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Chapter 383: Peerless Battalion! (2)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
The other Company Leaders looked towards Wei Feng. They were clearly still rather wary of Zhou Weiqing, but Wei Feng waved them away. He knew that if Zhou Weiqing wanted to harm in, he could have done so earlier. Furthermore, Wei Feng was extremely confident that he would still be of great use.
Zhou Weiqing, Shangguan Fei'er and Wei Feng returned to Xiong Guangming's tent.
Zhou Weiqing turned to him and said: "Vice Commander Wei, please inform me, what do you think the three greatest difficulties our Ruffian Battalion is facing now?"
Without hesitation, Wei Feng said: "The first problem is food. As you have already seen, Commander Zhou, this is the far north, and very few vegetation can survive in the extreme climate here. Furthermore, this isn't even the coldest season yet. Those northern army bastards will only send us some of the lowest quality food, and at quantities that aren't even close to being sufficient. Every day, our brothers have to go hungry, otherwise our combat capabilities would be at least increased by another thirty percent."
"En… what else?" Zhou Weiqing said, a thoughtful look on his face.
Wei Feng continued: "The second problem is naturally our equipment. I'm not just talking about weapons and armour, but even some of the simpler tools for survival. We pretty much lack all sorts of resources, equipment, strategic materials and tools, all of which are highly important. In truth, every year we are sent several hundred men to fill our numbers and replace losses, but as you can see, our overall number maintains at around a thousand. We currently have one thousand two hundred men. I have been here for ten years, and I have seen too many brothers die. Not on the battlefield, but from cold, starvation or sickness."
"The third problem we have is our Jewel Masters' Consolidated Equipment and Stored Skills. In terms of overall power, I dare say that our Ruffian Battalion is definitely the strongest Battalion in the entire ZhongTian Empire, as amongst us, we number three hundred and sixty two Physical Jewel Masters and forty nine Elemental Jewel Masters. As for the rest, they all have some form of Heavenly Energy."
"What did you say?!" It was Zhou Weiqing's turn to be shocked. Although he had high expectations of the Ruffian Battalion, he had not even dreamed that they would be so strong, with so much potential.
A bitter look crossed Wei Feng's face as he said: "That is the law of nature, only the strong survive and the weak perish. So many years have passed, and well, none of the people sent here are any kindhearted souls. Without power, who could survive causing trouble in the army, to actually be sent to the Ruffian Battalion? Furthermore, it is so tough to survive here, and anyone weaker has likely died, and only the strong remain. However, out of so many Jewel Masters, the number who have complete Stored Skills or Consolidated Equipment are few and far between. Of the over three hundred Physical Jewel Masters, all their Consolidated Equipment added together still numbers less than two hundred… a body full of Heavenly Energy but unable to use it to their full potential. That is also the reason why when Commander Zhou said you were a Consolidating equipment Master, everyone's gaze turned so heated…"
Zhou Weiqing nodded slightly and said: "I understand. Vice Commander Wei, tell me more about the current situation of the Ruffian Battalion then."
Wei Feng started momentarily, then said: "Didn't I just say already?! Everyone is just here to pass the time and wait for death. After all, we have nowhere left to go, not even back to the Empire. In front of us are wolves, behind us are tigers… for us to be able to survive, it is already considered a miracle. What sort of current situation is there? We can just barely survive…"
Zhou Weiqing smiled passively and said: "It looks like Vice Commander Wei still does not treat me as one of your own. In truth, there are some things that just cannot be hidden. Let me ask you a question, since our Ruffian Battalion is so close to the north border… When the WanShou Empire army attacks, how can our Ruffian Battalion possibly survive? In terms of strength, I dare say that the WanShou Empire can overrun our Ruffian Battalion in seconds. Furthermore, with just these tents… when the true winter comes and the bitter cold hits, without enough food… even Physical Jewel Masters will not be able to survive, let alone the ordinary soldiers… So… If I have not guessed wrongly, the Ruffian Battalion definitely has some other secrets… perhaps… a hidden base of safety."
Hearing Zhou Weiqing's words, Wei Feng's face changed, and he looked at Zhou Weiqing with a powerful killing intent.
Zhou Weiqing ignored it, as if he could not sense the killing intent. Smiling, he said: "If I can think of it, I'm sure the northern army command can easily think of it too. Yet, why haven't they done anything about it, allow you all to stay here? From that, I can say that the Ruffian Battalion still has some use to the northern army command. Vice Commander Wei… I haven't gotten anything wrong yet right…?"
Wei Feng took several deep breaths before finally calming himself down. If not for the fact he knew he was no match to Zhou Weiqing, he would have taken action already.
"All of that… you actually guessed all of it?" Wei Feng said solemnly.
Zhou Weiqing looked at him closely, then said: "More accurately, it was my judgement. To be honest, it wasn't even hard to think of all that… as long as anyone came here to look for themselves, it isn't a stretch of imagination to guess all of it. After all, no matter the terrible conditions… you all are still alive."
"One more thing. You must remember, I am not your enemy. Since I have been sent to the Ruffian Battalion, then I will definitely let our Ruffian Battalion grow strong. In truth, this place is not bad, at least no one will be here to order us around or restrict us. Vice Commander Wei, let us be frank and above-board with each other. The three problems that you mentioned, I will definitely solve them in three months."
Wei Feng laughed coldly: "It is hard for me to believe that what you say isn't just some empty big talk. Those three problems have plagued us for more than ten years, do you think it can be solved just so easily just because you say so? Especially so for the lack of Consolidating Equipment Scrolls… that is at least a thousand Scrolls… even if you are a Consolidating Equipment Master, with just you alone, how can you possibly create a thousand Consolidating Equipment Scrolls in three months?! Let alone, the sheer cost of the materials, that is an insane amount in the first place…"
Zhou Weiqing smiled passively and said: "Since I dare to say it, I will definitely do it. In any case, I am already the temporary Battalion Commander for three months, and if I can't do as I say, I will get lost. What do you have to lose? In any case, you do not have to tell me all the secrets of the Ruffian Battalion now; if in three months you all think that I am worthy of continuing as Battalion Commander, it is not too late to tell me then. However, I have one thing I must tell you in advance. I am not here just to lead you all, but to command you all. I can give you a great life, a wonderful life, with money, women, power. However, you all must submit to me. In this world, in order to gain something, there is always a price. If in the future you all gain everything from me, and do not wish to pay the cost, then I will wipe you all out from the face of the world."
Wei Feng's eyes narrowed. "You are threatening me?"
Zhou Weiqing shook his head and said: "That is not a threat, just a fact. Alright, earlier, the twenty sets of the personal guard's equipment, you arrange for them to be given out. As for horses, how much food do we have left in the camp?"
Wei Feng look at Zhou Weiqing deeply before saying: "We still have some rations left, Battalion Commander do you wish to eat?"
Zhou Weiqing said: "It is not only for me. From now on, increase the rations for our brothers. I will deal with the lack of food first."
Wei Feng said: "It is not only the lack of food, the pressing problem now would be the Sixteenth Regiment. If they come looking for trouble, I'm afraid Battalion Commander Zhou will have to handle it personally. As for the two 'guesses' or judgements you mentioned earlier, it is no problem telling you actually. The real reason why we have always been able to survive is because we have burrowed many tunnels across these hills. At the border, there are several of our scouts lining the place, and as soon as the WanShou Empire army shows any sign of movement, we will all move out into the tunnels, to ensure they will not find us. As for the value we hold to the northern army command, that is exactly this information. At first notice, we will send note of any such movement to the northern command as well…"
Zhou Weiqing smiled as he inclined his head in agreement, saying: "Pretty close to what I had guessed. Alright, for the Sixteenth Regiment, I will handle it, you do not need to worry. These few days, make sure everyone is well fed. Also, I need you to choose a hundred of our most elite warriors, including all the Company Leaders. Three days later, I will have a plan of action…"
Wei Feng's heart gripped tightly involuntarily, and he said: "Battalion Commander Zhou, I need to remind you that our brothers' lives are the most valuable thing in my eyes."
Zhou Weiqing looked him in the eye unwaveringly and said: "I'm more afraid of death than any of you. Before we head off, there are two things to do. First of all, I want to change the name of our First Unique Battalion… Ruffian Battalion just sounds so terrible. Secondly, I want to set a few rules for our Battalion. Tomorrow morning, you gather the troops to hear me out."
Wei Feng said passively: "Commander Zhou, gathering the troops is not such an easy task. You should know that those that are sent here, and remain her, are mostly the unruly sort, old and wily soldiers in their own right. It isn't so easy to command these fellows.
Zhou Weiqing smiled faintly and said: "That is simple. You tell everyone, whoever reports on time tomorrow will be given a gold coin. It will be given out there and then, no owing."
"What? Reporting to a gathering… they will also get money?" Wei Feng started.
Zhou Weiqing nodded and said: "I will teach you how to be a true scoundrel, a real ruffian or rogue. I am not here to teach you all how to be 'good' people, after all, I have never thought of myself as a good person either."
Wei Feng laughed. "Commander Zhou, I am finding myself more and more interested in you. Very well, we'll see then. I'll take my leave now."
Wei Feng left the tent, and Shangguan Fei'er walked over to Zhou Weiqing, saying curiously. "Isn't it just a mere gathering, why do you need to give them money? If they don't listen, just beat them up until they do… I can help you do that, I'll be happy to do something like that."
Zhou Weiqing shook his head and said: "If they are ordinary soldiers, your method is definitely the right one. However, this is the Ruffian Battalion, a bunch of scoundrels and rogues, even if you use your method to force them one time, they will not be willing, or genuinely convinced, and worse yet, will harbour evil thoughts. To such people, luring them with the promise of profit is far superior than any other method. As long as I gather them into a group that is bound together by a large profit, where everyone in the group will gain so much that they cannot resist… only then can they truly be mine."
