Chapter 164: Meeting at Huailiu Courtyard, Future Changes

The military quartermaster reserve has historically been a prime target for various armies to poach talent.

In domestic warfare, the role of a military quartermaster is less pronounced, as transport offices are established in all provinces, prefectures, commanderies, and military departments to manage food and fodder supplies. Additionally, many Ever-Normal Granaries are set up across regions to serve both official and civilian needs. However, when operating beyond the borders of Great Zhou in foreign territories, the military quartermaster's importance is immensely magnified.

Soldiers can fight and win battles even without ideal weapons, fighting bare-handed or with inferior ones. There are countless examples of victories achieved while enduring poor living conditions, inadequate clothing, and harsh environments. But they absolutely cannot fight on an empty stomach. Being fed is the top priority; otherwise, nothing else matters.

"For regular local armies, at the same rank, one military quartermaster must support the wartime provisions of five soldiers; this is the minimum standard."

"Among the nine garrisons within the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, although their rankings vary, by training standards, one military quartermaster must support the wartime provisions of thirty soldiers to be considered qualified."

"Judging a military quartermaster's ability solely by provision capacity, top-tier talents like Zhao Xing, Shi Yong, and Zhuang Ziqing can each supply five hundred people."

"Slightly weaker top-tier talents can supply a hundred people of the same rank."

"However, this is only training. In a real battlefield, it's much more complex for a military quartermaster to secure supplies."

"Looking at this year's training, Zhao Xing's performance in practical combat has been outstanding; he's a notch above other top-level talents."

"If we can poach him for the Tiger-Jiao Army, it would be worth paying any price," a quartermaster, clad in a cloud-patterned uniform, said while standing on a cloud, introducing someone to the person next to him. "General Wei, Zhao Xing is absolutely worth your personal visit."

Beside the cloud stood another person, dressed in battle armor, holding an emerald-green staff. The staff was engraved with arcane symbols, thicker at the top and tapering downwards, with a Tiger-Jiao head carved at its peak.

Wei Yuan was one of the Tiger-Jiao Army's ten commanders and also its highest-ranking military quartermaster. Among Marquis Mingwu's ten generals, Wei Yuan ranked first due to his dual ability to fight and cultivate. During combat, Wei Yuan often made the first move to alter weather phenomena, creating the most advantageous fighting environment for the Tiger-Jiao Army.

The Tiger-Jiao Army's combat effectiveness differed significantly with or without Wei Yuan. It was often said outside: "If not for the lack of major battles, Wei Yuan would likely have been ennobled as a Marquis by now."

Wei Yuan, robust in build and honest in appearance, smiled upon hearing the garrison commander's introduction. "I've also seen his official records; it is precisely as you said, which is why I came."

Wei Yuan had originally been on the front lines at the Nine Heavens Responding to Yuan Prefecture, but upon receiving news from the Grotto-Heaven, he hurried back. Besides military duties within the Grotto-Heaven, his most important task was to poach from the Divine Might Army.

Zhao Xing's individual spells were not particularly stunning, at least in Wei Yuan's view. There were even people in the Nine-Section Dojo who could rival or surpass Zhao Xing. However, when it came to large-scale practical combat, especially increasingly complex practical training, Zhao Xing's performance significantly outpaced other talents, including Shi Yong and Zhuang Ziqing. Zhao Xing could even be considered in a class of his own.

The Tiger-Jiao Army, of course, wouldn't want to miss such a talent. He was transferred by the Divine Might Army? What did that matter? The Tiger-Jiao Army was far stronger than the Divine Might Army. The Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven was conquered through battle, and Marquis Mingwu's Tiger-Jiao Army bore the primary credit for this achievement. The Divine Might Army and other units benefited from Marquis Mingwu's prestige to gain advantages within the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven. Therefore, Wei Yuan was quite confident about this recruitment attempt. Besides the Tiger-Jiao Army, no one else could offer better terms.

