leonardwarren Chapter 102 Blackstone New Base
Chapter 102 Blackstone New Base
Zhao Mang's old house was much more imposing than most of the mud-brick houses in town, with blue bricks and gray tiles, and two courtyards. However, the plaque that once signified his status above the gate had long been removed, replaced by a newly made, sturdy wooden sign bearing the three powerful characters "Black Stone Guard," the ink still fresh. Two guards stood ramrod straight in the cold wind, wearing slightly worn indigo cotton-padded jackets over thick leather armor, with standard-issue knives at their waists. Though their faces were blue from the cold, their eyes were sharp and vigilant. Seeing Lin Yan and his companions approach, the two men snapped to attention, straightened their backs, and clasped their hands in a crisp salute.
"Is Shi Hu here?" Lin Yan asked.
"Reporting to you, sir! Commander Shi is training in the backyard!" a team member replied loudly.
Lin Yan nodded and stepped inside. The front yard was spacious and clean, with no snow or fallen leaves on the bluestone ground, indicating that it was regularly swept. The doors and windows of the side rooms were tightly closed, and the sounds of orderly footsteps and the clanging of tools being placed could be faintly heard from inside, as if someone was assembling and waiting for orders. Passing through a moon gate, the view suddenly opened up before him.
The backyard had been completely transformed into a spacious training ground. The ground was compacted with a mixture of gravel and loess, making it flat and hard. Several rows of weapon racks stood along the edge of the ground; the swords, spears, and halberds, though not brand new, were all polished to a gleaming shine and arranged neatly. Several sturdy wooden targets stood in the corner, covered with knife marks and arrow holes.
At this moment, about twenty Black Stone Guard members were training in the field. Divided into several teams, some were practicing basic slashing and thrusting techniques, while others were practicing close-quarters parrying in pairs. Their shouts were neat and powerful, and despite the frigid weather, many of them had sweat on their foreheads. Most eye-catching were the members in the center of the field, practicing formation changes. In groups of about seven or eight, following the commands of their squad leader, they would sometimes gather into a round shield defense, and sometimes spread out into a wing-like encirclement. Although their movements were still somewhat clumsy, they were already showing signs of discipline, supporting and covering each other, and displaying a rudimentary form of battle formation.
Shi Hu stood on a slightly elevated earthen platform at the edge of the field, his one arm dangling in the air. His remaining right arm was used to sometimes instruct his teammates on their movements and sometimes to sternly correct them. He was still wearing that worn-out leather armor, his figure as upright as ever, but his face, weathered by time, was more angular, and his brows held a more composed air, as well as a hint of lingering weariness.
"...Third team, your formation change was too slow! Spread out quickly, and regroup steadily! Let's try again!"
His voice was rough and stern, and his gaze swept across every detail of the field like that of a hawk. The young player was startled by his shout, quickly adjusted his movements, and beads of sweat rolled down his forehead.
Lin Yan watched quietly for a while before slowly walking forward.
The footsteps startled Shi Hu, who whirled around. When he saw who it was, the towering man trembled violently. A complex mix of emotions flashed through his usually sharp, hawk-like eyes—shock, elation, excitement, anticipation… all culminating in a slight dampness. His lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but the words caught in his throat. Finally, he strode forward, knelt on one knee, supporting himself with his intact right arm, and bowed his head deeply.
"My lord...you...you're back!" The voice was hoarse, trembling with suppressed emotion and relief.
This kneeling acted as a signal. All the team members on the training ground stopped what they were doing and turned to look. When they saw that it was Lin Yan, everyone was stunned at first, then their faces broke out with uncontrollable excitement. They dropped their weapons and knelt down in a flurry.
"Master Lin!"
"The master is back!"
The voices varied, but all conveyed heartfelt excitement and awe, and there was a sense of relief that "the backbone has finally returned."
Lin Yan stepped forward, placed his hands on Shi Hu's shoulders, and steadily lifted him up. "Get up. Get up, all of you." His gaze carefully swept over Shi Hu's face—though he looked tired, his spirits were still good; then it swept over the team members kneeling on the ground—although most of them had weathered faces, their bodies were strong and their eyes were clear, clearly indicating that they had not wasted these past few months.
"Shi Hu, you've worked hard." He said in a deep voice, tightening his grip. "Judging from the way you're training, you haven't slacked off while I was away."
Shi Hu stood up with Lin Yan's help, his tiger-like eyes slightly red, but more excited than saddened. He shook his head vigorously: "It's not hard work! It's my duty! Before leaving the town, the master left behind the rules, and Shi Hu dared not neglect them in the slightest. It's just..." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the team members in the field, then looking at Lu Ling and Wang Dashan behind Lin Yan, whose auras were heavy and whose eyes were sharper than before. A trace of undisguised sadness flashed across his face, "It's just that Shi Hu's abilities are limited. In the past few months, although I have led the brothers to patrol the mountains and hunt, clear out scattered monsters, and handle disputes in the town, barely maintaining the stability of the town, the brothers' cultivation... has made very little progress. Compared with a few months ago, there is not much difference."
