He Started by Cutting People Down? The First Military Assignment Was That Brutal?

Right?

The sky was dark, and the river seemed to have turned black. The waves surged and the Military Hall rose and fell with the Tower Ship on the river. The three characters "Inspection Department" on the side hall's plaque were reflected upside down on the river. Inside the hall, the left and right officials held orders in their hands, the left for execution and the right for arrest.

An Arrest Decree was stuck in Zhao Xing's back. The token emitted a black-gold light, locking away all the vital energy.

Light couldn't penetrate the gloomy hall. Candlelight flickered on both sides. A massive figure sat in the main seat, exuding an aura of power and authority. Half of his body was shrouded in shadow, revealing only half of his face. However, this half of his face was covered in withered grass. His eyes were open, revealing pure black pupils, and a few blades of grass grew from his eyelashes.

"You must be Zhao Xing, the second-level Transportation Envoy Azure Wave River Transportation Department Bureau?"

"It is indeed I, your humble servant. May I ask why you have arrested me, sir?"

"As the Transportation Envoy of the Lan River, you embezzled 749,000 shi of fifth-grade supplies for your own use. In addition, you forcibly scrapped three nearly new multi- Tower Ship and sold them at a low price to Yi Zhijie of the Leiyang Merchant Guild, receiving kickbacks in return. Do you plead guilty?"

"This humble official confesses his guilt and is willing to hand over the embezzled funds and pay a fine..."

"Since you have confessed, execute me immediately!"

"What?! I am a Fifth Grade official, how can I be executed without question? Lord Liu's actions violate Article 362, Chapter 7 of the Great Zhou Code..."

"Pfft~"

Before Zhao Xing could even defend himself, he saw that his head was gone from his kneeling body.

Damn it, I finally got promoted with the help of my guildmates, and then this guy killed me... Zhao Xing had one last thought before his vision went black.

"Zhao Xing, Zhao Xing, wake up! It's time to go!"

A familiar voice rang in his ears, and then Zhao Xing felt his face was wet.

When I opened my eyes, I saw Mountain Cat licking my cheek.

Zhao Xing sat up in bed, his eyes somewhat blank.

A dream spanning thousands of years, what year is it tonight?

"You haven't slept enough? You've been sleeping since dawn the day before yesterday, and you've slept for twenty-seven hours now. Are you alright?" Long Xiao asked curiously as he approached the bedside when he saw Zhao Xing wake up.

"It's nothing." Zhao Xing's eyes cleared instantly. Yes, I am now Zhao Xing of the Divine Might Army, about to leave the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven and head to the Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture south of the Canglan River to complete the military duties assigned by the Military Realm.

"I heard you only slept one hour a day during training, without fail for a year. Now it seems it's true," Chen Shijie said, staring at Zhao Xing. "You were too exhausted, and now that you've relaxed, you've slept for twenty-seven hours. How was it? Did you sleep well?"

"That feels good." Zhao Xing nodded, then reached out and Palm Cloud Movement a cloud basin that automatically formed in his palm.

Splash! Water appeared, a towel was blown by the wind, and then she began to wash up in front of Chen Shijie and Long Xiao.

Upon seeing this, Chen Shijie couldn't help but show a hint of admiration in his eyes.

Those in the know can see the difference; even from the details of controlling the clouds, it's clear that Zhao Xing's magic has truly reached a high level.

"Meow~" The Mountain Cat came over and drank the water from the basin.

"Heaven Defier, why are you drinking this?" Long Xiao quickly pulled the Mountain Cat away. "It's unclean."

"Meow!"

The Mountain Cat broke free from Long Xiao's hand and moved closer again.

No, I want to drink!

Zhao Xing smiled and parted the Mountain Cat's head, then separated a cloud and filled it with water, gesturing for it to drink it.

The Mountain Cat immediately turned its head away obediently.

Long Xiao felt a little heartbroken.

After raising it for a year, it's not as effective as what its cheap owner says. Sigh.

After washing up, Zhao Xing, Long Xiao, Old Chen went to the side hall to eat.

