Chapter 15: Recruiting People

Originally, the military structure of Qingfeng Fortress consisted of the ranks: Captain, Colonel, Lieutenant General, Commander, and General. However, following this recent defense battle and the expansion in troop numbers, a new internal division was established. For example, the previously nonexistent rank of Military Officer was reinstated. This rank stood just below Captain and Colonel in authority, with power second only to the Colonel, temporarily commanding sixty soldiers.

In terms of military management, Qingfeng Fortress indeed operated with remarkable efficiency, suggesting that plans for troop expansion had long been in place.

After the assembly concluded and the crowd dispersed, Qin Jue stepped forward to ask Wu Mi whether he could select soldiers at will.

“Of course, but the prerequisite is that they must be warriors,” Wu Mi replied, adding with meaningful emphasis, “Confirm your picks quickly and begin training; only then can you achieve merit on the battlefield.”

Qin Jue’s expression tightened. It seemed there would be significant developments within the army soon.

Once Wu Mi departed, Qin Jue remained behind, contemplating the selection of his team. On the battlefield, teamwork outweighed individual prowess; careful consideration was essential.

Among the candidates, Zhang Qi was naturally the first choice. Firstly, he was a warrior, fitting the criteria for the vanguard battalion. Moreover, he was one of the few acquaintances Qin Jue had within the camp, someone well-known and trusted. Managing the unit in the future would undoubtedly require much effort, and having Zhang Qi’s assistance would smooth many operations.

As for the other soldiers, Qin Jue had already made plans to scrutinize them later in the prisoner camp.

With his target in mind, Qin Jue headed straight for the recruits’ camp.

Inside the military tent, the new recruits were abuzz with news of Qin Jue’s promotion to Captain, gathering and discussing excitedly. They had already resolved to follow him.

Soon, Qin Jue lifted the tent flap and entered.

In an instant, all the recruits stood and surrounded him.

“Congratulations, Brother Qin, on your swift promotion to Captain.”

“I knew you could do it, Brother Qin.”

“Brother Qin, can I join your squad?”

“Yes, Brother Qin, I’m already a warrior now—let me follow you.”

The recruits chattered eagerly, full of hope.

But Qin Jue sought a band of fierce, battle-hardened soldiers—those capable of killing on the battlefield. A group of raw recruits would only be troublesome and a liability.

He gently said, “The battlefield is far too dangerous for you.”

The crowd tried to argue further.

Zhang Qi, standing nearby, saw through Qin Jue’s intentions and spoke sternly, “Captain Qin has your best interests at heart. Keep your status in mind.”

The recruits exchanged glances, unwilling to press further.

Times had changed; Qin Jue was now a Captain, no longer someone they could pester.

Qin Jue reassured them, “Don’t worry, I will take all of you eventually. For now, focus on your training.”

With that, he looked at Zhang Qi. “You come with me first.”

Zhang Qi’s eyes lit up, his excitement barely contained. “My life is yours, no matter what.”

Qin Jue nodded and ultimately took only Zhang Qi along.

Exiting the tent, they headed straight toward the prisoner camp.

---

At the prisoner camp, a tall man scrutinized the pair and asked, “Here to choose?”

Qin Jue nodded and presented the credentials Wu Mi had given him.

The man glanced at them and said, “Mm, finish your selection and then register over here.”

Led by two soldiers, they arrived at an open area where prisoners were gathered.

---

Thanks to Wu Mi’s warning, Qin Jue remained vigilant.

They were the first to arrive for selections.

At that moment, over a thousand warriors assembled in the square.

Their arrival instantly drew everyone’s attention.

Qin Jue stepped forward, scanning the crowd, a surge of emotion stirring within him.

These were all potential victory points!

He had to find a way to harvest some quickly.

Then he spoke boldly: “Defeat me, and I’ll make you Captain! Those who last two rounds get to build their merits!”

His words caused an uproar among the prisoners, sparking whispered conversations.

“What an arrogant kid! Young but with a big mouth!”

“Looks like some rich young master out here trying to prove himself.”

“Maybe so, but I’m not about to follow this guy to my death.”

No one present believed in Qin Jue.

