Chapter 17: Harvesting Victory Points

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In the army, a squad consists of a squad leader and a total of twenty men. After finalizing his selections, Qin Jue directly took these men to register. The officer in charge of registration was astonished to see more than a dozen second-tier warriors standing behind Qin Jue, and even one third-tier warrior. He couldn’t help but scrutinize Qin Jue, wondering what method he had employed to gather such a powerful group. Within the military, warriors of the second tier are usually at the level of squad leaders. As for the third tier, they could even serve as military candidates. Having such a group concentrated in a single squad was no wonder the officer was so shocked.

After completing registration, Qin Jue led his men to the new military tent set up by the Tian Gong Battalion. Nineteen men lined up in two horizontal rows, with Xiao Wushan, the squad chief, standing alone in a separate line. Qingfeng Village had no squad chiefs due to insufficient numbers to subdivide further, but Qin Jue appointed one to inspire the others.

Scanning the assembled men, Qin Jue spoke slowly: “I’m not one for idle talk. What matters here is strength. In my squad, no one will be treated unfairly.” The men stiffened with resolve. After this brief speech, Qin Jue instructed Zhang Qi to lead the others to collect military supplies. From this day forward, these men would no longer be prisoners—they would be Qin Jue’s soldiers!

The next day, Wu Mi once again gathered the unit. Qin Jue led his nineteen men steadily into the field, drawing many gazes. Among the twenty, the towering nine-foot-tall Xiao Wushan stood out like an iron tower in the crowd, broad-shouldered and muscular, like a small moving mountain radiating an intimidating aura. Others involuntarily shrank back, feeling awe. The rest of the men also carried an extraordinary bearing, unlike ordinary warriors.

Chen Xi clenched his fists tightly upon seeing this scene. He regretted not selecting his squad earlier. Wu Mi, watching from afar, was also slightly surprised. He had specifically urged Qin Jue to choose his team early, hoping for a few capable men, but Qin Jue had surpassed all expectations by selecting such outstanding individuals.

After everyone assembled and formed ranks, whispers spread—some discussing Qin Jue, others the events of the day. Wu Mi stood tall and stern as a spear, his sharp gaze sweeping the crowd, and boomed, “Silence!” Instantly, the field fell silent; all held their breaths and focused on Wu Mi, waiting quietly for orders.

Having just assembled yesterday and called an emergency gathering today, everyone knew something major was afoot. As expected, Wu Mi announced loudly: “From today on, everyone’s training will double. Those who haven’t finished selecting their subordinates, move quickly—no dilly-dallying!”

At this order, expressions changed. Someone asked, “Captain, is there another battle coming?” Wu Mi’s expression was grave as he nodded: “In half a month, we enter the mountains to wipe out bandits!”

No sooner had he spoken, the crowd erupted with excitement, their eyes filled with anticipation and fervor. Those in the vanguard battalion were eager to make their mark. They had longed for the battlefield to display their prowess and earn fame.

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Moreover, this time the target was the heavily weakened Black Mountain Bandits and other mountain marauders. Everyone sensed this was a godsend opportunity to achieve glory, each eager and ready to act.

After covering the basics, Wu Mi paused briefly, then added some crucial details focused on training arrangements. Since the mission targeted deep mountains with complex terrain, large-scale formations were impractical. Most engagements would be small-scale skirmishes, making the tacit cooperation within squads vital.

Therefore, subsequent training would center on squad-based drills, with full unit exercises only once every five days. After Wu Mi’s detailed explanation, half an hour had passed. He looked around satisfied and then signaled for dismissal.

Qin Jue led his squad toward the training field. Since it was training, speed was a priority. Originally, Wu Mi had intended to assign an instructor to Qin Jue, given his recent promotion and potential training gaps. But Qin Jue declined, explaining that Xiao Wushan had served as an instructor at Black Mountain Bandits.

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye. On the training ground, Qin Jue’s group was undergoing their final drills. Over these two weeks, their coordination had improved remarkably. Unfortunately, time was short; otherwise, their squad formations could have developed more variations. Xiao Wushan’s abilities in this regard were indeed impressive.

After the training session, as per custom, they sparred with each other. “Squad chief Xiao, how about you and the captain have a match first?” someone suggested with a smile, immediately gaining support from many. After half a month of training, everyone had grown quite familiar.

Xiao Wushan’s expression faltered. Qin Jue approached with a grin, “Come on, Old Xiao!” Though reluctant, Xiao Wushan knew from experience that no matter how much he resisted, he would end up fighting Qin Jue.

Helpless, he agreed. They stood facing each other. Xiao Wushan struck first, stepping forward and throwing a punch. Qin Jue, anticipating this, raised his right arm and grabbed Xiao’s fist. With a sudden force, he threw Xiao’s arm aside, clenching his left fist and aiming straight for the center.

Xiao quickly retreated and adjusted, launching another attack. Qin Jue again predicted the move and countered successfully, pushing Xiao back. After half a month together, the two knew each other’s styles intimately.

Blows and kicks exchanged. Facing Qin Jue’s mastery of third-tier strength, Xiao Wushan could not hold out and was defeated. The crowd cheered!

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Their thrilling duel inspired others, who eagerly began selecting opponents to spar with. Watching this, Qin Jue shook his head slightly. Unfortunately, as a third-tier warrior, he could no longer spar with the second-tier men to earn victory points.

Had he known this earlier, he would not have rushed to advance his rank just to win momentarily. It was like sacrificing an entire forest for a single tree.

Thinking this, he glanced at Xiao Wushan, who was just recovering. “Old Xiao, again!” he stepped forward boldly.

“Huh? Again?” Xiao Wushan blinked, nearly in tears. He was truly at his wit’s end! Over the past half month, Qin Jue had challenged him almost daily, sometimes three times in one day—and he had not won once.

At first, he had been full of fighting spirit, hoping to redeem himself. But now, he was utterly despairing. He simply couldn’t beat him! Moreover, Qin Jue’s battle sense was extraordinary—a natural combat genius who grew stronger with every fight.

From chaotic punches at first to skilled defensive counterattacks later, Xiao had observed all these changes with admiration and helplessness. Over the past half month, Qin Jue had become so familiar with him that he could sometimes even predict Xiao’s moves. He truly did not want to fight such a person!

But Qin Jue’s relentless pestering was even more exasperating.

Fight, then! A warrior should be fearless and relentless!

Xiao Wushan regained his fighting spirit but soon lost again, his resolve plunging. “Again!” Qin Jue urged.

“No way, not even if you kill me…” Xiao Wushan grumbled.

Faced with Xiao’s complaints, Qin Jue was helpless but understood the importance of moderation. He decided to give him a break.

Glancing at his status panel, he saw he had accumulated sixteen victory points over the past half month. This gave him a strong sense of security.

He had no plans to use these points. Tomorrow, they would march to battle. On the battlefield, swords and blades show no mercy; injuries could come at any moment. It was better to be prepared than caught off guard!