"Is there anyone else you need to see?" Chen Shijie asked.

"That's all." Zhao Xing shook his head. He went to the Ten Thousand Laws Palace the day before yesterday and met the last person there.

Unexpectedly, while sleeping, I dreamed of many scenes from my past life, including the scene of Liu Tianning beheading me. It seems I should visit the Ten Thousand Laws Palace less often in the future.

"Since that's all, let's finish eating and then set off," Chen Shijie said. "There's no need to go to the Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard; you'll be back eventually anyway."

"Okay." Zhao Xing really didn't have much to pack.

After finishing our meal and going outside, we saw an Arrowfish Flying Boat moored on the lawn.

However, the three people and one cat did not rush to board the boat, but were waiting for something.

"Da da da~"

Gao Ming, riding Bamboo Horse, came galloping from the horizon and landed outside the courtyard gate.

"We've arrived." Zhao Xing stepped forward to greet him. "Brother Gao Ming."

"Zhao Xing." Gao Ming dismounted and handed over a box. "This is a mission item issued to you by the Yang City military headquarters."

"Thank you for the gift, Brother Gao." Zhao Xing accepted it; it was just a small box containing a new secret seal, Earth Mirror, and relevant credentials for military operations.

"I wish you a bright future and a meteoric rise in your career," Gao Ming said, cupping his hands in greeting.

"Thank you, and I wish you great success in your business, Brother Gao," Zhao Xing returned the greeting.

"Hahaha, I'm off." Gao Ming flipped over, mounted his Bamboo Horse, and rode away.

Datong Prefecture, Ten Thousand Peaks Mountain Range.

The calm, mirror-like lake surface suddenly rippled with concentric circles of waves, the patterns growing denser until, at a certain moment, the central area suddenly arched up.

"Splash!"

A firing pin emerges from the crest of a wave, revealing a sharp bow and a hull covered in scales.

"Whoosh~"

Like a swordfish leaping out of the water, the flying boat quickly ascended at an angle, reaching a height of 100 meters, before returning to a horizontal position.

A military flag flutters, embroidered with ten Solar Yang.

"Zhao Xing, once we leave the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, you should be able to see the first mission issued to you by the Military Realm. If the location doesn't pass through Xier County, I won't travel with you," Chen Shijie said.

He still had to return to Xier County, where the Divine Might Army was currently mainly gathered.

Military towns are stationed along the Canglan River, with Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture serving as a bridgehead, like a needle piercing the Canglan River. However, the Great Zhou has a long border south of Pinghai Province, and since no formal war has yet broken out, most of the troops, except for the permanent combat reserve troops stationed in Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture, are waiting for orders north of the Canglan River.

Zhao Xing opened the box Gao Ming had sent, took out the new Earth Mirror to check, and sure enough, the first stage of the mission had been posted on it.

However, Zhao Xing's expression changed slightly after seeing the first task.

"What's wrong?" Chen Shijie asked.

"The first mission is located in Xier County."

"Isn't that perfect? Old Chen can come back with us on the way." Long Xiao said nonchalantly, until he noticed that Zhao Xing and Chen Shijie's expressions were a bit off, then he realized, "Your first mission isn't related to the Divine Might Army, is it?"

Zhao Xing remained silent.

Chen Shijie's expression grew increasingly grim. "It's that serious?"

Is it so serious that both of them have to avoid suspicion and can't know the details of the mission?

Zhao Xing nodded slightly.

Long Xiao's mouth dropped open. "You... your first mission isn't a patrol mission, is it?"

"Stop asking," Chen Shijie said in a deep voice. "Hand over your Earth Mirror."

"Oh, okay." Long Xiao took out his Earth Mirror from his pocket.

Then Chen Shijie took out his own piece and handed it to Zhao Xing.

The attitude is very clear: we support you, and you should do whatever you need to do.

Zhao Xing thought for a moment and said, "You can keep it. I trust you."

