In chaotic times, skill points are added: from hunter to martial saint, only killing and no mercy!

This time, the spoils were far greater than those from the previous attack on the Qing Kingdom's military camp.

Even though Li Yi and his men burned most of the provisions for the entire army of 20,000, the remaining medicinal herbs, pills, weapons, and armor, even if only half of them were obtained, were still quite substantial.

Moreover, the divine weapons and armor bestowed as rewards, as well as the merits, large and small, are of utmost importance.

"Thank you, General!"

Li Yi was well aware of everyone's envy, but no one dared to say anything.

After rewarding the first meritorious person in this great battle, General Guan took the remaining documents and continued to reward the others.

In this battle, including those who lost their fighting ability and those who died in battle, the Wind Tiger Battalion lost nearly two hundred men.

However, after this battle, the remaining three hundred soldiers all improved significantly, and after a few days of recuperation, many of them even improved their martial arts skills.

Even more remarkably, seven people broke through to the third level of Body Refinement!

Looking at Li Xin's meticulously compiled battle report, Li Yi pondered for a moment and said:

"Anyone who has lost their fighting ability and has nowhere else to go may join my ranks."

After obtaining the title of Marquis of Shangzao Army, in addition to the slaves and people he was given, he was also rewarded with one hundred acres of fertile land.

These homeless people are a good opportunity to help Li Yi manage his farmland.

At the same time, this arrangement can win over the hearts of the people, make the Wind Tiger Battalion more obedient, fight without worries, and make their combat power more courageous.

Seeing that Li Xin had noted down this request, Li Yi continued:

"As for those who died in battle, in addition to the due rewards for their merits, they should also receive adequate compensation."

"Ordinary soldiers receive ten taels of silver in compensation; squad leaders and martial artists at the first level of Body Refinement receive twenty taels each; platoon leaders and martial artists at the second level of Body Refinement receive fifty taels each; and sergeant commanders and those at the third level of Body Refinement receive one hundred taels each!"

"If you have children in your family who meet the requirements, they will be given priority for inclusion in the Wind Tiger Camp!"

After becoming the Marquis of Shangzao Army, Li Yi took a longer-term view, began to cultivate his reputation and build his own base of loyalty.

Today, the Wind Tiger Battalion has become one of the most elite armies in Yanmen Pass, and its reputation has grown with Li Yi's performance.

Just as Li Yi returned from the central army camp, nearly 10,000 soldiers wanted to join the Wind Tiger Camp.

This time, Li Yi's requirements were even stricter, no longer prioritizing ability but focusing more on potential.

Having acquired a large amount of supplies, Li Yi was now fully confident in training a powerful army from scratch.

"By the way, the Wind Tiger Camp is currently very busy with many affairs. You could recruit some literate people to help you manage these miscellaneous tasks."

"Also, send a letter back to our hometown of Heishi Town, asking the elders and relatives to select some reliable young men to come to Yanmen Pass."

After giving instructions to the military, Li Yi looked at Li Xin, who was so busy that his eyes were dark circles, and whispered some words of advice.

Li Yi had already planned ahead for the Wind Tiger Camp.

The unit consists of 1,000 men, of whom 700 are elite archers who form the main fighting force of the Wind Tiger Battalion and are responsible for output.

Two hundred and fifty men were heavy infantrymen responsible for covering the elite archers, blocking the enemy's charge, and creating space for the elite archers to deal damage.

As for the remaining fifty men, they were organized into a cavalry unit responsible for providing cover and support, relaying orders, gathering intelligence, and, when necessary, charging into enemy lines.

Meanwhile, the more than 300 soldiers who survived the great battle could be selected to serve as platoon leaders, squad leaders, and sergeants among the newly recruited 700 soldiers.

In Li Yi's eyes, the Wind Tiger Battalion is not just a simple archer unit; he will develop it into a comprehensive army in the future!

After briefly sharing his thoughts with Li Xin, Han Jia, and others, Li Yi encouraged the rested soldiers and then led his men to the Yanmen Pass secret vault.

This wave of rewards, if converted into money, would amount to approximately 25,000 taels of silver, hundreds of sets of armor and weapons, several cartloads of medicine, and several cartloads of other supplies.