Shangguan Fei'er said, confused: "Such an army… can it really fight on the battlefield? If everything depends on profit, if they meet a powerful enemy, wouldn't they run even before they fought?"
Chapter 384: Peerless Battalion! (3)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
Zhou Weiqing smiled and said: "Why must we face stronger enemies though? Furthermore, there is a saying, I'm not sure if you've heard of it. When the possible profit is thirty percent, it is worth a try. If the possible profit is fifty percent, then it is worth some risk and danger in trying. When the profit is hundred percent, then many will be willing to bet with their lives. As for the profit and gain I bring to them, how can it be merely a hundred percent? In truth, a group bound by profit is always a double edged sword, they could become extremely lax and useless, or they could end up being bound much closer together than imaginable. The key is how we handle and regulate things. As I said, just wait and see, I will show you how to control them."
As he said that, Zhou Weiqing pulled over the only table in the tent, one that was on the verge of breaking down. Taking out a paper and pen, he started writing down his rules for the Ruffian Battalion.
Shangguan Fei'er stood by his side watching, and before long, her jaw dropped as she looked at Zhou Weiqing with an increasingly strange look.
To the Ruffian Battalion, gaining an additional Battalion Commander was actually of no change to them. The soldiers within the Ruffian Battalion were all very independent, and mostly very resistant to orders, even scoffing at them at times.
Even for those Company Leaders, they had forged their rank through battle and with true strength, and even then, they hardly ever gave any orders. If the soldiers did not like those orders, they would still disobey them.
Previously, the only reason why all the soldiers had gathered was mainly because they were all curious, interested to know what kind of person would be sent here to be their next Battalion Commander, curious about why the northern command still had not learnt their lesson. As for Zhou Weiqing's words, they frankly did not care much. After all, their previous Battalion Commanders had also said similar pretty words. The only interesting thing about Zhou Weiqing would perhaps be his strength and power, as he had actually defeated their Vice Battalion Commander Wei Feng so easily. That was something no one had expected, and in their eyes, this had given this young man a mysterious tone.
However, to the Ruffian Battalion, just pure strength alone was of no use. If no one was willing to listen to your orders, what could you do?
Just as everyone was still highly indifferent towards this new, young Battalion Commander, Wei Feng passed along a new order which piqued all their interests. 'Tomorrow morning, as long as they reported on time, everyone would be given a gold coin.'
After all, the Ruffian Battalion were considered out of the actual army, and did not have proper pay. Although they were not able to return to the city to use their gold, they could still go to other camps during their single monthly off day in order to purchase food and clothing. Furthermore, earning this gold coin was just so simple.
As a result, the next morning, as the sun had barely climbed up from the east, these Ruffian Battalion soldiers were surprisingly industrious, all gathered and in perfect formations in the flat ground of the valley, with their respective Company Leaders in front of them.
When Zhou Weiqing walked out of his tent, he couldn't help but shiver involuntarily. The dawn in the north was just too chilly! More importantly, he hadn't had a hot meal in a long time.
Shangguan Fei'er followed by his side, though she did not have the same reaction. Her cultivation level was higher than Zhou Weiqing's, and thus her resistance towards the environmental factors was still stronger than his.
When Zhou Weiqing walked down the hill, Wei Feng walked up to him to report. For the sake of the promised gold coins, he actually reported in a formal fashion: "Reporting to Battalion Commander. First Unique Battalion, one thousand two hundred and forty six men, all present. Your instructions, Sir?"
Zhou Weiqing nodded and said: "Vice Commander Wei, thank you for your troubles, please return to your position."
Wei Feng took another glance at Zhou Weiqing, who was acting just like a Battalion Commander. Finally, he shouted in agreement "Yes Sir." Before striding back to the formation.
Seeing the thousand over soldiers in front of him, dressed in tattered clothing, but still in neat rows, and thinking about the fact that they were all his men, Zhou Weiqing felt a sense of pride rising up from within him.
"Hello everyone, I am sure many brothers here still do not know my name. My name is Zhou Little Fatty, and I am your new Battalion Commander. I know that everyone is gathered here so early in the morning for the sake of the gold coin, especially with such cold weather. I am a man of my word, and I will not give a gold coin less." As he said that, Zhou Weiqing flung out his right hand, and a big bag of gold coins landed on the ground in a loud *plunk* sound. Some of the coins scattered out of the in a melodious tinkling sound, the morning sun glinting against them.
Instantly, a wolflike greed appeared in all the Ruffian Battalion soldiers.
Zhou Weiqing said: "There is more than a thousand two hundred gold coins there, and as promised, there will be enough for one gold coin per person. Alright, before that, let me speak first. I do not have much to say, but I hope that each and everyone of you will pay close attention to what I have to say, as it has to do with your own personal gain. After listening to what I have to say, you will all take turns according to your formation to each collect a single gold coin. Do you all understand?"
"We understand." Only a few lazy voices replied, and some loud mocking laughter could be heard from behind. Most of the soldiers were still looking on at Zhou Weiqing with a rather joking heart.
A cold smile crossed Zhou Weiqing's face, and he said: "I��ll ask one more time, those who do not reply me can leave right now, as you all have given up the gold coin. En… if you all want to try and snatch it, feel free to do so. Of course, you have to be prepared to bet your life on that. Do you all understand what I just said earlier?"
As soon as they heard that Zhou Weiqing would not give out the gold coins, the Ruffian Battalion soldiers immediately perked up. "We understand." All one thousand two hundred soldiers chorused in unison.
Shangguan Fei'er stood behind Zhou Weiqing, surprise apparent on her face. Yesterday, when she had heard about Zhou Weiqing giving out a gold coin to everyone, she had been rather disapproving. At this moment, she finally understood his intentions. With just this gold coin, Zhou Weiqing could do so much. In addition to what he had written last night, she could guess what he was about to do.
Seeing that everyone had replied him, Zhou Weiqing nodded in satisfaction, saying: "very good, I am very pleased that everyone can call out in unison. Now, I hear that the other soldiers in the army call us the Ruffian Battalion. So… who can tell me… what is a Ruffian?"
As a Company Leader, Green Wolf was standing in the front row, and he laughed out disdainfully and said: "Isn't it just a scoundrel, rogue, those who do not listen to orders? Can you say something fresh?" As soon as he said that, mocking laughter rang out from all about once more, especially from the men of his Company.
Zhou Weiqing waggled a finger at Green Wolf and said: "What bullshit is that, what do you know? What is a scoundrel? What is a rogue? A true ruffian, rogue, and scoundrel, that refers to a person who will do anything to gain the most, to gain the greatest benefit at the smallest possible cost, no matter what. Today, why have I been able to gather all of you here? The answer is simple…" He pointed at the gold coins scattered on the floor. "That is because of benefit."
This time, no one retorted, as what he said was the cold hard truth. The fact that all the soldiers were in formation here so early in the morning was living proof of his words.
Zhou Weiqing said: "I have come here to be your Battalion Commander, but I have never thought of trying to teach you all to be good people, to forge you into an army of steel. What use is that? How many of our men can actually stay alive? What I want to do is to teach you, how to become truly bad, to become real rogues, scoundrels, ruffians… to make our name of the Ruffian Battalion reach its true potential."
"Look at yourselves, what sorry state are you in, each and everyone of you miserable and wretched. Is that a life of a scoundrel? A ruffian? A true scoundrel should be wearing the best equipment, eating the best food, hugging the best women, drinking the best wine."
Green Wolf laughed coldly and said: "Enough with that bullshit, who doesn't know how to say such pretty but empty words?"
Zhou Weiqing ignored him, saying passively: "Next, I will be declaring some new rules for our Ruffian Battalion. Everyone listen closely; later on when you come over to collect your gold coin, if they are able to memorise and repeat these rules to me, they will be able to collect a second gold coin."
"Before that, I think the name of Ruffian Battalion is just not nice to listen to. I'll be giving us a new name, called the Peerless Battalion. We will be the one and only group in the entire Boundless Mainland, unrivalled and unmatched throughout the world. Now, let me announce the rules for our Peerless Battalion."
"Rule 1. If we are fighting to the death, we must have at least three times the strength of our enemy before we fight."
When Zhou Weiqing said that, everyone thought they had heard wrongly.
Zhou Weiqing smiled faintly and said: "You all did not hear wrongly. No matter what time, or facing which enemy, you all must remember… our lives are the most important resource. Without absolute confidence and certainty, we must not enter the battlefield. We are scoundrels and ruffians; what we want to do is to gain the biggest benefit, not foolishly pitting our lives for nothing."
"Rule 2. Our Peerless Battalion will not do anything that does not bring benefits."
"Let me explain more about this rule: That is to say, no matter even for the Battalion Commander like myself, if there is no benefit to doing something, you all can ignore my orders. However, if someone does something that harms the collective benefit of us all for your own selfish reasons… well, you don't need me to explain what will happen."
"Rule 3. There is no absolute ranking, everything depends on power. Might is Right."
"If any of you think you can defeat me, or bring greater benefit to everyone, then you are free to challenge me. As long as you can prove it, the Peerless Battalion Battalion Commander position is yours. At the same time, all the you listen up, the same goes for your Company and Squad leaders. If you can defeat them, the position is yours. However, the caveat of this is that there must be no serious injuries or death from this, otherwise I will take you on personally."
"Are you all now thinking that challenging for a rank or officer position is useless? Let me tell you now that such a thing is of the past… being an officer in my Peerless Battalion is definitely worth it. The northern army command might not pay you, but I will. Ordinary soldiers, your monthly pay is 5 gold coins. Squad Leaders, 20 gold coins. Company Leaders, 100 gold coins. Vice Battalion Commander, 500 gold coins. As long as you successfully challenge and win, then the new ranking pay is yours. At the same time, you are also welcome to challenge me. Your Father, I, has nothing but money to spend. If anyone successfully defeats me, I will give him a million gold coins. Do you all understand?"
