Chapter 14

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

This chapter is edited by Cthulhu. Thank you for your contribution!

Chapter 14: We Must Fight These Bandits!

“Ha!”

In the martial arts arena, Qiao Mu holds a long spear in his hand and thrusts it forward swiftly, creating a piercing sound as it cuts through the air.

After joining the Yan City defense forces, he has been practicing Military Spear Skill, focusing on simple moves like thrusting, chopping, and slashing, without any fancy techniques.

Feeling focused, in his mind’s inventory of skills, there is now an additional line that reads “Military Spear Skill (Beginner).”

Having enlisted as a soldier, Qiao Mu naturally needs to train with weapons.

The reason he chose a spear is mainly because in many novels, spearmen tend to have bad luck and die more easily.

After practicing in the martial arts arena for several days, Qiao Mu has developed a good understanding of his martial arts potential.

In terms of appearance, he could be considered average or slightly above average, and with his somewhat higher emotional intelligence, he is like a large cup—he has some talent, but not much.

As for Qiao Canxue’s mention of temperament, that’s another matter entirely.

His progress in spear practice isn’t much better than that of the average soldier; he purely relies on arm strength to swing it properly.

“When can I die?” Qiao Mu ponders, lost in thought.

He looks forward to dying in a meaningful way.

While Qiao Mu practices with the spear, some soldiers observe him, their gazes tinged with disappointment.

They remember when the city lord led a hundred horsemen down the long street, and Qiao Mu, acting alone, had grabbed the City Lord’s son by the neck, forcing the city lord to apologize.

Although these soldiers serve under City Lord Guo Yan, that scene had left an indelible impression on them.

The young martyr Qiao Mu had gained some renown within Yan City.

After spending these past days together, these soldiers couldn’t help but feel that “fame often brings more trouble than it’s worth.”

At first, they were quite curious and observed him, but the more they watched, the more ordinary he seemed.

“I think this person is unremarkable and hasn’t practiced weapons before. He just joined the army, so he’s only starting to learn?”

“Speaking of which, Qiao Mu only trains his physical strength to the maximum, but he hasn’t developed any internal strength yet. How can he become a centurion?”

“Dealing with regular people is easy with maximum physical strength, but on the battlefield, without the protection of internal strength, maximum physical strength just makes for a vulnerable body. Death comes easily.”

“Having a reputation means nothing in the army. Qiao Mu only became famous because he was bold enough to catch the City Lord’s son. If not for the Lord’s magnanimity, he wouldn’t have survived.”

“Fighting as an ordinary martial artist differs completely from battling on the army’s battlefield. How many life-or-death battles has Qiao Mu experienced?”

In this world of martial artists, they are divided into 9th ranks.

These ranks determine not only realm and strength but also official position and status within the Great Yan Imperial Court.

A martial artist of the 9th rank, serving the court and contributing to the country, receives the salary of a 9th rank official, with status equivalent to a half 9th rank military officer.

If a 1st rank martial artist joins the court, their status approaches that of a 1st rank senior officer.

Though different from military officers who hold real power, they are still officials, equivalent to high-level bodyguards supported by the court.

The position of centurion in Yan City’s forces is typically held by a 9th ranked martial artist.

Qiao Mu, though not yet vigorously trained, has gained some reputation in Yan City, making him stand out among the soldiers.

On the small building next to the martial arts field, two pairs of eyes watch Qiao Mu practicing his spear.

“This person is truly disappointing,” the old man in gray clothes says, shaking his head with a sigh.

“When he faced the city lord’s power on the main street of the inner city, he didn’t back down an inch. I thought he might be a young martial arts genius, which explained his bold behavior.”

“But today, he’s nothing more than someone with bravery and youthful energy,” the old man in gray clothes concludes, shaking his head again.

“Military Officer Chu, this is the impulsive Qiao Mu from a few days ago. You should understand what the city lord means,” the old man in gray clothes says.

As City Lord Guo Yan’s confidant, he often handles message delivery.

Beside him stands Military Officer Chu, an 8th rank officer in the military camp and an 8th rank martial artist.

