Chapter 202: Engineering Corps

Three years apart, Zhu Xiaopang is still very fat.

Old countrymen seeing each other, their eyes are watery.

Brothers meeting brothers, they have endless things to say.

Zhu Dafu said that he had ended his study‑abroad life in Dongsheng Immortal City a year ago.

Later, his father found connections for him, and since he also possessed a little talent, he was taken in as an outer disciple by the Li Jiang Sword Sect, a major cultivation sect in Southern Zhanzhou.

"Li Jiang Sword Sect?"

"A major cultivation sect! You kid, that's impressive!"

"By the way, Fifth Senior Brother is also in the Li Jiang Sword Sect; I suppose you've met him?"

Zhang Xingyu lightly tapped Zhu Dafu on the head.

Zhu Dafu, feeling aggrieved, rubbed his head: "Brother Xingyu, could you stop constantly tapping my head? The Li Jiang Sword Sect has strict ranks; I've gone looking several times and still haven't seen Fifth Senior Brother!"

Zhang Xingyu nodded, thinking to himself: "He probably is Fifth Senior Brother deliberately avoiding a meeting. Ah, after that affair at the bottom of Pearl Lake, he likely wouldn't even meet himself."

Thinking of that, Zhang Xingyu's mood also turned gloomy.

Fifth Senior Brother, the brother who is so kind to people, could actually be a demon clan spy.

Now, he finally understands why Fifth Senior Brother had to part from Senior Sister Ouyang.

A demon and a human together would certainly have no good outcome.

Silently burying his speculation, Zhang Xingyu asked Zhu Dafu about his reason for joining the army.

"Well, Brother Xingyu, you don't know? The demon army is almost at the gates of our Southern Zhanzhou. The Immortal Alliance issued a recruitment decree, calling for disciples of all major sects to join the battle. As a member of the human race, I couldn't refuse."

Zhang Xingyu gave Zhu Dafu a thumbs‑up.

It was sincere admiration. Zhu Dafu is a second‑generation official; his family has plenty of spirit stones, so he has no need to risk them by enlisting. The true reason he joined must be his exceptionally noble sense of responsibility and honor.

Flattered by Zhang Xingyu's praise, Zhu Dafu added: "Brother Xingyu, did you know? Three months ago, a demon army of five thousand planned to ambush Shaha Military City. One of our human scouts discovered this and transmitted the intelligence overnight. Later, the Volunteer Immortal Army headquarters organized ten thousand troops, set an ambush on the demons' route, and annihilated them completely. Even the leading demon general was captured!"

"Oh, and that. No wonder lately even the demon muscle coach's zombie‑like face is wearing a smile!"

Zhang Xingyu said it aloud while secretly feeling delighted.

It seems the messenger jade tablet I sent played a big role.

"Brother Xingyu, our human scouts are truly amazing! One piece of information wiped out the five‑thousand‑strong demon army! From now on I also want to be a scout!" Zhu Dafu exclaimed, his eyes full of little stars.

Zhang Xingyu shyly touched his chin: "Don't idolize him, he's just a legend...."

Drink the welcome wine, then drink the farewell wine.

During the newcomers' salute ceremony, Zhang Xingyu and the other veterans boarded the flying boat bound for Xihe Niu Province.

After a day's flight, the flying boat came to a halt.

Ahead lay snow‑capped mountains, their towering peaks piercing the sky.

There stood Xima Sacred Mountain, the highest ridge of Xuantiandalu.

Below was a verdant grassland, with a silver stream winding through.

This was the Tangguli Snowfield, where the longest river of Xuantiandalu, the Qinghe River, originates.

On the grassland, rows of snow‑white military tents stood neatly, like cotton‑like kapok blossoms blooming in a field.

At the center of the tents was a spacious open area; in its middle, a blazing red battle flag fluttered in the wind.

Surrounding the tents was a gleaming golden wall, atop which rose massive artillery platforms.

This was their destination: the garrison of the Second Division of the Third Corps of the Southern Zhanzhou Volunteer Immortal Army.

The flying boat verified identities and slowly descended onto the center of the garrison.

Zhang Xingyu leapt from the flying boat, met by biting snow wind.

The air was icy and refreshing, instantly rousing his dormant nerves.

He had arrived at the battlefield, the front defending against the demon invasion.

For the coming years, he will spend his time here.

If lucky, most of his companions can return home with honor.

If unlucky, most of his companions may lie forever in foreign lands.

The whole unit lines up, counts off, and assigns companies.

"Liu Zidu, a four‑battalion combat company; Wang Shaohua, a three‑battalion guard company... Zhang Xingyu, Fourth Division, First Company, Engineering Corps."

"Engineering Corps?"

"How could it be the Engineering Corps?"

Zhang Xingyu wanted the reconnaissance company most, then the combat company, and the engineering corps was the least desired.

The Engineering Corps, as the name suggests, is the unit responsible for building houses and bridges.

The Engineering Corps belongs to the support battalion; it rarely sees direct combat and has few chances for merit awards.

Zhang Xingyu still hoped to showcase his skills on the Immortal‑Demon battlefield.

No one expected to be assigned to the Engineering Corps.

"Depressed!"

There were over twenty people assigned to the Engineering Corps.

Upon hearing the assignment to the Engineering Corps, everyone was very disheartened.

The white‑faced Captain of the welcoming company, seeing the scene, waved his hand and shouted loudly: "What's wrong? Everyone looks like they're mourning. Did your father die, or your mother? What's wrong with being an engineer? Does it make it any less glorious?"

The crowd gave no answer.

The white‑faced Captain continued: "All soldiers, regardless of branch, fight to eliminate the invading enemy. With the walls we build, we can greatly weaken the enemy's assault and reduce comrades' casualties; with the towers we construct, we can heavily damage the advancing foes; with the tents we set up, comrades can sleep soundly. Being an engineer is glorious!"

As soon as the white‑faced Captain finished speaking, a burst of clapping erupted nearby.

A tall, thin old man in military garb clapped his hands and walked over.

Seeing the old man, the white-faced lieutenant was stunned, then hastily saluted.

"Reporting to the general, we are......"

The old man returned a military salute to the white-faced lieutenant.

He turned around and loudly said to the new recruits: "Just now the second lieutenant spoke well. Engineers are indispensable soldiers of our Volunteer Immortal Army. Please quickly integrate into the new company, shine on your new battle posts, and earn merit!"

The old man's gaze swept over the crowd, finally resting on Zhang Xingyu's face.

Zhang Xingyu was speechless.

This damn general is actually Xu Yun Lao Dao.

Wasn't this old guy an elder of the Southern Yue Immortal Alliance? How did he end up in Xi He Niu Prefecture and become a general?

Zhang Xingyu winked at Xu Yun Lao Dao.

Xu Yun Lao Dao said nothing.

He lightly walked up to Zhang Xingyu, carefully adjusted his helmet, then turned and left.

Xu Yun Lao Er left as lightly as he had come.

He flicked his sleeve, taking not a wisp of cloud.

That day, Zhang Xingyu arrived at the Engineer Company, and what awaited him was a legendary journey.