Chen Xiaojun explained with gentle courtesy, "Grandpa Lang, esteemed seniors, there seems to have been a misunderstanding."
"The figure of five thousand represents our total manpower requirement, not a specific number I am asking you to provide."
"Furthermore, not all five thousand need to be Soul Ancestors."
Hearing this clarification, everyone visibly breathed a sigh of relief, and the atmosphere relaxed.
Chen Xiaojun continued, "The threshold for recruitment into the Brocade Guard is combat capability on par with a Soul Grandmaster."
"The Soul Ancestors I mentioned to you earlier would actually be elite members of the Brocade Guard, entitled to better treatment."
"If anyone under your command, whether a Soul Grandmaster or a Soul Elder, wishes to join the Brocade Guard to earn a living, we would welcome them warmly."
At these words, everyone present finally understood, and the heavy stones weighing on their hearts fell away.
The threshold of Soul Grandmaster was relatively low. Provided someone possessed innate soul power, practically any of their families could train them to that level.
At that moment, Shen Lang keenly picked up on the crucial point in Chen Xiaojun's words. "You said Soul Grandmaster... 'combat capability'?"
Chen Xiaojun nodded in confirmation. "Exactly. What we value is combat capability equivalent to that of a Soul Grandmaster, rather than Soul Master status alone."
"For instance, elite soldiers, seasoned mercenaries, and even wrestlers would all be welcome, provided they possessed the necessary combat strength."
Soul Masters belonged to a system of power. Although it was the most advanced form of power, Soul Grandmasters were, after all, only its lower ranks.
After sufficient training, people in certain professions could stand shoulder to shoulder with Soul Grandmasters.
Some, such as the finest elite soldiers, could even rival Soul Ancestors, though such individuals were exceedingly rare!
He elaborated,