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Chapter 279 A Must-Read for Macho Men
Inside the ward, the view outside the window was already a deep, dark black.

Night falls early and completely in the Arctic; there is no moon, only the ceaseless howling of wind and snow in the darkness.

The only light source in the ward was a soft wall lamp.

Fang Qingyu remained seated on the chair by the bed, closing his eyes and regulating his breathing.

Suddenly, a very slight noise came from the hospital bed, the rustling sound of fabric rubbing together.

Fang Qingyu opened his eyes instantly.

His gaze was precisely fixed on the hospital bed.

Jiang Wei woke up.

She slowly opened her eyes, her ruby-like pupils appearing somewhat hazy under the light, carrying the confusion of just waking up.

She seemed to be still adjusting to her body's "new state".

She blinked somewhat slowly at first, then her gaze fell on her hands outside the blanket.

Those were a young girl's hands, fair, slender, with distinct knuckles, radiating the glow of youth.

No longer the small, chubby hands I remember.

Jiang Wei's eyes were filled with astonishment.

His pupils dilated slightly, as if he couldn't comprehend the scene before him.

He subconsciously moved his fingers and slightly bent and stretched his arm, his movements carrying a sense of awkwardness and unfamiliarity, as if he were confirming whether this body truly belonged to him.

Fang Qingyu immediately got up, walked to the bedside, leaned down, and asked in a very soft voice, "Awake? How are you feeling now?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wei looked up at Fang Qingyu with a somewhat bewildered expression.

That exquisitely beautiful face, which carried a hint of divine detachment, was now filled with only confusion.

Jiang Wei did not answer immediately.

His eyes were still somewhat unfocused.

His thoughts seemed still immersed in the shock of the dramatic changes in his body.

Seeing this, Fang Qingyu reached out and slowly raised the back of the hospital bed so that she could sit up more comfortably.

"You were unconscious for several days."

Fang Qingyu pulled up a chair and sat down, looking at her calmly. "Do you remember what happened in the end?"

Jiang Wei tried hard to recall, her brows furrowing slightly, her voice hoarse from just waking up and tinged with uncertainty: "In the passage... I saw you... and then I was so tired that I... fell asleep?"

Her memory seems to be stuck at the moment she collapsed from exhaustion.

"Ah."

Fang Qingyu nodded and began to recount, "You were severely overworked and fainted. Later, an exit appeared, and Wei Banmeng carried you out. When you came out, you were already far beyond the Great Wall defense line, and you were being pursued by the Ghost Army. Fortunately, Commander Qin Wu arrived with reinforcements in time."

It concisely recounts the story of escaping from the stomach of a glutton, encountering danger on the icy plains, and being rescued.

And finally, the process of killing Jiang Taixuan in front of Han Jie Ming Tuo.

When the story of Jiang Taixuan's execution and the dust settling on Liuli Guangcheng was mentioned, Jiang Wei's eyes visibly lit up.

"...Patriarch Jiang Ying has returned to Liuli Guang City and is handling the aftermath. Jiang Chengyue and the others are also safe and sound."

Fang Qingyu added in conclusion.

Jiang Wei seemed to be processing this information, and her eyes gradually became clearer.

Then, as if remembering something, she asked hesitantly, "Then how did I become like this?"

She looked down at her body again.

She raised her hand and gently touched her cheek; the touch felt both real and unfamiliar.

Fang Qingyu paused for a moment, then decided not to reveal the matter of the two sides of good and evil.

He only spoke of what happened afterward: "While you were unconscious, the drought demon appeared."

"Hanba?!"

Jiang Wei looked even more confused.

They were fighting Jiang Taixuan, so why is the drought demon involved?

"Correct."

Fang Qingyu pointed to her forehead, "After you were rescued, the drought demon suddenly appeared and then... touched this spot on your forehead with one finger."

Fang Qingyu lightly touched Jiang Wei's smooth brow with his finger.

"You tapped it?"

Jiang Wei subconsciously raised her hand to cover her forehead.

His eyes flickered intensely.
Fang Qingyu didn't say anything more. Since Jiang Wei had just woken up, he wanted her to rest a little longer.

"The specific cause is still under investigation."

