Infinite Professions from a Pearl Collector

As he walked out of the Central Army Tent, the Commander from before came up to him with a broad smile.

"Brother Chen, congratulations! My name is Wang Xing. From now on, we’ll be brothers eating from the same pot. I hope we can get closer."

Chen Ye naturally understood the reason for his change in attitude but didn’t point it out, simply nodding politely in acceptance.

Such were the fickle ways of people; it was nothing to be surprised about.

After bidding farewell to Wang Xing, Chen Ye went to find Bai Xuan.

Chen Ye held a great deal of respect and gratitude for the Squad Leader who had brought him into the fold.

"Squad Leader."

Bai Xuan had already heard the news. He looked at Chen Ye, his eyes filled with gratification.

"I knew you were destined for great things, but I never thought you’d soar this high so fast."

At this, Bai Xuan clapped Chen Ye on the shoulder and earnestly advised, "General Meng is extremely strict in his command, and his military law is like a mountain. In the future, you must never act arrogantly or break military law. Otherwise, no one will be able to protect you."

"I’ll remember that!" Chen Ye nodded solemnly, knowing it was heartfelt advice.

Then, Chen Ye asked, a bit confused, "Squad Leader, you commanded skillfully this time and thwarted the enemy’s ambush. Why... hasn’t the General rewarded you?"

Hearing this, Bai Xuan gave a carefree smile, his eyes holding a trace of worldly wisdom.

"A reward? I stopped caring about things like that long ago. Besides, I grew tired of this life of killing long ago. Now, leading these old brothers of mine, transporting supplies in the rear, and earning a steady living... it’s quite nice."

Chen Ye knew Bai Xuan must have a hidden story.

But since he didn’t want to talk about it, Chen Ye naturally wouldn’t ask.

The two cupped their fists in farewell, wishing each other well.

Bai Xuan left. Chen Ye stood quietly for a moment, then turned and walked toward the barracks.

After becoming one of Meng Yi’s Personal Guard, his treatment improved immensely, and Chen Ye was assigned a private room.

Although it was a converted, dilapidated monk’s cell, drafty on all sides, it was still quite good.

Before long, a Personal Guard came in carrying a wooden tray. On it were two thread-bound secret manuals, a jar of dark brown ointment, and a small porcelain bottle.

"Brother Chen, these are rewards from the General. One is the Body Forging Technique, Mountain-Splitting Force, and the other is the Fist Technique, Array-Breaking Fist. This jar contains Blood Circulation Ointment for Body Forging, and the bottle holds Elixir Pills to replenish Blood Qi. You’ll get a monthly ration."

This Personal Guard’s attitude was very polite, without a hint of arrogance.

Chen Ye thanked him and took the items.

"Someone will come tomorrow morning to take you to the Guard Team to report for duty," the Personal Guard said.

"Alright!"

After the man left, Chen Ye immediately opened the manual for Mountain-Splitting Force.

This Cultivation Technique followed the same principles as Stone Skill, both taking the fierce and domineering path of the military. However, it was far more systematic and refined than Stone Skill, and even thoughtfully included illustrations and notes.

The techniques in the book originated from the most common movements used by Soldiers, such as chopping and carrying heavy loads. It emphasized that "force originates from the ground and flows through the arms." Although it lacked flashy Dharma Gates, it could genuinely increase strength and endurance.

The other manual, Array-Breaking Fist, was designed specifically for battlefield combat. Its movements were grand and sweeping, with every strike aimed at shattering enemy formations. It included the army-sweeping Splitting Fist as well as the gap-exploiting Inch Fist. Every word reeked of a potent killing intent.

Chen Ye read it through once, then took off his shirt. Following the stances illustrated in the Mountain-Splitting Force manual, he slowly assumed his position.

Perhaps because of his Profession as a Military Warrior, Chen Ye’s Cultivation of this military Cultivation Technique felt as natural as a fish in water.

Movements that seemed awkward one by one, he performed with the grace of flowing clouds and water, without the slightest hint of stiffness.

