Chapter 95: Minor Inspection·First Glimpse of Edge

Two months' time passed in an instant.

The drill ground of the New Recruit Camp west of Chan Prefecture City, once relatively sealed off, had changed.

At this moment, banners fluttered and the reviewing platform stood tall.

Below the platform, led by Military Governor Chai Rong.

Han Tong, Zhang Yongde and other core commanders, as well as Wang Pu and other staff officials, had all taken their seats according to rank.

Further out, the area was packed with other soldiers who had come to watch upon hearing the news.

The crowd roared, gazes varied, all fixed on the three hundred newly recruited soldiers standing still and solemn in the field.

Today was the day to test the results of Chen Wen's training.

Whether a mule or a horse, they'd have to be taken out for a run.

Han Tong crossed his arms, his armor flashing coldly in the sunlight.

His face was expressionless, but the slightly downturned corners of his mouth still revealed his disdain.

Zhang Yongde appeared much calmer, merely scanning the ranks in the field with careful eyes.

Wang Pu lightly shook his feather fan, his eyes holding scrutiny and anticipation.

Meanwhile, Chai Rong, seated in the chief position, had a composed countenance.

Only deep in his eyes hid a barely perceptible tension and anticipation.

The three hundred new soldiers in the field were worlds apart from what they had been two months prior.

They still wore ordinary uniforms, having not been issued fine armor.

Yet each stood tall, with dark skin, bulging muscles, and sharp, composed eyes.

Like forged iron tempered a thousand times, they stood there, exuding an invisible pressure.

Their formation wasn't perfectly straight, yet it possessed a rock‑like steadiness.

It seemed no wind or rain could shake it.

Chen Wen, wearing light armor, stood before the ranks and cupped his fists toward the reviewing platform:

"Reporting, my lord, after two months of drill in the New Recruit Camp, I request your inspection!"

Chai Rong gave a slight nod:

"Begin."

The first item of the inspection was basic formation lineup and march.

At Chen Wen's concise command, the three hundred moved as one.

Turning, stepping, changing formation—motions were clean and neat, uniform.

Although lacking the mechanical precision of veteran formations honed by countless drills, they had an added lively vigor.

What was even more striking was that throughout the process no one whispered or glanced around.

Only the muffled thud of feet on ground and the rustle of armor rubbing showed their extreme discipline.

"The formation is passable."

Han Tong gave a bland comment, revealing neither pleasure nor anger.

This first item was average—no faults to find, yet not particularly impressive.

Next came archery.

The new soldiers used the standard military foot bow, which demanded considerable strength.

What was astonishing was that, among these three hundred,

over eighty percent could draw the bow steadily, and their hit rate was extremely high.

Though not perfect, it far surpassed the level of ordinary new recruits.

It even matched that of some veterans who had trained for a year and a half.

This drew a low murmur of amazement from the watching crowd.

"Oh?"

Zhang Yongde's expression shifted slightly.

"In just two months, to have brought the new recruits' arm strength and archery to this point is quite remarkable."

Han Tong snorted, offering no comment.

But his gaze fixed on the field had become far more focused.

The main event was the demonstration of Chen Wen's specially designed subject.

First was a display of extreme physical fitness.

One group of soldiers, burdened with obviously heavy sandbags, sprinted full speed along a prescribed winding route, turning back.

Their speed and endurance left the onlookers clicking their tongues.

Another group demonstrated cooperatively carrying a giant log across complex obstacles.

Several people worked in seamless coordination, moving swiftly, showing no delay even on slippery slopes.

"This strength…… this endurance……"

A low‑ranking officer couldn't help but whisper an exclamation.

"It might even match our army's scouts!"

However.

What truly caused all the commanders' faces to grow solemn

was the upcoming small‑squad tactical confrontation drill.

Chen Wen divided the three hundred into red and blue sides, each with one hundred fifty.

They conducted attack and defense within a simulated complex field of ruins, low walls, and alleys.

No preset script, only a clear objective.

— Red side captured Blue side's central flag position.

As the signal horn sounded to start the drill, the red and blue squads immediately sprang forth like untamed horses, yet they did not charge wildly.

They operated in units of five and ten, spontaneously seeking cover, mutually protecting each other, and advancing in alternating bounds.

Sometimes they swiftly infiltrated, sometimes they lay silent in ambush, sometimes they suddenly concentrated fire on a key point.