Upon arriving at the secret vault, they saw the army's chief clerk sorting through the spoils of war. Seeing this, Li Yi arranged for someone to take over and bring back the money, food, and supplies belonging to the Wind Tiger Camp.

As for Li Yi, he was led into the secret vault by the chief clerk.

As a secret vault within the strategically important border pass of Yanmen Pass, it houses numerous divine weapons and martial arts manuals. It is precisely the existence of this vault that enabled General Guan to lead his men in resisting the Qing Kingdom.

"Lord Li, what would you like to do?"

Upon hearing the registrar's question, Li Yi thought for a moment and then replied:

"The general rewarded me with a set of black armor and a divine weapon. I want to take these two items first."

After the battle with Zhou Cang, not only was Li Yi's plum blossom spear broken, but his armor was also shattered by the blade of true energy, and could only be melted down into iron, with no possibility of repair.

Therefore, the most urgent task is to fill this gap.

Upon hearing Li Yi's words, the registrar led Li Yi directly to the side of the secret vault.

In this warehouse, there were many shelves, on which were placed many suits of armor and weapons. Some logistics soldiers were moving among them, maintaining them.

Following in the footsteps of the registrar, Li Yi walked past countless shelves.

Soon, the group arrived at a small, heavily guarded warehouse.

Although there are fewer items displayed here, their quality is visibly superior.

"Lord Li, the weapons and armor here are the best in the secret vault. You may choose whatever you like."

"This is troublesome!"

After exchanging a few polite words, Li Yi began to examine the weapons and armor under the guidance of the registrar.

Soon, Li Yi selected a dark black heavy armor. According to the chief clerk, this heavy armor was forged from seven materials and could withstand several blows from a True Qi Realm martial artist without breaking!

If the user applies their Qi and blood power to cover the area, their defense can increase by two or three times!

After selecting their armor, the group crossed the armor section and arrived at a place with many weapon racks.

Dozens of weapons were displayed on these three or five weapon racks.

These weapons, encompassing about a dozen different types, are sitting quietly on the shelves.

As soon as Li Yi arrived at this place, his eyes were immediately drawn to a jet-black spear.

The spear was about two and a half meters long, completely black, and gleamed with a faint light in the secret vault.

"What kind of weapon is this?"

Li Yi's expression shifted, and he quickly walked over to the spear.

"This spear is called the Ink Frost Serpent Spear. It is made from the bone of a venomous snake and several kinds of iron. It is said that it contains a cold aura that can affect the opponent's condition. If the battle goes on for too long, the cold aura inside the spear will condense into cold poison in the opponent's body."

The registrar looked at the book in his hand and read the information about the long spear to Li Yi.

"It's just a pity that it takes too long for this cold energy to form into a cold poison, and it's even more difficult to stably stimulate the cold energy, so no one has ever paid attention to it."

If he didn't have this weakness and could reliably and quickly unleash his cold energy, then he would be a divine weapon worthy of being ranked among the best.

Can it make the weapons rankings?

Li Yi was taken aback, then a thought struck him, and he stepped forward and picked up the spear.

Upon first handling the gun, Li Yi felt a chill emanating from it.

After signaling the registrar and others to make way, Li Yi brandished the Ink Cold Serpent Spear in the secret vault.

That's a really good gun!

After casually demonstrating a few spear techniques, Li Yi realized that this was a very powerful spear, far superior to the Plum Blossom Spear by many times.

It's a pity that the cold energy is difficult to activate.

Feeling the chilling aura that occasionally emanated from the Ink Cold Serpent Spear, Li Yi suddenly had a thought.

He thought of the Seven Killings Bow, which could absorb malevolent energy.

The malevolent energy within the Seven Killings Bow can be activated and used by the power of blood and qi. Could the chilling energy within the Ink Frost Serpent Spear also be activated in the same way?

Upon realizing this, Li Yi immediately put his plan into action, circulating his breathing technique to channel his vital energy along his hands into the Ink Cold Serpent Spear.

Seeing this, the registrar smiled slightly, but remembering that this was a favorite of General Guan, he quickly offered a friendly reminder:

"Lord Li, others have tried to use their qi and blood to stimulate this cold energy before, but all of them failed."

"How about we look at some other weapons?"

The registrar's words did not shake Li Yi's resolve.

Since the power of qi and blood is not enough, what about the swift wind force?