Trying to reason with these ruffian soldiers was useless, and Zhou Weiqing knew that only benefits and money could be used to guide them to where he wanted, to let them truly understand him. The truth was, Zhou Weiqing had succeeded. After listening to his words, all of the Ruffian Battalion soldiers' eyes lit up, a heretofore unseen gleam within.
Chapter 385: Peerless Brigand Soldiers! (1)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
Sensing that he had successfully roused the spirits and enthusiasm of his Peerless Battalion soldiers, Zhou Weiqing smiled faintly before continuing: "For now, our Battalion rules are as such, just those three above. It shouldn't be hard to memorise right? Very soon, Your Father, I, will let you bunch of substandard scoundrels and rogues understand, what is a true group, a community of shared interest, shared profit. I'll show you all what I can bring to you all as a Battalion Commander. Alright, today's gathering ends here. All of you, come over here according to your formation to collect your pay."
Zhou Weiqing had not planned to speak for too long for this first morning gathering. His purpose was not for them to approve of him right there and then, as that was likely impossible. What he needed to do was to give them a deep impression. Just words alone was never as effective as actions.
The three simple rules that Zhou Weiqing had announced were rather simple, and besides a rare few, almost all the soldiers managed to collect two gold coins from him. With the gleaming gold coins in their hands, the reality of the situation struck, and Zhou Weiqing's words suddenly held a greater weight.
However, as soon as everyone finished collecting their gold coins, they suddenly spotted a massive dust cloud in the distance along with the loud thunder of hooves, clearly from a speeding group of cavalry heading in their direction.
The Peerless Battalion soldiers all turned to look, and they could see a cavalry unit galloping towards them in the distance. Wei Feng stood beside Zhou Weiqing and said with a furrowed brow: "Commander, I'm afraid that those must be from the Sixteenth Regiment. From the dust they are throwing out, it must be a heavy cavalry unit, at least a whole Company. What do we do?"
Zhou Weiqing smiled faintly and shouted out loud: "Brothers of the Peerless Battalion, there is a Company of Heavy Cavalry soldiers coming towards us now, most likely from the Sixteenth Regiment, here to look for trouble with us because of what happened yesterday. Let me ask all of you, with our Peerless Battalion's power, compared to a Company of Heavy Cavalry, is our power at least three times that of theirs?"
A stout soldier who had just gotten his gold coins cried out in a muffled voice: "Those heavy cavalry are nothing, Your Father, I, can take on four or five of them by myself!"
Wei Feng said: "We have so many Jewel Masters, naturally a hundred Heavy Cavalry is nothing to us! However, if we really take action against them, what if the northern army decides to kill us off?"
Zhou Weiqing smirked coldly and said: "That's not possible. I dare say that this is a move by the Sixteenth Regiment alone, otherwise it would not be just a single Company. They are even more afraid of being found out by the northern command than we are. Brothers, when they reach us later, wait for my command before taking action. Snatch and rob them all, equipment, horses, clothes; they will belong to whoever successfully snatches it. Anything happens, I will handle it."
For the ordinary soldiers, they accepted it without problems, but for the Company Leaders, Wei Feng included, they looked at Zhou Weiqing with uncertainty in their eyes.
"Battalion Commander, will that really be okay?" Wei Feng couldn't help asking.
Zhou Weiqing gave a cold humph. "Why not? We have been exiled here, left to ourselves, to die… what else is there left to be afraid of? If we do not gear ourselves well, we are just waiting for eventual death. Have you all lost your guts and fighting spirit after staying here for too long?"
Wei Feng narrowed his eyes and said: "In that case, let's get them!"
The heavy cavalry were not considered too fast, after all their equipment was just too heavy. However, it could be said that in the entire army, the equipment of the heavy cavalry were considered the best, the most expensive. If it were a long distance military operation, a single heavy cavalry soldier had to be supported by at least four supporting personnel.
The main equipment of a heavy cavalry soldier consisted of their own heavy armour, covering their entire body, as well as the armour of their warhorse. As for their weapons, it included a long lance, long bow and shield.
In the battlefield, just considering ordinary soldiers, they were the most fearsome, terrifying of all the military arms. Once a heavy cavalry unit charges on a flat battlefield terrain, they were almost unstoppable. With their 3.5metres to 4metres long lances, they were like moving, deadly fortresses of doom. Even at long range, they were able to use their bows to slay lightly armoured foes.
Of course, that also meant that training and equipping such a heavy cavalry unit was extremely costly and draining on all sorts of resources. As such, even for a great empire like the ZhongTian Empire, they would not form an entire Legion of heavy cavalry. Ordinarily, each Regiment would have a few Companies of heavy cavalry, while only very specialised cavalry Regiments would have Battalions of heavy cavalry.
The Sixteenth Regiment that Shen Bu commanded was one such Regiment, a cavalry based one totalling fourteen thousand men. Of that, an entire battalion was heavy cavalry, nine battalions light cavalry, and the remaining four thousand the support personnel, mainly in support of the heavy cavalry.
Yesterday, when Shen Bu had seen her personal guard come back late, and only in their under pants, with all their gear stolen from them, she was totally enraged. However, she knew that reporting this above would be useless, only resulting in them being the laughing stock of the army. After all, the Ruffian Battalion were already in such a sorry state, and as long as they still had some use, and did not do anything too untoward, the northern command would not do anything else to them. As such, she could only grit her teeth and endure. Today, she sent a Company of heavy cavalry soldiers to leave the camp stealthily, in order to try and get even somehow. Of course, she did not think that a single Company could take on the entire Ruffian Battalion, but it was more as a show of force, to scare them, and at the same time to get back the stolen equipment.
Although Shen Bu's personal guard were light cavalry, as elite, their equipment was not any less costly than a heavy cavalry soldier's, mainly because of a mix of titanium alloy and custom crafting. As such, how could she let it go so easily? At the same time, she gnashed her teeth at the thought of Zhou Weiqing.
Very quickly, the hundred well armed cavalry soldiers had reached about five hundred metres from the Ruffian Battalion. They did not continue, instead halting in their tracks.
For best effect when charging, heavy cavalry needed to gain momentum across some distance first, and by stopping at this position, one could tell that the commander of this troop was not bad indeed. All the cavalry soldiers held their long lances in front, their bodies braced forward with their shields held on their left towards their chest, ready to start their charge.
An officer, clearly also a Battalion Commander from the similar silver armour and the orange red feather in helmet, rode forward. However, she was dressed in a light cavalry armour instead. Before long, she neared the Ruffian Battalion. Although she was wearing her helmet, Zhou Weiqing recognized her instantly. It was Shen Yi.
"Ohh? Isn't this Battalion Commander Shen Yi? What wind blows you all the way here to our Ruffian Battalion?
As soon as she saw Zhou Weiqing, Shen Yi felt an anger rising within her; not just because of what he did to her yesterday, but also because he had rejected her in marriage so easily. Drawing her sword from her sheath, she pointed at him and exclaimed angrily: "Zhou Little Fatty, you scoundrel, how dare you steal our Commander's personal guards' equipment. Don't you know what crime you have committed?"
Zhou Weiqing looked at her in surprise, saying: "Battalion Commander Shen Yi, what are you talking about? When accusing someone like that, you need to have evidence… who can prove that I robbed them?"
As he spoke such shameless words, his face was still grave and earnest. If someone did not know the truth about the matter, they would likely think he was being wronged.
The men of the Peerless Battalion gathered behind Zhou Weiqing to watch his act. Towards this Battalion Commander, their sense of identity with him was rapidly growing.
"You… you dare to do but dare not admit it, are you a man?!" Shen Yi yelled angrily.
Standing beside Zhou Weiqing, Shangguan Fei'er couldn't help but sigh inwardly. This young lady was in just too terrible a streak of luck. Meeting this scoundrel like Zhou Little Fatty, how could she possibly win in an argument with his glib tongue?
As expected, Zhou Weiqing did not disappoint. Looking at Shen Yi with an astonished face, he said: "Battalion Commander Shen Yi, how could you say that! Be careful I sue you for slander, I have never tried it with you, how do you know that I am not a man?"
Although Shen Yi had been in the army for years, with her own rank, and her sister being the Regiment Commander of the Sixteenth Regiment she was in, who would dare say such shameless words like that to her? In that instant, she did not understand what he was saying.
However, those Ruffian Battalion soldiers instantly understood, and they burst out in raucous laughter.
Only then did Shen Yi come to understand. "Bastard, you dare to be so shameless! Zhou Little Fatty, I warn you, you better return what you stole, otherwise I will destroy your Ruffian Battalion."
Hearing her words, Zhou Weiqing gave a panicked look on his face, tearing aside the chest armour, he patted his own broad chest and exclaimed: "Ah! I'm so frightened! Come then, baby, come bite me! AAHHH!"
Of course, only that final cry of agony was real, that was because Shangguan Fei'er immediately thought of Zhou Weiqing's theory on the word 'bite', and couldn't help but pinch him hard from behind.
Black Bear burst out laughing heartily from the side and yelled out in merriment: "Come on, beautiful lady, come bite our Battalion Commander! Best if we can watch as you do so!"
These bunch of ruffians and scoundrels had been sent here for quite some time, and upon seeing a woman, their eyes lit up, and their raucous laughter grew more intense. Somehow, in such a time, the Peerless Battalion were as one.
"Good, very good. All of you…" Shen Yi was so angry that her entire body was trembling. "If I do not trample down you Ruffian Battalion, I will… I will…" She was so angry that she didn't even know what threat to make, abruptly turning around and returning to her heavy cavalry unit five hundred metres away.
Wei Feng moved closer to Zhou Weiqing, saying in a low tone: "Battalion Commander, they are likely going to take action soon. This part of the valley is flat, even ground, and if the heavy cavalry makes a proper charge, even if we win, I'm afraid a lot of our brothers will be killed."
Zhou Weiqing grinned and said: "Heh, don't worry about it, let them charge and you will see."
