Demonstrating Martial Prowess to Establish Authority

The training grounds were a cacophony of noise, with dust swirling through the air.

It was the drill day for the Third Battalion of the City Defense Army. Every officer from the rank of Corporal and above was present, and nearly two hundred men had packed the grounds so tightly not even a drop of water could pass through. Sunlight pierced the morning mist, striking the iron armor and blades to cast a cold, shimmering light.

Li Jinshui stood in the ranks wearing his brand-new leather armor, clearly feeling the gazes from all directions—curious, scrutinizing, inquisitive, and a few that held undisguised contempt.

"That's the Squad Leader who climbed up from the Death Squad Camp? Doesn't look like much."

"Heard he reached the fifth level of Body Forging in just a month? Who are they trying to fool?"

"Must have had dumb luck, picking up a few heads on the battlefield to climb the ranks."

Though the whispers were low, they pricked his ears like needles.

Li Jinshui's face was as calm as water, his right hand resting on the hilt of his saber, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. Three months ago, he was still hauling corpses in the Death Squad Camp; three months later, he stood here, yet he was still looked down upon.

In this world, strength is the only absolute truth.

The drills began.

The first to take the stage were a few Corporals around the third level of Body Forging. Their exchange of blades and spears was lively, but anyone with a discerning eye could see they were holding back—they were comrades, after all, and it was meant to be a friendly spar.

But the atmosphere shifted abruptly when the Squad Leaders took the stage.

A burly man, eight feet tall with a face full of thick flesh, was the first to leap onto the stage, landing with a dull "thud." He wielded a heavy-backed saber, its blade pitch-black and its edge shimmering with a cold light; it was clearly a lethal weapon that had tasted blood.

"Zhao Hu! Zhao Hu!"

A wave of cheers erupted from below. This Zhao Hu was a veteran Squad Leader at the peak of the fifth level of Body Forging, quite famous within the Third Battalion.

"Who's next?" Zhao Hu planted his heavy saber into the ground, his voice booming like a bell as he swept his gaze across the crowd with a hint of disdain.

The first challenger used a spear, his technique agile, but after barely ten moves, Zhao Hu sent his weapon flying with a single strike, forcing him to stumble off the stage.

The second used twin blades, his technique tricky, but he barely lasted fifteen moves before Zhao Hu forced him to the edge of the stage with a heavy, powerful slash and kicked him off.

The third was even more miserable; within three moves, his web of his hand was split, his saber was knocked from his grip, and he leaped off the stage with a face as pale as death.

Three fights, three victories. Zhao Hu stood with his saber sheathed, his breathing steady, clearly having not used his full strength. He scanned the crowd, his gaze finally settling on Li Jinshui, his lips curling into a mocking smirk.

"I heard our battalion has a new brother from the Death Squad Camp? Fifth level of Body Forging in a month, that's impressive. Why not come up and spar?"

The training grounds fell instantly silent.

Everyone's gaze focused squarely on Li Jinshui—some curious, some expectant, but most were just waiting to see a joke.

Li Jinshui remained silent for two breaths, then raised his hand to unbuckle his saber and stepped onto the stage.

His pace was steady, each step landing firmly. The slight rustle of his leather armor was exceptionally clear in the quiet training grounds.

"Li Jinshui, requesting guidance from Squad Leader Zhao." He cupped his hands, his voice calm.

Zhao Hu looked him up and down and grinned. "Coming from the Death Squad Camp, you must have some real killing techniques, right? Don't worry, this is just a drill; I'll stop at the limit and won't hurt you."

Before the words had even faded, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and the heavy-backed saber descended like a thunderbolt!

The strike was incredibly fast, carrying the sound of tearing wind; it was clearly delivered with seventy percent of his power—this was no "stopping at the limit"!

A low gasp rippled through the crowd.

Li Jinshui's pupils constricted, but he neither retreated nor dodged. He instantly channeled his fifth-level Iron Shirt cultivation into his arms and raised his saber to meet the blow head-on—

"CLANG—!!!"

The deafening sound of metal striking metal made eardrums ache, and sparks exploded where the blades met!

Zhao Hu's expression shifted slightly. With a strike like that, an ordinary fifth-level Body Forging practitioner would at least have numb arms and be forced to retreat to dissipate the force, yet this kid before him hadn't budged an inch, his grip on the saber as steady as a rock.

"Good!"

Someone in the crowd shouted in approval.

Zhao Hu's eyes grew solemn. He retracted his blade and changed his stance, his blade technique suddenly unfolding like a violent storm. He unleashed the Mountain-Opening Saber Technique with full force, every strike heavy and powerful, the wind of the blade stinging the skin of those nearby.

Li Jinshui sank his waist and braced his stance, fully channeling his small-success level Army-Breaking Saber Technique. He didn't clash head-on; instead, he used finesse to overcome force, side-stepping the blade's edge. His iron saber followed the momentum in an upward slash, striking like a viper's tongue, aiming straight for the wrist of the hand Zhao Hu used to hold his weapon!

This move was fast and vicious—the very essence of the Army-Breaking Saber Technique's Upward Slash.

