Young People Shouldn't Be Too Arrogant

Hoo...

Li Yi slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, ending today's training.

As a result of his training these past days, the skill experience of [Gale Breathing Method] had been steadily increasing. He was not far from a breakthrough.

"In ten days, it'll be the newcomer assessment. It seems I have to raise my strength as quickly as possible."

A crushing sense of urgency weighed heavily on Li Yi's heart.

He knew all too well that in these troubled times, if one did not advance, one would fall behind; if one did not fight, one would die.

After a brief rest, Li Yi began training again, hoping to break through sooner and enter the first level of the Body Tempering Realm.

As time passed, the morning star rose in the east.

Rustling sounds came from outside the tent. Before long, they grew louder and louder, startling Li Yi awake from his cultivation.

What was going on?

Frowning, Li Yi lifted the tent flap and walked out.

He saw a group of yamen runners pushing carts and transporting a considerable amount of supplies into the military camp.

According to Chen Kingdom law, the county where a military camp was stationed was responsible for the camp's food and drink and had to deliver supplies to the camp at regular intervals.

After glancing at the bustling camp for a few moments, Li Yi prepared to practice the [Gale-Rending Formation-Breaking Spear].

Though archery was the foundation of his survival, he could not neglect his spear technique either.

Li Yi had a vague feeling that this spear technique Li Erniu's elder brother had brought back from the military camp was anything but ordinary!

But just as Li Yi took up the Plum Blossom Spear and headed for the training ground, a burly man dressed in a yamen runner's uniform stopped him.

"You're Li Yi, right?"

The yamen runner's tone was utterly certain, his gaze continuously roaming over Li Yi.

"I am. May I ask what business you have with me?"

The moment he saw the yamen runner, Li Yi's heart sank, and a sense of foreboding rose within him.

After sizing up the surroundings, the yamen runner quickly stepped to Li Yi's side and said in a low voice, "The Household Affairs Officer asked me to ask you: when will you report to the yamen?"

Li Yi's pupils contracted. The time for the newcomer assessment had only been announced last night, yet the Household Affairs Officer had immediately sent someone over. Could it be that someone in this military camp truly was colluding with him?

For a moment, Li Yi felt a chill run through his entire body, as though someone were watching him from the shadows.

"Please pass a message to the officer for me. I wish to take part in the newcomer assessment first. We can discuss everything else after I pass it."

Li Yi's words did not stir the yamen runner in the slightest. He seemed to have anticipated Li Yi's reply long ago.

Leaning close to Li Yi's ear, he quietly said, "That brother of yours is called Li Xin, isn't he? His body is weak. He can't wait much longer. The Household Affairs Officer's patience is limited too."

"You wouldn't want anything to happen to your family, would you?"

The moment those words fell, rage surged into Li Yi's heart. Over this period of time, he had long come to regard Li Xin and Li Yue as his own younger brother and sister. He would never allow anyone to harm his family.

"What are you trying to do? I advise you not to lay a hand on my family!" Li Yi snapped.

The yamen runner merely chuckled and clapped his hands. "What I want to do isn't important. What's important is what you want to do. Remember, you're not alone."

Hearing the yamen runner's words, Li Yi understood that this was the Household Affairs Officer threatening him.

Closing his eyes in thought for a moment, Li Yi gritted his teeth and slowly said, "Please tell the Household Affairs Officer that after I take the newcomer assessment, I will certainly give him an answer that satisfies him."

The yamen runner seemed quite pleased with Li Yi's response. He nodded, uttered a few more veiled threats, then returned to the main camp to distribute supplies with the other yamen runners.

Watching the yamen runners in the distance, Li Yi stood rooted to the spot like a nail, glaring fixedly at them.

You dare use my family to threaten me!

Household Affairs Officer, you've chosen the road to death!

In an instant, Li Yi resolved to kill the Household Affairs Officer.

Just like he had killed Wang Dagui, he would definitely kill this Household Affairs Officer.

Otherwise, the Household Affairs Officer would use the yamen runners to drive him and his family into ruin.

Having made up his mind, Li Yi turned without looking back and silently began practicing with the Plum Blossom Spear in hand.

But this time, the spear in Li Yi's hands felt heavier than ever before, and every strike was more savage than any he had made before!

"Food's ready, food's ready! Li Yi, come eat!"

