paranoianovel Chapter 14: Temporary Guard Team
Chapter 14: Temporary Guard Team
The wasteland did not return to peace after the rotting wolves retreated.
The thick, pungent smell of blood mixed with the sweet, cloying stench of rotting corpses, the stench of exposed entrails, and the acrid, burnt odor of flames scorching flesh and hair.
Stirred and rising in the rising evening breeze, it formed a suffocating fog of death, heavily enveloping the hearts of every survivor.
The setting sun struggled, casting its last few pale, blood-red rays onto the jagged rocks, fallen trees, and the scattered corpses.
On the horizon, the eerie outline of the blood moon was already faintly visible, vying with the setting sun for brilliance, making this battlefield of carnage even more bizarre and desolate.
"Quick! Gather the wounded! Take a headcount! Those who can still move, help each other and get out of here immediately! This stench of blood will attract even more trouble!"
The hoarse yet undeniable command from the patrol officer pierced through the suppressed weeping and groans, exploding in the crowd.
The instinct for survival overwhelmed the bewilderment and grief of surviving the ordeal. Amidst the urgent shouts and shoving, the group once again struggled and crawled forward like a wounded python.
No one dared to linger. The ominous premonition permeating the air was more terrifying than the fangs of a rotting wolf.
Who knows what kind of terrifying beast or some other weird thing will pounce out of the shadows next?
The team trudged forward for another ten miles, stumbling along the difficult path.
They finally stopped and took a short rest after finding a depression backed by a weathered rock mountain, with steep sides on three sides and only one relatively open side, under Captain Yan's order.
The campfire was quickly lit, its orange, flickering flames barely dispelling the deepening darkness and chill, and illuminating faces still shaken, etched with extreme exhaustion, numbness, and deep-seated fear.
The suppressed groans of the wounded, the hollow tears of those who have lost loved ones, the faint sobs of children overwhelmed with fear, the soft metallic clanging of soldiers inspecting their weapons and armor, and the brief, whispered exchanges of information…
All these sounds formed a somber and oppressive background soundscape after the ordeal, even more unsettling than absolute silence.
Xuan Tianyi leaned against a rock slightly warmed by the campfire, slowly slid down, and gently placed the armor-piercing spear covered in congealed blood beside him.
The continuous high-intensity battles, the forced exertion of power, and the long march of more than ten miles placed an extremely heavy burden on his body, which had just undergone the tempering of lightning and was far from recovered.
A dull, empty pain emanates from within the body; this is a signal that the body's energy and blood are depleted and the meridians are overloaded.
Deep within the muscles and bones, there remained the aches and numbness caused by the continuous stimulation of the "Zhen Gua Jade Token," which felt like countless fine needles pricking the skin.
Mentally, he was utterly exhausted. The light of the "Eight Scenery Mystic Life Lamp" in his sea of consciousness seemed to have dimmed a bit, and the consumption of maintaining a high level of concentration far exceeded his expectations.
But he did not immediately close his eyes to rest. Instead, he slowly adjusted his breathing and sank his consciousness into a cold tranquility. The "Eight Views Mysterious Life Lamp Visualization Method" operated on its own. Although the light of the glass lamp was weak, it firmly soothed his mental fatigue and the restless killing intent left over from the war.
At the same time, he spared a sliver of his attention to quietly look at the system interface in his mind.
[Life Points: 524]
A clear number leaps into consciousness.
Compared to the previous 125 points, it has surged by 399 points!
The vast majority of these new points came from the seven rotten wolves he personally killed in today's bloody battle.
Every rotten wolf that falls becomes a tangible "resource" leading to power.
"Just 276 more points needed to reach 800 and start deduce that 'Thunder Guiding Body Tempering Technique'..."
Xuan Tianyi clenched his fist, which was covered in blood and dirt. His fingertips dug slightly into his palm, causing a slight pain, but it also invigorated him.
The increase in strength and the improved chances of survival have never been so clear and so readily available.
"Young man, Captain Yan requests your presence."
A voice interrupted Xuan Tianyi's thoughts.
He looked up and saw a young soldier in blood-stained leather armor, with a capable expression and sharp eyes, standing in front of him.
Although his tone was somewhat polite, his scrutinizing gaze swept over him like a knife, as if trying to see through him inside and out.
"They're here."
Xuan Tianyi felt a chill in his heart, but his face remained expressionless.
He had anticipated that his rather unassuming performance among the wolves would inevitably attract the attention of the patrol force's higher-ups.
Whether it will bring fortune or misfortune remains to be seen, but this is a step we must take.
He took a deep breath, suppressing his physical exhaustion and the slight turmoil in his heart, calmly nodded, grabbed the spear beside him, and stood up:
"Please show me the way."