Zhao Hu was startled and hurriedly retracted his blade to parry.

"Clang!"

Another crisp sound rang out as the blades collided, sending sparks flying.

Zhao Hu was actually forced to take a half-step back, a look of disbelief flashing in his eyes. The timing of that strike had been far too precise; if he hadn't been so experienced, he would have been caught.

A low murmur of discussion broke out below.

"That saber technique... it's got some bite."

"Look at his footwork, it's rock steady, not a bit chaotic."

"Those who kill their way out of the Death Squad Camp really are different."

Zhao Hu's face began to lose its composure. He had originally thought he could take down this newcomer within ten moves, never expecting the opponent to be so troublesome. He took a deep breath, his smile vanishing completely, and his blade stance shifted once more!

The Mountain-Opening Saber Technique was built on breaking finesse with raw power, and now that he pushed it to its limit, the blade light became like a waterfall, continuous and unending, actually shrouding most of the training stage.

Li Jinshui remained calm and unhurried, his gaze as sharp as a hawk's.

Although his Army-Breaking Saber Technique was only at the Minor Completion stage and had yet to reach Great Completion, the practical combat experience he had honed in the mountains of corpses and seas of blood in the Death Squad Camp, along with his intuition for danger and grasp of timing, far surpassed these martial artists who had only trained by the book in the barracks.

Block, dodge, counterattack.

Every response was perfectly measured; a fraction more would be excessive, a fraction less would be perilous. The fifth level of his Iron Shirt flowed through his body, and when he occasionally took a heavy strike head-on, it left only a white mark on his leather armor while he remained as steady as a mountain.

Twenty moves passed, and Zhao Hu could not gain the slightest advantage; instead, fine beads of sweat began to seep from his forehead.

The crowd below was silent, everyone holding their breath as they watched this unexpected contest on the stage.

"Zhao Hu has run into a tough nut today..."

"This Li Jinshui's saber technique looks simple, but every strike aims for the vitals. This is a saber technique for killing on the battlefield!"

Zhao Hu grew increasingly agitated. He was a veteran Squad Leader; if he couldn't take down a newcomer in front of everyone, where would he put his face?

On the thirtieth move, Zhao Hu had been attacking for too long and his composure wavered; after a heavy downward strike, his recovery was a split second too slow.

This was the lightning-fast opening he needed!

Cold light erupted in Li Jinshui's eyes. He stomped his foot, his entire body lunging forward like an arrow released from a bow. His iron saber transformed into a streak of cold light, thrusting straight for Zhao Hu's throat!

Army-Breaking Saber Technique: Thrust! This was a variation he had realized himself through countless life-and-death struggles; though not part of the original three forms, it was far more ruthless and lethal!

Zhao Hu was terrified, desperately leaning back in a panic.

"Shhh-la—"

The blade grazed his neck, the icy sensation making his hair stand on end. The neck guard of his leather armor was sliced open, leaving a shallow red mark on the skin of his throat.

Li Jinshui retracted his saber and stood his ground, stepping back twice.

Zhao Hu stumbled to a steady stance and reached up to touch his neck, his fingertips coming away with a spot of crimson. His expression shifted uncertainly, turning from pale to red, until finally, he let out a heavy breath and cupped his fists, saying in a low voice:

"I am impressed! Squad Leader Li has excellent saber skills; I have lost."

As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd below erupted:

"Did you see that?! Zhao Hu admitted defeat!"

"If that blade hadn't been pulled back, Zhao Hu would be lying here today!"

"Those who come out of the Death Squad Camp are truly ruthless!"

Li Jinshui returned the salute and stepped off the stage, his expression still calm as if the fierce battle had been nothing more than a warm-up. But only he knew that his back was already soaked with sweat. Zhao Hu was indeed strong; had it not been for his own rich combat experience and the protection of his Iron Shirt, the outcome would have been uncertain.

The martial demonstration continued.

Two more Squad Leaders, unwilling to accept the result, took turns challenging him on stage.

The first wielded a twelve-foot spear, his technique tricky and vicious, like a poisonous dragon emerging from its cave, focusing entirely on the lower body. Li Jinshui used his saber to break the spear, unleashing three consecutive slashes to shatter the spear's momentum before accurately striking the man's shoulder blade with the back of his blade. The man let out a muffled groan as his spear fell from his hands.

The second used twin sabers, the blade light fluttering like snowflakes in a refined, coordinated dance. Li Jinshui did not dodge or evade; he took a strike head-on to break through the center, slamming his hilt hard into the man's chest. The man staggered back seven or eight steps before sitting hard on the ground, his face deathly pale.

Both battles were won cleanly and efficiently, even faster than the match against Zhao Hu.

No one else below dared to speak up to challenge him, and the looks directed at Li Jinshui shifted from contempt and curiosity to absolute awe.

After the demonstration ended, Li Jinshui was summoned to the Camp Commander's tent.

