Chapter 136:

[Simulation Year 9, Spring]

[You are 24 years old, and Wu Yingxue is 18 years old.]

[Winter’s snow melts as spring arrives. Each day, the white blanket covering the earth disappears, gradually revealing the soil beneath.]

[You know that the survival army urgently needs food, and only a large supply can ensure the people make it through.]

[You and Wu Yingxue split into two groups.]

[One leads the life-seeking army to the border, hunting demons and harvesting as much flesh and blood as possible.]

[The other stays in Pingshui County to oversee spring plowing.]

[The girl chose her spear and went to the border to hunt monsters. For her, it is what she does best.]

[“Mr. Xu and his demon-slaying general.”]

[This is how people describe your relationship with her.]

…

[20 days later, Wu Yingxue returned with the army, bringing back a large amount of demon meat. However, many soldiers were injured.]

[Today, the border is still reeling from the aftermath of the demon wave.]

[The danger is far greater than usual.]

[Fortunately, thanks to the army’s numerical advantage and Wu Yingxue’s innate strength, no major disasters occurred.]

The spring sunlight bathed the land, bringing life back to the once barren terrain.

The soil was freshly turned. Grass glistened with dew. An earthy scent filled the air, carrying the promise of growth.

Wu Yingxue, now back from the border, squatted casually beside Xu Xi, observing the bustling scene of spring plowing.

Though Pingshui County didn’t have many cattle, the people who practiced the ‘Martial Arts That Even a Fool Can Practice’ more than made up for it.

“Cow Power!!”

On a stretch of untouched land, A Niu shouted with pride, his burly figure acting like a living plow.

With pure strength and energy, he tore through the soil, loosening it as he went.

“Wow!”

“Amazing!”

The onlookers marveled at his strength. Compared to A Niu, even a real farm ox seemed less effective at the task.

“Sir, why are they so excited?” Wu Yingxue asked curiously, tilting her head. She didn’t understand why plowing the land caused such a stir.

Xu Xi chuckled, turning to her.

“Yingxue, there are many people who spend their entire lives in one place,” he explained.

“They only know the sky above their heads and the soil beneath their feet.”

“But the land at the border…”

His voice softened.

“It’s been tainted—soaked in demon blood. It can barely grow anything anymore.”

His words, though gentle, carried a heavy weight.

The”sinful people” living on Daqian’s border faced relentless harassment from demons. Even the land they relied on for survival had been rendered toxic.

That was why the people were so overjoyed now.

For the first time in years, they could grip normal soil in their hands—clean, fertile soil, free of the stench of demon blood.

There were no oppressive”superiors” to whip or punish them.

In this fleeting moment, these downtrodden people, treated as less than human, could finally breathe freely.

“A Niu, save your strength! Don’t forget you still have boxing practice this afternoon,” Xu Xi called out.

“I got it, Brother Xu!” A Niu replied, his voice filled with cheerful energy.

He stopped his work and wiped the sweat from his brow with a broad smile. Brown soil clung to his clothes and hands, and for a brief moment, the air around him seemed to blend with the earth.

Even as sweat dripped and dust covered their bodies, the people’s faces glowed with genuine joy under the sun.

…

[Simulation Year 9, Summer]

[Spring plowing is complete, and Pingshui County settles into a brief calm, but it doesn’t last.]

[The flames of war spread once again.]

[You haven’t yet encountered Daqian’s main army, but now you face attacks from surrounding counties.]

[To your surprise, they struck first before you had a chance to move.]

“It seems I underestimated Daqian’s officials,” Xu Xi remarked on the battlefield, his expression serious as he observed the approaching army.

The distant sound of hoofbeats grew louder, accompanied by the arrogant roars of the enemy leaders.

“Kill! They’re just a bunch of refugees—nothing more!”

“Haha, we’re lucky this year! Military merits are practically falling into our laps!”

“What fools, daring to cross the border. Let’s kill them all!”

“Kill! Kill! Kill! Make sure they never return!”

Their words were filled with mockery and disdain.

Xu Xi sighed, shaking his head. He had briefly considered giving them some credit for their decisiveness, but their arrogance quickly proved they knew nothing about the Qihuo Army’s strength.

These county soldiers, along with their officials, had come to grab easy”war merits.”

Among themselves, they argued and competed for dominance, not even taking the survival army seriously.

The outcome of the battle was predictable.

…

[You achieved a great victory.]

[The surrounding counties’ ignorance allowed you to break through their defenses effortlessly, sweeping through their territories like an autumn wind scattering fallen leaves.]

[So-called noble families and high-ranking officials fled in fear at the mere mention of your approach.]

[“Sir, their food is delicious.”]

[Wu Yingxue complained jokingly, though her tone carried a hint of disappointment.]

[She had expected a tough battle, even prepared for sacrifice, but the sheer foolishness of the enemy made victory far too easy.]

[You smiled and reassured her, saying that easy victories like these are the most desirable.]

[But deep down, you knew such victories wouldn’t last.]

[As your territory grows stronger, you will inevitably face greater challenges.]

[Daqian’s Thirteen Prefectures boast elite forces.]

[Whether it’s this autumn or next spring, the real test will come when you confront the capital of Xuanqi State.]

[This formidable enemy will determine whether the survival army can continue to exist.]

[You felt the weight of the battles to come pressing down on you.]

[The only silver lining was your personal progress.]

[Your realm is beginning to loosen.]

[Through consistent observation of heaven and earth, your understanding has deepened.]

[The circulation of Qi and blood within your body has aligned with the mysterious rhythms of the natural world.]

[You rely solely on your dedication and persistence, proven under the sun and moon.]

“To observe the principles of heaven and earth is to build the foundation.”

“The soul of martial arts forms the branches.”

“Seeing my inner divine self, the flowers and leaves will bloom.”

“It’s time for me to advance to the next level,” Xu Xi declared.

Returning to Pingshui County after capturing several surrounding counties, Xu Xi prepared for the autumn harvest while focusing on breaking through to the Yunpo Realm.