Fang Qingyu's tone was calm and reassuring, "The doctor has examined you and found that you are in excellent health with no hidden dangers. Your strength seems to have fully recovered, and may even be stronger. You are just not used to this new body yet."

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the door of the ward, which was then pushed open.

Wei Banmeng and Chu Kuanglan appeared at the door.

They had clearly been keeping an eye on what was happening here.

"Xiao Jiang!"

Wei Banmeng was the first to walk in quickly, her usually cool face now showing genuine joy and concern. "You're finally awake!"

Chu Kuanglan's loud voice followed closely behind: "Damn! Little Jiang, no, I should call you Sister Jiang now? How does that feel?"

As Jiang Wei looked at them, the confusion in her eyes faded slightly in front of the familiar faces, but the girlish beauty and the faint divine aura on her face, as well as her suddenly taller figure, drew a subtle line between the familiar people.

Although Wei Banmeng and the other two were concerned.

But for a moment, I didn't know how to approach and talk to him as naturally as before.

After all, that little girl has now grown into a graceful young woman with a unique charm.

"I'm fine now."

Seeing their somewhat reserved demeanor, Jiang Wei seemed to sense the subtle awkwardness between them. She gently pursed her lips, forcing a slight, albeit awkward, smile, and said, "Thank you."

"As long as it's okay! Just as long as it's okay!"

Chu Kuanglan scratched his head and chuckled, trying to break the awkward silence. "It's just that this change was so sudden, I'm still a little dazed."

Wei Banmeng also walked to the bedside, carefully examined Jiang Wei's complexion, and only breathed a sigh of relief after confirming that her complexion was rosy and her eyes were clear: "It's good that you feel really okay. As for the rest, you can adapt slowly."

After asking a few more questions and confirming that Jiang Wei was indeed feeling well and in good spirits, the group considerately took their leave.

After all, it was already three or four in the morning.

"You guys should also go to bed early."

Before leaving, Wei Banmeng said to Fang Qingyu.

“Okay, you guys go and rest first,” Fang Qingyu replied.

Once again, only the two of them remained in the ward.

The sound of wind and snow outside the window seemed to be the only background noise.

Jiang Wei's gaze lingered on Fang Qingyu's face for a moment.

Suddenly, the confusion and the barely perceptible vulnerability in her eyes completely vanished.

Instead, there was a clear, slightly mischievous smile, like the first melting of snow.

She looked at Fang Qingyu and said softly, "What, don't you even recognize me? Or do you think I look awkward right now?"

Her voice carried the clear, melodious quality of a young girl.

No longer the naivety of a child.

His tone carried a hint of teasing, as if he had completely seen through Fang Qingyu and Wei Banmeng's subtle discomfort just now.

Fang Qingyu was taken aback upon hearing this, then shook his head and chuckled.

The last trace of tension caused by Jiang Wei's changes relaxed: "It's alright, just a little strange. After all, she was just a little bean yesterday, and today..." He gestured to show Jiang Wei's current height, his tone filled with sincere emotion, "The change is indeed too great."

Jiang Wei's smile deepened, seemingly quite satisfied with Fang Qingyu's honesty.

She looked down at her hands again, gently clenched her fist, and felt the power within them—a power that seemed even stronger and more fluid than before she lost consciousness. Her gaze was complex, finally settling into a soft sigh: "Yes, it was a bit sudden."

"do not think too much."

Fang Qingyu stood up and tucked her in. "Rest well first and get your body back to normal. We can talk about the rest when it gets light. Call me anytime if you need anything."

"Ah."

Jiang Wei nodded, obediently lay back down, and closed her eyes.

Fang Qingyu took one last look at her, turned off the wall lamp, leaving only a dim night light by the door, then gently closed the door and left the ward.

The next day, at nine in the morning.

Although he only slept for four or five hours, Fang Qingyu's strong physical condition kept him full of energy.

I left the room that had been assigned to me for the time being.

Walking through the wide passageways of the inner ridge of the Great Wall.

The air was filled with a faint smell of disinfectant, engine oil, and a cold, metallic odor belonging to large war machines.

Huge information screens hang on the walls on both sides of the passage, displaying rolling battle briefings from the Arctic front, information on resource allocation, and the latest city defense regulations.

The number of people was significantly higher than at night.

People in different uniforms walked briskly, their faces showing the tension and determination unique to the front lines.

along the way.