As he said that, he turned to the soldiers of the Peerless Battalion and shouted out loudly: "Brothers, let me tell you all… your Battalion Commander is omnipotent. Later, I will show you all. I will stop their charge, and once I do so, all of you go and rob them all, whatever you rob will be yours. Remember though, do not harm the horses, they are extremely valuable to us, even more so than all the heavy armour!"
"YES!" Loud cheers sounded out from all around. After Zhou Weiqing's words today, along with the thought of their upcoming 'robbery', the excitement of these ruffian soldiers were piqued. They were originally a bunch of fearless fellows, and with Zhou Weiqing at the side fanning the flames, how could they stay honest and still in such a state?
Chapter 386: Peerless Brigand Soldiers! (2)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
Shangguan Fei'er muttered in a voice that only Zhou Weiqing could hear. "You truly sound like a bandit head now."
Zhou Weiqing turned to her and said jauntily: "Not just any bandit, a bandit soldier. The peerless bandit soldiers of the Peerless Battalion!"
At this point, Shen Yi had returned to the Company of heavy cavalry, crying out angrily: "First Heavy Cavalry Company, prepare to charge!"
The clang of armour sounded out in an almost orderly fashion. For heavy cavalry, their selection and training were the strictest of all army units, and having received their orders, they swiftly made preparation to charge.
"Battalion Commander Shen Yi, are we really going to charge?" The First Heavy Cavalry Company Company Leader quickly nudged his warhorse forward and asked in a low tone.
Shen Yi gritted her teeth and said: "These ruffian bastards not only do not plan on returning the equipment, they actually dared to mock and take liberties with me. If I do not pay them back, my surname is not Shen!"
"But… Regiment Commander asked us here in order to threaten them, not to actually take action. If we charge, it will be difficult to answer to the northern command, especially if we sustain any injuries."
Shen Yi said angrily: "Are you in charge or am I in charge? If there are any problems or charges, I will bear them." As she said that, she drew her sword and pointed towards the ruffian soldiers, shouting out loud: "Charge!!!"
As the Company of heavy cavalry started charging, Zhou Weiqing could see clearly from his vantage position that even despite charging, they were in a neat formation.
Fifty of the heavy cavalry soldiers in a row; a total of two rows. For the first row, each soldier was about six metres apart. The second row was similar, but with each soldier right between two soldiers of the first row. That way, if the first row's charge was stopped, it would not affect the second row's charge. These were definitely highly trained powerful soldiers.
Five hundred metres was more than enough distance for the cavalry units to build momentum, and though they only numbered a hundred, they thundered along like a wave of steel.
One should never underestimate a Company of heavy cavalry. If they faced infantry soldiers who did not have any preparation, just a hundred of them alone could carve a path through an entire infantry Regiment.
The Ruffian Battalion soldiers were getting nervous at this time. Although they were confident in their own abilities, facing such a wave of steel still caused their faces to change. They were all experienced soldiers, and naturally knew the power of the heavy cavalry charge. Man, steed and equipment, the sheer weight of all that, along with the impetus and momentum from their speed… a charging heavy cavalry soldier at full speed was able to defeat a lower ranked Physical Jewel Master.
Zhou Weiqing casually lifted his right hand, an icy mist appeared in a faint flash of light, along with the Overlord Bow.
Shen Yi chose for the heavy cavalry soldiers to charge instead of shooting their longbow. After all, to ordinary archers, five hundred yards 1 was far beyond their range, and in her eyes, the Ruffian Battalion was merely a motley crew without disciple. In terms of understanding of the Ruffian Battalion, she could not compare to her sister Shen Bu.
Very soon, the heavy cavalry soldiers had reached about three hundred yards from them. That distance was still beyond most ordinary longbow archers.
At that moment, Zhou Weiqing burst into action. Striking the ground with the tip of his feet, his entire body leaped into midair like a sleek hunting cheetah. In the middle of that, the Overlord Bow had already been pulled to a full crescent. This time, he did not use any arrows; instead a thick white light gathered on the bowstring in the shape of an arrow, blue light mixed within, and in a swift motion, it flew out like a bolt of lightning.
As Zhou Weiqing's power had grown, so too had his archery and the usage of his abilities with the Overlord Bow. In truth, after reaching the Heavenly Shen Energy Stage, he was already able to condense Heavenly Energy into arrows. However, that took quite a toll on Heavenly Energy, and he would not use it often. At this moment, what he wanted was the shock and awe factor; not against his opponents, but to the ruffian soldiers of his own Peerless Battalion. That was the reason why he actually used his Heavenly Energy to condense into arrows.
As one might imagine, arrows made out of Heavenly Energy were far more powerful than ordinary arrows, especially with Skills imbued within, allowing the Skills to have a greater effect than normal.
This time, Zhou Weiqing only imbued a single Skill, the Lightning Explosive Palm. It was the Overlord Lightning Explosive Arrow.
The speed of an arrow fired from the Overlord Bow was indeed terrifying, and almost at the same instant that he released the bowstring, the arrow had already reached its target. The Peerless Battalion soldiers could only see the faint blue/purple afterimage left behind in the air, before a violent explosion rocked the entire valley.
The massive explosion did not have much of an effect on the humans, but it had a huge effect on the horses. Although these warhorses were all well trained, they were still animals after all. Along with the explosion, the charging Company slowed noticeably, especially the horses in front which reared up on their hind feet, neighing loudly in panic.
Zhou Weiqing's arrow had been extremely precise, not hitting any of the heavy cavalry soldiers or their horses, instead striking directly in front of them about ten metres away, causing a huge explosion and a resulting pit.
As soon as he had released that first arrow, Zhou Weiqing had not waited for it to strike and jumped down the hill, releasing his second arrow at the same time. The second arrow was shot directly into the sky, also a blue-purple colour.
Another explosion rang out almost right after the first, not quite as loud as the first, but a huge mass of compact but fine bolts of blue-purple lightning crackled as they descended from the sky. The area of effect was not too overly huge, but still more than enough to cover the hundred heavy cavalry soldiers. It was his Thousand Lightning Strikes Skill.
The Thousand Lightning Strikes Skill did not have much destructive power at all, but it had one of the widest area of effects. Furthermore, the metal of their armour were all electricity conductors, and as soon as the Thousand Lightning Strikes appeared, a strange sight could be seen.
All the charging heavy cavalry soldiers and their warhorses started trembling, their speed slowly considerably at once. Their once-neat formation was scattered, and the intense numb sensation caused the soldiers to drop their heavy lances.
Zhou Weiqing laughed heartily and shouted out: "Brothers, what are you waiting for?! Go rob them all!"
Although he had only shot two arrows, the result was clear, and all the watching ruffian soldiers were bedazzled. Just two arrows!! He had actually stopped the charge of an entire Company of heavy cavalry soldiers with two arrows, and broke up their formation!
It was time to flog the cur that's fallen into the water2, and such a thing was definitely a speciality of these ruffian soldiers. How could they possibly let go of such an opportunity! Led by Wei Feng and the other Company Leaders, they all charged down the hill like a locust swarm. They still remembered Zhou Weiqing's words – whatever they robbed would belong to them.
At this moment, Shen Yi was in a mess. As a Low Level Zun Stage Heavenly Jewel Master, the Thousand Lightning Strikes did not have much effect on her. However, she had not imagined that Zhou Weiqing would actually have Lightning Attribute Skills, and that their charge would be stopped so easily. Seeing the ruffian battalion soldiers swarm down the hill towards them, a sinking feeling appeared in her heart.
Chapter 387: Zhou Little Fatty likes men?! (1)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
In the end, Shen Yi showed that she was indeed worthy of being a Battalion Commander after all. In such a critical situation, she did not forget to shout out loud: "First Heavy Cavalry Company, Bows!"
The ZhongTian Empire Heavy Cavalry could be said to be the most well equipped army unit in the entire continent, able to fight at all ranges. Three hundred yards was not near by any stretch of the imagination, and for the Peerless Battalion soldiers to charge over would take them some time, and that was sufficient time for these well trained cavalry soldiers to recover from the numbness, keep their lances and draw bow and arrow. Their shields were bound to their left arm, and did not affect their archery.
However, how could Zhou Weiqing possibly let them have such a chance? If his plan was only to fire those two arrows, he did not need to jump down from the hill. After all, what was three hundred yards to the Overlord Bow and someone of his strength and archery Skill?
A deep, powerful howl emitted from Zhou Weiqing's mouth, filled with a regal aura. At that moment, his eyes turned bloodshot, but strangely, his body did not change. It could be said that he was continuing to improve his control over the Demonic Change State, making use of its aura but not letting himself fully enter the Demonic Change State.
As his cultivation level rose, Zhou Weiqing could currently even allow only part of his body to enter the Demonic Change. Of course, this was also because he had read the Heavenly Demon Sect's Demonic Manual and trained hard in doing so. Towards his Demonic Attribute, it could be said that the Demonic Manual had given him massive help. Not only did it allow him to gain much better control over the usage of his Demonic Change State, he learnt more about the essence of the Demonic Attribute and how to use all its skills.
This loud tiger's roar of his seemed to reverberate out like a huge wave, exploding out towards them. Even the Ghost Demon Horses had not been able to withstand the angry howl of the Dark Demon God Tiger previously, let alone these fine warhorses, which though fine and stout, were not even Heavenly Beasts.
All the heavy cavalry soldiers had barely just recovered from their numbed state, and had not even had the time to draw their bows yet. Hearing Zhou Weiqing's roar, they felt a chill in their hearts as their blood ran cold, and more so, their warhorses below them buckled and fell like wheat being harvested from a field.
Using the Dark Demon God Tiger aura's to howl out loud had its limit, but to just cover a mere Company of soldiers, it was much more than enough.
With a loud thud, Shen Yi's horse also crumpled to the ground, and she subconsciously leaped aside in order to not get trapped by the fallen horse. When she looked towards Zhou Weiqing once more, her eyes met his bloodshot ones, and she couldn't help but shiver uncontrollably, the ominous feeling she had raising to a maximum.
