“This is rather strange. Since she had such a powerful protective jade on her, how was I able to subdue her at the time?

　　It doesn’t really make sense. That kind of protective jade she had is probably both offensive and defensive. Actually, what I want to say is, I was set up by someone else.

　　Believe it or not, sigh, that’s how it is.” Charles Carter said.

　　“Well, a protective jade can’t be all-powerful. Where there’s a spear, there’s a shield. For example, you first knocked her out with an incense. When you approached her, she was unconscious, so naturally she had no thoughts and wouldn’t get agitated. That way, the protective jade wouldn’t activate its attack.” Brian Smith said.

　　“So, unless someone is conscious and gets agitated, the protective jade will only then activate, right?” Charles Carter asked.

　　“I can’t say for sure, but it’s more or less like that. So, I want to warn you.

　　Mastering martial arts is the most important thing. Relying solely on a protective jade isn’t enough. Maybe someone’s hidden dart could still injure you.

　　Besides, the jade also has a limited number of uses. For example, if it can only withstand ten attacks, its internal energy will be depleted.

　　If a master hits you for the eleventh time, you’re finished.” Brian Smith was getting a bit impatient.

　　“I heard that the recruitment requirement for our dynasty’s army is at least second rank. Doesn’t that mean all the soldiers are experts?” Charles Carter asked.

　　“Of course. Second rank is nothing. It just means you’re a bit stronger than ordinary people. Also, officers have to pass a martial arts test to get promoted.

　　That’s the first criterion; only then do they look at your military achievements. But with your measly second rank skills, I don’t think you’ll make it.

　　Brother, cherish these three years. You’ve only got three good years left. When the time comes, I’ll pour wine at your grave.” Brian Smith patted Charles Carter on the shoulder.

　　“Thank you, Brother Smith, for still thinking of your little brother. When the time comes, I’ll be sure to visit you.” Charles Carter gave a dry laugh.

　　“Don’t say that! If you come visit me after you’re dead, you’ll scare me to death.” Brian Smith almost rolled his eyes, pointed ahead, and said, “We’re here.”

　　Soon, several cavalrymen rode up, kicking up dust.

　　“Who goes there? State your names!” A black-faced officer in full armor stared sternly at Charles Carter and his companion.

　　Judging by his attire, Charles Carter knew this guy was probably a ninth-rank company commander, equivalent to a modern army company commander.

　　“Brian Smith, fourth-class saber-carrying guard of the Great Yu Dynasty. Here is my token. I request an audience with General Grant.” As Brian Smith spoke, he tossed over a black token two fingers wide.

　　“Company Commander Jack Foster of the internal guards under General Grant, reporting to Guard Smith.” Upon hearing this, Jack Foster quickly dismounted, knelt on one knee, and took the token, but still checked it carefully.

　　Soon, several horses kicked up dust as they arrived at the military camp.

　　Charles Carter noticed that the troops led by General Grant were quite numerous. Hundreds of tents of all sizes were densely scattered throughout the mountains and forests.

　　If each tent housed dozens of people, there must be tens of thousands of soldiers. It seemed that third-rank General George Grant was equivalent to a high-ranking corps commander in modern society.

　　General George Grant had big ears and was very tall, probably at least 1.9 meters. His armor gleamed with a silvery light, said to be made entirely of silver plates.

　　Brian Smith took out the third princess’s directive and handed it to George Grant. After reading it, Brian Smith whispered a few words to him and then took his leave. That guy was probably off to visit a brothel, so he left without even eating.

　　“A criminal, take him away and give him fifty lashes with the punishment staff first.” With a wave of his hand, George Grant had two strong soldiers come up to drag Charles Carter away.

　　Charles Carter knew struggling was useless, but he wasn’t about to get beaten for nothing, so he quickly shouted, “Wait, I have something to say.”

　　“Speak!” General Grant snorted coldly.

　　“I’m here to fight the enemy. If you injure me, how can I kill the enemy? Rather than being injured by you, why not let me go to the battlefield and fight now?” Charles Carter shouted.

　　“Oh? Kid, you’ve got some backbone. Not afraid of death, huh? Fine, I’ll grant your wish. Jack Foster, send him straight to the front lines. He’s not allowed to leave the battlefield unless he’s injured.” George Grant was stunned for a moment, then shouted, tossing down a command token.

　　Jack Foster saluted, then grabbed Charles Carter like an eagle catching a chick and dragged him away. Since Charles Carter was just a lowly soldier, he didn’t even have the right to wear armor.

　　He was only given a spear about 1.5 meters long, seemingly made of iron, and as thick as a bowl. The moment he took it, it felt extremely heavy. With a clang, it fell to the ground, almost dragging him down with it.

Chapter 0006: First Battle, First Merit

　　When Jack Foster saw this, he burst out laughing and said, “With skills like that, you dare to clamor for the front lines? I think you’re just tired of living. You can’t even hold a spear.”

　　Charles Carter realized Jack Foster was messing with him. This kind of spear weighed at least several hundred jin, meant for generals. Regular soldiers used spears only two fingers thick and about 1.2 meters long.

　　Gritting his teeth, Charles Carter hoisted the spear onto his shoulder, but it still felt too heavy. He could barely walk straight, staggering as he went.

　　With such a weak body, he couldn’t possibly bear the weight of several hundred jin. Luckily, Charles Carter had broken through to the first level of Qi Refining; otherwise, he’d be left hugging the spear and crying on the ground.