Volume 1, Chapter 18: The New Army

As Xiahou walked out of the Xingtian family gate alongside Tiger Army Commander Qingqiu Meng, a deputy of the Xingtian family's Hei Yan Army, he noticed Xingtian Huaying and Qingyue approaching hand in hand, with faint blushes on their faces. As expected, Hun Tianhou was accompanying them. Upon seeing Xiahou and Qingqiu Meng, Hun Tianhou nodded with a smile, and Qingyue gave Xiahou a slightly grateful smile. Xingtian Huaying, however, completely ignored him.

Riding silently for several hundred feet, Xiahou glanced back at the street to ensure no one was around before curiously asking Qingqiu Meng, "Did Miss Huaying stay out all night?"

The dark-skinned, wiry Qingqiu Meng wiped his mustache and smiled lightly, "Miss Huaying is a second-rank Great Shaman. Despite being a woman, she is free to do as she pleases."

After scrutinizing Xiahou's robust and imposing physique, Qingqiu Meng warmly explained, "In the Anyi aristocracy, power is judged purely by shamanistic strength, regardless of gender. If Miss Huaying were an ordinary, delicate woman, she would have been married off to ally with other families. But as a second-rank Great Shaman, she holds all the rights of a Great Shaman. As long as she doesn't violate any taboos, even the Xingtian family head leaves her alone."

Perhaps it was the camaraderie between warriors or the close proximity of Qingqiu Mountain and the southern wilderness that made Qingqiu Meng feel an affinity for Xiahou, whom he had just met. He reassured Xiahou, "Don't be disheartened by Miss Huaying's indifference. She has every right to be proud. In the capital city of Anyi, the king's sons and other high-ranking nobles constantly flatter her. Plus, her shamanistic power is formidable. Considering you are a ninth-rank shaman warrior, her attitude towards you is quite respectful."

Xiahou scratched his nose and grumbled, "So, it's all about strength then?"

Qingqiu Meng chuckled, "Indeed. In society, the military, and the royal court, strength reigns supreme. A powerful shaman can enjoy the reverence of millions, while those without power are nothing more than ants. The disparity is vast."

As they exited Anyi's west gate, Qingqiu Meng enthusiastically continued, "In the military, only the strong can rise. Whether it's the ranks of Ling, Si, Wei, Du Commander, or others, you need ability to stand out." He then explained the various military ranks and how to distinguish them to Xiahou, making it simple to understand.

Sitting on his black Xian mount, he gestured as he spoke, "The higher ranks like Ling, Si, and Wei are beyond our reach. Take me, for instance. As a mere Du Commander, I earn 300 bronze bear coins monthly. Above that, the income is even higher. Du Commanders control tens of thousands of troops and receive a hundred jade coins annually. They have their own territories and fortresses. With each promotion, riches and luxuries flow in abundance. But you must have the skill to match."

Seeing the eager glow on Qingqiu Meng's dark face, Xiahou couldn't help but laugh, "Commander, you're just a step away from such heights."

Qingqiu Meng shook his head repeatedly, "Forget it. Mentioning it shames my ancestors."

Looking at Xiahou with a mix of envy and resignation, Qingqiu Meng said, "I understand my limitations. You, at just over ten years old, are already a ninth-rank shaman warrior with immense potential. Your future is boundless. I, on the other hand, am over fifty and only at the peak of ninth-rank shaman warrior. There's no hope of becoming a first-rank Great Shaman."

He sighed, "My talent is limited. My strength won't improve further. Even with numerous battle merits, I might only advance to a Gold Bear Marquis. To rise higher in the military, I need strength, not just merits."

Xiahou was puzzled by the intricacies of the Daxia military system. It seemed strange that personal strength was a prerequisite for high-ranking positions. Despite earning high military titles through merit, one couldn't attain senior officer roles without sufficient personal power. Who knew how the auxiliary officers and superiors established such military regulations?

Riding silently on his black steed, Xiahou was deep in thought. Qingqiu Meng, misinterpreting his silence, quickly reassured him, "I was just grumbling, don't let it worry you. The cultivation of shamanistic power depends entirely on one's talent. My talent is limited, and I might only reach the mark of a first-rank Great Shaman in my lifetime. But you, Chi Hu, have great potential. With hard work and military achievements, you can secure land, wealth, and countless beauties to bear your children."

