Chapter 25: Even More Sought-After
Both Zhou Hongling and Zhou Ming were stunned by his words.
Entering the Stance with a Military Array was no laughing matter. It was well-known that many Renowned Generals had first achieved Entering the Stance with the Arrowhead Array back when they were still at the bottom of the ranks.
Anyone who could do this possessed the true potential of a Renowned General.
They were absolutely worth investing in and cultivating.
The Zhou Family might seem impressive now, governing a region and upholding the legacy of their General’s Mansion.
But compared to the living Renowned Generals, the gap between them was immense.
Every Renowned General held a title of nobility.
Ennoblement and high command were a given.
Zhou Ming couldn’t help but step forward and grab Lu Yuan’s hand. "Are you telling the truth?"
"Of course. I wouldn’t dare hide it from the General," Lu Yuan replied. A faint black light then bloomed from his body, forming the aura of an arrowhead—his Soldier Pattern.
This sight sent a thrill through Zhou Ming.
Zhou Hongling, on the other hand, was filled with regret. ’Why didn’t I ask about the Military Array earlier? I’m still too young and careless.’
’If I had known, I would have kept it a secret.’
’Now he’s seen it. My Third Uncle will be even more determined not to let this go.’
Just as she thought, Zhou Ming exclaimed, "Good! Excellent!"
His gaze then fell upon Lu Yuan as he continued, "Are you willing to take me as your master? If you are, I can’t give you the rank of Centurion right now, but I can take you to Yanzhou City to be trained.
"In less than two years, I guarantee you’ll reach the Tendon Refining realm. An eighteen-year-old Centurion is considered a prodigy in the army.
"And before you turn twenty-five, it’s not impossible for you to become a Captain."
As he finished speaking, his eyes burned with fervor.
"Third Uncle, what do you think you’re doing? Lu Yuan is my subordinate! This is blatant poaching," Zhou Hongling said, displeased.
Her tall, curvaceous figure stood rooted to the spot, emanating an intimidating presence.
Zhou Ming didn’t even glance at her, keeping his eyes fixed on Lu Yuan.
"Choose for yourself. As long as you agree to study under me, I can take you away immediately."
"Thank you for your generous offer, General. However, I only recently arrived in the Northern Border. It is only through the Lord Captain’s protection that I have made it this far, and I dare not forget her kindness. Therefore, I wish to remain in Icefield City."
’Is he kidding? I’ve already built a foundation here. Besides, the resources Zhou Hongling has given me are enough to let me operate unhindered outside the city and steadily build my strength. How could my power possibly grow this quickly if I went to Yanzhou City?’
’Moreover, Zhou Hongling is the daughter of the Zhou Family Patriarch and already a Captain at such a young age.’
’If I hold tight to a patron this powerful, how could I possibly lack for benefits?’
’Switching patrons isn’t a major taboo in the army, but it certainly doesn’t look good.’
Just as Lu Yuan finished speaking, a gratified smile spread across Zhou Hongling’s face.
And although Zhou Ming grimaced in annoyance, the look of admiration in his eyes only deepened as he gazed at Lu Yuan.
"Alright, Lu Yuan, you may go back for now," Zhou Hongling said immediately.
"Yes, Ma’am." Lu Yuan answered and took his leave.
After he had disappeared from view,
Zhou Hongling turned to Zhou Ming. "Third Uncle, you went too far."
The latter wasn’t embarrassed at all. Instead, he said, "What are you so anxious about? Your Third Uncle was just testing him for you. And after this test, I like the kid even more. He doesn’t bow to power, nor did he leave you for the promise of wealth and glory. The Zhou Family has truly found a gem this time.
"You’d better keep a close eye on him. If he decides to leave Icefield City on his own someday, you can’t blame me for snatching him up."
With that, Zhou Ming turned and left.
His words were half-truth, half-lie, but they made Zhou Hongling grit her teeth in frustration.
’Some test. If Lu Yuan had agreed just now, she was certain her Third Uncle would have taken him away without a moment’s hesitation.’
However, this incident did indeed solidify her resolve to properly cultivate Lu Yuan.
To be honest, Zhou Ming’s offer had been quite generous.
Someone else might well have been tempted, but Lu Yuan had flatly turned it down.