Following the soldiers, Xuan Tianyi passed through the refugees who were either slumped on the ground with empty, numb eyes, or trembling and sobbing around the fire. He could clearly feel countless gazes falling on him as if they were real.
Curiosity, exploration, disbelief, gratitude, awe... all sorts of emotions mingled in those gazes, whether overt or covert.
His godlike performance among the wolves today has left an indelible impression on the surviving refugees and low-ranking soldiers.
He could even hear some whispered conversations:
"It's him... that kid with the lightning bolt on his gun..."
"I heard it was Captain Yan who summoned him personally..."
"He'll definitely be reused..."
"What a lucky escape, and what incredible skill..."
Xuan Tianyi kept his eyes straight ahead, his steps steady, yet his mind was as clear as a mirror.
In this apocalyptic world where the strong prey on the weak and order has collapsed, appropriately demonstrating one's value is a necessary means to acquire living space and resources.
However, too much of a good thing can be bad. Excessive ostentation can make one a target of public criticism or attract uncontrollable attention. Finding the right balance is an art.
In the center of the depression, a particularly strong bonfire was burning brightly, dispelling the chill of the late autumn night.
Beside the campfire, a figure stood as tall as a mountain.
He wasn't wearing particularly ornate armor, just a slightly worn but clean set of standard light armor. The armor plates were covered with sword and knife marks of varying depths and dark red bloodstains that couldn't be washed away and had sunk into the metal texture, silently telling the story of the cruelty his owner had experienced and the trials of time.
He has a square face with a jawline that is as sharp as if it had been carved by a knife and axe, and his tightly pursed lips exude an undeniable determination.
What is most impressive are his eyes. They are not particularly large, but they are as deep as an ancient well and as sharp as a hawk's. In the flickering firelight, they seem to be able to see through people's hearts. With each glance, he exudes an aura of authority and decisiveness.
He was the supreme commander of this patrol force, and he was stern.
At this moment, he was slightly bowing his head, listening to several officers who appeared to be squad leaders beside him reporting in low voices and quickly about casualties, losses, and the surrounding security situation. His brows were slightly furrowed, and his expression was solemn.
Liu Ruyan was not here; she must be busy treating the wounded.
The soldier leading the way stepped forward and whispered something in Yan Jun's ear.
Yan Jun raised his head, his gaze like two searchlights, instantly focusing on Xuan Tianyi.
The gaze wasn't fierce, but it was heavy and focused, carrying a penetrating power unique to veterans of the battlefield, as if trying to peel away his outward dishevelment and calmness to see into his inner character, temperament, and even... secrets.
"You are Xuan Tianyi?"
A stern voice rang out, low and hoarse, like the friction of rough sand, yet exceptionally clear and steady. Every word carried an undeniable sense of power, clearly reaching Xuan Tianyi's ears.
"Yes, sir, Xuan Tianyi. Thank you so much, Captain Yan, for saving my life yesterday, and also thanks to Doctor Liu for his meticulous treatment."
Xuan Tianyi stepped forward, clasped his hands in a respectful but not servile manner, and performed a gesture of respect that was not quite standard, but was still quite solemn.
The tone was sincere, and the gratitude was genuine.
If the patrol troops hadn't arrived in time, these refugees would have been long gone.
Yan Jun casually waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for formalities, his gaze remaining fixed on Yan Jun's face as he cut straight to the point without any pleasantries or preamble:
"I heard from the brothers down there that you did a great job dealing with those rotten wolves. Your movements were clean and efficient, especially... the electric sparks on your gun seemed to have a remarkable effect on the rotten wolves? It doesn't look like ordinary martial arts techniques."
His words seemed casual, like a casual question, but the light shining from his deep eyes locked onto every subtle change in Xuan Tianyi's expression, not letting go of any possible flaw.
Xuan Tianyi's mind raced, knowing that this was the real topic and core of tonight's meeting.
A perfectly timed look of bewilderment, lingering fear, and thoughtful effort to recall appeared on her face as she answered, half-jokingly and half-seriously:
"Captain Yan, you flatter me. Actually... I'm a bit confused myself. After waking up from my coma a few days ago, I felt like there was something strange inside my body, sometimes it was active and sometimes it wasn't, and it was out of my control."
In the heat of the moment today, while I was fighting desperately, it somehow just popped up... I can't really explain what happened. Maybe... I was too badly injured, and then luckily, something inexplicably changed?
He attributed everything to "an unknown mutation after waking from a coma," which is the safest explanation and the one that best aligns with the current understanding of ordinary people.
After all, in this world where blood moons descend, star energy tides surge, and alien beasts roam freely, it is not entirely unbelievable that some "awakened" individuals with special abilities occasionally appear among humans.
This is much safer than admitting that you possess a system or some ancient tradition.
