We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 400: Did You Hear Me?

After departing Heavenly Mechanism City, Xiao Mo made his way back to the imperial capital of Qin.

Coinciding with Xiao Mo's return to the Qin imperial city, the other generals also concluded their tasks of managing the sects under their purview. One by one, they all convened in the capital to submit their reports to Xiao Mo.

Due to the integration of sect cultivators into the army, Qin Shengtian had temporarily delegated this responsibility to Qin Siyao for its execution.

Consequently, during this period, whenever the generals reported their findings to Xiao Mo, Qin Siyao invariably remained by his side, diligently recording the proceedings.

Upon completion of the records, Qin Siyao would then proceed to organize and compile the generals’ reports, submitting them daily to her father for his review.

However, what had been leaving Qin Siyao feeling rather perplexed these past few days was Xiao Mo's demeanor. Ever since his return, he seemed preoccupied, as if harboring some unspoken concern. At times, he would be found sitting in the courtyard, lost in thought and gazing into the distance.

"Husband... Husband... Husband!"

On this particular day, Qin Siyao approached Xiao Mo and addressed him.

"Mm?"

It wasn't until Qin Siyao called out for the third time that Xiao Mo seemed to return to his senses, offering a smile as he looked toward the woman before him.

"What is it?"

"And you still ask what it is." Qin Siyao smoothed her skirt and took a seat beside Xiao Mo, her lips forming a gentle pout. "I ought to be inquiring about you. For the past few days, why have you been lost in thought so frequently?"

"It's nothing..." Xiao Mo replied with a smile, shaking his head gently.

"Truly nothing?" Qin Siyao's brows furrowed slightly as she regarded Xiao Mo with a hint of doubt.

"Indeed, nothing significant. I've simply been contemplating potential scenarios that might arise later, with the onset of the great war." Xiao Mo gently took Qin Siyao's delicate hand, inviting her to sit closer beside him, and then steered the conversation to another topic. "By the way, those documents you compiled—did you present them all to His Majesty for his perusal?"

"Mm. I provided them all to Father, and he has finished reading each one." Qin Siyao affirmed with a nod. "Father instructed me to convey to you: these cultivators—you may proceed with their deployment as you see fit. Father expressed his complete trust in you and encouraged you to act decisively. Incidentally, Xiao Mo, do you intend to integrate all of these cultivators into the army?"

"We shall incorporate all of them." Xiao Mo confirmed with a nod.

Upon hearing Xiao Mo's affirmative response, Qin Siyao lowered her gaze, a flicker of apprehension crossing her eyes.

"I understand your concerns, Siyao."

Xiao Mo stated with a serene smile.

"These cultivators, accustomed as they are to a more relaxed approach, stand in contrast to the stringent discipline of our Qin army. If we were to fully integrate them, merging the two groups, it might indeed have an adverse effect on military discipline.

"However, prior to their integration, I will ensure they receive thorough training. And given their upcoming participation in the war, it is imperative they become well-acquainted with army protocols. Otherwise, on the battlefield, their effectiveness may be significantly diminished.

"Furthermore, a considerable portion of our Qin army comprises martial cultivators, possessing formidable physical prowess. Should they succeed in closing the distance, they are capable of vanquishing foes of the same cultivation realm.

"Yet, they remain vulnerable to being outmaneuvered by demon cultivators and human spellcasters who excel in ranged combat and intricate spells."

"By integrating these sect cultivators into our ranks, they can serve as a crucial complement to our forces. This strategic union can yield an effect far exceeding the sum of its parts, where one plus one becomes greater than two."

"Mm." Qin Siyao acknowledged with a nod. "Since this is a decision you have reached after careful deliberation, Husband, then Siyao shall offer you her full support."

"Rest assured, Siyao. Those sect cultivators are fully aware of the advantages and disadvantages involved, and they are even more eager to earn battle merits in exchange for rewards. In truth, we merely facilitated a loosening of the sects' control, agreeing to permit their disciples to enlist. A great many cultivators have stepped forward voluntarily, without any coercion."

Xiao Mo gently kneaded Qin Siyao's delicate hand.

"Indeed, Siyao. There are certain matters that have recently occupied my thoughts, and I wish to share them with you.

