Fiend Star's Name First Spread

## Chapter Thirteen

Wolf Fang Stronghold had become a sea of fire and a slaughterhouse.

The main general, "Vulture," was beheaded, the grain supplies were burned, and multiple camp tents caught fire. Coupled with the fierce attack prepared by the Vanguard Camp, the Northern Barbarian defenders' resistance quickly crumbled. What remained was a one-sided pursuit and... a merciless cleanup.

When Chen Qing returned to the rendezvous point, Old Niu, Sun Quezi, and the others were already waiting. Everyone was injured, but their eyes gleamed with excitement. They saw the hideous wound on Chen Qing's left arm and his blood-soaked appearance, which emanated an even stronger malevolent aura. Their hearts skipped a beat, and a deeper sense of awe surged within them.

"Squad Leader!"

Chen Qing nodded, his gaze sweeping over them. All ten were present, and no one had fallen. Hei Wa had taken a cut to his shoulder, a not-so-shallow wound, but his life was not in danger.

"How's the situation?"

"Reporting to Squad Leader, we burned two small grain piles and killed seven or eight Northern Barbarian brats!" Old Niu reported excitedly. "The other groups are similar. The stronghold is in complete chaos!"

"Well done," Chen Qing praised calmly, then his gaze fell upon the remaining Northern Barbarian stragglers who were still resisting or attempting to escape. "Those who can still move, follow me. Those who are injured, bandage yourselves on the spot and look out for each other."

He had no intention of resting. The battle was not yet completely over, which meant there was still "proficiency" to be gained from movement. Especially those scattered Northern Barbarian officers and elites, their rewards were far more substantial than those of ordinary soldiers.

"I'm fine! I'll follow the Squad Leader!" Old Niu was the first to shout. Although he had taken a few hits, they were all superficial.

Sun Quezi and several other lightly wounded soldiers also voiced their agreement.

Chen Qing said no more, drew his saber, and charged towards the area with the densest sounds of shouting and the main direction of the stragglers' escape. Old Niu and the others immediately followed.

They were like a sharp, piercing blade, specifically intercepting those small groups of Northern Barbarian soldiers who were either organized or attempting to regroup and resist. Chen Qing led the charge, his fully integrated Black Tiger Saber Technique becoming increasingly proficient and ruthless in actual combat. Combined with the formidable defense and strength provided by the Fierce Tiger Iron Body, he was almost unstoppable.

He specifically targeted the Northern Barbarian officers and elite soldiers wearing iron armor and exuding a stronger aura. Where his saber light flashed, heads inevitably rolled or limbs flew. Old Niu and the others were responsible for cleaning up the ordinary soldiers who had been terrified by Chen Qing's killing, and for mopping up any remaining resistance.

[Killed Northern Barbarian Decurion, gained Qi and Blood and Malevolent Aura, Fierce Tiger Iron Body Proficiency +18]

[Killed Northern Barbarian Elite Soldier...]

[Black Tiger Saber Technique Proficiency +15]

The system's notification sounds were like the most beautiful music, constantly ringing in his mind. The malevolent aura within his body became increasingly active and refined with each kill, blending even more closely with his Qi and Blood. The wound on his left arm, wrapped in black and red malevolent aura, had stopped bleeding and even began to feel numb and itchy.

He was like a tireless killing machine, efficiently and coldly reaping lives. The imposing, concentrated aura of ferocity made even Old Niu and the others following him feel a thrill of fear, and at the same time, a greater fervor. Following such a Squad Leader not only increased their chances of survival but also allowed them to gain battle merits swiftly!

As the last trace of darkness before dawn was dispelled by the fish-belly white light on the horizon, resistance within Wolf Fang Stronghold had basically subsided. Except for a few Northern Barbarian stragglers who had escaped into the wilderness, most of the defending forces had been annihilated.

The Vanguard Camp began to systematically clear the battlefield, count the spoils, burn enemy corpses, and collect their own fallen comrades.

Chen Qing finally stopped, leaning on his ring-pommeled saber, breathing slightly heavily. The continuous high-intensity combat, even with his Bone Forging Realm cultivation and the formidable Fierce Tiger Iron Body, made him feel a slight fatigue. But feeling the increasingly robust Qi and Blood and the more refined malevolent aura within his body, this slight fatigue was insignificant.

He looked at the status screen.

[Host: Chen Qing]
[Realm: Bone Forging Realm (Early)--(Stable, Approaching Mid-stage)]
[Martial Arts: Black Tiger Fist (Fully Integrated, Proficiency: 1980/5000)]
[Martial Arts: Black Tiger Saber Technique (Fully Integrated, Proficiency: 1850/5000)]
[Martial Arts: Fierce Tiger Iron Body (Initial Glimpse, Proficiency: 720/1000)]

The harvest was immense! Especially Fierce Tiger Iron Body, which was not far from breaking through to "Slight Accomplishment."

"Squad Leader Chen!" a messenger ran over, bowing respectfully to Chen Qing. "Captain is summoning you. Please come with me."

Chen Qing nodded and instructed Old Niu, "Take the brothers to treat their wounds and count the spoils."

"Yes, Squad Leader!"

He followed the messenger to the central clearing of Wolf Fang Stronghold. This area had already been cleared. Captain Zhou Han stood beside the toppled flag of Vulture, with several Squad Leaders gathered around him, including Squad Leader Zhao and Zhao Tie.

