Chapter 1

"Ha! Ha! Kill!..."

On the training ground, thousands of soldiers, clad in armor and wielding swords, spears, bows, and shields, formed rows and columns, fiercely slashing and shooting under the scorching sun.

A masculine and intense atmosphere, mixed with a strong smell of sweat, permeated the training ground, making people feel their blood boil and unable to control themselves.

Not far from the training ground, at the outermost part of a row of houses, a young boy with bright eyes watched the thousands of soldiers training with ease, his eyes filled with envy.

Suddenly, a large hand reached out from behind and grabbed his neck.

"Ouch, old man, be gentle, it hurts, it hurts..."

"Hmph, now you know pain? I told you to go forge iron, but you ran here to watch the training. Do you want me to train you, old man that I am?"

The young boy shivered and quickly said, "Old man, it's my fault, please don't!"

An elderly man with half-gray hair grabbed the boy's neck and lifted him up, turned a few corners, and entered a house.

"Ouyang Ming, I know you want to join them. But you're not ready yet!" The old man waved his hand and threw him into the house, saying, "Wait until you grow up before you think about it!"

Ouyang Ming rubbed his neck, wincing, and said, "Old man, I, have already grown up!"

"You?" The old man glanced at him with disdain and ignored him. He reached into a corner and picked up a broken sword. It was a military sword, but it had broken at the hilt and was now useless.

The old man examined the broken sword from all angles. After a while, he aligned the broken parts and placed them on a platform. Then, he clapped his hands, and a flame appeared, enveloping the broken part.

Ouyang Ming's eyes widened. He stood up straight, watching silently, not daring to make a sound.

Although the old man often scolded and kicked him, Ouyang Ming knew that in this military camp, only this unassuming old man truly cared for him.

After a full incense stick's time, the old man exhaled and withdrew his hand. Sweat was visible on his forehead, but when the flame dissipated, the broken military sword on the platform was now joined.

Ouyang Ming darted forward, picked up the sword, and examined it carefully. He clicked his tongue and said, "Old man, you're amazing! This is seamless. Haha, in this military camp, you're the best!" He raised his thumb and shook it vigorously.

A hint of pride flashed across the old man's face, and he suddenly said, "How about it, do you want to learn?"

Ouyang Ming sighed and said, "Of course I want to learn, but I don't have the opportunity..."

The technique the old man used was a military secret, a forging method bestowed by the imperial court, not something an ordinary person could aspire to.

Ouyang Ming was an orphan, raised by the village. By chance, he entered this military camp as a helper and caught the eye of this lonely old man, learning forging skills under him. However, while ordinary skills were easy to learn, military forging was something he could only dream of.

The old man chuckled, looking quite pleased, and said, "Right, take this sword to Zhang Yinfan. He has something for you."

Ouyang Ming frowned and said, "I'm not going! That miser, he must have something bad in mind!"

The old man glared and kicked him, saying, "Hurry up and go!"

Ouyang Ming nimbly dodged the kick and said, "Yes, yes, I'll go." He took the repaired sword and ran off.

Behind him, the old man shook his head and sighed, "This lazy nature, I wonder if he can change it in the future. Well, I hope he has the opportunity."

Ouyang Ming took two steps as if they were three and arrived at the rear of the military camp. Zhang Yinfan was a powerful figure in the military, in charge of logistics as a deputy officer.

Arriving at the rear camp, Ouyang Ming handed over the sword and was about to speak when the official in charge of accounts said with a smile, "You finally came. Lord Zhang has instructed you to come in quickly."

Ouyang Ming responded and entered the rear camp, but he felt uneasy.

He couldn't imagine why a big figure like Zhang Yinfan would seek him, an unknown nobody.

Entering a house, a middle-aged man looked up. He was a pale-faced scholar with a gentle demeanor, seemingly out of place in the military.

"Lord Zhang, you called for me?" Ouyang Ming bowed and asked respectfully.

Zhang Yinfan nodded and said, "You are Ouyang Ming, sit down." He even poured a cup of tea for Ouyang Ming himself.

Ouyang Ming was both surprised and delighted. To him, Zhang Yinfan was already a high and mighty figure. Today's kindness made him even more uneasy.

"Ouyang Ming, what is your relationship with the old blacksmith?" Zhang Yinfan asked abruptly.

Ouyang Ming was taken aback and quickly said, "I am a helper under the old blacksmith, doing odd jobs for him."