Fang Qingyu heard many discussions about the Glazed City.

"Have you heard? Things have gone mad in Liuli City! That old devil Jiang Taixuan has been killed! His head has been thrown at the city lord's gate!"

"Really? My God! That's a Martial Saint! Who did this?"

"Who else could it be? It's said to be a ruthless guy from the Hidden Dragon Clan, named Fang Qingyu. He led his team and chased that old bastard for quite a distance before finally killing him!"

"What a ruthless person!"

"That's right! And there's Jiang Chengyue, a former grandmaster of the garrison. He led dozens of men and blocked the entrance to the city lord's mansion, holding off the elite troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and buying that ruthless man some time. He's quite a formidable figure!"

"After Patriarch Jiang Ying returned, she acted with swift and decisive action! She beheaded that lackey Jiang Hongyuan on the spot! She also released irrefutable evidence that Jiang Taixuan drank human blood and ate human flesh. Tsk tsk, just thinking about it is disgusting!"

"The most exciting thing is still the policies of the Jiang family head."

"Base salary doubled! No commission on missions, 30% tax reduction for mercenary groups, and a 50% increase in pensions! My God, these benefits... I want to immediately submit a report requesting a transfer to Glazed City!"

"Who can argue with that! Ten years! That's incredibly attractive! I heard Deep Blue Heavy Industry is in an uproar, with many partners inquiring about the process of relocating to Liuli Light City."

The discussions were filled with shock, delight, and boundless anticipation for the new policies of the Glazed City.

Fang Qingyu's name, Jiang Chengyue's heroic deeds, Jiang Ying's ruthless methods and generous policies.

It swept across the entire Arctic front like a whirlwind.

Fang Qingyu walked calmly through the murmurs of conversation.

He returned to Jiang Wei's hospital room and gently knocked on the door.

"Wait a moment!"

Wei Banmeng's voice came from inside.

Two or three minutes later, the ward door was opened.

Wei Banmeng stood at the door with a slight smile on her face, stepping aside to let him in: "Come in."

Fang Qingyu walked in with some doubt.

Several shopping bags were piled on the chair next to the hospital bed, with a corner of brand-new clothes peeking out from inside.

Jiang Wei was not in bed.

"What are you doing?" Fang Qingyu asked.

Wei Banmeng explained with a smile, "I'm picking out clothes for Xiao Jiang. She's grown up so much all of a sudden, she can't keep wearing those old children's clothes, can she? I got up really early this morning to buy her a few sets of well-fitting combat uniforms and civilian clothes, and she's trying them on in the bathroom right now."

Fang Qingyu then realized what was happening.

When it comes to these kinds of details in life, women really do tend to be more thoughtful.

Just then, the door to the bathroom next door clicked open.

Jiang Wei came out.

She changed into a brand-new Arctic frontline combat uniform.

The main body is a deep and restrained dark blue, with supple dark red special fibers embedded in the shoulder line, cuffs and trouser seams, outlining clean lines. This not only ensures concealment and protection in the icy environment, but also adds a touch of feminine boldness and strength.

The combat uniform was tailored to fit her perfectly, conforming to her tall and slender figure.

It uniquely blends the youthful vitality of a girl with a heroic spirit.

She was clearly still not used to these "adult" clothes.

She stretched her shoulders slightly, then looked up at Wei Banmeng with a clear smile that was both grateful and a little shy: "It fits perfectly and is very comfortable to wear."

Wei Banmeng's eyes lit up, and she immediately smiled and stepped forward to straighten her collar and cuffs, saying affectionately, "Don't be so polite with me! This color and style really suit you! Try on that white training outfit later."

Two girls of similar age got together.

They discussed the details and combinations of the clothes in hushed tones.

Seeing this, Fang Qingyu couldn't help but smile.

She shrugged, wisely choosing not to disturb their sisterly time, and turned to leave the ward, heading towards the room next door where Chu Kuanglan and Lu Jiuyuan were staying.

Pushing open the door to the next ward, I saw Lu Jiuyuan leaning against the headboard. Although his complexion was still a little pale, his eyes were bright, and he had obviously recovered well.

Chu Kuanglan sat on a chair next to him, engrossed in reading a magazine with a flashy cover.

