Crossing the Cultivation Realm: Two Souls Coexist

The old tortoise stood on the makeshift wooden platform, looking down at the Dongying soldiers below, who, despite their scars, still maintained their military bearing.

It first symbolically used its front paws to groom its shell, which actually had nothing to do with grooming.

Then it cleared its throat, and a pure and peaceful spiritual energy amplified its voice, clearly reaching every corner:

"Ahem! Silence! Now, regarding the future development of Dongying and matters concerning compensation, I will convey the order directly issued by the Central Region!"

The soldiers immediately held their breath, all eyes focused on this mysterious and powerful turtle senior.

"First, let's talk about the rewards and arrangements for all the soldiers!"

The old tortoise's voice carried a calming power: "All surviving soldiers present, regardless of their original status, will be promoted one rank!"

The corresponding merit rewards and spiritual resources will be registered and distributed by the new commander later!

A slight commotion arose from the audience. Excitement flashed in the soldiers' eyes, but more than that, there was a complex mix of relief and joy at surviving a disaster.

"If any soldier is physically or mentally exhausted and no longer wishes to remain in the military, they can register their intention to retire with Lin Feng after the meeting!"

The old tortoise continued, his tone calm, "The Central Region will provide full demobilization pay to ensure that you will have enough to eat and wear for the rest of your lives, enough to live and work in peace, start a family, and live a stable life!"

These words elicited thoughtful consideration and a sense of urgency in the eyes of many wounded or older soldiers. Years of fighting had indeed been exhausting.

"Of course!" The old tortoise suddenly raised his voice, his tone becoming more encouraging.

"If any brave warriors are unwilling to retire here and still wish to hold their weapons to defend the country and guard this East China Sea defense line, the Central Region and the Eastern Camp will also welcome them with open arms!"

All the brothers who choose to stay will be directly promoted to the position of captain!

In the future, you will be the backbone and foundation of the rebuilt Dongying. You must lead your future members to continue fighting against the alien demons on this battlefield of blood and fire, protecting our land!

"Captain?" A murmur arose from the crowd below. A promotion was certainly a good thing, but... the Eastern Camp had suffered heavy casualties, with less than one-tenth of its soldiers remaining. Who would these captains, now without any troops, lead?

Seeing this, Lin Feng stepped forward, coughed twice, and glanced across the entire area. His prestige was currently at its peak, and the soldiers immediately quieted down, awaiting an explanation.

Seeing that the situation had stabilized, the old tortoise then announced the most important appointment:

"The entire nation is deeply saddened and regrets the heroic sacrifice of Commander Li Yan! However, a country cannot be without a ruler for a day, and an army cannot be without a commander for a day!"

The defense line at Dongying is crucial to the safety of the eastern border; it must not be left undefended!

It paused for a moment, its gaze falling on Lin Feng, its voice solemn and dignified:

"As decided by the Central Region, Lin Feng, the former captain of the Eastern Camp, has been appointed to temporarily assume the position of commander of the Eastern Camp, overseeing all military and political affairs of the Eastern Camp!"

If he performs exceptionally well and passes the Central Region's assessment, he will be immediately promoted to a regular position and granted the seal of Commander of the Eastern Camp!

"Wow——!"

There was a moment of silence in the audience, followed by a burst of enthusiastic and sustained applause!

The soldiers looked at Lin Feng on the stage, who, though young, had a resolute gaze and a calm demeanor, their eyes filled with trust and expectation.

Lin Feng spent a long time in the military camp, sharing joys and sorrows with the soldiers, and his abilities and character are evident to all.

His appointment as commander was unexpected, yet reasonable and in line with popular sentiment.

Hu Qing and Gu Yang, standing on the periphery of the crowd, also applauded sincerely.

They witnessed this young man grow rapidly from an ordinary captain through the tempering of blood and fire, taking on such a heavy responsibility, and they could only offer their blessings.

Seeing that the atmosphere was sufficiently built, the old tortoise took the opportunity to say:

"Now, let's hear from Commander Lin! As for the personnel issue that everyone is concerned about..."

He smiled meaningfully, "I believe that the problem will be solved within a month!"

After saying that, it ignored Lin Feng, who was on stage giving his inaugural address.

Instead, it stretched out its paw, patted Gu Yang's shoulder beside it, and winked at Hu Qing and Xiao Zi, signaling them to follow.

Gu Yang looked at the old tortoise with some doubt, then looked back at Lin Feng, who was speaking eloquently and full of vigor on the stage, and was genuinely happy for him.

He originally wanted to hear what Lin Feng had to say, but judging from the old turtle's demeanor, he clearly had something more important to do.

The group followed the old tortoise and quietly left the noisy square, climbing onto the section of the city wall that had been ravaged by war and had not yet been fully repaired.

The old turtle sat down unceremoniously on the cold wall, its two thick hind legs dangling over the wall and swaying gently in the sea breeze, while its two front paws supported its body from behind.

It gazed at the sea below, which was gradually calming but still bore the marks of the great battle, and suddenly spoke, its voice sounding somewhat faint in the sea breeze:

"The Central Region has decided to give the position of Commander-in-Chief to that kid Lin Feng."

"Do either of you... feel any resentment? Or rather, do you feel it's been unfair?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Yang glanced at the old tortoise in surprise, seemingly not understanding why it would ask such a question.

He then frankly said, "Lin Feng is our old captain. His character and abilities are beyond reproach."

Given the current situation in Dongying, it's the most suitable and best choice for him to take over, stabilize morale, and regroup. As for us?

He shook his head, his tone certain, "Neither of us is cut out for it. Rather than being tied down by tedious military affairs, we should focus on improving our capabilities so that we can contribute in crucial moments in the future."

Hu Qing nodded in agreement. He looked at the old tortoise, equally puzzled as to why he had come all the way to the city wall to bring this up.

The salty, damp, and cool sea breeze blowing on my skin was indeed quite uncomfortable.

"Hehe..." The old tortoise let out two low, ambiguous laughs, as if he had expected them to answer like that. "That's the right way to think."

Your path lies not here, but in a far more dangerous place.

He then changed the subject, his tone becoming serious: "The new task assigned to you by the Central Region is far more challenging than managing the barracks."

First, you need to raise your cultivation level to the peak of the Transcendent Stage within one week!

"What?! One week? Peak of the Dust-Severing Realm?!"

Gu Yang's voice instantly rose, filled with disbelief, "This is absolutely impossible! We have only just broken through to the mid-stage, and there are still several key chains above the Nascent Soul realm that we have not yet touched. How could we break through four chains in a week?"

This is simply a fantasy!

The old tortoise stretched out its thick forepaw and lightly patted Gu Yang on the head, saying:

"What are you shouting about? Since the Central Region sent me here, it's natural that it has a way to make you do it."

However…” On its wrinkled face, a rare expression resembling “embarrassment” appeared.

"...The process might be a little... a bit tough."

Hu Qing remained relatively calm. He caught another key piece of information in the old turtle's words and asked thoughtfully:

"Senior, you just mentioned 'recruiting soldiers'? Where are we supposed to recruit soldiers?"

You said you'd resolve the manpower issue within a month. With just the two of us, I'm afraid that's difficult to achieve, isn't it?

He simply couldn't imagine how the two monks could recruit enough qualified soldiers for the vast Eastern Camp within a month.