"It's not a matter of belief or not." Chen Shijie's tone was firm. "The Military Realm's evaluation of you started from the moment you left the Grotto-Heaven. There are gods watching over you. Every move you make will be seen and recorded. They will be returned to us when you reach the Xier County Inspection Department."

"Okay." Zhao Xing put away Chen Shijie and Long Xiao's Earth Mirror.

The Arrowfish Flying Boat soared through the air. Chen Shijie piloted the boat from the outside, Long Xiao entered the cabin, and Zhao Xing led the Mountain Cat into another room.

Since Zhao Xing's first location was Xier County, and it was an inspection mission, the atmosphere became somewhat heavy.

Therefore, the three of them did not communicate again along the way.

After flying for most of the day.

At one point, Zhao Xing suddenly looked out of the cabin.

The water element in the world became more concentrated.

"We're almost there." Zhao Xing sat up straight. Xier County is located by the river, and the water element is several times stronger than outside the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven.

By observing the Heavenly Timing and sensing the Earthly Advantage Institute, the water veins in the Earth Vein also become abundant.

Zhao Xing Xingfu took out his Earth Mirror and reviewed the mission.

[First Ring of Military Affairs: Inspecting the Divine Might Army]

[Location: Xier County]

[Military Realm intelligence: Xier County is an important frontier town, but due to prolonged peace and neglect, numerous illegal activities have emerged within its borders, including smuggling, illegal immigration, corruption, rape, murder, robbery, kidnapping, and assault, totaling 1,423 people.]

The following is a detailed list of names and crimes committed by each person. You are responsible for convicting and punishing those individuals on the list.

[You can submit your completed task in the Earth Mirror.]

Zhao Xing opened the list and looked at it again.

[Hong Tai: Current Changshui Commandant of the Divine Might Army, Official Seventh Rank, Lower. He previously served Registered Field Magistrate of Xier County, Tao County for five years, and returned to the Divine Might Army after its reorganization. His crimes include: raping fourteen people and driving five to their deaths. After being reinstated and transferred by the Boping Marquis, he murdered all the family members of the fourteen victims to cover up his crimes.]

[Qi Shan: Currently serving Zhonglei Commandant in the Divine Might Army, Seventh Grade official. He previously served Tranquil Flood Magistrate of Xier County, Fubu County for three years. He illegally established checkpoints and accepted bribes totaling 3.42 million taels from merchants from other regions.]

[Fan Geng: The current Nine Section Commander of the Divine Might Army, Official Eighth Rank official. He previously served as the Granary Shennong Assistant in Heyuan County. He abused his power for personal gain, occupying three mountains, two lakes, manors, and farmland totaling 14,800 mu.]

He Cheng: The current Nine Section Commander of the Divine Might Army, a lower -Official Eighth Rank...

Chang Sihai...

The list was long. Zhao Xing quickly skimmed through it and then closed his eyes to think.

Boping Marquis lost his position as commander of the Divine Might Army five years ago.

He also returned to his fiefdom.

During these five years, the Divine Might Army existed in name only.

Without their commander, most of the soldiers were sent to various places to serve as officials. This is why Old Chen has been in Gucheng, Nanyang County for five years.

A year ago, during the time Zhao Xing was undergoing training, Boping Marquis Yang An was reinstated and reappointed as the commander of the Divine Might Army. This was Fourth Grade military officer. Regardless of Yang An's original strength, as long as he was the commander of the Divine Might Army, he would definitely be at the Fourth Grade level.

If the Pacifying Barbarians War begins, they will likely be able to temporarily possess the combat power of a Fourth Grade. This is a characteristic of the Dynasty of Fate system.

Regardless of your actual abilities, once you're in this position, your abilities and rank must be commensurate.

The Divine Might Army was reorganized, and many soldiers who had been dismissed to serve as officials in various places returned to Xier County.

Of course, some were unwilling to continue fighting, so the reserve force was needed to supplement the troops, which led to the selection process.

Five years is enough time for a brave and skilled soldier to rot away.

After the reorganization, Marquis Yang An of Boping Marquis did nothing but reorganize the military affairs in Xier County, retrain the old guard, and restore their combat effectiveness and morale.

