Wen Yan glanced at the phone; it was indeed a number from the Scorching Sun Department.

"..."

Feng Wei immediately took out his phone, opened the call log, and swiped down to reveal a list of missed calls, all marked in red.

"These are either scams or marketing calls of all sorts."

Wen Yan took one look, and it made sense; Feng Wei's words were not without basis.

However, are these spam calls so rampant now?

Even Ghosts are getting targeted by sales pitches?

Wen Yan scratched his head, realizing he wasn't the last to know about these things; even those involved had flagged the Scorching Sun Department's calls as spam.

Tong Si had obtained an identity, and the ID card would likely be issued soon. He now understood what these things represented.

On the way, he offered countless thanks to Wen Yan. If Wen Yan hadn't stopped him, he would have considered gouging out one of his eyes to give to Wen Yan to use himself.

In Guanzhong County, Wen Yan didn't rush in; instead, he went to sit with Lord Zhu, chatted, had tea, and asked about things related to Mount Li.

After a while of chatting, Lord Zhu asked mysteriously.

"Brother, do you need any manpower?

I don't have many people, but I do have quite a few Ghosts. If you need them, you can choose for yourself.

There are some skilled ones, and if you need programmers, I can even find a few for you.

No need for you to worry about food, drink, or salary. Just use them as if they're immortal.

If there's a need for fighting, I've got those skilled in it as well. If they die in battle, you don't have to worry about that either.

Rest assured, it's all voluntary."

"Oh, Lord, since when have you learned to beat around the bush?"

"Ha, it's not me beating around the bush; it's my Ghosts who are willing.

Feng Wei working with you, every time he takes a risk; after all, going down the Nether Path is quite dangerous.

How long has Tong Si been here? He's followed through a few things and managed to get an identity.

The people under me who want to go out with you are not few.

If you went out and called for volunteers, you could gather 800 Ghosts within half an hour as easily as that.

I assure you, they're all willing."

Wen Yan was speechless. Wow, he hadn't anticipated that Tong Si getting an identity would have such an impact on those Ghosts.

However, Tong Si did follow through many adventures, nearly going blind a few times.

Giving her a legitimate identity didn't seem too fast to Wen Yan.

"With your words, Lord, if I need manpower later, I won't hesitate."

"Don't feel shy; you know I have loads of people relying on me for a living.

I have a few slots available each year, but they're limited.

I must ensure everything's fine before I can push them through.

Otherwise, if anything goes wrong and they get rejected, it won't be good for me, nor Guanzhong County's Minister.

Feng Wei and Tong Si, they both worked hard to earn what they have without any handouts.

But with so many people, I need to ask you for help."

"If it were that easy, it wouldn't be a life-and-death situation. It's several times a month."

"Everyone has their fate. Some people are willing to fight but don't have the opportunity. I'd shamelessly ask for them to have a chance, even if they meet their end, there'd be no regrets."

"Since you've said this much, I have nothing more to say. If I need manpower later, I'll ask you directly." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"Here, let me toast you with tea instead of wine." Lord Zhu raised his teacup; he truly cared for his people.

"Lord, no need for that."

After a few hours, the wine from the Scorching Sun Department arrived, and on behalf of Wen Yan, Lord Zhu sent an invitation to General Wang.

The response came; General Wang was on duty, so they waited a few hours.

Wen Yan, with the wine, headed to the border area, where he saw Marquis Wang Jiyong, whom he had met earlier, approaching on horseback.

Wen Yan cupped his hands from afar.

"General Wang, sorry for the sudden interruption, please forgive me."

"No problem, it's my day off today. Did you come for something important, Mr. Wen?"

"Nothing official, just happened to be in Guanzhong County and got some special wine. It would be a waste if I drank it alone, so I thought I'd come and chat with you."

Hearing this, Wang Jiyong relaxed and smiled.

"Please, this way."

Wang Jiyong came with permission from Shangguan.

The General Director's intention was similar; interactions had to be carefully orchestrated with those of too high a status.

Because words are binding, one must be accountable.

Wang Jiyong, as a Marquis, didn't hold a position as high as a regular general but commanded enough soldiers to manage affairs independently in some places.

But as a personal meeting, Wang Jiyong himself didn't mind, and his superiors encouraged it.

Wang Jiyong dismounted, letting his horse return by itself, and led Wen Yan to the edge of a mountain.

He reached out to touch the mountain's surface, which seemed to transform into a phantom, allowing both to enter.

Here, Wen Yan saw many familiar Everbright Lamps on the walls.

Wen Yan thought, no wonder people weren't too interested; these must hold a status akin to energy-saving incandescent bulbs here.

Wen Yan carried several jars of chilling wine, a box of Incense Sticks, some stewed and cut mutton, and several roasted chickens.

These weren't tokens of goodwill from Wen Yan, but for Wang Jiyong to use as favors for others.