As the saying goes, a wise bird chooses its tree to rest on. They weren’t just selecting under Qin Jue; others were here to pick strong leaders as well. Choosing a weak captain was tantamount to a death sentence.

Yet… some began to reconsider.

They guessed Qin Jue might have substantial backing and could deliver on his promises.

Following him might be safer.

And if they defeated him, becoming Captain themselves wouldn’t be bad.

After a moment, a burly man stepped forward to test him.

Qin Jue opened his eyes.

The man reached Qin Jue, sneering, “Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you. If I hurt someone like you, you probably won’t survive.”

His brutish face twisted with a mocking laugh, clearly dismissive of Qin Jue.

This sparked laughter among the prisoners.

“Come on!” Qin Jue’s demeanor remained calm.

Warriors speak with their fists, not empty words!

The burly man bent his knees slightly, then surged forward with immense force.

His right fist clenched and raised high, a faint red hue blossomed on his arm muscles, veins bulging as he aimed a powerful blow at Qin Jue’s face.

Skin-Piercing Strike?

Qin Jue’s gaze sharpened.

These people really underestimated him.

Just as the punch neared, Qin Jue’s body shifted slightly, moving like a phantom half a step to the left, narrowly evading the heavy strike.

His enhanced agility had transformed his reaction and movement speeds.

The attacker’s expression remained impassive. After the failed punch, he spun around, using momentum to deliver a fierce whip kick aimed at Qin Jue’s waist.

Qin Jue swiftly raised both hands, crossing them at his waist to block the kick precisely!

“Bang!”

The man had exerted all his strength, yet Qin Jue stood firm.

Before the attacker could strike again, Qin Jue moved.

His right fist clenched tightly, muscles taut, his blood and qi surging into his fist.

In a flash, he lunged forward like a hunting leopard.

His speed was astonishing!

---

The man’s eyes widened in terror, attempting to dodge, but it was too late.

Qin Jue’s punch crashed into his chest with a resounding crack, the sound of ribs breaking.

The man’s body flew back like a kite with a severed string, crashing heavily to the ground, kicking up dust, instantly losing all combat capability.

Witnessing this, the prisoners who had been waiting to watch a show were taken aback.

Unexpectedly, this man had some skill.

But… only around the second level, not invincible!

Then, a tall and agile man stepped forward, voice steady: “I’ll try.”

He was a fully realized second-level warrior, confident in his strength, hoping to gain fame.

Qin Jue glanced at him and nodded, signaling him to begin.

The two clashed.

As many had guessed, Qin Jue’s strength was not overwhelming, matching the man evenly.

In truth, Qin Jue was holding back.

He didn’t want to win in a single strike and scare others away from challenging him.

Moreover, exchanging several rounds allowed him to better assess his opponent’s potential, aiding in selecting team members.

After a dozen back-and-forth exchanges, Qin Jue barely defeated the man.

[Congratulations, host! You have defeated an opponent and gained 1 victory point!]

The crowd was astonished again.

No one expected Qin Jue to win once more.

“I’ll go!” someone stepped forward immediately.

Though Qin Jue won, his struggle made many question his true strength.

Qin Jue welcomed this.

He repeated his tactic: evenly matched bouts ending in narrow victories.

[Congratulations, host! You have defeated an opponent and gained 1 victory point!]

Then more fully second-level warriors stepped up.

Qin Jue faced each and defeated them all.

Only then did the prisoners realize Qin Jue had been feigning weakness all along.

He undoubtedly possessed the power of a fully realized second-level warrior!

“That guy’s deliberately playing weak—quite cunning,” someone murmured.

They believed Qin Jue’s victories were possible only because he lulled his opponents into complacency.

His narrow wins made many think he had just entered the second level.

Qin Jue checked his personal panel.

Consecutive victories had earned him a total of eleven victory points, enough to allocate skill points to the third tier of the Iron Bone Technique.

A decent haul, indeed.

He recruited all eleven men, then looked across the crowd. “Anyone else?”

Though some second-level warriors felt reluctant, none dared to challenge him.

Silence fell.

At that moment, Qin Jue’s peripheral vision caught someone in his team stealing glances toward a certain direction.

He followed their gaze...