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

Chapter 4 What did you call me?
As soon as Wu Kuang finished speaking, the training ground fell silent. Immediately, all eyes turned to the tall figure at the front of the formation, and expressions of surprise, shock, and disbelief filled every face.

Chen Sheng was no unknown in the fourth team.

In terms of seniority, most of the team members were not as experienced as him—he had been forcibly conscripted into the army for more than four months, experienced more than ten battles, and his comrades-in-arms had changed batch after batch, but he alone had always stood firm.

The mere fact that they can "survive" is enough to leave a deep impression.

However, in terms of actual strength, Chen Shengping is usually quite unremarkable.

Although people often saw him practicing his skills diligently in a corner of the training ground, they had never heard of him achieving anything remarkable, let alone breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage. Otherwise, given his seniority, he should have been a squad leader long ago.

Who would have thought that such a low-key, almost invisible person would remain silent until he made a stunning debut and rise to become the deputy commander in charge of dozens of people!

This result truly surprised everyone.

Despite their shock, no one dared to voice their doubts. After a brief silence, most people's eyes were quickly filled with intense envy, especially the soldiers of the Sixth Platoon, whose feelings were particularly complex—they never imagined that Chen Sheng, who usually kept a low profile, could rise to prominence by stepping on Wang Yi!
What made them even more regretful was that there hadn't been a single word about it beforehand.

However, not everyone in the crowd was envious.

Standing behind Chen Sheng, Wang Yi's face was contorted with rage, barely able to conceal the burning jealousy that was about to burst forth.

While his own failure was painful, the success of those around him, especially Chen Sheng, whom he had always looked down upon, made him feel like he had a thorn in his side and his heart was in turmoil.

Living in the same tent and facing each other day and night, he could already foresee how, after returning home, those faces that used to fawn over him would eagerly turn to Chen Sheng, doing everything they could to flatter him.

Besides jealousy, there was also a strong sense of resentment.

With his elder brother, a commander, backing him up, Huang Ren dared not complain. He naturally attributed all the defeats to Chen Sheng—if it weren't for Chen Sheng's sudden appearance and interference, he would have been one of the two deputy commanders!
The more Wang Yi thought about it, the more frustrated he felt, but Wu Kuang had long held sway over him, so he ultimately dared not lash out on the spot.

"From this day forward, you two are officially in office. Manage your respective soldiers well and do not make any mistakes."

Wu Kuang's voice broke the silence.

"Yes!"

"As ordered!"

After giving a few simple instructions, Wu Kuang announced the disbandment.

As soon as he turned to leave, the soldiers of the Sixth Company swarmed around him, surrounding Chen Sheng and showering him with flattery, vying to curry favor. The men from the other companies also crowded around, speaking with extreme humility, even going so far as to belittle the disgraced Wang Yi to elevate the newly powerful Chen Sheng.

Everyone knows that the war is over, and the allocation of tasks is imminent.

A deputy commander may not wield much power, but he can still manage to retain a few people if he wants. This stands in stark irony compared to the scene in the camp last night.

Wang Yi watched this scene with a livid face, his teeth clenched. He glared fiercely at Chen Sheng, who was surrounded by the crowd, then turned abruptly and chased after Wu Kuang in the direction he had left.

Chen Sheng smiled outwardly, responding to the compliments around him, but out of the corner of his eye, he coldly glanced at Wang Yi's hasty departure, his killing intent already set in.

……

On the other side, Wang Yi finally caught up with Wu Kuang, who was about to enter the camp.

"Commander..."

He hesitated, both afraid of offending his superior and genuinely resentful.

Wu Kuang paused, glanced at him sideways, and said in a flat tone:

"Tell me if you have anything to say."

Wang Yi steeled his resolve and, risking the consequences, asked, "Commander, I...I just don't understand, why is Chen Sheng qualified to be the deputy commander? Is it simply because...he contributed more money than me?"

Wu Kuang actually nodded, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his mouth:
"Yes, what's the problem?"

"But...but you said that the deputy commander needs to be enlightened and establish a foundation before he can do it!" Wang Yi said anxiously.

“Wang Yi,” Wu Kuang looked at him with a half-smile, “Don’t overestimate yourself, and don’t underestimate others. How do you know Chen Sheng hasn’t yet reached the Foundation Establishment stage?”

Wang Yi felt a sudden chill.