The heavy cavalry soldiers definitely looked imposing and grand atop their warhorses, but when their horses were all on the ground, with a large number of the soldiers being trapped under the horses, it was a totally opposite descriptive phrase that would be required. The reason was simple – their equipment was just too heavy, not just the soldiers, but the horses too. When toppled to the ground, it was a sheer feat just to stand up once more… and that time was more than enough for the Peerless Battalion brigand soldiers to reach them.
Zhou Weiqing's angry roar had indeed given these brigand soldiers a huge scare as well, but the power behind it was after all not directed at them. Seeing the entire Company of heavy cavalry soldiers topple just like that, Zhou Weiqing's image in their hearts grew yet another notch.
The following sight could be described as 'too horrible that one could hardly bear to look at it'. The brigand soldiers of the Peerless Battalion had long since been filled with pent up anger after being exiled to this dangerous wasteland for so long. Now that they had a chance to vent their anger, how could they be polite?
If the two sides were to meet on the battleground in a direct clash, the heavy cavalry Company might not be afraid of them. Alas, now that they had lost their greatest advantage, and were all lying on the ground, with so many Physical Jewel Masters on the side of the Peerless Battalion could only spell their upcoming bitter fate.
Even Zhou Weiqing could only stare with his jaw agape, only now did he know what it truly meant to dismember an ox as skillfully as a butcher 1. These brigand soldiers were truly skilled in the art of robbery, with three to four each handling a single heavy cavalry soldier, swarming up swiftly, and in a matter of four to five breaths, the cavalry soldier would be left with just his underpants. Such speed, such swiftness, such skill. Of course, at the same time, that cavalry soldier would not be spared from a beating.
"Peerless Battalion brothers, listen up, do not injure and especially do not kill any of them. That will be adverse to our profit. Without gain, how can we lay hands on our allies right?" Shen Yi, who had just barely recovered, almost stumbled and fell upon hearing that. What 'how can we lay hands on our allies?' Isn't that already laying hands?! If you had more gain, would you kill us all off?
"Zhou Little Fatty, I'll kill you!" Sword in hand, Shen Yi charged towards Zhou Weiqing with all her might.
These Peerless Battalion fellows were indeed sly. Seeing the four sets of Heavenly Jewels around Shen Yi's wrists, when they charged forward, they all veered around this Battalion Commander, giving her a wide berth, very 'generously' leaving her for Zhou Weiqing.
"Let me, let me… didn't you say whatever we snatch belongs to us? This girl's figure is close to mine." In the army, the make of armour did not differentiate between male and figure, unlike custom made armours or Consolidated Equipment, where the owners would definitely have some changes depending on their gender.
The one who spoke was naturally Shangguan Fei'er. In a flash, she had passed by Zhou Weiqing, facing Shen Yi whose eyes were bloodshot and berserk.
Shen Yi threw the sword in her hands towards Shangguan Fei'er, and the next instant, another sword appeared in her hands, glowing brilliantly with flames, clearly her Consolidated Equipment. Jumping up in the air abruptly with a loud angry howl, she struck down towards Shangguan Fei'er's head, the flames of her sword extending almost three metres.
Zhou Weiqing did not even bother looking at them, knowing that leaving Shen Yi to Shangguan Fei'er would not be an issue at all, and he did not need to worry about them. At this point, he had already dismissed the Overlord Bow, instead swapping to the Black Dawn Bow, looking around before firing off arrows slowly and steadily towards any stronger heavy cavalry soldiers who put up a fight. Naturally, he would not kill anyone, but with just his archery alone, he could easily take care of the entire battlefield with only a hundred enemies. His only job here was to ensure that there were no casualties on either side.
Facing Shen Yi's all out attack, Shangguan Fei'er gave a disdainful humph, leaping up to meet her flames directly. Just as it seemed like she was about to be struck down by the flames, Shen Yi felt a blur before her eyes, and Shangguan Fei'er disappeared, only to appear behind her back. Towards a lady, Shangguan Fei'er was much more gentler than towards Zhou Weiqing, and she struck down with her palm on Shen Yi's neck, knocking her unconscious swiftly and painlessly, before carrying her down to land safely on the ground.
In terms of power, it could be said that no one in the entire Peerless Battalion to compare with Shangguan Fei'er, perhaps not even Zhou Weiqing. However, in terms of robbing and snatching, Shangguan Fei'er paled far in comparison. By the time she slowly took off Shen Yi's Battalion Commander armour, the entire fight was over.
Zhou Weiqing stood right there, shouting out loud: "Gather them all together. If any of them dares to resist, beat them up until they stop resisting, just make sure no one dies."
As he said that, he couldn't help but marvel at these brigand soldiers of his… in terms of stealing and robbing, they were truly 'geniuses' in that art.
In just that short period of time, an entire Heavy Cavalry Company's worth of equipment was in their hands. Besides the strongest Wei Feng, and the other Company Leaders, who managed to get an entire set of equipment, the rest were either wearing some pieces of armour, a single helmet, leading a horse, or even just the army uniforms. Such a mishmash of equipment, no matter how one looked at it, they looked just like a band of brigands.
The hundred heavy cavalry soldiers dressed only in their underpants and gathered together, battered and bruised. With the bitter cold of the weather up north, and their equipment all lost, how could they dare to continue resisting? As for their Company Leader, Wei Feng had taken care of him personally, knocking him out swiftly in their clash.
Now dressed in a full suit of armour, Wei Feng strode in large steps to the front of Zhou Weiqing, smiling happily as he said: "Battalion Commander, Reporting. One hundred heavy cavalry soldiers, none escape, no casualties. For our side, only a few of our brothers sustained minor injuries. Further instructions?"
After that fight, Wei Feng was finally truly convinced about Zhou Weiqing. If not for him, they would definitely not be able to take down the heavy cavalry Company so easily, especially without any losses. Thinking back to what Zhou Weiqing had said about himself being omnipotent, he suddenly thought that perhaps that was not too huge of an exaggeration. Not only was this new Battalion Commander very similar to them, his abilities were truly inspiring.
Zhou Weiqing nodded towards Wei Feng and said: "Very good, you all have done well. These spoils are all rewards for everyone. Today, this fight is totally conforming to our rules. Our overall power was far greater than our opponents, and more importantly, we did not have any injuries or death. You all must remember, the most important thing is always to protect ourselves, only then can we earn more in the future. If anyone dares to do anything stupid and look for death, I will personally whip him hard."
Walking beside Zhou Weiqing was not just Wei Feng, but all the other Company Leaders as well. Hearing Zhou Weiqing's words, they all burst out laughing heartily.
Black Bear sidled closer to Zhou Weiqing and said in a low voice: "Battalion Commander, that young lady sure is beautiful… shall we… heh heh… if you eat meat, at least let us brothers drink some soup. It's been a long time…"
Zhou Weiqing glared at him exasperatedly, saying: "You stupid bear, if you want to die, go do so alone and don't implicate us all. That lady is the sister of the Sixteenth Regiment Commander Shen Bu. Robbing them is one thing, after all they left their camp secretly, and we are just defending ourselves. However, if you dare touch her, I can bet with you that within three days, the entire Sixteenth Regiment will be here to kill us all. Being a brigand also has an art to it… you can only do what is within your means, your power. Err… that… Fei… don't take off her clothes…"
He was still in the midst of scolding Black Bear when he suddenly saw Shangguan Fei'er had finished stripping Shen Yi of her armour, and was starting to unbutton Shen Yi's clothes.
Black Bear laughed and said: "Heh heh, this little brother is even more impatient and urgent than I am!"
Shangguan Fei'er held onto Shen Yi's armour as she stood up, turning to Zhou Weiqing and said: "I'm only taking off her outer clothes, I don't have any army uniform to change to." She did not lack clothing to change in her Spatial Ring, but they were all female clothes. How could she possibly wear them in the camp?
Chapter 388: Zhou Little Fatty likes men?! (2)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
Zhou Weiqing gave a bitter smile and said: "Don't strip her outer clothes either… we have to give Shen Bu some face, women are extremely terrifying when they go crazy."
Shangguan Fei'er said with a discontented tone: "Now then your heart feels tender? When Shen Bu wanted to marry her off to you, why did you reject her then, instead chosing to come here to be a Battalion Commander…" The officers of the Ruffian Battalion stood jaw agape at the side listening to them, staring at Zhou Weiqing in shock. This new Battalion Commander of theirs was truly something different!
Zhou Weiqing looked at her exasperatedly and said: "Alright, enough, wake her up."
Only then did Shangguan Fei'er suddenly realise that her actions were a little strange… almost as if she was being… jealous. Giving Shen Yi a swift kick, she stood back beside Zhou Weiqing's side.
Shen Yi's body shuddered slightly and she opened her eyes slowly, her hand moving subconsciously to her aching neck. All of a sudden, she felt the cold wind on her body, and her heart stilled in fright, her eyes opening wide abruptly, only to see Zhou Weiqing and the rest of the Peerless Battalion staring at her.
"Ahhhh!" A shrill shriek pierced the air, and Shen Yi subconsciously used her hands to cover her chest, protecting her not-too-large bosom.
Zhou Weiqing glanced at her and said grinningly: "Don't be afraid, I am not interested in yours, as flat as a racecourse as it is." After saying that, he felt a sharp pain in his waist, as Shangguan Fei'er had given him a savage pinch due to his shameless words.
Zhou Weiqing's face twitched from the pain, though he tried his best to control himself.
From the viewpoint of the Peerless Battalion soldiers, they could not see Shangguan Fei'er's actions, but Shen Yi, who was on the floor, could easily see it.
Seeing her own armour in Shangguan Fei'er's hands, and the closeness that their little actions showed, when Shen Yi looked back at Zhou Weiqing, there was a weird look in her eyes besides the panic.
