Chapter 23  : Tao Qingyuan

“However, Clan Head, if this happens, the Tao Village and the Black Armored Guards would be entwined together.”

Tao Jingfang continued, “From then onwards, the independence of the Tao Village will no longer exist, and the forces in the Black Armored Guards will surely penetrate into the Tao Village.”

“That’s right…”

Tao Jinglu agreed with some worry and concern in his tone.

“Everyone, I fully understand why you think this.”

Tao Jingxing held the seat in his hand and said slowly, “But, against the Black Armored Guards, do we really have room to negotiate?”

The scene was quiet again.

“After the Black Armored Guards took charge of Kangyun County, they have always kept their boundaries with our local families. They are not hostile, nor are they overly friendly. This is because they still have things to do.. They have to resume production and fight against the other remaining forces.”

“And now that they have handled these matters, they are ready to communicate with us. They want to become a force that truly integrates into the local area, instead of being an outsider.”

“Black Armored Guards are backed by the Source Faction, the top martial arts sacred place in State Feiyun. Does the Tao Village really have the power to resist their wishes?”

Tao Jingxing paused before speaking in a helpless tone, “Hence, everyone, at the start, I said I am telling you all about this, not to discuss it with you. With such a strong opponent, we have no bargaining power at all… We can only agree.”

Tao Jingxing’s words made everyone feel a little uncomfortable.

Their status within the village that they were proud of, was meaningless in the eyes of stronger forces.

“Of course, everyone there is no need to be frustrated.”

Tao Jingxing continued, “While the Black Armored Guards would penetrate into the Tao Village, the young people of our Tao Village would also obtain the resources of the Black Armored Guards.”

“If in the future, the selected Tao villagers succeed in climbing up to a high position in the Black Armored Guards, then it would also give us the relevant benefits. This may not be a negative thing.”

The clan elders have finally accepted the facts. After thinking about it carefully, they also felt that there were disadvantages and advantages to this matter.

“Throwing aside the perspective of the Black Armored Guards and the local forces we represent, just looking at it from the perspective of our descendants, their entry into the Black Armored Guards has more advantages than disadvantages.”

Tao Jingxing continued, “Once they are selected into the Black Armored Guards, they would receive richer cultivation resources than they would in the Tao Village. Whether it is consumption resources or teaching resources, the Black Armored Guards have an advantage over us.”

“And…”

Tao Jingxing’s voice was quiet, and a look of expectation appeared in his eyes. “Xia Yuanxing said that this time, a total of 100 Black Armored Guards talents would be recruited in Kangyun County. The best performing talents would even be sent to the Source Faction and become a true disciple of the Source Faction.”

“Become a disciple of the Source Faction?!”

The facial expressions of the elders changed, even Tao Jinglu stood up. “Xia Yuanxing said this personally? Is he serious?”

“He’s serious.”

Tao Jingxing smiled.

This was quite exciting.

Source Faction, that was an unreachable place.

They represented the ceiling of martial arts in this martial arts world, the supreme power of State Feiyun.

If there were descendants of the Tao Village who could enter the Source Faction, then the Tao Village would host an unprecedented grand celebration.

“Good, good!”

Tao Jingfang also showed a little excitement.

After seeing everyone’s attitudes change, Tao Jingxing shook his head.

“But everyone, don’t get too happy just yet.”

Tao Jingxing added: “According to Xia Yuanxing, among the 100 people recruited this time, 20 people will each come from the Tao Village, Song Village, and the Tan Village, with 40 people coming from the county and other villages. Who will enter the Source Faction in the end is still uncertain.”

“What a pity, if only there were more spots.”

The people who were sternly against this matter just a second ago, now wanted more young people in the village to be selected.

This change in attitude was entirely attributed to the power of the Source Faction.

“Okay, let’s stop here.” Tao Jingxing finally said, “The selection date is in a month. All of you go back and urge your descendants to seize the opportunity and work hard in martial arts. Don’t miss this opportunity. ”

“Understood, Clan Head.”

Everyone responded in unison.

…

The next day.

Xu Ning rested for a day at home.

