Chapter 0002: Promotion

Liu Bi extended his hand and firmly grasped Wang Can's wrist, raising it and saying: "This battle relied entirely on Wang Can, for it was he who shot and killed the officer. What do you all think, should he be rewarded?"

Both he and Liu Bi are unrefined individuals, completely illiterate, and have no idea what is recorded in the Essentials of Taiping. Moreover, the two of them had captured several literate scholars, asking them to recite different passages from the Essentials of Taiping. After reciting the entire text, the scholars did not understand what was recorded in the book, and Liu Bi and Gong Du were even more confused, unable to comprehend its meaning. This matter was never publicized by the two; it was only this time that Liu Bi, in an effort to win over the Yellow Turban soldiers, brought it out as a reward for Wang Can, presenting it as if it were a case of spending a fortune to buy bones for a horse.

Wang Can stood upright, his eyes flickering, his face filled with excitement. However, he felt indifferent inside; in his previous life, as a top sniper in a special forces unit, he had encountered countless prominent figures. How could a minor general like Liu Bi possibly evoke such excitement in him? Yet, being under someone else's roof, he had no choice but to bow his head. His identity in this new life was merely that of a soldier, and he naturally had to display the demeanor expected of a soldier to avoid raising Liu Bi's suspicions

He is well-versed in history and has a profound understanding of the history of the Three Kingdoms, but this knowledge is limited to what is recorded in historical texts

Wang Can turned his gaze towards Centurion Liu Li, a glint of severity flashing in his eyes. Since you wish to be the one to stand out, do not blame me for being ruthless. He quietly stood beside Liu Bi, his expression respectful, his face as calm as an ancient well, as if nothing had happened.

Gong glared at Liu Li and said in a low voice, "Just tell me what to do directly, without resorting to threats. You are merely a centurion, and it is not your place to speak like that in the army."

This award!

Gong's face was as grim as water, and he was about to reprimand Liu Li when Liu Bi stopped him with a glance. Liu Bi calmly withdrew his authority and turned his gaze to Liu Li, scolding, "Liu Li, as a centurion, you should understand that a centurion is the cornerstone of the army and a model for the soldiers... Well, since you have important matters to report, go ahead and speak. If your reasons are valid, I shall spare you this once. If you are merely causing trouble, hmph, do not blame me for being ruthless."

Liu Lichao smiled obsequiously at Gong Du, then turned his gaze to Wang Can, his expression suddenly becoming extremely indifferent. He said in a deep voice: "I, a humble servant, wish to challenge Wang Can. If he defeats me, I have nothing to say, and he should receive the Taiping Essential Techniques. If I defeat Wang Can, the Taiping Essential Techniques should not be awarded to him. I ask the general to consider this and bestow them upon others who have made significant contributions in battle."

The Book of Peace and the Art of Diagram is indeed the lifeblood of Zhang Jiao, and everyone knows that it was passed down to him by the Immortal of Nanhua. This is a divine text handed down by the immortal, and it is truly astonishing that Liu Bi so casually bestowed it upon Wang Can

Figures like Nan Hua, whose movements are ethereal and elusive, seem bewildered and shrouded in mist, making it fundamentally unclear what such a person would be like. Now, the "Tao of Peace" lies before him, and Wang Can's gaze is fervent, filled with an urgent desire to know what is recorded within it, while simultaneously seeking to understand what kind of person Nan Hua is through the "Tao of Peace".

This award!

What is the art of peace?

Gong's expression darkened, and without waiting for Liu Bi to speak, he reprimanded, "Liu Li, as a centurion, do you not understand the rules? Step down immediately"

This has already overturned Wang Can's understanding, while Wang Can has also developed an urgent desire for mysterious matters

Not for any other reason, but simply to be able to show my face once is also good

Rewarding a book on the principles of peace, yet resorting to cunning schemes, do you really think I am nonexistent

Wang Can's eyes widened, a strange light flashing within them. The Art of Peace, a treasure passed down from the immortal Nanhua to the old Daoist Zhang Jiao, captivated Wang Can as he gazed at the yellowed pages.

Wang Can, come to the arena!

Liu Bi looked at the expressions of the crowd, nodded in satisfaction, and shouted to the *Tu* *Shu*: "Wang Can shot and killed the officer and general, rewarded with 'The Art of Peace', and at the same time promoted three ranks, becoming a centurion!"

