Black Tiger Establishes Camp

The "Black Tiger Camp" recruitment banner, like a burning ember tossed into boiling oil, instantly ignited the entire Northern Frontier defense line.

"Did you hear? General Fierce Tiger is establishing his own camp!"

"Black Tiger Camp! Good heavens, that name alone is terrifying!"

"Excellent treatment, only accepting those who dare to fight and can fight! I've had enough of the Supply Camp's nonsense, I'm joining the Black Tiger Camp!"

"Let's go together! Following General Fierce Tiger, merit and wealth will be within easy reach!"

As the news spread, people flocked to join.

Not only were there new recruits, who had been replenished after being severely wounded, but many veterans from other companies, and even some disgruntled low-ranking officers, were considering it. Chen Qing's fierce combat record of personally killing a Meridian Condensing expert and crushing the vanguard, along with the imperial title of "General Yangwei," held a fatal attraction.

In just three days, a long line had formed outside the camp.

Chen Qing handed over the recruitment matters entirely to Old Niu and Sun Quezi. These two were now the left and right Squad Leaders of the Black Tiger Camp. One was rough and brave, the other cunning and sharp, making them a perfect complement.

The recruitment standards were simple yet brutal.

The first test: strength. One must be able to draw a three-stone war bow or lift a 300-jin stone lock.

The second test: courage. One must stand firm before a ring-pommel sword imbued with a trace of Chen Qing's fierce aura for ten breaths without retreating.

The third test: combat. A one-on-one fight against a veteran of the Black Tiger Camp, lasting for the duration of one incense stick without defeat.

After passing these three tests, only those with firm resolve and extraordinary skills remained – true warriors.

Chen Qing would occasionally appear on the high platform of the training grounds, observing with cold eyes. He didn't need sheep; he needed wolves that could tear enemies apart. The faint, almost imperceptible fierce aura around him served as the best filter; the timid and cowardly lacked even the courage to meet his gaze.

[Absorbing fierce warriors, military camp's fierce aura converges, Fierce Tiger Iron Body proficiency slightly increases...]

The system prompt confirmed that the growth of this power was indeed closely related to war and slaughter.

Five days later, the Black Tiger Camp began to take shape. The 500 slots were filled, each soldier with a fierce gaze and refined aura. Standing together, they exuded a formidable and bloody presence, distinct from the surrounding camps.

Chen Qing divided the 500 men into five teams of 100 each. Old Niu and Sun Quezi each led a team, while the other three Squad Leaders were promoted from three veterans who had performed outstandingly during recruitment and had reached the peak of the Skin Refining Realm.

He didn't have time for complex formation training; the Black Tiger Camp's tactic was simple – follow him and break through! Maximize individual martial prowess and collective ferocity.

He personally entered the fray, teaching the most concise and effective combined attack techniques, and how to coordinate with his "Fierce Tiger Domain" for offense and defense on the battlefield. He even publicly taught the most basic body-tempering postures from the Iron Body Skill. Although the effects were far inferior to Fierce Tiger Iron Body, for these ordinary soldiers, it was a rare opportunity, enough to enhance their survivability and strength by a notch.

This move further won the loyalty of the 500 fierce warriors, making them devoted.

In terms of resources, Captain Zhou Han kept his word. Provisions, armor, bows, crossbows, and arrows were all prioritized. Chen Qing also invested most of the thousand taels of gold and hundred spirit jade awarded by the court into the Black Tiger Camp, using them to purchase better weapons and armor, as well as additional meat and medicinal herbs.

Spirit jade was condensed spiritual energy from heaven and earth, greatly beneficial for martial artists' cultivation. Chen Qing tried absorbing a piece and found that the pure spiritual energy within also aided in the cultivation of the fierce aura for Fierce Tiger Iron Body, neutralizing some of its ferocity and making it easier to control. He kept most of the spirit jade for himself, occasionally bestowing it upon officers who achieved military merits.

The Black Tiger Camp, like a rapidly growing ferocious beast, stood out conspicuously within the Northern Frontier defense line.

One day, Chen Qing was practicing the Black Tiger Fist in the camp. Having reached the state of perfection, his fist techniques were no longer bound by form. Every movement contained a domineering true intent that suppressed all directions, drawing the surrounding fierce aura to flow with it, forming streams of black and red vortexes of energy outside his body.

