"Ultimately, people must rely on themselves."
"If you achieve success in cultivation and reach the Nascent Soul Level, I won't interfere with you!"
Qing Chi pouted, "Dad, I don't have any Immortal Aptitude. How do you expect me to attain Nascent Soul cultivation at such a young age? My cultivation level is already excellent, isn't it?"
Qing Yan shook his head, looking as if he was completely at a loss with his daughter.
He turned to Li Xiangshang, carefully inquiring about what to do next to establish the army.
Li Xiangshang was quite pleased with Qing Yan's decisive style and immediately said, "Though it's only a temporary army, the steps to build it remain unchanged."
"The first step is to unite the military heart."
"As stated in the 'Three Armies Military Manual': Three armies are the vessel; the military heart is the spirit—regard the entire army as a Spiritual Treasure, with the military heart as the Artifact Spirit."
"It's like painting the finishing touch on a dragon; with the spirit, the three armies can truly achieve unified synergy."
Li Xiangshang shifted his gaze to land on Qing Chi: "I see that Miss Qing has been making her mark recently, gaining fame, precisely the carrier of the military heart."
"When employing the military art[Military Heart's Aspiration], guide the military heart to unify and attach to her."
Qing Yan, as a commander at the Golden Core Level, had his own perspective: "These steps and military art are correct, but if an army could truly be formed this way, White Paper Immortal City would have done so, rather than leaving the City Guard Army an empty shell."
"The military art[Military Heart's Aspiration]is not difficult and is easy to learn."
"However, relying on this method to unite the military heart is extremely challenging. Numerous forces stumble at this initial hurdle."
Li Xiangshang was prepared for this: "That's why it's time to make use of my innate abilities."
"With my innate abilities' assistance, uniting the military heart should not be difficult."
Qing Yan finally heard the critical point and eagerly delved deeper: "May I ask what innate ability Lord Li possesses?"
Li Xiangshang scratched the back of his head, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "The name doesn't sound very flattering; it's called 'ragtag concealer.'"
Qing Yan and Qing Chi exchanged glances.
Some time later.
Outside the outskirts of White Paper Immortal City.
Qing Yan and his group led their forces, once again clashing with the outer reconnaissance riding team of the Yin Soldiers' army.
Green flames engulfed Qing Chi, dancing lightly yet fiercely on the shadowy battlefield.
The Yin Soldiers' riding team immediately suffered casualties under the strong assault of the Green Flame.
The ghosts screamed in agony under the Green Flame's burning, their bodies eventually dissipating like mist in the air.
The riding team quickly suffered losses, and before long, they were entirely annihilated.
The end of the battle did not mean rest.
Qing Chi walked through the devastated battlefield, and as she walked, the Green Flame spread, attaching to each injured person.
The cultivators' wounds healed quickly, and they looked amazed.
This was because many of them were from the Ghost Clan, with both life and death qi flowing within them.
This was quite different from the Human Clan.
Yet this Green Flame, full of vitality, could stimulate the life force in the Ghost Clan cultivators; it was not detrimental to their death qi.
"Who would've thought Qing Chi's Green Flame was so profound!"
"It's quite impressive, indeed."
"But why didn't she use it before? We've been through so many battles; it would've saved many Healing Pills."
The crowd was amazed and confused.
In front of everyone, Qing Chi complained: "Uncles and aunts, it's not that I don't want to show off, but my dad forbids me from doing so!"
Everyone burst into laughter, and some began to tease Qing Yan.
Many of them were related to Qing Yan and Qing Chi, sharing strong bloodlines and ties.
Therefore, even those at the Foundation Establishment dared to point fingers and make odd comments at Qing Yan, who was of Golden Core.
Qing Yan withstood the crowd's "accusations" and straightforwardly admitted: "Qing Chi is my girl, and as they say, the beam that stands out first rots first. I don't want her to become too conspicuous, so I hold her back."
"Why let her show her skills now? There's a reason."
Instantly, Qing Yan explained the plan to establish a temporary army to the others.
The cultivators, upon hearing this, slapped their thighs, extremely delighted and excited.
"Ah, forming an army! That's wonderful!"
"Doesn't it mean we can finally measure up against the major forces of the Yin Army?"
"Building an army is such an easy thing? It sounds unreliable, Commander Qing Yan, you shouldn't be deceived by others."
Qing Yan waved his hand, responding to the growing skepticism: "Whether it's deception, you will all bear witness next."
"The first step in building an army is to unite the military heart."
"This step alone has stumped countless forces, extremely difficult!"
"If the military heart unites around Qing Chi, everyone will see it instantly, clear at a glance!"
The crowd regained their composure, and an experienced Foundation Establishment expert immediately questioned: "To unite the military heart, naturally, it should be upon you, Commander Qing Yan."
"You are at the Golden Core level, with the highest cultivation level and strength. If the united military heart falls on young Qing Chi and she falls in battle, what then? It's not safe!"
Qing Chi immediately became anxious: "I can do it!"
She quickly looked at Qing Yan with a worried expression.
Qing Yan waved his hand: "This won't do! I'm old, and my highest cultivation is just Golden Core. What I most desire is for my girl to rise above, to achieve great things."
"This is my selfishness. Do you all accept it?"
The cultivators laughed heartily.
"Alright, Leader, your selfishness is too great."
"We understand, so we acknowledge Qing Chi as the next commander, what's the harm in that?"
"Little Qing Chi, your father has such high hopes for you, don't disappoint him. I heard you've been spending a lot of time with your Human Clan boyfriend lately; that's not right!"
Qing Chi bristled: "My personal affairs, not even my dad can control, and neither should you!"