Paul slept for two days after his breakthrough, only waking up on the morning of the third day.
-I need to stop making double breakthroughs.
He muttered to himself, getting up from the bed.
It was too early for the ladies to get up, so he decided to take a bath, which he desperately needed after so many days.
-Look who finally decided to wake up.
Anna said as he returned refreshed from the bath.
-Look who finally reached the second stage.
Paul retorted, knowing how competitive Anna was, and judging from her expression, he had hit the bullseye.
-Alright, you two, calm down.
Wei Lan said with a smile, stopping Anna's retort.
It was amusing to watch them bicker like children, but their breakfast was getting cold, and it would be a crime to eat it cold.
After breakfast, Paul went to see his uncle.
As he entered the Province lord's mansion, he first noticed an unusual rush of activity.
-Uncle, what is going on?
He asked when he finally found Xiao Han in the main room, discussing something with his officers, the city lord, and Luo Mo.
-Paul, good timing.
Xiao Han said the moment he saw him.
-There is an outbreak of devouring ants near the imperial capital, and all forces in the empire are ordered to move out to destroy it.
Luo Mo explained with a grim expression.
-All the soldiers and stage two and above cultivators are ordered to rush to the capital to defend it.
All the other cities and towns are to be left with minimal force necessary for defense.
Luo Feng added.
Paul just now remembered that the same thing happened in the previous timeline.
Back then, the empire managed to destroy the nest of the Devouring ants, but suffered many casualties.
He was not conscripted back then since he was barely at level 70 of the first stages of cultivation.
- When do we leave?
Paul asked, aware that he and most of his ladies would need to go since they were stage two cultivators now.
-We leave at sunrise.
Meet us at the western gate.
If any ladies in your mansion are not stage two yet, bring them here.
They can stay with my wife and daughter until our return.
Hiao Han said.
-The only ones who are still at the first stage are Rina, Rin, and Ran.
I'll tell them to come here when I return.
-Good, and don't worry about the mansion, I'll take care of it.
-Thank you, uncle.
If that's all, then I need to go and prepare.
-Go, we'll see you tomorrow.
The three men said.
All the officers who were present kept quiet during the conversation, but they were impressed by the young master whom the provincial lord had adopted as a nephew.
The young man was not only at the third stage of cultivation, but he didn't even bat an eye when he heard that they had to go to war with the Devouring Ants, which were a nightmare to deal with.
-Ladies, get ready, we are going shopping immediately.
Paul said the moment he returned home.
-What's going on?
Anna asked, seeing his serious face and the rush he was in.
-There is an outbreak of Devouring Ants near the capital.
All cultivators stage two and above are ordered to rush there to defend the capital and deal with the ants.
He explained.
-Does that mean…
Irine started, but could not finish her sentence.
-Yes, you and Natalie are included since both of you are stage two now.
Paul confirmed her worst fears.
-Rina, Rin, and Ran.
You need to pack up and head to the province lord's mansion.
While we are away, you will be staying with my Aunt and cousin.
The rabbit girls understood and began to prepare to move.
Thankfully, Paul had bought the weapons and equipment for everyone earlier, so all they needed were some supplies.
In less than an hour, the ladies accompanied him to do some shopping, and it was their first time not enjoying the trip.
On their way, Paul explained that there was not much time, as they would be leaving before dawn the next day.
During their visit to the market, they saw many cultivators and soldiers buying supplies, not even caring about the increased price.
Paul was no different.
Despite everyone having some supplies, he doubled the amount, just in case, and bought additional weapons and Rock Crusher Arrows for everyone.
-Do we really need so many arrows?
Natalie asked when they left the weapons shop, still bearly believing that they just spent over three thousand gold coins on weapons and arrows alone.
-Yes.
Paul nodded.
-Normal arrows can't harm Devouring Ants, but these can pierce their armor.
You read the bestiaries, so you should know that already.
-Reading and preparing to face the real thing are two different things.
Natalie answered.
She remembered these beasts from the books and didn't like the idea of meeting them in battle.
The worker ants of this species were as big as a dog back on Earth; the soldier ants were much larger, reaching the size of a horse.
What's more, they all could fight and were extremely deadly when in large groups.
Added to the fact that all of them were spirit beasts, and they usually attacked using their numerical superiority, made them a force to be reckoned with.
-Well, this is your chance to verify the theoretical knowledge with reality.
Paul smiled, seeing her sour expression.
He intended to keep the ladies at the rear lines as much as possible.
But at the same time, this was a good opportunity for Irine and Natalie to gain some combat experience.
When they got back, everyone started preparing their gear, making sure that it was in working order and their blades were sharp.