The next instant, wisps of gusts of wind appeared according to Li Yi's will and surged into the Ink Cold Serpent Spear.

As the strong wind surged in, the Ink Cold Serpent Spear became even colder, with gusts of cold air emanating from it, even causing a few drops of dew to condense on the spear tip.

After the cold air appeared, the temperature in the secret vault dropped slightly. Feeling the chill, the chief clerk was shocked and looked at Li Yi and the Ink Cold Serpent Spear in his hand with surprise.

Congratulations, Li Junhou!

"Today, acquiring this divine spear is truly a joyous occasion!"

Seeing that Li Yi was able to activate the Ink Frost Serpent Spear, the registrar offered his congratulations with a keen eye.

After confirming that his Gale Force could unleash chilling energy, Li Yi put away the Ink Frost Serpent Spear with satisfaction.

"I want this gun!"

After the clerk completed the registration, Li Yi's personal guards took the Ink Cold Serpent Spear and delivered it to the Wind Tiger Camp.

The registrar looked at Li Yi and slowly said:

"My lord, you still have two major merits and three minor merits. What would you like to exchange them for?"

The items in the secret vault can be purchased by soldiers with silver or exchanged for merit.

However, many important or powerful things can be exchanged for astronomical sums of silver, and some cannot even be exchanged for silver, but only for merit.

Upon hearing the registrar's question, Li Yi pondered for a moment, then replied in a deep voice:

"I need some martial arts techniques and skills. Please take me to see them."

"Alright, please come with me, General Li."

Led by the registrar, Li Yi soon arrived at a storeroom filled with the smell of books and ink.

The vault was not large, but it contained many books and animal hides. An old soldier was dozing off to the side.

Seeing someone arrive, the old soldier pointed to the table in front of him and said lazily:

"There are brief introductions to various martial arts techniques on the table. Take a look at the introductions first, and then I'll give you the originals after you've chosen one."

Li Yi looked around curiously, then picked up a book from the table and slowly flipped through it.

This time, Li Yi wanted to exchange some martial arts manuals that could improve his strength and train his subordinates.

Currently, the only martial arts manuals Li Yi can offer for cultivating powerful martial artists are the [Wind-Splitting Formation-Breaking Spear] and the [Wind-Breaking Breathing Technique].

As for the "Swift Breathing Technique," it can only be learned by ordinary soldiers.

After a careful examination, Li Yi quickly identified several targets.

The "Symphony Devouring Elephant Skill" can be redeemed with one major skill point.

This is a cultivation technique that can enhance a martial artist's strength and physique, strengthen their qi and blood, and most importantly, it is a cultivation technique that allows one to break through to the martial artist realm.

The way of martial arts requires starting with breathing techniques to forge oneself, strengthen one's muscles and bones, and continuously enhance one's qi and blood.

After mastering the breathing techniques of cultivation and generating internal energy from the power of blood and qi, one becomes qualified to break through to the True Qi Realm.

The development of internal energy is not measured by the level of physical refinement, but by the progress of breathing techniques.

In short, if one can cultivate internal energy at the third level of Body Refinement, one can attempt to break through to the True Qi Realm at the third level of Body Refinement.

The later the breakthrough occurs, the greater its potential and strength.

The seven levels of body refinement are both levels of cultivation and a classification of potential.

With the same talent and the same cultivation method, someone who breaks through to the third level of Body Refinement is still no match for someone who breaks through to the fifth level of Body Refinement!

After mastering the Swift Wind Force, Li Yi sought out General Guan to learn about related cultivation techniques.

In Li Yi's plan, he intends to perfect the [Wind-Breathing Breathing Technique] to generate Wind-Breathing Force, and after reaching the seventh level of Body Refinement, he will break through to the True Qi Realm.

With the help of the skill panel, all of this is just a matter of time for Li Yi. No matter how big the difficulty, it will be overcome with Li Yi's gradual progress.

Li Yi is now a martial artist at the peak of the fourth level of Body Refinement, and he can cultivate to the fifth level at any time. When he reaches the seventh level, he will be able to develop the Wind-Breaking Force.

When I break through to the True Qi Realm, this [Mad Python Devouring Elephant Technique] can be used as a cultivation method for the True Qi Realm, replacing the [Wind-Breaking Breathing Technique].

