Bai Hong left the choice in Liang Cheng’s hands.

Liang Cheng fell silent for a moment, then looked at Bai Hong. "Dean, if this disciple chooses an external assignment, what are the specific benefits?"

Bai Hong was not surprised by the question and slowly explained, "First, in addition to the True Inheritance Monthly Remuneration, the Guardian Envoy can receive an extra eight thousand Contribution Points per month, which can be exchanged for resources like Spirit Stones and Elixirs."

"Second, at Dongshan Mine, you will have the final say. You can take a ten percent cut of the profits from the mineral resources within your jurisdiction as part of your Cultivation Resources."

"Third, the City Lord’s Mansion and the Martial Arts Academy will jointly establish a hundred-man Personal Guard Team for you to command. All expenses will also be jointly covered by the City Lord’s Mansion and the Martial Arts Academy."

Lü Bingchen also added, "At Dongshan Mine, you will be in charge. Within your territory, as long as you don’t violate the iron laws of the Martial Arts Academy or cross the bottom line of the City Lord’s Mansion, you can act as you see fit without needing to report every single matter."

Although there was a monthly stipend within the Martial Arts Academy, it was ultimately limited. Cultivation in the True Qi Realm required far more resources—scarce items like Qi Replenishing Pills, Profound Gold Powder, and Earth Vein Stone Milk—and relying solely on exchanging Contribution Points was nowhere near enough.

Though the Mayfly Life Chart had no bottlenecks, advancing and breaking through required a massive amount of resources. How many True Qi Realm experts had wasted decades, still trapped in the same realm?

’Wealth, companions, techniques, and land—the mayfly must strive for them all. The Martial Dao is a path of contention.’

"This disciple is willing to take the external assignment."

With that thought, Liang Cheng no longer hesitated.

A flicker of approval crossed Bai Hong’s eyes. He didn’t seem surprised. After all, with the bearing of a prodigy, how could one not strive to compete?

Lü Bingchen suddenly interjected with a reminder, "Dongshan Mine is one of the largest iron mining areas under Lin Wu City’s jurisdiction. The interests there are complex and deeply entangled. The local powerhouse, the Lin Family, has been operating it for three generations and is deeply entrenched. The previous Guardian Envoy was transferred away due to a conflict with the Lin Family. Are you sure about this?"

"It is precisely because the interests are concentrated that the resources are so abundant. Since this disciple will be the Guardian Envoy, I must naturally clarify the rules. Those who abide by them can coexist. Those who do not—"

"—will be dealt with according to the law."

Lü Bingchen stroked his beard and nodded. "You have a sharp edge. However, the current Patriarch of the Lin Family, Lin Yue, is a True Qi Realm Middle Stage expert. He condensed four True Qi Seeds when he broke through to the True Qi Realm, and having cultivated the Black Mountain Force for many years, his physique is formidable. He is not to be underestimated."

"This disciple understands."

Seeing this, Bai Hong said no more. He took out a Profound Iron Token. The front was engraved with the two characters for "Town Guardian," and the back bore the symbol of the Martial Arts Academy.

"This is the Guardian Order. You will depart in three days. A hundred Personal Guards will accompany you to help you establish a foothold."

Liang Cheng accepted it with both hands. "Thank you, Dean."

"Remember,"

Bai Hong’s voice suddenly grew solemn. "An external assignment is not a luxury; it is a responsibility. The safety of the fifty thousand people in Dongshan Mine and the annual output of one million catties of raw iron will all rest on your shoulders. You must be prepared."

"This disciple will not fail the trust you’ve placed in me."

...

After leaving Mingxin Pavilion, Liang Cheng went straight to the Foreign Affairs Hall.

He was there to accept the A-Level mission to act as Town Guardian of Dongshan Mine. Although it was an official appointment, the Martial Arts Academy issued it as a mission to maintain propriety and avoid interfering with the City Lord’s Mansion’s division of duties.

Seeing him arrive, a Steward Disciple said respectfully, "True Inheritor Liang, here is the mission document. Please look it over."

Liang Cheng glanced over it.

[A Class - Town Guardian of East Mountain]

Duration: One to three years

Basic Contribution Points: Eight thousand points per month

Additional Reward: Ten percent of profits from the year-end inventory of Dongshan Mine

He signed and stamped his seal directly, accepting the mission. Just as he was about to leave, a voice called out from behind him:

"Senior Brother Liang, please wait."

Liang Cheng turned to see Lu Qingzhou walking over quickly, a familiar, warm smile on his face. "I heard Junior Brother is being assigned to Dongshan Mine?"

"Senior Brother is well-informed."

Lu Qingzhou shook his head. "It’s not that I’m well-informed. My father just received an order from the City Lord’s Mansion. The Lu Family holds a ten percent share of the iron ore at Dongshan Mine. My father asked me to inform you, Senior Brother, that the Lu Family’s Steward at East Mountain, Lu Ming, will cooperate fully with you."

Liang Cheng understood immediately.

’The Lu Family is making a friendly gesture.’

"Please thank Uncle Lu for me."

"Of course. When do you depart, Senior Brother?"

"In three days."

"Then allow me to wish you a triumphant start in advance. Although East Mountain is chaotic, with your abilities, Senior Brother, I’m certain you will be able to turn the situation around in one fell swoop."

...

「That night, at Courtyard Three of True Inheritance Peak.」

Liang Cheng told Lady Ning about his external assignment.

Lady Ning was silent for a long time before letting out a soft sigh. "I don’t understand these important matters. I have only one thing to ask of you: take good care of yourself and come back safely."

Liang Cheng took her hand. "Don’t worry, Mother. Dongshan Mine is only a ten-day journey from Lin Wu City. I’ll come back to visit you regularly. San Ya and Tieniu will be here to look after you, and the Martial Arts Academy will protect you as well. You can live here in peace."

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Senior Brother Liang!"

It was Zhao Yuan and Li Mu at the door.

Zhao Yuan had progressed rapidly in the Human Dormitory over the past few months. With his connection to Liang Cheng, no one dared to offend him. He had already broken through to the Transformation Force Late Stage, and his aura was considerably more solid.

"Senior Brother, we heard you’re being assigned to Dongshan Town in three days. The Martial Arts Academy is selecting the Personal Guard Team, and we’ve already signed up."

Liang Cheng was a little surprised. "It’s not like the Martial Arts Academy there. The conflicts are more direct, possibly even bloody. It’s much more dangerous."

"I’m not afraid. I’d rather get real combat experience following you, Senior Brother, than just train arduously in the Martial Arts Academy. I gained quite a bit from exterminating the Black Tide before. Besides, I owe my current success entirely to your support, so it’s only natural that I follow you."

Li Mu’s eyes burned with the same intensity.

Seeing this, Liang Cheng nodded. "Then go and prepare. I will speak with the Masters and have them prioritize your recruitment."

"Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Zhao Yuan and Li Mu left.

Liang Cheng returned to his Quiet Chamber and sat down cross-legged. He took out the Condensing Truth Pill that Bai Hong had given him and consumed one. The Medicinal Power dissolved, surging through him like a torrential river.

Within his Dantian, the nine True Qi Seeds flared with brilliant light, madly absorbing the Medicinal Power and slowly growing stronger.

A night passed.

As dawn’s first light filtered through the window, Liang Cheng opened his eyes, a sharp glint flowing within them.

[Broken Wave Technique Second Layer: Beginner Level (387/2000)]

[Profound Yin Sword Technique: Beginner Level (260/1500)]

[Wind and Thunder Slash: Minor Success (2943/5000)]

[Stone Armor Skill (Golden Armor): Beginner Level (241/1000)]

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