The book's title is a blatant "Must-Read for Icefield Warriors: What to Do When Your Teammates Fall in Love with You."

Seeing Fang Qingyu enter, Lu Jiuyuan smiled gently: "Captain."

"How does it feel?"

Fang Qingyu pulled up a chair and sat down.

"Much better. After resting for another two days, I should be able to get out of bed and move around."

Lu Jiuyuan answered.

"That's good." Fang Qingyu nodded, his gaze sweeping over the magazine in Chu Kuanglan's hand, then looking at Lu Jiuyuan. A mischievous smile suddenly appeared on his face as he teased, "I heard from Old Chu that inside the Gluttonous Stomach, you put on a heartfelt performance, risking your life to pursue Old Chu? Old Chu was so moved that he almost offered himself to you on the spot?"

Lu Jiuyuan's smile froze instantly. As if struck by lightning, his face darkened visibly.

He suddenly turned his head, his gaze fixed on Chu Kuanglan's face.

Chu Kuanglan was engrossed in reading when he was startled by the murderous gaze, and the magazine in his hand fell to the ground with a "thud".

Looking up, she met Lu Jiuyuan's icy gaze, and a fine layer of cold sweat instantly appeared on her forehead.

"Cough cough!"

Chu Kuanglan suddenly stood up, clapped his hands together forcefully, making a crisp sound, and forced a tense expression on his face: "Oh right, I suddenly remembered, my grandma seems to be about to give birth to my dad, this is a big deal! I have to go back and check on him right away!"

Before he could finish speaking, he darted past Fang Qingyu like a startled rabbit, with an agility completely at odds with his imposing physique. He opened the door, disappeared down the corridor without looking back, leaving behind a trail of hurried footsteps.

Lu Jiuyuan: "."

He stared at the empty doorway, the veins on his forehead throbbing, his knuckles turning white from gripping the corner of the blanket so tightly.

The air in the ward seemed to freeze, filled with a low pressure that threatened to bring a storm.

Fang Qingyu looked at Lu Jiuyuan's "determined to kill" expression, trying hard to suppress his laughter, his shoulders twitching slightly.

After a long while, Lu Jiuyuan took a deep breath.

He forcibly suppressed the urge to drag that savage bull back and beat it up.

His face was still as black as the bottom of a pot, but his tone had returned to calm, though with a hint of helplessness: "Captain, don't listen to his nonsense."

"Ok, I know."

Fang Qingyu smiled and nodded.

Lu Jiuyuan then asked seriously, "A lot has happened this time. Are you sure everything is alright?"

He was referring to Fang Qingyu's exposure of his dual-system capabilities, and the potential concerns arising from Jiang Wei's changes.

Fang Qingyu understood his concerns and shook his head.

Her tone was confident: "Don't worry, I'm fine here. Xiao Jiang should be fine too."

Hearing Fang Qingyu confirm it himself.

Lu Jiuyuan's tense nerves finally relaxed, and a relieved smile appeared on his face. He let out a soft sigh: "That's good."

Seeing this, Fang Qingyu reached out and gently patted his shoulder: "So, your only task now is to take good care of your injuries, don't think about anything else, just wait patiently for your transfer to the next level."

"Transfer of merit?"

Lu Jiuyuan was taken aback, somewhat puzzled.

Fang Qingyu explained, "The military ranks we are awarded by the Bureau of Divine Management are essentially honorary titles. They do not grant us any real frontline command authority. They are mainly symbols of status and credentials for receiving benefits."

"But now that we've come to the Arctic front, to truly integrate into the combat order here and participate in frontline missions, we need to convert these nominal ranks into actual ranks under the Great Wall Garrison system."

"Successfully killing Jiang Taixuan and resolving the crisis in Liuli Guang City is a substantial stepping stone. I inquired yesterday, and once everyone's injuries have healed, the formalities can be completed. The corresponding mission rewards and merit points will also be settled at the same time."

Lu Jiuyuan then understood, and a look of realization and anticipation appeared on his face.

Obtaining a full military rank on the Arctic front means they have truly stepped into the core stage of this brutal battlefield.

He smiled sincerely and said, "I understand. This time, it's all thanks to Fang Shen for carrying me."

His tone was sincere and filled with respect.

