C5 Special Guidance

Chen Ye urgently needed to complete the second side quest, but he found each requirement challenging, particularly the one involving the sect's token, which left him at a loss on how to begin.

After carefully assessing his current status and available resources, Chen Ye devised a strategy. His deliberate closeness to Gong Danggang and Cheng Bin was driven by his need to acquire two basic skills to unlock a new achievement mission.

Interactions among comrades were much more casual than with Lee Yunfei. Chen Ye handed one of his two steamed buns to Gong Danggang, a simple man with a hearty appetite. Gong Danggang's smile in response signaled a 10-point increase in his favorability, though he offered no further reaction.

Pondering his next move, Chen Ye reluctantly presented a wild fruit to Gong Danggang. "Here, Gangzi, you must still be hungry! I picked this secretly during the march. Go ahead, eat it!"

Gong Danggang devoured the fruit in just two bites, savoring the subtle sweetness with a thoughtful smack of his lips, which boosted his favorability by 20 points. As Chen Ye wavered over whether to give away his last wild fruit, Gong Danggang clapped him on the shoulder and declared, "I like you! From now on, we're friends. If anyone ever gives you trouble, just drop my name!"

The force of the pat sent a sharp pain through Chen Ye's shoulder, convincing him that Gong Danggang's strength was at least a seven. Except for Lee Yunfei, with his exceptional martial arts skills, there seemed to be no one else at the inspection station who could match Gong Danggang in hand-to-hand combat.

"Gangzi, I've heard you were once part of the special forces and even won top honors in a martial arts competition. How did you end up here at the inspection station?" Chen Ye inquired, seizing the chance to learn more.

Gong Danggang scratched his head, looking puzzled, and replied, "I go wherever there's enough food. Following the squad leader's advice has never steered me wrong."

Cheng Bin, who appeared to be more in the know, tapped the edge of his bowl and commented, "Asking him won't get you anywhere. Gangzi's meals only build his strength. There's a lot more to understand around here."

Chen Ye deftly poured half a bowl of snake soup into Cheng Bin's empty bowl. Watching him savor a sip with delight, Chen Ye urged, "Come on, spill the beans!"

Cheng Bin explained, "The place Gangzi was at before wasn't too shabby, but the trouble started when he stole the show at the big martial arts competition. You'd think a special award would at least get you third-class merit, right? But Gangzi, bless him, didn't get the game. They palmed him off with two pounds of white flour and pinned the merit on someone else."

"It's not the worst thing, really. Just shows some folks are a bit too hungry for glory. It wouldn't even raise an eyebrow in the squad, but some people, guilty as sin, feared it'd ruin their prospects if it came out. So they pulled strings to ship Gangzi off to the border garrison. Here, a few deaths a day is nothing unusual. Plus, with a posting like this, you're almost guaranteed to either be a casualty or retire due to injuries. Gangzi's pretty much done for," Cheng Bin said with a heavy sigh.

Gong Dazang, squatting nearby, listened as if it were someone else's problem. He slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "All that roundabout talk for what? Can't even eat it. Those two pounds of flour, though, they made for a tasty meal!"

Chen Ye was torn between laughter and tears. He recognized that in this new era of scarce resources, there were plenty like Gong Dazang who only cared about a full belly. In his own time, this might be a grave offense, but here, it barely registered – a case of willing hitter, willing hittee. Besides, two pounds of flour was no small sum. He had a hunch he'd stumbled upon some covert affair, but after a moment's contemplation, he held his tongue. For one, the implicated could be high-ranking military officials, way out of his league to handle. And if he triggered this side quest, he risked a Lee Yunfei scenario: fail the mission, and his favorability would reset to zero, nullifying all his hard work.

Chen Ye then proactively sought out Gong Da Gang's bare-handed combat expertise. Gong Da Gang was a natural powerhouse, his brawling style more about brute force than finesse. But his skill level was nothing to scoff at. After a brief exchange of techniques, Chen Ye received a prompt notification.

You've been guided by the other party and have mastered the "Basic Fist and Kick" (G), using up 20 points of favorability.

Basic Fist and Kick (G): In unarmed combat, you've come to understand that you can't just flail about aimlessly. Proficiency: 0/100.

Mission: Fighter — Defeat opponents barehanded 0/10. Reward: Basic Skill Advancement Potion 1.

