Chapter Seven: The General's Blood

  If we delve deeper, eighty paces away from shooting the red heart of the target, although archery skills are already impressive, it's not particularly formidable. Qin Cheng still remembers that in later generations, Lü Bu shot a spear through a gate at a distance of one hundred and fifty paces! Moreover, it was one hundred and fifty paces away to shoot and break a red thread, that is truly divine archery!

  Qin Cheng shot the red heart from eighty paces away that day, but ultimately failed to break this record. Further away, although the iron arrow he shot out was still powerful, its accuracy was slightly off. Seeing this, Le Yi's heart finally balanced a bit - if Qin Cheng's archery skills had suddenly reached his level, Le Yi would have found it somewhat unacceptable.

  "Alas, the military horses are managed very strictly, and private use is not allowed. Unlike archery, I can still find some ways to get around it. Otherwise, I would have liked you to start practicing horse riding and shooting now, as your foundation in shooting is already sufficient." Le Yi said with some regret after finishing an hour of arrow-shooting training with Qin Cheng.

  "Alright, I'm satisfied!" Qin Cheng said as he collected the arrows shot by Le Yi, "If it weren't for your natural talent and the fact that you're liked by our commander, he would have allowed you to use these iron arrows privately, and that would have been enough for us to drink a whole pot of wine!"

  Leyi slightly nodded his head and did not say much, which was indeed a fact.

  "In my opinion, you're quite lucky to be under his care. Your path will be much smoother. Not everyone gets the treatment of being a small stove." Qin Cheng said with a hint of a smile.

  Le Yi nodded and suddenly smiled, "Those arrows of his were still opened by General Li's small furnace!"

  The useful arrows were collected and put into the quiver. Qin Cheng said, "This General Li is indeed a seasoned general with his own set of skills. His methods are not something that ordinary generals can accomplish."

  When it comes to Li Guang, Yue Yi's eyes suddenly sparkled with excitement. "General Li's archery skills are truly unparalleled in the military, and no one in the great Han can match him!"

  Qin Cheng patted Le Yi's shoulder with his hand, smiling and saying: "You'll be fine, you'll have that day too!"

  Yue Yi nodded and smiled slightly.

  "Qin Cheng!" Just as Qin Cheng and Yue Yi were packing up to head back to their camp, someone suddenly came walking over in this direction, shouting.

  As they looked on, a young man of about twenty-five years old, dressed in cavalry attire, was walking quickly towards Qin Cheng and He Lüyi. The youth had a clear brow and bright eyes, with an air of elegance and refinement. His military uniform was extremely well-fitted, and even after a day of training, he still looked neat and tidy, without the slightest dishevelment like other soldiers. In his every gesture, apart from the inherent masculinity of a soldier, there was a hint of refinement that made people feel at ease at first glance. Of course, if he hadn't been scowling, he would have seemed even more approachable.

  "General Jiang, what brings you here?" Qin Cheng asked, as he and He Lei simultaneously gave the newcomer a military salute. His memory told him that this man's name was Jiang He, and he was Dong Zhuo's cousin.

  "Not bad, I'm looking for you because of some private matters, follow me." Jiang He, with an official position, naturally didn't need to be polite to Qin Cheng, and in a tone that was almost like an order, said. After finishing speaking, he walked past Qin Cheng's face and took big strides towards one side. Two steps later, Jiang He stopped his footsteps, turned his head back to Yue Yi, "There's nothing for you here, you can return to the camp!"

  "Yes, Commander Tun!" Lü Yi replied promptly. This man was the commander of the cavalry unit that had been assigned to him, and Lü Yi naturally did not dare disobey his superior's orders. However, his eyes were fixed strangely on Qin City, clearly showing incomprehension and worry.

  Qin Cheng smiled slightly and gestured that he didn't need to worry, handing over the strong bow and quiver to Yue Yi before following him.

  Qin Cheng followed Jiang He for about a hundred steps before stopping. Jiang He turned around, looking at Qin Cheng with unhidden anger in his eyes, "I came here on personal business, and now I'm not the commander of the cavalry camp, you don't have to be afraid of my identity. And I ask you, did you beat Dong Chou?"

  Qin Cheng met Jiang He's gaze head-on, without fear. On the way here, Qin Cheng had already guessed Jiang He's intentions, so he hadn't planned on being friendly either. However, when Qin Cheng heard Jiang He say "If it's for personal reasons, then it has nothing to do with the cavalry camp", he couldn't help but feel a hint of admiration in his heart, thinking that Jiang He wasn't someone who would bully others just because of his status.

  "It's me." Qin Cheng smiled and replied.

  "It's indeed so, then there's no need for more words, let's fight!" As soon as Jiang He heard Qin Cheng admit it, he didn't say another word and threw a punch at Qin Cheng!

  Facing a sudden attack, Qin Cheng was caught off guard. This guy said to fight and didn't give any warning, so he had no choice but to dodge the blow with his backhand slide step.

  Unexpectedly, Jiang He's fist was just a feint, and Qin Cheng retreated, taking a step back with his right foot, closing the distance, and his front leg had already struck Qin Cheng's abdomen!