Hearing the familiar teasing, Fang Qingyu shook his head with a helpless smile: "Alright, stop learning those glib words from Lao Chu. You should rest well and try to get discharged and rejoin the team as soon as possible."

After saying that, he got up and left the ward.

Time slipped by quietly, and several days passed.

A lot has changed in the past few days.

The members of Shi Kong and Liu Hanyan's teams have basically recovered from their injuries and are back to their energetic selves.

Their relationship with Fang Qingyu's team remained delicate.

But having gone through life and death together, the camaraderie among comrades is real.

Lu Jiuyuan was also successfully discharged from the hospital.

Although strenuous exercise should still be avoided, daily activities are no longer a problem.

Chu Kuanglan was held accountable by Lu Jiuyuan for his grandmother's lame excuse about giving birth to his father. These past few days, he has been unusually obedient and even a bit sycophantic in front of Lu Jiuyuan.

Wei Banmeng and the other two have completely accepted Jiang Wei after she grew up.

The initial unfamiliarity and awkwardness quickly melted away as they spent more time together.

Although Jiang Wei's appearance and temperament are similar to Hanba, she still retains that purity and introverted personality, and does not have any arrogant attitude.

She is trying to adapt to her new body and identity.

Wei Banmeng's meticulous care and companionship played a crucial role. The two, being close in age, quickly became close friends and were often seen talking quietly together.

Fang Qingyu was pleased to see it happen.

After all, humans are social animals.

With everyone fully recovered and the incident at Ruriko Castle finally settled, the situation has come to a head.

Their preliminary tasks for supporting the Arctic expedition have been successfully completed.

They officially said goodbye to the temporary ward.

They moved into the exclusive accommodations assigned to the special squad by the Great Wall Garrison.

This is a small, independent courtyard located in a relatively quiet area of ​​Jicheng.

What's remarkable is that there are some green plants growing in the yard.

It adds a rare touch of greenery and vitality.

The courtyard wasn't large, but it had everything you needed.

The small two-story building has a spacious living room, dining room, and a fully equipped kitchen on the first floor.

The second floor contains several separate bedrooms and bathrooms.

Chu Kuanglan, carrying his enormous backpack, was the first to enter the courtyard. He looked around and a satisfied expression appeared on his face. He praised in a deep voice, "Hey! Not bad! Much better than I imagined! Before I came, Lao Lu scared me, saying that if I came to the front line, I would have to live in an ice cave and eat compressed biscuits. I didn't expect the conditions to be so good, there's even a small garden!"

Fang Qingyu, carrying his luggage, followed behind. Hearing this, he glanced at him and shattered his illusions without mercy: "You're overthinking it. This is just our base station in 'Spine City'. Once we reach the front-line outposts and go deep into the ice fields to carry out missions, we'll be living in the open, exposed to the elements, in freezing weather."

"This place is just a decent place for us to recover and recharge during our rest days and breaks between tasks. Cherish it."

Chu Kuanglan's smile vanished instantly: "Ah? Is that so?"

But he quickly cheered up, "That's better than nothing! Come on, let's get ready! I want a room with a window overlooking the 'garden'!"

He then rushed excitedly into the small building.

Jiang Wei and Wei Banmeng exchanged a smile and then carried their belongings inside.

Lu Jiuyuan followed steadily at the back.

Everyone quickly chose their rooms and settled their few personal belongings.

When the last box was put away and the five people stood in the simple living room, a completely new feeling arose.

After the storm and recovery from injuries in the Castle of Glazed Light.

They finally truly put down roots on the Arctic front.

The prelude to the support mission has come to an end, but the special team's frontline combat career at the Wall in the North is now officially beginning.

In the afternoon, at the headquarters of the Great Wall Garrison.

Reporting point for the Abyss Operations Division.

Guided by a stern-faced lieutenant, Fang Qingyu led his squad to meet up with Shi Kong's squad and Liu Hanyan's squad, who were already waiting there.

All members of the three special teams were present.

Passing through the heavily guarded command post passageway.

Finally, they arrived at a heavy alloy gate located deep within, marked with an emblem of a ferocious wolf's head and crossed blades.

[Abyss Hunt]

Just standing in front of the door, an invisible pressure comes over you.

After all, in previous years, the special teams all came here to take up their posts.

