Chapter 24: The First Command

Qianye had ample experience in battling the blood race, but even when Ye Tong was unconscious, he failed to discern her true identity. It must have been the effect of this ability.

From this, it seemed that the golden blood energy within Qianye’s body most likely originated from Ye Tong. As for the purple blood energy, judging from its subtle resistance to the golden one, it might have come from another powerful upper-tier bloodline of the blood race.

However, Ye Tong’s ability was truly terrifying. If her progeny could inherit a similar power, it wouldn’t take long for an unknown number of blood kin to infiltrate human society, unbeknownst to everyone. The more formidable her ability, the less Qianye could afford to let her go when they met on the battlefield in the future.

The bronze bell in the cultivation room suddenly emitted a soft, melodious sound, as if seeping into the tides of primordial force, becoming part of the breaking waves. It naturally roused Qianye from his meditation.

The bronze bell was crafted from a special metal called “Fuming Copper,” which could transmit its sound through fluctuations of primordial force, thereby serving as a gentle reminder without startling the cultivator. This metal only formed alongside silver deposits, indicating its rarity. In the past, in the Yellow Springs, there was only one Fuming Copper Bell in the entire cultivation valley, yet here, it was standard even in the guest chambers.

But this wasn’t the time Qianye had set for the reminder; there must be a visitor. He changed into proper attire and stepped out of the cultivation room, seeing Ji Yuanjia already waiting in the living room.

“Captain Qian, I’m here to deliver your first task assigned by Miss Qiqi. You are to accompany her to the City Lord’s banquet tomorrow evening.”

Qianye felt a slight twinge of embarrassment at Ji Yuanjia’s formality.

The background fabricated for him by the Yin family directly used Qian as his surname and Ye as his given name. He was supposed to have come from a commoner family in a remote province of the Empire’s southern border. At a young age, he moved with his parents to the Evernight Continent with a merchant group, only to end up stranded in this forsaken land, eventually becoming a hunter. Truly, a clean and impeccable resume that perfectly fit the requirements of the main legion’s recruitment.

Ji Yuanjia, who had become somewhat accustomed to Qianye’s reticence, continued, “You will attend as her assistant and male companion. For the success of the banquet, you will undergo a full day of etiquette training tomorrow, so please refrain from any significant cultivation.”

“Alright, I understand.”

Ji Yuanjia smiled, then said, “This mission is a good opportunity. Grasp it well, and you might reap unexpected benefits. I envy you!”

Qianye was taken aback. “Unexpected benefits?”

“It’s a good chance, isn’t it? Sometimes, even though it’s all an act, anyone who performs long enough might just get caught up in it,” Ji Yuanjia hinted meaningfully.

Qianye understood what he meant. He was encouraging Qianye to turn the charade into reality and win over Qiqi!

Qianye couldn’t fathom Ji Yuanjia’s intentions. They had only known each other for less than a day, and he was probably one of Qiqi’s core subordinates, right?

Seeming to guess Qianye’s thoughts, Ji Yuanjia smiled, “I just don’t want to see some schemers using Miss to achieve their own ends. You’ll understand in time.”

After Ji Yuanjia left, Qianye found himself increasingly puzzled.

Initially, after meeting the famous Miss Qiqi, Qianye had guessed that the so-called mission was to find a prominent target for covert operations. As to why she specifically chose this path, it might be because she believed the people brought by Yu Yingnan and Second Master were reliable. After all, the critical phase of the inheritance test for the Yin family had begun, and any infiltration by spies could easily thwart the best-laid plans.

The hefty condition of offering the command of the 131st Independent Combat Battalion, dangled by Qiqi and Ji Yuanjia, did not seem to indicate trust in Qianye. Instead, it was likely a test. However, this did not affect Qianye’s determination to complete the mission. His strategy was simple: follow orders when given, and fight on the battlefield otherwise, regardless of whether the battalion became a true support.

But Ji Yuanjia’s words left Qianye completely baffled. He initially thought the target would be one of the other candidates, but now he wondered if Qiqi’s fiancé might also be on the list. Elite marriages were often political alliances, and they should share the same interests, right? The ways of the aristocracy were truly incomprehensible.

The next morning, Qianye spent the entire morning undergoing intense etiquette training.

Only through firsthand experience did he realize how intricate and rigid the etiquette of the Empire, formed over a thousand years, truly was. Due to the limited time, they focused on the parts related to social banquets, from standing posture to angles and distances, all meticulously prescribed. Qianye was thankful for his good memory and previous experience with military posture.

In the afternoon, it was the turn of tailors, makeup artists, and hairdressers. They had been working overtime the previous night to make the ceremonial attire, and now they needed to make final adjustments based on the overall design.