Centurion Liu Li clasped his hands and said: "General, please forgive me. I have urgent matters to report, and I hope for your understanding."

In recognition of their contributions, these soldiers appeared excited and immensely thrilled

When Liu Bi mentioned the four characters 'Tai Ping Yao Shu', the entire training ground became agitated

However, he did not defend Wang Can, but instead asked lightly, "So what do you mean to do?"

Thus, Liu Pi presented the essential techniques of Taiping as a reward to Wang Can, in order to win the hearts of the people

In the midst of conversation, a sharp sound was heard as Liu Li drew his battle knife from his waist, pointing it directly at Wang Can

More than 3,000 Yellow Turbans gathered together, their expressions excited as they looked eagerly at Liu Bei and Gong Du, who stood in front of them

The soldiers standing in the ranks shouted hoarsely. Although some of these soldiers felt envious of Wang Can's boundless glory, they nonetheless acknowledged in their hearts that Wang Can deserved the reward. After all, most of those standing in the training ground were low-ranking soldiers. If a mere foot soldier like Wang Can could receive attention and commendation, they too would be entitled to corresponding rewards if they achieved similar military merits

Upon the death of Zhang Jiao, the various factions of the Yellow Turbans fell into chaos, vying for power and profit, with no one considering the Taiping Essentials left behind by Zhang Jiao. At that time, Liu Bi and Gong Du were merely ordinary soldiers, who happened to be assigned to handle Zhang Jiao's funeral affairs, which led to the unintentional discovery of the Taiping Essentials by the two.

Liu Bi nodded thoughtfully. After a long while, his gaze fell upon Wang Can's calm and unperturbed face: "Wang Can, you also heard Liu Li's words. What are your thoughts on this?"

Liu Li cast a glance at Wang Can, ignoring his gaze, and respectfully said: "General, Wang Can has killed a Han army general and deserves a reward, being promoted to the rank of Captain. This matter is acknowledged by all the brothers, and I am also happy for Wang Can. However, to grant the Taiping Secret Technique merely for killing a Han army general, is that not excessive? Regardless of whether Wang Can truly possesses exceptional ability, if he merely shot an arrow by chance and killed the Han army general, then awarding the Taiping Secret Technique to Wang Can in such a case would surely be unfair."

In his previous life, he was an atheist, yet after his death, he mysteriously came back to life

Gong stood to the side, seeing this situation, he pursed his lips, and a look of helplessness flashed in his eyes

A trace of disappointment flashed through Wang Can's heart as he looked at Liu Bi, who used his gaze to stop Gong Du, and he too had noticed it.

Wang Can's hands trembled, his heart filled with excitement, as he reached out to take the "Taiping Essentials." Just then, a loud shout rang out from the training ground: "Wait!" A Yellow Turban officer stepped forward, his expression cold, his eyes like blades fixed on Wang Can and the book, revealing a look of disdain, clearly looking down on Wang Can.

Liu Bi personally witnessed Wang Can using a bow and arrow to kill a Han general, and naturally understood that Wang Can's archery skills were extraordinary

After the rewards were concluded, Liu Pi closed the record book of military achievements and cast his gaze towards the location of Wang Can, shouting loudly, his eyes filled with admiration. Although Wang Can did not kill many soldiers this time, he did shoot down a commanding officer, a feat sufficient for Wang Can to be directly promoted to the rank of centurion, or even to a higher position.

Liu Bi stood on the platform erected in the training ground, bestowing rewards upon the soldiers who had achieved military merits in the war. Although the official positions conferred were not significant and the rewards were modest—typically a promotion of one or two ranks, or perhaps a piece of silk or a small amount of grain—each of these Yellow Turban soldiers was brimming with spirit and excitement

Liu Li, upon hearing this, was visibly pleased and said: "General, the military has always emphasized the supremacy of strength. If Wang Can possesses exceptional strength and can convince everyone, then his acquisition of the Taiping Secret Technique would be beyond reproach. However, if he lacks the strength to persuade others... heh heh, then his possession of the Taiping Secret Technique might very well lead to the saying that a man is innocent but carries the burden of his treasure."

South of the city, the parade ground

"Um, no need for formalities!" Liu Pi said淡淡.

Wang Can heard Liu Bi's call and hurriedly ran to the arena, his eyes revealing excitement as he bowed and said: "I pay my respects to the general"

Nonsense!