Chapter Fifty-One: Mission Triggered!

But if you ask me, I always feel that Huo Bing has a bit of a masochistic tendency. I’ve never shown her much kindness—just blew smoke rings in her direction, glanced at her alluring figure, and squeezed her bottom. Any normal woman ought to dislike me for that, right? I never thought I carried any air of dominance or irresistible charm that could make a girl as picky as Huo Bing take an interest in me.

“All right, since you’re both here, let’s sit down for a meal together later,” I said, my gaze sweeping over the two. “And tell me why you came. Surely you aren’t here to report on the recruitment work.” Strange, really—one hung her head, looking quite dejected, while the other stared at me, unblinking.

Hmm, perhaps it’s best to sleep. Tilting my head, I flopped onto the bed. Ah, these two kids are hopeless.

“It’s like this, Master,” Shen Dong began, slowly collecting himself before speaking.

“Don’t call me Master anymore. I haven’t been anyone’s instructor for years. Call me Brother Cao or Old Cao, whichever you like.”

“All right, Brother Cao!” Did my eyes deceive me, or was that a hint of delight on his face?

Really now—what on earth is he happy about? This fellow truly is a rare flower of the fallen era.

“Enough, continue,” I said. “And tone down that lovesick look in your eyes—I’m getting goosebumps.” Shivering slightly, I wondered if he might be gay, but no, he obviously fancied Huo Bing.

“I wanted to ask Brother Cao to train this group of newcomers, or…well, show them what you can do,” Shen Dong said, scratching his head with an awkward laugh.

Huo Bing interjected, “You’re from special forces yourself, can’t you show them a thing or two?”

“I… I’m injured, remember? Not exactly mobile,” Shen Dong replied, stumbling over his words.

I flexed a bit—indeed, it had been days since I’d sparred with anyone. No more daily scavenging for supplies, and I felt a bit rusty.

It was nearly time to head out anyway. After all, I hadn’t forgotten the main mission—the fate of the Pillar of Heaven still hung over me.

“All right, after the meal, I’ll go. These folks must have some experience, right? Wouldn’t want someone with no skills joining the scavengers.”

“Yes, some of them have served in the military. Our country has a policy where adults who complete two years of service receive benefits. So, there are quite a few veterans,” Shen Dong answered.

I mused, “Veterans, eh? Some might be troublemakers. Seems your task won’t be easy.”

“No kidding. There are even former special ops among them—ones who slipped through previous recruitment. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be coming to you, Brother Cao… Ah! Wait, that’s not what I meant…” Shen Dong faltered mid-sentence.

Smiling, I fixed my eyes on him and spoke softly, “You’re not being entirely honest, are you? But it doesn’t matter. I’ll meet these people. There shouldn’t be any major issues; it’s only natural for people to resent being led by someone weaker. But one thing is clear—whoever holds their livelihood in their hands, they’ll know it well.”

“So your worries are unnecessary. Once they’re in the team, as long as their families are under control, there’ll be no problems. In this fallen era, no one would jeopardize a comfortable living.”

Huo Bing nodded repeatedly; ever since she’d spoken, her gaze hadn’t left me. Was there some sort of radiance about me?

“Mr. Cao… the meal is ready,” Han Shu Qing called from the kitchen. The air in the shelter was already stifling, and the kitchen’s heat made it worse. Emerging, she was glistening with sweat, her mature beauty made all the more striking.

Huo Bing huffed, finally turning her head away from me. Ha, not only is this girl a whiz with electronics, she’s a pro at jealousy, always able to find something to be jealous about.

…

After a satisfying meal and a rest, I went with Shen Dong and Huo Bing to the training area.

This zone was cordoned off—a trio of large rooms joined together, forming a training club. The gym equipment was comprehensive, everything one might need.

When not on missions, scavengers trained here—it was their main duty. Much better than serving in the old era’s army, where at least you could return home to your family each day.

“Captain Shen, here’s the directive from the president. He’s observed the teammates you and Miss have selected and finds them all suitable. The rest is up to you,” reported a casually dressed man as we entered.

“Miss, Mr. Cao, good afternoon.”

Huo Bing and I nodded. This was one of Huo Tian’s people; their manners were well cultivated. But this ‘Mr. Cao’—I’d only heard Han Shu Qing call me that. It felt odd to hear it from someone else.

Inside, there were seventy or eighty recruits, old and new. Any more and the shelter couldn’t accommodate them; space was limited, as were weapons. This was the maximum.

“I’ve reorganized them—ten to a squad, each with a leader chosen from among them. It’s still training phase; veteran members aren’t mixed in. These new squad leaders are quite capable, including those former special ops I mentioned,” Shen Dong explained.

“Let me introduce you—this is Cao Fusheng, Brother Cao. He brought in the weapons we’re using. Today, I’ve invited him to demonstrate his skills. I know some of you think you’re pretty tough and don’t respect the veterans…”

I waved for Shen Dong to stop his speech—not direct enough. The real purpose today was to make a statement; there was no need for empty words.

“I’ll introduce myself. Cao Fusheng, once a member of the National Direct Army. Before coming here, I was just a survivor in the fallen era, nothing special, but I’ve always enjoyed humbling those who refuse to submit. My goal today is simple: to knock you all down, or for you to knock me down.”

“Oh, and to keep things fair—so no one can claim I’m bullying you—I’ll block my eyes and ears, and accept your challenge with one hand.”

Silence. The entire room was still; not a word, even Shen Dong stared at me wide-eyed.

Shen Dong exclaimed, “Are you kidding? Blindfolded, deafened, and using one hand? No matter how skilled you are, you’re still human. Even the best master would be helpless without sight or sound, and only one hand.”

Huo Bing quickly grabbed my hand, worry clear in her eyes.

“The National Direct Army—I’ve heard of it. Only the top soldiers of the old era could join. But Mr. Cao, aren’t you being a little too confident? Let me go first,” said a newcomer at the center, stepping forward like a straight blade, full of momentum.

I smirked, “No, you misunderstand me. I mean all of you—come at me together. If anyone doubts me, or thinks I’m arrogant, step up.”