  The river's speed was extremely fast, and by the time Qin City realized the danger, he could only use his left hand to block its front leg! After blocking the river's attack, Qin City took advantage of this tiny window of opportunity to sweep his right leg towards the river's chest!

  The rivers did not expect Qin City to stretch out his hand so quickly, and both hands barely protected his chest. When Qin City's right leg touched his arm, he attempted to lock it with a dragon-hand, but Qin City's kick was just to open up the situation, so he retreated as soon as he touched, leaving Jiang He's plan empty!

  Qin Cheng's right foot had just withdrawn from touching the ground when his left foot shot up like lightning, striking towards Jiang He's right ribs!

  The rivers suddenly couldn't defend, and the right rib was kicked by Qin Cheng's tyrannical kick! The river endured the pain, originally wanting to take advantage of the opportunity to get close and attack Qin Cheng's midline. But before he could display his skills, Qin Cheng's left foot had already withdrawn from the ground, and at the same time, his right foot almost simultaneously kicked out, striking the river's left rib!

  The rivers and lakes are greatly shocked, and they cannot help but retreat and defend themselves!

  Seeing the momentum of the rivers, a flash of light flashed in Qin Cheng's eyes, and his whole body strength suddenly burst out, retreating to both sides with an incredible speed and force, alternately striking Jiang He's left and right ribs!

  The poor Jianghe was completely turned around by Qin City, his left and right ribs were alternately struck by Qin City, and his hands couldn't even defend for a moment! What's terrifying is that the accuracy of Qin City's feet was extremely astonishing, almost every kick landed on the same spot! In just one breath, Jianghe's left and right ribs successively transmitted two crisp sounds of "crack crack!", and his ribs were already broken!

  Finally, Qin Cheng sprang up, his right leg sweeping across the surface of the river in a false motion, his body spinning in mid-air, his left foot striking Jiang He's chest and sending him flying!

  "Bang!" Jiang He fell to the ground and couldn't get up again!

  The poor river has its own skills, but unfortunately it encountered the 21st century black boxing king Qin Cheng. Even if he was helpless, he could only swallow his anger and humiliation!

  When Qin Cheng walked to the front of Jiang He, Jiang He, who was not lightly injured, struggled to get up, kneeling on one knee, with his bright red eyes looking at Qin Cheng in unbelievable and extremely angry gaze!

  "I advise you not to try again, you're no match for me even when you're not injured. Now that you are, how can you possibly take me down? We haven't reached the point where we need to fight to the death." Qin Cheng crouched down in front of Jiang He, administering a preemptive strike before he could make another move. "If you're not satisfied, come find me again after your wounds have healed. I'll be ready for you anytime. What do you say, Jiang Tuan?"

  Jiang He was taken aback, he hadn't expected Qin Cheng to be like this after defeating him in an instant. There was no brutal beating of a fallen opponent, no mocking, no insults, not even any disdain. For a moment, Jiang He's expression became complex, as if he were hesitating.

  "You won, I'm not as good as you!" After a pause, Jiang He finally spoke up, in the army, it's always been about strength, your strength is impressive, and naturally, you can win people's respect. Jiang He coughed twice and continued: "It seems that Dong Zhuo losing to you isn't unjust. However, just because I lost today doesn't mean I'll be defeated forever, I'll make a comeback sooner or later!"

  "We'll wait and see." Qin Cheng said with a faint smile.

  The rivers and streams are quite complex. After glancing at Qin Cheng, he forcibly endured the pain, stood up, and brushed past him shoulder to shoulder. Without looking at Qin Cheng again or saying another word, he slowly walked towards the barracks.

  When fighting, there must be wins and losses, injuries. When not defeating the opponent, Qin City will absolutely not divert his attention to consider other things. Therefore, for Jiang He's heavy injuries under his fierce attack, Jiang He did not have a bit of womanly mercy or compassion in her heart.

  Qin Cheng stood still, watching Jiang He's back straighten as he approached the barracks, a smile with great interest revealed on his face, "An interesting person."

  ……

  Three days later, everything went as scheduled.

  The Du Shi is recorded in the "Han Guan Yi" as follows: "At the time of the autumnal equinox, the Du Shi was held to drill and train soldiers, and also to test their hunting skills, in order to select the best talents." The purpose of the Du Shi was to "evaluate the martial arts", and it was used to determine the merits and demerits of the soldiers. The content of the Du Shi mainly focused on horseback riding and archery, with additional tests on horse riding, spear throwing and other technical skills.

  It was a fine day with clear autumn skies and warm sunshine. A gentle breeze blew as the martial arts tournament, scheduled to take place in the large drill ground of the military camp in Shanggu County, began on time.

  Before the hour of si, more than 10,000 soldiers had already gathered on the vast training ground, and all the garrison troops were divided into three large formations: cavalry, chariots, and infantry. At a glance, the warhorse formation was like a heavenly lion, the war chariot formation was like a city wall, and the long spear formation was like a mountain forest! Every soldier with eyes like swords seemed like a god of war, looking down on all living things with an aura that made one believe that as soon as they stepped onto the battlefield, this group of soldiers could destroy all enemies.

