Chapter 84: Who’s the Fool?
Bury the human corpses deep underground, or burn them on the spot.
This is how one handles the bodies of humans in the wilderness.
Don't even think about bringing the corpses back; that's the most foolish choice!
Of the two methods, the latter is less laborious and effectively prevents monsters or beasts from digging up the bodies.
However, the flames from burning will also expose your location, attracting a large number of enemies.
When Zhu Yao trained them, he made it clear: never endanger yourself for the sake of strangers.
Moreover, death is the end; whether a body is eaten by beasts or ground to dust by men, the deceased will never know. Instead of wasting energy on dealing with corpses, it’s better to kill a few more monsters.
Zhu Yao spoke of these things with a cold indifference, indirectly showing them the cruelty of the battlefield.
This time, Fang Qingyun and Zhao Junhong chose to burn.
After all, they had five vehicles.
Each drove one and towed another, leaving one extra.
They couldn’t just leave it for the bandits.
So they placed the bodies in the spare vehicle and blew it up.
As for attracting enemies...
Fang Qingyun’s basic attributes now rivaled the rank of a General, and he had Little Black by his side.
Once Zhao Junhong’s special constitution was activated, his combat power would also approach that of a General.
Anyone who sought trouble with them now would only be congratulating their own demise.
A General-level martial artist was a pillar of strength, even under the Serpent King.
After all was done, the two drove toward the school.
Inside the car, Fang Qingyun’s expression was solemn.
He turned his attention to his attributes.
[Host: Fang Qingyun]
[Strength: 31 (+)]
[Speed: 32 (+)]
[Constitution: 31 (+)]
[Spirit: 31 (+)]
[Psionic Power: 52 (+)]
[Shooting: Intermediate (+)]
[Blade Technique: Beginner (+)]
[Sword Technique: Beginner (+)]
[Psionic Control: Beginner (+)]
[Summoned Beast: Dragon King Lion (+)]
[Origin Points: 25,293]
With Zhu Yao’s temporary training and constant missions lately, he had fully mastered the power of this body.
"Time to allocate points!"
Under Fang Qingyun’s gaze, the Origin Points started decreasing rapidly.
[Origin -200]
[Strength +1]
[Origin -200]
[Speed +1]
[Origin -200]
[Constitution +1]
[Origin -200]
[Spirit +1]
Soon, the four main attributes each increased by one.
Then Fang Qingyun focused on Psionic Power.
[Origin -100]
[Origin -100]
...
[Psionic Power: 100]
...
[Host: Fang Qingyun]
[Profession: Martial Artist]
[Level: Tier Two]
[Strength: 32 (+)]
[Speed: 33 (+)]
[Constitution: 32 (+)]
[Spirit: 32 (+)]
[Psionic Power: 100 (+)]
[Shooting: Intermediate (+)]
[Blade Technique: Beginner (+)]
[Sword Technique: Beginner (+)]
[Psionic Control: Beginner (+)]
[Summoned Beast: Dragon King Lion (+)]
[Origin: 19,693]
Fang Qingyun’s body trembled with subtle movement.
He was being transformed.
A surge of powerful energy coursed through his body.
He could even feel his heart pounding like the beating of a dragon drum.
Meanwhile, the attribute panel had undergone slight changes.
His level appeared!
And a profession was now listed.
These hadn’t been present when he first became a martial artist.
Could it be that, in the system’s eyes, only after reaching Tier Two did he truly enter the hall of martial artists?
Fang Qingyun smiled faintly.
The increase in Psionic Power had boosted his overall combat power.
Though it was just a single level, Fang Qingyun believed that now he truly had the strength to face Little Black.
Not to mention, all his attributes had risen by one.
This was both a qualitative and quantitative change.
He turned his gaze out the window, murmuring, "At a time like this, it would be best to have a worthy opponent, someone who could test me, help me truly understand my own strength."
...
At Northwest Military Academy, the atmosphere had been lively recently.
Over a thousand new students had arrived.
The university course spanned four years.
Naturally, the newcomers were freshmen, while the original first-years were the happiest: no longer at the bottom, they were now sophomores.
The former sophomores and juniors were also delighted.
After a year of training, talented first-years had already grown, and even those less gifted had become formidable.
Moreover, everyone was now familiar with one another.
In short, it was no longer easy to find targets.