His voice lowered, filled with deep self-reproach and resentment: "It's Shi Hu's fault for being useless. He couldn't follow Lu Ling and Da Shan out to explore like the adults, find opportunities, and allow the brothers to improve as well..."
Lin Yan could clearly sense the complex emotions in Shi Hu's words—a sense of duty to stay behind, anxiety about the stagnation of his brothers' strength, and envy mixed with a touch of melancholy at seeing his former comrades like Lu Ling and Wang Dashan's cultivation levels significantly improve, some even reaching the Tongxuan Realm. This kind of emotion was particularly agonizing for a proud and ambitious general who was forced to remain confined to a corner due to his missing arm.
"Don't underestimate yourself." Lin Yan patted his arm, his tone affirmative. "The town's stability these past few months, the resettlement of refugees, and the smooth operation of the mountain goods trade are all thanks to your tireless efforts day and night with the Black Stone Guard, patrolling and preparing for potential threats. Your contributions to the town's defense are in no way inferior to those in battle. As for cultivation, it depends on opportunity and fortune; it cannot be forced, but it is not without a path."
He paused, looking at the glimmer of light that had rekindled in Shi Hu's eyes, and continued, "I have returned with the full support of Steward Zhou, and I intend to make a name for myself here. The Black Stone Guard is our foundation, how could we abandon it? I already have a plan for dealing with the cultivation bottlenecks you and the other brothers face."
Upon hearing this, Shi Hu suddenly looked up, his single eye flashing with unbelievable joy: "My lord... you mean..."
Lin Yan nodded slightly, but did not elaborate immediately. Instead, he raised his hand to the team members who were still kneeling in the field: "Brothers, get up. Lu Ling, Wang Dashan, take out some of the newly made cotton clothes, dried meat, and rice you brought, and let the brothers change into their new clothes and eat their fill."
"Yes!" Lu Ling and Wang Dashan responded and immediately turned to carry out the task.
Upon hearing this, the team members' faces lit up with joy. New cotton-padded clothes! Dried meat and rice! Although life had been much better than before thanks to the sale of mountain products these past few months, such generous supplies were still a rare treat.
Lin Yan then walked side by side with Shi Hu towards the main hall in the backyard—this place had been transformed into the meeting place of the Black Stone Guard. The luxurious furnishings had been removed and replaced with a long, rough wooden table and benches. A simple map of the surrounding terrain and a patrol schedule hung on the walls. In a corner, a brand-new charcoal brazier was burning brightly, and the fine charcoal emitted a warm glow.
The two sat down at the long table, and Shi Hu skillfully picked up the warm earthenware pot on the table and poured Lin Yan a bowl of steaming coarse tea. "My lord, please have some tea. This tea was obtained from the last trade of mountain goods; although it's not the best, it can ward off the cold."
Lin Yan took the drink, slowly sipped it, and felt the warmth flow into his throat, dispelling some of the chill. "Tell me, what's the current situation at Blackstone Guard? Personnel, equipment, daily training, and what troublesome issues have you encountered in the past few months?"
Shi Hu perked up and began to recount the story as if it were a treasure trove of knowledge.
After Lin Yan left, Shi Hu and Zhang Bo strictly followed the rules. The 65 members of the Black Stone Guard (including seven lightly wounded) were divided into three teams, taking turns to maintain order in the town, patrol the surrounding area, and protect the townspeople who went into the mountains to collect mountain goods. Over the months, they drove away or hunted roaming monsters more than 20 times, handled more than 40 disputes and thefts in the town, and even repelled small groups of rogue cultivators who attempted to plunder the wilderness three times. Thanks to the income from selling mountain goods, the team members gradually bought thick winter clothes, and their food was much better than before, so their physical condition had recovered. Daily training never stopped, covering basic sword and shield techniques, team coordination, and even simple tracking and reconnaissance.
"However," Shi Hu sighed, "our Blackstone Town is ultimately remote, lacking decent cultivation resources. The brothers have been training hard, relying entirely on their own efforts, and their progress has been incredibly slow. Of the fifty-eight combatants, fewer than twenty are at or above the Body Tempering Realm, and most are stuck in the early or middle stages. When Lu Ling and Wang Dashan left the town, they were already among the best in the team." He glanced at Lu Ling and Wang Dashan distributing supplies outside the hall, his envy deepening. "Unlike now, Lu Ling and Dashan... they've probably already broken through the Body Tempering Realm and entered the Profound Realm, haven't they? And Zhou Fu and Zhao Si, their auras have become much stronger... They've all benefited from following the adults, seeing the world, and gaining good fortune."
The regret and longing in his tone were no longer concealed.
Lin Yan listened quietly, having already made up his mind. He put down his teacup, looked at Shi Hu, his gaze clear and resolute: "Shi Hu, I am well aware of your and the brothers' efforts over the past few months, and I am very pleased. The responsibility of guarding the area may seem mundane, but it is fundamental and indispensable. As for cultivation..."