"No wonder you refused to marry me… no wonder… you actually like him?!" As she said that, Shen Yi's gaze landed on Shangguan Fei'er. She clearly remembered how this person had subdued her so easily… 'His' cultivation level and power was definitely at least as strong as that Zhou Little Fatty, or perhaps even higher, yet he was willing to just be a follower… What else could this be? She had never expected that Zhou Little Fatty would actually like men!
Shangguan Fei'er froze in place, and due to a strange sense of guilt, she lowered her head subconsciously. Alas, in others' eyes, that was tantamount to admitting it!
The Peerless Battalion officers who were standing beside Zhou Weiqing all took a step back, looking at Zhou Weiqing with a strange look on their faces.
Looking at Shangguan Fei'er, then back at Shen Yi, Zhou Weiqing said helplessly: "Who Your Father, I, likes is none of your business. Gather your men and leave. Go back and tell Shen Bu that I don't have much interest in the heavy cavalry equipment, let her bring money to exchange. However, the bows, horses and shields are ours now. The heavy armour and horses armour can all be sold back to you; two hundred gold per set. Next time, bring the money to exchange for it."
Shen Yi clambered back to her feet, looking angrily at Zhou Weiqing as she said: "You just wait, my sister will not let you off so easily." After saying that, she turned and left. Without needing Zhou Weiqing to open his mouth, Wei Feng motioned for the Peerless Battalion to move aside.
When Shen Yi saw her heavy cavalry troops all in their underpants, she almost fainted. As a young lady who lived a relatively sheltered life in that regard, seeing a whole horde of men almost fully naked, how could she stand it. Without looking back, she ran off ahead.
Watching the company of soldiers leave in their sorry state, Zhou Weiqing gave the order for the Peerless Battalion to return to camp.
Black Bear sidled over and said: "Battalion Commander, you don't really like men do you?"
Zhou Weiqing glanced at him, then licked his lips. "That's right, Your Father, I, loves men, especially such robust and strong men like you. Tonight, you come to my tent all right?"
"Ahh? Noooo!" Black Bear yelled out and ran off.
Zhou Weiqing gave a cold humph, turning back to the other Peerless Battalion soldiers and shouted an order: "Beat up Black Bear, so much so that his own mother won't even recognize him. If you do so, I'll cook some meat for you all to eat tomorrow."
Hearing that there would be meat to eat, the group of brigand soldiers instantly became a pack of wolves that smelled blood, their eyes lighting up instantly as they charged forward. Before long, Black Bear's cries of agony rang out. A brave man cannot withstand against a horde of foxes…
"If you dare like men, 'Your Mother, I1' will chop yours off." Shangguan Fei'er's angry voice rang out.
Wei Feng and the others, who had been watching Black Bear get beaten up with an amused look on their faces, instantly turned to look at her with a surprised expression.
"What are you looking at? I'm a woman, what about it?" Shangguan Fei'er yelled with a mix of anger and exasperation. She could not stand Zhou Weiqing being thought of as a homosexual by these subordinates, so she had unthinkingly admitted she was a woman, and she also resumed using her normal voice.
Wei Feng stared at Zhou Weiqing, his jaw agape, before finally saying: "Battalion Commander, you actually brought your wife along to join the army?!"
Zhou Weiqing coughed once embarrassedly, but Shangguan Fei'er jumped to speak before he could. "Little Fatty, look, this Peerless Battalion of ours seems to lack a trainer! In order to let them raise their power as soon as possible, let me be their trainer, okay?"
As she said that, Shangguan Fei'er lifted her hand, stripping off her mask and revealing her face of peerless beauty.
The Peerless Battalion ruffian soldiers had been cooped up here for a long time, and besides using the 'ten women' and the 'left right ultimate skill' 2 to deal with their physiological problems, there was no other way. Let alone a woman, even a sow would have been a cordial sight to their eyes.
With such an unbelievable beauty appearing right before their eyes, Wei Feng and the others couldn't help but stare, some with less control even drooling in joy.
"Am I beautiful" Shangguan Fei'er said with a saccharine sweetness.
Zhou Weiqing palmed his forehead and groaned, quickly turning to leave. When the Heaven's Expanse Palace Little Demon Girl acted like this, there was nothing good that would come out of it, he had better leave as soon as possible. Before doing so, he specially dragged Wei Feng away as well.
"Battalion Commander, why did you drag me away?" Wei Feng said resentfully, his eyes still fixed greedily upon Shangguan Fei'er as he was forced away.
"If you don't want to die, you better come with me now." Zhou Weiqing said softly, forcibly dragging him away.
Wei Feng was angry in his heart, thinking to himself: Even if that is your woman, can't I even have a look?!
However, it wasn't long before that anger vanished. After being dragged about twenty metres away, he suddenly saw Green Wolf and the others as if somehow provoked, leaping towards Shangguan Fei'er as a group.
This time, Wei Feng was dumbfounded, stricken with fear. He had experienced and seen Zhou Weiqing's strength, and if his woman were to be attacked just like that, how could Zhou Weiqing let them off like that?
However, to Wei Feng's surprise, Zhou Weiqing did not even bother looking back, continuing to drag him towards his tent. At that moment, the group of pouncing men were all sent flying back one by one like cannon balls.
A symphony of painful cries rang out in a rhythm, increasingly louder. Wei Feng could see Shangguan Fei'er moving in a flash, barely catching her illusory figure as she jumped around, as if juggling the group of them. Anyone who came within three yards of her would be sent flying savagely.
The scene blackened before him. Zhou Weiqing had successfully dragged him into the tent.
"Battalion Commander… that…" Wei Feng said dully, still in shock.
Zhou Weiqing shook his head helplessly and said: "Now then you know right… Provoking that Little Demon Girl will never end well. Do you think my strength is abnormal, not like a Four Jeweled Heavenly Jewel Master?" Wei Feng nodded; after all it was the truth.
Zhou Weiqing continued: "Fei'er is even more abnormal than I am… and more so, her cultivation level is at the six Jewels. You can think for yourself."
Wei Feng shivered involuntarily. By now, how could he not understand? "Battalion Commander, thank you for saving me!"
Zhou Weiqing grinned and said: "Looks like Green WOolf and the others will not be able to join tonight's operation. Wei Feng, do you have the map of the northern armies, the more detailed the better."
Wei Feng's heart skipped a beat and he said: "Battalion Commander, why do you need a map? Are you trying to get revenge on the Sixteenth Regiment?"
Zhou Weiqing gave a disdainful humph and said: "Revenge? What good is that? Didn't I say before, our Peerless Battalion will not do anything that does not profit us? Didn't you hear me say that I'll let our brothers have meat to eat tomorrow, if we don't go out and get some, how are they going to eat?"
Wei Feng's eyes narrowed. "Battalion Commander… you… aren't going to rob the grain depot are you?"
Zhou Weiqing said exasperatedly: "Rob? What rob? We are going to collect. Originally, I was going to do so three days later, but since Shen Bu has given us such a big gift today, we shall take action tonight, collect some supplies and let our brothers have a good meal first."
Audacious to the extreme; that was Wei Feng's appraisal of Zhou Weiqing.
Seeing his hesitant eyes, Zhou Weiqing clapped Wei Feng on the shoulder and said: "Don't worry, it will be fine. Quick, bring me the map to look at first."
Wei Feng had no choice but to leave quickly to do so, leaving Zhou Weiqing alone in the tent. The cries of agony from outside were still unending, evoking bad memories and sending chills down Zhou Weiqing's spine. Luckily, he was not the one screaming out right now…
Right at that moment, the tent flapped opened and Shangguan Fei'er entered. "That was boring, what a bunch of weaklings, they can't even take a beating. Just a few hits and they can't even get up… Little Fatty, I'm just about having fun now, come on out, let's spar."
Zhou Weiqing stared at her, dumbfounded. Currently, due to a large amount of exertions, her beautiful face had a pink flush, looking valiant and healthy. Although she was wearing an ordinary army uniform, her radiant beauty was just too stunning.
"Uhhh… Fei'er, tonight we have a big operation to run, it will be fun. Do you want to come along?"
With an impassive look, Zhou Weiqing swiftly changed the topic. He did not want to end up in the same state as those fellows outside.
As expected, Shangguan Fei'er's interest was piqued. "Big operation? Doing what? Of course I want to go!"
Chapter 389: Zhou Little Fatty likes men?! (3)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
Zhou Weiqing grinned and said: "You don't have to care what we are doing first, in any case, I will be the commanding officer then. You don't want to have me bruised and battered and unable to go out… in that case I wouldn't be able to bring you out to play tonight."
Shangguan Fei'er thought about it for a moment, then turned to look at Zhou Weiqing. "Alright, I'll let you off this time. However, if tonight's operation isn't fun, you're dead! Oh right, just now I also helped you proclaim… I am now the overall drillmaster of the Peerless Battalion, in charge of their combat skills. They have also acknowledged my post. In the future, you must call me Drillmaster Shangguan. Not bad, not bad, in the future, I'll have a lot of targets to practice on."
Zhou Weiqing couldn't help but think to himself. You're so violent, how could they dare to not acknowledge it.
At this point, Wei Feng returned as well. Seeing Shangguan Fei'er in the tent, his expression changed as well, and he greeted her with even more respect than towards Zhou Weiqing. "Greetings, Drillmaster Shangguan."
"En." Shangguan Fei'er nodded at him.
No wonder Wei Feng was so respectful; it was just that he had just seen the sorry state of the few Company Leaders outside that caused it!
Black Bear had been beaten up by a mob, that was bad enough right? However, compared to Green Wolf and the others, he was considered lucky, at least he was still recognizable, still able to walk. Yet, Green Wolf and the others had to be carried back; looking at them, it would be at least a day or two before they could even get back on their feet. At the same time, they had not sustained any heavy or lasting injuries. Thinking back to what Zhou Weiqing had said about how Shangguan Fei'er was even more 'abnormal' than he was, how could Wei Feng not be extra respectful?
