Chapter 34: The Pillar of the Nation Arrives, Yang Dai Goes to Battle [Fourth Update]

Five days passed in a row.

Most of Yang Dai’s time was spent immersed in the Deep Domain. He had already become adept at riding the pigeon spirit, his hands gripping the creature’s wings at the joint near its body, right where the curve formed a natural hook. Besides ordinary riding, Yang Dai also trained in advanced maneuvers—barrel rolls, dives, and the like—while Liang Zixiao followed below on his sword, ready to catch him at any moment. Even with his cultivation at the fourth level of the Qi Gathering Realm, Yang Dai lost his grip more than once at first, but Liang Zixiao’s quick reflexes ensured nothing went awry. Now Yang Dai had mastered it completely; no matter how many times the pigeon spirit spun beneath him, he would not fall.

The beast tide had already erupted. Rather than focus solely on cultivation, Yang Dai chose to hone his combat skills and simulate various escape scenarios. He left the task of cultivation to his ghostly followers; he now commanded five hundred and nine of them—an army in itself. He had also assigned some to practice the Celestial Fiend Grand Sword Formation.

This formation was a trump card, growing more powerful with each additional participant. Liang Zixiao had joined the formation as well, serving as its leader. According to him, if he led fifty ghostly followers in the formation, even slaying a Heartwheel Realm expert was not out of reach. However, most of the followers were weak—some not even true cultivators—and easily broken by the enemy.

Yang Dai was prepared to join the battle.

At noon, Yang Dai stepped out of his room and sat at the dining table, awaiting lunch. Yang Teng was lounging on the sofa, watching the news and smoking, an expression of deep worry on his face.

During this period, the beast tide had erupted across the board. Cities on the western edge of Hanxi Province were under fierce assault. More and more trialists were joining the fight, and casualties were beginning to mount. Hanxi Province had become the focal point of the entire Xia Kingdom district, and even Asia at large.

“At ten twelve this morning, National Pillar Xionglie arrived in Gaogu City. The arrival of a National Pillar will greatly ease the pressure on the front lines…” The reporter on television spoke quickly, standing before a temporary camp filled with trucks, fighter jets, and off-road vehicles. In the sky, trialists could be seen patrolling on swords.

Hearing that Xionglie had arrived, Yang Dai silently breathed a sigh of relief.

The Twelve National Pillars were all powerful, but each bore heavy responsibilities and could not be redeployed lightly. Xionglie, among them, was particularly renowned—called the Human-shaped Demon King of Xia Kingdom. Far from an insult, this nickname signified that his physical prowess surpassed the limits of humanity, making him a match for monsters.

Yang Teng grinned. “With Xionglie here, Hanxi Province is safe. Back when the apocalypse first broke out, he saved cities more than once. I say he’s the strongest National Pillar.”

Yang Dai smiled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Online, many claimed Xionglie was the strongest, mainly because of his public feats, but Yang Dai had seen on the secret web that Xionglie only ranked fifth.

Yang Teng glanced at Yang Dai. “Xiao Dai, will you be joining the mission? I heard that if the front lines collapse, every registered trialist will be called up.”

Yang Dai replied, “I can join if I choose, or not.”

Yang Teng muttered enviously, “Damn, is this what it’s like to be part of the privileged class?”

Yang Dai rolled his eyes. “Dad, if I’m privileged, so are you. Do you want me to go?”

“To be honest, I’m torn. As your father, I don’t want you to, but as a member of society, I do. I think you could be a hero—you have what it takes.” He took a drag on his cigarette, speaking earnestly. “It’s been ten years—ten years without peace. I’ve seen too much tragedy. My own brother, your uncle, died in a beast tide. Before he died, he texted me, asking me to come get him, but how could I? We were a province apart—in the early days of the apocalypse, that was as far as the ends of the earth…”

He continued reminiscing, his words rough, but Yang Dai could feel the anger burning within him.

This feeling was not unique to Yang Teng; every household in Xia Kingdom had lost relatives or friends to monsters and ghosts. Only in recent years had things improved.

Yang Dai said, “I understand.”

He had planned to go to war anyway—both out of duty and the desire to grow stronger.

He was confident in his own safety; when the time came, he would save as many as he could. He would do his best.

Soon, Yang’s mother called everyone to lunch. After eating, Yang Dai returned to his room and re-entered the Deep Domain. His parents had no objections and even told Xiao Yangchao and Xiao Yangyan not to disturb him. For a trialist, cultivation in the Deep Domain was the highest priority.

Another two days passed. The situation at the front changed dramatically—two great monsters, each leading ten million beasts, launched surprise attacks on two cities far apart. The city protected by Xionglie held out, but the other fell. Alarms sounded throughout Hanxi Province.

Every household’s TV channel urged trialists to report to the local Combat Bureau. The Intelligence Bureau had sent a mass email to the tablet assigned to Yang Dai.

Upon seeing the notice in reality, Yang Dai immediately prepared to set out.

His mother was anxious and reluctant, but Yang Teng, grumbling all the while, finally let go of Yang Dai’s hand. After bidding his family farewell, Yang Dai left the neighborhood and took a cab to the Combat Bureau.

Half an hour later, he arrived. High walls surrounded the place, with two rows of security guards maintaining order at the gate. Many trialists had already gathered, registering before being assigned tasks.

Yang Dai greeted no one, quietly queued up, and presented his credentials when it was his turn.

“Double SS…”

The staffer jumped to his feet in shock. All the nearby trialists turned to look at Yang Dai.

Yang Dai asked, “Is there a problem?”

“Please wait here. I’ll call the Director right away!”

The staffer quickly made a call.

The Director!

Staff and trialists alike were stunned.

Everyone knew that double SS rank meant special privileges and protections—in other words, Yang Dai was a major figure, and one with extraordinary achievements.

Immediately, the trialists began speculating about his identity; morale soared. With such a formidable expert among them, they were naturally overjoyed.

Soon, Liu Gui, Director of the Fengcheng Combat Bureau, arrived. Middle-aged and unremarkable in appearance, he shook Yang Dai’s hand warmly, exchanged pleasantries, and then led him inside.

Two minutes later, Liu Gui closed the office door and poured tea with enthusiasm.

After a brief conversation, Liu Gui learned Yang Dai’s true identity, feeling both pleasantly surprised and a bit disappointed.

He was delighted to find that the legendary Overlord Who Never Crosses the River was from Fengcheng; disappointed because Yang Dai’s current combat strength was not enough to turn the tide alone.

Yang Dai said frankly, “Director Liu, I know what concerns you. My talent is summoning souls. I currently control a hundred souls and can summon them for battle. Alone, I’m equivalent to a hundred-man squad. My strongest soul is at the ninth level of the Qi Gathering Realm. You needn’t worry about me dying at the front and causing you trouble. I won’t fight personally, but I can ease your burden.”

Liu Gui was stunned. Was this the power of an SS-level gift? It was almost unbelievable.

What more could he say?

“Xiao Yang, what are you talking about? I’m not afraid of trouble. You’re the hope of Xia Kingdom. I just worry about your safety. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you’re put to the best use.” Liu Gui spoke with feigned gravity.