Chapter 99: Lingering Shadows

Qian Ye, having experienced forty-nine rounds of military trials, now possessed a deeper understanding of power. As he gazed at the sky that seemed to be an eternal night, a different sentiment arose in his heart: the Iron Curtain rules.

The Iron Curtain’s restriction, preventing those above the rank of count from entering, was quite understandable. For instance, if a group of ants passed by Qian Ye’s feet, no matter if they were foraging or fighting, he would not spare them a glance. Even if he stepped on some, it would only be because they happened to be underfoot, and it would be their misfortune. However, if a few large insects were moving about, or even if cats, dogs, or mice appeared and annoyed him, he would not hesitate to crush them.

This realization made Qian Ye feel uncomfortable. He sardonically thought that no one would be happy to discover they were just insignificant ants in someone else’s eyes.

Not long after Qian Ye left seclusion, Heilu City received a special guest: an imperial envoy.

The envoy came from the military, a colonel, accompanied by only a few attendants. He requested an audience with the city lord. Upon meeting Qian Ye, the envoy did not say much but handed over an official document and a reward order, then asked a few questions about the city’s defenses before bidding farewell and heading to his next destination.

In the envoy’s eyes, Heilu City was nothing special, and his gaze even carried a hint of pity. The small city was located at the very front line of the border, beneath the Iron Curtain, and once the bloodshed began, its downfall was inevitable.

After the envoy left, Qian Ye opened the official document and found that its content was similar to the previous mobilization orders issued by the expeditionary army to various divisions. It was a call to arms from the empire, inviting all factions to participate in the blood war. The military merit rewards were double the normal standard, and there were no restrictions on the identity of the participants; all, regardless of their status, could receive rewards.

Additionally, the empire had established temporary bases in many places on the Eternal Night Continent, where military merits could be exchanged for rewards, simplifying the cumbersome process of applying for military honors. The nearest base was in the county seat of Sanhe County, already under the Iron Curtain, indicating the military’s high regard for this battle.

A map was also attached to the document, outlining the Iron Curtain’s current coverage, which was also the designated battlefield. Of course, if one wanted to fight the dark races beyond the Iron Curtain, it was possible, but they might encounter true powerhouses.

Beneath the Iron Curtain, it was not impossible to encounter strong individuals. Some with the ability to conceal their aura or suppress their level could still move freely, such as Lord Yang of Zhao Family, who directly entered Heilu City.

However, if they engaged in combat, the battles had to be swift, or they might attract the attention of the Celestial Ghosts. This would mean more than just being suppressed by the Iron Curtain; the higher the level, the more likely they would be attacked by the Celestial Ghosts.

Qian Ye unfolded the map and examined it carefully. This time, the markings were more detailed than the military reports he had seen a week earlier. When he saw the boundaries, he was shocked. The Iron Curtain now covered more than a quarter of the human territory, and from the curvature of the outer edge, it was clear that most of the unmarked areas were still within the dark nations.

Although there was no data from the dark nations, if the outer curvature was used to estimate, assuming the complete shape of the Iron Curtain was roughly circular, it meant that over 20% of the entire Eternal Night Continent was under the Iron Curtain.

Just the size of the Iron Curtain alone, and the strength of the Celestial Ghosts, were beyond imagination.

Looking at the map, Qian Ye faintly guessed the intentions of the empire’s upper echelons. With the cover of the Iron Curtain, it was a perfect opportunity to attack the dark nations.

Putting down the documents and map, Qian Ye opened the reward list. It detailed different rewards for each level of the dark race warriors.

Using the rank of viscount as a baseline, killing a third-class viscount rewarded a fifth-level origin gun, or an equivalent amount of other military equipment or resources. If one could firmly occupy a viscount’s territory and bring it under human control, the reward increased to a custom-made fifth-level origin gun.

From this list, it was evident that the empire was investing heavily in this war. Only a select few technicians could manufacture fifth-level guns, so their annual production was limited. Usually, military rewards were settled in imperial gold coins, and it was only in exceptional cases that strategic resources could be obtained. As for high-level origin guns, ordinary people could not even buy the standard versions, let alone the custom ones.

Flipping through the two pages of the gun list, Qian Ye felt a bit tempted. He currently had the Primordial Wings and the Twin Blossoms, so he didn’t need ordinary sixth-level origin guns. However, Darkflame now had many high-ranking officers, and in time, more would be able to use fourth or even fifth-level guns. Upgrading their equipment would undoubtedly boost their combat power.

On the last page of the list, a single line caught Qian Ye’s attention: the highest-purity black crystal!

Black crystals were strictly controlled strategic materials. Whether used as fuel or as a main material for medium-purity origin guns, they were always in short supply. High-purity black crystals, which could convert Dawn Origin Force for cultivation, were practically unavailable. The Song Family’s cultivation chambers used such high-purity black crystals.

