I become stronger by sacrificing my lifespan, becoming invincible in the world.

Although his lifespan reserves are only 130 years, the number of times he can devour things daily has increased to four, raising the upper limit and meaning he can accumulate them faster.

"Chen Hong... Tiger Gang... Su Qingxue..."

Lin Chen swallowed the last mouthful of dry food, his eyes flashing with a cold light.

Outside the tent, the faint sound of a night watchman's drum could be heard.

It's almost dawn.

He lay back down, closing his eyes to regulate his breathing. Although his body felt empty, the broken crack in his dantian seemed to show extremely faint signs of healing under the warmth of the divine jade and the residual pure energy after the purification of toxins?

It is very faint, almost negligible.

But this is a signal.

Repairing the dantian is not entirely impossible.

However, the required lifespan would probably be astronomical.

"Take it one step at a time," Lin Chen silently told himself.

First, restore physical strength and consolidate cultivation (peak of the fourth level of the Acquired Realm), then find an opportunity to devour and accumulate lifespan.

Footsteps sounded outside the tent; it was Zhao Tiegu and Li Quezi coming to relieve him.

Lin Chen opened his eyes, a genuine, cold smile appearing on his lips.

It's time to get out and get some exercise.

As soon as it was dawn, Zhang Heng's personal guards arrived at the medical camp.

"Sergeant Lin, Captain Zhang requests your presence."

Lin Chen had changed into a clean black outfit, and his left arm wound had been re-bandaged. Although he was still somewhat pale and weak, he could move around without much difficulty. He nodded to Zhao Tiegu and left with his personal guards.

Inside the captain's barracks.

Zhang Heng sat behind his desk, a document spread out in front of him. Seeing Lin Chen enter, he looked up, sized him up, and smiled, "You look good. The poison has been cleared?"

"Thanks to the captain, the matter is resolved." Lin Chen clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"Sit down." Zhang Heng gestured to the chair beside him, and after Lin Chen sat down, he pushed the document over. "Two pieces of news. First: the relief corps from the capital set off for Hanyu City yesterday. Second: your commendation order has been issued."

Lin Chen took the document.

The document, written in the format of an official document, described how he bravely faced danger, slew a demon king, and gathered intelligence on the enemy, ending with a commendation:

He was promoted to squad leader, commanding ten men.

He was rewarded with one hundred taels of silver, given a set of fine leather armor, and transferred to the elite patrol battalion, directly under Zhang Heng's command.

"Although Wang Scarface is dead, the waters are still muddy. General Liu may be very perceptive, but there are some details he may not be able to see clearly." Zhang Heng leaned forward and tapped his finger on the table.

"You're clean here with me. Although the elite patrol team also goes out to patrol, their mission is clear, they have priority in supplies, and their casualty rate is much lower than that of the scout battalion."

He paused, looking at Lin Chen: "More importantly, some dirty hands can't reach out under my nose. As for your commendation, it was also at General Liu's behest."

There was a hidden meaning in his words, and Lin Chen understood.

Zhang Heng was making it clear that he could provide shelter, at least temporarily, to counter Chen Hong's underhanded tactics.

"Thank you for your promotion, Captain." Lin Chen put down the document, his tone calm. "However, I am somewhat puzzled. Why does the Captain value me so highly?"

Zhang Heng laughed, a laugh that held a deeper meaning.

"Lin Chen, the customs only recognize two things: military merit and fists. You have both. Killing Poison Scorpion Xie Qi with a single blow on the stage proves that you not only have fists, but also ruthlessness and brains."

He stood up, walked to the window, and turned his back to Lin Chen.

"Chen Hong's little schemes can't be hidden from anyone. He wants to use the influence from the capital to stir up trouble in the pass and climb up the ranks by stepping on my people? Hmph, he'll have to ask the knife in my hand if it agrees. Now that the troops from the capital have left, he can't cause any more trouble."