“Xu Ning, Xu Ning!”

Xu Ning and Xu Lian were still cleaning the yard when they heard Guo Ye shouting.

Dang!

Guo Ye opened the courtyard door.

“Sis.”

Guo Ye greeted Xu Lian and said to Xu Ning, “Big news, big news!”

“Guo Ye, speak slowly.”

Xu Lian looked at how anxious Guo Ye was and couldn’t help but want to laugh.

“Just now a notice was posted in the village saying that the Black Armored Guards are about to recruit people from the Tao Village!”

Guo Ye looked excited.

“The Black Armored Guards are recruiting? Really?”

Xu Ning hadn’t even answered yet, but Xu Lian was shocked.

Although she had never entered Kangyun County after coming to the Tao Village, Xu Lian knew the prestige of the Black Armored Guards.

In her opinion, the Black Armored Guards was a group respected even by the clan elders.

“Yes, Sister Lian!” Guo Ye said, “The Black Armored Guards are recruiting people. With my martial arts talent, I have no chance, but Xu Ning, you have to seize this opportunity and enter the Black Armored Guards!”

Xu Lian was also a little excited when she heard this. She turned to look at her younger brother. “Xu Ning, you have to listen to Guo Ye, you must take this seriously.”

Xu Ning didn’t say a word. He was a little amused seeing the two of them like this.

“Where is the notice, let me see.”

Xu Ning decided to look at the notice in person.

“Come, I’ll take you there.”

Guo Ye led Xu Ning to the notice board.

The notice board was packed with people, many of them, like Xu Ning, rushed over when they heard the news.

The notice board was totally blocked off by people’s heads, not a single word could be seen.

“I didn’t expect the Black Armored Guards to be recruiting at the Tao Village, this is great!”

“Unfortunately, I turned 18 this year, so I have no chance…”

“I have to try, I can’t miss this opportunity!”

“…”

The Tao villagers who had already finished reading the notice did not leave either, they just stood around and chatted.

The expression on their faces was exactly the same as Guo Ye just now.

The villagers of the Tao Village did not have as many concerns as the clan elders.

What they thought about was the opportunity to get ahead.

Xu Ning squeezed into the crowd and saw the notice clearly.

After glancing at it for a second, Xu Ning was squeezed to the side.

‘Maybe I can try…’

Xu Ning was intrigued.

According to the contents of the notice, the criterion of this selection was young people from 14 to 18 years old in the Tao Village.

There were no restrictions such as the selection person must have a Tao surname, so someone with a foreign surname should also be eligible.

Also, they did not specify the selection criteria. They only said that in one month, Xia Yuanxing, one of the Black Armored Guards captains of Kangyun County, would personally invigilate the selection.

The most exciting thing about this for Xu Ning was the resources of the Black Armored Guards.

According to the notice, as long as one joined the Black Armored Guards, one would receive a continuous supply of resources from the Black Armored Guards, and one would also have the right to choose whether to leave the Black Armored Guards in the future. These were quite favorable conditions.

The only downside was that one would only have the right to leave the Black Armored Guards after reaching 40 years old, which was quite a long time.

‘The number of people selected this time is 20…’?Xu Ning thought to himself,?‘The population of the Tao Village between 14 to 18 years old is about 200, so roughly one in ten…’

‘If they select based solely on strength, with my muscle bone realm as well as my intermediate realm Gale Knife Technique, there is a high chance I will be selected.’

After noticing Xu Ning’s intentions, Guo Ye leaned forward. “It’s in a month’s time, so you must hurry up and practice. If there is any shortage of resources, I will tell my uncle and ask him to collect it for you.”

“No need.”

Xu Ning waved his hand, Guo Y seemed more eager than himself. Xu Ning said, “Relax, if I don’t get selected, it’s fine, it’s all part of destiny.”

“You…”

Guo Ye shook his head. He was just about to open his mouth to persuade Xu Ning, but suddenly he noticed the crowd quiet down.

A handsome, tall, sword-bearing young man approached them.

Everyone stepped aside.

“Tao Qingyuan?”

Xu Ning frowned.