Chen Ye felt a surge of confidence, confirming his suspicions that in this new world, mastering basic skills was key to enhancing adaptability. Therefore, to rapidly improve these skills, there were corresponding achievement missions.

However, when Chen Ye inquired about the blue skill "Blood Bathing Battle" from Gong Da Gang, Gong Da Gang replied in confusion, "What move is that? I got injured during a drill, but I was so furious I fought through the pain and took them all down. Since then, everyone says I get fiercer when I'm hurt. As for teaching you... maybe you should hit me a few times first?"

You've gained insight into the "Blood-soaked Battle" talent from the guidance provided.

Chen Ye immediately shook his head, a thought striking him. He vividly recalled the Celestial Tome's hint that talents could be comprehended in this world. Gong Da Gang had inadvertently revealed two key aspects of his talent: one was fighting while injured, indicating a need to battle at a critical health point, and the other was his ability to overpower his opponents.

Chen Ye clapped Cheng Bin on the shoulder, saying, "Come on, Little Book, let's spar a bit!"

"Little Book" was Cheng Bin's army nickname. Although he was actually several years older than Chen Ye, Cheng Bin retorted with a kick, "Why not spar with Gangzi? Picking on me because I'm a pen pusher with less strength? I'll show you what they mean by 'old ginger is spicier'!"

The reason Chen Ye was so eager to spar with Cheng Bin was precisely because he was the only soldier in the squad lacking in unarmed combat skills. To Chen Ye, Cheng Bin was like a treasure trove of experience. Without further ado, the two of them started exchanging blows.

In an era where entertainment was in short supply, "bull beating" became a popular pastime. Originating from Mongolian wrestling, the soldiers in the army enjoyed a more relaxed version of the sport. As long as they didn't go too far, the officers were pleased to see this form of entertainment that helped maintain the troops' fighting spirit.

Cheng Bin was indeed the easiest target in the class, yet the damage from barehanded combat was significant. Chen Ye, relying on his superior health and stamina, managed to defeat him. After checking his proficiency, he found it had only increased by 40 points. Knowing this wasn't enough to seek further guidance from Gong Dachang, he invited a less formidable comrade from next door for another round of "bull beating."

Chen Ye saw the entire class as a means to gain experience. The young and spirited soldiers couldn't resist a challenge, and they eagerly gathered around, forming a large circle to take turns sparring with Chen Ye.

While Chen Ye might not have been a match for the seasoned veterans in hand-to-hand combat, his two F-class basic skills were enough to wear them down to surrender. His Basic Footwork (F) allowed him to evade most attacks, and his Basic Stamina (F) meant he could take several punches without complaint. But it was his Basic Shooting (B) that was most crucial. Chen Ye discovered that his strikes often hit his opponents' weak spots, inflicting significant damage. He suspected that Basic Shooting (B) might also enhance a hidden attribute that improved his accuracy. After maxing out his proficiency in basic punches and kicks, Chen Ye used up a good deal of favorability to upgrade them to E-class. Sacrificing his last wild fruit, he found his attacks even more devastating, often causing opponents to surrender after just a few hits.

Chen Ye achieved the "Fighter" milestone and received a Basic Skill Advancement Potion 1. He also unlocked the "Hundred Battles, Hundred Victories" achievement mission: defeat 100 opponents in barehanded combat who are at least as skilled as you, with a reward of a Beginner Skill Book.

Upon seeing the notification that Wang Jianguo's and Lee Yunfei's favorability towards him had increased, Chen Ye breathed a sigh of relief. Apart from Gong Dachang and Lee Yunfei, he had sparred with and defeated all ten of his other comrades, thus completing the achievement mission.

As dusk settled in, everyone took turns resting after dinner. Wang Jianguo specifically called Chen Ye over to inquire which shift he'd prefer to take. Chen Ye recognized this as a chance to curry favor and promptly volunteered for the 3 to 5 AM watch with Cheng Bin.

"I'm truly proud of your progress," Wang Jianguo expressed warmly. "As your squad leader, there's not much left for me to teach you. These are the bullets Captain Lee sent for you. He seems to think highly of you and wants to take you under his wing. Make sure you don't let him down!" Wang Jianguo remarked with a hint of nostalgia.

You have received 20 bullets.

