Chapter 1288: Gift of Treasure

Begar, the orchestrator of this struggle, had not yet deployed a single soldier. Its mere posturing had already exerted immense pressure on Dragon's Edge City. With the carrot offered and the stick held high, ordinary nations would often surrender before resisting, allowing Begar to have its way.

However, Dragon's Edge City was no ordinary state. The carrot of appeasement had never enticed it, nor could the looming stick intimidate it.

"When shall I depart?"

"Let's tentatively set it for a month from now," Zhong Shengguang had already made up his mind. "Before we strike Xianyou, we must be fully prepared and create a convincing ruse. If the Xiluo army advances west, they will have to pass through Jintao, and we will be alerted."

Begar's meticulous posturing was nothing more than a hesitant display in the face of the resolute Dragon's Edge. Taking advantage of this, Zhong Shengguang resolved to first sever its claws and prepare for the coming storm.

"Understood," He Lingchuan replied, knowing that this would necessitate an acceleration of military training. Though estimated for a month later, war always erupted suddenly, never allowing for complete preparation.

"Once this is behind us, I'll treat you to my finest homemade wine!" Zhong Shengguang patted his shoulder. "Ever since I took office in Dragon's Edge City, I've brewed a jar of plum wine every year. I now have close to twenty jars accumulated."

He Lingchuan smiled, surprised by Zhong Shengguang's refined hobby. "Excellent. I'll be sure to help you deplete your stock then, Lord Zhong."

As he left his superior's study, the guards along the path saluted He Lingchuan, their gazes filled with admiration for a hero. To He Lingchuan, these young, upright figures, seemingly bathed in a gentle rain of petals, embodied the same blend of resilience and grace as Dragon's Edge City itself. The future was harsh, but they held hope.

Stepping out of the government office, with dusk approaching, He Lingchuan postponed his return to Ximoling until the following day and sent someone to notify Xin Yi. Just then, a subordinate rushed to report:

"General, Sha Wei won seven consecutive matches, securing his qualification for the Tigerwing Army. Three of his companions also made it, while the rest were defeated in the arena."

He Lingchuan smiled, offering a word of praise: "Oh? Good lad!"

Sha Wei had uttered boastful remarks in the arena, leading countless Dragon's Edge City warriors to wish to beat him. Enduring seven matches, the challenge was far greater than the Tigerwing Army's selection process itself. It seemed this was also an excellent method for selection; the military academy's arena bouts could serve an additional purpose in the future.

The messenger then reported that although Sha Wei had fought all seven matches and was severely wounded, he insisted on enduring until Xin Yi publicly announced his victory, only then collapsing. The thunderous applause from the audience was entirely in his praise. Though initially arrogant, Sha Wei ultimately proved his strength through his actions, earning the recognition of Dragon's Edge's military and civilian population. While he hadn't lost any limbs, he would at least need a period of bed rest. His companions had also sustained injuries of varying degrees; the good news was that there were no fatalities.

"Send A'Luo to treat their injuries. Use good medicine; don't skimp on the treatment." He Lingchuan gave these instructions, not solely out of consideration for Lingshan's reputation. He Lingchuan felt no revulsion for individuals like Sha Wei; on the contrary, he admired them. With a series of fierce battles imminent, the Tigerwing Army needed robust and resilient warriors. "Once they recover from their injuries, send them the Tigerwing Army's armor and their squad leader's insignia." His army never turned away talented firebrands, but they would severely discipline those who were both arrogant and useless—in short, those who lacked self-awareness.

Upon receiving General He's order, A'Luo promptly arrived with his medicine chest to treat their injuries. The pills Sha Wei and his companions received were either so bitter they surpassed gall, leaving them reeling for half a day, or so pungently spicy that the sensation shot straight to the top of their heads, making their eyes stream with tears. But refusing was not an option; the medic was watching, the personal guards were watching, and anyone who didn't take the medicine would be force-fed. Sha Wei tried to protest, but as soon as he opened his mouth, another pill was shoved in. This one was not only bitter beyond belief but also had a foul, pungent odor. After taking it, he started burping, each belch so noxious it felt like it could suffocate him.

"Is this really necessary?" He raised his uninjured left hand to cover his mouth. "Don't you have any other medicine?"

"Good medicine tastes bitter," A'Luo replied with a knowing smile. "The better the effect, the more bitter it is. Many would wish for such potent medicine but cannot obtain it. Starting today, you must take this medicine twice daily for at least seven days."

Seven days... fourteen bitter doses! These men, who faced mortal danger without fear, now felt a distinct dread towards this bitter medicine.

With the wounds fully treated, he patted Sha Wei's shoulder and casually walked out. The pat made Sha Wei grimace. He then asked the medic beside him, "Does he have something against me?"

"A'Luo is our General's personal physician," the medic said, smiling. "When the General was injured, A'Luo also hounded him to take his medicine. He hasn't singled you out."

Oh, so the General also dreads this medicine. No, Sha Wei and the others froze for a moment, then it clicked: General He had actually sent his personal physician to treat them.

The medic then produced several grappling lines from behind and distributed them individually. "These are spider-silk lines, woven personally by the Cavern Spider Queen, possessing extraordinary resilience. The General says you'll find them useful very soon."

Everyone took them, examining them with delight, their faces beaming. One of them said to Sha Wei, "We caused trouble at the tavern, yet the General praised us instead!"

Sha Wei cast a glance at him. "Did you lose your wits? The General is clearly rewarding us for winning the bouts!"

No sooner had he spoken than A'Luo re-entered and handed Sha Wei a pair of crane-bill scythes: "I almost forgot, these are a gift from General Tigerwing to you, weapons he personally confiscated from a Begar general!"

Named for their resemblance to a crane's long beak, Sha Wei took an immediate liking to the weapons. A'Luo then added, "The General observed your combat style and believes this type of unconventional, agile, and tricky weapon suits you. Use them well, and do not disappoint his expectations."

Sha Wei was overjoyed. "Please inform the General that he will not be disappointed!" He seized one crane-bill scythe and instinctively swung it a few times; it whistled through the air, feeling perfectly balanced in his grip. "What a treasure!" If an enemy stood before him, he could crack their head open like a coconut, piercing a hole with every strike.

His fellow disciples watched with envy. "Senior Brother Sha has certainly found his true calling here; the General holds you in high regard."

Sha Wei caressed the sharp edge of the crane-bill scythe, reluctant to put it down. The Daoist sect itself had intricate rituals and strict rules, particularly abhorring rebelliousness and flamboyance. Within his sect, his elders demanded that Sha Wei curb his nature and devote himself to cultivation. Later, he finally managed to descend the mountain and join the army, only for his personality to encounter obstacles at every turn, facing suppression from his superiors. Had he not possessed genuine capabilities, he would have been expelled countless times.

However, this time, fighting in a no-holds-barred match in Dragon's Edge City, he was certain that what he heard before he collapsed was cheers, not jeers! The people of Dragon's Edge City did not dislike him, nor did its soldiers. After only a single encounter, General Tigerwing not only sent his personal physician but also gifted him powerful weapons.