A stern and profound gaze lingered on his face for several seconds, a gaze that seemed to carry weight, making Xuan Tianyi almost hear his own steady heartbeat.
Finally, Yan Jun gave a noncommittal "hmm," neither expressing belief nor doubt, and then asked:
"It seems you weren't destined to die. After the great calamity, you actually turned misfortune into a blessing, awakening your lightning-based abilities. Doctor Liu also mentioned to me last night that you seemed somewhat... unusually alert, and even detected the Shadow Cat's attack ahead of time?"
Xuan Tianyi's heart stirred slightly, knowing that Liu Ruyan had indeed reported his "divination warning" statement.
He continued with his previous explanation, a slightly embarrassed look on his face, and scratched his head:
"I'm sorry to make you laugh, Captain Yan. It's just a rudimentary skill of face reading and sensing good and bad fortune passed down from my family. It's not always accurate, so don't take it too seriously."
At the time, I just felt incredibly anxious in that direction, my eyelids were twitching, so I shouted something randomly, and surprisingly, I guessed right. Maybe... I was just lucky.
"luck?"
Yan Jun's lips twitched almost imperceptibly, like a faint smile line, or perhaps just an illusion caused by the flickering firelight.
His tone remained calm, yet carried an invisible pressure.
"Once might be luck, but twice or three times, it can't be explained by simple 'luck' anymore."
Xuan Tianyi's heart tightened, and he was about to explain again.
Yan Jun abruptly changed the subject, no longer dwelling on it, and his tone became serious and direct, carrying the decisiveness of a decision-maker:
"Let's not get into the small talk. Xuan Tianyi, I've observed that your skills, reflexes, courage, and temperament are far superior to those of ordinary refugees. As you can see from the current situation, our original mission was to escort a batch of important resources back to Tianxia City. We received a request for help from Linhai Town along the way, which is why we changed course and came here. Now we have to take care of these thousands of refugees, and we're really stretched thin with manpower, making it difficult to attend to everything."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the soldiers around the campfire—weary yet still ramrod straight and alert—and raised his voice slightly, his tone carrying a decisive, announcement-like quality, addressing not only Xuan Tianyi but also all the officers and soldiers nearby who were listening intently:
"I have decided to recruit courageous, skilled, and reliable individuals from among the migrants to form a temporary escort team! This team will assist the patrol troops in maintaining order, defending against small groups of strange beasts, and conducting patrols and vigilance!"
"Those selected will receive the same treatment as auxiliary soldiers of our patrol army, with basic food, water, and medicine provided daily. Those who fight bravely and make meritorious contributions will have their records made according to the 'Patrol Army's Regulations on Rewards and Punishments for Military Merits,' and will be rewarded according to their merits upon arrival in Tianxia City! Elixirs, weapons, star coins, and even priority in obtaining citizenship and settling down are all possibilities!"
His gaze returned to Xuan Tianyi, and the scrutiny in his eyes had turned into undisguised recruitment and expectation:
"Would you be willing to join this temporary guard team?"
Join the temporary guard team?
Xuan Tianyi did not hesitate at all.
This not only means a more stable supply of food and water, but also better medical treatment after being injured, and the camouflage of being a "temporary auxiliary soldier of the patrol army";
It's also an excellent opportunity to integrate into the core of the current team and gain more information about this world, Tianxia City, and martial arts!
It's a crisis, but also an opportunity!
"Thank you for your kind offer, Captain Yan! I'm willing!"
Xuan Tianyi immediately clasped his hands in a fist salute and responded in a deep, clear, and powerful voice.
"good!"
A faint smile finally appeared on Yan Jun's face. Although it was faint, it dispelled some of the previous grimness and solemnity, making him look more humane.
He casually took a leather water pouch from his waist and tossed it to Xuan Tianyi.
"Sit down, drink some water, and eat some dry rations to regain your strength. Later, someone will take you to Lieutenant Wang to register your name and receive the temporary guard team's insignia and supplies for the next few days."
Then, as if remembering something, he added in a seemingly casual yet undeniably assertive tone:
"By the way, according to the rules, your solo killing of those seven rotten wolves today counts as a genuine achievement. This merit will be recorded for you."
He gestured to the guards beside him.
The guard immediately stepped forward, holding a small, sturdy coarse cloth bag and an even smaller, warm jade bottle in his hands, and handed them to Xuan Tianyi.
"Here are five Qi and Blood Pills to strengthen the foundation and nourish the vital energy, aiding cultivation; three Rejuvenation Pills to heal injuries, restore vital energy, and replenish what is consumed. Also…"
His stern gaze swept over the black iron spear in Xuan Tianyi's hand, a gift from Liu Ruyan, now stained with blood, and then over the tattered coat on his body that could barely cover him.
After a moment's hesitation, he took out a smaller, but clearly more exquisite, white jade bottle from his inner pocket and handed it over.