At the Eighteen Scholar Trees Courtyard, Zhao Xing opened the gate and invited the Tiger-Jiao Army personnel in. There was no other choice; he had to invite them in. As a mere recruit who hadn't even officially joined the Divine Might Army, he had no right to refuse these powerful figures. If he dared to turn away such important people, he could forget about making a living here.

"Zhao Xing of the Divine Might Army pays his respects to General Wei! Please take the honored seat."

Zhao Xing bowed to the fifth-rank military quartermaster. He had no mental burden, respectfully inviting the important figure to the main hall's honored seat while he remained standing. He knew very well why they had come; it was a form of appreciation, and even if he intended to refuse, he shouldn't offend them.

"Zhao Xing, there's no need to be so polite. Please sit and speak," Wei Yuan said, waving his hand after taking his seat.

"Yes," Zhao Xing replied, then sat up straight.

"You don't need to say you're Zhao Xing of the Divine Might Army," Wei Yuan smiled. "You're not truly part of the Divine Might Army yet; they merely selected and transferred you. Strictly speaking, you are currently a reserve quartermaster officer of the Department of Terrestrial Resources, under the Quartermaster Bureau of the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven's Yangcheng Army Military Department."

"The general is right."

Zhao Xing did not refute this, because institutionally, it was true. The Military Department was supreme, so these reserve military quartermasters were considered trained by the Military Department and were not yet formally affiliated with specific armies. Later assignments to various armies would also be by official document issued by the Military Department, which would decide to transfer a certain quartermaster to a certain army; this was the formal procedure.

"It's not Marquis Boping who bestows military rank upon you, but the imperial court. You must understand the difference."

"Yes, I respectfully heed the General's teachings," Zhao Xing said, rising and bowing. Even if a marquis had the power to select personnel, the legal and written documentation had to pass through the central authority. Of course, despite the formality, the person recruited generally belonged to whoever recruited them.

It must be said that although Wei Yuan was a military quartermaster, his negotiation skills were no less than those of a strategist. Upon noticing Zhao Xing's self-introduction as "Zhao Xing of the Divine Might Army," he used the imperial court's regulations to correct Zhao Xing, reducing any potential reluctance in his heart. This was also to tell Zhao Xing: "Look, even if you consider switching allegiance, you don't need to feel any guilt, because you are serving the imperial court, not just Marquis Boping."

"Sit, I told you there's no need to be so reserved." Wei Yuan's smile was benevolent. Once Zhao Xing had resettled, he continued, "Tian Yan, your teacher at the Department of Terrestrial Resources, and I have been friends for a century. A long time ago, we even drank barbarian ox urine together, hahaha."

"General, you have endured countless battles and hardships; you are truly a role model for us juniors." Zhao Xing bowed. This was indeed admirable. For a military quartermaster to resort to drinking urine for hydration meant the battle must have been utterly brutal and life incredibly arduous. Zhao Xing had never suffered such hardship; he usually just died and waited for resurrection. Those who could endure were truly heroes!

"Things are much better now. In the army, whether it's clothing, food, housing, or weapons and treasures, everything is superior to the past. The nation is strong and prosperous, and talent is emerging. Seeing your generation grow better than ours, that's precisely the meaning of our struggle." Wei Yuan conversed with Zhao Xing entirely in the manner of an elder.

"The General's ambition is truly admirable."

Seeing Zhao Xing offer nothing further after that single remark, Wei Yuan immediately changed his strategy:

"Zhao Xing, you are Tian Yan's student. Both your teacher and I wish to personally see you achieve greater heights."

"The Divine Might Army isn't suitable for your development. Come to the Tiger-Jiao Army; I will treat you like my own son or nephew. I will fully assist you with the continuous military duties assigned by the Military Department. Once you pass this probationary period, you can directly serve under me as a Nine-Section Captain."

"If you have aspirations of soaring high, the Tiger-Jiao Army is the best choice!"

Zhao Xing felt helpless. First, he played the emotional card, discussing ideals; seeing that didn't move him, he now moved to practical benefits. Was this Wei Yuan a military quartermaster or a strategist? His conversation was too smooth.

