First Test of His Edge

Dragon Soaring Old Camp lay at the foot of Azure Dragon Mountain, thirty li west of the capital. With mountains at its back and open plains before it, it covered an enormous area.

When the Dragon Soaring Guard had first been founded, they had trained troops here. Later, as the Dragon Soaring Guard expanded and moved to garrisons closer to the Capital City, this place had gradually been left idle, with only some elderly and infirm soldiers remaining to guard and maintain it.

When Lu Chen arrived at the camp gates on horseback with Zhao Tieying, Gu Mingxuan, and more than twenty elite former Evil-Quelling Guards, what greeted them was a vast camp that seemed somewhat desolate, yet whose bones remained intact.

The camp walls were built from massive stones. Though weathered with age, they remained solid.

Watchtowers, arrow towers, and gatehouses were all present. The parade ground within was broad, and the barracks stretched on in rows, though most stood empty and dust had gathered inside.

The old soldiers stationed there, along with several servants Prince Qi's Manor had sent ahead of time, were already waiting respectfully outside the gates.

"This subordinate, Zhou Wu, sentry officer left in charge of Dragon Soaring Old Camp, pays respects to the Duke of Zhen!" An old general of around fifty, his hair streaked with gray and his cultivation at the early Xiantian realm, saluted with more than ten soldiers. Zhou Wu was solidly built and plain-featured, his eyes carrying the steady composure unique to veteran soldiers.

"Officer Zhou, rise." Lu Chen dismounted. "How is the camp?"

"Reporting to Your Grace," Zhou Wu replied as he rose, "the camp's main structure is intact. The wells, storehouses, kitchens, stables, and other facilities can all still be used, though they need cleaning and repairs. There