"There's extra food today—we've got mutton!"

Han Jia's shout roused Li Yi from his absorbed spear practice.

Ignoring Han Jia in the distance, Li Yi directly opened the skill panel.

[Gale-Rending Formation-Breaking Spear] (Beginner): 100/200

[Effect: Spear thrusts forth like a dragon; can unleash three consecutive thrusts in an instant; arm strength increased]

After this period of practice, the skill experience for [Gale-Rending Formation-Breaking Spear] had also been steadily increasing.

By Li Yi's estimate, if he maintained today's training intensity every day for the next ten days, then by the time the newcomer assessment began, this spear technique could successfully break through to the proficient level!

Wiping the sweat from his forehead with a towel, Li Yi strode quickly to Han Jia's side, picked up a piece of mutton, and tore into it.

As the saying went, the poor pursued scholarship while the rich pursued martial arts. To practice martial arts well, one had to consume large amounts of meat to replenish what was spent and keep the body from running dry.

The mutton in the military camp tasted mediocre, but it was solid, honest meat. It could restore strength and improve one's physique, so Li Yi could only force himself to swallow it.

"Have you heard? This time, the newcomer assessment is different from before."

As he ate, Han Jia spoke in a low voice.

"Hmm? Different? How is it different?"

Li Yi froze at this and hurriedly pressed for details.

He had been busy training in martial arts and had not investigated any news at all, so Han Jia's words immediately piqued his interest.

Han Jia glanced around before lowering his voice.

"I have some dealings with a squad leader under Centurion Song. He told me that veteran soldiers are allowed to register for this newcomer assessment as well."

"Although the veterans' results won't count toward our newcomers' rankings, they can compete with newcomers—and even eliminate them!"

Veterans could take part? They could eliminate newcomers!?

For a moment, a dark cloud hung over Li Yi's heart.

Cao Li had already been trying to win him over, while the Clerk of Revenue had repeatedly threatened him. If veterans were allowed to eliminate newcomers, one side or the other might target him and have a group of veterans take him out.

At that thought, Li Yi's expression darkened and shifted uncertainly.

Han Jia was immersed in his own thoughts and failed to notice anything amiss with Li Yi. He continued, "I heard that one part of this newcomer assessment is wilderness survival."

"This assessment will be held in Hundred Trees Forest, a place crawling with wild beasts. You know what Hundred Trees Forest is like—not only is it filled with venomous snakes and ferocious beasts, but there are also dangers that can't even be put into words."

"And most importantly, the Clerk of Revenue will also represent the county office as one of the proctors for this newcomer assessment, attending the entire event."

The Clerk of Revenue would be present throughout?

Li Yi's face instantly lit up, and a decision formed in his heart.

Hundred Trees Forest was fraught with danger. It was a notorious perilous land in the region, and many people died there every year.

In that case, he would find an opportunity inside Hundred Trees Forest to get rid of the Clerk of Revenue!

A surge of killing intent rose from Li Yi's heart.

Having chosen the place to strike, Li Yi's mind began to turn as he made foolproof preparations for this operation to kill the Clerk of Revenue!

"Li Yi, what do you need me for?"

Wu Chuansheng set down the longbow in his hand and looked up at Li Yi.

"Squad Leader, my bow broke while we were clearing out the rebels. I've looked several times but couldn't find a suitable longbow, so I've come to trouble you specially."

"I wanted to ask whether Squad Leader has any channels for buying a good bow."

Coming to Wu Chuansheng was a decision Li Yi had made after careful consideration.

Although the owner of the county town's blacksmith shop had promised to help him select a powerful bow, there had been no news for so many days. He could not place all his bets on the blacksmith shop.

As the longtime squad leader of the archer unit, Wu Chuansheng had wide connections and a kind disposition. Perhaps he had a way to acquire a good bow.

Hearing Li Yi's words, Wu Chuansheng asked curiously, "I've been to the county town's blacksmith shop too. None of the bows there satisfy you?"

Li Yi nodded. "Those bows are too weak for me. Right now, I need at least a four-stone powerful bow to bring out my archery to the fullest."

"Four stone?"

Wu Chuansheng rose to his feet in astonishment. He had not expected Li Yi, who had not even entered the first level of the Body Tempering Realm, to be able to use a four-stone powerful bow.

