Order to Sharpen Knives

Half an hour later, at the Vanguard Camp's training grounds.

The cold wind whipped up dust, making the banners snap and crackle. Nearly a thousand Vanguard Camp soldiers stood in formation, squad by squad, in dead silence. A palpable aura of grim killing intent hung in the air, a hundred times heavier than that of the Supply Camp.

Chen Qing stood in front of his squad, with Old Niu, Crippled Sun, and the other nine behind him. After his earlier display of dominance, these nine now stood ramrod straight, their eyes devoid of any contempt, replaced by an instinctive awe and obedience towards a stronger being. They could sense that their excessively young new Squad Leader possessed a composure and... danger, that belied his age.

On the command platform, a burly general draped in a dark red cloak stood with his hand on his sword, his gaze sweeping the field like a falcon's. This was the Vanguard Camp's commander, Captain Zhou Han, rumored to be a peak Bone Forging Realm expert, only a step away from the Meridian Condensing Realm.

"Northern Mang curs, you've gone too far!" Zhou Han's voice boomed like muffled thunder across the training grounds. "Attacking our encampments day after day, killing our brothers! Do you think Great Yan has no one left?"

No one answered from below, only heavier breaths and the crisp sound of knuckles cracking as weapons were gripped tighter.

"We have orders from above!" Zhou Han suddenly drew his sword, pointing its tip towards the north. "We can't let them keep surrounding us comfortably anymore! The Vanguard Camp is the tip of the spear for the entire army! Tonight, at midnight, we march out of the camp with me and raid the Northern Mang's left flank outpost—Wolf Fang Stronghold!"

"We'll pull out this thorn, and let them taste what it's like to be stabbed in the back!"

"Roar!" Nearly a thousand soldiers below let out low roars, their fighting spirit instantly ignited.

A raid! This was what the Vanguard Camp was meant for! Better to strike proactively than to passively endure!

Chen Qing's eyes narrowed slightly. He had heard of Wolf Fang Stronghold; it was a crucial outpost on the Northern Mang army's left flank, garrisoned by elite troops, difficult to attack and easy to defend. A night raid carried immense risk, but success would bring equally astonishing rewards. More importantly, it meant plenty of combat, plenty of... proficiency and killing intent!

"All squads, prepare to move out! Check your armor, eat your fill, and get some rest! We assemble here at the first hour of midnight! Those who are late will be beheaded! Those who fear battle will be beheaded!" Zhou Han's voice was like metal striking stone as he issued the final order.

The troops dispersed, the atmosphere instantly becoming fiery and tense.

Back in the small tent assigned to him, Chen Qing's ten-man squad gathered.

Old Niu rubbed his hands, a mix of excitement and apprehension on his face. "Damn it, finally we don't have to hide in the camp like turtles! Wolf Fang Stronghold isn't an easy place to crack. Those Northern Mang bastards have at least a hundred men stationed there, plus barricades and trenches."

Crippled Sun added with a sinister grin, "I heard the commander there is a Centurion named 'Vulture.' He's ruthless, and his cultivation is probably close to the middle stage of Bone Forging Realm."

The other soldiers chimed in with their own discussions, the mood growing heavy. Night raids were difficult enough, and their target was such a tough nut to crack.

Chen Qing listened quietly. When they had finished speaking, he slowly asked, "Scared?"

Everyone blinked. Old Niu puffed out his chest. "What are you saying, Squad Leader! The men of the Vanguard Camp don't have the word 'fear' in their dictionary!"

"That's good then." Chen Qing's gaze swept over them. "Wolf Fang Stronghold is hard to attack, we know that, and the Northern Mang know it too. Precisely because it's hard to attack, they'll be complacent. That's our opportunity."

He paused, then continued, "Night raids require speed, precision, and ruthlessness. Our squad's mission isn't to confront that Centurion head-on, but to follow orders, infiltrate from the flank, create chaos, burn their supplies, or... kill as many regular guards as possible."

His voice was calm, yet carried a convincing power. "Remember three points: First, follow me closely, don't fall behind. Second, strike hard, leave no survivors. Third, if things go south, prioritize your own safety; I will cover your retreat."

Looking at Chen Qing's serene face, and recalling his terrifying killing intent and skill from earlier, the unease in their hearts inexplicably dissipated by more than half. With such a formidable Squad Leader at the helm, it seemed even the toughest bones could be gnawed.

"We'll listen to the Squad Leader!" Old Niu was the first to pledge.

"Listen to the Squad Leader!" The others echoed in unison.

"Go prepare yourselves, check your armor, eat the jerky you've been given, and get some rest," Chen Qing waved his hand.

After everyone had left, Chen Qing remained alone in the tent. He took out the five Blood Strengthening Pills and, without hesitation, swallowed them all in one go.

As the pills entered his stomach, they instantly transformed into five streams of scorching energy, slithering like small snakes within his body. He immediately began circulating the Fierce Tiger Iron Body technique, guiding the surging medicinal power to cleanse his limbs and bones, especially the old injuries and unhealed wounds from previous battles.

Where the hot currents flowed, a sharp sting followed, but more than that, it brought a feeling of surging power. The humming within his bones grew clearer, and the dull luster beneath his skin seemed to deepen slightly.

[Used Blood Strengthening Pills, Fierce Tiger Iron Body proficiency +50] [Vitality strengthened, Black Tiger Fist intent slightly improved...]

Proficiency steadily increased, and his internal vitality became more robust. He stored most of the medicinal power, intending to unleash it during the battle.

Afterward, he drew his ring-pommel sword and began meticulously sharpening the blade with a whetstone dipped in water. The zi la zi la sound echoed in the silent tent.

A blade needs sharpening.

A person also needs sharpening.

This Wolf Fang Stronghold was an excellent whetstone.

He ran a hand over the cool blade, his eyes gradually sharpening.

Midnight was fast approaching.