Chapter Seven: The Command Platform and the Blood of Generals-Bone Grafting(Dominance)

If one were to probe deeply, hitting the bullseye from eighty paces, though impressive, was not yet extraordinary. Qin Cheng still remembered that, in later times, Lü Bu shot at the halberd from the gate—one hundred and fifty paces! And not just hitting a target, but severing a thin red thread from that distance—that was true marksmanship! After Qin Cheng hit the bullseye from eighty paces that day, he could not break that record. Any farther, though his iron arrows still carried formidable strength, his aim faltered. Seeing this, Le Yi finally felt a sense of balance; if Qin Cheng’s archery had instantly matched his own, Le Yi would have found it hard to accept.

“The management of cavalry and horses is extremely strict; we cannot use them privately. Unlike bows and arrows, which I can pull some strings for, otherwise I’d have you learn horseback archery now. Your archery foundation is already solid,” Le Yi said with regret after an hour of training with Qin Cheng.

“I’m already content!” Qin Cheng replied as they gathered the spent arrows. “If you weren’t talented and hadn’t won the commander’s favor—if he hadn’t allowed you this special privilege—even privately using these iron arrows would be enough to get us in trouble!”

Le Yi nodded, saying nothing more; it was indeed true.

“In my opinion, your commander is not bad at all. Under his command, your path is much smoother; not everyone gets such special treatment,” Qin Cheng said with a half-smile.

Le Yi nodded, then grinned, “Those arrows you see? Even those are special privileges granted by General Li!”

As they packed the useful arrows into the quiver, Qin Cheng remarked, “General Li really has a unique way of leading troops. No ordinary officer could manage like this.”

Mentioning Li Guang, Le Yi’s eyes sparkled, “General Li’s archery is unrivaled in the army—no one in the Han can match him!”

Qin Cheng noted the admiration in Le Yi’s gaze, patted his shoulder, and smiled, “Work hard, and you’ll have your day too!”

Le Yi smiled and nodded.

“Qin Cheng!” Just as Qin Cheng and Le Yi finished packing up and were about to return to the barracks, someone approached, calling his name.

Looking closely, they saw a handsome young man, about twenty-five, dressed in cavalry uniform, striding toward them. His eyebrows were refined, his demeanor dignified; his military attire was immaculate even after a day’s training, unlike the disheveled appearance of the other sentries. His every movement exuded both the strength of a soldier and an unexpected scholarly grace, making him instantly likable—if only his face weren’t clouded with anger.

“Commander Jiang? Is there something you need?” Qin Cheng and Le Yi saluted. Qin Cheng’s memory told him this man’s name was Jiang He, cousin to Dong Chu.

“Yes, I have private business with you. Come with me,” Jiang He said commandingly, his official status evident in his tone. He strode past Qin Cheng, heading away. After two steps, he turned to Le Yi, “You have nothing to do here; you may return to camp!”

“Yes, Commander!” Le Yi replied crisply. This was his own cavalry company commander, the one granting him special privileges; Le Yi dared not defy his superior, but his gaze lingered on Qin Cheng, filled with confusion and concern.

Qin Cheng smiled reassuringly, indicating Le Yi need not worry. He handed his strong bow and quiver to Le Yi and followed Jiang He.

After about a hundred paces, they stopped. Jiang He turned to Qin Cheng, eyes blazing with undisguised anger. “Since this is private business, I am not acting as cavalry commander now; you need not fear my rank. Tell me, did you strike Dong Chu?”

Qin Cheng met Jiang He’s gaze unflinchingly. He had anticipated Jiang He’s intent on the way over and had no intention of a cordial conversation. Yet hearing Jiang He declare himself acting in a private capacity, Qin Cheng couldn’t help but smile inwardly—Jiang He was not one to abuse his authority.

“I did,” Qin Cheng replied with a smile.

“In that case, no need for more words—let’s fight!” Jiang He, hearing Qin Cheng admit it, wasted no time; his fist shot toward Qin Cheng!

Caught off guard by the sudden attack, Qin Cheng had no time to react—the man struck without warning. He could only dodge backward, evading Jiang He’s blow.

