https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-7-Who-Dares-to-Take-on-Another-Reconnaissance-Mission-/12988442/
Chapter 6: Reconnaissance is Not That Dangerous
Chapter 6: Reconnaissance is Not That Dangerous
Yunyang Sect's Eastern Front Camp.
This place is about a hundred and fifty li away from the Yunyang Sect.
At a distance of over a hundred li, it would only take half a day to reach by horseback.
Yunyang Sect's disciples, when at the frontlines, would reside in the camp.
Twenty li ahead of the camp is the true frontline, the outermost perimeter.
There, many demonic creatures roam, making it extremely perilous.
The previous batch of disciples will be relieved, and it will be their turn to take over the frontline duties.
For the past two years, Yunyang Sect has essentially suppressed the outer demonic creatures.
All the schemes of the demonic creatures were previously detected by Su Chen.
Their ambushes turned into a trap, falling into the hidden ambushes.
After numerous defeats, the demonic creatures seemed less daring, only daring to act at the outermost perimeter.
In the camp, He Chaotang, the frontline commander, was giving a speech.
"Many of you have complained to me, saying that your merits were snatched away by others.
I also despise such acts of stealing merits.
Now, with the intervention of the sect's elders, these issues have been resolved for everyone.
Without such worries, everyone at the frontline should be more united.
The demonic creatures are formidable, so you must prioritize your own safety.
Too much talk can be tiresome, so I won't waste any more words.
I wish you all new merits, fame within the sect, and fame throughout the Great Zhou Dynasty."
These rousing words excited the disciples present.
In the Great Zhou Dynasty, slaying a thousand demonic creatures grants the title of Baron, and slaying ten thousand grants the title of Viscount.
The higher titles of Earl and Marquis are not based on the number of demonic creatures slain.
One must slay earth demons and pacify the chaos in the region.
In the Yunyang Sect, disciples who establish merits through slaying demonic creatures will be valued and cultivated by the sect.
They can advance from ordinary disciples to inner sect disciples, and from there, to direct disciples of the elders.
Of course, those who steal merits won't receive these benefits.
After a brief rest in the camp, everyone resumed their duties, and the group set out towards the frontline.
During the task assignment, some disputes arose among the group.
Who will scout ahead?
Reconnaissance is the most dangerous task of all.
The scout often has to venture into the wilderness.
No one can be certain if a demonic creature will leap out from the bramble bushes.
Amidst the group's hesitation, someone suddenly spoke up:
"Do you really think this scouting task is dangerous? If it's truly dangerous, would Su Chen repeatedly take on this task?
Those who are eager to steal merits are not afraid, so why should we be?"
As the person spoke, He Chaotang, the frontline commander, also explained.
"In the past two years, we have scared the demonic creatures.
Now, upon seeing Yunyang Sect disciples, they instinctively hide.
There's no need to be overly worried. The danger of reconnaissance tasks is a thing of the past."
Hearing these words, everyone seemed to be more at ease.
It makes sense; if even Su Chen dares to take on this task, why should they worry so much?
Soon, the wilderness reconnaissance tasks were also taken up by others.
Three newcomers, led by an experienced scout.
At noon, the group set out from the camp, heading to relieve their fellow disciples.
At the same time, after stabilizing the frontline for so long, they prepared to advance further.
Under their feet was fertile soil, ideal for growing crops and medicinal herbs.
Driving the demonic creatures out would reclaim more land for cultivation.
At the hour of Shen, the shift change was complete.
A team of four scouts began their journey into the wilderness.
The leader was named Xiang Yile, who had accompanied Su Chen on several reconnaissance missions.
Behind him followed the three newcomers, cautious as they ventured forth.
As they leapt over the fence at the frontlines, the three newcomers had already started to tense up.
Seeing their nervous expressions, Xiang Yilei's brows furrowed in response.
"Your cowardly appearances remind me of Su Chen. You're all the same, a bunch of cowards."
The scolded trio mustered some courage, not wanting to be looked down upon.
"Relax, I've carried out reconnaissance missions with Su Chen four times, and not once did we encounter any danger.
Those demons aren't as cunning as you imagine.
With a little attention, tracking their movements isn't difficult."
Xiang Yilei spoke casually as he walked forward, explaining to the group.
"Those demonic creatures are not very intelligent.
Look at the footprints on the ground, and check for any foul odors in the surroundings. You can gather some clues this way.
For example, over here, the ground is clean without footprints, and there's no foul smell in the vicinity.
This indicates that there are no demons around."
Seeing Xiang Yilei's relaxed demeanor, the three newcomers also eased up considerably.
"Let me teach you how Su Chen takes credit for himself. Watch carefully."
As he spoke, Xiang Yilei immediately put on a tense act.
"Shh, there's something ahead, don't make a sound. They seem to be gathering in the east."
"There's a dog demon about ten zhang to the right. Let's wait and not be hasty."
"Record what you just saw. The demons might be planning an ambush soon."
Xiang Yilei seemed to be imitating Su Chen, looking rather comical.
The three newcomers beside him couldn't help but laugh.
"Reconnaissance missions aren't that dangerous.
The reason you think they're dangerous is that many people don't want you to know about this excellent opportunity to earn merit.
Is it possible that Su Chen is spreading rumors about the danger of these missions, fearing we'd take them?"
One of the newcomers spoke up.
Hearing this, Xiang Yilei simply laughed.
"You think we're afraid of competition?
If many people want to undertake these reconnaissance missions, the sect will adjust the contribution value rewards accordingly. Su Chen thinks far more deeply than you do."
In Xiang Yilei's view, reconnaissance missions were far less dangerous than what others made them out to be.
To put it bluntly, it was Su Chen and those close to him who exaggerated the danger.
In reality, it's not that bad. With a little caution, there's no issue."
The four of them felt somewhat relaxed as they headed southeast, observing if they could discover any demon activities.
The atmosphere in the group was vastly different from when Su Chen led the team, who was always vigilant.
Suddenly, a sharp scream pierced the air.
A deep gray cat demon pounced directly at Xiang Yilei, the sharpest fangs biting into his face.
In the next moment, half his face was torn off, blood spraying out.
They had just been discussing how it wasn't that dangerous, but now, seeing this scene, the three newcomers' hearts raced with fear, devoid of any will to fight or rescue him.
This was the wilderness, a place teeming with demons.
Even if they had the ability to eliminate that cat demon, they were already terrified and in a daze.
Their legs immediately retreated, with no thought of saving him.
At that moment, three more cat demons leaped out from the bushes.
Fangs sank into Xiang Yilei's hand, not giving him a chance to draw his weapon.
He had always thought Su Chen was just acting, that his vigilance was a way to claim more merit.
Now, he seemed to understand.
But his life...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report