After all, the stronger the bow, the greater the strength it demanded from its archer.

And strength was tied to one's Body Tempering cultivation.

To become a master archer, besides extraordinary talent in archery, one also needed a powerful physique and immense strength!

Wu Chuansheng circled Li Yi, examining him continuously. He even reached out to squeeze Li Yi's arms and other areas.

After a long while, Wu Chuansheng's face was filled with curiosity.

"Your physical talent isn't much worse than Han Jia's. No wonder you could fire two arrows in succession and take down that rebel leader."

After pondering for a moment, Wu Chuansheng's eyes suddenly shone brightly.

"I remember now. At the end of last year, a veteran from the archer unit retired because of an injury. He was also an extremely formidable archer. He must have the powerful bow you need!"

"Where is he?"

Li Yi's expression jolted, and he hurriedly pressed for more.

"He lives at the end of Sweetwater Alley in the west of the city. Once you get to Sweetwater Alley, ask around for Old Zhang's house and you'll find it."

Wu Chuansheng gave Li Yi the old soldier's address in detail, then took out his own token.

"Old Zhang has an eccentric temperament, but I have a little standing with him. Tell him I sent you, and he'll see you."

"Thank you, Squad Leader!"

Seeing Wu Chuansheng's warmth, Li Yi was deeply grateful. Coming to the squad leader really was the right move.

"You brat, why be so formal? If you don't mind, call me Brother Wu." Wu Chuansheng patted Li Yi on the shoulder.

"Alright, alright, it's getting late. If you leave now, you can still make it back before dark. Go on."

Hearing this, Li Yi took the chance to grow closer to him and said with a smile, "Then thanks, Brother Wu. I'll be off now. I'll bring you some wine when I get back!"

With Wu Chuansheng's token in hand, Li Yi smoothly left the military camp and hurried toward the county town.

Following the directions of several street vendors, Li Yi soon found Old Zhang's home.

The house at the end of Sweetwater Alley carried an air of deep stillness. Through the crack in the door, he could see wild grass growing unchecked in the courtyard.

That sight gave Li Yi a rather profound understanding of Old Zhang's eccentric personality.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"May I ask if Elder Zhang is home?"

Li Yi stood tall before the door and knocked politely on the wooden gate.

No one answered.

Seeing this, Li Yi knocked a few more times.

Still no answer.

He truly was an eccentric fellow.

Left with no choice, Li Yi took out Wu Chuansheng's token and called loudly into the courtyard, "Elder Zhang, Squad Leader Wu Chuansheng sent me! Please open the door!"

A moment later, the wooden door suddenly swung open with a creak. An old man reeking of alcohol, his face flushed red, poked his head out and looked at Li Yi.

After looking him over and then glancing at the token in Li Yi's hand, he finally stepped aside and muttered, "Kid, come in."

The moment Li Yi entered, the wooden door shut again with a click behind him.

"What did that brat Wu Chuansheng send you to me for?"

Old Zhang was more than a dozen, perhaps twenty years older than Wu Chuansheng. Seeing him take another swallow of strong liquor, Li Yi wisely did not say too much.

"Senior, I'm a new recruit who enlisted this time. Brother Wu introduced me to you because I'd like to buy a good bow."

"Buy a bow?"

At Li Yi's words, a trace of desolation surfaced on Old Zhang's face.

For a time, the courtyard fell utterly silent.

After a long while, Old Zhang sighed and turned to walk into the house.

"Kid, follow me."

Only then did Li Yi notice that one of Old Zhang's legs was lame, making his steps slow and laborious.

Seeing this, Li Yi slowed down and followed behind Old Zhang at an unhurried pace.

With a crisp clack, Old Zhang tossed a long wooden box in front of Li Yi.

As he looked at the box, Old Zhang's expression turned grave. Reluctance, memories, and a few traces of pain floated in the depths of his eyes.

"Open it and have a look."

The wooden box was unlocked. With a light flip, Li Yi opened it.

Inside the box lay an old horn bow in silence.

"This ancient horn bow was made from the horns and sinews of exotic beasts. It's a family heirloom. Back then, I used it to kill quite a few of those Qing Kingdom dogspawn."

Perhaps the reappearance of this ancient horn bow beneath the sun had stirred Old Zhang's memories.

As Li Yi handled the ancient horn bow, Old Zhang rambled on about the old days.

