The faint morning light pierced through the grand doors of the council chamber, casting its glow upon the stone floor.
Within this vast hall, only the figures of Kou Zhong and Xu Zi Ling stood alone.
The sounds of clashing blades from the training ground in the distance were exceptionally clear.
Kou Zhong, radiating an aura of power in his Xuanjin-colored robes, sat upon the main seat, his eyes gleaming with vitality.
His majestic and domineering countenance exuded an undeniable authority.
Across from him, Xu Zi Ling wore a simple, white robe, his brow furrowed with deep contemplation.
Kou Zhong was speaking earnestly, while Xu Zi Ling nodded frequently…
After a long silence, Kou Zhong clapped Xu Zi Ling on the shoulder and said:
"The matter is left to you, Ling Shao."
Xu Zi Ling nodded solemnly, saying:
"Don't worry, Zhong Shao!"
"I will personally oversee it, ensuring that every rule is implemented effectively."
With these words, he strode out of the council chamber towards the training ground.
Their conversation had been about the issues concerning the Shao Shuai Army.
Xu Zi Ling had come to ask Kou Zhong if there were any systems that could be applied to the Shao Shuai Army!
With the recent recruitment of one thousand more soldiers, the simple system of rewards and punishments was proving insufficient to manage such a large number of troops!
Kou Zhong, having anticipated this problem, had already devised a solution!
When Xu Zi Ling asked, he readily presented his prepared plan.
Taking inspiration from the twenty-level Qin Dynasty military merit and nobility system, he proposed to establish a military system for the Shao Shuai Army!
Soldiers would be granted corresponding titles and rewards based on the number of enemies they killed or captured.
This would provide soldiers with clear goals, naturally leading to greater bravery and determination!
The ranks would be distinct and well-defined: Gong Shi - Yi Ji, Shang Zhao - Er Ji, Zan Niao - San Ji, Bu Geng - Si Ji, Da Fu - Wu Ji, and so on.
With clear levels and proportionate rewards and punishments, the system would be easy to manage and would free Xu Zi Ling from personally overseeing every soldier!
This would lighten his burden!
However, reforming the military system would not be a smooth process!
Aside from rewards, punishment rules had to be established!
This would include various forms of punishment, even including whipping!
This would ensure military discipline, eliminating the emergence of unruly soldiers!
After all, he did not need an army of ruffians and thugs!
Only by doing so could the Shao Shuai Army maintain its ironclad discipline and become a true force to be reckoned with!
Kou Zhong stepped out of the chamber, intending to go to his quiet room.
He took out a secret manual from his storage bag and began flipping through the pages.
This was given to him by Yun Yu Zhen when she left to manage her Bu Liang Ren business -
《鸟渡术》(Niao Du Shu) - "The Art of Bird Passage."
After reading for a while, a clear notification echoed in his mind:
【叮! Congratulations host, you have obtained the light skill 《鸟渡术》(Niao Du Shu), successfully obtaining inheritance progress!】
【Successfully obtained inheritance reward: 曲魂 (Qu Hun)！】
Kou Zhong stopped in his tracks, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes!
Qu Hun!
This reward was truly timely!
After all, his goal was to conquer the world, and the Double Dragon Gang was only a temporary stop.
He knew that as soon as he and Xu Zi Ling left with the Shao Shuai Army and Fu Jun Ao's Bu Liang Ren, the Double Dragon Gang would surely be targeted by the powerful families and the Imperial Court!
He was contemplating training some individuals to safeguard the Double Dragon Gang!
Now, Qu Hun was perfect!
He quickly returned to his quiet room, scanning his surroundings with his spiritual sense to ensure everything was safe.
Kou Zhong silently thought, "Claim reward…"
In the dimly lit training room, a faint flicker of candlelight danced on the wall, casting the silhouette of a tall figure!
This was a burly man wearing a black hooded cloak.
His entire body was covered by a large green robe, concealing him from head to toe.
The robe reached the ground, covering him completely, like a sleeping giant!
Hidden in the green mist…
The hooded cloak obscured his face, making it impossible to see his eyes or expression.
Yet, his formidable presence and mystery radiated through the green robe!
His towering height, like a miniature giant god, nearly touched the ceiling, creating a sense of overwhelming presence!
Kou Zhong stood before him, gently patting Qu Hun's arm.
"Ding!"
His touch, neither too light nor too heavy, surprisingly emitted a sound like metal clashing.
As if Qu Hun's body was made of solid steel!
Kou Zhong raised an eyebrow slightly, a flicker of surprise in his eyes, as if seeking confirmation.
He then turned and walked towards the entrance of the quiet room.
Qu Hun's towering frame followed close behind, each step incredibly steady!
They reached the center of the training ground.
The ground, paved with blue stone slabs, gleamed smooth and even under the sunlight.
