Chapter 36: Master Archer’s Exclusive Arrow Seal! Wang Jian’s Astonishment!

"Reporting to General-in-Chief, it is indeed Zhao Feng," the military officer immediately replied.

"Challenging a hundred-pace target?"

"Does Zhao Feng have such skill and strength?" Wang Jian looked astonished.

"General-in-Chief may not know," the officer began with admiration. "Zhao Commander is truly a born archer. Six days ago, he had never even shot an arrow. But in just six days, his archery skills have advanced by leaps and bounds. Now, within fifty paces, he can hit the bullseye with three consecutive arrows."

"Zhao Commander's talent has stunned everyone," the officer said with heartfelt respect.

Hearing this, Wang Jian's face showed a trace of surprise, and the generals around him were equally intrigued.

"In just six days, from never shooting to mastering three consecutive shots?"

"That's impossible!" General Li Teng exclaimed in disbelief.

Li Teng had been aware that Zhao Feng was stationed in the camp. Wang Yan had reported earlier that Zhao Feng was to familiarize himself with the military and later assume command of the camp once she stepped down.

"If you don't believe it, General, why not see for yourselves?"

"The target has been set up," the officer said with a smile.

"Let's take a look," Wang Jian said, his curiosity piqued. He led the generals to the archery range, careful not to disturb the soldiers gathered around.

Before long

"Commander Zhao, the target is ready," announced Zhang Han, a fellow officer standing near Zhao Feng.

"As per military rules, hitting at least half of the ten arrows in the bullseye qualifies you as a sharpshooter."

"What if I hit all ten?" Zhao Feng asked with a grin.

"Then you'll be a paragon among sharpshooters," Zhang Han replied with excitement. "You'll qualify to have your name engraved on custom arrows and receive an exclusive arrow seal."

In the Qin army, exceptional talents were highly valued, and sharpshooters enjoyed special recognition. These elite archers could have their own unique marks engraved on their arrows, not just to distinguish them but also to tally their battlefield skills accurately.

"An exclusive seal for arrows, huh? I'll take that," Zhao Feng said with a chuckle.

He raised his bow and focused on the target, one hundred paces away.

Zhao Feng, with superhuman abilities, had eyesight like a hawk. Combined with his overall physical prowess, he pulled the bowstring and let an arrow fly.

Whoosh!

The arrow sliced through the air and struck the target in the blink of an eye.

Thud!

It pierced through the bullseye.

"Bravo!"

"Brilliant!"

Cheers erupted from the soldiers.

But Zhao Feng wasn't done. He quickly nocked three arrows, pulled the bowstring taut, and released them in quick succession.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

The arrows flew toward the target, even as Zhao Feng drew and fired more in a continuous stream.

Moments later

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Each arrow hit the bullseye, and the sound of arrows piercing the target filled the air.

The soldiers closest to the target rushed forward to inspect and shouted back, "Commander Zhao has hit all ten arrows in the bullseye! He is a paragon among sharpshooters!"

The announcement sparked a wave of cheers.

"Bring the target here," Zhang Han called out, unable to contain his excitement.

Two soldiers carried the target over.

"By heavens!" Zhang Han exclaimed as he examined it. "Even at a hundred paces, you've pierced right through the target! Commander Zhao, your strength is incredible!"

Meanwhile, Wang Jian and his entourage had quietly arrived and witnessed everything. Even the composed general could not suppress his amazement.

"What remarkable archery!" Wang Jian exclaimed, breaking the silence.

Hearing the unexpected praise, Zhao Feng turned around. The surrounding soldiers also noticed and quickly bowed.

"Greetings to the General-in-Chief!"

Zhao Feng, recognizing Wang Jian, quickly set down his bow and saluted. "Greetings to the General-in-Chief."

"At ease," Wang Jian said with a smile, walking up to Zhao Feng.

"Zhao Feng," Wang Jian began, his tone admiring, "you have truly impressed me. Hitting the bullseye at a hundred paces is already a rare feat in the army. But three consecutive shots from that distance? I have never heard of such a thing in all my years."

"Your archery skills are truly exceptional!"

"You flatter me, General. It was mere luck," Zhao Feng replied humbly.

"Luck? Nonsense," Wang Jian laughed. "I've heard of your six-day progress. Such talent is nothing short of divine!"

"Now, as per military rules," Wang Jian announced, turning to the soldiers, "a paragon sharpshooter must choose an exclusive seal for their arrows."

"Bring the tools!"

A soldier stepped forward, presenting a wooden plaque and carving tools.

"Commander Zhao, please inscribe your chosen mark," the soldier said, holding up the plaque.

"Can I carve anything?" Zhao Feng asked.

"Anything you choose, as long as it identifies you," Wang Jian confirmed.

Zhao Feng nodded, took the tools, and etched a single character: ("Kill").

The bold Qin script was sharp and imposing.

"Simple and direct," Wang Jian remarked with a laugh. "Very fitting for you."

He raised his hand and declared, "From this day forward, this mark shall be Zhao Feng's exclusive arrow seal."

The soldiers echoed the command in unison, solidifying Zhao Feng's new status.

With formalities complete, Wang Jian's expression grew serious.

Li Teng stepped forward and shouted, "Rally!"

At his command, the soldiers quickly regrouped into formation at the center of the training grounds.

Within moments, the entire garrison of over ten thousand men had assembled.

"Is this the announcement of my reassignment?" Zhao Feng wondered quietly to himself.