Your rapport with Wang Jianguo has maxed out, earning you a special coaching session.

Special coaching: Wang Jianguo, rapport 100/100 (Bonded in Life and Death), Scouting (F) 60 points; Stealth (E) 80 points; Bullets 2 points each; Military Rations 5 points per serving; First Aid Bandages 10 points per serving.

This special coaching was a direct point deduction! Chen Ye was thrilled. His hard work throughout the day had finally paid off. Without hesitation, he chose the long-coveted blue skill "Stealth (E)." He didn't let the remaining 20 rapport points go to waste either, opting for two servings of military rations and one first aid bandage.

Reincarnate 98537, Strength: 3; Vitality: 5; Agility: 5; Spirit: 2/3; Basic Hand-to-Hand (E); Basic Fitness (F); Basic Footwork (F); Basic Shooting (B); Scouting (G)

Stealth (E): Requirements: Agility 5; Basic Footwork (F); Upon activation, reduces your presence for 10 minutes, making it harder to attract the attention of creatures. Using shadows or camouflage enhances the effect. Cooldown: 2 hours. Proficiency: 0/100.

Celestial Vault: 1 cubic meter; 3 Silver-Ringed Snake Eggs; 30 bullets; 4 servings of Military Rations, which replenish 100 stamina in 5 minutes and reduce stamina depletion by 20% for 1 hour; 2 First Aid Bandages, which gradually alleviate bleeding and increase health by 20 points over 1 minute.

After the points were tallied, Wang Jianguo returned to his usual self. With a light sigh, Chen Ye exited the tent, his desire for Lee Yunfei's special guidance growing stronger. Yet, he was puzzled as to why Yunfei's guidance could become a side quest, while Wang Jianguo's guidance seemed so abrupt. It appeared that even if he did nothing, by this time tomorrow, he might naturally receive special guidance from Lee Yunfei. Chen Ye chalked this up to the beginner's tutorial in this new world.

Sharing a tent due to their duty shift, Chen Ye noticed Cheng Bin feigning sleep and struck up a conversation about new literature. Cheng Bin, a rare intellectual in the military, had few peers to converse with. Intrigued by the topic of new literature, he engaged eagerly with Chen Ye. After more than two hours of lively discussion, Chen Ye received a prompt:

Your conversation was enjoyable, and the extended interaction has increased your rapport.

You have accepted guidance and gained an understanding of "Basic Culture (G)."

Basic Culture (G): You can recognize most common characters and can just manage to read simple, uncultured books. Proficiency: 0/100.

Achievement Mission: "Elementary Scholar" — You are the cultural equivalent of an elementary scholar. Reading time: 0/10 hours. Reward: "Basic Skill Advancement Potion 1."

"Can't sleep, huh? Little Scribe, did you bring any entertaining books to while away the time?" Chen Ye inquired of Cheng Bin.

Cheng Bin, clearly drowsy, fumbled for a book in his arms and tossed it to Chen Ye before turning over to sleep. Soon after, his light snores filled the tent.

You have obtained "Story Gathering Book" (temporary), expending 20 points of favorability.

Story Gathering Book (temporary): This book is not yours to keep; it's only for temporary reading. It's a pastime book and won't impart any profound life lessons.

Chen Ye glanced at the countdown for the secondary mission, noting only 14 hours remained. He felt a measure of relief—despite some unexpected variance, the situation wasn't too dire. He quickly began reading the temporary book by moonlight. Perhaps due to a hidden Vision +1 attribute, he found reading in the dim light not particularly challenging.

This turned out to be the perfect book for leisurely reading. Chen Ye was engrossed in it until 3 o'clock, the time for his guard shift. Glancing at the mission notification, he noted he still needed two more hours of reading to reach the "Elementary Student" level. He temporarily set aside "Story Gathering," roused Cheng Bin, and after handing over duties to the next shift, they left the camp.

Patrols could be conducted in pairs or solo, presenting Chen Ye with a strategic choice. Partnering up would allow him to continue building rapport, potentially earning specialized guidance from his companion. However, going it alone would enable him to explore beyond the camp and uncover additional opportunities within the scenario. Faced with the pressure of a secondary mission, Chen Ye didn't hesitate to choose the latter. After arranging a meeting time and place with Cheng Bin, he made his way to the farmlands at the base of the mountain.