Eternal Life: My Lifespan Increases Daily

Chapter 635: Chapter 425: Aiming for the Grandmaster Realm, Eight Years! (Two-in-One) (Part 2)

This matter has thus come to an end.

As the days passed, the talk of the Zhao family’s demise dwindled, with fewer people bringing it up.

To the whole Cui Bai Dao, the Zhao family, as a top-tier force, had a significant influence, operating numerous industries across the 28 cities of Cui Bai Dao.

Their downfall initially brought a great shock to various regions of Cui Bai Dao, but soon these industries were taken over and cleanly divided by various noble families.

Cui Bai Dao remains unchanged, with Zhao Family merely eliminated, kicked off the chessboard.

...

Days turned into months, and months into years.

Every year, new lives are born, grow up, rise, and emerge.

A new generation replaces the old, with each city and region unfolding a drama, telling one captivating story after another.

In these stories, some become protagonists, while others become antagonists, but most are merely onlookers witnessing the events unfold.

All these make up the myriad of worldly phenomena, the states of life.

Lei City, located on the western side of Cui Bai Dao, with many mountains and stone veins, is the richest land for spirit crystal veins and jade.

There is a river here, named Miner River.

Miner River is broad, with the banks at the closest separated by 20 miles, and is named for the rich minerals hidden beneath its waters.

Locals call it Treasure River, leading to the emergence of the miner profession.

The boats anchoring in this river are mostly not fishing vessels but are meant for mining.

Mining a valuable, precious stone is far more profitable than fishing.

Yet recently, those venturing out to mine have decreased significantly.

Not due to a lack of minerals to mine, but because the river has suddenly become dangerous, and the previously bustling riverbanks have turned desolate, with only a few lingering around.

Some miners furrow their brows, gazing at the calm river surface with looks of concern.

”Two months have passed. If I don’t go out to the river, there won’t be any food on the table at home.” A middle-aged man with a straw hat and dark skin sighed.

”Don’t take risks anymore; Liu the pockmarked went out yesterday and hasn’t returned...” Another, older miner shook his head and said.

”These official gentlemen in the city don’t think of a solution, at this rate, we’ll truly starve to death.” Someone started to complain.

”What can be done? Groups of soldiers sent out don’t come back; they say there’s a demon hiding in the river eating people!” An informed miner revealed.

”I think we should change jobs and not risk our lives.” Someone advised.

”A career I’ve worked half my life for, gone just like that...” the elder miner sighed heavily.

Younger folks can switch jobs easily, but those of us with some age don’t have such capital.

”I can’t, I only know how to mine in the river; I have to try again!” The dark-skinned middle-aged man gritted his teeth and planned to head to the boat for the river.

In recent times, some have disappeared in the river, but many have safely returned.

This is the reason why miners still harboring hope venture to the river.

Moreover, many returning miners have acquired top-notch stones rarely seen, earning a lot of money.

Hence, a more mystical saying has spread, suggesting that the Miner River has a spirit, sacrificing a living person, and in return, rewarding others.

It somewhat resembles an offering ritual to the River God, praying for a bountiful harvest of fish and no flooding in the coming year.

Of course, this is just hearsay, with the truth of Miner River showing spiritual signs unknown, but indeed many have obtained top-tier stones from the river recently.

Thus, many still choose to seek wealth in danger. ℴ

”Are you so desperate?” Someone urged, but the determined middle-aged man ignored the advice, resolutely heading for the river.

”Those rumors are true! I saw someone fetch a top-grade Purple Gold Ore and sell it for a fortune!” As soon as the man spoke, a few others were filled with desire.

Should they take the risk!

Just once, if they find treasure, they won’t go back again!

This inner voice stirred thoughts, leaving several miners unsure whether to offer more warnings or join the venture.

As this unfolded, heavy hoofbeats suddenly came from afar, resounding and rushing over.

The ground trembled along, and even the boats moored at the river’s edge swayed uncontrollably.

The miners instinctively turned, seeing a squad of armored warriors, mighty and imposing, sweeping in.

Faced with such fierce intimidation, the close proximity caused hearts to race, scaring them pale with terror in their eyes.

The numerous warriors posed genuine fear of being trampled by these iron hooves.

Instinctively wanting to flee, their legs froze, unable to move.

Fortunately, this group of armored warriors had no intention of harm, halting their steeds near the riverbanks.

”It’s the government’s army!” A miner coming to his senses stammered out.

”These aren’t ordinary soldiers, it’s the Cuiqi Army! The Great King’s main battle regiment!” Another miner with more insight identified the troop of warriors, differentiating them from Lei City’s soldiers.

”Cuiqi Army, that’s wonderful! Miner River is finally saved!” Upon hearing the Cuiqi Army’s name, many miners rejoiced, as though seeing a true savior.

Compared to the stationed city defense soldiers and the government’s soldiers, the Cuiqi Army clearly earns more trust from the populace.

This is not just due to the army’s strength, but also the prestige cultivated day by day, granting reassurance with their mere name.

Thoughts of venturing into the river changed with the army’s arrival.

No matter the circumstances, unless absolutely necessary, no one wishes to gamble with their life.

”This is the place,” a man in official uniform pointed towards the endless stretch of the river before him.

He was Lei City’s Captain, personally guiding the Cuiqi Army this time.

Beside him, a commanding General intently surveyed the river; this was Xiao Peibai, Song Changming’s top general.

Saying he’s a general isn’t particularly accurate now.

Since the Zhao family’s collapse eight years ago, his cultivation and strength have certainly advanced.

Utilizing resources from the army, he has long opened the first Celestial Martial Vein.

And with his robust strength, he received another promotion from Song Changming, becoming his first Little Flag Master.

Xiao Peibai raised a hand and commanded, ”Seal the riverbanks; also go above and scout around.”

With the command issued, five thousand armored warriors dispersed, while several dozen centurions with innate cultivation flew up to explore the grand river.

The captain of Lei City watched with a hint of envy.

One can only say the Cuiqi Army truly lives up to its name; the grand general casually beckons, and the innate-level officers surge out, yet this is only one division of the Cuiqi Army, not even all the innate-level officers of this regiment.

Compared to the Cuiqi Army’s strength, the city’s local forces appear much more mundane.

Counting the innate realm martial artists is achievable with one hand, the gap is massive.

The captain’s heart stirred and tentatively asked, ”General, I heard from the City Lord that the Grand Marshal personally leads this time, could it be...”

Xiao Peibai gave him a glance, maintaining a stern facade, casually replied, ”The Grand Marshal encountered something en route, will join after resolving it.”

”Alright, alright...” The captain dared not inquire further.

To him, the Cuiqi Army’s Grand Marshal is a colossal figure, beyond his reach.

After a short while, the group of innate realm officers returned one after another.

”Banner Master, no sign of demon qi!”

The officers’ reports were unanimous, with none detecting demon qi in the river.

This could mean there are simply no demon races causing trouble in the river, and the disappearances are due to other factors.

Or perhaps the demons in the river are exceptionally strong, or have adept skills at hiding, evading all officer’s deduction and senses.

”Guard the banks, wait for the Grand Marshal,” Xiao Peibai decided to play it safe, avoiding rash advancement.

He opted to await his esteemed Grand Marshal’s decision for the next step!

...