Confucian Dao and Daoism are among the fewest forms of cultivation practiced in the entire cultivation world.
The number of people practicing this kind of spiritual path, which involves faith, is not large.
Although Ning Chenxin was also in the Good Water Hall, his trial was different from the others.
This is not a battlefield.
However, it was a small village affected by the continuous warfare.
The village is beautiful, situated on a vast, rolling grassland.
The village is enclosed by wooden fences. Outside the fences, the green grass appears quite tall, and when a gentle breeze blows, the vast expanse of green grass sways like a green sea.
The cattle and sheep grazed on these green meadows.
The village has only fifty or sixty people. They rest at sunset and work at sunrise, each sweating to support themselves. Although they are tanned dark by the scorching sun and covered in glistening sweat, their eyes are clear and bright. Occasionally, a simple smile will appear on their lips as they look at the fruits of their labor.
Everything seemed so perfect.
Unfortunately, this small village is located right on a crucial defensive line of the defending country.
If the enemy's iron hooves want to break through the defenses, they will inevitably have to cross this place.
This was something Ning Chenxin only learned two days later.
In the past two days, Ning Chenxin suddenly appeared here, and instead of being ostracized or suspected by the villagers, he was warmly welcomed.
Ning Chenxin also taught the villagers to read the classics.
He taught while observing his surroundings.
This place... seems different from the scene described by his fellow disciples.
More importantly, the touch and sensation felt completely unlike a dream; everything was too real.
On the third day.
The sky was originally clear and blue, but now it's covered with dark clouds.
A strong wind swept by, and the green grass swayed violently.
The air pressure seemed to be getting low and oppressive...
Ning Chenxin was teaching the village children. "True nature, single-mindedness; natural flow of energy; humility, emptiness of desire..."
Before she could finish speaking, Ning Chenxin raised her head and looked outside the mud house, her brows furrowing slightly.
Children's minds are actually very delicate because they are free of impurities.
Seeing Ning Chenxin's expression, she couldn't help but ask in a childish voice, "Sir, why do you look unhappy? Do you think we're too stupid?"
Ning Chenxin, looked at the children, smiled, and shook her head. She then said, "I don't think you're stupid. It's just that I might have some things to take care of."
It seems the test has finally arrived...
Just as Ning Chenxin was thinking this...
The wooden door of the mud house, which couldn't be completely closed, creaked open, and a middle-aged man walked in.
The man's face was covered in sweat, he was breathing heavily, and his face was an unnatural dark red.
"Sir... I know you're no ordinary person, please save our village!"
After saying that, he knelt heavily on the ground with a "bang" and kowtowed repeatedly to Ning Chenxin!
Ning Chenxin quickly stepped forward and helped the honest, hardworking man, who spent his days herding cattle and chopping wood, to his feet, saying, "There's no need for that. I'll do my best to help you."
The man's eyes were bloodshot as he looked at Ning Chenxin choked with emotion, "Sir... I will never forget this great kindness! From now on..."
"No need," Ning Chenxin interrupted the man with a smile, saying, "Your warm hospitality these past two days, and your sincere hearts, have made me indebted to you. Rather, it's time for me to repay that favor."
The man panicked upon hearing this and was about to say something when Ning Chenxin patted him on the shoulder and said, "Alright, we can talk about it later. Lead the way first."
The man gritted his teeth, nodded emphatically, and walked out first. "Sir, this way!"
Ning Chenxin glanced gently at the somewhat bewildered children in the mud house and said as softly as possible, "It's alright, Master will handle these matters. When I return, please try to tell me what I meant earlier."
Ning Chenxin's words were like a gentle breeze, and the children's panic instantly dissipated. They all nodded and watched Ning Chenxin leave.
The gate to the village was wide open at this moment.
Outside the fence stood ten tall men, straddling armored steeds with fiery tails.
The villagers stared at the ten people with trembling eyes.
Standing at the very front was the oldest elder in the village, who was also the village chief.
The village chief looked as if he were carrying a huge boulder, his back hunched, as if only his cane could support him.
"Sirs... we can also serve our country, but... there are still children and women in the village. Could we let them come into the city with you?"
The sense of powerlessness conveyed in those words is a true reflection of how ordinary people feel when facing powerful and influential Daoist practitioners.
The leading soldier coldly shouted, "What's there to haggle about? You've been able to live in peace and prosperity here for so many years, all thanks to the protection of our country. Now that we're asking you to serve the country, why are you making such demands?"
"Furthermore, if enemy spies see a village without women and children, wouldn't they become suspicious? What's more, what if there are already enemy people mixed in among you?"
"Wouldn't it be a catastrophe for our country if they infiltrated our nation at this time?"
Ning Chenxin had already arrived here, and the man's account along the way had made him understand what had happened.
Simply put
This village was a crucial passage for the enemy state.
The country's intention is to implant a self-destruct talisman within each of their bodies, comparable to that of a powerful being at the Lord Divine Realm.
When an enemy nation passes through this area, it will naturally not be wary of the ordinary people in the village.
Then, the villagers will rush out, activate the self-destruct talismans, and intercept the enemy.
As for not letting women and children leave...
I'm afraid all of the above are just excuses, just a way to increase the number of suicide bombs.
"But sir... there couldn't possibly be enemy spies in our village! Cough cough cough!!" In his anxiety, the village chief coughed up a mouthful of dark blood.
The leading soldier was clearly getting impatient.
"Regardless, this is an order! Contributing to our country is an honor for ordinary people like you! It's something that brings glory to your ancestors!"
The middle-aged man who had just brought Ning Chenxin couldn't help but shout, "We are not cowards! We are willing to make our own contributions to the country! Even if it means death!"
But the woman and the child are innocent!
A woman standing nearby, her eyes filled with tears, took the man's hand.
The soldiers roared, "Anyone who disobeys orders or tries to bargain again will be killed without mercy!"
Having said that, the ten soldiers straddling their horses all drew their spears with a clang!
Everyone else in the village lowered their heads.
Some people clenched their fists and gritted their teeth.
Some people looked utterly hopeless.
Ordinary mortals are so powerless in this world of cultivation.
"No need to say anything more, we won't agree. None of us will go out to our deaths." Ning Chenxin stepped forward, her tone calm, but a hint of anger flickered between her brows.
"If you're going to take action, I'll accept."