Tian Yan had indeed suggested that Zhao Xing had better options. The Divine Might Army was at the bottom among the nine garrisons, and Marquis Boping, Yang An, had only recently been reinstated. In terms of strength and foundation, they were inferior to other garrisons. But Zhao Xing knew this "train" would take off, even if it eventually crashed. He wouldn't jump off now. Wei Yuan himself hadn't even been ennobled as a Marquis yet. If Zhao Xing joined the Tiger-Jiao Army, with its abundance of talents, how fierce would the competition be? Earning merit would be harder than staying in the Divine Might Army.

"General, your sincere invitation is something this humble official would not dare to decline. However, Chen Shijie of the Divine Might Army has bestowed upon me the grace of saving my life, imparting knowledge, and recognizing my talent. To turn my back on him once I've achieved success would truly go against my conscience. I hope the General can understand," Zhao Xing said earnestly. In truth, where did Old Chen get so many favors? But Zhao Xing had no other choice now but to shift the pressure, hoping Old Chen could withstand it.

Wei Yuan nodded after hearing this, seemingly having anticipated it. He then asked, "If I can repay this favor on your behalf, would you be willing to change your mind?"

Zhao Xing bowed and replied, "If Master Chen orders me to leave, then this humble official's stay or departure will be entirely at the General's discretion."

"Good," Wei Yuan smiled. "This lad is quite cunning, refusing to commit to anything, but at last, he has spoken something concrete."

"In that case, wait here for my good news," Wei Yuan said, rising.

"Respectfully seeing off the General."

Zhao Xing respectfully escorted Wei Yuan out of the courtyard gate.

In the following days, perhaps due to Wei Yuan's influence, no one else came to disturb Zhao Xing. Cheng Qingming and Ge Jinsong from the Department of Celestial Phenomena also had their letters returned by the Black Armored Army. They couldn't compete. The Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven was only allowing them to stay there out of deference to others, so how could they contend? Zhao Xing also enjoyed a rare few days of peace. He stayed in his courtyard, organizing his accumulated knowledge.

Name: Zhao XingRealm: True Eighth Rank Upper (Cannot be raised)Profession: QuartermasterFortune: YansanQi Accumulation: Twenty-ninth Stage (9999/10000)Life Soul: Eighth Rank Late StageAdditional Lifespan: 80 years

Before entering the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, he was at the Ninth Rank. Shortly after entering, he broke through to the Eighth Rank. During this period, he underwent various training sessions in the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven. In ten months, Zhao Xing advanced from Eighth Rank to Eighth Rank Consummate.

"The Heaven-Earth Spiritual Bridge is stable, and I can faintly sense the presence of earthly malevolent qi. My additional lifespan has also increased by 5 years, accumulated from consuming some treasures during cultivation."

Mid-tier Spells: Innate Self SchoolStraw Effigy Spells: Flight (Consummate), Detonation (Consummate), Divine Valour (Nine Revolutions), Giant Shield (Nine Revolutions), Invisibility (Nine Revolutions), Illusion (Nine Revolutions), Guardian (Seven Revolutions), Soul Binding (Three Revolutions)Five Elements Observation: Mid-tier Consummate; Wild Growth: Mid-tier Consummate; Wilderness Condensation Art: Mid-tier Nine Revolutions; Hundred Li Yuan Analysis Art: Seven Revolutions; Nine Dragon Bending Joint Art: Five Revolutions.For Innate Self School spells, Zhao Xing completed the 'Minor Four Spells.' However, Innate Self School spells are exceptionally difficult to practice, so Zhao Xing only trained the Hundred Li Yuan Analysis Art to Seven Revolutions, and the Nine Dragon Bending Joint Art only to Five Revolutions. For Straw Effigy spells, Invisibility, Illusion, and Guardian have improved. His primary focus is on multi-spell fusion, and with limited energy, he hasn't learned more.