He paused, then took out a flat jade box from his pocket and pushed it in front of Shi Hu.
Shi Hu accepted the box with a puzzled look, feeling its smooth texture against his skin. Upon opening the lid, a refreshing and invigorating fragrance, seemingly capable of cleansing the soul, instantly filled the air, invigorating him. Inside was half a box of a milky-white, crystalline, viscous paste, faintly shimmering with a spiritual light.
"This is...?" Shi Hu was stunned. Although he did not recognize this object, he knew from its aura and shape that it was no ordinary item.
"Spiritual Milk," Lin Yan said calmly. "The essence of sixty years, bestowed by heaven and earth. It has miraculous effects in cleansing the marrow and strengthening the foundation, as well as enhancing cultivation. I obtained some by chance during my recent trip."
Shi Hu's hand, holding the jade box, trembled violently, nearly slipping from his grasp. Spiritual Milk! This legendary treasure of heaven and earth, the master actually… gave it to him? He looked up abruptly, his single eye filled with disbelief and shock: "Master! This…this is too precious! What virtue or ability does Shi Hu possess…?"
"You deserve it, and so do the brothers of Blackrock Guard," Lin Yan interrupted him, her tone leaving no room for argument. "This isn't just for you. I already have a complete plan."
He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice, but each word was clear: "First, use this spiritual milk as the main ingredient, supplemented with other medicinal herbs, to be prepared by Miss Su into 'Nourishing Essence Elixir.' All Black Stone Guard members will take it in batches according to their cultivation level and contributions, and use the 'Qi and Blood Guiding Technique' to refine it with all their might, so as to solidify their foundation and improve their cultivation in the shortest possible time."
Shi Hu's breathing suddenly became rapid, and his hands holding the jade box trembled slightly.
"Secondly," Lin Yan continued, "I obtained many cultivation techniques and combat skills suitable for body tempering and the Profound Realm from the legacy of a predecessor. Among them is the 'Vajra Subduing Demon Force,' which is fierce and domineering, emphasizing foundation and strength training. Although the cultivation is arduous, it is just right for the path of most of the Black Stone Guard brothers. There are also several sword techniques, shield techniques, and combined attack techniques, which can be selectively taught."
Shi Hu's eyes widened, and the shock in his heart surged like a tidal wave.
"Finally," Lin Yan said, his gaze sharp as he looked at Shi Hu, "the current size of Blackstone Guard is insufficient to meet the future needs of Blackstone City. I intend to begin expansion immediately. Using the existing sixty-five men as the core, we will recruit reliable young men from the town and surrounding areas to expand Blackstone Guard to one hundred men, divided into five teams of twenty men each."
He tapped his finger lightly on the table: "Shi Hu, you remain the commander of the Black Stone Guard, overseeing the entire operation. You have four captains under you: Lu Ling, Wang Dashan, Zhou Fu, and Li Tie. Li Tie is currently stationed in Qingliu Lane, Qingzhou Prefecture, and his team is temporarily being acted as deputy captain by Zhao Si, pending his return. You five will each lead one team, responsible for daily training and combat readiness duties."
Shi Hu's chest heaved violently, his one arm trembling slightly with excitement. Expansion! A hundred-man force! And he would still be the commander! There was also the spiritual milk, the cultivation technique, the entire upgrade plan… Lord Lin not only didn't look down on him because of his stagnant cultivation, but instead entrusted him with such a heavy responsibility and opportunity!
"My lord..." His throat tightened, wanting to say something, but he found that any words seemed pale at this moment. In the end, he simply used his one arm to tightly grasp the jade box, as if he were grasping his own destiny and all his loyalty, and nodded heavily, heavily.
"Shi Hu... will not fail your high expectations! I am at your command in this life!" His voice was hoarse, but every word was as sharp as iron, enough to sparks fly when it hit the ground.
Seeing the renewed, even more intense fighting spirit and gratitude in his eyes, Lin Yan knew that the knot in his heart had been untied and the motivation had been established. He nodded slightly: "I believe in you. I will work out the specific plans with Lu Ling and Da Shan later. The most urgent task is to get the brothers familiar with the new equipment as soon as possible and restore them to their peak condition. The new shields, swords, spears, bows, and even some simple talismans have been brought. You need to distribute them properly and train them rigorously."
"Yes!" Shi Hu solemnly replied, then, remembering something, hesitated for a moment before asking, "My lord, when will the spiritual milk and cultivation technique begin?"
Lin Yan pondered for a moment and said, "The preparation of the spiritual milk will take time, and the selection of the cultivation method also needs careful consideration. Let's do it in three days. In these three days, you should first release the news of the expansion and recruitment, and draft a preliminary list of candidates. At the same time, have all team members resume high-intensity training to adjust their physical condition to its best. Once Miss Su has prepared the spiritual liquid and the cultivation method has been selected, we will begin immediately."
"Understood!" Shi Hu nodded vigorously, his eyes filled with eager anticipation.