Chương 56: Core Members, Recommending Fortune

On the third day after returning to the base, the smoke and noise of the past few days finally subsided, and Sheng Hai Base returned to order.

Before Cang Lian could go to the mission hall to settle the results of this battle, Chu Zhaoxue sent someone to invite him to the commander's office.

The office was filled with the aroma of tea, and sunlight streamed through the blinds onto the mahogany desk.

Although Chu Zhaoxue was still in military uniform, her expression was no longer as fierce as it had been on the battlefield; her brows now held a hint of appreciation and gentleness.

"Sit down." Chu Zhaoxue personally pushed a cup of hot tea to Cang Lian and got straight to the point, "You're quite composed. With the results of two S-rank missions, anyone else would have been rushing to exchange them for resources long ago."

Cang Lian took the teacup and smiled modestly: "After just going through a big battle, I need to relax my tense nerves first."

"It's right to relax a bit, but your glory will not be diminished in the slightest." Chu Zhaoxue tapped her fingers lightly on the table, her tone solemn.

"I have already sent a telegram to the National Martial Hall headquarters, and the results from headquarters have just come in. You turned the tide this time and have confirmed the completion of two S-level missions. Now, your personal file has two 'Grade A Merits' recorded in fact."

Upon hearing the words "Class A Merit," a glint of light flashed in Cang Lian's eyes.

Chu Zhaoxue smiled slightly and continued, "In the National Martial Hall, merit is the ladder to heaven. With these merits, you can be promoted to steward, manager, or even a regional leader, elder, or even deputy hall master."

She paused, then changed the subject: "However, the warriors under the National Martial Hall are divided into two categories. One category is free warriors. We do not restrict their freedom; they come and go as the wind. But correspondingly, they are not qualified to be promoted to internal positions. They complete tasks and exchange resources, so they are more like bounty hunters, an external helper to the National Martial Hall."

"The other category is the core personnel within the National Martial Hall. Only core personnel can enjoy promotion benefits and wield real power."

"Given your achievements and potential, I have reported to headquarters and officially designated you as a 'core member' of the National Martial Arts Hall. This means that you have the authority to exchange for core strategic resources—such as the national martial arts techniques you have been longing for, and rare treasures like the Great Golden Elixir."

"National martial arts..." Cang Lian's eyes lit up; this was exactly what he desired most at the moment.

"I know you need it, but the rules cannot be broken. To exchange for a national martial arts manual, you usually need three Grade A merit points, or to reach a high position such as Vice Hall Master, Grand Elder, or Elder. You currently have two. If you want to exchange it, you have to save up your merit points and not squander them. Once you complete another S-rank mission, you can do so."

At this point, Chu Zhaoxue leaned forward slightly, looking at Cang Lian with a half-smile: "Although merit points cannot be used recklessly, the hidden benefits brought by 'merit' can be realized in advance. Now you are a celebrity in the core circle of our Martial Hall. With the merit points from two S-level missions, it is more than enough to exchange for the position of 'Helmsman'."

"Helmsman?" Cang Lian was slightly taken aback.

"Exactly," Chu Zhaoxue said.

"Once you become a captain, you'll be a powerful regional official, able to oversee a region of Shenghai and command many martial artists from the National Martial Hall. Moreover, as the person in charge, you'll receive a substantial amount of merit points every month, even if you don't take on any missions."

Her gaze was intense: "Cang Lian, are you interested in becoming the leader and getting a share of the profits in Sheng Hai?"

Cang Lian put down his teacup, and almost without hesitation, shook his head with a wry smile: "General, you jest. The position of leader is good, and the power is great, but it is based on absolute strength. With my current meager skills, if I were to sit in that position, I'm afraid I would be unworthy of it and would suffer the consequences. For now... I have no such thoughts."

Upon hearing this, Chu Zhaoxue's admiration deepened. She clapped her hands and laughed, "Good! I knew I hadn't misjudged you. It's truly rare to be able to remain unmoved by power at your age and maintain such clarity."

She suppressed her smile and said seriously, "I already guessed you would refuse. With your current level of just entering the Dark Force realm, you really can't hold your own. If you want to secure your position as leader, you'll need to reach the Transformation Force realm and begin to develop the aura of a grandmaster before you can command respect."

