The surroundings gradually came into focus.
Filthy black soot covered the white walls, and the buildings were dilapidated, with even the roof tiles missing in places.
It had rained not long ago, and the moment they stepped onto the courtyard ground, their shoes were covered in mud.
In the rundown courtyard, a large wooden sign leaned crookedly against the wall, bearing a single word:
"Conscription."
A fat, big-eared man sat behind a table, wearing official robes, his head covered in sweat.
"All of you, hurry up!"
He shouted impatiently, tossing a wooden tally to the scrawny man across the table and waving him away.
The wooden tally bore two words:
"Forced Labor."
The scrawny man took the tally and sobbed a few times, but with no other choice, he turned and left.
The fat man adjusted his official hat and barked, glaring:
"Come up one at a time and let me look at you. Hurry up, and stop wasting my time!"
Everyone exchanged glances.
But before anyone stepped forward, the fat official changed his tone and said with a grin:
"Young lady, how did you end up being sent here too?"
"Come, come, let me have a good look at you. Perhaps I'll feel merciful and exempt you from service."
Everyone followed his gaze.
-It was Xiao Mengyu.
It couldn't be helped. A young woman like her, in the very flower of youth and possessed of extraordinary beauty, stood out far too much among the crowd, like an immortal descended into the mortal world.
The corners of Xiao Mengyu's lips lifted slightly, and she actually stepped forward, stopping before the tall table.
"Name?"
"Xiao Mengyu."
"Do you have any other talents?"
"Yes."
"Come into the room with me, then. I'll give your talents a thorough test."
Clang!
A sword flashed,