He turned around, his gaze sharp: "I promoted you for two reasons: first, you have indeed made significant contributions; second... I need a sharp knife. A sharp knife that can cut off some claws that have stretched too far. Do you understand?"

Undisguised exploitation.

But it's also a blatant transaction.

I will give you status, protection, and resources.

You will do my bidding, be my weapon.

Lin Chen raised his eyes and met Zhang Heng's gaze.

After a few breaths, he slowly stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said in a steady voice, "Your subordinate understands and is willing to serve the captain."

They didn't talk about loyalty, only about service.

Zhang Heng didn't care; what he wanted was this clarity and practicality.

"Okay!" Zhang Heng walked back to the desk, took out a money bag and a brand-new waist tag representing his status as a squad leader from the drawer, and handed them to Lin Chen.

"Keep the silver safe. Wear the waist tag. From today onwards, you are the squad leader of my patrol battalion's elite force. You can take your original person with you. Equipment and rations will be issued according to the standards of the elite team."

"Thank you, Captain." Lin Chen took the money bag and waist token; they were heavy.

"Go back and prepare. You'll officially report to the elite team tomorrow." Zhang Heng waved his hand.

"By the way, in three days, you will lead a team to patrol the 'Black Wind Forest' area to the north. That place has been rather unsettled lately, so be careful."

Black Wind Forest.

It's Black Wind Forest again.

A glint flashed in Lin Chen's eyes, and he bowed his head, replying, "Yes."

As we left the barracks, it was already broad daylight outside.

Lin Chen weighed the money pouch in his hand. A hundred taels of silver was a considerable resource for him now. He could buy better pills, customize more suitable weapons, and even... exchange them for some special items on the black market.

The waist tag felt cool to the touch against my palm.

Section Chief.

Although it was only the lowest rank of military officers, it had a different significance.

This means that he has officially left behind his status as a low-ranking "exiled soldier" or "garrison soldier" and entered the ranks of low-ranking officers in the army system within the Great Wall, with a formal position, a fixed salary, and a clear hierarchy.

More importantly, they now have their own legitimate "team".

He could rightfully take his original squad of ten men with him to form his own "Shi".

Zhao Tiegu, Li Quezi, and seven other brothers who had fought side by side...

Lin Chen gripped the waist token tightly and walked towards the scout camp.

His steps were neither hurried nor slow.

But every step I take is more solid.

In chaotic times on the frontier, strength reigns supreme.

Power is an extension of strength.

He now finally has his first small cornerstone.

He will take each step of the road ahead more steadily and further.

Chen Hong?

Su Qingxue?

Tiger Gang?

Everything that stands in our way will eventually have to be cut down with a knife.

When they returned to the dilapidated mud house, Zhao Tiegu and Li the Cripple were already waiting there with seven other men. Clearly, the news had spread.

Ten pairs of eyes stared at Lin Chen.

There was anticipation, excitement, and trepidation.

Lin Chen walked up to them and held up the brand-new sergeant's waist badge.

"From today onwards," he said, his voice low but clear and powerful, "we are no longer leftovers."

His gaze swept over every familiar face.

"We will also become the elite patrol team. I am your squad leader."

He paused for a moment.

"Are you willing to continue following me?"

A brief silence.

Then--

"willing!"

Ten voices, a mixture of excitement and hoarseness, roared out almost simultaneously!

Zhao Tiegu grinned, revealing his missing front tooth.

Li the Cripple nodded vigorously.

These two had come out of the Demon Wolf Valley with Lin Chen, fought together in the Black Wind Forest, and endured the torment of waiting together under the arena.

They had witnessed Lin Chen's ruthlessness, his tenacity, and his incredible methods.

Following a squad leader like this, perhaps... we really can fight our way out of this Ghost Cry Pass!

Lin Chen nodded.

"it is good."

"Pack your things. We're moving tomorrow."

A new camp, a new beginning!