203: Candidates

After Lei Hao left, tranquility returned to the small courtyard on Yuqian Lane. Chen Linsheng stood under the grape trellis, his fingertips lightly tapping the stone table, his mind already making plans.

When forming a squad, quality matters more than quantity.

The transfer order limited the team to ten men. He needed to keep some flexible spots open, in case the mission required temporary reinforcements or suffered casualties. A five-man squad, plus himself, made six. Keeping four more spots in reserve was the most prudent approach.

That afternoon, Chen Linsheng first went to see his Master, Zhao Zheng.

In the main hall of the martial arts school, after hearing Chen Linsheng's plan, Zhao Zheng pondered for a moment. "Zhou Tong is indeed promising. His father was a military scout who died in battle on the northern frontier years ago. He grew up in the martial arts school and has a family background in wilderness Tracking, mechanisms, and traps. He is meticulous in thought and is now at the Late-stage Flesh Tempering Realm. However, his personality is solitary, and he doesn't like to talk much."

"Solitude is fine, as long as he can get the job done," Chen Linsheng said. "Master, could you summon him for a meeting?"

Zhao Zheng nodded and ordered someone to summon him.

Not long after, a young man of about twenty-five or twenty-six, wearing coarse gray short clothes, entered briskly. He had a lean build, dark skin, exceptionally bright eyes, and his footsteps were light and silent as he walked.

"Zhou Tong greets the School Master, Senior Brother Chen," the young man said, clasping his fists. His voice was steady, and when his gaze met Chen Linsheng's, it was neither evasive nor overly eager, only carrying a professional scrutiny.

Chen Linsheng got straight to the point. "I have received an order from the Army Breaker Manor to head north to exterminate the 'Sand Shadow Bandits.' I need a helper skilled in reconnaissance, traps, and familiar with the wilderness. Master has recommended you. Are you willing to go?"

A flash of light appeared in Zhou Tong's eyes. "Is it that group of mounted bandits who have been plundering trade routes for the past half-year, appearing and vanishing mysteriously?"

"Exactly."

Zhou Tong was silent for a moment before speaking slowly. "Three years ago, a supply unit my father was part of was ambushed by mounted bandits in the northern frontier desert. The entire unit was wiped out. Later investigations revealed that the leader of that bandit group had the nickname 'Sand Scorpion.' He was skilled in using poisoned sand, and his killing methods bear a seventy percent resemblance to the current rumors about 'Ghost Sand.'"

He raised his head, a trace of deep-seated hatred flashing in his eyes. "I have trained hard in Tracking and reconnaissance techniques precisely for the day I could avenge my father. Senior Brother Chen, I am willing to go. Not for the reward, but to personally cut down those scum."

Looking into those eyes, made exceptionally sharp by hatred, Chen Linsheng nodded. "Good. Three days from now, at Chen hour (7-9 AM), assemble at the Ten-Mile Pavilion west of the city. Bring all the tools you usually use."

"Yes!"

After Zhou Tong left, Chen Linsheng discussed with Zhao Zheng for a while longer and settled on the second candidate—Zhao Tiezhu.

"Iron Pillar is a clansman of your Senior Brother Zhao Meng. He served in the Water Patrol Division in his early years but was later ostracized and forced out due to his straightforward nature offending a superior. He became an instructor at the martial arts school," Zhao Zheng sighed. "His skills with the sword and shield are solid; he's brave and loyal, just a bit stubborn and rigid in his principles."

"Loyalty and bravery are the best qualities," Chen Linsheng said. "Please, Master, pass on the message that I need a reliable sword-and-shield man."

Zhao Zheng agreed and added, "As for Li Qinger... She is not a Disciple of the martial arts school. Zhao Linger brought her back two years ago during a trip to the northern regions. She claims to have a family heritage in medicine, with considerable research into toxicology, and her light-footwork and hidden weapons skills are decent. However, her background is somewhat mysterious. She usually lives a secluded life, only occasionally taking on jobs preparing wound medicines or antidotes. Linger says she is trustworthy, but whether to use her or not is your decision."

Chen Linsheng noted the name, bid farewell to his Master, and then headed to the City East Baixiao Hall.

The manager of Baixiao Hall was a lean, middle-aged scholar. After reading Xiao Zhan's letter, his attitude became much more polite. Chen Linsheng paid a fifty-tael "consultation fee" and received more detailed intelligence about "Ghost Wail Oasis"—not only is the terrain complex there, but in recent years there have been several incidents of explorers disappearing. Rumors say ghost fires often drift at night, and occasionally, cries that sound both human and not can be heard.

"If you intend to go, esteemed guest, it's best to prepare ample water, anti-poison medicines, and... devices that can determine direction," the manager said meaningfully. "The geomagnetic field in that place is unnervingly chaotic; compasses and south-pointing chariots are all useless. It is said only the 'Sand Guiding People,' who have lived in the desert for generations, can navigate by observing Celestial Phenomena and sand patterns."

Chen Linsheng thanked him and took note of the "Sand Guiding People."

In the evening, following the address Lei Hao left, he found the residence of the two experienced guards—an inconspicuous courtyard in the western part of the city.

The one who opened the door was one of them, named Wang Mo. He appeared to be in his early thirties, with an honest face, large rough hands, and calluses covering his knuckles—marks left from years of holding reins.

Upon hearing Chen Linsheng's purpose, Wang Mo replied respectfully, "Young Master Lei has already instructed us. Whatever task Young Hero Chen has, the two of us will do our utmost to assist. However, Old Zhang took a merchant caravan north three days ago and won't return for five more days. If you need someone urgently, Young Hero, I can go ahead first."

Chen Linsheng thought for a moment. "That's fine. I will depart in three days, first heading to Black Stone Pass to gather personnel. You can meet me directly at the Black Stone Pass outpost five days from now. Compensation will be double the market rate, and if we can locate the Sand Shadow Bandits' lair, there will be additional heavy rewards."

Wang Mo clasped his fists. "I will follow Young Hero's arrangements."

On the way back, Chen Linsheng made a detour to the Army Breaker Manor branch.

Xiao Zhan was not there. A clerk from Thunder Shakes the Mountain's side received him. Upon hearing that Chen Linsheng had preliminarily decided on his personnel, the clerk took out an iron token and a slip of paper. "Elder Lei has ordered this person to be assigned to you."

The iron token bore only the character "Shadow" engraved on it, with the Army Breaker Manor emblem on the back. The slip of paper had an address—the innermost room in the third narrow alley opposite the coffin shop in the old northern district of the city.

"This person's nickname is 'A Ying.' He is skilled with the bow and speaks little. Three days from now, at Mao hour (5-7 AM), he will go to the Ten-Mile Pavilion on his own to wait for you. There's no need to seek him out," the clerk explained and then said no more.

Chen Linsheng accepted the token, understanding clearly: this mute archer was both an asset and likely a spy planted by Thunder Shakes the Mountain. But it didn't matter. As long as his archery was strong enough and he didn't hold the team back, being monitored was acceptable.

With this, the initial formation of the five-man squad was set.