In the arena, Squad Leader Han Sui was displaying the Vermilion Bird Burning Sky Palm, with smooth and well-rounded moves, clearly the result of arduous training.
He had no intention of fighting with his opponent in the first place, but today, as squad leaders were being selected, several Squad Leaders had blood in their eyes. Almost without any instigation, they began fighting among themselves, determined to overpower their opponents before the official contest began to demonstrate dominance.
However, Han Sui had at least read for a few days and knew that competing with these brutes would tarnish his reputation if he lost and, even if he won, it would reflect poorly on him in front of his superiors, causing him internal grief.
But there was no alternative when pushed to a dead end.
As he was pondering his next move to defeat his opponent, he suddenly heard a loud shout from outside, "Greetings to the esteemed camp commander!"
He instantly felt like vomiting blood but had no choice. Along with his opponent, he stopped fighting and saluted the approaching Xu Wenling, "Greetings, Camp Commander."
Seeing Xu Wenling following a woman, he was astonished beyond belief, 'Is there another VIP in the camp today? A woman... could it be Captain Feng?'
At that thought, he regretted a bit, 'Although personal fights are forbidden in the military, it might be worth the punishment to showcase my abilities before this individual. If I could be assigned as a trusted aide, it wouldn't matter if I didn't become squad leader.'
"You all know that private fighting is forbidden in the army and that violators will be severely punished."
Xu Wenling's cheeks reddened as he rebuked.
"We were just...wrestling in jest," came the flimsy excuse, but since these Squad Leaders were coarse men, that was the best they could do.
Xu Wenling's mouth twitched, knowing that such events were common and would usually elicit a laugh, but he was angered only because they had lost face in front of Feng Xixi. He then turned to this military officer.
Feng Xixi, however, paid no mind to these events and walked straight to the high platform, proclaiming, "The ten Squad Leaders competing for the position of squad leader today, step forward!"
She was overstepping her authority, but Xu Wenling didn't dare to pass gas, and let Feng Xixi do as she pleased.
Zhong Shenxiu rolled his eyes and could only stand out with Han Sui.
"Very well..." Feng Xixi said with a smile, "The way of the strong is to lay horizontally or stand vertically; those who lie down lose, and those left standing win... I don't care how you ten manage to fight among yourselves, the last man standing will be the squad leader."
Zhong Shenxiu felt a toothache without any apparent reason.
Such a method was indeed blunt and direct.
Han Sui felt even more frustrated.
Except for the few like Zhong Shenxiu, at least four or five other Squad Leaders were looking at him with menacing faces, seemingly planning to take him out first.
'What should I do? I've also gathered a few alliances, maybe we could band together for warmth?'
'The order from the superior is such, maybe it's not just about our martial arts but also about our popularity and tactics?'
Han Sui quickly signaled to a good friend among the Squad Leaders and looked towards Zhong Shenxiu.
One way or another, he was a person, and even being a target or a punching bag to attract attention was beneficial.
But when his gaze landed on Zhong Shenxiu, he found that Shenxiu had already assumed a comfortable position, lying on the ground.
Not just him, the other Squad Leaders were dumbfounded as well.
"Su Daoshi... how could you be so shameless?" shouted one of the Squad Leaders, seemingly an ally of Han Sui.
"I have only recently been promoted to Squad Leader and have no desire for the position of squad leader. You all may proceed..."
Zhong Shenxiu had thought it through; he always preferred stability and disliked unpredictable situations.
And that lady upstairs,
Woman! Beautiful! High status! Strong background!
This damn combination of trouble-attracting traits suggested nothing but problems.
Whoever wants the spotlight can have it, he certainly didn't want it, nor did he wish to get involved with such people.
Cowards are despised in the military, but after Shenxiu's self-abandonment, the animosity of the Squad Leaders opposed to Han Sui significantly diminished.
Zhong Shenxiu yawned as he saw Han Sui recruiting and dividing loyalties, fighting hard, and finally defeating his opponents, battered and shaky, but standing in the end.
"From today on, you will be the squad leader of this squad."
Feng Xixi kept her word and immediately made the appointment.
Then, with a light tap of her hand, she pointed at Zhong Shenxiu, "You lazy thing, still a Squad Leader? Come to my side and become a mere soldier, I need to drill you properly."
Zhong Shenxiu: '...little girl, do you realize how easy your words are to misunderstand?'
He saw a hint of amusement in Feng Xixi's eyes and instantly knew she did it on purpose, even from the first moment she saw him.
'Could it be she fancies my beauty... Bah, nonsense... could she recognize Su Daoshi? After all, he comes from a gentry family...'
In the Second Yan Han Empire, no matter the local magnates, the families of renown from the districts, or the gentry from the province-level, as well as the clans spanning multiple provinces, their descendants were collectively referred to as gentry children, just as those deputies never call themselves someone's deputy but directly use the title of the position for the sake of sounding impressive.
Thus, even the children of a local magnate or district families often call themselves gentry children and have a wide circle of acquaintances.
The Su Family was renowned and had a far-reaching reputation until they committed a crime and their children were exiled to the border.
It wouldn't be surprising if she recognized a few.
'Damn it... I don't want this.'
Zhong Shenxiu looked at the rapidly rising Heavenly Talent Value, feeling like he was screwing over Huang Xie's nephew.
His bruised face froze into a smile, deeply shocked, turning his complexion to a stone-gray hue as he muttered to himself, "I've won, yet I've also lost..."
'If you want this treatment, I'd gladly pass it on to you...'
Zhong Shenxiu muttered internally, but also knew that he couldn't defy orders now, simply clasping his hands and saying, "As commanded!"
The nearby Squad Leaders were also stunned.
They were just fighting for the squad leader position, so how did this guy who gave up from the start catch the superior's eye? Their eyes reddened in jealousy.
They cursed inwardly, that pretty boy, seducing with his face, unfilial.
If looks could kill, Zhong Shenxiu would likely have a few more gashes on him.
Up on the platform, Feng Xixi smiled gracefully, "I shall inform you, my name is Feng Xixi, and you are now a member of my Xuanjia Iron Cavalry!"
With those words, Zhong Shenxiu immediately felt his Heavenly Talent Value rise again.
'So it's the famous beauty from the Fufeng Protectorate...'
'I'm doomed, the enmity towards me has increased...'
'Does she fancy the face of Su Daoshi... after all, he appears malnourished, could Captain Feng merely have such a peculiar taste?'
"Alright, Sparrow, you'll take good care of him."
As if she had just done something trivial, Feng Xixi gave a casual order to her trusted aide and then let Xu Wenling prepare a tent, going off to rest on her own.