“I understand,” Military Officer Chu says with a smile, asking tentatively, “So, in a few days, we will lead troops out of the city to eradicate the bandits?”

The old man in gray robes smiles and continues, “Outside the city, on Dongshan Mountain, the bandits have grown rampant, especially one called Bandit King Wang Songhe, who is particularly bold.”

“These mere bandits dare to call themselves kings? What a joke!” Military Officer Chu says with a nod. “These bandits must be eliminated! It’s necessary!”

“Since Qiao Mu has a reputation for bravery but hasn’t trained enough, it would be logical for him to die at the hands of bandits.”

With just a few simple sentences, they arrange Qiao Mu’s fate.

But they don’t care much, given Qiao Mu’s age and strength make him easy to handle.

“Then, let him live a few more days,” Military Officer Chu says.

This matter shouldn’t be rushed, lest it become too obvious.

It would seem suspicious if Qiao Mu, having just joined the city guards, died in a battle against bandits within days.

Qiao Mu remains unaware of the lord’s scheme, but this doesn’t stop him from mingling in the military camp.

He suspects the lord didn’t let him join the city defense army just to practice martial arts and pass time.

It won’t be long before the lord makes his move, and then Qiao Mu will respond accordingly.

He shouldn’t stay in the barracks too long.

So, even though Qiao Mu knows some soldiers don’t respect him as a centurion who has just started learning to fight and use weapons, he doesn’t care.

One evening, while training in the martial arts field, Qiao Mu prepares to return to camp when he sees one of his soldiers—a man in his forties with yellow teeth—running toward him.

“Boss, I heard you want to buy some martial arts techniques, boxing manuals, and such?”

“Yes,” Qiao Mu nods.

During his time in Yan City Military Camp, he has come to understand what kind of soldiers they all are.

Being a 9th ranked martial artist in the military camp makes one excellent, typically serving as a centurion.

As for ordinary soldiers, most are strong, hardworking men, with a small portion having knowledge of farming techniques.

So Qiao Mu wonders if he might learn some techniques from the hundred soldiers under his command.

After all, Qiao Mu is an immortal being.

He might live for thousands upon thousands of years, so he should learn some martial arts. He needn’t worry about wasting time and energy—he has plenty of time.

As long as his body can handle it, he wants to learn ten thousand different skills!

While still in the army camp, before the city lord kills him, he wants to learn as much as possible.

Of course, his main focus remains the Long Life Fist, and that won’t change.

“Do you have something, Old Huang?” Qiao Mu asks, surprised.

Actually, Old Huang’s surname isn’t Huang but Bai.

He’s called “Old Huang” because he always smiles when meeting people, but his teeth are somewhat yellow.

“Yes, it’s a tough skill. Do you want it, boss?” Old Huang asks with a smile.

Tough skill?

Qiao Mu’s eyes light up instantly. Having not yet mastered internal strength, a strong external martial art would be great for self-defense.

Although he’s not afraid of death, having some defensive skills would still prove useful.

Of course, Old Huang is just an ordinary soldier, so Qiao Mu doesn’t expect any exceptional martial arts techniques from him.

It doesn’t matter if the skill is of a lower rank; being super powerful, Qiao Mu accepts anyone who approaches him.

Just as Qiao Mu prepares to agree, laughter erupts from the soldiers beside him.

“Boss, why not ask first what this skill Old Huang mentioned is?” a bald monk soldier nearby says through his laughter.

“What is it?” Qiao Mu asks suspiciously.

“It’s the Iron Crotch Skill,” Old Huang announces with a hearty laugh.

Qiao Mu: …..

“Old Huang, I don’t want that kind of hardness you’re thinking of.” Qiao Mu feels speechless.

Why are you here, distracting me?

“Don’t underestimate the Iron Crotch Skill,” says the nearby Bald Monk Soldier.

“Old Huang is in his forties this year, with six children at home. Just last year, a new addition joined the family. Don’t you think this Iron Crotch Skill is impressive?”

Qiao Mu suddenly shows deep respect.

“I have always been passionate about martial arts, and I want to learn this Iron Crotch Skill.”