After memorizing the technique, Li Yi looked at another page.

[Five Forms of Bloodbath] can be redeemed with one major merit.

This is a martial arts manual containing a powerful sword technique. This technique comprises five moves, but is extremely refined and well-suited for soldiers engaged in battle.

The heavy infantry and cavalry in the Wind Tiger Camp mainly use spears and broadswords. As for spears, Li Yi can teach them the [Wind-Splitting Formation-Breaking Spear], which is a technique of the same level as the [Five Forms of Blood Battle], and can fill the gap in their sword skills.

As for the archers, the archery skills in this secret vault were simply not good enough for Li Yi. After some thought, Li Yi gave up the idea of ​​exchanging archery skills and prepared to personally teach his archers.

"Senior, I'm prepared to exchange two great merits for the [Five Forms of Blood Battle] and the [Symphony Devouring Elephant Technique]."

After Li Yi finished reading the book, he made a decision and spoke to the veteran and the registrar.

Seeing this, the veteran glanced at Li Yi, then took out copies of the two secret manuals from the library and handed them to Li Yi.

"These techniques are secrets passed down within the military and cannot be easily passed on to others."

The veteran took out a booklet, handed it to Li Yi, and gave him careful instructions.

Although Li Yi exchanged his great merit for these techniques, which he could then pass on to his soldiers, many rules were established within the army to prevent the techniques from becoming widespread or leaked.

Li Yi needs to teach the corresponding techniques within these rules.

Li Yi showed no dissatisfaction with this.

Although the goal is to cultivate strong soldiers who are loyal to oneself, setting thresholds for training can also increase the loyalty of one's soldiers to a certain extent.

After exchanging two major merits for a martial arts manual, Li Yi pondered for a moment and then used a minor merit to exchange for the [Wind and Thunder Sword Technique].

Li Xin has decent talent in swordsmanship, and this technique, which is on par with the [Five Forms of Blood Battle], is perfect for him to use.

Because only one or two people are allowed to study, Li Yi only needs to pay the price of a small amount of effort.

After dealing with the cultivation technique, Li Yi, accompanied by the registrar, used the remaining two minor cultivation techniques to exchange for a lot of cultivation resources.

These can help Li Yi increase his cultivation speed and reach the seventh level of Body Refinement sooner!

After working in the secret vault for a long time, Li Yi returned to his tent with his personal guards, laden with spoils.

Inside the Wind Tiger Camp, some newly recruited soldiers were training diligently under the guidance of veterans.

During this time, Li Yi had already distributed the rewards and instructed Li Xin to prepare some meat for the troops every day. Now, the entire military camp was filled with a spirit of striving.

"This is?"

As soon as Li Yi returned to his camp, he saw several boxes placed inside.

Han Jia, who was standing to the side, chuckled and stepped forward, saying:

"This was sent by Song Jiebai."

"It's said to be your share of the spoils, Brother Yi."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi's heart stirred, and he instantly understood the origin of these boxes.

After breaching the Qing Kingdom's main camp, he sent the Wind Tiger Battalion to lead the way and seize the Qing Kingdom's secret treasury.

As usual, Song Jie and the others withheld a portion of the spoils from handing them over. The contents of these boxes belonged to Li Yi.

It was common practice in the Chen army to confiscate and divide the spoils of war. Even General Guan and others would tacitly allow their subordinates to do so, and he would even get a share.

Therefore, Li Yi felt no pressure and readily accepted the boxes.

"Brother Yi."

Han Jia, standing to the side, looked on expectantly and called out to Li Yi.

Seeing this, Li Yi immediately understood what the other party was thinking and signaled Liu Ye and the others to open the box.

The first box was opened, and inside were gleaming silver coins. A quick glance revealed that there were approximately two thousand taels of silver.

"Take out one thousand taels of silver and distribute them to the soldiers who participated in the night raid. Han Jia, you take two hundred taels, the personal guards get three hundred taels, and the remaining five hundred taels are to be sent to my residence."

After a moment's thought, Li Yi distributed the box of silver properly.

Hearing Li Yi's assignment, Han Jia and the others were overjoyed, their eyes filled with even stronger anticipation.

The second box contained bones, animal hides, fascia, and other materials.

