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

Chapter 9 Lottery
[Mastering Basic Knife Techniques (610/1000)]

[Golden Bell Body Tempering Method, Minor Success (320/500)]

[Introduction to the Secret Techniques of Toad Fishing (25/100)]

Before he could fully refine the effects of the elixir, Chen Sheng was pleasantly surprised to find that his progress in cultivating the "Toad Fishing Technique" had suddenly increased dramatically, saving him at least half a month of hard work.

Sensing this, he immediately focused his mind, discarded distracting thoughts, and devoted himself to guiding the cool and pure medicinal power to circulate throughout his body, refining it with utmost concentration.

As the medicine continued to penetrate, he could clearly feel tiny impurities being slowly expelled from his body through the pores of his skin.

The effects of the Pure Essence Pill did not disappoint Chen Sheng. After spending half a day refining it completely, although he had not yet reached the state of complete transformation, he could clearly feel significant changes in his body.

In particular, his progress in cultivating the "Toad Fishing Technique" has been rapid.

[Mastering Basic Knife Techniques (610/1000)]

[Golden Bell Body Tempering Method, Minor Success (322/500)]

[Introduction to the Secret Techniques of Toad Fishing (75/100)]

This progress saved him more than a month of arduous training.

More importantly, after this marrow cleansing and body tempering, he could clearly feel that the speed of internal energy condensation was several times faster when practicing the "Golden Bell Body Tempering Method"—this was equivalent to directly improving his cultivation aptitude and making up for his own shortcomings in physical constitution.

Such miraculous effects made Chen Sheng even more eager for the Purifying Essence Pill.

If I could get another one, I'm afraid I would master the basics of "Fishing for Toads" in no time.

Unfortunately, he also understood that this pill was precious and rare. Even though Wu Kuang had gone to great lengths to obtain it from Captain Nie, it was almost impossible for him to acquire it given his current status and resources.

By the time Chen Sheng finished bathing and changing, it was already getting dark.

Before Wu Kuang could send anyone to urge him, he changed into a set of light armor in the uniform of a deputy commander and hurried off.

Upon arrival, Wu Kuangzheng was chatting and laughing with Huang Ren. When Chen Sheng arrived, Wu Kuangzheng nodded slightly, while Huang Ren stood up and greeted him politely.

Anyone could see that Wu Kuang relied more on Chen Sheng, entrusting him not only with real power but also with the important task of selecting and assigning soldiers.

Huang Ren was naturally somewhat resentful about this, but that was all. He was able to be transferred to Wu Kuang's command entirely thanks to his brother's connections and the influence of Captain Nie. Only then was he able to return to the rear with the transfer, and he would never dare to easily clash with Chen Sheng, who was well-liked by his superiors.

However, despite his apprehension, seeing Wu Kuang's undisguised high regard for Chen Sheng, Huang Ren secretly harbored a competitive spirit, hoping to one day surpass Chen Sheng.

Chen Sheng was aware of this, but he didn't care. As long as the other party didn't provoke him, he wouldn't bother with them.

"It's about time, let's go."

After waiting a while, Wu Kuang got up to greet them, and whispered to the two of them, "After entering the tent, observe more and speak less, do not try to stand out, and be sure to keep a low profile."

"Yes!"

Chen Sheng and Huang Ren responded in unison, and then followed closely behind.

……

Inside the main tent, people were already bustling about. Upon seeing Wu Kuang arrive, the commanders who were already present greeted him with smiles, their words laced with envy and teasing.

Being transferred back to a county town in the rear is undoubtedly a coveted and desirable job.

Within the Mountain Camp, there are only a handful of people with such connections. To obtain such an opportunity, ability alone is far from enough; a strong network of connections is also crucial.

In comparison, the latter often carries more weight.