After just one repetition, Chen Ye felt the Blood Qi throughout his body begin to surge. A warm current rose from the soles of his feet, traveled up his spine, and finally converged in his arms.

At the same time, his muscles, bones, and flesh all began to tremble at a strange frequency, emitting soft CRACKLING sounds.

In a single night, he had already achieved initial mastery of Mountain-Splitting Force.

The next day, Chen Ye went to the Guard Team and met the other Personal Guards.

He had expected to be met with some hostility and hazing, but instead, he was greeted by faces full of warmth and curiosity.

The Personal Guard Captain was a burly man with a scar on his face, but he had a surprisingly amiable personality. He clapped Chen Ye’s shoulder and laughed heartily. "You must be Chen Ye! A real man! From now on, we’re brothers!"

The other Personal Guards also gathered around, marveling at his powerful physique, their words filled with admiration.

These men were all veterans who had survived a hundred battles. They admired the strong above all else, and Chen Ye’s combat record was more than enough to earn their respect.

Moreover, everyone could see that General Meng Yi held him in high regard, so naturally, no one dared to cause him trouble.

And just like that, Chen Ye smoothly integrated into the small circle of the Personal Guard.

The following days were exceptionally fulfilling for Chen Ye.

Although battles raged on the front lines every day, as Personal Guards tasked with protecting the General, they didn’t need to fight on the front lines themselves. Their main duty was to stand guard around the Central Army Tent.

This gave Chen Ye a great deal of free time.

During the day, he trained with the Guard Team, familiarizing himself with the army’s Battle Array coordination.

At night, he would diligently cultivate Mountain-Splitting Force and Array-Breaking Fist in his room. Supplemented by the ointment and Elixir Pills gifted by the General, his progress was astonishingly fast.

In just one month, both his Mountain-Splitting Force and Array-Breaking Fist reached Level 3, and his Professional Level consequently rose to Level 2.

His current stats were as follows.

[Name: Chen Ye]

[Identity: General’s Personal Guard]

[Profession: Military Warrior (Level 2)]

[Talent: Immovable as a Mountain—Your body is as firm as a rock, greatly increasing your strength, defense, and resistance to blows.]

[Martial Arts: Wind-Slicing Saber Technique Level 4, Stone Skill Level 4, Mountain-Splitting Force Level 3, Array-Breaking Fist Level 3]

The changes to his body were even more astonishing.

He had grown even taller, reaching a fearsome height of nearly two meters. Even standing among the tall and burly Personal Guard, he stood out like a crane among chickens.

His muscles had also become increasingly dense, each one sharply defined as if forged from iron.

Especially when he exerted his strength, the muscle fibers all over his body were like taut steel wires, containing a heart-pounding explosive power.

Chen Ye estimated that his current strength was at least fifty percent greater than when he had first changed his Profession.

This was an absolutely terrifying increase.

This made him feel even more fortunate about his past choice.

If he had stayed on the outside, it was questionable whether any martial arts halls or Sects would have even accepted him. Even if they had, they would never have provided such abundant resources for him to use so extravagantly.

Because these days, Chen Ye’s appetite alone was enough to eat a small martial arts hall into bankruptcy.

After all, as his strength grew, his appetite had reached a terrifying level—a single meal for him was equivalent to the daily rations of five or six burly men.

Meng Yi, however, greatly admired this.

In his view, a man who could eat well and fight well was a true hero.

Therefore, Meng Yi would often reward him with wine and meat. Chen Ye never ate alone, always inviting his brothers and colleagues in the Guard Team to share with him. Over time, their relationship became extremely harmonious.

Some more time passed in this carefree and pleasant manner.

The atmosphere in the military camp suddenly grew tense. The number of wounded being sent back from the front lines was increasing, and Meng Yi became busier than ever.

The winds foretold a coming storm.

Everyone could sense something unusual in the air. Chen Ye also felt a stirring in his heart and began to cultivate even more diligently.

Finally, late one night, a sudden order was issued.

The entire army is to move out!