The orders of the temporarily appointed squad leaders were brief and clear, and the soldiers executed them decisively and swiftly.

Even more shocking was their adaptability.

When a blue squad was "annihilated" and withdrew from the battlefield, causing a gap in the defense line,

a nearby red squad did not wait for superior orders.

but instead immediately seized the opportunity, thrusting in like a dagger and instantly disrupting Blue's overall deployment.

Blue also did not panic; nearby squads quickly converged on the gap, fighting desperately to block it, buying time for rear adjustments.

The entire confrontation was intense and compact, full of unpredictability.

There was no rigid formation clash, only flexible, mobile team coordination and on-the-spot decisions.

These new recruits seemed innately to know how to use terrain, how to coordinate with comrades, and how to find opportunities amid chaos.

The tactical proficiency and combat will they displayed had already completely surpassed the realm of "new recruits."

Even some veteran soldiers famed for bravery felt a shudder of awe.

"This… this is really just new troops who have trained for only two months?"

An infantry vice commander could not help but cry out.

Han Tong's face had completely darkened.

He stared intently at the figures on the field, as agile as leopards yet cooperating like a wolf pack.

He could no longer utter a single mocking word.

Having commanded troops for many years, he knew full well how difficult it is to forge such elite soldiers!

This is not merely achievable through hard training; it also requires a unique training method and…

some ineffable "spirit"!

Zhang Yongde drew a deep breath, glanced at Han Tong beside him, and said softly:

"General Han, these troops… are formidable."

Wang Pu's hand, which had been stroking his beard, paused, and his eyes flashed with sharp light.

He whispered to Chai Rong:

"My lord, Commander Chen's method is no longer mere drill; it is almost 'forging souls'!"

"If this method could be spread…"

Chai Rong did not answer, but his chest rose and fell slightly.

His clenched fists revealed his inner agitation.

He knew Chen Wen had talent, but he never imagined it could reach this extent!

These three hundred men have already become the embryo of the strong army he has long dreamed of!

The confrontation drill ultimately ended with a bitter victory for the Red side.

As the troops from both sides withdrew, though covered in dust and drenched in sweat,

many still bore bruises from the drill, yet their eyes remained bright.

Carrying an unexhausted fighting spirit and recognition of their comrades.

The review concluded.

The entire field fell silent; everyone was stunned by the performance of these "new troops."

Chen Wen stepped forward again, clasped his fists, and stood solemnly.

Chai Rong slowly rose to his feet, his gaze sweeping over the entire field.

Finally settling on Chen Wen, his voice boomed, filled with unstoppable praise and delight:

"Excellent! An excellent embryo of the Tiger Guard!"

"Commander Chen, two months of effort, and you have reached this point!"

"Truly, his skill borders on the divine!"

He descended from the platform and approached Chen Wen.

He personally helped him up and proclaimed loudly:

"Effective immediately, I appoint Chen Wen as a military officer of the Prefecture Army and concurrently as commander of the new recruit camp!"

"His troops shall receive provisions and armaments according to the standards of the Elite Camp!"

"I hope you will continue to strive and soon become the pillars of our Prefecture!"

"Thank you, my lord!"

Chen Wen and the three hundred soldiers behind him responded in unison, their voices shaking the clouds.

Chai Rong then turned his gaze to Han Tong, Zhang Yongde, and the others.

His tone was calm yet left no room for doubt:

"Gentlemen, after today's review, do you still have any objections?"

Han Tong's face shifted; finally he drew a deep breath, stepped forward, and clasped his fists toward Chen Wen.

Though he said little, that gesture already signified his approval.

Zhang Yongde and the others likewise clasped their hands.

The voices of doubt vanished at that moment, like smoke dissipating.

Chen Wen, relying on this solid achievement, firmly established his foothold in the Chan Prefecture army.

The inspection ended, and everyone left with their own thoughts.

Chen Wen could feel that the Growth Progress Bar in his sea of consciousness surged forward a large chunk at the moment of the inspection's success, already surpassing 85%.

The Fortune Momentum vortex became more substantial and flowing, its ties to Chan Prefecture and this newly formed army growing stronger.

He knew this was only the beginning.

The hidden dragon has shown its fangs; facing the upcoming storms, he will have more confidence to meet them.

And the brothers from Jiao Tu Zhen will also arrive soon, merging into this vaster expanse of heaven and earth.