Opening up the map in front of Zhou Weiqing, Wei Feng said: "This is the situation of the northern army camps, all in fine detail. As you know, we have nothing much else to do here, so every other time we will try and perfect the map, just to see if there is any chance for us to escape somehow.
Zhou Weiqing looked at the map, and saw that it was indeed extremely clear and detailed, with each and every camp shown. "Vice Commander Wei, let me have this map to study for a while, you go and let everyone register what they have managed to gain this time. When Shen Bu sends someone to buy back the heavy cavalry equipment, we can then give out the money accordingly."
Wei Feng's brow furrowed and he said worriedly: "Battalion Commander, a heavy cavalry equipment is worth quite a sum. Although the Sixteenth Regiment is a cavalry regiment, they will not be able to withstand such a loss out of combat. What if that Regiment Commander Shen Bu is so enraged that she attacks us, what do we do then?"
Zhou Weiqing smiled passively and said: "Let her come then. Dispatch a few brothers who are extremely fast to keep watch on any movement on the Sixteenth Regiment side. You guys can even avoid the WanShou Empire armies, are you still afraid of a single Regiment? Furthermore, I have seventy percent confidence that Shen Bu will not lead her forces to attack us, unless she wants to be court martialed. In order to muster troop movements over a thousand… it is impossible to keep it hidden from the northern command. With the power that we have displayed today, they know that without at least several Battalion, how could they possibly take us down? No matter how angry Shen Bu is, she will have to tolerate it."
Wei Feng looked at Zhou Weiqing with a hint of surprise in his eyes. On the surface, this young Battalion Commander seemed to be overly audacious, perhaps even arrogant, to even dare rob the heavy cavalry units. However, in truth, he had already thought things through extremely thoroughly. At least, on the surface, what he said was extremely true, as even sending the single Company of heavy cavalry soldiers was actually against the army rules. After all, no matter what, the Ruffian Battalion was still considered part of the ZhongTian forces…
As long as they were able to balance this well, and without going too far or killing anyone, it was not that easy for Shen Bu to do anything to the Peerless Battalion.
As he thought up to this point, it was as if Wei Feng suddenly saw the light, feeling a sense of cheer he had not had in a long time. His previous pessimistic outlook of tonight's operation was suddenly dissipated, and he felt more relaxed.
…
Nightfall. The entire north seemed even more bleak and chilly, a desolate feel during this time. Zhou Weiqing and Shangguan Fei'er were fully dressed in their armour as they walked out of the tent. Both of them were in Battalion Commander gear; of course, Shangguan Fei'er's one was stolen from Shen Yi.
Down the hill, a hundred Peerless Battalion soldiers were gathered, fully dressed in heavy cavalry equipment and mounted atop the warhorses. This was also why Zhou Weiqing had asked Wei Feng to register who had gotten the equipment, as he needed to borrow them all for this night operation.
As he looked up into the sky, a bolt of silver light shot forth from Zhou Weiqing's body, disappearing into the tent. It was the Silver Emperor, Little Red Bean.
From Wei Feng, Zhou Weiqing had learned that the WanShou Empire usually launched their attacks around the autumn season, usually after the harvest. At that time, they were facing the prospect of the incoming bitter winter, a time when there would be a severe lack of food. The war would generally last throughout the entire autumn and until the beginning of winter. This years war had already ended, and the winter season was near its close. As such, for some time, the WanShou Empire should not be attacking, at least not with any large forces.
In the last war with the WanShou Empire, the Ruffian Battalion had lost more than three hundred men, not from actual fighting, but starved to death while hiding in the underground tunnels. Otherwise, they would number a thousand five hundred now, not just a thousand two hundred men. In the end, they had been forced to scavenge on the corpses of the beasts that the WanShou Empire armies had left behind in order to barely survive.
For this night's operation, Zhou Weiqing had asked Wei Feng to gather those who were skilled at riding horses, without the need to focus too much on strength. The Peerless Battalion soldiers all had a unique, ferocious aura about them, and with their large figures, dressed in the heavy cavalry armour, they did look the part at least. Furthermore, with the stolen cotton garb from the heavy cavalry, it also helped them withstand the cold much better.
Zhou Weiqing had left Little Red Bean as well as Da Huang and Er Huang, his two Icy Soul Heavenly Bears, behind. Although there was little chance that the WanShou Empire would attack, he did not want to take any risks. With Little Red Bean there, as long as it wasn't too huge an enemy force, it was sufficient to scare most enemies away.
"Today's operation is actually very simple. You only have two tasks; firstly, to do your best to be in proper formation, and no one is allowed to talk. If the operation is successful, every brother who joins today's operation will be rewarded with five gold coins. Each of you are in charge of each other, anyone who speaks you must report it immediately, and the person who speaks will lose out a gold coin, and the reporter will gain the additional gold coin. Secondly, you are to obey all orders, as long as it does not influence your gain or to send you to your death, you must obey them all strictly. Otherwise, similarly, you will be fined of your reward. Do you all understand?"
"Understood." The hundred replies were not in sync, but definitely loud and full of energy.
Zhou Weiqing did not bring Wei Feng along for this operation, and he now beckoned to him. "Vice Commander Wei Feng, we will be back soon. I'll leave the camp to you, as well as the coordinating task."
Wei Feng nodded and said: "Battalion Commander, be careful."
Nodding, Zhou Weiqing turned around and shouted out loud: "Move out."
Both Zhou Weiqing and Shangguan Fei'er immediately released their Ghost Demon Horses from their Spatial Realms, and their steeds' powerful stature immediately drew the attention of the Peerless Battalion soldiers. Zhou Weiqing rode to the front of the party along with Shangguan Fei'er before heading towards the northern command camp with this Company of seemingly heavy cavalry soldiers.
The traveling speed of heavy cavalry was relatively slower compared to most cavalry units, and it was more than two hours before they neared the northern command camp.
On the way, they had met several patrols. However, upon seeing that they were heavy cavalry soldiers, especially with Zhou Weiqing and Shangguan Fei'er mounted on Ghost Demon horses, they only gave a cursory questioning before letting them on their way. Towards the questions, Zhou Weiqing's answer was extremely simple, that they were on a secret mission.
Though the camp was in sight, they were still a few kilometres away. Zhou Weiqing ordered them all to stop before opening the map to verify their position. Very quickly, he focused on a particular spot, and he said: "This is our target. Come with me."
The heavy cavalry soldiers behind him were all silent. That 'fining' system of Zhou Weiqing had indeed worked well… no one wanted to be fined, or to give the one beside them any advantage.
"Halt! The granary storage area is a restricted zone. Which Regiment are you all from?" As they were reaching their target area, they were stopped by infantry guards.
This was one of the northern army main granary warehouse zones, situated between the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Regiments.
Zhou Weiqing sat atop his single horned Ghost Demon Horse without speaking a word, and Shangguan Fei'er by his side took out the plaque from her bosom. "You, don't you even recognize us from the Sixteenth Regiment?" Naturally, that plaque she took out belonged to Shen Yi.
"Ohh, so you are the brothers from the Sixteenth Regiment. It is already so late, what are you here for?" A Company Leader walked out from behind, bowing slightly to them, looking enviously at their Ghost Demon Horses.
Zhou Weiqing said solemnly: "Our Regiment Commander has orders for us to collect some rations and supplies. Where is the quartermaster? Ask him to come see me."
These granary zones were usually to provide for four Regiments, and the quartermaster in charge was usually a Battalion Commander, but compared to a Battalion Commander who actually led troops, their status was a bit lower. Of course, at the same time, this post was an extremely lucrative post one. Seeing the gleaming armour of the troops behind Zhou Weiqing, as well as the impressive horned Ghost Demon Horse under him, the Company Leader did not dare delay them. "Sir, please wait, I'll send for the lord quartermaster immediately."
After saying that, the Company Leader immediately dispatched a soldier to report to the quartermaster.
Zhou Weiqing jumped down from the Ghost Demon Horse lightly, and the Company Leader came up and said softly: "Sir, you are from the Ghost Demon Horse Legion? This Ghost Demon Horse is truly impressive! It must be invincible on the battlefield."
Zhou Weiqing did not reply, a haughty look on his face.
In a few minutes, the quartermaster, a soldier around forty years of age, came down under the escort of ten soldiers. Originally, he was in quite a bad mood. After all, who wouldn't be after being awoken from sleep in the middle of the night. Although he was not leading any troops, his status in the army was still relatively important, and ordinary Battalion Commanders did not have his respect.
However, when he saw Zhou Weiqing's single horned Ghost Demon Horse, the unhappiness on his face disappeared, and he took a quick step forward and extended his hand in greeting. "Ohhh, which Battalion Commander of the Sixteenth Regiment is this, you do not look too familiar!"
Zhou Weiqing lifted his hand to grasp his in return, saying passively: "I have just been transferred over from the Ghost Demon Horse Legion, it is normal that you do not know me."
As they spoke, their eyes met, and at that moment, the quartermaster saw a pair of purple red eyes. As Zhou Weiqing was much taller than him, all he could only see that purple red.
If at that time Zhou Weiqing's upper body was naked, then they would all be able to see that the image of the Demonic Dragon Lady appearing.
Chapter 390: Demonic Dragon God Seal! (1)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
This time, the Heavenly Skill Image of the Demonic Dragon Lady did not appear in mid air, but it still appeared on his back, hidden by Zhou Weiqing's clothes.
The Dragon Silencing Seal had been useful far beyond his expectations, and had been a huge jolt to Zhou Weiqing. Naturally, how could he easily give up continuing to Skill Store the Demonic Dragon Lady? As such, when he had reached the Four Jewel stage, the first thing he thought of was the Demonic Dragon Lady.
Although the Demonic Dragon Lady was only a Heavenly Emperor Stage Heavenly Beast, due to its fusion of Demonic and Darkness Attributes, its Skills were already very close to the Heavenly God Stage. That was also why the Demonic Dragon Lady's Skills could actually summon the Heavenly Skill Image.
