next caravan would depart in two days, carrying not only valuable trade goods but the weight of a carefully orchestrated gamble.

  ---

  Two days passed swiftly as Su Tianhao devoted himself entirely to the library. He remained cloistered within the main residence, emerging only for meals and rest as he absorbed vast quantities of knowledge regarding regional economics and cultivation theory. His dedication impressed even Uncle Yuan, who had never encountered a child with such an insatiable intellectual hunger.

  Today marked the departure of the carefully assembled caravan bound for Windfall City.

  In the spacious courtyard before the Su family gates, a small crowd had formed. At the center of attention sat a magnificent bronze-colored wagon, its reinforced compartment speaking of both luxury and defensive necessity. Four powerful steeds stood harnessed to the vehicle—not ordinary horses, but peak Grade 3 spirit beasts known as Wind Horses. Their pristine white coats gleamed in the morning sunlight, while their silver manes caught the breeze with an almost ethereal shimmer.

  Seated on the driver's bench was a man whose gruff features reflected decades of dust and danger. Lao Fu, the Su family's most trusted driver, held the reins with the quiet confidence of a veteran who had survived countless mountain passes.

  Before the wagon stood ten figures whose powerful auras created a tangible pressure in the air. These were the recruited cultivators—seven at the Martial Core Realm and three at the Martial Soul Realm—a formidable force by any city's standards.

  Facing them were Su Liang and Captain Liu—the individuals in charge of the expedition—both wearing expressions of serious authority.

  "Today marks our departure for this business trip," Su Liang announced, his brown eyes scanning the guards with careful assessment. "I have complete confidence that you will escort our goods safely to their destination and back."

  "Yes, sir!" the guards responded with unified enthusiasm.

  Chen Wulong stepped forward, his weathered face reflecting professional pride. "Rest assured, Second Elder, we will fulfill this responsibility with honor."

  The three Martial Soul Realm experts—Feng Yanran, Jian Feng, and Mo Tianming—merely nodded. As independent cultivators of considerable status, they possessed a dignity that required no vocal displays of loyalty.

  Su Liang turned to Captain Liu. "You will be leading this expedition. Ensure that everything on our acquisition list is obtained exactly as specified."

  Captain Liu nodded with professional composure. "My name is Captain Liu, and I will serve as mission leader. I expect full cooperation from all parties."

  Su Liang then addressed the driver with particular gravity. "Lao Fu, you must follow the assigned route precisely. There can be no deviations whatsoever."

  The grizzled driver nodded solemnly. He had been ordered to take the longer, safer path. While puzzled by such caution despite hiring such elite guards, he knew better than to question family protocols.

  "Good," Su Liang declared. "You may depart."

  Captain Liu gestured toward the three Martial Soul Realm experts, inviting them into the passenger wagon. The interior featured comfortable seats arranged for strategy discussions. Feng Yanran, Jian Feng, and Mo Tianming followed him inside, settling with the casual ease of those accustomed to privilege.

  Once Lao Fu confirmed everyone was seated, he guided the Wind Horses forward. The seven Martial Core Realm guards took their positions around the wagon, moving with the disciplined strides of experienced warriors.

  As the caravan moved through the streets of Oakwood City, the citizens immediately gave way. The powerful auras radiating from the guards, combined with the Su family crest, ensured a respectful passage.

  "Look—it's the Su family caravan!" excited whispers followed them.

  "Every single guard is at the Martial Core Realm or higher! Something massive must be happening."

  ---

  Meanwhile, on his private balcony, Su Tianhao watched the departure with intense fascination. His golden eyes tracked every detail—the disciplined formation, the confident bearing of the experts, and the awe of the common folk.

  "One day, I too will possess such a commanding presence," he murmured, clenching his small fists. "People will look up to me with that same respect... No, I will surpass even this."

  "You certainly will, Young Master," a familiar voice spoke behind him. "How could our Su family's Second Young Master be compared to mere hired hands?"

  Su Tianhao turned to see Xie Ling. Her warm smile carried genuine confidence in his potential.

  A sudden thought struck him. "Ling Ling, have you ever considered becoming a cultivator yourself?"

  Xie Ling blinked, looking genuinely confused. "What do you mean? I already am a cultivator."

  "What?!" Su Tianhao exclaimed in shock. It had never occurred to him that his personal attendant possessed cultivation. "How is that possible?"

  "You didn't know?" Xie Ling asked with amusement. "I thought you had learned everything about our family structure by now."

  "How could I know if I was never told!" Su Tianhao protested.

  "Because you never asked," she replied gently. "Everyone in the family with a certain status receives the privilege of cultivating our basic family technique. While it's only a low-grade manual, such access is beyond what ordinary people can afford. That's why so many strive to join Great Clans—even a servant position offers a chance to step onto the path of cultivation."

  Su Tianhao's analytical mind immediately shifted gears. "Explain the system to me. In detail."

  Xie Ling's expression grew serious. "When the family recruits, those with exceptional talent become disciples with access to high-grade techniques and resources. Those with average talent, like me, are permitted to cultivate low-grade techniques and serve as 'servant disciples,' while those with no talent remain ordinary servants with no privilege to cultivate whatsoever."

  "So you are a servant disciple?"

  "Correct," Xie Ling confirmed.

  "That explains why you are assigned to the main residence," Su Tianhao said, the pieces falling into place. "Only those with some cultivation would be trusted with such responsibilities."

  Xie Ling's smile turned slightly wistful. "Though it is nothing compared to being a true family disciple. The difference in resources and status is... significant."

  There was a note of longing in her voice that she tried to hide, but Su Tianhao caught it. However, he chose not to comment. The revelation had added a new layer to his understanding of the world. Even service had a hierarchy based on strength.

  As he watched the last traces of the caravan disappear beyond the city gates, Su Tianhao felt his resolve harden. Whatever his own potential was, he would find a way to excel. Knowledge was power, and he intended to accumulate both until there was no longer a speck in the vast world he had yet to discover.