Chen Sheng has reached the Foundation Establishment stage?! When did he...? Could it be...? He suddenly recalled the scene he had glimpsed of Chen Sheng's private contact with the quartermaster.

"Alright, it's too late to say anything more. Chen Sheng's appointment has been approved by Captain Nie, so there's no need to dwell on it anymore. Go back and wait for your superiors to assign you further tasks." Wu Kuang waved his hand, intending to end the conversation.

"Commander!"

Wang Yi knelt down with a thud, his face full of pleading, "Is there really no chance for me? The border is bitterly cold, and the foreign tribes are ferocious, I..."

Looking at his current state, and recalling how respectful and dutiful this man had been in the past, Wu Kuang pondered for a moment and said:

"Fifty taels of silver, and I guarantee you'll be transferred back to your hometown; you won't have to go to the border."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yi frowned deeply. Previously, fifty taels of silver could be used to bet on a deputy commander, but now it was only enough to buy a way out? He struggled internally, unable to make a decision.

"Unwilling? Then so be it." Wu Kuang made a move to leave.

"My lord! My lord!"

Wang Yi hurriedly said, "This subordinate... this subordinate still wants to compete for the position of deputy commander, even if it's from another team!"

Wu Kuang's face showed impatience, and Wang Yi, steeling his heart, quickly said:
"Please show me the way!"

Wu Kuang stopped and glanced at him, coldly saying, "One hundred and fifty taels of silver. Bring it to me within three days, and I'll guarantee you a deputy commander position that will allow you to be transferred back. If you can't bring it, then you can prepare to go to the border to serve the country."

……

Wu Kuang's words were like ice water, extinguishing the last glimmer of hope in Wang Yi's heart. He understood that this was probably the last chance given by the other party out of consideration for their past relationship.

The problem is—he didn't actually have 150 taels! Most of the 50 taels he had before were borrowed.

Given his current situation, it's already a miracle that no one is coming to collect debts. Who would dare lend him money to gamble on a bleak future? Even if he did have some money, he'd probably have to "pay tribute" to the newly appointed Deputy Commander Chen first.

Chen Sheng!

The thought of that name sent a flash of resentment through Wang Yi's eyes.

He knew Chen Sheng had some savings, but he never expected them to be so substantial that they could bribe Wu Kuang in one fell swoop! His wealth far exceeded his imagination.

Is it possible to get this money from him...?
Although there are channels in the army to purchase cultivation resources, ordinary soldiers can only buy Blood Qi Powder, which has mediocre effects, at high prices.

Only those at the deputy commander level and above are qualified to use the Blood Qi Pill, which has stronger effects and fewer side effects. He had never seen Chen Sheng buy Blood Qi Pills, yet his cultivation level had inexplicably reached the Foundation Establishment stage... and then he recalled what he had seen at the quartermaster's place that day...

Wang Yi suddenly realized: Chen Sheng must have bribed the quartermaster and secretly purchased the Blood Qi Pill!

Ordinary soldiers purchasing prohibited drugs is a violation of military regulations!
Although the quartermaster was more guilty, how could he dare to blackmail that person? In comparison, Chen Sheng, who had always seemed silent and even somewhat weak, appeared to be a better target…

Back in his tent, Wang Yi was met with nothing but flattery and sycophancy towards Chen Sheng. He lay back down on his bunk, expressionless, listening to the grating fawning. His jealousy and resentment grew like a poisonous vine.

……

The next day, at the drill ground.

Chen Sheng was concentrating on his practice when Wang Yi crept closer and whispered:
"Chen Sheng, come back to the camp. I need to speak with you."

Chen Sheng didn't stop what he was doing; he merely glanced at him indifferently.
"What did you call me?"

Wang Yi's face stiffened. He looked around, gritted his teeth, and lowered his voice, saying, "Deputy Commander Chen... could you please return to the camp? I have something important to report, which concerns... your life!"

He deliberately emphasized the last four words.

Chen Sheng's eyes flickered slightly, and he understood. After a moment's thought, he said:
"You go first, I'll come back after I finish practicing."

"Yes, yes... Your subordinate is waiting for you in the tent."

Wang Yi forced a smile, bowed, and withdrew.

After Wang Yi's figure disappeared in the direction of the barracks, Chen Sheng slowly finished his training and stood up. He did not walk towards the tent, but turned around and walked straight towards the quartermaster's office.

(End of this chapter)