Whoever Refuses to Submit, Beat Them into Submission!

Inside the command tent.

The other Platoon Leaders and Squad Leaders had already left.

Only Xu Qi remained, seated in the place of honor.

Suddenly, he caught the scent of blood.

He looked up at once and saw a bloodstained figure stride into the tent.

The figure cupped his fists and said, "Battalion Commander! I just killed that beast Wang Teng. Please punish me!"

Jiang Bei had killed Wang Teng?!

Xu Qi's expression changed sharply as he stared at Jiang Bei, shock flooding his heart.

He had thought that when Jiang Bei said he was going to deal with Wang Teng, he merely meant to give him a severe beating.

He had never expected him to kill Wang Teng outright!

It was not that he regretted Wang Teng's death.

He was simply astonished by Jiang Bei's strength!

After all, Wang Teng had been a Ninth Rank Great Training for many years.

Yet Jiang Bei had killed him in such a short time, and he did not even seem to be injured. Didn't that mean... Jiang Bei was even stronger than an ordinary Ninth Rank Great Training?

Perhaps he was not even that far from Eighth Rank Minor Training?

Xu Qi frowned, deep in thought.

After a moment, he said loudly, "Wang Teng's sins were grave, and this was far from his first offense. As a Platoon Leader, he acted without restraint. What did he take this important military camp for? Jiang Bei, do not dwell on this matter. Even if you had not killed him, I would never have kept such a man!"

So many Platoon Leaders and Squad Leaders already knew about Wang Teng's misdeeds.

If he was not dealt with, there would be no way to justify it.

Though Jiang Bei killing him outright was still somewhat serious.

But between a Platoon Leader and a Squad Leader—

Between a Ninth Rank Great Training in his thirties and a potential talent not yet twenty who was already close to Eighth Rank—

Xu Qi could clearly tell which one mattered more.

"Thank you, Battalion Commander!"

Jiang Bei cupped his fists in salute, then turned and walked out of the tent.

"How was it? What did the Battalion Commander say? Was the punishment severe?"

Guo Xiu Yong, who had been waiting outside the tent, hurried over and asked anxiously.

"There was no punishment."

Jiang Bei said.

"No punishment?"

Guo Xiu Yong was immediately taken aback.

Although Wang Teng had been at fault and deserved his death, Jiang Bei had killed someone directly in the army. Ordinarily, no matter what, he should have received at least a reprimand or punishment.

Yet Jiang Bei had received nothing at all?

The Battalion Commander was actually... this lenient toward Jiang Bei?

Or had the Battalion Commander made a choice between the two of them?

The more Guo Xiu Yong thought about it, the more likely it seemed.

If he were the Battalion Commander, he would probably have chosen Jiang Bei without hesitation as well.

One was a Platoon Leader unfit for important duty, who had been in the wrong from the start. The other may have gone too far, but he had reason on his side. Not to mention, the potential he had displayed was far beyond anything Wang Teng could compare to!

After leaving the command tent, Jiang Bei took Yu Rou to change to another barracks room.

For one thing, their old room needed repairs and could not be occupied for the time being.

For another, he was now a Squad Leader, and his accommodations had changed as well. They were larger and more spacious.

"Xiao Rou, you must have been frightened today."

After changing rooms, only the two of them remained inside. Jiang Bei gently stroked Yu Rou's delicate cheek, his voice tender.

"Husband, I'm fine. Today... thank you so much."

Yu Rou replied softly, her gentle gaze resting on his face.

"Silly girl, why thank me? You are my wife. Protecting you is only right."

Jiang Bei smiled, warmth filling his eyes. "From now on, whether in Ren-Rank Camp or anywhere else, I will not let anyone bully you."

"Thank you, Husband."

Tears shimmered in Yu Rou's eyes. Suddenly, she reached out and hugged Jiang Bei tightly, burying her face deeply in his chest. Her voice was soft yet resolute. "Husband, I love you."

"Xiao Rou, I love you too."

A gentle smile lifted the corners of Jiang Bei's lips as he pulled her tightly into his arms.

Elsewhere.

Inside another barracks belonging to a Squad Leader.

"Damn it, after resting for a few days, I'm finally more or less recovered!"

A burly figure slowly sat up from the bed, stretched his limbs, and then smiled.

This man was none other than—

Xue Long, Squad Leader of the Ninth Squad!

He then looked toward the door, frowning in confusion. "Didn't I tell that little brat Wang Teng to come see me at this hour? Why isn't he here yet? Don't tell me he's off teasing some woman again?"

"Useless bastard!"

Xue Long shook his head and sat down in a nearby chair to put on his boots.

Still, he was not truly blaming him.

Other than being a bit too lustful, his subordinate had no other flaws and was deeply favored by him.

Among the entire Ninth Squad, Wang Teng was the one Xue Long admired most.

If he became a Battalion Commander in the future, Wang Teng would definitely be the first person he recommended for the post of Squad Leader.

Just then.

A figure hurried inside. "Squad... Squad Leader, something terrible has happened!"

Xue Long glanced at the newcomer. This man was named Ling Xuan, and he was also one of his Platoon Leaders.

His brows immediately furrowed as he barked, "Why are you panicking? How many times have I told you? Even if the sky were falling, you must remain calm as Mount Tai collapses before you without changing expression! Go outside and do it again!"

Ling Xuan froze, but he could only run back outside and start over.

"Squad Leader, something terrible has happened!"

"No, your tone is still too heavy, too rushed! Again!"

