Chapter 14: Promoted to Squad Leader

As dusk settled, Qin Jue returned to the military camp. Thanks to his formidable physical constitution, his injuries had mostly healed. Inside the tent, Qin Jue checked his personal status panel.

[Name] Qin Jue
[Age] 16
[Realm] Fleshcrafting Stage "Muscle Forging Gate"
[Attributes] Strength 5, Constitution 8, Agility 5
[Technique] "Iron Bone Technique" II (Perfected)
[Martial Skills] None
[Arts] Archery (Mastered) ‘+’, Blade Technique (Perfected)
[Victory Points] 2

Originally, he had over forty victory points; now only two remained. Fortunately, not only had his technique reached perfection, but his attributes and blade skills had also improved. Next, it was time to consider the third-stage technique.

But for now... after a full day’s effort, Qin Jue planned to rest and replenish his energy.

...

At dawn, Qin Jue skipped training and headed straight to Wu Mi’s tent. Wu Mi noticed the sword hanging at Qin Jue’s waist and quietly asked, “Did Old Li give that to you?”

Qin Jue nodded. “He said it’ll take another month to fully repair the blade.”

“Hm. Old Li’s craftsmanship is solid; you can rest assured.” Wu Mi nodded slightly, then fixed Qin Jue with a sharp gaze. “Why have you come at this hour?”

Qin Jue replied, “Captain, I’ve perfected the Muscle Forging Gate. I’m here to receive the third-stage technique.”

“What? So soon!” Wu Mi exclaimed, rising swiftly and stepping before Qin Jue to scrutinize him closely. After confirming the truth of Qin Jue’s claim, he praised warmly, “Well done, kid! You’re a rare martial prodigy. We must cultivate you carefully from now on.”

He then retrieved a booklet from the side and handed it to Qin Jue. “Here. This is the third-stage technique. If you have questions, just ask.”

Qin Jue accepted it with a respectful bow.

“Train hard. The upcoming camp competition might catch the commander’s eye. When that happens, you’ll bring honor to our unit!” Wu Mi said, eyes filled with expectation.

“Captain, what is this camp competition?” Qin Jue asked, unfamiliar with the event.

Wu Mi gestured for him to sit and began explaining. The camp competition was a tournament organized by the general to identify martial talents from each unit. The rewards were closely linked to the commanding officer’s signature skills. Excelling could earn valuable prizes and even attract the attention of commanders, leading to better待遇.

Qin Jue listened silently, growing excited. Wu Mi mentioned that the competition was essentially a fighting arena, where he could earn many victory points.

“All right, don’t rush. Training comes first. You should head back now,” Wu Mi said earnestly.

Although Qin Jue was strong, battlefield success depended on teamwork and strategy. Individual valor was important, but without comrades’ support and flexible tactics, even the mightiest warrior could not survive the chaos of war, let alone triumph.

Qin Jue took his leave. Over the next few days, he and his fellow soldiers trained daily in formations, building coordination. Past grievances gradually faded as they saw he was actually a decent person—not one to bully or boss them around.

---

Four days later...

Qin Jue had mastered the basics of his new technique but lacked victory points to advance further. Today was the day for assembly.

Each unit gathered every five days to review training results and progress.

Early in the morning, everyone assembled on the open ground outside the tents. They noticed a stranger standing beside Wu Mi and grew curious.

Wu Mi made no introductions and began the usual proceedings. When he finished, he casually announced that Qin Jue would represent their unit in the camp competition.

The crowd was stunned.

“Why him?” someone suddenly challenged.

They looked over to see Chen Xi speaking. His face was sour, but he dared not meet Wu Mi’s gaze. Upon hearing Qin Jue would replace him in the competition, he had instinctively objected—but immediately regretted it, for he was questioning none other than Captain Wu Mi.

Wu Mi showed no anger, only a meaningful glance, then said gravely, “Because he’s already reached the second stage.”

He had publicly promised to give Qin Jue a chance once he stepped into the Muscle Forging Gate. Now was the time to fulfill that promise.