Zhou Han's gaze fell on the approaching Chen Qing, lingering for a moment on the hideous wound on his left arm and the malevolent aura that had not yet completely dissipated from his body. The other Squad Leaders also looked at Chen Qing, their expressions varied: surprise, scrutiny, and undisguised admiration.

"You are Chen Qing?" Zhou Han asked, his voice still steady, but with less of the previous harshness.

"Your subordinate is here."

"During last night's surprise attack, your unit was the first to infiltrate, eliminate the sentries, and behead the enemy leader 'Vulture.' Your contribution is immense!" Zhou Han's voice rose so that everyone around could hear. "This captain has recorded your first merit! Reward: three hundred taels of silver and three Qi and Blood Condensing Pills!"

A low gasp rippled through the crowd. Three hundred taels of silver was already a generous reward, and the Qi and Blood Condensing Pills were valuable elixirs that greatly benefited Bone Forging Realm martial artists! The first merit of beheading the enemy leader was well-deserved!

"Thank you, Captain!" Chen Qing clasped his fists, his expression calm, without much excitement.

Zhou Han's eyes showed even more appreciation. Not arrogant, not impatient – a good material. He continued, "Your martial skills are extraordinary, and remaining a Squad Leader is a waste of your talent. You are promoted to Deputy Squad Leader, temporarily leading your original squad, under Squad Leader Zhao. After returning to camp, your troop numbers will be replenished."

Deputy Squad Leader! Although it was a deputy position, it was still a formal military officer, with a status far beyond that of a Squad Leader! Moreover, allowing him to temporarily lead his original men clearly showed great trust and regard.

"Your subordinate accepts the order and will not fail the Captain's high expectations!" Chen Qing responded solemnly.

"Good!" Zhou Han patted his shoulder with considerable force. "Go and rest well, and bandage your wounds. With the battle imminent, the Vanguard Camp needs sharp blades like you!"

"Yes!"

Chen Qing bowed again and turned to leave. Throughout the entire exchange, he did not glance at the other Squad Leaders, maintaining a demeanor that was neither servile nor overbearing.

Watching his retreating back, one Squad Leader couldn't help but say to Zhou Han, "Captain, this young man's malevolent aura is extremely heavy, and his attacks are ruthless. I fear he has practiced some... unorthodox techniques. Promoting him so quickly, is it...?"

Zhou Han waved his hand, interrupting him, his gaze deep. "In troubled times, strong measures are needed, and the army requires fierce generals. As long as he can kill the enemy and is loyal and usable, what does a little malevolent aura matter? Do you prefer those soft eggs who tremble at the sight of blood?"

The others fell silent.

Squad Leader Zhao smiled and added, "What the Captain says is very true. This Chen Qing, although shrouded in malevolent aura, executes military orders resolutely and protects his subordinates. He is a talent worth cultivating."

Zhou Han nodded and said no more, beginning to arrange the subsequent defense and retreat matters.

Chen Qing returned to the area where his squad was resting. Old Niu and the others immediately surrounded him. Upon learning that Chen Qing had been promoted to Deputy Squad Leader, they cheered even more. When their superior was promoted, they, his direct subordinates, naturally rose with him.

Chen Qing distributed most of the silver coins he received as rewards to his subordinates, keeping only a small amount for himself along with the three Qi and Blood Condensing Pills. What he needed was strength; wealth was an external possession, suitable for winning people's hearts.

This action made Old Niu and the others even more grateful, their loyalty absolute.

He found a relatively clean tent and began to treat the wound on his left arm. After pulling out the curved saber, the wound was quite deep, almost exposing bone. He circulated the Fierce Tiger Iron Body, mobilizing his qi and blood, and concentrating the malevolent energy at the site of the injury.

Under the entanglement of the dark red energy, the torn flesh and skin visibly wriggled, closing up at a speed that, while not fast, was worlds apart from ordinary wound medicine.

"Fierce Tiger Iron Body... not only defends but also accelerates wound recovery?" Chen Qing understood, his evaluation of this anomalous technique rising another level. Although it carried the risk of malevolent energy eroding his mind, its power was undeniable.

He swallowed a Qi and Blood Condensing Pill. The pure medicinal power dissolved, rapidly replenishing his depleted energy and subtly promoting the growth of Fierce Tiger Iron Body's proficiency.

When the signal fires of Wolf Fang Stronghold were completely extinguished, and the Vanguard Camp quietly retreated to the main camp with their spoils and the bodies of their fallen comrades, the name "Fiend Star" Chen Qing had already spread through the Vanguard Camp and even parts of the main army.

Slaying an enemy chieftain in formation, promotion to Deputy Squad Leader, overwhelming malevolent energy, ruthless methods...

Everyone realized that a new star, bearing the heavy scent of blood, was slowly rising within the border army, amidst mountains of corpses and seas of blood.

And Chen Qing, at this moment, sat with his eyes closed on the returning carriage (a captured one), digesting the medicinal effects, consolidating his cultivation, and ignoring the surrounding discussions.

His goal was never merely a Deputy Squad Leader position, nor even this Vanguard Camp.

Malevolent energy tempered his bones, his saber stained with blood.

This path, he had only just begun to tread.