"Squad Leader, something big has happened!"

"Again, again!"

"Squad Leader, something happened."

Only then did Xue Long nod in satisfaction. "That's more like it. No matter how serious it is, you can't panic. Sit down and tell me slowly. What exactly happened?"

Ling Xuan nodded and sat down nearby before saying, "Squad Leader, Wang Teng was killed."

"Mm, Wang Teng... What did you say?! Wang Teng was killed?!"

Xue Long nodded calmly at first, but once he processed the words, he sprang from his chair, his expression changing drastically.

He kicked Ling Xuan's chair, sending him sprawling to the floor, then pointed at his nose and cursed, "Why didn't you tell me something this serious sooner?!"

Ling Xuan groaned inwardly. Didn't you tell me to take it slow and remain calm even if Mount Tai collapsed before me?

Why were you blaming me instead?

"Who was it? Who killed him?! Wasn't Wang Teng recovering in the camp? He wasn't on a mission, so how could he have been killed?!"

Xue Long roared.

"It was Jiang Bei from the Second Squad!"

"Jiang Bei? Who's that? Why have I never heard of him?"

Xue Long asked.

"He was an ordinary soldier in the Second Squad, but he earned merit during the Iron Fist Valley operation. I heard the Battalion Commander has already made him the Squad Leader of the Second Squad!"

Ling Xuan hurriedly explained.

"An ordinary soldier jumped straight to Squad Leader? What kind of joke is that? Is Jiang Bei an Eighth Rank Great Training warrior or something?!"

Xue Long roared.

"He's not Eighth Rank Great Training! I heard he's only Ninth Rank Great Training, but that kid is ruthless. He beat Wang Teng... right in front of everyone until he was unrecognizable, then killed him on the spot!"

Ling Xuan said.

"Bastard!!"

With a bang, Xue Long smashed the table before him to pieces. His expression was terrifyingly grim, fury surging from his eyes.

"What nerve, killing one of my men! Where is Jiang Bei? Tell me now!!"

Xue Long grabbed Ling Xuan by the collar and demanded furiously.

"He's in Barracks Number Three! He's already moved over there!"

Ling Xuan hurriedly replied.

Bang!!

Xue Long kicked the barracks' wooden door open and stormed out, charging straight toward Barracks Number Three.

"Jiang Bei! Get the hell out here!!"

At the same time, Xue Long's furious roar echoed throughout the entire Third Battalion.

What Jiang Bei had done—killing Wang Teng in a fit of rage—had already spread through Third Battalion like a tidal wave.

It was even showing signs of spreading to the other battalions, and before long, the entire Ren-Rank Camp was in an uproar.

Everyone was astonished by Jiang Bei's methods, while also eagerly anticipating what Xue Long would do once he learned of this.

The moment they heard Xue Long's furious roar ring out, they immediately knew the show had begun.

Figures began rushing over from every corner of the Ren-Rank Camp, all coming to watch the spectacle.

"He came pretty fast."

Inside the barracks, Jiang Bei heard the roar as well, and his eyes immediately turned cold.

"Husband, this is..."

Yu Rou immediately grew worried.

"It's nothing. I'll go take a look. You stay in the room."

Jiang Bei gently patted the back of Yu Rou's hand, then strode outside.

When he turned his head, he saw a burly figure striding over with rage written all over his face.

Besides him, many soldiers had gathered from all directions to watch the commotion.

Jiang Bei stepped outside.

A fight was unavoidable.

But he had just gotten this new barracks, and he had no intention of wrecking it again.

Reaching the open space outside, Jiang Bei looked toward Xue Long as he approached.

"Look! Jiang Bei came out!"

"Jiang Bei's got some nerve. He knows Xue Long came looking for him, yet he actually dared to come out on his own!"

"Xue Long is a genuine Eighth Rank Minor Training warrior! Is Jiang Bei tired of living?"

"Xue Long admired and favored Wang Teng the most, but Jiang Bei killed Wang Teng. This is going to be quite a show!"

Discussion erupted all around them.

The spectators gathered in a circle, but none dared move any closer, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire.

"You're Jiang Bei? You're the one who killed Wang Teng?!"

Xue Long came to a stop before him, glaring fixedly at Jiang Bei. The killing intent in his eyes was nearly tangible.

"Why are you talking so much nonsense?"

Jiang Bei said coldly.

"What an arrogant brat! Do you know Wang Teng was one of my men?! I heard you became the Squad Leader of Second Squad? Today, I'll see what gives you the right to stand on equal footing with me!"

Xue Long let out a furious roar, then stomped his foot and shot straight toward Jiang Bei. "Give me your life!"

The instant he charged forward—

A surging force burst forth like a storm, raging wildly.

A fierce gale rose from where he had stood!

"So strong! Is this what an Eighth Rank Minor Training warrior is like?"

"Jiang Bei is done for. He might have been able to kill Wang Teng, but he can't withstand Xue Long's fury!"

The crowd exploded into an uproar.

Yet there was not the slightest trace of fear in Jiang Bei's eyes. Instead, coldness surged within them!

He had said long ago that it was fine if Xue Long did not come looking for trouble.

But if he really did come—

Even if Xue Long was a Squad Leader and an Eighth Rank Minor Training warrior, Jiang Bei would fight him all the same!

Jiang Bei understood one truth very clearly: if one wanted dignity and did not want to be bullied, words alone were not enough.

One needed fists. One needed strength!

Whoever refused to submit, whoever dared to complain—

Then he would beat them into submission!!