Gao Shun efficiently completed the preparations for the army's departure and ensured the supplies were ready. Early on the third day, the army officially set out.
Fortunately, only a few soldiers returned home. Most soldiers, having heard about the new training methods, were resolute in staying and following Liu Zhan. As a result, the army consisted of 160 people.
Due to Liu Zhan's fearless determination and high reputation among the soldiers, no one was unwilling to follow such a commander.
As the army moved south, the large-scale training began. Liu Zhan, of course, had to first mobilize the troops, explaining the significant importance of this training and the tough sacrifices required. The soldiers understood that the training was aimed at better defeating the enemy and effectively protecting their lives, so enduring some hardships was nothing. With this mindset, the large-scale training proceeded smoothly.
For this training, the military system was restructured, dividing the troops into six units. The units with insufficient personnel remained vacant for the time being.
Although it was a temporary measure, those promoted were all pleased, even if it was just for a day.
Gao Shun and Zhang Liao each led three units in training. The previous unit leaders, Zhang Biao and Li Feng, served as their assistants. The newly promoted leaders naturally had no objections and worked even harder in leading the troops.
Since they were training while marching, the pace was slow, and by the end of the year, the army had only reached the Changshan region.
Today, the weather was extremely gloomy, looking like it was going to snow. Liu Zhan, riding his horse, kept an eye on the sky. It seemed necessary to find a town to stay overnight; otherwise, getting caught in heavy snow would be troublesome.
The soldiers marched while shouting slogans. The orderly formation and synchronized pace of the more than one hundred soldiers were quite impressive. In the wilderness, with no one else around, the army could afford to make a lot of noise.
But there was at least one person around. Up ahead, a young man was captivated by the passing army, standing there and watching with an expression of disbelief.
The formation of this army was astonishing. There was no such army in this era. The young man didn't even notice Liu Zhan approaching on his horse until Liu Zhan asked for directions.
"Brave sir, is there a town nearby? Is it far from here? It looks like heavy snow is coming."
"Oh, the town isn't far. Just a few more miles ahead. General, where does your army come from? The presence of your troops is quite formidable!"
"Hehe, I am Liu Zhan, merely a Sima, not a general. I have just led this army back from the border after a battle. Are you also a martial artist? Do you have any medicine for wounds? I received some injuries on the battlefield recently and haven't changed the bandages for a while. I'm not sure how well the wounds are healing."
"I dare not. I am Zhao Yun, styled Zilong. My master has some excellent medicine for wounds. How about coming to my master's place to recuperate?"
"Then I will trouble you. Thank you, Brother Zilong."
"You're welcome, General."
"Attention, everyone, halt."
Upon hearing the command from the Sima, the entire marching army stopped in unison with a thud. The impressive display left Zhao Yun gaping in astonishment. My goodness, what kind of army is this? Who has the skill to train such a perfectly coordinated unit? If one encountered such an army on the battlefield, they would be in trouble—truly formidable!