Chapter 592: Southern Legion

"Do you really intend to waste an opportunity to earn the spoils of a war which is as good as won?" Jiang said, trying to pursueded him. "If you agree to join us, I could talk to the General to directly promote you to Commander Rank, and your companion will become the Vice-Commander under you."

’Hah... so it is just as I thought,’ Maximilian chuckled inwardly, a faint amusement flickering behind his composed expression. ’The humans aren’t truly at such an advantage as they claim to be. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have gone so far just to recruit two rogue cultivators, not to mention offering them such lofty ranks. Let’s see what exactly is going on in this war.’

"Your terms sound appealing," Maximilian replied with a nod. "I agree."

"H-huh?" Jiang’s brows shot up, caught off guard by his sudden agreement. He shook his head, his green beard swaying with the motion as he gathered himself. "A wise decision. A truly wise decision. Please come inside."

As they reached the barrier, its surface shimmering faintly with restrained energy, Jiang said, "I didn’t get the chance before. Let me introduce myself. I’m Jiang Yichen, the commander of the fourth battalion."

"I’m Arthur," Maximilian replied smoothly. "He is my cousin, Wukong."

"Arthur... you must be from the central plains of the Western Continent," Jiang assumed, since only the people of that region carried such names.

"Yes," Maximilian lied with a straight face.

Jiang drew a jade slip from his storage pouch and pressed it against the barrier, carving out a human-sized opening in the shimmering wall.

They passed through and reached the foot of the mountain on the other side of the barrier, where a large circular platform awaited them. Once the trio stood upon it, the platform lifted upward with a low hum, carrying them toward the summit.

A sprawling military stronghold unfolded before them, ringed by mountains on every side that served as a natural fortress. Atop the highest peak stood a grand palace, its rooftops catching the light, with a banner bearing the visage of a Snow Dragon fluttering proudly at its crown.

’That flag... do they merely pray to the Snow Dragon, or is there something more going on here,’ Maximilian murmured inwardly, his eyes narrowing with quiet suspicion. ’Whatever it is, I will go to the root of it.’

On the lower hills, more pavilions dotted the slopes, though none rivaled the grandeur of the central palace. At the center, a cluster of houses had been raised around the foot of the surrounding mountains, while the open ground between them was divided into numerous sparring platforms.

Across the outer platforms, soldiers moved with disciplined intensity, some locked in sparring bouts while others drilled team formations in coordinated ranks.

"That palace is the dwelling of our General," Jiang revealed, pride lacing his tone. He gestured toward the pavilions scattered across the lower hills and continued, "These are the dwellings of the commanders."

There were five pavilions in total. Naturally, Jiang did not forget to boast about the one in which he himself resided. It was the very settlement on which they were currently standing.

They crossed the central ground and passed through the massive gates leading toward the inner platforms, the sound of clashing blades and shouted commands growing faint behind them.

Once they had reached the deepest part of the compound, Jiang bowed slightly toward the highest peak and announced in a loud yet respectful tone, "General Mo, Jiang Yichen requests a meeting with you."

"What do you wish to convey, Commander Jiang," an old but deep voice echoed across the grounds, every syllable steeped in Soulforce that pressed down upon all who heard it.

’Hmm, a Middle-Stage Eternal Sage,’ Maximilian murmured inwardly, recognizing the general’s cultivation realm from his voice alone.

Before Jiang could even offer the reason for his visit, the General continued, "Oh, you brought some fierce young warriors with you."

"Greetings, General Mo. I’m Arthur," Maximilian said, keeping his tone respectful and even. "I have been in closed-door cultivation for many years. I was fortunate enough to break through and reach the True Sage Realm. Now I have come to lend my aid in this war and put an end to those wretched beasts."

Wukong followed suit, doing his best to imitate the same practiced humility as he introduced himself.

"Good... very good," the general’s voice echoed, tinged with unmistakable approval. From within the palace, two jade slips shot forth, each one gliding down to land in Maximilian and Wukong’s outstretched hands. They bore the titles of Commander and Vice-Commander, etched clearly upon their surfaces.

"From now on, Arthur is the Commander of the fifth battalion," the General declared. "Wukong will serve as Vice-Commander beneath him. I hope you bring glory to the Southern Legion."

"Thank you, General Mo," Maximilian replied, tucking the tokens into his storage pouch.

"As for Commander Jiang, who strengthened the Southern Legion by bringing in such mighty warriors, accept this reward."

A storage pouch descended from the palace and landed gently in Jiang’s outstretched hand.

"Thank you, General Mo... Thank you, General Mo," Jiang blurted repeatedly, a wide, excited smile spreading across his face as he sensed the value of what lay within it.

’Hah... investing in rogue cultivators and getting a ten-thousand times return,’ Maximilian scoffed inwardly, unable to suppress his amusement. ’Hmm... this sounds like a fitting title for my adventure story in the Western Continent.’

Jiang led the duo down to the pavilion situated at the lowest of the five peaks.

"Commander Arthur, this is your dwelling. You may familiarize yourself with your battalion until further orders arrive from the General."

"Thanks for your guidance, Commander Jiang," Maximilian replied, extending his hand. "Everything went smoothly because of you."

"Oh, I only performed my duty as a Commander," Jiang replied, shaking his head with a chuckle. " I shall take my leave."

Once he left, Maximilian and Wukong entered the pavilion. It was not as grand as the palace in the golden pagoda but it was not inhabitable as well. If Maximilian could describe it in a word, it was...modest.

"Well then," Maximilian chuckled as he lied down on the bed, spreading his legs, his hands resting below his head. "With this, we have completed the first part of our scheme to recruit Gumiho in my Bane army."