Chapter 13: Elite
In the heart of the Western Fiery Lava Pit, a circle-shaped black citadel loomed like a brooding giant, its walls rising high above the desolation. Troops stood sentinel at the citadel's front, adorned with black leather armor. Above, Gu Masters with investigative type Gu worms kept watch from the walls, scanning the horizon with sharp eyes.
"This is the stronghold of the Black Banner Troops!" Hei Jiao said, standing in front of the entrance door.
"In the history of our Hei Tribe, every time the Imperial Court Contest is near, the Troops will be dispatched to the place with the highest number of battles happening to gain experience. It so happens that this Fiery Lava pit is near the Tai Qiu region and always faces Beast tides."
"So, the Black Banner Troops have been sent here to base permanently to accumulate battle experiences and also as a deterrence for the outside forces."
Yan at the side nodded. One doesn't need to be a genius to understand where this conversation is going; "it seems my task is in this place, Sir Hei Jiao."
Hei Jiao smiled faintly and replied; "You are right about that. You will be trained here and become a member of this elite troop."
Creak—
The gates of the citadel slid open as a black-armored man with a big stature walked out.
"Congratulations for your breakthrough to Rank 3 Peak stage, Vice-Commander Hei Liang," Hei Jiao congratulated upon seeing who the man is immediately.
Hei Liang is one of the three Vice-Commanders in the Black Banner Troops. He is under Commander Hei Gong, one of the three Commanders. Someone with an equal status to Elders of the Tribe, even above them sometimes. He recently achieved a minor breakthrough in his cultivation, that is also one of the reasons Hei Jiao came along.
"Hahaha, it seems you are well-informed, Hei Jiao," Hei Gong laughed boisterously.
"Ah, this must be that Junior Commander spoke of!"
Yan bowed his head and greeted him, which earned a nod from the Vice-Commander.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Hei Jiao left the place. His role has been done for the day, and it's his time to return to work. As a person with an important role in this place, he couldn't slack off using a silly reason.
Yan and Hei Liang entered the citadel through the large entrance door, which is known as the 'Red Vault Citadel'.
"Do you know, this place is named by one of our Supreme Elders," Hei Liang spoke seeing Yan's curious eyes from reading the Tablet at the entrance.
Yan "cooperatively" expressed shock, as he was a little stunned, and muttered with a suspicious gaze: "Don't tell me Supreme Elder is?"
"Hahaha, that's right, it is a Gu Immortal of our tribe," Hei Liang, like others, loves more than anything to brag about his Tribe. What could be better when there is a Talented young Junior?
After Yan satisfied this weird old man's fetishes, he focused on the inside of the Citadel.
Within the citadel's walls, life pulsed with vibrant energy. Gu Masters moved with purpose amidst rows of tents, their voices mingling with the sounds of clanking armor and marching feet.
In the center of the encampment, three grand structures stood proudly. One look and Yan knew they are Rank 2 Lizard houses. The banners of Hei Tribe fluttered in the breeze.
Yan felt his heart pounding at the sight. His fuzzy memory didn't fail to make him forget about the Black Banner Troops. A troop which was only mentioned in the novel for 2 or 3 chapters, an insignificant bug compared to behemoths above and what this world is capable of.
But, he didn't think even a minor thing as this could be vivid and grand when he is in actuality. This further diminished any second thoughts he had.
A further reminder from Reality.
Yan recalled all the information he had about Black Banners, pushing other unwanted thoughts to the back of his mind.
The Black Banner elite troop belonged to Hei tribe completely. They would keep on accumulating their strength during peaceful times. The Gu Masters in this troop were carefully selected elites, and with the large amounts of training and enormous resources invested in them, they were able to form into a trump card for the contending Tribe Leader in the Imperial Court Contest.
A pack of Wolves bred for the Battlefield.
'Unfortunately, the leash on your necks is too tight for me.' Sighing in his mind, Yan reminisced his time in the Army.
The time he fought for others is long gone. For the present him, if it isn't something that concerns his interest, then that's none of his concern.
"You aren't talkative I see," Hei Liang interrupted his train of thoughts before it could go down to somewhere.
A smile crept on Yan's face as he replied with a gentle laugh; "Hahaha, I'm just excited for my new home, Vice-Commander."
'Yes, my new home!'
Hei Liang felt stunned as he looked at the smiling boy. He could feel the sudden change in the boy, as if the clouds that loomed over the Sun has been swept away.
"Hehehe, Welcome to your new home then Boy!" Hei Liang laughed softly and patted his shoulder.
After a few movements, they reached a Training Field specifically built for the Elites Rank in the Troops.
Elites are the basic and beginning Rank in Black Banner Troops. One should be at the bare minimum a Rank 1 initial stage Gu master with B-grade potential to join the Troops.
After that comes the Lieutenant, Captain, and Commander. Each corresponding to its respective Gu Master cultivation rankings and experience.
Yan looked at the spectacle unfolding before him and felt amazed.
An open space surrounded by large fences to form into a Circle. Hundreds of Gu masters could be seen sparing and training.
Bang—! Boom—!
Gu Worms of all kinds flashed in front of Yan's eyes. While most of them are strength path, he still saw Fire, Water, wind, and even snow path sometimes like crackers bursting in the sky, bringing a fatal attraction to the eyes.
At the center of this Training Field, An Arena could be seen surrounded by others as two Gu Masters battle it out.
"Greetings, Vice-Commander," the Young man near the entrance greeted Hei Liang with a bow.
Hei Liang nodded at him and entered the field while inspecting everyone.
Yan looked at everyone training and noticed how all of them are wearing the same uniform he wore, or it's the opposite?
"Do you feel surprised?" Hei Liang walked with hands behind his back and spoke seriously; "The reason why the first Rank is named Elite isn't just because of all your potentials. It is also to remind each one of them of their status and responsibilities."
"Even though you are talented, Extremely! you still need to prove yourself to be worthy of that uniform."
"You will spar with anyone from here and should win!"
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