I become stronger by sacrificing my lifespan, becoming invincible in the world.

But Lin Chen knew that the real challenge had only just begun.

Behind Zhang Heng's "re-appointment" lies an exchange of interests. The patrol mission in Black Wind Forest is fraught with unknown risks, and Chen Hong and the Fierce Tiger Gang's revenge will not stop just because he has been promoted to squad leader.

He needs to quickly transform this nascent squad into a truly combat-ready force.

The first step is to select personnel and begin training.

The garrison of the elite patrol team was much better than the dilapidated mud huts of the scout battalion.

Rows of neat brick and stone barracks, though old, at least kept out of the wind and snow. Each platoon had its own barracks and courtyard, which could be used to store equipment and conduct simple drills.

Lin Chen led ten men into the barracks numbered "Ding Qi".

The room was spacious, with two rows of beds on the left and right, a hearth in the middle, and even two old but intact wooden cabinets in the corner.

"Finally, this is a place that looks like a place for a person to live in." Li the Cripple threw his bedding onto the bed and breathed a sigh of relief.

The others also settled in, their faces showing a rare sense of relief.

Lin Chen stood in the center of the room and clapped his hands after everyone had settled in.

The ten men immediately stopped what they were doing and stood in front of him, forming two rows. Although their movements were not as synchronized as those of a regular army, their eyes were all serious.

"From today onwards, we are 'Dingqishi'." Lin Chen's gaze swept over everyone. "I'll state three rules for our 'shi'."

The sound was not loud, but clear.

"First, orders must be obeyed. My orders must be carried out. If you have any questions, ask them afterward. Hesitation on the battlefield will not only kill you, but also implicate your brothers."

"Second, we must not abandon our comrades. As long as we have a breath left, and as long as I haven't said we're retreating, no one can leave their wounded brothers behind. Of course, those who deliberately seek death don't count."

"Third, take what you should take, and don't touch what you shouldn't. Military merits and rewards are earned through your own abilities. Anyone who is dishonest, reaching out to their own people, or reaching out to places they shouldn't—"

He paused, then placed his hand on the hilt of the knife at his waist.

"I chopped off his hand."

The room was completely silent, with only the soft crackling of the firewood in the hearth.

All ten people, including Zhao Tiegu, instinctively straightened their backs.

"Those who can do it, stay." Lin Chen's voice was calm. "Those who can't, you can leave now. Once we're out this door, we're still brothers. If we meet on the battlefield, you can still look after me."

Nobody moved.

Ten pairs of eyes were watching him.

"Okay." Lin Chen nodded. "Since you're staying, you're one of us from now on. We'll share the good times and the bad—we'll get through it together."

He walked up to Zhao Tiegu and said, "Old Zhao, you're an elder with a lot of experience. Please take care of the daily drills and miscellaneous tasks in the village."

Zhao Tiegu clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Understood."

"Li, the leader," Lin Chen looked at Li the Cripple, "you're quick on your feet and have good eyesight. From now on, you'll be in charge of reconnaissance and exploration in the village."

Li the Cripple nodded vigorously: "Leave it to me!"

Lin Chen then selected two more young men who seemed quick-witted and had performed steadily in the previous battle: "Zhou Dahe, Wang Chuan. From now on, you two will be responsible for equipment maintenance and rations collection."

"Yes!" the two replied.

With simple assignments, everyone had a clear responsibility.

"Now, let's get down to business." Lin Chen walked back to the front. "Although we are a patrol battalion, in the Northern Territory, patrolling is fighting. If we want to survive, the rudimentary skills we learned in the military are not enough."

He paused, his gaze sharpening. "I will teach you some things. Not internal energy cultivation techniques, I can't teach those. But some life-saving and combat skills. It might be tough learning them, but on the battlefield, they will give you a better chance of survival."

Everyone's eyes lit up.

Soldiers at the border have limited access to martial arts. The fact that the squad leader is willing to teach them is a huge advantage.

"The first one," Lin Chen said slowly, "is a method to conceal one's aura and eliminate traces. If you learn it well, you'll walk more quietly, making it harder for demonic beasts to detect you, and you'll be more discreet when you escape."

What he taught was the most basic intricacies of the "Breath Control Technique": breathing rhythm, footwork control, and how to utilize terrain and shadows. The more profound methods of operation, involving energy control, were not to be taught for the time being, nor could they be.

Even though it was just the tip of the iceberg, it made Zhao Tiegu and the others' eyes light up. These were real, tangible skills for survival.

Lin Chen explained and demonstrated at the same time. His movements were simple and effective, without any fancy tricks.

Everyone followed along, and although they were a bit clumsy at first, they were all very serious.

"Practicing this takes time and effort," Lin Chen said, watching them practice. "Practice for half an hour each morning and evening. You should also consciously use it when walking and doing other things."

Next, he briefly explained the basics of teamwork—how to take turns providing cover in pairs; how to quickly form a defensive perimeter when ambushed; and how to take turns covering the rear when retreating.

These are experiences he summarized from his past life memories and the battles he has fought during this period. Although they are not systematic, they are practical.

An afternoon passed by in explanation and practice.

In the evening, Zhang Heng sent his personal guards to deliver a batch of equipment.

Ten sets of nearly new leather armor, though showing signs of repair, were far superior to the tattered ones in the scout camp. Ten standard-issue waist knives, their blades sharpened and gleaming coldly. Also, ten bows and two quivers of arrows.

"The captain said this is standard equipment for your unit. If it gets worn out, just apply for a replacement according to the rules." The guard put down the items and left.

Everyone stroked their new leather armor and swords, smiles spreading across their faces. With these, their combat strength would increase significantly.

"Armor and blades are inanimate, but people are alive." Lin Chen poured cold water on the idea. "No matter how good the equipment is, if you lack skill, you're just handing the enemy free stuff. Starting tomorrow, in addition to practicing the 'Concealing Breath Technique,' you'll need to practice swordsmanship and archery every day."

No one complained; on the contrary, they were eager to get started.

After a simple but filling dinner, Lin Chen gathered everyone around the fire pit.

"There's one more thing." He took out a small piece of black cloth, picked up his waist knife, and cut off ten thin strips of cloth.

"From now on, when you go on a mission and carry out my orders," he distributed the strips of cloth to everyone, "tie them to your left arm."

He picked up a stick and tied it to his left arm himself.

The black strips of cloth were inconspicuous in the firelight.

"This is our mark." Lin Chen looked at the black cloth strip on his arm. "When we see it, we know we're on the same side. In chaos on the battlefield, we'll recognize this."

Ten people silently tied the strip of cloth on.

The black strips of cloth, like a silent vow, subtly bound the eleven people together.

"We need a name," Li the Cripple suddenly said. "We can't keep calling each other 'Ding Qi Shi Ding Qi Shi,' it's boring."

"Exactly!" Zhou Dahe agreed, "Like the Blood Blade Gang, just the name sounds intimidating!"

Lin Chen thought for a moment.

"Night thief." He slowly uttered three words.

Everyone was taken aback.

Is the night watchman not in charge?

They were elite scouts of the former dynasty's border army, specializing in night raids on enemy camps and gathering intelligence; they were fierce and daring.

Using this name is a bit arrogant, and a bit...

It is taboo.