"Regarding these thoughts of mine—listen attentively first. Not all of them may necessarily prove to be sound, and you are not obligated to implement each one. When the time comes, you can make your decisions based on the prevailing circumstances. My intention is merely to offer you a framework for consideration."

Xiao Mo retrieved a brush and ink, casually beginning to write on a piece of paper as he spoke:

"Firstly, concerning the management of the sects. In due course, when we achieve unification of the Myriad Laws world, these cultivator sects can be incorporated, but it would be prudent not to grant them excessive autonomy.

"The optimal approach would be to foster cooperation while maintaining a firm hand. Those who show allegiance to Qin shall continue to receive preferential treatment. Should any sect disregard this principle and pursue its own agenda, decisive action must be taken to serve as a deterrent to others. There can be no leniency in such instances.

"Subsequently, establish specific administrative bodies tasked with overseeing the sects.

"It is absolutely imperative that we prevent the sects from exclusively reaping benefits without contributing effort. We can utilize the pretext of allowing sect disciples to descend the mountain for training and experiential learning, directing them to assist Qin in vanquishing demons and eradicating malevolent forces, thereby rewarding them with resources commensurate with their accomplishments.

"Through such measures, we can also solidify our bonds with these various sects."

“However, it is crucial to ensure that the sects do not meddle in the affairs of the court. A delicate balance must be maintained with them.

“Furthermore, regarding Qin’s present system of military merit.

“Currently, Qin is focused on territorial expansion, so implementing a military merit system is naturally feasible. But if we were to unify the Myriad Laws world and continue with this system, it would undoubtedly lead to complications.

“I propose a dual approach: one path through recommendation and assessment, and the other through examinations for selection.

“The latter, I refer to as the imperial examination.

“Each of the Hundred Schools possesses distinct strengths, so the subjects for the imperial examination must be carefully chosen. Perhaps using Confucianism internally and Legalism externally would be the most effective strategy?

“All of these matters… will require Siyao’s consideration later on…

“And also…”

“Xiao Mo!” Upon hearing her husband’s words, Qin Siyao’s brow furrowed, and she interrupted him.

“What is it?” Xiao Mo inquired with a gentle smile.

“I don’t like hearing you speak of these things,” Qin Siyao stated, gazing at Xiao Mo. “The way you’re presenting them… it feels as though you are making arrangements for a time after you are no longer here.”

“My dear, what are you suggesting?” Xiao Mo reached out and lightly tapped Qin Siyao’s forehead. “It’s simply that on the battlefield, unforeseen circumstances can always arise. If, by chance, something were to happen to me, what then?”

At the mention of “unforeseen circumstances,” Qin Siyao’s face instantly turned ashen. Her small hands tightly gripped her skirt, and she hastily shook her head. “No! Xiao Mo, you absolutely will not encounter any accidents!”

Observing the fear in Qin Siyao’s eyes, Xiao Mo smiled and gently stroked her hair. “I am merely exploring hypothetical scenarios. After all, concerning matters of heaven’s will—who can truly speak with certainty…”

“What do you mean by heaven’s will?!” Qin Siyao pouted, her cheeks puffed out. “If heaven’s will intends to take you away from my side, then I refuse to believe in heaven’s will! And you are forbidden to believe in it either! Do you hear me…”

Her resolute gaze, laced with a hint of pleading, caused Xiao Mo’s heart to flutter slightly.

“If the Frost King remains within the imperial court, your lifespan—I fear it shall not extend beyond five years…”

Within Xiao Mo’s mind, the words spoken to him by the lord of Heavenly Mechanism City echoed once more.

“Xiao Mo, did you hear what I said? Even if there truly is such a thing as heaven’s will, you are not permitted to believe in it. Did you hear me or not…”

Noticing Xiao Mo’s silence, Qin Siyao gently shook his sleeve.

“I heard you…”

Xiao Mo playfully pinched Qin Siyao’s upturned nose.

“Since my beloved wife has decreed it so, then even if this heaven’s will exists, I shall not heed it. Even if it means facing certain death, I shall return to your side from the very abyss.”

“Really?” Qin Siyao inquired with palpable anxiety.

Xiao Mo smiled and nodded.

“Indeed, really.”