Though filled with emotion, his steps didn't falter. Soon, Li Guang arrived at the grand hall of the City Lord's Mansion.
Inside, only Yi Tianxing stood—alone, yet commanding.
"Li Guang, a humble wanderer, greets the Emperor of Great Yi,"Li Guang stepped forward and bowed.
Seeing Yi Tianxing again, Li Guang couldn't help but feel a wave of awe. The aura emanating from Yi Tianxing was deep and boundless, like a bottomless abyss—a terrifying pressure that felt as though he were facing a peerless Heavenly Emperor.
It was a type of authority he had never sensed from any other ruler.
"No need for such formality, Daoist Li.
We've met before—in the World's Number One Martial Tournament, if you recall.
Though only briefly, I've never forgotten.
What of Miss Hu?"Yi Tianxing smiled as he asked.
Their past encounter was fleeting, but memorable. Back then, Li Guang had traveled with a brave woman named Hu Sanniang. From their behavior, it was clear that deep feelings bound them. Yi Tianxing suspected they'd been separated during a cross-realm migration.
"Sanniang... I lost contact with her,"Li Guang replied, pain flashing in his eyes."We met in the Secret Realm and fell in love.
But we came from different realms, and at the time, there was no way to bridge such distances.
I've searched for years, tried every method I know... but nothing. No trace.
I don't even know if she's still alive..."
His voice carried a deep undercurrent of sorrow and anxiety.
The Eternal World was unimaginably vast and perilous. Once contact was lost, even confirming life or death became nearly impossible.
"True lovers will meet again.
Your sincerity moves Heaven itself.
Live well—for the sake of your reunion. That's what matters most now."Yi Tianxing nodded with sincerity.
"I will."Li Guang answered, eyes resolute.
Then, he dropped to one knee and bowed deeply.
"Emperor Yi,
I have come to request the full strength of Great Yi to help me find Sanniang.
In return, I, Li Guang, am willing to pledge my life to Great Yi.
Even if I must die on the battlefield, I will not regret it.
So long as there's hope of finding her, I give myself to your empire—body and soul."
He had nothing else to offer—no treasures, no power—only himself.
Yi Tianxing's help, he knew, could not be expected freely. So, he would give the only thing he had: his loyalty.
"You ask too modestly, Daoist Li.
For someone like you to join Great Yi would be a blessing to us.
Your prowess in commanding troops is known to all—truly one of the greatest of your time.
And yes, Great Yi still lacks top-tier generals.
But I hope you're not joining us out of gratitude alone, but because you share our vision.
If so, then of course we will help you search for your beloved.
Even if you chose not to join, I would still assist you, as much as our brief acquaintance permits."Yi Tianxing smiled gently.
"Then I, Li Guang, pledge myself to Great Yi!"Li Guang declared without hesitation.
"Excellent. With General Li on our side, Great Yi will be as fierce as a tiger with wings.
Currently, we have vacancies in the Five Elements Corps—specifically, Earth (Thick Soil), Wood (Greenwood), and Fire (Blazing Flame).
However, given your exceptional talent in archery and cavalry tactics, I have something different in mind.
I will establish a new corps under the Myriad Cataclysms Corps, and appoint you as Commander of the Hurricane Corps.
What do you think?"Yi Tianxing spoke after a moment of thought.
Li Guang's abilities were beyond doubt. His battlefield record spoke for itself, and his ability to command troops was first-rate. Such a man deserved heavy responsibility.
Yi Tianxing could create new corps at will—there were no rules restraining him.
And this was a trust that few empires could match.
The Myriad Cataclysms Corps (万象天灾军团) would include:
Hurricane Corps (飓风军团)
Thunderstorm Corps (雷暴军团)
Volcano Corps (火山军团)
Earthquake Corps (地震军团)
Blizzard Corps (暴雪军团)
Tsunami Corps (海啸军团)
Smog Corps (雾霾军团)
Sandstorm Corps (沙暴军团)
"I, Li Guang, accept this post. I shall ride as the Emperor's vanguard!"Li Guang replied, breathing deeply.
From meeting Yi Tianxing to becoming a corps commander, everything had happened so quickly, it felt like a dream. Yet at the same time, the level of trust placed in him was clear: over one million elite soldiers would be under his command.
"No need for formalities.
In fact, just before you arrived, we were discussing a massive military expansion.
We're about to issue the Summoning Generals Order, to recruit top-tier commanders for newly formed corps.
As long as one has true talent, they will be appointed without reservation, and given full command of a corps."Yi Tianxing explained.
"May I ask… is war on the horizon?
Why else would such measures be taken?"Li Guang asked with narrowed eyes.
From what he'd seen, Great Yi already stood at the pinnacle of strength in White Crow City. Their power was unmatched. Why now form new corps, issue recruitment orders, and prepare battle gear? It all smelled of an incoming storm.
"Yes.
We're preparing to launch a counteroffensive against the Eternal Night Realm."Yi Tianxing confirmed calmly.
Even Li Guang, seasoned as he was, was left speechless.
To counterattack Eternal Night… that was something no force had dared until now. But if successful, it would become a legendary feat—etched forever in the annals of history.
"This... is what a true man should strive for!"Li Guang's blood boiled with excitement.
He was no stranger to danger. And now, the fire in his heart surged again.
"In the coming campaign, let me ride at the vanguard!"He said, his eyes blazing.
"You will have your chance."Yi Tianxing nodded, smiling.
After a few more words, an attendant entered and led Li Guang away. He would first meet Zhuge Liang, then head to the Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Tower to select his one million Hurricane Corps soldiers.
Meanwhile, the Summoning Generals Order (聚将令) was already spreading across the battlefield.
Countless flyers rained down upon battle cities and wild frontlines alike, carried on the wind from the moving White Crow City.
Flyers danced through the air like snow.
In one city, a veiled woman caught a flyer in her hand. Her beautiful eyes flashed with intrigue as she read:
"Heaven moves with strength; so should the noble strive with unrelenting vigor.
The Human Race must rise. Great Yi fears no foe. We shall fight Eternal Night head-on.
*To this end, we expand our armies and summon all generals.
*Any who can command troops are invited to White Crow City to take part in the Summoning Generals Assembly.
The truly worthy will be granted command of an army corps—one million troops, a top-tier title, and blessed by the fate of Great Yi.
*No matter your gender, your looks, or your height—if you have talent, you are welcome.
Come fight for the Eternal World, for the Human Race, for Great Yi, and for yourself.
"In these turbulent times, who dares rise if not I?"*
The message was simple and clear:
If you have ability, then come. If you succeed, glory awaits.