Terrestrial Advantage School:Earth Treasury Reversion (Human Path) (Plants) both ConsummateDivine Movement Guardian: Eleven RevolutionsFive Elements Earth Cleavage: Mid-tier ConsummateBoundless Earth Palace: Mid-tier ConsummateProfound Water Retreat: High-tier One RevolutionFor Terrestrial Advantage School spells, he gained an additional high-tier spell. This was a breakthrough during the Pinghuai Institute's trials, part of the Profound Earth Spells, specifically a vein-guiding spell used to regulate subterranean water veins.

Celestial Phenomena School spells: Lightning Attraction, Shadow Wind, Cloud Devouring, Ice Rain, and Drizzling Rain are all Mid-tier Consummate.Heaven's Frost, Heaven's Fire, Mist Concealment, Rolling Ground Thunder, and Lesser Nine Heavens Gale are all Nine Revolutions.Dripping Rain: High-tier Three RevolutionsThunderous Truth-Shattering Finger: High-tier One RevolutionSoaring Serpent Transformation: High-tier One RevolutionAfter breaking through with the "Freedom Seasonal Command," he gained two more high-tier spells. The "Summer Begins Seasonal Command" reached the Fourth Revolution of Knowledge Realm, leading him to fuse two self-created lightning spells and comprehend the Thunderous Truth-Shattering Finger. The "Autumn Equinox Seasonal Command" reached the Fourth Revolution of Knowledge Realm, allowing him to comprehend the Transformation of Phenomena spell, Soaring Serpent Transformation, which is also Zhao Xing's strongest spell. This is because leveraging the power of heaven and earth, it involves the transformation of life phenomena, whereas the previous two only pertained to 'meteorological phenomena.' However, the Soaring Serpent Transformation also consumes a lot of energy, requiring almost half of his yuan qi to cast, making it a life-or-death spell.

As for treasures, Zhao Xing's training always required him to use only standard-issue equipment. Therefore, his current possessions include only the Golden Straw Cloak, Hundred Flowers Bamboo Hat, Cloud-Treading Boots, and Cloud-Rain Pearl. The Cloud-Rain Pearl is a fourth-tier treasure. As for his Soul Armor, it was stored inside the Great Dream Academy, within the Grotto-Heaven's small world. Since the Great Dream Academy could not be entered, Zhao Xing had never taken it out. As for the Great Dream Annals, it is a top-tier cultivation method, still only at the 'Dream Storage Method' stage, far from 'Dream Walking.'

However, his Life Soul realm reached Eighth Rank Late Stage. This was mainly because Zhao Xing often didn't sleep, regulating himself with the 'Sleepworm' spell, which also served as a form of training for his Life Soul. Normally, his Life Soul should be at Eighth Rank Early Stage, but due to the Sleepworm spell, continuously extracting insect bodies from his Life Soul and refining his spirit, his Life Soul reached Eighth Rank Late Stage. This is why Zhao Xing could withstand the mental attacks of cultivation through rituals and achieve dazzling results in such courses.

Another seven days passed, and still there was no movement from the outside. Zhao Xing even proactively sent a letter to Old Chen but received no reply.

"Old Chen isn't actually caving under pressure, is he?" Zhao Xing stood at his doorway, looking outside. "If that's the case, I'll really go to the Tiger-Jiao Army." Joining the Tiger-Jiao Army wasn't out of the question; a strong army had its advantages, and the starting point would be higher. He wasn't obligated to stay with the Divine Might Army. Even if Old Chen had truly saved his life, if the Divine Might Army was a mess, he would have to leave even without the Tiger-Jiao Army as an alternative. How could Master Zhao possess such noble integrity and virtue? "If I'm not welcome here, there are other places that will welcome me." He had prepared himself psychologically back then, even if he were caught by the Profound Heaven Sect and forced onto a "pirate ship," he would make the best of it.

"Military assignments are due at the beginning of the third month. If Old Chen doesn't come by then, our association will be over. Even if I foresee future changes, I won't intervene. I hope you can truly sell me for a good price."

Zhao Xing chuckled softly, shook his sleeve, and prepared to go back inside.

Just then—

"Zhao Xing." A familiar voice came from not far away.

Chen Shijie and Long Xiao descended on clouds outside the courtyard gate.