Chapter 3, New Recruits (2)

He asked with a smile, "What are you doing? So secretive."

Yet no officer has ever been able to knock out Qianshui with a single blow.

Listening to the other soldiers at the post, it was said that over the past three years, Qi Tianyou had killed enough enemies and achieved enough merit to qualify for a position at the military academy. Yet, he stubbornly refused to seek advancement, repeatedly turning down promotions, content to remain a mere sentry officer

Qi Tianyou suddenly turned around, locking eyes with Qian Shuqing, who met his gaze without showing any signs of weakness

Looking at the side, Lei Huo, who is usually taciturn but fearless in battle, is now gulping down one mouthful of wine after another.

Before coming to this world, he did not have the habit of keeping a diary. However, after arriving here, writing in a diary every day became a good way for him to pass the time when he felt bored

Qi Tianyou suddenly burst into laughter

Beside Qi Tianyou sat Fang Hu, who patted Lei Huo and said, "Take it easy, brother"

Qi Tianyou was taken aback. He repeatedly chewed on this sentence, murmuring: "A soldier who does not aspire to be a marshal is not a good soldier... Interesting, interesting"

The world here is beautiful, and I enjoy observing it. At least in the world I once knew, there was no such fresh air, nor was there such drinkable stream water everywhere... The team has been on the move for three days. Tomorrow, we will arrive at Fengcang City. That is the logistics hub for Tianfeng's military supplies. From there, we will head to the eastern front to engage the enemy. I have heard that the enemy has always been holed up in their castles, refusing to come out. Therefore, most of the fighting consists of small-scale skirmishes. The Storm Legion has only deployed a garrison in one town at the front, and it seems they do not intend to push through and capture the Triple Heavens. Such battles resemble the petty squabbles of children, where they cannot rest until they have argued a few times each day, yet no one is willing to take it seriously. Or perhaps it is not that they are unwilling to take it seriously, but rather that the opponent cannot afford to engage in a larger conflict, thus they continue to engage us in minor skirmishes. Such battles resemble the petty squabbles of children, where they cannot rest until they have argued a few times each day, yet no one is willing to take it seriously. Or perhaps it is not that they are unwilling to take it seriously, but rather that the opponent cannot afford to engage in a larger conflict, thus they continue to engage us in minor skirmishes.

On the night with the books, they were all intoxicated, thoroughly so. Shallow Water Qing fell into a hazy sleep, and in his dreams, he saw the azure sea and blue sky, witnessed himself bathed in blood on the battlefield, and beheld countless flesh and blood flying about.

Closing the diary, Qianshui carefully put away the pen.

Above the guard, there are the formations of battalions, flags, towns, and armies. Three guards constitute one battalion, two battalions form one flag, three flags make one town, two towns create one army, and three armies constitute a corps

Qian Shuiqing was somewhat surprised; from a distance, Qi Tianyou waved to him in a friendly manner

I just want to be a good soldier... In our hometown, there is a saying that goes... A soldier who does not aspire to be a marshal is not a good soldier

Upon thinking of this, Qianshuiqing could not help but laugh. It was only after he spoke that he realized this issue; prior to that, there was no intention of any implication whatsoever

At the very least, there are many thoughts he can pour into his diary, rather than letting them fester until they drive him to madness

Qian Shuiqing helplessly scratched his scalp: "It is simply a record of some things I think about and see every day. Later, when I have nothing to do, I can look back at it and find it quite interesting"

During dinner, the troops rested their horses, and Fengcang City was already in sight. New recruits dined with new recruits, veterans with veterans, and officers with officers; this was the rule

Qian Shuiqing began to read from his notebook, saying: "Our officer is named Qi Tianyou, a truly capable individual. During the assault training camp, he knocked me flying with just one strike; I have no idea how he trained. However, I was quite surprised that someone who had fought for three years and only attained the rank of officer would dare to do such a thing. That day, he led a hundred cavalry to break through a force of ten thousand, and it was the first time I understood the principle that quality in troops is more valuable than quantity. Strangely, he injured hundreds of new recruits that day, while I killed three new recruits, yet the military department didn't even ask about it; instead, they praised me and Qi for our good performance. I think... in times of chaos, life is as fragile as grass, perhaps that is the best explanation for all of this. Regardless, he is indeed a very brave warrior, and that is a fact. I believe there is still much I can learn from him."

