Fighting off the tides of beasts and possible Spirits was no less than difficult.
This ordeal would not only be taxing, but life-threatening as well.
At the call of an Immortal, and for their own personal benefits, most Cultivators would not refuse this call to action.
Silver Extreme is naturally a high-ranking Disciple of Union Settlement.
Warrior of Spring and Shade of Autumn are from a Mortal Settlement unaffiliated with Union Settlement. Due to the tides of beasts and Spirits, they had no other choice but to aid one another.
Most Cultivators came for recognition, others came for duty.
However, the reason they all shared for participating in this expedition was the benefits.
The hides of beasts, their meat, bones, and blood; all of their body can be harvested and sold.
Mystical beasts possess mystical properties, usually as a result of digesting or accumulating conglomerations of Qi. Their bones and hides may be enhanced, or the conglomeration of Qi might be preserved and serve as a material for greater use.
Conglomerations of Qi serve a similar, albeit lesser, use that Spirits have.
Dawn's mystical weapon--Iron Lotus Night Breaching Spear, for example--has an innate property, a built-in Dao Art, that can sustain itself indefinitely.
Iron Lotus Night Breaching Spear was created using a Spirit as the core, but Qi conglomerations can act as a substitute, but require periodic replenishment.
After looking over the potential beasts and Spirits, everyone looked with delight. Just harvesting the beasts and Spirits promised immense spoil.
On top of that, Immortal Union was implementing additional reward systems to ensure everyone has a chance at benefits.
Some Cultivators praised his generosity, others appeared calm but subtly briddling with excitement.
Dawn and Sun were no exception.
Sun was especially interested in the idea of creating a mystical weapon, although he wasn't sure how to create one; being able to supply the resources needed would allow him to commission a mystical weapon for himself.
Immortal Union continued to explain the reward systems.
"With the remnant mist affecting a considerable fraction of the Western region's wildlife, this mission is to defend Union Settlement's subsidiary Mortal Settlements, not necessarily to kill all life that approaches."
"Various missions will reward those who are able to contain beasts or relocate them to one of the appointed areas. There are also missions that reward those who contribute resources or manpower to aid in accommodating the beast groups."
"So, while there may be benefits in slaughtering countless beasts, there are benefits in playing a passive role."
Immortal Union continued to explain the other benefits of the reward system.
Currency was the common reward, paid with bronze tablets, silver tablets, and even gold tablets.
Bronze tablets can be used to purchase necessities, such as food and water, or simple clothing. It is the most common of the three currencies, used in day-to-day life and commerce.
Silver tablets can be used to purchase luxuries among ordinary people; lavish clothing, rich foods, jewellery, such like. Silver tablets can also purchase Dao Arts and mystical items. It generally represents the middle class of society.
Gold tablets can be used to purchase land, housing, mineral sites, and so on. Cultivators can even commission the creation of mystical weapons. It generally represents the upper class of society.
Most labour jobs earn bronze tablets. Working as a Settlement guard or quarry miner earns silver tablets. Trade specialists, landlords, political workers, and suchlike earn gold tablets.
Cultivators fit into a myriad of jobs, hunters, terraformers, guards, and so on. This means that Cultivators can earn all three types of currency.
Of course, this depends on their rank.
High-ranking Cultivators earn more than lower-ranking Cultivators. Cultivators with special talents can also work high-end jobs, thus earning more.
Seldom were the opportunities for Cultivators of the First Foundation to make such a large amount of wealth, in both material and currency.
Again, most of the Cultivators present praised Immortal Union for his generosity.
He calmed them down again.
"This concludes what I had to declare. I will form written collections of the information surrounding the beasts, Spirits, and environment. These will be available for all, and to aid in identifying, repelling, or culling the tides."
"I will give you this period to assemble your groups. The assembly of your respective group members is up to you, but to ensure that each group is fair, you must divide the different Cultivators between your groups."
"Each group is led by a First State Cultivator. There are four Third Foundation Cultivators, eight Second Foundation, and twenty First Foundation. These numbers are to be divided into two and shared between the two groups."