"Since Doctor Liu has gifted you a weapon, I, as your superior, cannot be stingy. This jade bottle contains a Body Tempering Pill. This pill is highly beneficial for Body Tempering Realm martial artists in refining their physical body, clearing their meridians, and solidifying their foundation. Its medicinal properties are mild yet long-lasting. Consider it a personal gift from me; I hope you will use it wisely, recover quickly, and reach even greater heights!"
When the jade bottle containing brown pills and emitting a faint, bitter medicinal fragrance, along with the coarse cloth bag, was handed to Xuan Tianyi, the eyes of the surrounding officers and guards changed almost imperceptibly.
Qi and Blood Pills and Rejuvenation Pills are standard-issue cultivation and healing pills. Although they are good for ordinary soldiers, they are still quite common.
But this "Body Tempering Pill" is different!
This is a pill specifically designed to break through minor bottlenecks in the Body Tempering Realm and strengthen the foundation of one's physique. It is not easy to refine and the materials are relatively precious. Usually, only soldiers or officers who have made great contributions in battle, as well as martial arts disciples with powerful backgrounds, can obtain it.
Why would Captain Yan personally gift such a precious elixir to this newly recruited boy whose background is still somewhat unknown?
This appreciation and high regard are evident!
This is both a reward for his valiant fight today and perhaps... also a way of "spending a fortune to buy a horse's bones," meant to show other refugees.
Look, as long as you have the ability and are willing to risk your life, I, Yan Jun, will never be stingy with rewards!
Xuan Tianyi suppressed his excitement and turmoil, and solemnly accepted the cloth bag and jade bottle with both hands. The warm and smooth texture of the items made him feel their preciousness, especially the small, yet seemingly heavy, mutton-fat jade bottle in his palm.
This "Body Tempering Pill" is probably of immeasurable value to him in rebuilding his Body Tempering Realm cultivation and repairing the damage to his foundation!
"Thank you so much, Captain Yan! Xuan Tianyi will certainly do his utmost to live up to your expectations!"
He bowed deeply again, his tone resolute.
"Yes, go ahead. Lieutenant Wang is in his tent over there."
Yan Jun nodded without saying anything more, and waved his hand, signaling a guard beside him to take Xuan Tianyi over.
Xuan Tianyi bowed and took his leave. After taking a few steps, he seemed to suddenly remember something, turned back, and said somewhat embarrassedly:
"Captain Yan, I have another request..."
"explain."
"The corpses of those rotting wolves I killed during the day should still be over there... My family's little skill requires the use of animal bones imbued with malevolent energy and residual spirituality as a medium. I wonder if... it's possible to remove that small bone from between their brows?"
Xuan Tianyi's face showed a suitable mix of embarrassment and earnestness.
Refining the "Fortune Telling Jade Coins" requires the brow bone of a rotten wolf, which is a step in the plan.
It is most natural to bring this up now.
Yan Jun glanced at him, finding the request somewhat peculiar, but considering his "ancestral, sometimes effective, sometimes not" craftsmanship, he felt relieved, waved his hand dismissively, and said:
"It's a small matter, you can go and get it yourself. In the future, if you need materials for special parts of a beast after killing it in the guard team, as long as it's not something that needs to be handed over for the mission, you can take it yourself after reporting and recording it according to the rules."
"Thank you, Captain!"
Xuan Tianyi felt reassured and thanked them again before heading towards the area temporarily allocated for the guards to register and gather, led by a personal guard.
Watching Xuan Tianyi's departing figure, straight yet with a hint of youthful thinness, one of Yan Jun's longtime lieutenants took a half-step closer and whispered:
"Boss, this kid... his background seems a bit unclear, and his lightning power is very strange, unlike that of a typical lightning-type awakened person... could there be something wrong with him?"
His stern gaze remained fixed on the direction where Xuan Tianyi had disappeared, his fingers unconsciously stroking the hilt of his sword at his waist, his tone deep and serious:
"In this world, who doesn't have some secrets and strangeness to have crawled out of a hell like Linhai Town, survived the corpse dogs the night before, the shadow cats last night, and the rotten wolves today, and instead become stronger and stronger in battle?"
As long as he is willing to kill the alien beasts, protect the people behind him, and his heart is with our human race, then he is a force to be reckoned with, and he is one of our comrades!
He paused, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes:
"As for the others... a fox will eventually show its tail. Whether they are dragons or worms, there's still a long time to see. Go and tell Lieutenant Wang the standards for recruiting the temporary guard team, and have him spread the word."
Remember, quality over quantity; prioritize courage and character, followed by skill.
"yes!"
The deputy obeyed the order with a stern expression and hurriedly left.
The crackling campfire illuminated his stern, angular profile, and also the unfathomable depths of thought in his eyes.