Bright Sword: Starting from Obtaining the Equipment Slot

"Dayong, your wife ran off with someone else!"

Wei Dayong spat out a mouthful of tea, splashing it all over the table.

He was stunned.

Impossible, absolutely impossible!

The original owner had been a monk at Shaolin Temple for more than ten years. After leaving the mountain, he joined his brother's army. How could he possibly have a wife?

Neither the original TV series nor the memories he inherited from the original owner contained any information about this aspect!

Is the older brother mentally unstable, or has the younger brother lost his memory?

Is it destined that one of the brothers will fall ill today?

"Brother, do you know what you're saying?" Wei Dayong wiped his mouth, looking incredulous. "Where did I get a wife?"

Wei Dayi put down his teacup, looked at his younger brother, and said with a complicated expression, "Our family is considered a prominent family in Dengfeng."

As the saying goes, of the three unfilial acts, the greatest is to have no offspring. Ever since the family found out that you joined the army with me, we have arranged a marriage for you, just in case something happens to you, so that at least you can leave an heir for the family.

Nobody expected that before we could even call you home for your wedding, the Japanese invaders came to Shanxi. As a result, you disappeared for over a year. Were you trying to worry your parents to death so you could inherit the family fortune?

Wei Dayong then realized that, having been in this world for so long, he had never thought about the original owner's family.

This is somewhat unreasonable...

Wei Dayong scratched his head, somewhat guiltily asking, "How are Mom and Dad? I've been so busy since I got out of the POW camp, I haven't had a chance to take care of them yet!"

"Thanks to your sister-in-law Menglan's meticulous care at home, and the fact that the two elders have seen a lot, their health hasn't been ruined by your troubles."

With my son Xiaolong by my side again, Menglan recently wrote to say that the two of us are in much better health.

However, I know that even though they don't say it, they are probably in great pain inside! Wei Dayi's eyes also reddened as he thought of his parents at home.

Fortunately, his younger brother was sitting right in front of him, which finally gave him the feeling that his long wait had finally come to an end.

After all, his younger brother had his own reasons for joining the army, and he felt guilty when things went wrong.

"Then...who is she?" Wei Dayong felt relieved to hear that his parents were alright, and then asked the question as if possessed.

"Li Ruoyun, the eldest daughter of the Li family in the east of Dengfeng City," Wei Dayi said irritably. "The Li family is a scholarly family that has been teaching and educating people for generations, so they are a good match for our family."

Wei Dayong's heart skipped a beat. A young lady from a scholarly family?

A blurry image immediately appeared in his mind: a gentle and dignified woman in a cheongsam, holding a book, with beautiful features.

"No, no, what are you thinking about?" Wei Dayong quickly shook his head, but honestly asked, "Is it pretty?"

Wei Dayi was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh: "You little rascal, you really are a scoundrel. Don't worry, I've met you once. You're as beautiful as a painting, well-educated and reasonable, and proficient in all the arts."

Upon hearing this, Wei Dayong felt a surge of joy, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously began to turn up in a smile.

But then she frowned again: "Then how come...she ran off with someone?"

"Now you're in a hurry?" Wei Dayi waved his hand. "At first, she didn't agree with the arranged marriage. She thought it was absurd to get engaged without ever having met the other person."

He paused, his tone becoming somewhat wistful: "But later, when news of your disappearance reached your family, saying that you had gone missing during the Battle of Xinkou, she took the initiative to come to your door, saying that the marriage agreement would remain unchanged, and that she would wait for you for the rest of her life."

Wei Dayong was stunned.

A woman he had never met, upon learning that he was suspected of being killed, not only did not break off the engagement, but also kept her promise.

"She...she really said that?" Wei Dayong was no longer as relaxed as before.

"Really." Wei Dayi nodded. "My mother cried for days, saying that our Wei family must have accumulated countless good deeds in our past lives to have such a wonderful daughter-in-law."

A warm feeling welled up in Wei Dayong's heart.

"Then...then why did she still run off with someone else?"

Seeing his younger brother's nervous expression, Wei Dayi couldn't help but laugh: "He didn't run away with anyone; he went to Yan'an with a group of classmates."

"Yan'an?" Wei Dayong was slightly taken aback.

"Yes," Wei Dayi said. "She was exposed to some progressive ideas and felt that with the country in crisis, we couldn't just stay at home. When she heard that you had been injured fighting the Japanese invaders, she went to Yan'an with the idea of ​​learning skills and avenging you, so she went with her classmates."

Wei Dayong was stunned for a long time, then suddenly burst into laughter.

He was both surprised and delighted. How could he not love this beautiful and magnificent land, and the Chinese people who generously went to the aid of their country in times of crisis? How could he not like it!

This was true before I traveled through time, and it is true after I traveled through time!

I have no regrets about being born Chinese in this life, and I will be Chinese again in the next!

"Brother, can you stop talking so dramatically?" Wei Dayong wiped his eyes, both annoyed and amused. "You scared me to death! I thought I'd been cheated on."

