Hearing Shi Lei’s words, the young recruits couldn’t help but swallow hard.
Something so crucial that missing it would bring lifelong regret had to be monumental.
So, no one dared breathe too loudly, all ears perked to catch Shi Lei’s next words.
“You’ve all likely heard that Dream Elixir has flooded the market lately, causing massive trouble for the Holy Dynasty. Marshal Lin, under imperial orders, has come to Baiyun Province specifically to destroy Dream Elixir and shut down its trade.”
Shi Lei’s voice wasn’t loud, but it carried a robust energy, ringing clear in everyone’s ears.
“As members of the Hidden Dragon Camp, you’re the ones Marshal Lin has high hopes for. At this critical moment, shouldn’t you help ease his burdens?”
“Yes!”
The response from below was unanimous.
“Good! With this resolve, Marshal Lin will surely be pleased.”
Shi Lei nodded and continued, “But rest assured, this mission won’t leave you empty-handed!”
The crowd below swallowed again, eagerly awaiting his next words.
“Marshal Lin worries for the nation and its people, determined to eradicate Dream Elixir, making him a target for many. He once said, ‘After I’m gone, someone must carry on my work.’”
Here, Shi Lei sighed, “Though none of us—myself included—want Marshal Lin to fall to treachery, fate is unpredictable. Considering what comes after, he’s decided to break tradition and take on personal disciples!”
Whoa!
The scene erupted.
Everyone was thrilled, even the silent General September sitting nearby.
Marshal Lin had long refused to take disciples, claiming he’d mislead them, though really it was a lack of time to teach.
But circumstances had forced his hand. Recent assassination attempts, though survived, left no guarantees for the future.
With no heirs, a disciple would carry on his legacy.
Even the Twelve Tiger Guards, like General September, coveted that role, explaining her excitement.
“This time, Marshal Lin will take three personal disciples. Even if you don’t make the cut, as long as you excel in the mission, you’ll still have a shot at his personal guidance.”
Shi Lei went on, “So work hard! I’ll be striving too. In Baiyun Province, becoming Marshal Lin’s disciple is practically everyone’s dream.”
True enough. In Baiyun Province, the two strongest figures were Governor Wan Ben and Border General Lin Ze.
Lin Ze’s reputation outshone Wan Ben’s, so most preferred to be his disciple.
For Hidden Dragon Camp recruits, save for a few spies planted by Wan Ben, nearly all joined because of Lin Ze.
Even Ling Xiao’s face showed a flicker of shock.
He’d once had a chance to train under Lin Ze, but not as a disciple, so he’d never access the true teachings.
Now was different. Becoming a personal disciple meant learning Lin Ze’s genuine martial arts.
For a martial artist aiming for the Mortal Realm, guidance from someone like Lin Ze was pure gain, no loss.
“Commander Shi, just tell us the mission already.”
Someone below couldn’t contain their excitement.
“Let General September announce it herself,” Shi Lei said, glancing at her with a smile.
General September nodded and addressed the crowd, “The mission, naturally, ties to destroying Dream Elixir!”
Anticipation lit up their faces.
“Baiyun Prefecture has many foreigners. Some stubborn Dream Elixir traders are backed by foreign powers. If Marshal Lin acts directly, he’d risk clashing with the Governor and turning foreign factions hostile.”
She suddenly smiled, “That’s his dilemma, but your opportunity. After discussion, Marshal Lin has decided to task the Twelve Tiger Guards and you Hidden Dragon Camp members with wiping out these traders! But remember, you act alone out there. If caught, you represent only yourselves!”
They understood. The Tiger Guards and Hidden Dragon Camp were chosen because they rarely showed their faces publicly. With a bit of disguise, they could distance themselves from the Border General’s Mansion.
Even if captured, without official designation, the Mansion could deny involvement, leaving no proof.
As for spies in the camp?
Lin Ze had traps ready. This was a test of strength and loyalty.
Unless the spies stayed dormant, none would escape—they’d be uprooted entirely.
“Is there a time limit?” Murong Shao asked.
Most in the camp, barring newbies, had seen real combat after a month, so they didn’t fear such tasks.
“Three months!” General September said calmly, “During that time, you’re free to act—assassination, brute force, your call. Your old teams will disband; form new ones you trust. This is life-or-death.”
“Plus, beyond possible guidance or discipleship from Marshal Lin, killing traders or destroying Dream Elixir earns military merits!”
“You know merits, right? In our army, they mean promotions, wealth, and trades—silver, gold, Gang Qi Pills, spirit stones, top martial arts, Mortal Realm fragments, even quasi-Mortal techniques!”
Quasi-Mortal techniques!
Ling Xiao’s heart stirred.
Mortal Realm fragments, though derived from true Mortal techniques, were incomplete, hard to master quickly or apply in battle.
Quasi-Mortal techniques were different—above top-tier arts, just shy of true Mortal techniques, carrying hints of their mysteries.
Mastering them boosted combat power and laid a foundation for grasping Mortal techniques later.
“General, can you detail how merits are earned?” someone asked.
“Simple. Dream Elixir traders are mostly foreign martial artists, plus some human traitors. We don’t kill civilians, only martial artists.”
General September continued, “Kill a martial artist below Pulse Realm Third Layer: 1 merit point!”
“Pulse Realm Fourth Layer: 2 points!”
“Fifth Layer: 3 points! Sixth Layer: 4 points!”
“If anyone takes down a Pulse Realm Seventh Layer Martial Master—early stage: 10 points, mid-stage: 15 points, late stage: 20 points, peak: 25 points!”