"Back then, this bow had the strength of seven shi. Even veteran archers who had steeped themselves in archery for years found it difficult to use."

Seven shi?

Li Yi flicked the bowstring and looked curiously at Old Zhang.

By his estimation, this ancient horn bow did not possess the strength of seven shi!

Yet the words "Army-Breaker" were engraved upon the bow's body. If Old Zhang was right, and this Army-Breaker Ancient Horn Bow truly was made from materials taken from exotic beasts, then this bow likely had quite an extraordinary origin!

"During an encounter battle, a Sima of the Qing Kingdom struck this bow with a staff. Not only did the bowstring snap, but cracks also appeared along the bow itself."

"Although I repaired it afterward, its grade and power dropped considerably. It now only has the strength of three shi and five dou!"

Three shi and five dou?

He hadn't expected that the best bow to be found in this county town would be this restored ancient horn bow.

"Kid, how many shi of bow can you draw? How many consecutive shots can you fire?"

Seeing Old Zhang ask, Li Yi thought for a moment and decided to tell the truth.

"I currently need to use a four-shi bow, and I can reliably fire two consecutive shots!"

"Two consecutive shots? In that case, this bow won't be wasted in your hands." A hint of curiosity rose in Old Zhang's eyes; Li Yi's strength seemed to have surprised him.

"May I ask, Senior, how many taels does this Army-Breaking Bow cost?"

Of the twenty taels of silver he had been rewarded earlier, only ten remained.

Though ten taels seemed like a great deal, when it came to buying these powerful weapons, it was merely a number.

Li Yi's words sent Old Zhang into a long silence.

He could see Li Yi's strength, and he could also see the fury and ambition in his heart.

Since that was the case, he might as well help him fulfill it.

"I'll take nine taels of silver for this Army-Breaker Ancient Horn Bow."

Nine taels of silver?

That price was practically a bargain.

Li Yi had originally thought he would have to spend more than ten taels, perhaps even call in Wu Chuansheng's favor and buy it on credit.

This made Li Yi realize that, without meaning to, he had accepted a favor from Wu Chuansheng.

Old Zhang had offered such a low price precisely out of consideration for Wu Chuansheng.

"Senior, here are nine taels of silver."

Li Yi took nine taels from his robe and placed them on the table.

Old Zhang glanced at the pile of broken silver on the table and gave a slight nod.

That pile contained neither too much nor too little—it was definitely more than nine taels.

"Wait here."

With that, Old Zhang limped toward the inner room. Before long, he emerged carrying a quiver.

Three arrows were still tucked inside the quiver.

"These are armor-piercing arrows meant to go with the Army-Breaking Bow. Over the years, only these three remain in a quiver. I'll give them to you as well."

Reluctantly, Old Zhang handed over the quiver.

As an archer proficient in archery, Li Yi recognized at a glance that these three arrows were exceptionally fine. If he had possessed such arrows that day, he would not have needed to use two consecutive shots at all—one arrow would have been enough to kill that rebel leader!

"Thank you, Senior!"

With danger looming ahead, Li Yi could not afford to refuse.

After hanging the quiver at his waist, slinging the Army-Breaking Bow over his back, and visiting the blacksmith's shop to buy some ordinary feathered arrows, Li Yi returned to the military camp.

For the next stretch of time, Li Yi's days were exceedingly full.

In the morning, he practiced [Gale-Rending Formation-Breaking Spear]; in the afternoon, under Wu Chuansheng's guidance, he practiced every technique involved in arrows meant for killing; at night, he cultivated the [Gale Breathing Method].

Under this high-intensity training, the experience values of Li Yi's various skills kept rising.

"There's only one day left before the newcomer assessment begins. Are you confident you can take first place?"

Wu Chuansheng handed Li Yi a towel and asked curiously.

Hearing that, Li Yi pondered for a moment before replying seriously to Wu Chuansheng:

"I'm at least eighty percent confident I can take first place!"

"Eighty percent?"

Wu Chuansheng froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"Good lad! I knew I hadn't misjudged you!"

With veteran soldiers taking part, eighty percent was already an extremely high level of confidence!

As the two chatted, a burly soldier entered the archers' camp and walked straight toward Li Yi.

This big man was Song Qi, the one who had previously delivered Little Spring Breeze Powder to Li Yi.

