Chapter 14 Colonel (Seeking Recommendations)

For the ten squad leaders under Tian Bufen's command, selecting a squad leader was a matter as significant as the heavens.

But for the Fufeng Protectorate, let alone the entire world, it was an insignificant matter.

On the final selection day, all the other squad leaders were rubbing their hands together in eager anticipation.

Outside Black Mountain Castle, a troop of cavalry suddenly arrived, like a dark cloud, slowly drifting into the camp.

The main tent.

Xu Wenling, in full military attire, solemnly saluted, "Captain Feng, I've come to see you!"

The visiting captain, in her prime at twenty-eight, sharp-shouldered and with piercing phoenix eyes, wore a silver Feiluan Armor and sat authoritatively in the highest seat, a commanding presence with rows of Black Armor Guards standing fiercely by her side.

Xu Wenling's forehead instantly broke into a cold sweat; although he had not engaged in any corruption while stationed at Black Mountain Castle, why had this harbinger of doom come for him?

This silver-armored captain was named Feng Xixi, the leader among the eight captains of the Fufeng Protectorate, leading a detachment of Xuanjia Iron Cavalry and tasked with inspection and punishment of illegal activities.

Over the years, several captains and generals had been brought down by her, and countless others in the ranks of the military.

How could this not make Xu Wenling extremely apprehensive?

"Rise."

Feng Xixi raised her eyebrow, signaling Xu Wenling to stand, eyeing him for a while, then said with a faint smile, "Don't worry, I'm not here to take you away, but for a truly important matter."

"Please give your orders, Captain. Your subordinate will not hesitate to die in duty!"

Xu Wenling quickly responded.

As for what he truly thought, that remained known only to him.

"The matter I'm here for originally wouldn't have required your involvement, but since you are the one guarding Black Mountain, the responsibility is great…"

Feng Xixi flicked her fingernail, asking, "In recent years, around these parts of Black Mountain, especially the Great Rift, has there been anything unusual?"

Xu Wenling was immediately alarmed.

Black Mountain Castle was located on the border of the Fufeng Protectorate, very close to the Black Fog, and the original Black Mountain had been cleansed thoroughly by cultivators.

That was why he, a mere camp commander, had been assigned to guard it, and it even felt somewhat like banishment.

Had there actually been a screw-up under his watch?

After much thought, he replied, "Aside from the spreading Black Fog, occasional monster attacks, and some dying remains of bear barbarians stirring trouble, there hasn't been anything significant."

Feng Xixi's voice turned cold, "I'm not asking about that, but specifically about Black Mountain and the Great Rift."

Only then did Xu Wenling realize the gravity of the situation, responding with a hint of grievance, "We have always followed the Immortal Master's instructions and not gone near the Great Rift, and the patrols in the past few years haven't encountered any issues."

"That's rather strange."

Feng Xixi took out a Golden Feather Command Arrow with a grave expression and commanded, "Xu Wenling, hear my order."

"Your subordinate is here."

Seeing the command arrow that almost symbolized the full authority of the Protector Mansion, Xu Wenling immediately knelt.

"By order of the Protector Mansion, it has been detected that remnants of Heisting Earl Country are active, and it seems they are aiming to revive the rituals of the Evil God of old. I, Feng Xixi, am thus appointed by the Protector Mansion to take command, and you are to assist me without fail."

"Your subordinate obeys."

Xu Wenling buried his head deeply, his body trembling slightly.

He knew that the revenge-seekers of a mere Earl Country were not much of a concern.

However, if the rites of the Evil God were to be rekindled, that would truly be a disaster that would affect the entire Protector Mansion.

"The Protector Mansion has recently uncovered some remnants of the former Heisting Earl Country, and it is said that the bloodline of the Felix Family still exists. Such exotic races must be eliminated... Only the inheritor of the Felix blood could possibly reopen the ancient rituals, which is of utmost importance."

Feng Xixi solemnly admonished.

"Please rest assured, Captain, my men and I will carry out a strict inspection and will not allow any exotic race to slip through unnoticed."

Xu Wenling was quite confident about this.

Western nobility emphasizes pure blood, even to the point of pathology in pursuit of so-called bloodline purity, with some genetic traits being exceptionally prominent.

The traits of the Felix Family, besides blue eyes, are blood-red curly hair.

As long as these traits are found, the Fufeng Protectorate will certainly decree execution without exception.

'Heh, these fools stubbornly cling to their errors, resisting change, and hold onto their obsolete rules. It is said that even in the most perilous times, they would not intermarry with other races. Leaving such obvious bloodline traits behind makes it easier for us.'

Xu Wenling thought to himself, 'I have heard that such bloodlines indeed contain some exotic abilities that are not possessed by the Second Yan Han Empire. Certain influential families are quite envious of them...'

So-called millennia-old families, born noble, are in fact just a facade.

Once a family falls into decline, everything disappears like dust in the wind, like the Su Family.

But it's different for Western families, where power is inherited through bloodlines. To some Yan Han families, that is what truly defines noble lineage.

Secret research is definitely ongoing; it's just unclear whether there have been any results.

Just then, inside Black Mountain Castle, a commotion arose accompanied by cheers and applause.

"What's happening inside the camp, Xu Wenling?"

Feng Xixi's expression darkened as she asked solemnly.

"There's a squad leader position vacant in my camp, and today is the selection day. It might be a few squad leaders competing with each other..." Xu Wenling inwardly cursed those squad leaders countless times but could only respond.

"Oh? It might be good to see the bravery of our soldiers."

Feng Xixi was preparing for significant actions in this location, and the garrison of Black Mountain Castle was definitely needed. Her interest piqued, "I'll go with you to take a look."

Her tone was casual, not anticipating any possibility of refusal.

Xu Wenling didn't dare to refuse; he feigned a smile and led Feng Xixi to the drill ground.

Upon the drill ground, a crowd of soldiers had already formed a circle.

Several figures that looked like squad leaders were competing with each other.

Zhong Shenxiu stood honestly to the side, not making a move.

To him, these provocateurs were all fools.

Did they think this was Jianghu? Foolishly brave and belligerent, but unaware that military discipline is paramount.

He didn't start trouble, and the other nine squad leaders didn't take this rookie seriously either, ignoring Zhong Shenxiu and letting him slack off on the side.

'The atmosphere in this military camp is a bit off, is it because of that group of Black-armored Knights?'

Zhong Shenxiu pondered privately.

Armored Cavalry is a rare sight in the Protector Mansion; could it be that someone of high status has arrived?

'If that's the case, perhaps the plan needs to be adjusted...'

He furrowed his brows.

Though showing off in front of the nobles would surely earn him more Heavenly Show Points, the unknown dangers would also be greater.

The pros and cons of this situation required careful consideration.