Now, with a new crop of freshmen, there were fresh hands to run errands.
As for the newcomers’ attitude, that was not worth considering.
Those who didn’t comply would, after a cordial "exchange" with their seniors, usually choose to behave.
Northwest Military Academy was, after all, a military school. The students here would all eventually go to the battlefield. They valued settling everything by force, so teachers didn’t bother intervening in such matters.
So what if you’re bullied?
If you don’t want to be bullied, then train harder and retaliate in the future.
Besides, the school provided ways to avoid such scenarios, if only one used their brains.
Don’t understand? Well, does anyone need to?
When you’re on the battlefield, will the enemy care about your feelings?
If you won’t find your own way, waiting for others to understand you—are you a pig?
Do whatever it takes to become stronger—that’s the right path!
Yang Xiu was just such a person who didn’t understand.
He couldn’t see why, as military school students destined to be comrades on the battlefield, they were bullied by their seniors.
Life and death were shared!
So why did these "veterans" still oppress the newcomers?
He swept the school grounds with a broom, face full of anger.
Several companions around him were equally furious, muttering curses under their breath.
When upperclassmen passed by and heard their cursing, not only did they show no anger, they even told them to curse louder.
They most enjoyed watching these rookies seethe with helplessness.
After all, they had once been in the same position.
Suddenly, two vehicles approached, each towing another behind.
"What’s that?"
Did they break down two vehicles?
Yang Xiu was momentarily stunned.
Then he saw the cars stop at the main gate, and two young men stepped out of the driver’s seats.
"Is that..."
Yang Xiu was thrilled.
"Fang Qingyun?"
"Zhao Junhong?"
Those nearby also recognized the pair, exclaiming in surprise.
They couldn’t help but be excited.
These two were the kings among the freshmen.
Their saviors had arrived!
Though not personally acquainted, they believed that as Freshman Kings, the two would surely stand up for them.
An upperclassman shot them a glance, sneered, and said coolly, "Don’t get your hopes up. If they’re smart, they won’t help you."
"Hmph!" Yang Xiu and the others retorted, "They’re not afraid of you."
"Exactly, they must have just completed a mission—did you see those two vehicles? Those must be their spoils of war!"
Afraid?
The upperclassman smirked with disdain.
These rookies truly didn’t understand.
Still, seeing Fang Qingyun and Zhao Junhong return towing four vehicles was impressive.
The two had already registered at the gate.
This time, their gains were considerable.
They had dealt with the bandits and completed their mission.
The two trucks and their cargo could be exchanged for points at the academy.
The surprise was the two high-level martial artists killed by Fang Qingyun.
They were, in fact, wanted criminals.
Their heads brought in another batch of points.
"I want 35% of the mission points! I don’t need points for the two high-level martial artists. As for the trucks and other supplies, let’s split those points equally!" Zhao Junhong had discussed the split with Fang Qingyun on the way.
Fang Qingyun sighed, "Do we really need to be this precise?"
"We do!" Zhao Junhong replied. "Because we’re brothers, I don’t want to take advantage of you."
"And because we’re brothers, I should give you a little more!" Fang Qingyun said seriously. "Don’t forget, as a sniper, it’s easier for me to rack up points than you."
Zhao Junhong still shook his head. "If I’m ever short of points, I’ll borrow from you. As brothers, just don’t charge me interest for three to five months."
"You’re getting ridiculous—why so serious?" Fang Qingyun laughed, but said no more.
Zhao Junhong was stubborn and proud; being recognized as a peer, he would never take advantage.
Perhaps he feared that mixing business and friendship would change their relationship.
But Fang Qingyun believed that with time, his friend’s thinking would change.
They were no longer who they once were. Having become martial artists, their perspectives needed to evolve as well.
"Fang Qingyun, Zhao Junhong!"
A shout rang out.
They looked up.
Three people stood before them, each holding a broom.
What did they want? To sweep them out the door?
Had people fallen so low, they no longer used knives, guns, or clubs?
Yang Xiu stepped forward, ignoring Fang Qingyun and Zhao Junhong’s odd looks, and said earnestly, "We are just like you—freshmen at Northwest Military Academy."
Fang Qingyun blinked. "And?"
Was that why they stood in a row, brooms in hand, confronting them?
Yang Xiu continued, "We’re facing some problems right now."