  At the moment, General Li Guang of Yanggu County walked through the midst of over 10,000 soldiers standing like pine trees, accompanied by several high-ranking officials from the county castle, and slowly stepped onto the commanding platform. As General Li Guang in his military uniform stepped onto the commanding platform, the deputy general drew his sword and pointed it at the sky. In an instant, more than 10,000 soldiers shouted in unison:

  "Hurray for the Chinese army!"

  "Hurray for the Chinese army!"

  "Hurray for the Chinese army!"

  “……”

  Tens of thousands of loud voices shouted together, truly like thunder, with an extraordinary momentum, shaking the heavens and echoing through the earth, stirring the soul! It seemed as if even the earth itself was vibrating in rhythm.

  At this moment, everyone is spirited! Even the officials on stage couldn't help but straighten their waists and lift their chests!

  In the military formation of Qin City, this is the first time I saw the legendary Flying General, and my heart couldn't help but be excited. On the commanding platform, Li Guang stood at eight feet tall, wearing a red battle robe with a black xuan armor draped over it, which set off his originally extraordinary physique to appear even more majestic, making people forget his age in an instant, only remembering that he was the greatest war god of the Great Han army!

  Li Guang's left hand rested on the hilt of his long knife (the ring-headed knife had not yet been widely adopted in the border troops at this time) and his eagle-like gaze swept across every soldier below the platform, without saying a word. All the soldiers who met his eyes unconsciously puffed out their chests a bit higher. Half a moment later, Li Guang raised his right hand, and the tens of thousands of soldiers on the platform suddenly fell silent. The previously lively scene instantly became quiet as a mouse, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

  "Warriors!" Li Guang's voice, like a mighty lion, rang out on the training grounds, shaking the air as if it were a wave. "Tell me, who is the hero?!"

  "Han army!"

  "Han army!"

  "Han army!"

  “……”

  More than ten thousand soldiers shouted in unison.

  Li Guang's burning eyes swept across the tens of thousands of soldiers below, his voice like a raging torrent: "Tell me, officers and men, who is it that we cannot defeat?"

  "Han army!"

  "Han army!"

  "Han army!"

  “……”

  More than ten thousand soldiers shouted in unison again, their voices even louder this time.

  "Warriors, I will ask you again, what is the mission of the Han army?" Li Guang's figure was exceptionally majestic under the sunlight, his battle robe fluttering in the wind. That one loud roar seemed to pierce through every soldier's soul, igniting them all!

  "Protect our homes and defend our country!"

  "Protect our homes and defend our country!"

  "Protect our homes and defend our country!"

  “……”

  Tens of thousands of soldiers, regardless of the sweat on their faces, regardless of the scorching sun above their heads, and regardless of the tearing of their voices, yelled with all their might as if they were burning, feeling an endless supply of energy that would not be relieved unless it was released.

  "Hsss!" Li Guang swung his right hand, and the long knife came out of its scabbard, pointing forward. His voice was filled with sorrow and indignation as he said word by word: "Officers and soldiers, the Xiongnu have invaded our territory, killed our people, and destroyed our homes. What should the heroic and invincible Han army do?"

  Every word is full of emotion, every word is dripping with blood!

  "Kill!"

  "Kill!"

  "Kill!"

  “……”

  More than 10,000 Han soldiers were completely boiling over, their suppressed emotions and hot blood filling every nerve in their bodies. At this moment, they couldn't wait to rush onto the battlefield and kill every single Xiongnu person!

  "Are you guys tired of being oppressed?!"

  "I'm not afraid!"

  "Are you guys scared to death?!"

  "I'm not afraid!"

  "Soldiers, will you dare to fight?!"

  "I'd rather die than betray my country!"

  Every word is like thunder, every word breaks through the sky!

  For a moment, the military camp was like ten thousand horses galloping! No, it's tens of billions of horses galloping!!!

  "Alright!" General Li Guang let out a loud roar, his long knife fiercely stabbing into the dot on the platform! "However, I must tell all of you generals that to protect our homes and defend our country, to kill the enemy and achieve merit, relying solely on hot blood is far from enough! Now, I ask you, do you have what it takes?"

  "Hoo-ah!"

  "Hoo-ah!"

  "Hoo-ah!"

  “……”

  All the generals at this time have completely lost their self-control, and can only pound the ground with long spears, pull out long knives, and roar to the sky!

  "It's time to start, let's see who's strong and who's weak, you'll prove it with your own abilities!" Li Guang sheathed his sword, swung his cloak, and walked away. The trial began, led by the deputy general.

  "Hurray for the General!"

  "Hurray for the General!"

  "Hurray for the General!"

  “……”

  All the generals and soldiers watched Li Guang take big strides back to his seat, pounding his chest with his fist and shouting wildly!

  Qin Cheng had unknowingly blended in with the tens of thousands of soldiers, involuntarily mimicking their actions! Meanwhile, a surging hot blood had already filled his entire body!