The future is a vast ocean of blood

Oh? What do you mean by that

Fang Hu nodded and said, "Anyone capable of knocking down an iron pillar must indeed possess a commendable capacity for alcohol. Come, I toast you with a bowl."

Closing the diary, Qianshuiqing said: "This is all there is, nothing more."

A century of war for the empire, valiant warriors guarding the four corners. Three thousand iron cavalry tread upon the hills of white bones. Eight thousand heroes fall in battle, blood staining the seas. I wish to pluck the stars to transform the courage of heroes, wielding long spears as my iron backbone. Dare to fight on the battlefield, never to fall, ultimately instilling fear in the hearts of the enemy. Blood battles across the vast universe, orchids in dreams astonish. Forty thousand miles of picturesque rivers and mountains, all belong to my land. ... Thirty thousand miles of rivers flowing east into the sea, yielding to my transformation ...

One should not be too rigid; it is not a problem to drink a little. Drinking too much can lead to mistakes, but a little can be beneficial. After drinking, one becomes bolder. Do you know which type of person is least likely to die on the battlefield?" Qi Tianyou filled Qianshuiqing's bowl with wine.

Even that strong man, Lei Huo, cannot do it

I like to use a sword!" Qianshuiqing shouted in response

He stood up, brushed off the dust from his backside, and walked towards the path he had come from, calling out distantly: "Your swordsmanship is commendable, but you should switch to a one-handed battle knife paired with a shield. On the battlefield, a knife is more practical than a sword. Only commanding officers use swords."

Then, he turned around with a hearty laugh and strode away.

On that night, Qianshuiqing, Qi Tianyou, Fang Hu, Lei Huo, and several others drank heartily and talked about everything. Qianshuiqing learned that Qi Tianyou was also an orphan, while Lei Huo was from Nanguo Village in Qingye City. The Fang family actually had four brothers, not just two, namely Long, Hu, Bao, and Biao. Among the four brothers, only Hu and Bao remained.

It was probably due to the effects of alcohol that Qianshui appeared much more uninhibited than usual. He asked Fang Hu, "Why haven't I seen your brother?"

Oh? Qi Tianyou raised his eyebrows: "That sounds quite fresh, can I take a look?"

A large gulp of liquor was poured into the stomach, and a wave of fiery heat surged from the lower abdomen, as if a raging fire was burning fiercely in the stomach. Qianshuiqing could not help but shout, "This liquor is indeed potent!"

... ...

They drank, chatted, and when the conversation became exciting, Fang Hu sang loudly with his shirt off

"Is it called being well-rounded in both literature and martial arts if you were cut down in one blow?"

The Storm Legion is composed of three armies and three divisions: the Dragon Tooth Army, the Dragon Might Army, and the Dragon Scale Army, along with three divisions of ten thousand men each. The term "Commander of the Three Armies" is derived from this structure

From this vast organization, it can be seen that a non-commissioned officer has become so insignificant in large-scale battles that it is almost beyond measure

The military system of the Tianfeng Empire follows a dual standard: a 5-2 structure for units with fewer than 1,000 personnel, and a 3-2 structure for units with 1,000 personnel or more

Then, several people at the table began to chuckle.

It's nothing, just keeping a diary

He repeatedly said three times that it was good, which clearly indicates his great appreciation for Qianshuiqing

Thunderfire immediately raised his head and asked in confusion, "Aren't we in the rear? Why do we still need to arrange for vigilance?"

I am not very skilled at this, but I recall that there seems to be a regulation in military discipline prohibiting the consumption of alcohol

It is now break time, and Qianshuiqing has found a quiet corner to write in her diary

Qi Tianyou's eyes narrowed like a needle: "Do you want to be a general? That's a good thing. However, you must have the capability to do so"

That is his meaning, not mine

Qian Shuiqing had just sat down when an old soldier approached him and said, "Qian Shuiqing, Qi Shao invites you to join him for a meal."

Qi Tianyou nodded in satisfaction and said, "It sounds quite good."