"I will allow disciple Silver Extreme and friend Warrior of Spring to recruit your forces."
Silver Extreme and Warrior of Spring sat opposite each other.
They met each other's gaze for a moment before the former offered.
"Friend, would you like to offer your hand first? I have already been assigned with our two friends from Star Gazing Settlement. You only have one, please, take your first pick."
His tone was casual and friendly, but his expression was blank.
Immortal Union had assigned Dawn and Sun to him, he already had two of the other thirty-two Cultivators present.
Warrior of Spring had one, which was Shade of Autumn, a Second State Cultivator. Naturally, he had to pick a Cultivator who matched Sun, a First State Cultivator.
He thought to himself for a moment before speaking.
"I will take your offer." Warrior of Spring replied plainly, gazing around the table before pointing at a First Foundation Cultivator. "You. State your rank and prospects in cultivation."
The Cultivator introduced himself as a humble Cultivator who had two years of experience. He was proficient in the mundane application of Qi, standing amongst the stronger Cultivators of the First Foundation present.
He also claimed to practice two Dao Arts, both offensive Dao Arts.
Warrior of Spring nodded contentedly, his voice was stern and low as he turned back to Silver Extreme.
"There are still twenty-eight Cultivators. Choose your two amongst the Third Foundation Cultivators."
Silver Extreme and Warrior of Spring continued assembling their parties.
Most of the Cultivators didn't refuse either leader, some out of fear, others wished to leave a good impression.
Some wished to join the other group, chasing the benefits of building a connection with the assigned Mortal Settlements.
They chose the Cultivators who complemented each other. They balanced most of the roles but still leaned towards certain prospects.
This reflected the leader's different personalities and approaches to the encroaching predicament.
Each rank was divided easily. After thirty minutes of consideration, discussion, and recruiting, each party was finally formed.
Silver Extreme's expedition group, consisting of Dawn and Sun, the majority of the other Cultivators were combat specialists, focusing on defensive power.
Naturally, as a disciple of Union Settlement, he would behold the advice and nature of Immortal Union.
Warrior of Spring's expedition group has Shade of Autumn; the majority of their members were a mixture of offensive specialists and supportive specialists.
As a warrior and leader of his own Settlement, he prioritised the safety of his group and assigned Mortal Settlement. Repelling the tides through brute force was his chosen method.
Immortal Union analysed the teams and nodded contentedly.
"With the assembling of groups, we can now begin our preparations before sending you off to your assigned Mortal Settlements."
"You will be free to roam Union Settlement to settle your own affairs or prepare your own resources. Do know, you are required to return to this army hall, three nights from now, at the third hour of Early Hour."
"During this period, I suggest you all dedicate some time to familiarise yourselves with each other. Unity on the battlefield will prosper."
"It can also expand or deepen your connections with one another."
"I will be taking my leave. There are matters regarding the preparations that I must attend to. We will meet again on the night of your departure."
Everyone bowed as Immortal Union left the army hall.
Dawn turned to sun and nudged him with her elbow.
"What do you plan to do now?"
"There isn't too much to do; practice Dao Arts, refine my skills, maybe purchase a few things at the Commerce District."
Dawn whispered in his ear. Surprise fell on his expression at her recommendation.
The obvious face he made attracted the attention of a few Cultivators.
"Friend from Star Gazing Settlement, what could possibly have you in such shock?"
Dawn and Sun met their gaze before the former spoke up.
"Lord Immortal Union advise that we become familiar with one another, to strengthen our connections and learn from one another."
"What better method than to spar each other?"
The majority of the Cultivators present praised the idea, combat was an effective method to learn and develop skills.
Few of the other Cultivators seemed meek at the mention of the idea.
After a series of agreements, one of the Cultivators raised a question.
"Sister Dawn mentioned this idea, you must've had someone in mind? Tell us, who did you want to spar with?"
Dawn smiled as she gestured at a man sitting across the table.
Golden Eagle--Third Foundation Cultivator.
"Senior, would you spar with me?"