Wei Dayi snorted, "I did it on purpose. Who told you to disappear for over a year, and not write home for a month after you came out? If I hadn't heard about you from my superiors, I wouldn't have known you were alive!"

The smile on Wei Dayong's face slowly disappeared, replaced by guilt.

"Brother, I'm sorry." Wei Dayong lowered his head. "I... I've been busy ever since I got out, I haven't had time..."

"What are you so busy with?" Wei Dayi stood up, rolled up his sleeves, and said, "So busy you don't even have time to write a letter? I'll kick you to death!"

Wei Dayi raised his foot to kick, but Wei Dayong quickly dodged, repeatedly apologizing, "Brother, don't be angry, I was wrong, I'll write a letter right away, I'll write it right away!"

Wei Dayi took two steps and then stopped.

He had, after all, abandoned his studies to join the army, and his physical condition was far inferior to his younger brother's, so he wisely gave up.

"Forget it, I won't hold it against you." Wei Dayi waved his hand and sat back down in his chair. "You're still as cunning as you were when you were a kid."

Wei Dayong chuckled and poured his brother a cup of tea: "Big brother, how have you been these past year or so?"

Wei Dayi picked up his teacup and remained silent for a moment: "It's alright. The 27th Division has been constantly fighting on the front lines. After the Battle of Xinkou, we fought several more battles, and many of our brothers sacrificed their lives."

He looked up at Wei Dayong and said, "You, on the other hand, escaped from the prisoner-of-war camp and even raised such a large army. You've really made something of yourself."

Wei Dayong smiled and said, "We were forced into this. If we didn't resist, we could only wait to die."

The two brothers were silent for a while, recalling their experiences over the past year, the brothers who had sacrificed their lives, and the occupied land.

"Our land has been lost, our nation is in ruins," Wei Dayi sighed. "I wonder how long this war will last."

"We will win," Wei Dayong said firmly, "as long as we're still here!"

Wei Dayi looked at the light in his younger brother's eyes, paused for a moment, then nodded: "Good! Ambitious! Truly worthy of being a son of the Wei family!"

He put down his teacup, looked at Wei Dayong, and his expression became serious: "Dayong, I have two things I need you to promise me."

"Brother, you say it," Wei Dayong said.

"First, quickly write a letter home to let them know you're safe," Wei Dayi said. "Your parents are almost frantic with worry, especially your mother. She's been burning incense and praying to Buddha every day, hoping you'll come back alive."

Wei Dayong nodded: "Okay, I'll write it now."

"Secondly," Wei Dayi said earnestly, looking at his younger brother, "when you have time, go to Yan'an and bring Li Ruoyun back. That girl is truly devoted to you; we can't let her down."

Wei Dayong was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Don't worry, brother, I will go."

Wei Dayi nodded in satisfaction, picked up his teacup and took a sip: "That's more like it."

The two brothers chatted for a while longer, talking about the situation in their hometown and their own experiences, and the atmosphere became more and more harmonious.

Wei Dayong felt that the barrier between himself and this body was slowly disappearing, and he was becoming more and more integrated into this identity.

As evening fell, Wei Dayong had a sumptuous meal prepared and invited several leaders of the Salvation Corps—Wang Xiao, Hou Yue, Zhou Huaiyuan, Ma Fenghuai, Lao Wu, Zhou Wenxu, as well as Wei Dayi and Cheng Shijie.

As everyone sat together, Wei Dayong raised his glass: "We've gathered here today for two reasons: first, to welcome my elder brother and Captain Cheng; and second, because I have something to tell you all."

Everyone put down their chopsticks and looked at Wei Dayong.

"By sheer coincidence, our National Salvation Corps now has five identities," Wei Dayong said. "Anti-Japanese National Salvation Corps, Black Cloud Village bandits, 358th Regiment Independent Brigade, 386th Brigade Independent Second Regiment, and the Central Army Provisional Seventh Regiment."

Everyone was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"Commander, this...this is too outrageous!" Wang Xiao couldn't help but say. "Which unit are we, anyway?"

"Both, and neither," Wei Dayong smiled. "Using different banners in different places makes things easier. In short, whoever truly wants to fight the Japanese is our ally!"

Hou Yue raised his glass: "Alright! Forget about any banners, as long as we can defeat the Japanese! I'll toast the regimental commander!"

Everyone raised their glasses, creating a lively atmosphere.

During the meeting, the group discussed the structure of the military and future plans.

"Over the next two months, we will conduct intensive training," Wei Dayong said. "We must ensure that everyone in the regiment is united as one, forms combat effectiveness, and becomes a truly capable team that can fight tough battles."

Wei Dayi put down his chopsticks: "Dayong, I've been in the army for so many years, I have some experience in training soldiers. How about this, I'll stay for half a month and help you train these brothers properly."

Wei Dayong was overjoyed upon hearing this: "Then thank you very much, brother!"

For the next two weeks, Black Cloud Village was bustling with activity.

Every day before dawn, shouts of battle and commands would echo through the valley.