Fang Qingyun was even more puzzled. "What does your problem have to do with us?"
Damn, nothing irked him more than being asked for help.
Yang Xiu said anxiously, "We’re all freshmen; we should help each other!"
Ha!
Fang Qingyun and Zhao Junhong both laughed.
So it was just a group of kids looking to take advantage.
Seeing this, Yang Xiu quickly added, "Moreover, what we’re facing is a toxic tradition at Northwest Military Academy."
"Oh?" This time, Fang Qingyun was intrigued. "What do you mean?"
Yang Xiu said gravely, "The moment we entered the academy, we became soldiers, destined to fight on the battlefield together as comrades, right?"
"Right!" Fang Qingyun and Zhao Junhong nodded.
A martial artist might not always go to war, but those at the military academy—soldiers—certainly would. It was inevitable.
Yang Xiu pointed at the nearby upperclassmen. "These seniors band together to bully and oppress newcomers. Do you think that’s right?"
"That’s it?" Fang Qingyun almost laughed.
Well, it was indeed a bad tradition.
One found everywhere.
So, they bullied you guys, and you don’t just train harder and fight back?
Hadn’t they ever heard of freshmen making a comeback?
And why had he and Zhao Junhong never faced such treatment themselves?
Maybe their own abilities were too formidable.
"Fang Qingyun, don't you get it?" Yang Xiu raised his voice. "If these people humiliate the freshmen, wouldn’t we resent them?"
"Of course!" Fang Qingyun nodded decisively.
Who wouldn’t harbor resentment after being bullied—unless you were a saint.
"Good, so you admit there will be resentment!" Yang Xiu pressed. "So, when we’re on the battlefield, would we trust these people to guard our backs? And would they trust us? This is something that damages unity."
"Eh?" Fang Qingyun stroked his chin; it actually sounded reasonable.
Zhao Junhong looked at Fang Qingyun with a face full of disdain and said, "If that’s the case, just write a report and hand it in. Why are you telling us?"
Yang Xiu grew agitated. "The authorities ignore it, even condone it. As the Freshman Kings, shouldn’t you step up at a time like this?"
"Perhaps this is exactly the test the authorities have set for you."
A hell of a test.
Fang Qingyun nearly laughed aloud but stopped the sneering Zhao Junhong with a serious face. "It is a toxic tradition, and I’m determined to change it."
"Eh?"
"Eh eh?"
Zhao Junhong stared at Fang Qingyun, then, as if understanding, smiled quietly at the side, eyes full of amusement.
The upperclassmen, however, frowned, watching Fang Qingyun warily.
If this guy really made a scene, there would be trouble.
Rumor had it these two could defeat intermediate martial artists—a feat only a few seniors in their final year could match.
And over ninety percent of the seniors had already gone to the battlefield.
Among third-years, only a handful had reached that level.
"Are you serious?" Yang Xiu was overjoyed.
His mind raced.
Things were going so smoothly, he hadn’t even needed his backup plan.
So what if they were Freshman Kings? A few words and they were his muscle.
Yang Xiu’s heart surged with excitement.
After today, he’d have a place among the freshmen.
With this momentum, he could rise further.
Who knows, perhaps he could make Fang Qingyun and Zhao Junhong his personal enforcers in the future.
"Of course I’m serious," Fang Qingyun said with a smile. "But as you know, I’m only one person. Even with Zhao Junhong, the two of us can’t take on all the upperclassmen at Northwest Military Academy."
"That’s not a problem!" Yang Xiu replied immediately. "We can rally all the freshmen. If both of you step up as Freshman Kings, the entire freshman class will follow your lead."
"Really?"
"Of course!"
"Even you?"
"Us included!" Yang Xiu declared. "As long as you’re willing to lead us..."
"All right, I’ll give it a try!"
"What, just ‘try’?" Yang Xiu was taken aback.
Fang Qingyun pointed to the silent upperclassmen nearby. "You three—go beat him up."
"...?"
Yang Xiu and his companions were dumbfounded.
"What’s wrong?" Fang Qingyun frowned in displeasure. "Didn’t you just say you’d listen to me?"
"But... but, the three of us against him..."
Yang Xiu felt a sinking sense of dread.
Weren’t Fang Qingyun and Zhao Junhong supposed to take the lead?
Why was he now treating this like a game, sending the three of them instead?