Teaming up

After returning to the military camp, Shiheng and his companions headed straight to the camp's trading post. He handed the person in charge all the various magical cores they had obtained from killing magical beasts, each giving off a faint, mysterious glow. At the same time, he recounted every detail of their adventure deep in the mountain forests, their encounter with the Wind Wolf pack, and their bloody battle, submitting a complete report of the entire mission.

Once all the handover procedures were complete, Shiheng's long-held anxiety finally eased, and he let out a deep breath. The succession of dangerous missions over these past days had kept him constantly on edge, without a moment's respite. Now that everything was finally wrapped up, he could at last catch his breath.

What delighted Shiheng even more was that, through his own diligent training, he had successfully broken through to the early stage of a level four warrior. Together with his outstanding military achievement of reinforcing Feng Lai's team and slaying a level six Wind Wolf King, these two accomplishments had qualified him for promotion, and he had successfully been elevated to squad leader!

The only drawback was that his promotion was still in the public-notice stage, pending approval. In theory, he already met every qualification for squad leader, but he had to wait for Centurion Kelan Kai to report his military achievements and strength up through the chain of command. Only after military headquarters approved it could the promotion be officially announced and he begin carrying out his duties as squad leader.

By now, the military camp had long since lost its former orderliness and quiet, growing increasingly loud with voices. Unfamiliar faces could be seen everywhere. As far as the eye could see, there were reinforcements from across the continent-elite units dispatched by the various kingdoms and duchies under the Radiant Church. They had gathered here to prepare for the battle over the level nine cubs in the Mountain Range of Magical Beasts, and the entire camp was steeped in a tense yet fervent atmosphere of preparation.

After a night's rest, gentle sunlight pierced the clouds the next morning and spilled over the camp, bathing the entire encampment in a warm golden glow and lighting every corner.

Shiheng straightened his clothes and was about to head to the training ground to hone his strength when a messenger hurried over. He informed Shiheng that Centurion Kelan Kai had summoned him and ordered him to report alone to the central command tent.

With some curiosity and puzzlement in his heart, Shiheng dared not delay and hurried toward the central command tent.

The moment he stepped through the entrance, the sight before him made him pause slightly.

Six people stood in orderly formation inside the tent, and he actually knew three of them! Huohe, with his composed bearing, the brawny Xifaman, and Kelan Kai, the centurion of his own camp, were all among them. The auras emanating from them were deep and concentrated; all three were genuine level five warriors. Shiheng inwardly marveled at the sight.

The remaining three were graceful women, standing quietly together like three scenes of exquisite, unearthly beauty, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

Shiheng could not help reflecting to himself: This other world truly is a land blessed with outstanding people. The women born here are exceptional in both looks and bearing. In beauty and grace, these three far surpass those so-called celebrities and entertainers on Earth in my previous life.

All three women were tall and slender, their figures in flawless golden proportions. Their skin was snowy white, fine and smooth, with a healthy sheen. Their faces were delicate and ethereal, like lotus blossoms rising from the water, their features gentle. Every movement displayed an elegant charm. Each possessed her own distinctive beauty, yet all were equally captivating.

Two of the women looked only eighteen or nineteen. On the Yulan Continent, women generally matured early, and at that age they were already adults, in the flower of their youth. Yet the most eye-catching was the girl beside them, only fourteen years old. She resembled the goddess in Cao Zhi's writing, graceful as a startled swan and supple as a roaming dragon, radiant as chrysanthemums in autumn bloom and refined as flourishing pines in spring. From afar, she was like the bright moon veiled by light clouds, hazily exquisite; up close, she resembled a pure lotus emerging from emerald waters, lovely and full of spirit. Her figure was well proportioned, her shoulders smoothly sloped, her waist slender, and her neck long. Her delicate skin looked as though the slightest touch could break it, and her graceful form was no different from that of a celestial maiden in a painting. Gentle and tender, with a lively allure in her eyes and brows, she was unforgettable to anyone who saw her. Her distinctive mage's attire made her look all the more spirited.

While Shiheng was quietly studying them, a man seated in the place of honor slowly spoke. A vast aura surrounded him, his oppressive presence held in check. He was the commander of this allied army, and his immensely powerful bearing revealed him to be a formidable level seven warrior!

The army commander swept his gaze over everyone present. His voice was steady and strong, carrying clearly throughout the tent. "Everyone, we high-level warriors will next head into the deepest reaches of the Mountain Range of Magical Beasts to carry out the mission of contesting the level nine magical beast cubs. Our advance will inevitably disturb the powerful magical beasts deep within the mountains, causing them to flee to the outer reaches and threaten the camp's safety."

"I have summoned the seven of you today to form a special operations squad. You are to depart immediately for the three-hundred-li stretch along the outer reaches of the Mountain Range of Magical Beasts and conduct a comprehensive sweep. You must eliminate every magical beast along your route, establish a solid defensive line, and fully ensure the safety of the camp in the rear! In addition, troops have already been stationed at all the major strategic passes. On this mission, you must also remain especially vigilant and watch for any Shadow Alliance spies sneaking in. Report any unusual activity immediately and respond at once!"

Having finished speaking, the army commander signaled for them to get acquainted with one another.

The seven stepped forward in turn and began introducing themselves.

The first to step out was the gentle eighteen-year-old woman. Wearing a faint smile, she spoke softly. "Hello, everyone. My name is Nalan Ruoshui, an early-stage level five wind mage."

Next, the other woman beside her stepped forward and spoke with a touch of liveliness. "My name is Nalan Jingyu. I'm a late-stage level four fire mage. Ruoshui and I are sisters."

As her words ended, the lively fourteen-year-old girl skipped forward and said playfully, "Hee-hee, I'm Kelin Xiaoman. Just call me Xiaoman, everyone. I'm an early-stage level four water mage!"

Once the three female mages had finished their introductions, it was the men's turn. Huohe stepped forward with a composed bearing. "I am Huohe, an advanced-stage level five warrior." Xifaman followed immediately, his voice ringing out. "I'm Xifaman, a middle-stage level five warrior."

Finally, Shiheng stepped forward slowly and said evenly, "Uh... I'm Shiheng, an early-stage level four warrior."

With that, the special operations squad, consisting of three mages and four warriors, was officially assembled.