No matter what, the outcome of this first diplomatic mission was crucial to the future of Xuanhuang City. Any mishap could deeply influence future policies—this impact would not be small. A good start could serve as a powerful boost to morale.
The Minotaurs were exceptionally strong in combat—born warriors. However, their nature also carried a sense of innate honesty and simplicity. Typically, unless provoked, they rarely harmed others without cause. On the Eternal Continent, there had been few reports of Minotaurs launching bloody massacres against humans. From this, it was clear that there wasn't any irreconcilable blood feud between the two races.
In terms of temperament, there was potential for the Minotaurs and humans to find common ground. Even if not allies, they could at least avoid being enemies. That alone presented a worthwhile opportunity. Moreover, according to intelligence, this particular Minotaur tribe had frequent clashes with a nearby Werewolf tribe, with both sides having spilled each other's blood in past battles.
This was clearly a tension point that could be leveraged.
After reviewing the intelligence collected in Xuanhuang City about the various non-human tribes, Mao Sui had decisively chosen the Minotaurs as his first diplomatic target. His insight and vision were not mistaken.
Though not a violent race, convincing the Minotaurs to become allies—or even just peaceful neighbors—wouldn't be easy. This was both a test of skill and a calculated experiment.
Now that the Heavenly Gang Thunder Layer had fully dispersed, the citizens of Xuanhuang City were abuzz with discussion.
They had witnessed Fu Hongxue undergo tribulation in the Tongtian Pavilion, and even seen their own City Lord survive heavenly lightning. These were rare spectacles and had become prime conversation material. More importantly, these scenes caught the attention of some very ambitious individuals in the city.
"Remarkable. This world has clearly undergone unpredictable changes. The existence of cultivators changes everything. This is no longer an ordinary dynasty. In these chaotic times, the capable shall rise. If I can seize the opportunity, even the immortality longed for by past emperors might be within reach. I, He Shen, absolutely refuse to be buried among the common crowd."
A short, stout man with beady eyes stood before a shop. Gazing up at the sky, the scene of tribulation left him shaken. He too had begun cultivating, instinctively sensing this was the path to immortality.
But cultivation required resources—and progressing further required vast quantities.
He Shen knew his own limits. His talent was poor, possibly even below average. When he arrived in this world, he was already middle-aged, and his body full of impurities. Compared to others, his cultivation progressed more slowly and cost more resources. His journey would be more difficult than most.
He now faced two options: open a business and grow his general store to accumulate cultivation resources, or join a powerful faction to access their support. Xuanhuang City was clearly the best choice.
Last time Yi Tianxing had visited, He Shen hadn't immediately agreed to serve. Not because of disinterest, but due to his tainted reputation from the past.
If he was to gain a position in Xuanhuang City, he needed to plan carefully.
He glanced toward the Hall of Recruitment.
Lately, the hall had grown incredibly lively. Talented individuals were flocking in droves. Many scholars, craftsmen, and skilled people passed the entry tests and were placed into various departments.
Even if their starting positions were low, there was ample room for growth.
Previously understaffed departments were now bustling and far more efficient. The administrative speed of the city improved several times over. While there weren't many extraordinary geniuses among the recruits, they still helped strengthen the city significantly—like upgrading the engine and memory of a machine.
Huang Chengyan and the others were greatly pleased.
To Xuanhuang City, this was a clear sign of growing power. The response to the Hall of Recruitment showed that the city had truly become a rising force. Without this growing influence, even with a recruitment hall, there would not have been such an overwhelming response.
On the combat arenas, skilled warriors were emerging in large numbers.
Many challenged Yang Yanding. Even in defeat, these challengers showed significant strength and military understanding. Some had been officers in previous armies. Now, even as cultivators, they retained their passion for the military.
As a result, the military gained a new influx of command-level talent.
However, due to rank and strength, no one was immediately given high rank. All new soldiers had to live and train with the army, adopt military cultivation techniques, and pass tests before they could receive the "Heavenly Soldier Combat Manual" and rise through the ranks.
The city's Nine-Tier Military Rank System had been successfully implemented and widely accepted. Even those with talent had to start from the bottom unless they had overwhelming strength or Yi Tianxing's personal endorsement. And even then, they had to follow the promotion protocols.
The army had to remain disciplined. Once a rule was set, it must be followed.
That was the law.
The Hall of Recruitment continued to add bricks to the city's foundation—strengthening Xuanhuang City day by day.