A half step to the Heavenly God Stage meant it was already approaching the door to the Heavenly God Stage! For example that Absolute Skill of Dragon Silencing Seal… hadn't Zhou Weiqing used it earlier to Seal a Heavenly God Stage Dragon? Even Tian'er, from the Heavenly Snow Mountain, could even feel jealous about such a skill, one could imagine how powerful the Demonic Dragon Lady's Skills were.
What Zhou Weiqing was currently unleashing was the second Skill that he had Stored from the Demonic Dragon Lady, also a Fusion of the Darkness and Demonic Attributes. The name of the Skill was the Demonic Dragon God Seal, and it was also one of the Demonic Dragon Lady's top Skills.
The Demonic Dragon God Seal's effect was actually very simple, yet it was rated eleven and a half Stars, and the most important factor in that was because it too was an Absolute Skill.
The Demonic Dragon God Seal was released through both eyes, and just like the Dragon Silencing Seal, it did not take any Heavenly Energy. As long as the person met eyes with the caster, and their Heavenly Energy cultivation level was less than four stages below the caster, then this Skill would take effect.
Demonic Dragon God Seal. What it Sealed was the Spirit. That was to say, a person who had been afflicted with the Demonic Dragon God Seal would have his spirit and soul totally Sealed, becoming like a mindless zombie, totally under the control of the caster… almost to the extent of being like a duplicate body of the caster.
Of course, there was also a simple, though huge, restriction on the Demonic Dragon God Seal. That was to say that only one of it could take effect at any time. If he wanted to control someone else, he would have to give up the control of the first person.
On the surface, the Demonic Dragon God Seal did not seem as terrifying as the Dragon Silencing Seal. However, when Zhou Weiqing saw the introduction to this Skill, he instantly sensed how extraordinary it was.
Without question, the Demonic Dragon God Seal would grow in power along with his cultivation level. If one day Zhou Weiqing's cultivation level was at the Heavenly God Stage, then he could even control a Heavenly Emperor Stage powerhouse. Of course, the caveat was that he had to be four stages above the one he wanted to control.
Many times, a critical linchpin to matters was not just so easily solved by martial prowess. This Skill could come in surprisingly handy at times. It could be said that with this Skill, it allowed Zhou Weiqing to have a puppet to control.
Wasn't it just a perfect situation right now?
Zhou Weiqing held onto the quartermaster's hand, infusing his Heavenly Energy into his body. With just a simple check, he easily sensed that though the quartermaster also had Heavenly Energy, it was only at the sixth stage, far below his own. Without hesitation, Zhou Weiqing immediately activated the Demonic Dragon God Seal.
The Demonic Dragon God Seal was definitely a well concealed skill. Besides the user and the puppet, no one else would be able to see the purple-red eyes of his, and even the Heavenly Skill Image was well hidden on Zhou Weiqing's back.
Amongst everyone present, only Shangguan Fei'er, whose cultivation level was higher than Zhou Weiqing, could faintly sense a hint of Heavenly Energy reverberating in the air. As for the others, they did not sense anything at all.
The quartermaster faltered momentarily, a purple red light flashing faintly in his eyes for a split second before disappearing. After staring slightly dazedly at Zhou Weiqing for a while, he seemed to recover and exclaimed with a sudden realisation. "Ahh, no wonder, so it is you! I remember now, it is truly a great addition for the Sixteenth Regiment to have your presence! You must be here to take charge of the heavy cavalry of the Sixteenth Regiment."
Zhou Weiqing nodded proudly, lowering his head to the quartermaster's ear, saying something softly before passing a plaque to him.
The quartermaster lowered his head to take a look at it, before returning it respectfully to Zhou Weiqing, saying in a solemn voice: "I understand. Please rest outside here for now, I will arrange for the supplies to be gathered here for you immediately."
After saying that, he turned and headed back into the camp. Zhou Weiqing also returned to his Ghost Demon Horse, giving the order for the rest of his company to dismount and rest as well.
The Peerless Battalion soldiers did not know what Zhou Weiqing was up to, and they were all rather curious. Wasn't their Battalion Commander a fresh recruit to the army? Why was it that he seemed to know this quartermaster? However, despite all the questions in their hearts, they did not dare open their mouth to ask! After all, as soon as they did so, their money would disappear!
As such, they could only bottle their questions inside and wait silently.
In truth, Zhou Weiqing's entire back was covered in cold sweat. This was after all the first time he was using the Demonic Dragon God Seal, and though it seemed like two people were speaking, it was actually him controlling.
Although his spirit energy was considerably high, it was still a massive drain to split his spirit into two like that.
The effect of the Demonic Dragon God Seal was indeed powerful, and even had a range of more than 500 li. Just like the Dragon Silencing Seal, there would only be one more time when it would evolve; that would be when Zhou Weiqing broke through to the Heavenly King Stage.
Of course, who else could guess that everything happening now was everything under Zhou Weiqing's control! As the quartermaster returned to the camp, the busy sounds from within soon rang out, the bustling noise of movement, wheels and other general din.
In bringing this hundred heavy cavalry soldiers for the operation tonight, it had actually been Zhou Weiqing's back up plan in case the quartermaster here had a cultivation level higher than the restriction of his Demonic Dragon God Seal. Luckily, it looked like this lesser plan would not be needed now.
He beckoned towards the Company Leader at the gate, who quickly hurried forward.
"Battalion Commander Sir, what instructions do you have?" Having heard that Zhou Weiqing was from the top elite Ghost Demon Horse Legion, his attitude was extremely respectful.
Zhou Weiqing said passively: "Since your quartermaster has already started preparing the supplies, I will not wait here. I am heading back now, later tell your quartermaster to send it to the destination I told him."
As he said that, he waved to his company, and they moved out swiftly.
Due to the two rules that Zhou Weiqing had set earlier, the Peerless Battalion soldiers were forced to keep silent despite their curiosity, following behind Zhou Weiqing as they headed east for a distance before turning north.
At last, Shangguan Fei'er could not hold back any longer. After all, she did not care about the gold coins. "Zhou Little Fatty, What have you got up your sleeve? You know that quartermaster just now?"
Zhou Weiqing grinned and said: "Heh heh, everything is settled. You just wait and see."
Shangguan Fei'er said with a dissatisfied look: "I don't care whether or not everything is settled. You told me that this operation would be fun. What so fun about this!? I'm just accompanying you to chill in the northern winds?!"
Looking at this Little Demon Girl, Zhou Weiqing felt a sense of helplessness. Trying to put a bluff past her was not that easy.
Left without a choice, he could only say mysteriously: "Fei'er, let me tell you a secret. Actually, I do not know that quartermaster at all, and the plaque that I gave him was merely my Battalion Commander plaque, not any secret orders… and it should have no use… That is truly the fun part of tonight's operation… why did he listen to me? Can you guess?"
Shangguan Fei'er started momentarily, then lapsed into thoughtful silence. She was an intelligent girl after all, yet she still did not fully understand what Zhou Weiqing had said. Previously, she had thought he recognized that quartermaster somehow, but since he said he did not… what was going on?
Seeing her lapse into deep thought, Zhou Weiqing let loose a relieved breath. Leading the company almost fifty li ahead, he finally stopped at a slightly taller hill.
"Everyone rest right here, conceal yourselves. This operation is almost over, so watch your mouths still, be warned of the fine." Zhou Weiqing gave the order.
After saying that, he sat down easily and unrestrained just like that, and started cultivating, as if his plan had been to come here all along. Of course, no one else knew that he was currently focusing all his spirit on controlling that quartermaster. Shangguan Fei'er and the others were nearby protecting him, and he could wake himself up at anytime, so he did not feel the need to be afraid of being interrupted.
After almost an hour, a troop of almost five hundred men walked towards them stealthily. The leader was Wei Feng.
When Wei Feng arrived, he was surprised to see that Zhou Weiqing and the others were already waiting for them at this prearranged spot. Halting for a confused second, he quickly moved forward to Zhou Weiqing.
"Battalion Commander, what is the situation?"
Zhou Weiqing opened his eyes and turned to Shangguan Fei'er before saying: "Fei'er, you bring the heavy cavalry troops back first. They are much too obvious. Leave the rest to us."
At this point, Shangguan Fei'er was still in the midst of contemplating how Zhou Weiqing had accomplished all that. Her mind had run through countless possibilities, which she had thrown out one by one. Hearing Zhou Weiqing's words, she nodded slightly, mounting her Ghost Demon Horse and leading the heavy cavalry soldiers away, still deep in thought.
After sending Shangguan Fei'er away, Zhou Weiqing turned to Wei Feng and smiled faintly, full of confidence. "Order everyone to conceal themselves as best they can. We just need to sit still and watch the upcoming good show."
Two hours later, it was already in the wee hours way past midnight. The bitter cold of the night caused the many Peerless Battalion soldiers to shiver incessantly. Although they were all Jewel Masters with good physiques, staying here in the open wilderness was still not a comfortable thing. If not for the fact that Zhou Weiqing had promised them much gain, and he had previously kept his promises, perhaps they would have mutinied by then.
Right at that moment, the sounds of carts could be faintly heard in the distance. On looking, they saw rows of carts being pulled slowly by soldiers, led by the quartermaster mounted on a fine steed, looking extremely valiant. However, if one actually examined his eyes closely, they were currently soulless and empty.
They continued along until they were about five hundred metres from where Zhou Weiqing and the Peerless Battalion were, before the quartermaster raised his hands and they all stopped.
At this point, Wei Feng was staring with his eyes wide open. There were almost two hundred carts full of supplies, with some livestock behind as well; some pigs, cows and sheep. If not for Zhou Weiqing's hand on his shoulder holding him back, perhaps Wei Feng would have already led the men to rob them all. After all, there were barely five hundred soldiers pulling the carts. In terms of fighting prowess, how could those logistic troops compare to the Peerless Battalion soldiers.