Li Yi picked it up and examined it, a slight thought stirring in his mind.

These are all well-preserved bones and tendons of mythical beasts, with a powerful aura surrounding them. Their quality is immediately apparent; they are top-grade artifacts.

"Since my strength has improved, I can select some to give to Master Tang so that he can optimize and improve the Seven Kill Bow."

"As for the remaining items, they can be used to forge a suitable weapon for Han Jia, Liu Ye, and Li Xin."

As Li Yi's core team, the stronger these three are, the stronger and more stable Li Yi's position and power will be.

Now, the skills of all three of them will be enhanced, and their weapons must also be upgraded accordingly.

"Thank you, Brother Yi!" Han Jia's face lit up with joy, and he began selecting animal bones to prepare for forging his own heavy sword.

Li Xin and Liu Ye also looked at Li Yi with gratitude.

Seeing this, Li Yi added, "You'll have to pay for the silver yourself."

After exchanging a few joking words with the three men, Li Yi personally opened the last box.

Inside the box were some rare herbs and porcelain bottles containing elixirs, all of which were cultivation resources that would greatly benefit martial arts practice.

"What is this book, 'Combined Combat Techniques'?"

There was also a thin booklet in the box, its pages yellowed and showing many signs of being read, clearly the original.

Li Yi picked up the booklet and slowly flipped through it, his expression growing increasingly delighted.

This is a secret military formation technique seized from the Qing Kingdom's treasury. It can enhance the power of military formations, combine the strength of the masses, and turn it into a thunderous strike!

If Li Yi had practiced this secret technique when the Wind Tiger Camp blocked Zhou Cang that day, he could have used the combined power of the battle to inflict many more wounds on Zhou Cang.

"With this secret technique, the Wind Tiger Camp's combat strength can increase by 20%!"

Holding the book of secret techniques, Li Yi was overjoyed, and immediately felt a surge of gratitude towards Song Jie.

The distribution of these spoils was arranged by Song Jie.

The three boxes of spoils presented to Li Yi were all very suitable for him, showing that Song Jie had put a lot of thought into their selection.

Under Li Yi's arrangement, the entire Fenghu Camp entered a new phase of development.

Some of those selected by Li Yi have already mastered new and powerful secret techniques.

As time goes by, many resources are gradually consumed, transforming into real and visible strength.

A cold wind blew, and snowflakes fell on the tents, but several braziers of fire dispelled the chill in the camp.

Li Yi sat cross-legged on the desk and slowly exhaled a breath of stale air.

"I'm now just one step away from the sixth level of Body Refinement!"

After digesting the insights gained from observing General Guan's battle with Zhou Cang, Li Yi successfully broke through to the fifth level of Body Refinement.

The annihilation of Zhou Cang and his 20,000-strong Qing army dealt a heavy blow to the Qing Kingdom.

For more than a month afterward, the Qing Kingdom did not launch any new offensives against Yanmen Pass.

During this period, Li Yi decisively seized the opportunity and invested a large amount of martial arts resources into himself.

Today, Li Yi's skills have greatly improved, and even his martial arts cultivation has been raised to the fifth level of Body Refinement.

With this in mind, Li Yi composed himself and took out a small bottle from his pocket.

This is a cultivation pill that Li Yi exchanged from the secret vault using his minor cultivation skills. It's called the Little Yellow Dragon Pill, which can increase cultivation speed and help him break through to the next realm.

After taking out the two remaining pills from the small bottle and swallowing them in one gulp, Li Yi began to circulate the [Wind-Breathing Breathing Technique], continuously driving the power of his blood and qi to cleanse his muscles and bones, gradually improving his physique.

With the help of the Little Yellow Dragon Pill, Li Yi's cultivation speed became faster and faster, and strands of qi and blood continuously emerged from his body, constantly strengthening his qi and blood.

As his blood and qi increased, a fierce torrent of blood and qi surged wildly through Li Yi's body. Its savage force caused Li Yi's meridians to ache, and he couldn't help but tremble.

"No, I have to hold on!"

Faced with the intense pain, Li Yi silently recited the cultivation mantra, continuously channeling his qi and blood to expand his meridians. Under the protection of the Little Yellow Dragon Pill's medicinal power, the meridians that had been ruptured by the qi and blood were constantly being repaired.