A murmur swept through the crowd; everyone was amazed at Qin Jue’s rapid breakthrough.

Chen Xi’s face darkened. Though wary of Qin Jue’s strength, he knew that if he didn’t stand up now, he would lose not only the spot but also his standing within the unit.

At this moment, whether he wanted to or not, he had to.

His challenge drew the attention of the veterans nearby.

Wu Mi’s eyes flickered.

“I want to challenge him!” Chen Xi declared, turning to fix Qin Jue with a crazed gaze.

If he defeated Qin Jue, everything would return to normal—he would remain the undisputed prodigy.

Qin Jue remained calm, barely sparing Chen Xi a glance. He had noted this man before—he had not dared act earlier, and he wouldn’t now.

A true warrior must advance relentlessly.

Chen Xi dwelled on too many doubts and lacked this conviction.

“Fine, I’ll give you the chance,” Wu Mi said. He valued Chen Xi as a talented martial artist with potential. If cultivated, he could be an asset.

Of course, Wu Mi knew Chen Xi stood no chance against Qin Jue, who had already perfected the Muscle Forging Gate.

This challenge was merely to temper Chen Xi’s arrogance and give Qin Jue a chance to shine.

Chen Xi stepped forward; Qin Jue glanced at Wu Mi and then followed.

“Come on,” Chen Xi said, taking a fighting stance. He was determined to win this battle.

---

Qin Jue showed little interest, beckoning Chen Xi to make the first move.

Feeling scorned, Chen Xi angrily threw a punch.

Yet Qin Jue met it with a casual punch of his own.

“Bang!”

From that single contact, Chen Xi instantly sensed the vast gap between them.

His expression changed drastically. Struggling through the pain, he tried to advance.

But Qin Jue struck again, this time smashing Chen Xi’s left shoulder.

With a crack, Chen Xi’s shoulder dislocated, and he collapsed to the ground.

His eyes widened, fixed on Qin Jue in disbelief, unable to accept losing so easily—not even lasting a single round.

At that moment, Chen Xi’s long-standing confidence shattered.

He had always held himself in high regard, basking in others’ admiration and believing no one in the unit could surpass him.

Now, Qin Jue’s blow had crushed that pride like a hammer.

Chen Xi tried to clench his fist and rise once more.

But his dislocated shoulder brought sudden clarity.

The outcome was decided. Even if he fought again, it would only be another defeat.

His gaze dimmed.

Now he truly understood the meaning of “there is always someone stronger.”

Qin Jue turned and strode back to the formation, finding such a fight dull without victory points.

Wu Mi grabbed the dazed Chen Xi, forcing his right hand to support the left arm.

“Don’t act like a coward!” Wu Mi barked.

Chen Xi looked up, face forlorn and defeated. “Captain, I…”

“Get back in line. Remember, you’re a warrior!” Wu Mi interrupted firmly.

Chen Xi pressed his lips and silently returned to his place.

Wu Mi then addressed the crowd, “From today, Qin Jue will be promoted to squad leader and may select an elite team.”

The announcement shocked everyone again, sparking lively discussion.

That promotion was incredibly fast.

Wu Mi made no further explanations, instead naming seven others to be elevated as team leaders.

All seven had distinguished themselves in the recent city defense battle, including Chen Xi.

Seeing so many new leaders, someone asked, “Captain, don’t we lack enough men?”

“Lack men?” Wu Mi raised an eyebrow and boomed, “We captured over a thousand prisoners and have hundreds more in the rookie camp. You tell me we’re short?”

Qin Jue felt a stir in his heart. It seemed the Qingfeng Stronghold was expanding its forces.

That was good; having his own team would make things easier.

“Additionally, we are establishing a new military detachment,” Wu Mi continued, then looked toward the silent man beside him. “Wang Qu! He will be the garrison commander from now on!”

Called by name, Wang Qu stepped forward—his towering figure like a mountain. His eyes seemed to harbor a flickering furnace, projecting an imposing aura that stunned the crowd.

Everyone gasped.

Perfected the fourth stage, the furnace newly kindled?