Chapter 7

Surviving is a matter of luck, and being able to earn a commendation is a pleasant surprise. After all, this is a harvest that no one thinks about when they are fighting for their lives.

The blood on his hands was still fresh, but it did not stop Zhang Yan from wolfing down the steamed bun. Here, even those with a severe case of OCD could be forced to suppress their urges.

"Freak, I've reported you as the first to achieve a commendation. By this afternoon, you should be credited with a commendation that is equivalent to a whole demon tendon!"

A demon tendon is not the standard or target for calculating military achievements in Nanyuan, but the frontline soldiers often use it to gauge the size of a commendation. Generally speaking, a commendation equivalent to a whole demon tendon is a significant achievement, something that is hard to come by even in a year.

"You've only been here for less than ten days, and you already have enough demon tendon commendations to offset your crimes. I reckon by the end of this year or the beginning of next year, your crimes will be completely expunged." Huagou sighed.

"Can it be that fast?" Zhang Yan was somewhat surprised. He did not understand the rules for expunging crimes in the border army. He had thought he would have to stay for several years, but now it seemed that he could be free of his crimes in just a year. Wasn't that too easy?

"Of course not. You are charged with arson and murder, which is punishable by death. Normally, such a crime would require five years of service in the border army, with no compensation if you die during that time. However, if you can offset it with commendations, four demon tendons or equivalent achievements would suffice. In your case, the murder charge was actually just burning a few houses and causing one death, which is not a significant obstacle to offsetting the crime.

Given your performance over the past few days, four demon tendons are not a problem for you. A year is more than enough time."

At first glance, it does seem easy to offset a capital crime, but in reality, the difficulty is something that most people cannot achieve.

To put it in perspective, according to Huagou, out of the seventeen other criminal soldiers who arrived at the fortress with Zhang Yan, only six remain after less than ten days. To survive another year and have even one or two left would be a miracle. However, those who do survive and clear their crimes are often the elite or backbone of the frontline border army, aside from the warriors. Most of them choose to stay in the border army, where life is simpler and they can better utilize their strengths compared to returning to the rear.

How many people, after getting used to exchanging demon tendons for money, would go back to being day laborers or street vendors?

Of course, the border army pays well for their service, which is one of the few things Nanyuan can boast about.

Sure enough, in the afternoon, the scribe found Zhang Yan to inform him of his commendation, just as Huagou had predicted, equivalent to a whole demon tendon.

However, unexpectedly, in addition to the commendation, Zhang Yan also received a transfer order from the scribe.

"Hereby, the criminal soldier Zhang Yan, for his brave and fearless combat, is ordered to temporarily leave his position on the city wall and be reassigned. Report to the camp's personnel officer immediately upon receiving this order."

Zhang Yan: "Ah, this?"

Huagou: "......"

What does it mean when surprises are everywhere? This is it. It applies to both Huagou and Zhang Yan.

Huagou had finally found a capable helper, and he was looking forward to steadily killing demons and earning demon tendons. How comfortable would that be? And now, after just a few days, he is being taken away?

The scribe, maintaining his usual cold expression, said, "Zhang Yan, you have received your orders. Quickly return to your tent to pack your things and report to the personnel officer. If you are late, you will likely receive a whipping." He then turned to the stunned Huagou and said, "Li Jiang, you have heard the orders. Sign Zhang Yan's transfer order now. The commander has said that your group will be prioritized for reinforcements and that you will temporarily merge with Zhao San's group. It will be tough, but you will get through it."

"Yes!"

Huagou, though a squad leader, was still one of the lowest-ranking soldiers in the army. Despite his usual bravado, his circle of influence was small, and he had no room for negotiation with higher-ups. Even though he was reluctant to lose Zhang Yan, a powerful helper, he still signed the transfer order without complaint.

As for Zhang Yan, he had no choice in the matter. Military orders must be followed without question, and no one cared about his personal feelings or whether he was willing.

Zhang Yan had planned to bide his time on the city wall, clear his crimes, and then leave Yubei Mountain to explore this new and intriguing world while cultivating. But now, he has been transferred, and his destination is unknown, which makes him feel uneasy. After all, he is still a criminal soldier, and in the worst case, he could be sent to his death.

"Freak, take care of yourself!"

"Brother, you too!"

"Go!"

"Okay."

They had only known each other for a few days, but they had formed a life-and-death bond. Now, they were parting ways, and it was uncertain if they would ever meet again. This sudden separation left Zhang Yan feeling uneasy, as if he had just gotten used to his surroundings and was immediately thrown into a new place.

After a hurried farewell to Huagou, Zhang Yan descended from the city wall and did not return to his tent. He had few possessions, all of which he carried with him, not even a change of clothes. He decided to head directly to the personnel officer's tent.

A camp consists of a thousand men and is one of the main military units in Nanyuan. The camp is led by a "commander," who is responsible for all affairs. Under the commander are various officers, including the logistics officer, scribe, personnel officer, and training officer. Zhang Yan was to meet the personnel officer, who is in charge of the camp's personnel arrangements and transfers.

Zhang Yan had never met the personnel officer and did not know his name or the location of his tent, so he had to ask for directions along the way.

Several times, he was stopped by patrolling soldiers, who verified his transfer order before letting him proceed and pointing him in the right direction.

"Zhang Yan, a criminal soldier, reports for duty!"

Before entering, one must loudly announce their name. Only after receiving a response can one enter. The hierarchy is strictly enforced, and any violation, minor or major, can result in punishment, from whipping to execution.

There were no guards at the door, as a mere personnel officer did not warrant such protection. It all depended on one's own sense of duty.

"Come in." A hoarse voice echoed from inside the tent, as if the speaker's throat was in pain.

The tent was not large, similar in size to the one Zhang Yan usually stayed in. However, it was less crowded, with a desk and many bamboo and wicker racks, filled with copper scrolls and paper records.

Following the etiquette he remembered, Zhang Yan knelt on one knee and loudly announced, "Zhang Yan, a criminal soldier, pays respects to the officer!"