After the assessment ended, Mitchell left Qionglong Star and did not attend the celebration banquet Kevin had prepared.
As a World Master expert, participating in a gathering of Domain Masters and Cosmic Level Experts was beneath his status.
Still, all parties gave him ample face.
One-Leaf Qianwu Practitioners Mo Li, Qian Xue, and Yan Shan all attended, and representatives from the major powers of Qionglong Star sent delegates.
A newly risen Domain Master, and moreover a Two-Leaf Qianwu Practitioner—this was undoubtedly momentous news for all the major powers.
A Domain Master could determine the rise and fall of a Universe Kingdom; a single word could decide a family's glory or ruin.
Who knew the temperament of this new Domain Master?
Sending gifts to offer congratulations might cause no trouble, but absence risked being quietly marked against them.
"Congratulations on passing the assessment, Qingshan, on your promotion to Two-Leaf Qianwu Practitioner! From now on, you are our superior," Qian Xue said, holding a wine cup. Her face, beautiful as ice and snow, bore a faint flush of tipsiness, her eyes hazy.
"Indeed, Brother Qingshan, next time we meet, all three of us will have to address you as 'sir'," Mo Li laughed heartily, in good spirits.
Recommending Lu Qingshan to join the Qianwu Dojo had earned all three of them substantial point rewards, and as the earliest introducer to make contact with Lu Qingshan, Mo Li naturally received the most points.
The man of few words, Yan Shan, also spoke up to offer his congratulations.
As for representatives from other powers on Qionglong Star, they were not qualified to sit at the same table as Lu Qingshan. They gathered together to converse, their words filled with praise and awe.
Especially when they learned that this newly promoted Two-Leaf Qianwu Practitioner of Qionglong Star was actually Lu Qingshan of the Maple Leaf Empire, that reverence was plain for all to see.
The owner of the Qibao Shop, who had once traded with Lu Qingshan half a year ago, was now red-faced, boasting to acquaintances about the details of that transaction, drawing envious glances.
Some clever individuals, still in the banquet hall, quietly sent messages via the Virtual Universe to their families, demanding they spare no cost—even if it meant losing some benefits—to strengthen cooperation with Maple Leaf Star.
A Domain Master, and moreover a Two-Leaf Qianwu Practitioner! If they could win his friendship, no matter the cost, they were more than willing.
Likewise, Qionglong Star, which already had two Domain Master experts, saw its status among the countless surrounding star systems rise yet another level. This was also another layer of meaning behind Kevin holding this banquet.
The feast lasted until dawn before ending.
Representatives from the major powers of Qionglong Star took their leave one after another.
Qian Xue and Yan Shan of the Qianwu Dojo departed first, leaving only Mo Li behind.
Several hundred servants began clearing the banquet hall, while Lu Qingshan and the other two moved to the rear garden of the City Lord's Residence.
"Brother Mo Li, just now you said Lord Mitchell left a message for me before departing?" Lu Qingshan asked.
"Brother Qingshan, Lord Mitchell seems to think highly of you."
Mo Li smiled. "Before his departure, he specifically asked me to convey that if you have no clear destination, you could consider applying to join the Gold Orchid Army and serve under his command..."
He paused, then added, "Oh, I forgot to make this clear—Lord Mitchell is about to take up the post of Tenth General of the Gold Orchid Army, and his subordinates are lacking capable officers."
"The Gold Orchid Army? Is it some elite force?" Lu Qingshan had no impression of this name.
"Exactly," Mo Li nodded in confirmation. "The Gold Orchid Army is commanded by the Gold Orchid Marquis, one of the three hundred princes of the Qianwu Universe Kingdom. It is a true elite army. The entire army numbers one hundred thousand, divided among ten generals. Its soldiers are at minimum Cosmic Level Experts who have comprehended a domain; Domain Masters can serve as Hundred-Man Commanders, and above them are the generals. Lord Mitchell is assuming the position of Tenth General of the Gold Orchid Army!"
"Even ordinary soldiers are Cosmic Level Experts who have comprehended a domain... this Gold Orchid Army is truly fearsome!"
Kevin, listening nearby, couldn't help but exclaim.
Qionglong Star's status among surrounding starfields was extraordinary, but compared to such a top-tier power, it was like a firefly competing with the bright moon.
"What is the Gold Orchid Army's main responsibility?" Lu Qingshan asked further.
The Qianwu Universe Kingdom's territory was vast and boundless. He had roamed as a Cosmic Level Expert for many years, his range mostly within the Black Dragon Mountain Starfield, so his knowledge of the outside world was limited. Moreover, the original work apparently did not mention this army in detail.
"In the universe, there has never been a place of true peace and tranquility. Even higher-level Universe Kingdoms have powerful enemies surrounding them," Mo Li explained. "The Gold Orchid Army bears great responsibility: it must purge remnants left behind in secret realms, hunt down vicious criminals who have fled into the Universe Kingdom and serious offenders who have violated national laws, including human traitors and spies from the Demon Clan, Insect Clan, and other foreign races who have infiltrated to cause sabotage."
He shifted the topic slightly: "The Gold Orchid Army offers excellent treatment, but the risks are equally high. The previous Tenth General unfortunately perished while suppressing a rebellion of remnants in a secret realm."
"In that case, the Gold Orchid Army is indeed extremely dangerous," Kevin said, looking at his son-in-law, worry appearing on his face.
"Risk and opportunity go hand in hand," Mo Li said with a touch of longing in his tone. "Joining them, perhaps the gains from a single great battle could earn wealth beyond a lifetime of accumulation."
"I am not very familiar with the Gold Orchid Army," Lu Qingshan slowly shook his head. "Even with Lord Mitchell's patronage, rashly joining might lead to regret later... let's forget it."
Joining the Gold Orchid Army and winning the favor of a World Master expert might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for others, but did Lu Qingshan need it?
He absolutely did not!
Possessing a cheat, he only needed to carefully cultivate his disciples, and the returns would far exceed ten or a hundred times those from fighting and killing on the battlefield.
Why risk life and limb?
Purging remnants, suppressing rebellions, hunting foreign spies—just hearing about it made it clear it would be fraught with danger.
"Qingshan, will rashly refusing Lord Mitchell cause the Lord's displeasure?" Kevin frowned slightly. A World Master's wrath—even if he and his son-in-law joined forces, they had no power to resist.
"Probably not," Lu Qingshan shook his head. "Lord Mitchell did not invite me personally, but had Mo Li relay the message; presumably he left room for maneuver and did not wish for either side to be embarrassed."
"I was overthinking it," Kevin nodded, feeling much relieved. "Lord Mitchell, as a World Master, is broad-minded and would not quibble over such a small matter."
Mo Li also smiled: "Lord Mitchell has always had a good reputation in the Qianwu Dojo; he won't hold a grudge over such a small thing.
Brother Qingshan, your name is already registered in the Qianwu Dojo. You might as well visit the Qianwu Dojo Headquarters in the Virtual Universe in advance. Although newly promoted Two-Leaf Qianwu Practitioners have a hundred-year grace period before taking up their posts, good positions are always in high demand. Pay attention early, and if you find something suitable, you can reserve it first."
Mo Li shared some experiences of life at the Qianwu Dojo; back then he had painfully waited ten years before winning this comfortable post at the Qionglong Star branch.
"Thank you for the reminder, Brother Mo Li," Lu Qingshan said, clasping his hands in thanks.
He already had a plan in mind: he should first visit the Qianwu Dojo Headquarters.
He wondered if it might bring him a bit of surprise.
Chapter 12