Amidst destruction and rebirth, Li Yi's momentum continued to grow.

After an unknown amount of time, when the crackling of several embers in the brazier startled Li Yi from his meditation, the sounds of training could already be heard outside the tent.

"I've broken through to the sixth level of Body Refinement?"

Li Yi felt the changes within himself and a look of joy appeared on his face.

……

As time went by, Yanmen Pass was completely shrouded in the harsh cold of deep winter.

The heavy snow covered the sky and earth, turning the whole world into pure white.

Due to the heavy snow, the Qing Kingdom army was less active, and apart from occasional clashes, there were far fewer Qing Kingdom scouts outside Yanmen Pass.

After inspecting several fortresses outside Yanmen Pass with a group of men, Li Yi, who had been stationed at a strategic pass for more than half a month, returned to the Fenghu Camp inside Yanmen Pass with his rotating troops.

As soon as Li Yi arrived at the gate, he sensed something was wrong.

The sounds of training were less frequent throughout the military camp.

In the past, except when it snowed heavily, the soldiers of the Wind Tiger Battalion would never stop training.

However, at present, many soldiers in the camp are not participating in training.

What's going on?

Li Yi frowned and quickly walked into the camp.

Hearing the commotion of Li Yi leading his men back to camp, some soldiers poked their heads out of their tents, their expectant gazes fixed on the figure in the snow.

"It's Lord Marquis!"

"The Commander-in-Chief is back!"

The moment Li Yi's figure came into the sight of these soldiers, it stirred up a huge wave of excitement. The soldiers cheered and rushed out of their tents to Li Yi's side.

As time went by, a large number of soldiers were alerted and came out of their tents to gather around Li Yi.

For a moment, Li Yi's ears were filled with shouts.

Seeing the soldiers' dejected state, Li Yi immediately sensed something was wrong and turned to a squad leader, asking:

"What happened while I was away from the camp?"

The sergeant looked at Li Yi, hesitated for a moment, and then slowly spoke, his tone carrying a hint of pleading.

"My lord, when will the soldiers' pay be issued? Also, the weather is getting colder and colder. Could you issue some winter clothing so that the brothers can get through the winter?"

Military pay? Winter clothing?

Li Yi was taken aback upon hearing this, then rushed into the ranks of soldiers, grabbed the clothes of several soldiers, and lifted them up to take a look.

Many soldiers were still wearing autumn clothes, and some even wore several layers of autumn clothes on their bodies to keep warm, which made them look quite bulky.

"That's right, my lord, my family is waiting for me to send military pay back so they can buy food for the winter!"

"Without military pay, I can't even afford medicine for my wounds, how can I participate in training!"

"And adults, the food is getting worse and worse. Starting a few days ago, we haven't even been able to get enough to eat."

"We joined the Wind Tiger Camp for your reputation, and we believe you won't treat us badly. But right now, we brothers are really about to give up." An old soldier raised his right hand, showing Li Yi the frostbite on his fingers.

The more Li Yi listened to the soldiers' words, the more alarmed he became.

He spent a lot of resources and even used his rare merits to obtain martial arts manuals for the soldiers to practice, all in order to build the Wind Tiger Camp into an elite force with outstanding combat power.

These soldiers' accusations are undermining their own foundation!

This is going to ruin all my efforts!

As Li Yi listened to their tearful complaints, his anger grew.

"Rest assured, gentlemen, I, the military commander, will certainly give you an explanation!"

Looking at the expectant crowd, Li Yi patted his chest and assured them.

Immediately, he took his personal guards and headed straight for his own camp.

He had already entrusted Li Xin with the military affairs when he went to garrison outside Yanmen Pass. Now that something had happened in the army, the first person he naturally sought out was Li Xin.

With a snap, Li Yi flung open the camp gate and stormed into the camp.

In the camp, Li Xin was engrossed in reading a book at a desk.

"Li Xin, what happened at the Wind Tiger Camp?"

"How come some soldiers are telling me that they haven't received their pay and don't even have winter clothes?!"

Li Yi's angry question rang out in the camp, making Li Xin look up in surprise.

"Big brother, you're finally back!"

Several scars were visible on Li Xin's face, and his arm hung awkwardly at his side.

Seeing this, Li Yi was instantly enraged:

"What happened? Who hit you?"