After discovering the root cause of the problem, Lin Qian's Tian Gong Department quickly developed an antidote. However, the former Blackhorn soldiers who wanted to eliminate the hidden dangers in their bodies had to swear a heart demon oath, pledging their allegiance to the Huaxia Empire before they could receive the antidote.
To this demand, the Blackhorn soldiers did not show any resistance. They all willingly swore the heart demon oath, expressing their willingness to serve the Huaxia Empire. They then eagerly swallowed the antidote.
Only after seeing the black smoke leave their bodies and dissipate into the air did they finally breathe a sigh of relief.
The first to volunteer to try the antidote was the Six-Crystal General, who had previously fetched the Military Initiation Brew. When the black mist began to emerge from his body, it was clear the antidote had worked.
Seeing this living example, the other Blackhorn soldiers felt confident enough to take the antidote.
As for serving the Huaxia Empire? They saw no issue with that. After learning how the Blackhorn King had poisoned them through the Military Initiation Brew, they felt only resentment toward him.
Especially after hearing the scholars from the Tian Gong Department explain that once their temperament changed, their vitality would slowly be drained away, siphoned off to an unknown destination.
After pledging their loyalty to the Huaxia Empire, the Blackhorn soldiers received their first mission. However, they found the mission assigned to them by the Huaxia Empire unbelievable.
They had expected the task to be extremely difficult and dangerous—perhaps leading a charge or attacking enemy formations, where casualties would be heavy. After all, they were prisoners and considered expendable.
But to their surprise, the mission was incredibly simple.
"Contact your fellow tribesmen in other cities, confirm that their temperament has not changed, and inform them of the truth. When the Huaxia Empire's army attacks, they should avoid confrontation. After the battle, they can return and take the antidote. Do your best—that's all."
For them, this mission was not difficult at all.
Some of the more battle-hardened Blackhorn soldiers even volunteered to join the Huaxia Empire's army and participate in the upcoming battles. They did not believe that Lin Qian would stop the war after capturing just this one city.
However, Lin Qian sternly refused their request. When the time came for the real national campaign, it would be the stage for the Huaxia Empire alone.
Using forces that were untrained and not fully under his control would only create chaos, serving no purpose.
To be part of the Huaxia Empire's army, one had to switch to the empire's soul gear and undergo proper training. Otherwise, they would not be able to integrate with the Imperial Army and Beast Army.
In fact, even the Guards had to undergo special training, and their soul gear was inferior to that of the Imperial Army and Beast Army. Although they could use certain war machines, if they showed any signs of disloyalty, they would immediately lose the ability to operate those machines, which might even self-destruct if necessary.
Disappointed, the battle-hungry Blackhorn soldiers could only leave.
At this moment, in a spacious area of the mountain city, craftsmen from the Fireworks Department and scholars from the Tian Gong Department were working together to build a tactical hall.
Meanwhile, the Dwarf Clan members who had been enslaved in the city gathered around, marveling at the exquisite craftsmanship of the Fireworks Department artisans.
The Dwarves watched in awe and reverence, utterly impressed by the Fireworks Department's skills.
In the past, they had always believed that the Dwarves' craftsmanship and engineering were unparalleled. But now, seeing the remarkable skills of these human artisans, they were utterly amazed.
As the artisans and scholars saw Lin Qian approaching from afar, they quickly stopped their work and respectfully saluted him. "Greetings, Your Majesty."
"Rise, and continue your work," Lin Qian nodded, encouraging them to focus on constructing the temporary tactical hall.
With the emperor observing, the craftsmen and scholars were even more motivated to do their best.
The surrounding Dwarves, who had noticed Lin Qian's approach, were also aware of his status but were unsure how to address him.
Finally, one Dwarf took the initiative and, imitating the artisans and scholars, called out, "Your Majesty!"
"Greetings, Your Majesty!" The rest of the Dwarves echoed, though their voices were uneven and hesitant as they nervously watched Lin Qian.
These Dwarves were both anxious and fearful. After all, the young human before them held the power to decide their fate with just a word.
The craftsmen and scholars clearly belonged to this young human emperor. Logically, they should not have been allowed to watch the construction and crafting process up close—such behavior could be seen as stealing trade secrets.
Moreover, when the Dwarves noticed Lin Qian walking towards them, their fear intensified.
They wondered if he was coming to punish them. Would they lose their lives?
Years of enslavement had left a deep scar on their minds.
"From afar, I noticed that you seem to hold the craftsmen of the Fireworks Department in great respect, and I see a trace of admiration in your eyes," Lin Qian remarked as he approached the Dwarves, a friendly smile on his face. "Tell me, would you be interested in joining the Fireworks Department?"
"Huh?"
The Dwarves were stunned by Lin Qian's words, exchanging bewildered glances. They could hardly believe what they were hearing.
"The Fireworks Department is responsible for crafting and manufacturing in my Huaxia Empire. I intend to modify this city that your people once helped build, and I may need your assistance," Lin Qian continued, his expression sincere as he addressed the confused Dwarves. "Would you be willing to become my subjects, free from enslavement, so that you can truly showcase your talents?"
Pointing to the busy artisans, Lin Qian added, "You could become one of them and learn even more advanced techniques."
The Dwarves exchanged glances, their faces lighting up with joy as they enthusiastically swore their loyalty to the Huaxia Empire, declaring their allegiance with a heart demon oath.
"Haha, come on over!" Seeing this, the craftsmen of the Fireworks Department warmly welcomed the Dwarves to join them.
Just as Lin Qian was making arrangements for the Dwarves, Yue Liqun suddenly came rushing over. "Your Majesty, envoys from the Rebellion Palace have arrived."