Feng Xianlin's strength was undeniably that of a Life Aperture Realm expert. Moreover, there was an inexplicable haze surrounding him, making it hard to discern the true extent of his power. Though he seemed elegant and scholarly—almost celestial—he radiated an awe-inspiring aura. Combined with his surname, he clearly wasn't just an ordinary general.
Even Yi Tianxing had to ponder carefully about the questions Feng Xianlin raised. What was his true motive? Was there some hidden meaning behind them?Could it be that Feng Xianlin wished to leave the Golden Sand Desert, or perhaps he feared some impending disaster and sought a way out?
Yi Tianxing's mind rapidly turned over these possibilities, quietly speculating on his true intentions.One thing was certain—there was a high chance that a terrifying enemy would appear soon. Feng Xianlin was clearly trying to strengthen his forces in advance.
Still, the Golden Sand Desert was never meant to be a permanent home. Sooner or later, it would have to be abandoned. That said, it wouldn't stop him from planting strategic pieces here—leaving contingencies behind.To him, this was just a temporary stop.
"I heard you intend to trade in Sandstorm Battle Armor. How many can you provide?"Yi Tianxing asked calmly, taking a deep breath.
If Feng Xianlin wanted large quantities of military supplies, common items wouldn't be nearly enough. Only Sandstorm Battle Armor could serve as viable currency. And it wouldn't be just a few pieces—it had to be in massive quantities.
"That's right. Sandstorm Battle Armor,"Feng Xianlin replied without hesitation.
Just then, a hearty laugh came from outside the door.
"Brother Feng, inviting Daoist Yi to General Valley is a major event. How could you not inform us? Planning to enjoy the spoils alone? That's quite unkind."
"Indeed. Brother Feng, that's not very righteous of you. You should be punished!"
Following the voices, two figures entered.
One was tall and lean, draped in a moon-white cloak with a crescent insignia on the back. The other wore a snowy white robe, his burly figure topped with hair as white as frost. An icy aura emanated from his body, suggesting terrifying latent power.
"General, Generals Snow and Moon insisted on entering. I was unable to stop them. Please punish me."An elderly man stepped forward, bowing to Feng Xianlin. He appeared to be a steward in the general's estate.
"No need, Uncle Qing. Old Snow and Old Moon aren't little Flower. If they want in, you can't stop them. They're basically military ruffians."Feng Xianlin laughed and shook his head, clearly unbothered.
He treated the newcomers with a casual disregard, as if pretending not to know them.
"Yue Qiang,"said the man in the moon-white cloak, sitting down uninvited.
"Xue Kunlun,"announced the other. His snow-like hair and icy aura gave the illusion of endless winter.
"So this is the legendary Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon—the four great generals of General Valley. Wind is General Feng, Feng Xianlin. Flower is General Hua, Hua Mulan. Snow is General Xue, Xue Kunlun. And Moon is General Yue, Yue Qiang.I've now met all four. Each truly extraordinary."Yi Tianxing nodded.
"Daoist Yi, your reputation exceeds ours by far,"Yue Qiang said with a smile.
Yi Tianxing didn't respond. If anyone believed these men were mere brutes, they'd be the real fools. Earning their titles during such turbulent times was proof they were anything but simple.
Even their surnames spoke volumes. Xue and Yue were far from ordinary.
Take the Yue surname—extremely rare. Historical records noted that the royal clan of the ancient Qiang tribe bore the Yue name, known for moon worship, nomadic culture, and especially archery and cavalry skills. In their prime, Qiang archers terrified entire regions.
Yue Qiang had to be connected to the ancient Yue royal clan. That many coincidences could only mean inevitability.
As for the Xue surname, it was so rare it bordered on legendary. Xue Kunlun's snowy hair and icy presence suggested more than just a name—his very bloodline radiated frost.
Yi Tianxing recalled a legend: beneath Mount Kunlun once lay a kingdom called Xueguo (Snow Nation). Its people were said to possess innate supernatural abilities, though records were vague and mysterious.
"Could they be the Yue royal clan and descendants of the mysterious Snow Nation?"Yi Tianxing thought, his mind racing.
Perhaps his repeated simulations of ancient emperors had honed a natural instinct to trace the roots and lineages of those he met—a subconscious expression of imperial psychology.
"The two generals overpraise me. I merely purchase supplies from Xuanhuang City and resell them at a small profit. How could I compare to your grand feats in protecting millions?"Yi Tianxing replied with calm humility."Still, my door is always open. If you have goods to trade, I'm more than happy to do business."
"I want that shipment of military supplies—White Bone War Bows, especially those Runic War Arrows and White Bone Arrows. Enough to arm 300,000 soldiers,"Yue Qiang said firmly.
That number was staggering. A single White Bone War Bow cost 100 Eternal Coins. Just the bows would total 30 million Eternal Coins, not counting the arrows. This was a monumental order.
"I want all kinds of military supplies,"Xue Kunlun added. Though he gave no numbers, his tone suggested a similarly massive scale.
Yi Tianxing took a deep breath.
"Though I am but a passerby in the Golden Sand Desert, your sudden demand for such a massive arsenal naturally arouses my curiosity. Who exactly are you preparing to fight? Of course, you don't have to answer."
Feng Xianlin and the others exchanged glances. A heavy silence descended.
"The Undying Legion is coming,"Feng Xianlin finally said grimly.
"The Undying Legion? Has the Pharaoh awakened?"Yi Tianxing's eyes narrowed in shock.
According to his knowledge, the Undying Legion was tied to the Pharaoh. But the Pharaoh had supposedly been sealed by the Heavenly Dao. His awakening would suggest the seals were weakening—and not just for him.
"That would mean chaos. The age of gods and demons would begin anew."
"Just two years? Could the Heavenly Seal have decayed so quickly?"Yi Tianxing thought, clearly unconvinced.
"It's not the Pharaoh,"Feng Xianlin said,"It's the High Priest beneath him. The one who betrayed the Pharaoh and was mummified as punishment—he's the one who's revived."
"The High Priest? Even if he's revived, he should be seeking the Pharaoh. Why would that make you this cautious?"Yi Tianxing asked, clearly puzzled.