"Why should she believe us?"
If this story got out, nine out of ten people wouldn't believe it, and the one remaining might only half-believe it. Even children wouldn't find it credible. Gaining her trust? Utterly impossible. She was more convinced than ever that the two before her were likely spies from the Desert Marauder Group, revealing themselves for some unknown reason.
Her gaze toward them grew even colder.
"Alright, Little Sparrow, these two do not carry the intent to kill."
At that moment, the female general stepped forward, raising her hand to stop the fierce woman beside her.
"Yes, General!!"The woman named Little Sparrow backed off respectfully without the slightest hint of disobedience.
The general didn't reprimand her for her earlier harsh tone. She wasn't usually like this. It was only because of today's situation that her speech and actions lost some of their usual composure and courtesy.
"To be able to command such an elite army as a woman… truly a heroine among heroes. May I ask your name, General?"Yi Tianxing looked at the general with growing interest, already suspecting her identity.
"I am Hua, Hua Mulan," she said calmly.
"Hua Mulan… You are the general of the Hua Division, one of the Four Great Generals of General Valley—Wind, Flower, Snow, Moon."A glint of recognition flashed through Peerless Ghost's demonic eye. The moment he heard the name, he had already deduced her true identity.
The Four Great Generals of General Valley, each named after one of the elements—Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon—led their respective armies. All four were formidable in strength and charisma, commanding absolute loyalty from their soldiers and forming elite legions.
Mulan's army was known as the Blossom Legion.
Originally, Mulan had planned to form an all-female legion. However, female soldiers were rare, and most of them were displaced women from the fusion of myriad worlds—ordinary folk who chose to grow stronger. They endured harsh training before forming a real army. Every soldier had a different backstory.
Now, the army contained many men as well.For men, becoming a soldier often stemmed from a deep-rooted sense of duty.
"That's right. I am Hua Mulan," she confirmed with calm resolve.
"I am Yi Tianxing."Taking a deep breath, Yi Tianxing spoke seriously, "Our appearance in your camp was purely accidental. We are not part of the Desert Marauder Group, as your adjutant suggested."
"I believe you, Daoist Yi."Hua Mulan nodded in acknowledgment. She didn't sense any killing intent or hostile aura from the two—clearly, they were not enemies, at least not right now.
"Hua Mulan... It's really her. The legendary heroine. Brave, loyal, and filial—who took her father's place on the battlefield and defeated foreign invaders. What an extraordinary woman."
Yi Tianxing was amazed.
Hua Mulan was a name known throughout history—a paragon of loyalty and filial piety. Even the Tang Emperor posthumously named her the "General of Filial Valor." The famous poem "Ballad of Mulan" had immortalized her. Her courage and intelligence were unmatched in her time.
Judging by her current cultivation, she was already in the Life Aperture Realm—a strong cultivator.
Clearly, she had encountered some kind of fortuitous opportunity. Otherwise, in a world where strength reigned supreme, it would be impossible to break through so quickly. Even in Xuanhuang City, very few had reached the Life Aperture Realm.
Even Yang Ye was still some distance away.
Of course, cultivation speed also depended on one's technique. When forming the Sea of Transformation, the number of runes one could condense represented the strength of one's foundation. A stronger base required more time to refine, but it granted far greater future potential.
Sure, many people in the Golden Sand Desert had broken through to the Life Aperture Realm. But the number of runes they used to form their Sea of Transformation was pitiful. It was easy to break through—but at the cost of future progress.
Those with true strength either had top-tier cultivation foundations or had encountered unique opportunities. This Mulan clearly had a high-quality Dao foundation, her strength and potential were already surpassing her peers.
"Thank you, General Hua, for your trust."Yi Tianxing smiled and nodded politely.
The irritation on Peerless Ghost's face also gradually faded upon hearing her words.
"Since fate has brought us together, why not share a drink before you go?" Hua Mulan said serenely.
"Very well, many thanks to General Hua," Yi Tianxing accepted without hesitation.
Although her tone hinted subtly at "please drink and leave," he acted as though he hadn't noticed. Clearly, Hua Mulan was dealing with something. A rare woman like her—meeting her was a valuable opportunity. If there was a chance to befriend her, he wouldn't pass it up.
Little Sparrow frowned at Yi Tianxing's persistence but said nothing after glancing at Hua Mulan.
"Please."
Hua Mulan didn't stop him. She led them into her tent.
The tent was clearly her personal quarters—yet the decor was stark and spartan. There were no feminine embellishments, just a simple bed hidden behind a curtain. The main area held a large sand table, used for military planning. Nearby stood a stone table, for meals and discussion.
Once inside, Yi Tianxing sat opposite Hua Mulan. Peerless Ghost stood upright beside him.
"Would you prefer wine or tea?" Hua Mulan asked with a smile.
"Tea, please," Yi Tianxing replied.
"Little Sparrow, bring out my treasured Hundred Flower Tea."
"Yes, General!"
Little Sparrow soon returned with a pot of tea and several cups. Though her brewing technique was unrefined, the tea's appearance was remarkable—a multicolored brew that shimmered with changing hues, like a living dream.
"How beautiful! Is this really tea?"Peerless Ghost's eyes widened in awe.
"A tea that blends the fragrance of a hundred flowers... Incredible. The scent alone is intoxicating. Whoever crafted this tea is a master of the tea arts."
Hundred Flower Tea belonged to the flower tea family—hugely significant in tea culture. Made from flower petals and buds, it was prized for both health and beauty benefits, especially among women. The finest flower teas were said to be priceless spiritual treasures with mystical effects.
"This is Hundred Flower Tea, created by Granny Hundred Flowers using a secret method and a hundred types of flowers. It is not common tea, but a type of spiritual tea. Its effects... you'll know once you try it."
Hua Mulan smiled and motioned for him to drink. She raised a cup herself.
Yi Tianxing didn't hesitate. Even the gourmet cells in his body stirred excitedly.
Lifting the cup, he gently sipped.
He didn't swallow immediately but let the tea swirl across his tongue. After three revolutions, the flavors had fully unfurled. Only then did he swallow—and felt a cool energy flow through his body.
Even his flesh and blood began joyfully absorbing heaven and earth energy, strengthening his physique.
"A miraculous spiritual tea. The moment I drank it, it was like entering a sacred realm of blossoms. My body and spirit feel utterly cleansed and relaxed. Fatigue evaporated. Even impurities in my body are being purged. I feel refreshed, more youthful—and even... fragrant."
Yi Tianxing silently marveled at the tea's power.
The most amazing part was its life-extending properties. A cup or two might not produce obvious effects, but the life energy was real—it had quietly seeped into his organs, his flesh, and his meridians.
Every cup had a noticeable benefit.
"Excellent tea. Truly lives up to its name as a spiritual tea."Yi Tianxing opened his eyes, visibly impressed.
His physical strength had silently increased by 10,000 jin, now reaching 413,000 jin—a staggering amount. A testament to the tea's potency.
"My camp is simple, and this Hundred Flower Tea is all I can offer. I'm glad you enjoy it," said Hua Mulan with a pleased expression.
"By the way, earlier you mentioned the Desert Marauder Group was targeting you. May I ask what exactly is going on?"
Yi Tianxing asked curiously.