But Jiang He’s fist was merely a feint. As Qin Cheng retreated, Jiang He closed the distance with a quick step, his front leg aimed straight at Qin Cheng’s abdomen!

Jiang He was extremely fast; by the time Qin Cheng sensed danger, he could only block the incoming leg with his left hand! After successfully parrying, Qin Cheng seized the brief opening, sweeping his right leg toward Jiang He’s chest!

Jiang He hadn’t expected Qin Cheng to be so nimble; he barely protected his chest with both hands. As Qin Cheng’s leg touched his arm, Jiang He attempted a dragon hold to trap him, but Qin Cheng’s kick was merely to set the stance—he withdrew immediately, foiling Jiang He’s plan!

No sooner had Qin Cheng’s right foot touched the ground than his left shot up like lightning, striking Jiang He’s right flank!

Jiang He, caught off guard, took a solid hit to his right ribs. He suppressed the pain, intending to close in and attack Qin Cheng’s center. But before he could act, Qin Cheng’s left foot was already withdrawn, and his right shot up almost simultaneously, striking Jiang He’s left ribs!

Shocked, Jiang He had no choice but to defend.

Seeing Jiang He shifting to defense, Qin Cheng’s eyes flashed with a fierce light; his whole body erupted with power, alternating attacks to Jiang He’s ribs at an astonishing speed and force!

Jiang He was pitifully overwhelmed. Qin Cheng completely reversed the situation—his alternating strikes to Jiang He’s ribs left Jiang He’s hands unable to defend. Worse, Qin Cheng’s accuracy was terrifying; every kick landed on the same spot! In a single breath, two crisp cracks echoed from Jiang He’s ribs—broken!

Finally, Qin Cheng sprang forward, his right leg sweeping past Jiang He’s face as a feint, then pivoted midair, his left foot crashing into Jiang He’s chest, sending him flying!

With a thud, Jiang He collapsed, unable to rise!

Poor Jiang He, with all his skills, had run into Qin Cheng—the black-fist king of the twenty-first century. No matter how unwilling, he could only swallow his defeat in silence!

As Qin Cheng approached, the badly injured Jiang He managed to kneel on one knee, his eyes red, staring at Qin Cheng with disbelief and fury!

“I advise you not to try fighting again; you weren’t my equal even uninjured—how could you challenge me now? We’re not at the point of a fight to the death,” Qin Cheng crouched before Jiang He, giving him a warning before he could act. “If you’re not convinced, recover and come find me; I’ll be ready anytime. What do you say, Commander Jiang?”

Jiang He was stunned. He hadn’t expected Qin Cheng, after defeating him so quickly, to act this way—no gloating, no insults, not even disdain. For a moment, Jiang He’s expression grew complex, as if hesitating.

“You win—I am not your equal!” After a pause, Jiang He finally spoke. In the army, strength is everything; if you have it, you earn respect. Jiang He coughed twice and continued, “It seems Dong Chu’s defeat was not undeserved. But today’s loss doesn’t mean I’ll always lose; I’ll reclaim victory one day!”

“I look forward to it,” Qin Cheng replied with a faint smile.

Jiang He gave Qin Cheng a complicated glance, forced himself to stand despite the pain, brushed past Qin Cheng without another look or word, and slowly headed for the barracks.

Battle brings victory and wounds; until victory is secured, Qin Cheng never let his mind wander to other matters. As for Jiang He’s injuries from his fierce assault, Qin Cheng felt not the slightest mercy or compassion.

Qin Cheng stood watching as Jiang He straightened his back approaching the barracks, a playful smile appearing on his lips. “An interesting man.”

…

Three days later, the grand examination was held as scheduled.

The grand examination, as recorded in the Han Official Rites, states: “At the time of autumn, the grand examination is held, military exercises are taught, and hunting follows to test their abilities.” The purpose was to evaluate the soldiers’ skills and determine their ranking. The content centered on horseback archery, with additional tests in riding, swordsmanship, and spear techniques.