In other words, people in this department.

They were all geniuses just like them, and they had started cultivating earlier than them.

The heavy alloy doors slid open silently to both sides.

The interior space is exposed.

What comes into view is an extremely spacious hall with an astonishingly high ceiling.

The overall color scheme is a cold gray and black.

There are many control panels inside.

At each control panel, one or two personnel dressed in the black combat uniforms of the Abyss Hunter were sitting or standing.

With a focused expression, his fingers flew across the keyboard.

There doesn't seem to be a single idle person.

"Welcome to Abyss Hunt."

The lieutenant's voice was clearer in the hall, "You've probably heard it too, this is the sharpest dagger of the Great Wall defense line."

His gaze swept over the three teams: "The three final spots in the Hidden Dragon Project each year are the fresh blood that Abyss Hunt replenishes. Your performance this year is special, but the procedure remains the same."

Shi Kong, Liu Hanyan, and the others nodded silently.

They had learned this to some extent through various channels after arriving at the Arctic front.

Abyss Hunt is a department composed of these top-tier special teams.

"Follow me, let's start by entering basic information and binding permissions."

The officer gestured for them to walk toward several empty workbenches on one side of the hall.

The Shi Kong team and the Liu Hanyan team stepped forward as instructed.

When it was Fang Qingyu's team's turn, the situation changed.

Just as Fang Qingyu was about to lead his team toward the control panel.

An officer dressed in the black uniform exclusive to the Abyss Hunters, with special insignia on his shoulder straps, strode over and whispered a few words to the junior officer leading the way.

A barely perceptible look of surprise flashed in the eyes of the officer leading the way.

Fang Qingyu immediately stood at attention and saluted:

"Captain Fang Qingyu, please come with me. Captain Shi Kong, Captain Liu, your teams can continue with the registration."

Both Shi Kong and Liu Hanyan turned their gazes toward them.

Chu Kuanglan couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "What's going on?"

"The minister has instructed," the officer in black uniform said expressionlessly, his voice calm and even. "Captain Fang Qingyu and his team members will be personally handed over to the minister."

The minister personally handled the matter?

minister?

Minister of Yuan Shou.

That was a legendary figure, wielding the hilt of this sharpest dagger.

Fang Qingyu understood.

The killing of Jiang Taixuan, Jiang Wei's transformation, and the exposure of her dual-system abilities.
These factors combined do not seem to fit the situation of a new recruit in a special team.

So he calmly nodded to the officer leading the way: "Understood, thank you for leading the way."

Fang Qingyu signaled to his team members to follow.

The group quickly left the registration area and followed Fang Qingyu.

Under the complex gazes of the crowd, they were led away from the noisy hall and into a deeper area.

After passing through a short, quiet passage, I arrived at a stand-alone elevator.

"please."

The officer turned to the side.

The five people stepped into the elevator.

After the doors closed, the elevator did not go up, but instead descended smoothly downwards.

There was no floor display inside the elevator; only a ghostly blue indicator light was flashing.

The descent was brief, lasting only about ten seconds, after which a slight feeling of weightlessness came over me, and the elevator came to a stop.

The door slid open again.

The officer in black uniform led them to a metal door at the end of the passage.

He pressed an inconspicuous communicator on the side of the door: "Minister, Fang Qingyu's team has arrived."

A completely flat female voice, devoid of any emotion, came from inside the door, saying only one word: "Come in."

The heavy metal door opened silently inward.

The room is spacious, but the furnishings are unusually simple.

A large, black desk of unknown material, and several chairs of the same style.

There are several uniquely shaped, cold-resistant green plants in the corner.

It added a touch of life to the cold space.

At this moment, what attracted everyone's attention was the figure standing in front of the huge viewing window.

She had her back to the door, her figure tall and well-proportioned.

He wasn't wearing Yuan Shou's signature black combat uniform, nor was he wearing any standard military uniform.

She wore only a simple, soft, moon-white robe, the hem of which hung down, revealing her bare feet.

Those bare feet, spotless and almost transparently white, were casually placed on the floor.

Her long, smooth black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, the ends almost touching her waist.

Fang Qingyu looked at this back view
He spoke out unconsciously.

"Lord Jiang!?"

(End of this chapter)