Qitianyou's expression turned serious as he said: "Never think this way. Do you believe that the rear is necessarily free from conflict? The Tianfeng Empire, established for a century and engaged in battles for a century, has managed to stand firm amidst the encirclement of numerous rivals. What is the reason for this? It is because of our soldiers, who are forged in iron and fire. The Empire is situated on the plains, with open fields and no fortifications to rely on. If the enemy wishes to infiltrate and launch a surprise attack directly at the rear, it is not a difficult task. Because of this, throughout a century of warfare, the Tianfeng Empire has never been able to exert its full strength. Among the five major legions of the Empire, only the Storm Legion can conduct external offensives. Why is this? It is also because the Empire has allocated too much military strength to guard its borders. Only by conquering the Zhishui Kingdom can Tianfeng secure a stable rear. Until then, the Tianfeng army can only grow with caution. This is something you, as new recruits, must remember: the undefeated reputation of the Tianfeng warriors has been forged in iron and fire, and it has also been cultivated through careful actions time and again. Never underestimate your enemy, for they can appear beside you at any moment."

"Do you drink?" Qi Tianyou asked him

The man known as Thunder Fire did not even raise his head as he said: "In my hometown, I am famous for being able to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk; this little bit of alcohol is nothing."

In an instant, countless new recruits turned their gaze towards this side.

Qi Tianyou smiled proudly: "The strike I delivered is called 'Blood Shadow, Thousand Waves.' Very few can withstand it. The fact that you are still alive is a result of my restraint. However, you need not feel inferior; your foundation is actually quite good. I have also heard that your individual combat capabilities in the training camp are noteworthy. Who would have thought that beneath your refined appearance, you possess some strength? Quite impressive, indeed.

The sound of soft footsteps approached, and Qian Shuiqing looked up to see Qi Tianyou standing beside her

A few people began to laugh again

Qianshui Qing and Leihuo stood up simultaneously, shouting: "Yes!"

He walked back to Qianshuiqing's side and then softly said: "I still remember you mentioned the meaning behind the name your father gave you

Qianshuiqing immediately shook her head: "This is private."

After some thought, he said: "The first time I saw you, I thought you resembled a scholar. Now it seems that you are indeed well-versed in both literature and martial arts"

Although the concept of privacy does not exist in the Guān Lán continent, Qī Tiānyòu at least understands what it means to respect privacy. He shrugged and asked, "You haven't spoken ill of me, have you?"

However, the martial skills possessed by Qi Tianyou are certainly not something that a mere officer could possess

Upon arriving beside Qi Tianyou, Qianshuiqing sat down and discovered that there was a new recruit next to him, namely Lei Huo

A soldier who does not aspire to be a marshal is not a good soldier ... ? ... I wonder what kind of impact this statement will have on Qi Tianyou

That kid lost a game of rock-paper-scissors to his brother, and today he is on duty for me.

During the basic training camp, more than one drill instructor came there to teach them various combat skills

Thus, in Qian Shuiqing's eyes, Qi Tianyou is a mystery, a highly skilled martial artist who willingly chooses to be a subordinate officer.

In the military, five individuals form a squad, and two squads make a section. Five sections constitute a platoon. The platoon leader commands fifty men and is referred to as the platoon head, not an officer. Below him are the squad leader and section leader. Two platoons form a company. The company is the tail of the officers, with the leader called the company commander, overseeing one hundred men. Five companies make a battalion, and two battalions form a regiment. The battalion commander is referred to as a lieutenant, while the regiment commander is called a captain. Below ten thousand, the basic operational unit is the company, with the battalion lieutenant serving as the deputy to the regiment captain. Each unit has clearly defined roles, and regulations are strictly enforced.

Shallow Water Clear Mouth Path: "Those who are not afraid of death"

The response from the shallow water is: "What I believe in is another saying: 'All rivers converge into the sea; only with inclusiveness can one be great.'"

"Keeping a diary? What does that mean?" Qi Tianyou was very surprised when he first heard the term 'diary' and asked the person sitting next to him.

Thunderfire gulped down a large bowl of wine in one go, a flush of crimson rising to his face, which vanished in an instant. Shallow Water Qing felt a chill in her heart, realizing that he must have practiced a very profound internal martial art.