On that day, the autumn sky was high, the sun brilliant, and a gentle breeze blew. The grand examination of Shanggu Commandery took place as scheduled at the military parade ground. Before the hour of si, over ten thousand soldiers had already assembled in the vast field; the cavalry, chariot, and infantry divisions formed three massive arrays that merged as one. Looking out, the cavalry formation resembled celestial lions, the chariot formation a fortress, the pike formation a forest of mountains! Each soldier’s gaze was sharp as a blade; they stood like gods of war, looking down on all, overflowing with dominance—the kind of presence that convinced any onlooker that, if unleashed on the battlefield, this force could destroy any enemy!

At a quarter past si, the governor of Shanggu, General Li Guang, accompanied by high-ranking officials, walked past the ranks of upright soldiers and ascended the platform. As Li Guang, clad in full armor, stepped onto the platform, the deputy drew his sword to the sky. Instantly, ten thousand soldiers roared in unison:

“The Han army is mighty!”

…

The chorus of ten thousand voices thundered like a storm, shaking heaven and earth, stirring the soul—it seemed even the ground vibrated in rhythm!

In that moment, everyone felt invigorated! Even the officials on the platform unconsciously straightened their backs and lifted their chests!

In the ranks, Qin Cheng saw the legendary Flying General for the first time, his heart stirred. On the platform stood Li Guang, eight feet tall, clad in a crimson war robe and black armor, his heroic figure even more imposing—so much so that one forgot his age, remembering only that he was the Han’s greatest warrior!

Li Guang rested his left hand on the hilt of the long sword at his waist (ring-hilted swords had not yet been widely adopted in frontier armies at this time), his eagle-like gaze swept over every soldier below, silent. Every soldier who met his eyes unconsciously straightened their chest even higher. After a moment, Li Guang raised his right arm, and the crowd instantly fell silent; the previously spirited scene became so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.

“Soldiers!” Li Guang’s voice rang out across the field, powerful enough to shake the air itself. “Tell me, who are the heroes?!”

“The Han army!”

…

Ten thousand voices answered as one.

Li Guang’s burning gaze swept again over the soldiers, his voice like a raging tide, “Soldiers, tell me—who is invincible?!”

“The Han army!”

…

Again, ten thousand voices replied, even louder.

“Soldiers, I ask you—what is the mission of the Han army?” His robe billowed in the wind; Li Guang’s figure was radiant beneath the sun, towering and magnificent! That shout seemed to pierce every soldier’s soul, igniting them all!

“To protect home and country!”

…

Ten thousand soldiers ignored the sweat on their faces, the blazing sun overhead, the tearing of their voices—they shouted with all their might. In that moment, they felt as if they were burning, filled with boundless energy, unable to contain themselves!

With a clang, Li Guang swept his right hand, drawing his sword and pointing it skyward. His voice was laden with sorrow and resolve, each word pronounced clearly: “Soldiers, the Xiongnu have invaded our land, killed our people, destroyed our homes. Tell me, you heroic and invincible Han army—what should you do?!”

Every word carried emotion, every word was blood-soaked!

“Kill!”

…

Ten thousand Han soldiers were completely fired up; their pent-up rage and boiling blood surged through every nerve. Right then, they wished they could rush to the battlefield and slaughter every Xiongnu!

“Soldiers, are you afraid of hardship?!”

“No!”

“Soldiers, are you afraid of death?!”

“No!”

“Soldiers, do you dare to fight?!”

“To wrap oneself in a horse’s hide, to die a thousand deaths without regret!”

Each word thundered, shattering the sky!

For a moment, the camp was like ten thousand horses galloping—no, a hundred million horses!

“Good!” General Li Guang roared, plunging his sword into the platform! “But I must tell you, to protect home and country, to kill enemies and achieve glory, mere passion is far from enough! Now, I ask you—do you have the skill?!”

“Roar!”

…

The soldiers could no longer contain themselves; they stamped their pikes on the ground, drew their swords, and roared to the sky!

“The grand examination is about to begin. Strong or weak, prove it with your own abilities!” Li Guang sheathed his sword, tossed his cloak, and strode away. The deputy would preside over the examination from here.

“General, you are mighty!”

…

The soldiers watched Li Guang return to his seat, pounding their chests and shouting wildly!

Qin Cheng no longer knew when he’d become one with the ten thousand soldiers, unconsciously mimicking their actions. In his body, a surge of hot blood was already coursing through him!