Xiahou chuckled, shaking his head, and took the opportunity to ask Qingqiu Meng about military rules. Qingqiu Meng explained cheerfully, "There are no complicated rules. In our Daxia army, the strongest rules. If someone disagrees with you, beat them down. Except for the high-ranking officers like Ling, Si, and Wei, you can challenge anyone else. If you win, you rise in rank; if you lose, you drop in rank. So, if you see a superior you don't like, challenge him. We, the Hei Yan Army and Xuan Biao Army, will back you up."

Xiahou was taken aback by the straightforwardness of it all. This military camp certainly held a unique allure.

As they approached the new army camp's entrance, Qingqiu Meng fell silent and signaled for Xiahou to follow his lead. At the gate stood a large man in black with a bronze bear insignia on his sleeve. Qingqiu Meng dismounted and saluted sharply, "Commander!"

The officer returned the salute and nodded, "Golden Tiger Commander!" Though the officer outranked Qingqiu Meng, he showed respect due to Qingqiu Meng's higher honorary title, which reflected his military achievements.

Qingqiu Meng pointed to Xiahou and said with a smile, "By order of the Black Xian Commander, I am delivering Chi Hu Baolong to the new army camp."

He added in a low voice, "This is someone chosen by our Hei Yan Army, so keep him away from other commanders."

The officer chuckled and nodded, noting Xiahou's relaxed demeanor as he dismounted. "What a fine figure," he remarked. "I wonder how strong he is." The officers behind him seemed eager to test Xiahou's strength.

Ignoring the tension, Qingqiu Meng proceeded to register Xiahou. The process was simple, requiring only a name, age, and shamanistic rank.

After completing the registration, Qingqiu Meng whispered to Xiahou, "Remember, though strength is prized, avoid unnecessary trouble. The Daxia army is full of strong warriors."

Xiahou nodded seriously, thinking, "I'm not here to cause trouble. I just want to become stronger, find my way back, and see my lover again. And maybe punch Yang in the face."

With a genuine smile, he turned to the officers, bowing, "Gentlemen, I am Chi Hu Baolong. Please guide me."

The officer laughed and nodded, "Someone, show Chi Hu Baolong to his quarters and issue his gear. Since he's from the Black Xian Army, place him in the primary barracks."

Xiahou frowned slightly but quickly relaxed. Though the primary barracks might be challenging, he wasn't afraid of anyone.

Two enthusiastic officers led Xiahou into the camp. One said loudly, "Commander, we'll handle him."

The other officer, pressing a palm to Xiahou's side, tested his strength, "Chi Hu Baolong? A barbarian from the south? I've heard you're tough warriors but not powerful shamans."

The officer's blow startled the commander, who turned to scold him. However, everyone was surprised when Xiahou stood unmoved, unaffected by the strike. The officer was a top-tier sixth-rank shaman warrior, yet Xiahou, a newcomer, could withstand his attack.

The commander checked Xiahou's registration, noting his ninth-rank shaman warrior status, and laughed, "A ninth-rank shaman warrior! You're qualified to be an officer. Stop testing him and show him to his gear."

Xiahou smiled warmly at the commander, nodding to the embarrassed officers, "Lead the way, please."

The officers quickly led Xiahou away. The commander, reviewing Xiahou's file, murmured, "Maybe assigning him to the primary barracks was too harsh. The Hei Yan Army found a good recruit."

Meanwhile, in the armory, Xiahou encountered a loud and hostile quartermaster, "Chi Hu Baolong, your shape is ridiculous! Even for a barbarian, you're built like an ape. Do you expect us to custom-make armor for you?"

The quartermaster's finger nearly touched Xiahou's nose as he ranted, "Unless you're an officer, you get no special treatment. Understand? Barbarians like you should be exterminated, not joining our army!"

Xiahou's expression darkened. He asked the officers, "How strong is this quartermaster?"

The red-skinned officer, favorably impressed by Xiahou's resilience, warned, "Quartermaster Shen specializes in logistics, not shamanistic power."

With a smirk, Xiahou raised a fist and struck the quartermaster, knocking him out. Though he disliked causing trouble, he wouldn't tolerate insults to his parents.

Muttering, "Insult me all you want, but don't curse my parents," Xiahou jumped, landing on the quartermaster with a loud thud. The man awoke briefly, screamed, and fainted again.

Standing up, Xiahou bowed gracefully to the stunned officers, asking, "According to military rules, if I defeat a superior, do I get promoted?"