’He can stand up to a test.’
Meanwhile, Lu Yuan had arrived at the Military Preparation Warehouse.
He had already received a Token from Zhou Hongling, which allowed him to collect a standard-issue set of armor and a weapon for a Centurion.
’Of course he had to claim this benefit.’
When he presented the Token, the person inside dared not treat him with neglect.
They immediately brought out a set of Fish Scale Armor and its matching Golden Steel Hundred Refinements Saber.
Then, they asked Lu Yuan politely, "Sir, what kind of polearm do you prefer? We can look around for you; we might have something suitable."
The Dayong military was well-equipped. Upon reaching the rank of Centurion, one was qualified to select a long weapon that suited them.
Lu Yuan was famous now, and the Lord Captain had personally summoned him today. Naturally, the subordinates would go out of their way to accommodate him.
"I still prefer a blade. Do you have a suitable one? I don’t mind if it’s heavy."
"Heh, we actually do. Some time ago, we confiscated a Tiger Head Heaven-Swallowing Blade. It’s been sitting in the warehouse ever since. It’s technically for the rank of Thousand Men Commander, but it hasn’t been formally logged in the inventory yet. If you want it, it’s yours," the official in charge of the Captain’s Mansion’s Military Preparation Warehouse said quickly.
The City Defense Department and the Captain’s Mansion each had their own Military Preparation Warehouse. The former stored equipment for ordinary Warriors, while the latter held equipment for officers at the rank of Centurion and above.
A moment later, several men walked in, carrying a long-handled blade.
The shaft was two meters long and jet-black, engraved with intricate beast patterns. The guard was fashioned into a roaring tiger’s head. The blade itself was a meter long with a straight spine, its tip curving slightly upward with a wider cutting edge.
The entire blade was a cyan-gold color, exquisitely engraved with beautiful patterns.
The edge was blindingly bright, flashing with a cold light. Although it wasn’t one of the Divine Soldiers, it was countless times better than his old weapon. At the very least, its edge wouldn’t chip.
Taking it in his hands, Lu Yuan hefted it. It had to be at least several hundred pounds.
For him now, however, the weight was nothing special.
After donning his armor, taking his new weapon, and spending another thousand silver on a Mang Jin Great Bow, he walked out of the Captain’s Mansion.
He had barely stepped outside when he ran right into Zhou He.
Upon seeing him, Zhou He couldn’t help but circle Lu Yuan, sizing him up. "TSK TSK TSK, it’s only been a few days, and you’re already this well-equipped. You’re treating today."
"No problem. Let me just go drop this stuff off," Lu Yuan said with a chuckle.
’Zhou He was a good man. Without his help, it probably would have taken me much longer to get ahead.’
"Bah, just carry it with you! This is Sai City. People in helmets and full armor are always coming and going on the streets. Everyone’s used to it. Let’s go now." With that, he grabbed Lu Yuan and started pulling him toward the Cow Offal Shop.
At their current level, they could afford a nicer place if they stretched their budget, but the Cow Offal Shop offered better value. Since it was just brothers having a drink, there was no need for extravagance.
Lu Yuan could only follow along, resigned.
However, his suit of iron armor drew a lot of attention on the street.
After all, everyone knew that only those at the rank of Centurion could wear iron armor.
Especially one as young as Lu Yuan.
The gazes of the people around them were fervent and envious, and some women couldn’t help but turn their heads for a second look.
The people of Dayong were bold and unrestrained, and women were not confined to their homes. They were free to appear anywhere.
They were also more open in expressing their feelings.
This scene made Zhou He, who was walking beside him, endlessly envious.
As they passed a storefront, they happened to see Wu Han coming out after buying some rice.
Zhou He didn’t hesitate, grabbing him and saying, "Come on, let’s go drinking. Someone’s treating today."
"But... I haven’t put my things away yet," Wu Han said, not annoyed despite being pulled off-balance. He held up his groceries as he spoke.
"You can go back after we drink. Didn’t you see Lu Yuan came out carrying his weapon? It’s fine, it’s fine." Zhou He clearly couldn’t wait and simply dragged Wu Han forward, ignoring his explanation.
A few moments later, they arrived outside the Cow Offal Shop.