Song Qi glanced at Wu Chuansheng beside him and nodded in greeting before turning to Li Yi.

"Li Yi, Sima Cao wants to see you."

Sima Cao wants to see me?

Li Yi was stunned for a moment, then handed the Plum Blossom Spear to Wu Chuansheng. "Brother Wu, please take the spear back for me. I'm going over there."

Very quickly, led by Song Qi, Li Yi arrived at the main tent of the military camp.

Cao Li was still seated upright behind the desk, dealing with countless miscellaneous matters.

The moment he saw Li Yi enter the camp, Cao Li immediately set down the book in his hand.

"Li Yi, you're here."

"Greetings, my lord!" Li Yi clasped his fists in salute.

"The new recruit assessment is in one day. How about it? Are you interested in coming under my wing?"

During this time, Cao Li had people keep watch over Li Yi's performance.

The more contact he had with him, the more he liked Li Yi, and he could hardly wait to bring him into his ranks.

Now that the war with the Qing Kingdom was growing ever fiercer, the more elite soldiers and fierce generals he had at hand, the safer he would be!

"This assessment will include veteran soldiers as well. But if you are willing to pledge yourself to me, I can guarantee that you'll take first place in the new recruit assessment!"

"When that time comes, the name Li Yi of the Piercing Cloud Arrow will not only ring throughout the military camp—even within this county town, people will sing your praises."

Watching Li Yi sink into thought, Cao Li continued to throw out more of his bargaining chips.

"Once you take first place among the new recruits, I'll also arrange a position with real authority in the army for you. You won't remain some ordinary foot soldier who follows orders and could be sent to his death at any moment."

"Furthermore, the resources I promised you before will not only remain undiminished—they will increase greatly, allowing your strength to rise swiftly."

Relying on such terms, Cao Li had previously brought many new recruits of limitless potential under his command, Song Qi among them. That was how Song Qi had become one of his most capable personal guards.

No one could refuse his conditions!

Cao Li looked at Li Yi with pride and anticipation. He could hardly wait to hear Li Yi agree.

"My apologies, Sima Cao. Right now, I only want to prepare seriously and pass this new recruit assessment!"

"And I want to try relying on my own strength to take first place in this new recruit assessment!"

"Please forgive me, but I cannot agree to your request for the time being!"

Li Yi's polite refusal left Cao Li utterly stunned. Then a surge of fury rose within him.

No one had ever dared refuse him!

And this was the second time he had been refused!

Bang!

Cao Li viciously slammed the book in his hand onto the desk before him.

"I can ensure that you take first place, and I can just as easily ensure that you don't! Young man, I advise you not to be so hot-blooded that you fail to see the heights of heaven and the depths of earth!"

"I think highly of you now, which is why I wish to cultivate you. But if you make me unhappy, when I bring my foot down on you, can you withstand it?"

Cao Li glared at Li Yi in rage and displeasure.

Within the main tent, the personal guards led by Song Qi all drew their weapons and stared fixedly at Li Yi.

It was as though, with a single order from Cao Li, they would rush forward and hack Li Yi to death in a storm of blades.

Faced with this scene, Li Yi's expression remained utterly calm. He looked at Cao Li with composed seriousness and said, "Lord Cao, I have no intention of offending you."

"I am merely a hunter who made his living hunting in the wilds, and I was fortunate enough to catch your eye."

"I greatly yearn for the breathing techniques and such that you mentioned. But I enlisted because it was my father's dying wish, so I want to rely on myself to take first place in this new recruit assessment!"

"Moreover, what I want is to rely on my own ability and take first place in the new recruit assessment cleanly and fairly!"

"After I take first place, I will pledge myself to you! That way, your reputation will also be praised, and no one will say that you bent the law for personal gain or abused your power for selfish ends!"

"I know that Centurion Song is at odds with you. If you arrange for me to be recommended as first place, he will certainly seize the chance to attack you!"

"So please allow me to take first place with my own strength. Once the assessment is over, I will give you an answer that satisfies you!"

Li Yi's words calmed Cao Li somewhat.

During the earlier purge of the rebel faction, Song Jie had dared to disregard his orders and act on his own.

If Song Jie truly caught hold of some leverage against him, Cao Li would inevitably be reprimanded by the general, perhaps even punished.

"My patience is limited. Don't disappoint me."