Chapter 14: We Must Fight These Bandits!
"Ha!"
In the martial arts arena, Qiao Mu holds a long spear in his hand and swiftly thrusts it forward, creating a piercing sound as it cuts through the air.
After joining the Yan City defense forces, he practices Military Spear Skill, focusing on simple moves like thrusting, chopping, and slashing, without any fancy techniques.
Feeling focused, in his mind's inventory of skills, there is now an additional line that says "Military Spear Skill (Beginner)."
Qiao Mu enlisted as a soldier, so naturally, he needs to train with weapons.
The reason he chose a spear is mainly because in many novels, spearmen have bad luck and it's easier to die.
After practicing in the martial arts arena for a few days like this, Qiao Mu has a pretty good understanding of his martial arts potential.
In terms of appearance, he could be considered average or slightly above average, and with a slightly higher emotional intelligence, he is like a large cup.
He has a bit of talent, but not much.
As for Qiao Canxue's mention of temperament, that's a different story.
His progress in spear practice wasn't much better than the average soldier, purely relying on the strength of his arms to swing it properly.
"When can I die?" Qiao Mu was a bit lost in thought.
He was looking forward to a high-quality way of dying.
While Qiao Mu was practicing with the spear, some soldiers looked over, but their gaze held a hint of disappointment.
When the city lord led a hundred horsemen down the long street, Qiao Mu, on his own, grabbed hold of the City Lord's son's neck, forcing the city lord to apologize...
Although these soldiers were under the command of City Lord Guo Yan, that scene from before had left a deep impression on them.
The name of the young martyr Qiao Mu had gained some fame within Yan City.
After spending these past few days together, these soldiers couldn't help but feel that "fame often brings more trouble than it's worth."
At first, they were quite curious and observed, but the more they observed, the more they realized it wasn't anything special.
"I think this person is ordinary and doesn't seem to have practiced any weapons before. He just joined the army, so he is just starting to learn?"
"Speaking of which, Qiao Mu only trains his physical strength to the maximum, but he haven't developed any internal strength yet. How can he become a centurion?"
"Dealing with regular people is easy with maximum physical strength, but on the battlefield, without the protection of internal strength, maximum physical strength is just a vulnerable body. It's very easy to die."
"Having a reputation means nothing in the army. Qiao Mu only became famous because they were daring enough to catch the City Lord's son. If it weren't for the magnanimity of the Lord, they wouldn't have survived."
"Fighting as an ordinary martial artist is completely different from battling on the army's battlefield. How many life or death battles has Qiao Mu experienced?"
In this world of martial artists, they are divided into 9th ranks.
The so-called 9th rank not only divides the realm and strength, but also the official position and rank within the Great Yan Imperial Court.
A martial artist of the 9th rank, if they serve the court and contribute to the country, they will receive the salary of a 9th rank and their status would be equivalent to a half 9th rank military officer.
If a 1st rank martial artist joins the court, their status would be close to that of a 1st rank senior officer.
Although they are different from the military officers who hold real power, they are still officials, equivalent to high-level bodyguards supported by the court.
The centurion of Yan City's soldiers is often taken by a 9th ranked martial artist.
Qiao Mu, who has not yet practiced vigorously, also has some reputation in Yan City, so he stands out among these soldiers.
On the small building next to the martial arts field, there were two pairs of eyes watching Qiao Mu practicing his spear.
"This person is truly disappointing," the old man in gray clothes shook his head and sighed.
"In the past, when he faced the city lord's power on the main street of the inner city, he didn't back down an inch. I thought he might be a young martial arts genius, which is why he showed off so boldly."
"But today, he's nothing more than someone with bravery and youthful energy," the old man in gray clothes shook his head.
"Military Officer Chu, this person is the impulsive Qiao Mu from a few days ago. You should know what the city lord means," the old man in gray clothes said.
As City Lord Guo Yan's confidant, he often takes care of delivering messages.
Next to him was Military Officer Chu, who was an officer of the 8th rank in this military camp and also an 8th rank martial artist.
"I understand," Military Officer Chu smiled and asked tentatively:
"So, in a few days, we will lead the troops out of the city to eradicate the bandits?"
