Chapter 323: Breaking the Convention for Promotion

While her strategists and generals collapsed from exhaustion after taking turns on duty, she remained unaffected. This continued until the combined forces of the two nations were repelled and Panlong City achieved a great victory.

Apart from her initial outstanding achievements, this was also one of the reasons everyone firmly believed General Hong was a divine general. After all, such feats were beyond the capabilities of humans, even cultivators.

Later, Commander Zhong heard about the soldiers' wager and personally came forward to explain that General Hong possessed a demigod's body, free from worldly needs.

"A demigod's body," He Lingchuan murmured, stroking his chin and pondering for a long time. "Does that mean she doesn't even bathe?"

"..." Broken Saber's questions always cut straight to the core.

Hu Min rolled his eyes. "How would I know? But General Hong's armor, no matter how damaged in battle, would soon be as good as new. It must be a treasure, or perhaps even a divine artifact bestowed by a god. I've heard ancient precious garments possess self-cleaning abilities. Perhaps... it's the same for this one."

That night, General Hong left someone to handle the aftermath at the mine while she herself hurried back to Panlong City with the corpses of Village Chief Hu and the ferryman's cub.

He Lingchuan, wounded and exhausted, fell asleep as soon as he returned to his wooden hut.

The adjacent courtyard remained dark and quiet.

The next two days were calm, and everything in Panlong City proceeded in an orderly fashion.

Yet, he always felt an undercurrent surging beneath the surface of the city, unseen by most.

He also found an opportunity to visit Duan Xinyu. The man had been crushed by boulders when the underground palace reverted to a mine. He had been rescued and had already woken up. His leg bone was fractured in several places, but fortunately, it could be reattached, though recovery would take longer.

Having faced life and death together, Duan Xinyu's impression of He Lingchuan had vastly improved, and he no longer gave him a cold shoulder.

He Lingchuan, direct and outspoken, immediately asked him the reason. "I never offended you before, did I?"

Duan Xinyu stammered his reply, explaining that his fiancée had been utterly captivated by "Broken Saber" after watching the No. 7 arena match. She talked incessantly about the champion, to the point of forgetting to eat or drink.

Seeing his future wife turn into a brainless fan of "Broken Saber," it was no wonder Duan Xinyu had a poor impression of He Lingchuan.

He Lingchuan twitched his ears, then burst out laughing. "Such women have their brains clogged with cosmetics; they're either stupid or dull-witted. Brother Duan, you're wealthy and handsome; why not find a considerate and thoughtful girl? Panlong City has countless beauties. Why hang yourself on this scabby tree? What if you actually marry her and your son turns out as foolish as she is?"

No sooner had he spoken than there was a clatter outside the door, as if a bottle had fallen.

Then, footsteps rapidly receded, and the faint sound of a woman's quiet sobbing drifted back.

"You, you!" Duan Xinyu, with his broken leg, couldn't pursue her and was too enraged to speak.

He Lingchuan listened for a few more breaths, then lightly coughed. "Alright, your fiancée won't look at me straight ever again." He had heard furtive footsteps outside the door just moments before.

Duan Xinyu was stunned. He Lingchuan patted his shoulder and left, laughing heartily.

Afterward, he disguised himself as a one-eyed man and went to drink with some teammates.

Men Ban's injuries had not yet healed, and Liu Tiao was carefully looking after him. The way they exchanged glances clearly showed their affection was blossoming.

The Skinny Man told him that the authorities wanted to question him in detail about the battle in the mine, specifically focusing on each person's performance.

Men Ban and Liu Tiao had also undergone similar questioning.

Only He Lingchuan had not been sought for questioning.

Two days later, new battle reports came from the northwest, and General Hong led her army out of the city.

After finishing his martial arts practice, He Lingchuan felt his stomach rumble. Just as he was about to go out to find food, someone knocked on his door.

He opened the door to find none other than Official Liu of the Pengcheng Bureau.

"Oh, Elder Liu, why have you come in person?" He frequently visited the Pengcheng Bureau and was familiar with Official Liu.

Official Liu, usually stern, uncharacteristically had a slight smile. "I've come to bring you good news."

"Oh?" He Lingchuan stepped aside. "Please, come in quickly!"

"No need, no need. I'm here on official business." He waved his hands repeatedly. "The Pengcheng Bureau has a rule that officials delivering good news do not enter homes."

This was to prevent public officials from accepting bribes in people's homes.

Official Liu cleared his throat with a cough and announced in a clear voice, "He Lingchuan is wise, courageous, decisive, resilient, and resolute—a truly promising talent. Upon the recommendation of Xiao Maoliang and the review of General Hong, he has been exceptionally promoted to the Hundred Refinements Corps of the Great Gale Army, serving under Commandant Xiao Maoliang!"

"Here are your token, uniform, and military boots. Please take them." He pointed to a box at his feet. "These are two sets of winter attire, and there are two more for spring and summer."

He Lingchuan was momentarily stunned, then overjoyed. "I've been promoted? Elder Liu, I've been promoted!"

"Yes, you have been promoted!" Official Liu cupped his hands. "Congratulations! In just a few months since becoming a resident of Panlong City, you've achieved what others strive for years to accomplish."

He Lingchuan opened the box and stroked the dark red Great Gale Army armor. He had always envied Hu Min's attire, and now he finally had his own.

He couldn't put it down.

It was brand new, every copper rivet exuding the scent of metal.

Even the feel of the leather stirred his heart.

"Take your time admiring it." Official Liu had seen such reactions and expressions many times before. Knowing it was his cue to leave, he let He Lingchuan have a private moment with his new gear. "I'll be heading back now."

