As time went on, Shuo Linger's visits to the Iron Guards became increasingly frequent. At first, her family observed this with caution, concerned about their young daughter spending so much time among cultivators. That concern gradually faded when they realized she was training seriously at the Iron Guards' grounds, steadily improving under Liu Ming and the others. Seeing her discipline and determination, their worry turned into relief. In time, they also noticed the deep bond she had formed with Liu Ming. Recognizing his character and conduct, they quietly gave their approval.
During these same years, the Iron Guards themselves grew steadily. Their numbers rose to more than seventy members, and their discipline and unity earned them respect throughout the city—though they remained careful not to draw unnecessary attention.
A major turning point came when Wang Yan broke through to Soul Emperor, reaching Level 60. The moment this news spread, notices and invitations began arriving from various noble families. Through these contacts, it also became widely known that the other three core members of the Iron Guards were no less remarkable—all Soul Kings of exceptional strength and talent. This revelation greatly increased the Iron Guards' reputation, marking them as a rising force rather than a mere mercenary group.
As a result, many cultivators sought to join the Iron Guards. However, even after a full year, their numbers did not rise sharply. The reason was simple—the recruitment requirements were extremely strict, accepting only those who had reached Soul Level forty-five or above. Talent, discipline, and character were valued above all else, keeping the Iron Guards elite rather than numerous.
Over the course of these four years, Wang Yan and his friends—now twenty-five— continued their relentless training and missions. Their Soul Levels rose steadily through real combat and experience. Wang Yan advanced to Soul Level sixty-three, while Liu Ming reached fifty-seven, Zhao Qing fifty-five, and Chen Yu fifty-four.
Meanwhile, Shuo Linger, now at Soul Level thirty-eight, continued to train diligently. Her skills sharpened, her confidence grew, and her bond with Liu Ming deepened naturally—earning quiet approval from her family and sincere respect from the Iron Guards.
.....
After everything that had happened over those four years, the Iron Guards finally received a task that marked a clear shift in direction.
The Lingyun City Auction House sent word early that morning. Their request was direct—escort personnel were needed to travel to Tian Dou City to receive a shipment that would later be transported back to Lingyun City.
The difficulty was never the outward journey.
Everyone understood that once the goods were collected and the team began the return trip, the real danger would begin.
Wang Yan finished reading the message and looked up.
"We go ourselves," he said simply. "And we take twelve elites."
No one objected.
The escort team was finalized quickly. Along with the four of them, twelve Iron Guard members would accompany the mission—four Soul Kings and eight Soul Ancestors, all carefully chosen for stability and coordination rather than raw numbers.
There was no need for speeches or hesitation. This was not their first major task, but it was the first that involved the imperial capital directly.
By the next morning, all preparations were complete.
Near the city gates, Liu Ming spotted her at once.
Shuo Linger stood quietly to the side.
The playful girl of the past was no more. At eighteen, she now resembled a refined noble lady—graceful, composed—yet there was a firmness in her posture that spoke of years of training. Her beauty had settled into something calm and mature, and behind her steady gaze was the confidence of a fighter who knew her strength.
She walked up to him.
"You're leaving," she said softly.
"Yes." Liu Ming said.
She looked at him for a moment, then said, "This mission would be dangerous."
"I know." Liu Ming said.
A brief silence followed. The morning air felt unusually still.
"I'll be back soon." he added.
That answer made her eyes soften.
She stepped closer, close enough that Liu Ming could feel her breath. For a heartbeat, she hesitated—then leaned forward and pressed a light kiss to his lips. It was brief, restrained, yet unmistakably sincere.
Liu Ming froze for a moment, then gently steadied himself.
When she stepped back, her expression was calm again, though her eyes betrayed a quiet resolve.
"Go," she said.
Liu Ming nodded, turned, and joined the others.
As the Iron Guards departed through the gates, Shuo Linger remained behind, watching until he vanished from sight—her hand slowly tightening at her side.
.....
After two days of steady travel, the Iron Guards finally arrived at Tian Dou City.
The city's scale was overwhelming. Lingyun City felt like a flowing river in comparison—here was an ocean. Endless streets stretched beneath towering structures, the air thick with cultivation aura and imperial presence. Powerful cultivators moved openly among merchants and officials, and the rhythm of the capital never slowed.
Wang Yan did not allow the group to linger.
Under his direction, the team moved directly toward the assigned trade district connected to the Tian Dou Auction House. The procedures were strict but smooth. Identity tokens were verified, convoy routes confirmed, and seals placed upon the cargo under multiple layers of supervision.
By the time night fell, everything was in place.
At dawn the next morning, Wang Yan gave the order to move out.
The Iron Guards departed Tian Dou City escorting a massive shipment, the convoy long and heavily guarded. Empty hands had brought them here—but now, every step of the return journey carried weight.
After traveling from dawn until the sun dipped beyond the horizon, the convoy slowed. Under Wang Yan's signal, the Iron Guards halted briefly. There were no campfires, no loud exchanges—only quick meals, water shared in silence, weapons checked with practiced efficiency. It was not true rest, merely a pause to steady the body before the harder stretch ahead.
Soon, Wang Yan raised his hand again.
They moved out under the cover of night.
The path ahead was no paved road, nor a stone-laid route marked by civilization. It was simply a long-used trail—pressed into the earth by years of wagons, feet, and beasts. Moonlight revealed a narrow strip of dirt winding forward, cutting through open grasslands and skirting the edges of dark, dense forests. Tall grass rose on both sides, swaying faintly in the night wind.
The surroundings grew quieter with every step.
No villages.
No lights.
Only distance and darkness.
For hours, the convoy advanced without incident. Wagon wheels rolled softly over the earth, footsteps remained controlled, and the formation stayed tight. Wang Yan rode at the center, his expression calm, his senses spread wide.
Then the wind shifted.
The grass stopped moving.
Even the insects went silent.
Wang Yan's gaze hardened.
In the next instant, killing intent surged from the darkness.
Figures erupted from the grasslands and forest edges, blades flashing under moonlight as violent waves of soul power crashed toward the convoy. The silence of the night was torn apart.
End of chapter.