However, Yang An is not a god. Even though he had screened out many people and conducted a self-examination of the Divine Might Army over the past year, some people still managed to hide their illegal activities well.

For example, Hong Tai, who topped the list, remained in Xier County even after the commander of the Divine Might Army was dismissed.

Because these important border towns all operate under a military-first system, prioritizing military matters above all else, his power remained considerable.

Upon learning of the return of Marquis Yang An of Boping Marquis, he immediately dealt with his illegal activities and became the Changshui Commandant (a Military Sima Nong post).

"It's easy to investigate others, but difficult to investigate yourself. Self-examination is rarely thorough," Zhao Xing thought to himself. "You might even let old subordinates off the hook because of past relationships, allowing them to redeem themselves through meritorious service."

The border military system of the Great Zhou granted great power to the commanders of military garrisons, as did the enfeoffed princes and marquises. The power to handle the crimes of the Vassal of these princes and marquises was also left to their respective princes and marquises.

If Yang An discovers any illegal activity, he has the right to let his subordinates off the hook, provided it's not an heinous crime.

In addition, many ancient Noble Families had received iron certificates of immunity from death during the reign of Grand Ancestor, which was also a privilege.

Wen Emperor was lenient towards the people and officials; he did not reform these systems. But Emperor Jing was different.

He exploited Noble Families, and by leading the way in internal competition, he reclaimed a large number of Noble Families Dan Shu seals of office under various pretexts. This was the main direction of his reforms that Renewal Era more than two hundred years.

During the New Splendor Era, the focus was on reforming the border troops. As for enfeoffing princes and marquises? This was the foundation of the nation, and he dared not take such a big step.

"New Splendor Era, the number of the Military Realm recruited increased significantly, and the number of such inspection missions also surged. If I were to receive such a mission and want to get a high evaluation, I had to conform to the court's major policies."

"The best course of action is to kill them all without any mercy."

"Only in this way can we meet Emperor Jing's expectations. The 'fresh blood' he wants to replenish the army is this kind of person who dares to face the powerful and is selfless."

"By doing this, I will surely receive a Grade A rating."

Zhao Xing rubbed his temples and, thinking from the perspective of the task setter, quickly arrived at the 'best answer'.

"But this is the best answer the court hopes for."

"If I really go to such extremes, it will inevitably cause dissatisfaction among the soldiers of the Divine Might Army, and may even displease Boping Marquis. That's how people are. If their own interests are not touched, and you want to kill my brother, then naturally everyone will plead for him. It's a case of sympathy for one's own kind."

"If I kill half and let the other half go, the court should give me a 'second-class' rating, which would show that I have the courage to do things but not thoroughly enough. But in that case, I might as well kill them all."

"If a death sentence is reduced to a more serious crime, and a more serious crime is punished more leniently, based on my previous performance, I should be able to get a C, which is a passing grade," Zhao Xing pondered.

He hadn't even considered the possibility of failing, because even if he did nothing but tell the situation to Boping Marquis and submit it, he could still get a grade of C below, which was the solid foundation laid in the first half of the training.

The inspection mission did not involve the personal abilities of the Military Sima Nong, nor even their moral character, because all three systems mentioned above allowed Zhao Xing to release people.

This mission is solely to test your heart, to see if your genius is aligned with the imperial court.

However, if you fail the C-level quest three times in a row, even if you were previously Grade A genius, you'll reach the end of the three-ring quest.

At best, he could become an Eighth Grade Military Sima Nong.

"They're going to take down captains and commanders right off the bat. Is the first mission this exciting?" Zhao Xing muttered to himself, looking out the window.

The Arrowfish Flying Boat began to slow down and descend.

We've arrived at Xier County.

I'm speechless. The weather is so unpredictable. Yesterday I was wearing short sleeves and shorts, but today I'm still cold even in a light jacket.

I think I've been hit by a climate change; I started having diarrhea all afternoon, and I even got prickly heat on my face. It's so frustrating.

However, there will still be two updates today, at an uncertain time, as usual, around midnight.