Wei Dayi and Cheng Shijie were indeed formidable. When they met, they quickly combined the training methods of the Central Army with the flexible tactics of the Eighth Route Army to develop a unique training program.

The 100 veterans of the Eighth Route Army also played an important role. They were dispersed to various companies to serve as deputy commanders, bringing the Eighth Route Army's combat experience and fine style to the Salvation Corps.

Cheng Shijie, in particular, showed Wei Dayong what a true genius was.

Even though Wei Dayong came from a later era, he was repeatedly amazed by Cheng Shijie's tactical skills and imaginative tactical thinking.

Wei Dayong deliberately used several battle examples from later generations in a different way to test Cheng Shijie. The other party's response was as if the two war gods Lin and Li had possessed him, and the strategies he came up with were exactly the same!

Not only that, Cheng Shijie is also exceptional in both bayonet fighting and shooting skills. He was able to hold his own against Wei Dayong for a couple of moves even with just a wooden stick!

This made Wei Dayong secretly regretful, wondering why he hadn't heard any news about Cheng Shijie in later generations.

In his view, he would most likely die before victory, just like that deputy chief of staff.

What is a martyr? This is a martyr!

These people deserve a better ending!

Little did Cheng Shijie know that during their interactions, Cheng Shijie secretly held Wei Dayong in extremely high regard, thinking that this man was simply not human!

Half a month later, the organization of the National Salvation Corps was finally finalized.

During this period, a number of people who had heard of the cause came and, after passing the initial assessment, joined the Salvation Corps.

Among them were many talented and ambitious individuals, whose brilliance shone alongside the hidden talents and promising young heroes of the bandit gang.

At a meeting, Wei Dayong officially announced the promotion of Cheng Shijie to regimental chief of staff.

Although everyone was somewhat surprised, they were all convinced by Cheng Shijie's performance over the past few days.

"Strategizing within the command tent, winning battles a thousand miles away. Chief of Staff Cheng, from now on, the brains of the National Salvation Corps will depend on you." Wei Dayong patted Cheng Shijie on the shoulder.

Cheng Shijie nodded: "Don't worry, Commander Wei, I will do my best."

A few days later, the Salvation Corps held a rally to mark its formation and pledge of allegiance in the Black Cloud Village Square.

More than 1600 soldiers stood neatly in the square, a dark mass that was quite imposing.

Cheng Shijie stood on the stage and read out the unit's organizational structure...

After he finished reading out the organizational structure, Wei Dayong went up on stage.

Looking at the sea of ​​people below the stage, a surge of pride welled up in his heart.

"Brothers! Just over two months ago, I was a prisoner in a Japanese POW camp, and I could be dragged out and shot at any moment."

The audience was completely silent.

"Two months later, I stand here, with about 1600 brothers before me, each with a gun in his hand and passion in his heart!"

Wei Dayong's voice grew louder and louder, "Born at this time, as a soldier, the only way is to declare war on the Japanese invaders with the conviction to die! With us, this magnificent land will remain; with us, this great China will not perish!"

"Fight to the death! To save our nation from peril!" A furious roar suddenly erupted from below the stage.

Then, more voices joined in, the sound growing louder and louder, echoing throughout the entire mountain village.

"Fight to the death! To save our nation from peril! Save our nation! Save our nation!! Save our nation!!!"

Looking at the passionate soldiers below the stage, Wei Dayong's eyes welled up with tears.

"Brothers!" Wei Dayong raised his fist. "We must avenge our fallen brothers! Avenge our occupied land! Avenge our murdered compatriots! Let the Japanese devils know that those who offend China, no matter how far away, will be punished!"

"Kill! Kill! Kill!"

The soldiers roared in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.

After the mobilization rally, Wei Dayong convened a small meeting with the commanders of each battalion.

"The troops are now strong and well-equipped, but there is still one problem," Cheng Shijie said. "We don't have radios, so it's inconvenient to communicate with other parties."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Indeed, without a radio, messages had to be relayed by people running around, which was too slow.

"I will try to get the radio as soon as possible," Wei Dayong said. "In addition, intelligence is also our weakness. The staff should come up with an integrated plan for this as soon as possible."

The fact that the Kuomintang and the Communist Party had exposed Wei Dayong's true colors in just two days made him truly envious and resentful.

Don't forget, he also has a ready-made equipment slot waiting to be activated. If he were to search for it by himself, it would take him forever!

Unfortunately, these things cannot be accomplished overnight; they can only be achieved gradually.

Cheng Shijie nodded in agreement, and soon everyone started talking about other matters.

After the meeting, Wei Dayong took out the captured 98K rifle and was about to find a place to practice his marksmanship when the communications soldier ran over.

"Commander, there's a letter!" A communications soldier handed over a letter. "It's from the Eighth Route Army's New First Regiment."

Wei Dayong took the letter, opened it, and saw only a few words on it:

"Dayong, come visit the New First Regiment sometime. I have a good deal for you. — Li Yunlong"

Wei Dayong looked at the letter, a slight smile playing on his lips.

What tricks is that old fox Li Yunlong up to now?