Chapter 499: The Firewood Legacy

The night was dark and deep, the secret base hidden in the darkness amidst the encircling mountains.

Only a few campfires and hanging dead-wind lanterns outlined the camp's silhouette in the night.

Two black shadows, under the cover of night, slipped into the valley like civet cats.

With the tacit approval of the light and dark sentry posts, they went straight to the main tent where Chen Wen and Chao Gai were.

The leader, tall and straight like a pine, even in nightclothes could not hide his steady, mountain-like aura—it was Lin Chong.

Following him was the sturdy-built Shi Dun, whose steps carried the distinctive rhythm of soldiers.

"Instructor Lin, Shi Dun, you've come!"

Chao Gai stepped forward and firmly patted both of their shoulders.

"Come in quickly, Mr. Chen has been waiting a long time."

Inside the tent, Chen Wen was examining a crude map of East Mountain by lamplight.

Seeing the two enter, he lowered the map and showed a gentle smile.

"Instructor Lin, Shi Dun, thank you for braving the journey."

Lin Chong and Shi Dun bowed with clasped fists.

Shi Dun spoke first, his voice steady and carrying the soldiers' characteristic brevity:

"My lord, Elder Brother Chao. The stronghold's controls have grown ever tighter; I and Instructor Lin had to work hard to avoid detection."

Lin Chong replied, his brow furrowed with gravity:

"Sir, the stronghold now only speaks of 'Acting on Heaven's Behalf' and avoids mentioning 'Northward Aspiration'."

The Martial Lecture Hall's content has completely changed, solely emphasizing loyalty and awaiting amnesty; the brothers' fighting spirit is nearly worn away.

Had it not been for Strategist Wu's behind-the-scenes mediation, we would hardly be able to preserve even this bit of autonomy.

Chen Wen listened silently, waiting for them to finish before speaking slowly.

"The longer the suppression, the stronger the rebound."

"I have summoned you two today: first, to relay the news—the Jade Seal will soon arrive at Mount Liang, and Song Jiang intends to hold a grand ceremony; this is our chance to break the situation."

"Second..."

His gaze swept over Lin Chong and Shi Dun, finally resting on Chao Gai.

"Instructor Lin has experienced this technique before, but his perception was shallow."

"Shi Dun knew of this technique early on, yet he has long not personally experienced it."

"Today I will let you truly feel it—how far my restored Dawn Light power can reach."

Chao Gai's eyes instantly flashed with sharp light.

Lin Chong and Shi Dun grew solemn, both knowing what 'Ability Granting' meant.

Especially Shi Dun, as one of the five earliest ministers who followed Chen Wen.

He well knew this technique's decisive role on the battlefield, but after the system reset he had yet to personally experience its new form.

"Relax your mind and sense it carefully."

As Chen Wen's words fell, his thoughts stirred slightly.

A force far more mighty and pure than before, when at the Liangshan Goods Depot, instantly enveloped the three—Chao Gai, Lin Chong, and Shi Dun—inside the tent.

This time, Chen Wen drew upon his own 16-fold capacity to support the maximum fourfold granting effect.

Its purpose was to let them experience the current limit of what could be achieved.

"Hum—"

The three bodies shuddered almost simultaneously.

Although Chao Gai had prepared, this sensation was far more intense than the fleeting glimpse he had before.

He felt only a scorching force erupting violently from deep within his limbs and bones.

His already vast inner breath surged like rivers, endless and relentless.

His five senses became unprecedentedly sharp, his thoughts as swift as lightning.

Many previously baffling knots in martial arts and tactics suddenly cleared up!

Lin Chong's feeling was even deeper.

Last time, Chen Wen merely gave a brief demonstration, intending to let them know this technique existed.

But now this power surged forth, unstoppable.

It made him feel as if he had broken free of some invisible shackles, entering a realm never before known.

Power within his body flowed lively and vigorous.

As if moving his fingers with his arms, numerous subtle changes in his spear technique and battlefield decisions came to him.

Various thoughts arose in profusion, yet remained orderly and clear.

Sharp light burst from his eyes as he finally felt personally the terrifying boost this technique could bring in actual combat.

Shi Dun's feeling was more direct.

As a veteran of the battlefield, his first assessment was the value of this state on the field.

His strength surged, his senses sharpened, his thoughts grew clear

——This is practically the cornerstone for forging an invincible elite!

He suppressed his excitement and carefully sensed every bit of change.

He compared it with the memory of the lord's previous use of this technique.

He immediately sensed the difference—more relaxed, more mighty, more effortless.

This means the lord can now use this power more frequently and extensively!

Chen Wen felt the three's changes, and he too was satisfied.

After the system reset, the consumption of Ability Granting is indeed negligible.

He did not let this state last too long; after a few breaths, he gradually withdrew his power.

The tide of power receded, and the strong sense of disparity left the three of them somewhat dazed for a moment.

Yet the lingering effect of that power filling them and their thoughts clear did not fade for a long time.

"Sir, this technique of yours has actually been restored and even advanced to this point!"

Lin Chong let out a long breath of foul air, his tone filled with shock and delight.

"If in battle we face the enemy, with this divine power backing us, what fear have we that the Golden troops cannot be broken!"

Shi Dun clasped his fists firmly, his eyes flashing with the light of experience:

"My lord, the use of this technique is indeed quite different from before."

The consumption is small, the effect stronger; in drilling and in battle, it can be the decisive factor!

I, the humble subordinate, believe we should quickly select reliable core members and become familiar with coordination and tactics under this state.

Chao Gai laughed heartily, his heroic spirit filling the tent:

"Good! With Sir's such divine power assisting us, our Northward Aspiration Army is like a tiger gaining wings!"

"What fear have we that we cannot carve out a brilliant expanse of heaven and earth in this East Mountain region!"

"The consumption of this technique on me is already almost nothing."

Chen Wen calmly confirmed.

"In future battles or at critical points of daily training, it can be employed as appropriate."

"You three are the backbone of Northward Aspiration; today letting you experience it personally is to give you confidence in mind and a blade in hand."

His gaze swept over the three of them.

"Instructor Lin, after you return to Beam Mountain, you need to be more forbearing, but in your heart you must have this belief as support."

"Shi Dun, your responsibility for liaison and supply routes is crucial; in emergencies you must be even more decisive."

"Brother Chao Gai, the selection and training on this base side need to be sped up, with focus on examining character and loyalty; the core troops must be quickly established."

The three responded in unison, their morale high, a world apart from the gloom they had brought with them.

"Moreover,"

Chen Wen added,

"The training mechanism independent of Beam Mountain will be officially launched today."

"Brother Chao Gai will be in overall charge, with Shi Dun assisting in covert coordination of supplies and manpower."

"The first batch of trainees will be drawn from the existing personnel at the base, as well as from trusted brothers within Beam Mountain who are loyal to Northward Aspiration."

"The training content, besides regular martial arts and formations, needs to strengthen the indoctrination of Northward Aspiration's ideals."

"And targeted drills against the Golden troops and special countermeasures for the Iron Crow Army."

"Understood!"

Chao Gai and Shi Dun respectfully accepted the orders.

Lin Chong, although temporarily unable to detach himself, also felt the weight of responsibility and hope for the future.

"Lin Chong will hold the fort in the stronghold, awaiting the day when he can meet with Sir and the Heavenly King!"

That night, in this hidden valley camp,

The backbone of Northward Aspiration truly felt that power capable of shifting destiny.

Only awaiting the opportunity, it can become a prairie-fire momentum, illuminating the path of Northward Aspiration.