The hairdresser was a lanky man nearing fifty, whose movements were unexpectedly effeminate. He wore a large turquoise ring on his little finger and held a silver pair of scissors that constantly opened and closed, his nervous demeanor causing concern about where the next snip might land.

He was holding Qianye’s black, semi-long hair, agonizing over a decision. “Should I cut it short to match better with Miss Qiqi, or keep it long to create a stark contrast with her short hair?”

The master stylist deliberated for a full forty minutes, preventing others from proceeding. Hair was a crucial element, second only to clothing. From the top of the head to the color of the shoelaces, every detail had to be designed as a whole, reflecting the refined taste of the aristocracy and distinguishing them from the gentry.

Qianye, feeling almost numb, sensed that this team was here solely to torment him. Why had he never experienced such ridiculous styling principles from Wei Potian?

Finally, the stylist made his decision. After a flurry of activity, they managed to finalize the last detail—a brooch’s angle—just before the deadline.

Standing before a full-length mirror, Qianye’s only thought was that this outfit was utterly unsuitable for combat. Although the black and gold color scheme and the high collar with shoulder epaulettes resembled the Imperial uniform, the tight waist, narrow sleeves, and gemstone buttons that grazed his wrists made him feel like a bird trapped in a spider’s web, greatly restricting his movement.

Qianye uncomfortably adjusted his right shoulder, eyeing the stylist’s triumphant expression in the mirror without a word. Clearly, mobility was not a priority for this master, who prioritized art and visual impact.

“Time’s up!” A maid’s voice called from outside.

On the fan-shaped plaza, over a dozen cars were parked, with a silver convertible in the center, powered by black crystal! Qiqi waved to Qianye from inside, dressed in a simple Imperial uniform adorned with expensive accessories.

The car had only one row of seats behind the driver, leaving Qianye no choice but to sit next to Qiqi. Used to the spaciousness of heavy steam trucks, he found this sedan rather cramped. Any slight movement would cause him to brush against Qiqi’s arm.

Qiqi, with a habit of asserting herself, reached for Qianye’s chin. “My little beauty, I never imagined you’d look so handsome all dressed up.”

Qianye nonchalantly tilted his head, avoiding the young lady’s paw, and replied, “I owe it to the etiquette trainers and stylists you sent.”

Qiqi, however, was the type who wouldn’t stop until she got what she wanted. Her hand fell and grabbed Qianye’s palm, giving it a firm squeeze before smiling, “Relax. Tonight, I’m just taking you to make an appearance. You don’t need to do anything, not even dance or socialize. If you like, the food at the banquet is always good. Your presence is the sole purpose. With your current appearance, you’re sure to attract plenty of attention and ruffle the feathers of several important figures.”

Qianye remained silent, realizing that Qiqi’s words indirectly confirmed his suspicions about the mission.

Yet, the doubts only multiplied. Did the influential figures of the aristocracy judge threats based on looks alone? Even if this was Qiqi’s standard, Qianye didn’t believe her entourage of experts was collectively incompetent. Otherwise, Qiqi would never have made it this far in the inheritance contest.

The city lord’s residence was brightly lit, with elegant music reverberating throughout the grand main building. The wide plaza was filled with various vehicles, including carriages drawn by exotic beasts. But Qiqi’s black crystal-powered car was unique. Even in the Empire, such vehicles were a luxurious rarity.

Glancing around, Qianye concluded that the status of the Yin family at tonight’s banquet was likely the highest.

The car stopped right in front of the main entrance. Ji Yuanjia jumped out of the driver’s seat, opened the rear door, and Qiqi and Qianye stepped out under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

A buzz of whispers erupted around them.

“Miss Qiqi has arrived!”

“Who is that young man with her?”

“Handsome! And a captain too!”

“Could he be Miss Qiqi’s new… what… something?”

“New face, who’s this youngster?”

A tall, imposing middle-aged man emerged from the main gate, embraced Qiqi, and laughed, “My niece, Qiqi, still as beautiful as ever!”

Qiqi smiled, “Uncle, you’re as energetic as a dragon-horse!”

Qianye recognized this man from his files: Yuan Zeyu, the city lord of Xichang. He was not just a typical warrior but also the patriarch of a collateral branch closely tied to the Yin family. Despite not sharing the surname, his bloodline connection was even stronger than most branches.

Due to this relationship, his branch was tasked with guarding the strategic city of Xichang on the Evernight Continent. Compared to the Dark Blood City lord, he was a figure of greater significance.

Yuan Zeyu’s gaze fell on Qianye, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, as if piercing through the fog to reveal all secrets!