"Since you've given up the position of leader, then..." Chu Zhaoxue's tone shifted, a mysterious glint in her eyes, "there's another opportunity, or rather, an immense benefit. Do you want it?"

Cang Lian's expression shifted: "General, I would like to hear the details."

"As the head of the Sheng Hai base, I hold an extremely valuable 'recommendation spot' in my hands." Chu Zhaoxue held up one finger.

"I can recommend you to participate in the National Martial Arts Hall's triennial 'Hidden Dragon Grand Competition'."

"The Grand Competition of Hidden Dragons?"

"Indeed. The importance of this competition is beyond your imagination. Firstly, if you can win the championship in your respective level, you will receive a great treasure bestowed by headquarters! These are things that cannot be bought with silver dollars—such as secret medicines like the Great Golden Pill, Dragon Tiger Pill, and Marrow Cleansing Pill, which can solidify your foundation, reshape your bones, and help you pave a smooth path in your martial arts journey in the future."

Chu Zhaoxue looked at Cang Lian and then offered another benefit: "Of course, besides the secret medicine, the top three winners will also receive a divine weapon, as well as... profound martial arts techniques and cultivation methods!"

"Sub-divine weapons? Profound martial arts? Techniques?!" Cang Lian possessed the Heaven and Earth Pearl, so he wasn't particularly interested in secret medicines, but divine weapons and profound martial arts were things that could be directly converted into combat power, which was fatally attractive to him.

After witnessing the battle between Yuan Ye and Chu Zhaoxue, he knew just how powerful the divine weapon was.

"Intrigued?" Chu Zhaoxue laughed.

"However, don't underestimate the difficulty of this competition. It's a gathering of top talents recommended by the national martial arts halls of all the states across the country, bringing together almost all the young geniuses of the entire Eastern Kingdom. You've only just entered the Dark Force realm. To break through and win first place in the Dark Force category is as difficult as ascending to heaven."

She sighed, as if recalling the past: "Last year, I recommended Yan Tang. You know Yan Tang's strength; she's already one of the best among the younger generation in Shenghai. But what happened? She was defeated in less than three rounds and returned home empty-handed."

Upon hearing this, Cang Lian's expression became more serious.

He knew Yan Tang's strength; she was only one step away from reaching the Transformation Realm, yet she couldn't even last three rounds.

"However, you have your advantages." Chu Zhaoxue's gaze was sharp.

"You're not only a martial artist, but also a mentalist. This unexpected method might allow you to carve out a bloody path among those geniuses. This time, I intend to give you this spot. Do you dare to accept?"

Cang Lian took a deep breath, stood up, clasped his hands in a respectful bow to Chu Zhaoxue, and said in a deep voice, "Thank you for your kindness, General! If I were to miss such an opportunity, I fear I would regret it for the rest of my life. I have many ideas!"

"Good! That's ambitious!"

Chu Zhaoxue nodded in satisfaction, stood up, walked to the window, and said with her back to Cang Lian, "This martial arts competition is actually a ladder to heaven that countless people yearn for. Being able to compete under the watchful eyes of the high-ranking members of the National Martial Arts Hall is not just a competition, but also a stage for you to showcase yourself."

"If you perform exceptionally well, you are very likely to be noticed by a powerful figure and taken in as a close disciple, nurtured as a core talent. Even if you don't get such a great opportunity, even a little guidance can save you a lot of trouble."

She turned around, her gaze distant: "Back then, it was in this competition that I distinguished myself and was noticed by my master, He Baiweng, who took me under his wing. He is one of the ten elders of the National Martial Hall, a man of great prestige. If you perform well, this may be a turning point and a turning point in your life."

Cang Lian's heart stirred slightly, not expecting Chu Zhaoxue to have such an opportunity. He immediately said gratefully, "Thank you for your guidance, General! Cang Lian will do his best."

Chu Zhaoxue waved her hand, sat back down in her chair, and said in a relaxed tone, "It's nothing. You saved my life, so I'll give you a great opportunity. It's only right. Go back and prepare well. The 'Hidden Dragon Competition' is next spring. Don't tarnish the prestige of my Shenghai Base."

"Yes, General!" Cang Lian clasped his hands and bowed solemnly.

(Thanks to reader 2022…4011 for the generous donation!)