The old man in the gray robes also smiled and continued:
"Outside the city, on the Dongshan Mountain, the bandits have been rampant, especially one called Bandit King Wang Songhe, who is particularly bold."
"These mere bandits dare to call themselves kings? What a joke!" Military Officer Chu nodded and said:
"These bandits must be eliminated! It's necessary!"
"Since Qiao Mu has a reputation for bravery and has not yet trained enough, it is only logical for him to die at the hands of bandits."
With just a few simple sentences, they arranged Qiao Mu's fate.
But they didn't really care too much, after all, Qiao Mu's age and strength were there, naturally it was easy to handle.
"Then, let him live a few more days." Military Officer Chu said.
This matter should not be rushed, otherwise it will easily mess everything up.
Qiao Mu had just joined the city guards, but died in a battle against bandits within a few days, it was too obvious.
.............
Qiao Mu didn't know about the lord's scheme, but it didn't stop him from mingling in the military camp.
He guessed that the lord didn't let him join the city defense army just to practice martial arts and pass the time.
It wouldn't take long before the lord made a move, and then he would respond accordingly.
He shouldn't stay in the barracks for too long.
So, even though Qiao Mu knows that some soldiers don't really respect him as a centurion who has just started learning how to fight and use weapons, he doesn't care.
On this day, while training in the martial arts field until evening, Qiao Mu was about to return to camp to rest when he saw one of his soldiers, a man in his forties with yellow teeth, running towards him.
"Boss, I heard that you want to buy some martial arts techniques, boxing manuals, and such?"
"Yes," nodded Qiao Mu.
During these days in Yan City Military Camp, he has roughly understood what kind of soldiers they all are.
Being the 9th ranked martial artist in the military camp already makes him excellent, and he usually serves as a centurion.
As for the ordinary soldiers, most of them are strong, hardworking men, and a small portion of them have some knowledge of farming techniques.
So Qiao Mu thought to himself if he could learn some techniques from the hundred soldiers under his command.
After all, Qiao Mu is an immortal being.
He might live for thousands and thousands of years, so he should learn some martial arts. He doesn't need to worry about wasting time and energy, because he has plenty of time.
As long as his body can handle it, he wants to learn ten thousand different skills!
While he's still in the army camp, before the city lord kills him, he wants to learn as much as possible.
Of course, the main skill he wants to focus on is the Long Life Fist, and that won't change.
"Do you have it, Old Huang?" Qiao Mu was a bit surprised.
Actually, Old Huang's last name is not Huang, but Bai.
The main reason he's called "Old Huang" is because he always smiles when he meets people, but his teeth are a bit yellow.
"Yes, it's a tough skill. Do you want it, boss?" Old Huang asked with a smile.
Tough skill?
Qiao Mu's eyes lit up instantly. He hasn't mastered internal strength yet, so it would be great to have a strong external martial arts for self-defense.
Although he's not afraid of death, having some defense skills would still be useful, of course.
Of course, Old Huang is just an ordinary soldier, and Qiao Mu doesn't expect him to have any exceptional martial arts techniques.
It doesn't matter if the skill is of a lower rank, anyway Qiao Mu is super powerful, he accepts anyone who comes.
Just as Qiao Mu was about to agree, there was a burst of laughter from his soldiers beside him.
"Boss, why not ask first what this skill that Old Huang mentioned is?" a bald monk soldier next to him laughed.
"What is it?" Qiao Mu asked in suspicion.
"It's the Iron Crotch Skill," Old Huang said with a hearty laugh.
Qiao Mu：.....
"Old Huang, I don't want the kind of hardness you're thinking of." Qiao Mu felt a bit speechless.
Why are you here, distracting me?
"Don't underestimate the Iron Crotch Skill," said the nearby Bald Monk Soldier.
"Old Huang is already in his forties this year, and he has six children at home. Just last year, a new addition joined the family. Do you think this Iron Crotch Skill is impressive or not?"
Qiao Mu suddenly showed deep respect.
"I have always been passionate about martial arts, and I want to learn this Iron Crotch Skill."
