Chapter 81: Awakening Their Warrior Spirit

The soldiers beneath the platform glanced at one another, uncertain and hesitant. Their eyes betrayed a longing to step forward and try their hand, yet none dared to speak first; they could not be sure whether the Ninth Prince’s words were truth or mere provocation.

Shen Hezhi, perceiving their hesitation, added, “Every word I speak is true. This position is open to anyone who possesses the ability to claim it. At present, I believe none among you can surpass Qi Mo.”

“So, if you think my judgment is mistaken, step forward and prove me wrong. Otherwise, let us begin training tonight, for tomorrow we march into battle.”

After he had spoken, many soldiers wavered, torn between doubt and ambition, until finally one gathered his courage and declared, “Enough! I’ll go! Whether you’re testing us for real or not, today I refuse to accept him.”

“Very well. The two of you, let’s have a contest,” Shen Hezhi replied, stepping back to clear the space for them.

Seeing that Shen Hezhi was not feigning, the soldier faced Qi Mo with earnest determination. The result was as expected—Qi Mo won, and his victory was overwhelming.

The defeated soldier could scarcely believe he had lost to a newcomer. Qi Mo had not been in the barracks long, and to him, Qi Mo was still just a recruit. Moreover, the camp had long been steeped in a lazy, indifferent atmosphere, so none truly knew what the new arrivals were capable of.

“I lost… I actually lost…”

“Brother Lin, don’t be discouraged! It’s just a loss to a young rookie. Let me have a go—I’ll win back your honor!” Another soldier leapt from the ranks.

Qi Mo faced the challenger with a slight smile, and, moving swiftly, once again claimed an easy victory.

Yet this time, the defeated soldier refused to accept it. He climbed to his feet, pointing at Qi Mo, and protested, “You! You clearly ambushed me just now. That wasn’t fair. I say we should try again.”

Qi Mo was about to explain, but Shen Hezhi spoke up first.

“Do you think anyone will talk about fairness on the battlefield? Today, you train and spar among comrades, so he shows mercy and spares your life. But in battle, as in your contest, you would have died many times over.”

The soldier’s face grew cold as Shen Hezhi spoke. He knew the Ninth Prince was right—on the battlefield, the blade knows no mercy, and neither side will hold back.

With that, the soldier slunk back to the ranks.

Next, many more soldiers came forward to challenge Qi Mo, but all were defeated. The spirit of the barracks had sunk to its lowest ebb; none wished to try again. They realized that even after this string of matches, Qi Mo seemed not the least bit exhausted, as if he could easily best them all once more. Their confidence was shattered.

Despite their habitual laziness, they had always believed themselves the strongest. Now, reality struck them with a harsh blow, reminding them that there is always someone greater.

Shen Hezhi sensed the atmosphere was ripe. He strode to the front of the formation, surveying the dejected troops, and spoke: “Is this how you surrender? Have you forgotten what this army once was?”

His words prompted a few soldiers to lift their heads, but their morale did not rise; the entire force remained sullen and lifeless.

Shen Hezhi was undeterred. He continued, “You are dispirited merely because you lost to Qi Mo. Does this mean you acknowledge him as your commander?”

This time, the soldiers neither whispered among themselves nor voiced opposition. Shen Hezhi was satisfied; this was the response he sought. Yet it was not his ultimate goal. Tomorrow, they would face Nanyang’s army, and if morale remained so low, defeat was certain.

He coughed twice and pressed on: “He is your commander. Losing to him is no shame. If he did not possess such skill, how could he lead you? Since today you have accepted him as your commander, tonight you will train with all your might. Tomorrow, we step onto the battlefield, and I will see who dares slack off!

Even if you are discouraged, do not forget: you are the strongest force in Beiyu. You have always been a victorious army—and so you remain!

Such a force must have an outstanding commander. Therefore, you need not feel ashamed to lose to someone new to the barracks.”

He paused, then continued, “Recall what your former commanders were like. Remember the one I just removed? Never forget how exceptional your first commander was.”

“Has the teaching of the commander I just removed made you all cowards?”

Shen Hezhi’s words rekindled the fighting spirit of the soldiers below. They straightened, lifted their chins, and gazed at him, and then, suddenly, shouted in unison:

“Fight! Fight! Fight!”

Shen Hezhi was pleased with their response—it was precisely what he desired, though still lacking a final spark.

“Since you are resolved, you must not shrink back. Behind you stand your families, and the people you must protect.

Let us strive together to defend our Beiyu!” Shen Hezhi raised his fist, looking out at the troops.

The soldiers mimicked him, raising their fists and shouting together: “Defend Beiyu! Fight! Fight!”

Though the slogan sounded somewhat foolish, it conveyed their determination clearly.

This victorious force had been awakened by Shen Hezhi.

“Tomorrow, we face the army of Nanyang. I urge you all to train hard, for tomorrow, I will see you triumph!”

“Yes!”

Their voices rang out in a thunderous chorus.

Immediately, Qi Mo began training the troops. On the way here, Shen Yi had already informed him of the situation, so he knew precisely what was expected of him.