The Camp Commander, Zhou Kui, was a man in his forties with a dark complexion and a scar running diagonally from his left eyebrow to the corner of his mouth, adding to his fierce aura. He looked Li Jinshui up and down and nodded:

"Solid saber technique, not just for show. Those who can make it out of the Death Squad Camp truly have some skill." He paused, "From today on, you will lead Squad Jia, with five men under your command. Lead them well, and don't embarrass me."

"Understood! Thank you, Camp Commander!" Li Jinshui cupped his fists.

"Go. The General's Mansion is hosting a victory banquet tonight; all officers at the rank of Squad Leader and above must attend."

"Understood."

At dusk, the side courtyard of the General's Mansion was decorated with lanterns and streamers, bustling with noise.

Li Jinshui followed the group to his seat, which was located toward the back of the side hall. The table was set with stewed meat, flatbread, coarse grain rice, and even a small jar of wine. This was a rare luxury in the barracks.

He buried his head in his food, saying nothing. There were several other Squad Leaders at the table, and one tentatively struck up a conversation:

"Squad Leader Li has a good appetite."

"After staying in the Death Squad Camp for so long, I'm used to eating my fill," Li Jinshui replied calmly, continuing to chew.

The man hit a wall and gave a sheepish smile, turning to talk to someone else.

By the time the banquet was half over, the atmosphere had become lively. The Camp Commanders and Colonels sitting at the head of the hall were clinking cups and laughing loudly. Suddenly, the noise died down, and everyone stood up one after another.

A middle-aged general wearing bright-light armor and a scarlet cloak walked into the side hall, surrounded by his personal guards. It was none other than General Xu Zhenyuan, the defender of North-Rejecting City.

General Xu had a dignified face and eyes like lightning. He swept his gaze over everyone in the hall and said in a booming voice: "You have all worked hard defending the city recently. Today's small banquet is for celebration and for rewarding your efforts. Drink this cup to the dregs!"

"Thank you, General!" everyone responded in unison, raising their cups to drink.

Li Jinshui followed the crowd and drank the murky wine in his cup; it was pungent, feeling like a blade as it went down his throat.

General Xu offered a few words of encouragement before returning to the inner hall. The curtain fell, separating the two worlds.

The banquet continued, but the atmosphere seemed to have cooled. Li Jinshui heard someone at his table complaining in a low voice:

"The pension is only two taels of silver. Is a human life really only worth two taels?"

"Be content. In the Death Squad Camp, there isn't even a pension when you die; they just toss you into the mass grave..."

Li Jinshui's hand tightened around his wine cup. He thought of Hunter Han, and he thought of those faces in the Death Squad Camp that had perished before he even learned their names. But he quickly suppressed his emotions and continued to eat his meat.

What he needed to do now was grow stronger, survive, and then... go back to settle the score.

The banquet dispersed and he returned to the camp; it was already midnight.

Li Jinshui did not rest immediately. He went alone to the clearing behind the barracks and drew his saber.

Moonlight like water spilled onto the blade, casting a faint, chilling glow.

He pulled up his panel:

[Technique: Iron Shirt (5th Layer 5/25), Army-Breaking Saber Technique (Minor Accomplishment 8/10)]

[Realm: Body Forging 5th Layer]

[Points: 0]

The Army-Breaking Saber Technique was at Minor Accomplishment, and he still needed three points to break through to Major Accomplishment.

He swallowed the Blood-Qi Pill issued today, and a surge of heat rose from his dantian. He immediately assumed his stance and began to practice his saber.

Lifting, sweeping, hacking.

The three simplest moves, yet in his hands, they held infinite variations. The blade light carved silver arcs through the moonlight, the sound of it breaking the wind sharp and piercing.

In his mind, the images of the day surfaced one by one: Zhao Hu's look of astonishment, the shift in the gazes of the crowd below the stage, Camp Commander Zhou Kui's approval...

Power!

In this world where men devour men, only power is the foundation of one's standing, and the only reliance for exacting revenge!

He had to grow stronger, he had to grow stronger faster!

The momentum of the blade grew faster and faster, gradually transforming into a sheet of silver light that enveloped his figure. Sweat slid down his temples and dripped into his eyes, bringing a stinging pain, yet he seemed not to notice.

At the first quarter of the Yin hour, the panel finally flickered:

[Army-Breaking Saber Technique Proficiency +1]

[Current: Minor Accomplishment 9/10]

Only one last point remained.

Li Jinshui sheathed his saber, his chest heaving violently, his undergarments soaked through with sweat. He closed his eyes to regulate his breathing, the Iron Shirt technique slowly circulating to nourish his exhausted muscles and bones.

Soon.

The Army-Breaking Saber Technique was about to reach Major Accomplishment, and the Iron Shirt was also steadily improving.

He opened his eyes and looked toward the inner city of North-Rejecting City, where the lights were sparse and everything was silent.

Li Houde, Li Jinbao...

You probably think I've already died in the Death Squad Camp, don't you?

When the day comes for me to return, I hope you won't be too surprised.

Under the moonlight, the corners of Li Jinshui's mouth curled into a cold, bone-chilling arc.

The night wind suddenly rose, whipping the camp flags until they snapped loudly.