The fact that the empire now allowed the exchange of high-purity black crystals showed how seriously they viewed this blood war on the Eternal Night Continent, comparing it to major campaigns on the upper continent. Even the usually calm Qian Ye was tempted. Although the price was extremely high, having such a channel was better than none. If he could obtain some, he might advance to the Warlord level sooner.

Just as Qian Ye put down the reward list, Zhao Yuying arrived.

“How was your seclusion?”

“Not bad, at least I’ve figured out my path ahead.”

“That’s good. How long until you break through to Warlord?”

Qian Ye sighed, “At least two months. If you count the time for combat, it will be longer.”

Zhao Yuying, on the contrary, breathed a sigh of relief. “Don’t rush it. You don’t want to undermine your foundation. It’s best to advance in the Marrow Cleansing Pool. Don’t worry about the eligibility; I’ll find a way, even if I have to stop receiving money from the family!”

A mix of emotions welled up in Qian Ye’s heart. Zhao Yuying spoke lightly, but it meant she was giving up her share of future family resources for one chance to enter the Marrow Cleansing Pool. He merely nodded, saying nothing.

Now, there was no need for formalities between Qian Ye and Zhao Yuying. Even if he did not intend to accept such a costly gift, he appreciated her goodwill.

Zhao Yuying picked up the official document, map, and reward list, glancing at each briefly. The content was similar to the previous military orders. However, she seemed preoccupied, unsure how to express it.

Zhao Yuying rarely hesitated. Qian Ye waited quietly, not urging her. Suddenly, the fierce beauty took a deep breath, cursed, and said, “I still want to join the blood war!”

“Why?” Qian Ye asked.

Given Zhao Yuying’s status in the Zhao Family, she should not lack the resources from military merits. After the incident with Zhao Fenglei, things had been unpleasant, and the team originally assigned to her had not yet been assembled. In reality, Zhao Yuying’s injuries would prevent her from engaging in intense combat for at least a few months, making it reasonable to withdraw.

“For… the Zhao Family.”

This answer surprised Qian Ye.

Having spoken, Zhao Yuying felt relieved. “Yes, for the Zhao Family. Even though I’m like this now, I still feel like I’m part of the Zhao Family. The Zhao Family is the big tree that provides shade for us. Although there are many in the family I can’t stand, in matters of great importance, I… am still a Zhao.”

“I understand.”

“This blood war is clearly the Empire Party’s doing, forcing the major clans to reveal their stance. To weaken the feudal lords, they will stop at nothing. The empire has existed for a thousand years, and so have the aristocratic families. Every attempt to weaken the feudal lords has ended in bloodshed.”

Qian Ye was not well-versed in imperial politics and was confused. “Weaken the feudal lords? What does this have to do with the Zhao Family? If they target the Four Families, wouldn’t they start with the Song Family?”

Zhao Yuying shook her head. “Our Zhao Family has close ties with the royal family, sharing bloodlines. Many empresses were from the Zhao Family. The current emperor came to power… uniquely. The maternal family is the Jing Tang Li Family, but the royal family ultimately arranged for Princess Gao Yi to marry into our family. Thus, to the other noble families, we are staunch Imperialists, but to the Imperialists, we are true nobles.”

Qian Ye realized, “So, no matter which side gains the upper hand, they might weaken or suppress the Zhao Family? This…”

“My grandfather and uncles see it this way, and most of the clan elders probably think the same, so their stance on this blood war is particularly significant.”

“Hmm, increase the rewards?”

Zhao Yuying, who was feeling heavy-hearted, couldn’t help but laugh, hitting Qian Ye on the head. “All you care about is rewards! It’s all Song Qi’s influence!”

She then became serious. “The clan has learned that someone in the Empire Party wants to target the Zhao Family, possibly by attacking our members on the battlefield. The elders’ solution is to retaliate, establishing our dominance. Not only must we gain military merits, but we must also kill anyone from the empire who shows hostility towards the Zhao Family, regardless of their faction.”

After saying this, Zhao Yuying returned to her usual demeanor, patting Qian Ye’s shoulder. “So, your sister is going back to the Western Continent to recover and return to the battlefield. Though my combat power may be somewhat reduced, I’m still stronger than the average person. Take care, little Qian Ye!”

Qian Ye smiled and extended his hand. “Give it here!”

“What?” Zhao Yuying was taken aback.

“Your token for participating in the war. Otherwise, how will I attribute the military merits to you when I kill the dark races?” Qian Ye said matter-of-factly.

“What are you talking about?” Zhao Yuying almost couldn’t believe her ears.

“I mean, I’ll fight in your name, but the rewards from the Zhao Family and the military will be mine.”

“That’s not acceptable, we’ll split it fifty-fifty!” Zhao Yuying fiercely rejected.

“Eighty-twenty!”

“Seventy-thirty!”

After a round of haggling, Zhao Yuying felt much lighter and laughed with Qian Ye.