Faced with his colleagues' teasing, Wu Kuang laughed it off and introduced Chen Sheng and Huang Ren behind him to everyone. Huang Ren was already familiar to everyone because of his brother, so no one paid much attention to him. On the other hand, Chen Sheng had recently risen to prominence in the Mountain Battalion, attracting the attention of several commanders—not only was he promoted to deputy commander by Wu Kuang, but he also managed to escape unscathed from Zhou Si Cao's case and was entrusted with the important task of selecting soldiers.

However, their curiosity was limited to that; a deputy commander ultimately failed to garner their full attention, and after a brief exchange of pleasantries, the topic quickly shifted.

Chen Sheng and Huang Ren were seated in inconspicuous positions in the second row.

Soon, all six commanders and twelve deputy commanders of the Mountain Battalion arrived.

A moment later, the curtain was lifted, and a slender figure stepped in.

The newcomer was not wearing armor, but only a loose brocade robe. His face showed signs of hardship but could not hide his handsome appearance. What was even more startling was his age—he looked to be no more than twenty years old, yet his imposing and majestic aura had already quietly enveloped the entire scene.

"Greetings, Captain!"

"Lord Captain!"

As soon as this person appeared, everyone in the tent, regardless of their official rank, stood up and bowed respectfully.

The newcomer was none other than Nie Yuanliu, the captain of the Mountain Battalion.

Chen Sheng knew little about this Captain Nie, having only seen him a few times from afar.

But from Wu Kuang's words, he learned that this person came from a distinguished family and had exceptional talent, having already entered the "Innate Chaoyuan" realm at the young age of twenty-one.

When Chen Sheng first traveled through time, the figure he saw wielding a spear and breaking through enemy lines, resembling a god of war, was this person.

In comparison, Wu Kuang's promotion seemed insignificant. Nie Yuanliu had spent half a year suppressing the rebellion, achieving remarkable military exploits and enjoying high prestige within the Mountain Battalion. This promotion meant his future was limitless.

However, what concerned Chen Sheng most was the warning given by the "Avoiding Misfortune and Seeking Good Fortune" celestial book yesterday:

[My name is Chen Sheng. By the time you see this, it will be too late for regrets... During the banquet in the main tent, after expressing his gratitude to the various commanders for their assistance, and seeing the increasing respect shown by the deputy commanders, Captain Nie, after a moment's thought, suggested a farewell duel, and set out the stakes. Because I remembered Wu Kuang's instructions, I did not participate. When the stakes were revealed, I discovered that it was a choice of one of three precious weapons. I was immediately filled with regret...]

"You don't have to be polite."

Nie Yuanliu nodded slightly, walked leisurely to the main seat and sat down, casually waving his hand.

The soldiers waiting outside the tent immediately filed in, offering fine wine and delicacies.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the atmosphere inside the tent gradually became lively.

Midway through the banquet, Nie Yuanliu raised his glass, took a small sip, and glanced around the room, saying with a touch of emotion:

"I have been in the Mountain Battalion for half a year, and I am fortunate to have received the strong support of all the commanders. After today, you will either go to the border or return to your hometowns. I will also be transferred soon. This banquet is a farewell. Before leaving, I have prepared a small gift to express my feelings. I hope that we will meet again in the future."

After speaking, he flicked his sleeve, and six crystal jade bottles flew out from under the table, landing precisely in front of the six commanders.

Release your inner energy to control objects from a distance!
This effortless display of innate skill immediately drew gasps from the tent.

All six commanders straightened their expressions and simultaneously raised their cups, bowing with their hands clasped in greeting.

Congratulations on your promotion, Captain!

"Congratulations, Captain!"

The other deputy commanders echoed this sentiment, their eyes gleaming with anticipation, hoping they too would receive some reward.

Nie Yuanliu had no intention of giving out so many gifts; most of the deputy commanders present had been replaced several times, and he couldn't even recognize them all. However, given the eager looks from everyone, he couldn't be too stingy. So, meeting their expectant gazes, he smiled calmly:
"Very well, it is fate that you deputy commanders are here today. I will set up a wager, and the winner will receive a prize. This will make this gathering complete."

(End of this chapter)