He Lingchuan wanted to give him a tip, but Official Liu quickly refused. "I'm bringing you good news out of goodwill; would you have me lose my post? No, absolutely not!" With that, he turned and got into his carriage, departing.

Before the sound of the horse hooves faded, neighbors who had been leaning by their doors listening and watching came forward to offer their congratulations. Having a Great Gale Army soldier emerge from their midst was an honor for the entire lane, and children returning from school now had an additional role model.

Parents, eager for their children's success, went home to fetch meat, wine, and even pickled vegetables as gifts, hoping to persuade He Lingchuan to tutor their children.

After finally dealing with everyone, He Lingchuan closed his door, wanting nothing more than to howl to the sky.

Being in a residential area, he didn't want to disturb the peace, so he repeatedly punched the wall seven or eight times.

Of course, he didn't dare use full force, fearing he might knock down the courtyard wall of Sun Fuling's house.

The first-stage goal was achieved; he had finally joined the Great Gale Army!

He Lingchuan let out a long breath, feeling completely relieved. At that moment, even a casual flourish with his saber felt much more agile.

This exceptional promotion was likely due to his commendable performance in the mine, accumulated merits from previous battles, and perhaps the added benefit of successfully defending the arena, all of which led General Hong to give her approval.

Otherwise, he would have had to become a squad leader in the patrol army just to qualify for selection into the Great Gale Army—and even then, selection itself would be another matter.

His adventures in the Panlong Dream were about to begin a new chapter.

Thinking of this, he felt that his perseverance during these days had finally paid off.

Just then, the Floating Life Saber at his waist suddenly vibrated. He gripped the hilt—it was scalding hot!

What was happening? Wasn't he sitting here perfectly fine?

Had he forgotten something?

He had experienced many twists and turns in the dream and finally achieved what he desired; but outside, it seemed...

Wait, he wasn't out of danger in reality yet!

He Lingchuan suddenly opened his eyes. What greeted him was an ugly, demonic face, and he nearly lashed out with a punch.

Fortunately, he held back the next second, remembering that this person wasn't a ghost, but Dong Rui without his mask.

"What are you doing?" Although Dong Rui's hand was dislocated, he had somehow produced a jade bottle, pressing it against his chest with his arm, and was lowering his head to bite open the stopper.

This guy truly couldn't be underestimated for a second.

Dong Rui startled, his hand trembled, and before he could pull out the stopper, He Lingchuan snatched the bottle from him.

In terms of agility, he was no match for this person.

"Give it back."

He Lingchuan shook the bottle. "What's this?"

"It's jellyfish food, a liquid." Dong Rui tried to maintain a calm expression. "Otherwise, we've been in its belly for two days; why do you think we haven't been digested?"

"Is that so?" He Lingchuan didn't miss the drastic change in Dong Rui's expression the moment he was caught red-handed. "So, pour it out now?"

"Feeding it is fine too," Dong Rui said, instantly acting as if nothing was wrong. "We should be landing soon."

In his heart, he secretly lamented. The poisonous liquid in the bottle killed without bloodshed, though it was a bit slow-acting. He had originally intended to dispatch He Lingchuan while he was asleep.

He had gone to sleep later and woken up earlier than He Lingchuan, but unfortunately, his hands were dislocated. Just getting the bottle out had taken him almost an hour!

An entire hour!

Was this kid an owl? Why didn't he wake up earlier or later, but only right before he was about to uncork the poison?

He Lingchuan slowly drew his precious saber. "I told you before, didn't I? If you pull any more stunts, you can say goodbye to these hands."

With that, he decisively chopped at his hand!

Two flashes, one red and one green, burst from Dong Rui's body.

These were the protective artifacts activating, then being shattered.

"Oh, so you've been hoarding protective artifacts?" He Lingchuan casually twirled his saber. "Come on then, let's see how many more artifacts you have left."

This guy was actually chopping his hand! Dong Rui screamed in fright, "I won't dare again, never again! I swear to the heavens, until we both return safely to the human world, I will absolutely never plot against you or attack you again!"

He Lingchuan asked him, "Are you serious?"

"Absolutely, absolutely!" Dong Rui swore a venomous oath, invoking his ancestors for eight generations.

In this world, oaths carried power.

"Alright then." He Lingchuan smiled at him and sheathed his saber.

Dong Rui had just let out a breath of relief when the other party suddenly punched him in the diaphragm.

He immediately bent over like a shrimp, his mouth agape, unable to close it for a long time.

He wanted to vomit, but nothing came out, only profuse sweat on his forehead, mixing with the water.

"A small punishment as a grave warning; don't let it happen again."

Dong Rui finally gave up.

He Lingchuan's gaze swept outward. Oh, it turned out the giant jellyfish had already left the turbulent mainstream of the Han River and entered a calm, deep-water area. No wonder this fellow was so impatient to attack him; he had been trying to escape to shore quickly.

Fortunately, Broken Saber had given him a warning, otherwise, he truly would have fallen into Dong Rui's trap. He Lingchuan didn't expose him, only asking, "How long have you been asleep?"

"About as long as you." The pain hadn't faded yet, and Dong Rui took a slow breath, his voice tinged with despair. "I also just woke up not long ago. The jellyfish's natural anesthetic can cause people to fall into a coma. The toxicity isn't strong, but we've been submerged for a long time."

Was this kid his natural nemesis? Every time he encountered him, he ended up getting the short end of the stick.

He Lingchuan looked around, trying to ascertain his location.