"Oh, just a helper?" Zhang Yinfan's eyes were sharp, as if he didn't quite believe it.

Ouyang Ming quickly swore, "I am indeed a helper. If you don't believe me, you can ask anyone. If I deceive you, I am willing to die by a thousand cuts."

Zhang Yinfan finally relaxed and smiled, "I see." He pondered for a moment and said, "Ouyang Ming, I have a proposal for you. Are you willing to consider it?"

Ouyang Ming stood up and said cautiously, "Lord, what do you need me to do?"

Zhang Yinfan smiled warmly and said, "Ouyang Ming, you've worked hard under the old blacksmith. How about coming to my logistics camp? If you agree, I will ensure you a formal position as a soldier."

Ouyang Ming's head snapped up, his face full of disbelief.

Seeing his expression, Zhang Yinfan nodded in satisfaction, "The old blacksmith has arranged a position for you, but in my opinion, it's not suitable for you." He clapped his hands, and a handsome young man, about the same age as Ouyang Ming, came out from the inner room.

"This is my nephew, Zhang Hanyu," Zhang Yinfan said coldly. "Soon, I will introduce you to some superiors. You will refuse the position in front of them and recommend Hanyu to take it. Understand?"

Ouyang Ming was not a naive boy. His ten years of hardship had taught him much.

This was not a blessing but a clear attempt by Zhang Yinfan to seize an opportunity!

Seeing Ouyang Ming's silence, Zhang Yinfan's face turned cold, and he said, "You work under the old blacksmith, who is under my jurisdiction. If you don't follow orders, you know the consequences, right?"

Ouyang Ming's face changed, and he could sense the heavy threat in Zhang Yinfan's words.

Zhang Yinfan's face was stern, "Think carefully. If you follow my orders, I will not only ensure you a formal position but also give you a hundred taels of silver as a reward. If you don't..." His voice grew softer and the room seemed to chill.

Ouyang Ming felt a chill run down his spine, and he knew Zhang Yinfan had a murderous intent.

He was terrified, fell to the ground, and immediately said, "I will follow your orders, Lord!"

Zhang Yinfan's face softened. He pulled Ouyang Ming up, dusted off his clothes, and said, "Good, I appreciate such a young man. Remember your promise and follow me."

Ouyang Ming nodded obediently and followed Zhang Yinfan and Zhang Hanyu.

On the way, he glanced at Zhang Hanyu, who was visibly excited, his eyes shining with unbridled joy.

Ouyang Ming felt a deep sense of unease. Old blacksmith, the position you arranged for me, is it a blessing or a curse...

Before long, they arrived at a house in the rear camp.

Inside, a well-dressed old man was sitting leisurely. Seeing Zhang Yinfan, he stood up and laughed, "Lord Zhang, you've brought the person."

Zhang Yinfan replied respectfully, "Lord, I have brought Ouyang Ming." He pointed at Ouyang Ming and said, "Lord, I have informed Ouyang Ming of the matter. However, he feels he is not worthy and does not dare to accept it. Therefore, he wants to transfer this opportunity to a friend."

"Transfer to a friend?" The well-dressed old man's lips curled slightly, his eyes fixed on Zhang Yinfan without a hint of a smile.

Zhang Yinfan felt a chill and quickly said, "Lord, you and my brother serve the same court. My brother often speaks highly of you, praising your impartiality and keen insight, and encourages me to learn from you."

The well-dressed old man was taken aback, hesitated for a moment, and finally sighed, "I am here on the court's orders to fulfill my duties. As long as everything is in accordance with the rules, I will follow them."

Zhang Yinfan's face lit up, "Yes, Lord, you are wise!" He turned and said, "Ouyang Ming, this is Lord Hu from the Imperial Inspection Office. Go and greet him!"

Ouyang Ming trembled and said, "Greetings, Lord Hu."

The well-dressed old man smiled and said, "I am Hu Yicheng from the Imperial Inspection Office. What is your name?"

Ouyang Ming thought to himself, "Isn't this a rhetorical question?" But he respectfully said, "I am Ouyang Ming from the Armory, Lord Hu, may you be well."

Hu Yicheng nodded and said, "Good. Do you refuse to accept the military position and transfer this opportunity to him?" He glanced at Zhang Hanyu behind Zhang Yinfan and asked slowly.

Zhang Hanyu's eyes immediately brightened, and his muscles tensed.

The handsome young man had always been calm, but at this moment, he showed clear signs of tension.

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