Becoming a god by following the natural order and seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune.

Chapter 3 Promotion to Deputy Commander

After leaving Wu Kuang's tent, Chen Sheng did not go back to rest, but instead found a secluded corner. He first took out a pill from his pocket and swallowed it, then took a deep breath and assumed a slightly strange stance.

This is the "Standing Cauldron Stance," one of the twelve stances in the "Golden Bell Body Forging Method."

This exercise consists of twelve stances and thirty-six postures. It must be practiced completely once before the progress bar can slowly increase.

The months he spent here, experiencing battles and fighting, made Chen Sheng deeply realize an ironclad rule: in this chaotic world, strength is the foundation for survival.

Therefore, from the day his cheat ability awakened, he never slacked off for a moment. He practiced diligently day and night, and whenever he was not on a mission, he would stay in the camp, single-mindedly honing his skills.

It was this almost obsessive persistence that enabled him to successfully open his mind and establish his foundation within a little over a month, stepping into the Bright Breath Realm.

The pill was a "Qi and Blood Pill" that he bought at a high price after using his savings to bribe the quartermaster. It could replenish his Qi and blood, resist physical fatigue, and support his continued cultivation.

About two hours later, the night was as dark as ink. Exhausted, Chen Sheng looked at the panel in front of him, and a smile of relief finally appeared on his face.

[Mastering Basic Knife Techniques (406/1000)]

[Golden Bell Body Tempering Method, Minor Success (192/500)]

This panel, which clearly reflected his progress, though lacking any other mystical features, gave Chen Sheng a great sense of security. He believed that hard work always pays off, and as long as he persisted, he would eventually see results.

……

When Chen Sheng returned to his tent, it was nearly the end of Hai Shi (9-11 PM). He assumed everyone was already fast asleep, but as soon as he stepped inside, he felt several pairs of eyes sweep over him, and it seemed that quite a few people were awake in the darkness.

The unusual silence made Chen Sheng feel uneasy: Could it be that news of my meeting with Commander Wu has spread so quickly?
Without making a sound, he felt his way to his bed in the dim light. Just as he was about to lie down, Sun Liuzi from the next bed leaned over and said urgently in a low voice:
"Brother Sheng, where did you go just now?"

"I couldn't sleep, so I went out to practice my kung fu for a while," Chen Sheng replied in a low voice.

"Something's happened, Brother Sheng!" Sun Liuzi's voice was filled with suppressed excitement and lingering fear.

“A man named Huang Ren just came by. He claims to be the new deputy commander and actually returned all the silver that Wang Yi gave to Commander Wu! He even... he ridiculed him to his face.”

"Wang Yi was so embarrassed that he rushed out and hasn't come back yet. Everyone is talking about it and can't sleep at all."

Chen Sheng immediately understood; so that's why the atmosphere was so strange. He felt a little relieved—Wu Kuang had only returned Wang Yi's money, so his own matter should be settled.

After all, the price he paid was far greater than what Wang Yi could have paid.

However, Wu Kuang does have a certain "rule of conduct" in his actions.

The matter was not accomplished, and the money was returned. Although it was greedy, it could be considered that he had some principles.

"Has Wang Yi repaid the money he borrowed from you?" Chen Sheng asked casually.

"no!"

Sun Liuzi's tone immediately fell, filled with regret.

"We're worried about the same thing. Before Wang Yi ran away, he told us not to rush, that he would try to find another way. But... sigh! I wish I hadn't lent him the money in the first place!"

Chen Sheng stopped talking, gave a few perfunctory words, and then closed his eyes and went to sleep.

Silent all night.

The next day, although the battle had ended, military drills continued as usual. When they rested, the previous night's events naturally became the biggest topic of conversation, with no shortage of gloating and sarcastic remarks.

Apart from the men of the Sixth Platoon who were still mindful of Wang Yi's status as Platoon Leader, the soldiers of the other platoons, especially those platoon leaders who had no hope of promotion, seized the opportunity to make a few sarcastic remarks, which made Wang Yi's face turn ashen and his teeth clench tightly.

If there had been no hope from the start, it wouldn't have been so bad. But he had already boasted so much that everyone knew he was "sure to win," and yet he was humiliated on the spot, almost losing everything. Some soldiers who had borrowed money felt the pinch and tried to ask for it back, but Wang Yi instead gave them a severe dressing-down:

"Old Xu, if you take this money back today, don't blame me for being ruthless when I become the deputy commander!"

"A mere few taels of silver? Look at your pathetic ambitions! Once I'm in a position of power, I'll repay you double!"

"I'll have plenty of other opportunities! Even if I don't make it here, what about other teams? Don't forget, I'm someone who's already achieved enlightenment and laid a solid foundation!"

After a combination of coaxing, intimidation, and boasting, the men of the Sixth Division looked at each other and ultimately dared not press them any further. However, a sense of regret grew wildly in their hearts—Commander Wu had returned all the silver, but they could not get their money back.

Chen Sheng remained indifferent to these disturbances. As soon as the training ended, he went straight to a corner of the training ground to continue honing his stance training. The path of cultivation values ​​perseverance, and he never wanted to waste a single moment.

While practicing his skills, he repeatedly pondered the warning that had resurfaced in his mind that morning from the "Book of Seeking Good Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune":

My name is Chen Sheng. When you see this sentence, it will be too late for me to regret it. Wang Yi witnessed my private dealings with the quartermaster. After he learned that I had taken his position and that I could bribe Wu Kuang with a large sum of money, he used this to blackmail me.

I resolutely refused, and he held a grudge, even conspiring with others to report me to the captain. It was later confirmed that the quartermaster had indeed repeatedly resold supplies for personal gain, ultimately violating military regulations and being sentenced to death by beheading. I was also implicated and placed on the list of those to be transferred to the border… I should have killed him long ago…

"I can't rest easy until you're dead..."

Chen Sheng glanced at Wang Yi's restless back from afar, a cold killing intent flashing in his eyes.

"gather--!"

"Mountain Battalion, Fourth Squadron, assemble!"

Suddenly, war drums sounded in the training ground.

Upon hearing the call, all the soldiers under Wu Kuang's command sprang into action, quickly forming ranks of ten men each. Twelve ranks were formed, and they soon assembled on the drill ground.

After months of rigorous training, even new recruits are well aware of the authority of the war drums.

Those who disobeyed orders have already become a warning to others.

At the head of the procession, Wu Kuang, clad in light armor, strode forward, followed by the composed Huang Ren. His gaze, sharp as lightning, swept across the entire area before he stood with his hands behind his back and announced in a loud voice:
"I have summoned you all today to announce an appointment!"

The soldiers held their breath, and Wang Yi stared intently at Huang Ren behind Wu Kuang. The last glimmer of hope in his eyes was completely extinguished, leaving only defeat and resentment.

"Effective immediately, Huang Ren, formerly of the Second Team, is transferred to my Fourth Team and will serve as the deputy commander of the First through Fifth Divisions!"

Huang Ren stepped forward in response, standing steadily in front of the first squad, his gaze level, exuding an air of authority.

Wu Kuang paused slightly, turned his gaze to the other side, and shouted again:

Where is Chen Sheng?

"My subordinate is here!"

Chen Sheng stepped out from the crowd and walked to the front of the sixth squad, his posture upright.

Wu Kuang stared at him, his voice carrying throughout the hall:

"Effective immediately, Chen Sheng will serve as the deputy commander of the sixth to twelfth squads!"

Chen Sheng raised his head, his voice clear, firm, and resounding:

"I obey my orders!"

(End of this chapter)