[Practicing Black Tiger Fist, drawing fierce aura, proficiency +15]

[Black Tiger True Intent resonates with Fierce Tiger Domain, domain control slightly increases...]

He could feel his understanding of "intent" and "domain" deepening, but it seemed there was still a thin veil separating him from the next realm.

Just then, a personal guard hurried over to report: "General, a monk is seeking an audience outside the camp. He claims to be from Lanke Temple and wishes to discuss dharma with you."

"Lanke Temple? A monk?" Chen Qing stopped punching and stood up, frowning slightly. Lanke Temple was a sacred Buddhist site of Great Yan, with a transcendent status. The eminent monks there possessed profound cultivation. Why would they come to him, a border general filled with fierce aura, to discuss dharma?

He pondered for a moment: "Please invite him in."

A moment later, a middle-aged monk in a moon-white robe, holding a nine-ringed staff, with a kind and dignified countenance, was led into the training grounds by the personal guard.

The monk's gaze fell upon Chen Qing. Seeing the still-unsettled vortex of fierce aura around him, a hint of pity flashed in his eyes. He clasped his hands together and chanted a Buddhist name: "Amitabha. This humble monk, Huiming of Lanke Temple, greets General Chen."

"Master Huiming, there's no need for formalities," Chen Qing said calmly. "May I ask what dharma Master seeks to discuss with me?"

Huiming's eyes were clear as he looked directly at Chen Qing: "This humble monk observes that General is enveloped by fierce aura, which has penetrated to the bone and soul. Although you possess temporary martial prowess, if this continues, you may fall into the path of slaughter, lose your true self, and be irredeemable for eternity. Our Buddha is merciful. We have the Calming Heart Mantra and the Dharma of Crossing Tribulations that can dispel malevolent energy and guide one towards goodness. This humble monk is willing to chant scriptures for the General for a hundred days to remove this karma of slaughter, and hopes the General will return from his misguided path."

As soon as these words were spoken, the Black Tiger Camp soldiers on and around the training grounds erupted in an uproar, glaring angrily at Huiming. How dare this bald donkey say the General would fall into the path of slaughter? And he wanted to dispel the General's fierce aura? Wouldn't that cripple the General's foundation?

Chen Qing raised his hand, silencing the commotion among his subordinates. He looked at Huiming, his expression still calm, even with a hint of faint mockery: "Master's kind intentions are appreciated. However, my path lies not before the Buddha, but beneath the blade. This fierce aura is condensed from the blood of enemies, forged from the souls of my comrades, and is the foundation of my existence. To dispel it? No need."

Huiming shook his head and sighed: "The General's obsession is too deep. Fierce aura is the most ferocious and malevolent energy in the world. To control it is like taming a fierce tiger; there will always be a day of backlash. The sea of suffering is boundless; turn back and you will find the shore."

Chen Qing smiled, his smile chilling: "Master, do you know, under the iron hooves of Northern Mang, where is the shore? If endless slaughter can buy even an inch of peace for the homeland behind me, then this fierce aura, this path of slaughter, I... will bear it!"

As his words fell, the fierce aura around him erupted. It was no longer a vortex but condensed into a blurry, giant black tiger phantom, letting out a silent roar at Huiming! The Fierce Tiger Domain expanded accordingly, and a cold killing intent enveloped the surroundings!

A faint golden light emanated from Huiming's body, blocking the invading fierce aura, but his face paled slightly, and the pity in his eyes deepened.

"Amitabha," he chanted again. Knowing that words were useless, he looked deeply at Chen Qing, "Since the General's mind is made up, this humble monk will not force the issue. I only hope the General will show mercy in the future and commit less bloodshed. Farewell."

With that, he turned and left, his retreating figure carrying a hint of desolation.

Chen Qing retracted his fierce aura and looked in the direction Huiming had disappeared, his eyes cold.

Does Buddha save those who are fated? He didn't need saving.

His path was forged through killing. If gods or Buddhas blocked his way, he would... kill gods and slay Buddhas!

"Continue training!" he turned and shouted sternly at his soldiers.

"Yes! General!"

The five hundred fierce warriors roared in unison, their voices shaking the wilderness, their fierce aura soaring to the heavens!

The Black Tiger Camp, this ferocious beast watered by fierce aura and blood, had bared its sharp fangs, awaiting the next call to war.