Wang Xiaoniu and Li Xuancang quickly arrived at Zhao Changlin's tent.

The interior was sparsely furnished, with only a desk and a few chairs, exuding the austere and iron-blooded simplicity of a border military camp.

Behind the desk sat a man clad in half-armor, with a resolute face and an aura of a seasoned warrior. This was Zhao Changlin.

Zhao Changlin looked up at Li Xuancang as he entered the tent, his gaze falling on the wound. Seeing that it had healed without any sign of severe injury, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

He had witnessed Li Xuancang's injuries that night, which were almost certainly fatal.

Yet, in just three days, Li Xuancang's injuries had mostly healed. Such a resilient body was indeed rare.

"So, you are Li Xuancang?"

Zhao Changlin spoke, his voice steady and authoritative.

"Subordinate Li Xuancang, greets the lord."

Li Xuancang bowed, neither humble nor arrogant.

Zhao Changlin nodded slightly, his tone softening with a hint of approval.

"Three days ago, you fought the Demon Hound alone, showing remarkable courage and combat prowess. You are indeed a fine son of our Great Yan Border Army."

This was public praise from a high-ranking military officer, a significant recognition in the border army, where strength and military merit were highly valued.

Li Xuancang stood quietly, not showing any arrogance.

"I merely fulfilled my duty as a soldier, defending the camp and slaying the enemy as expected."

Naturally, Li Xuancang wasn't foolish enough to admit that he fought the Demon Hound because he couldn't escape.

Seeing his composure, neither arrogant nor impatient, Zhao Changlin's approval deepened.

He immediately picked up the military registration document prepared on the desk and solemnly announced.

"In these chaotic times, those who can fight should hold their positions, and those with merit must be rewarded. Your bravery and combat skills set an example for the soldiers."

"Today, I promote you to the position of 5-Man Leader in the border army, commanding five regular soldiers, with the authority to oversee patrols and guard duties."

As the words fell, Li Xuancang's heart skipped a beat, his pulse quickening.

He hadn't expected to receive the position of 5-Man Leader in such a manner.

Zhao Changlin pushed the 5-Man Leader's badge and standard military uniform across the desk, continuing.

"From today, you will receive the full salary of a 5-Man Leader, with additional monthly provisions of silver, refined rice, daily meat rations, and basic body-tempering ointments. You will have full authority to requisition your squad's weapons and supplies."

"Manage your subordinates well, earn more military merits, and there will be further opportunities for advancement."

Though the 5-Man Leader was the lowest-ranking officer in the army, it was a position of real power, marking a departure from the ranks of ordinary soldiers.

With this status, he could accumulate military merits faster, providing better protection for his family.

Li Xuancang stepped forward to take the 5-Man Leader's badge, feeling its cold texture in his palm, the character "伍" engraved on it.

(PawRead P/N: In Chinese, '伍' means the quantity 5. )

He bowed again, his voice firm.

"Subordinate thanks the lord for the promotion. I vow to serve faithfully, defend our border, and vanquish all invading barbarians and demonic creatures!"

Zhao Changlin nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand.

"Go and organize your squad. Further defense arrangements will follow."

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"Remember, in this chaotic world of demons and monsters, strength and military merit are the foundation of your standing. Do not disappoint my promotion."

"Subordinate will remember the lord's teachings!"

Li Xuancang bowed and took his leave, clutching the 5-Man Leader's badge as he exited the tent.

"Brother Li, congratulations on becoming a 5-Man Leader."

Seeing Li Xuancang become a 5-Man Leader, Wang Xiaoniu was filled with envy but also genuine happiness for him.

The 5-Man Leader commanded five soldiers, the most basic officer rank in the army, and the first step into the ruling class, with benefits far surpassing those of regular combat soldiers.

A monthly salary of two taels of silver, ample refined rice, and additional meat and wine rations.

A private single-person barrack, no longer sharing crowded quarters.

Monthly provisions of basic body-tempering herbs and low-grade healing pills to nourish the body, with a chance to break through to the Body Tempering realm.

Authority to manage and command five subordinates, with the ability to assign guard and patrol duties.

Enjoying basic legal privileges, where ordinary soldiers or commoners offending a 5-Man Leader could be punished on the spot without reporting.

His hometown, Green Creek Village, would receive an upgraded protection level, preventing harassment by local officials, and allowing for the mobilization of patrol soldiers to eliminate mountain bandits or minor demons if they dared to invade.

With these layers of benefits, the gap widened instantly.

"Brother Wang, thank you and your brother for taking care of me these days. I will never forget your kindness."

Li Xuancang's excitement had subsided, and he sincerely thanked Wang Xiaoniu.

If not for the two brothers saving him from the brink of death, he would have been a skeleton by now, with no chance of becoming a 5-Man Leader.

Wang Xiaoniu quickly waved his hand, "Brother Li, you survived on your own. We brothers didn't do much."

Wang Xiaoniu, honest and straightforward, believed that even without them, Li Xuancang's incredible recovery ability would have pulled him through.

After a brief conversation, Li Xuancang and Wang Xiaoniu parted ways.

Now a 5-Man Leader, he had his own room and no longer needed to squeeze in with others.

Soon, five soldiers were directly assigned under his command.

The five were evidently aware of Li Xuancang's solo battle with the Demon Hound, looking at him with awe.

Facing a Demon Hound, daring to fight it and even severely injure it, such a superior commanded respect.

"Greetings to the 5-Man Leader!"

The five saluted in unison, their attitude respectful.

Li Xuancang glanced over them, his tone calm:

"From now on, we share the same tent and defend the border together."

After a few formal words and memorizing their names, he dismissed them.

Subsequently, his private barrack, 5-Man Leader supplies, body-tempering herbs, and monthly salary vouchers were delivered to him one by one.

The small, clean private barrack isolated him from the chaotic crowd.

On the table were coarse ceramic medicine pots, bags of herbs, and ample food coupons and silver.

Li Xuancang sat cross-legged on the bed, carefully sensing the changes in his body.

The daily 1% increase in strength continued unabated, his muscles becoming firmer, and his vitality more robust.

Now, he could knock out a strong man with a single punch and easily lift over a hundred kilograms.

"Ordinary barbarian soldiers are no longer my match, but I still can't defeat a Demon Hound."

Li Xuancang carefully assessed his strength. Ordinary barbarian soldiers were no longer a threat, but against demons, even the lowest-level Demon Hound, he had no chance of winning, not even of self-preservation.

"I need time."

Li Xuancang needed stability now, waiting for his strength to transform, allowing him to rival cultivators and truly establish himself in the military camp.

In the following days, Li Xuancang's body fully recovered, his strength further enhanced, and he began leading his squad on patrols in the vicinity.

Meanwhile, the news of his becoming a regular combat soldier also reached Qingyang County.