Kou Zhong stopped and turned to face Qu Hun, giving a solemn command:
"Fight me with all your strength, one punch!"
At these words, a flash of light crossed Qu Hun's eyes, and he raised his right arm.
They both raised their arms slowly, fists clenched tightly.
Every muscle in their bodies seemed to tense instantly, preparing for the attack!
Suddenly!
They leaped forward simultaneously, their fists smashing together with the force of thunder!
"Bang!"
A deafening roar, like a bolt from the blue, instantly froze the air of the training ground!
Their fists collided!
The blue stone slabs could not withstand such tremendous force and instantly shattered!
Stones flew everywhere, leaving a deep crater beneath their feet!
Kou Zhong stood his ground, unmoved, while Qu Hun stepped back a few paces before regaining his footing.
A smile finally appeared on Kou Zhong's face.
He had confirmed that Qu Hun also possessed the power of the Yuan Man Xiang Jia Gong (Perfect Elephant Armor Technique)!
However, as Qu Hun had the advantage of magical power, he was naturally stronger!
Yet, it was certain that Qu Hun had reached the peak of grandmaster level!
Combined with the unique characteristics of the Xiang Jia Gong (Elephant Armor Technique), he was already a formidable force!
He gently patted Qu Hun on the arm and chuckled, saying:
"From now on, you will guard the Double Dragon Gang!"
Qu Hun did not reply, but a strange light flickered in his eyes beneath the hood.
As if silently acknowledging his responsibility.
Kou Zhong studied Qu Hun for a moment. In Han Tian Zun's world, Qu Hun was also a pitiful soul…
At this moment, a servant rushed in.
Seeing the shattered blue stone fragments and the crater where Kou Zhong and Qu Hun stood, he froze for a moment.
He quickly brushed his clothes and cautiously reported:
"Master, Xu Da Ren is looking for you!"
Kou Zhong furrowed his brows, then waved for Qu Hun to follow him.
He followed the servant towards the council chamber…
Even before entering, he heard a sharp cry:
"Let me go, I'm not a spy!"
"This young lady is not someone you can easily mess with. Let me go while I'm still speaking politely!"
Kou Zhong frowned and quickly strode into the council chamber!
Inside the hall, Xu Zi Ling had a strange expression, a troubled look on his face as he watched the scene before him.
Two female Bu Liang Ren were firmly holding a young girl!
The girl was exceptionally beautiful, like the rising sun, with a face like jade and lips like ruby;.
Both charming and youthful!
Her black hair shone with an alluring luster, like stars in the night.
It further enhanced her fair skin, making her look like a delicate and icy beauty, captivatingly alluring!
Her innocent and beautiful appearance was no less captivating than Yun Yu Zhen!
Only, she had a boy's bun on her head, tied with a white hero's scarf.
It looked rather comical and playful!
When Xu Zi Ling saw Kou Zhong enter, it was as if he had seen a savior. He immediately said:
"Zhong Shao, today, when we were establishing the military system and registering the soldiers, we discovered this female thief."
"She was among those who were recruited a few days ago, disguised as a man!"
"The Bu Liang Ren discovered her, and Fu Gu Nian had her subordinates arrest her."
"It was my negligence, almost causing a major mistake!"
He lowered his head in self-reproach, but Kou Zhong shook his head with a light smile, saying:
"It's alright, everything related to the Shao Shuai Army rests on your shoulders. It's natural to be negligent occasionally."
Xu Zi Ling's face became even more awkward, but the captured girl shouted loudly:
"Quickly release this young lady, I'm not a spy!"
"I'm going to join the Shao Shuai Army! You, the one in white, just wait for me to become your superior."
"I'll make sure to use a whip on you!"
Kou Zhong curiously looked over, his eyes scanning the girl. He asked:
"Who are you, young lady? Why did you disguise yourself as a man to join my Shao Shuai Army?"
The girl looked at Kou Zhong. When she saw his majestic and domineering countenance, she was stunned for a moment.
Then she snorted disdainfully, saying:
"Who are you? I don't care!"
"Let your leader speak to me!"
Kou Zhong chuckled, saying:
"I am the Shao Shuai. If you want to join my Shao Shuai Army, you will be under my command."
"With your rebellious nature, I would be reluctant to take you in…"
The girl's eyes lit up when she heard this. She looked at Kou Zhong with joy, saying:
"You're Kou Zhong!"
Kou Zhong nodded slightly, saying:
"It's me."
"Great! My future husband!"
The girl suddenly exclaimed, then looked at Kou Zhong with a radiant smile.
Kou Zhong had a bewildered look on his face, and Xu Zi Ling stared blankly at Kou Zhong.
Then he looked at the girl, completely confused…
…………
Thanks to 【天真不懂】for the 100-point reward support! Thank you! Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!!!