After Transmigration, I Traded a Coin for a Peerless Wife and Conquered the Chaotic World - Chapter 48:

Chapter 48: Do You Submit Now? I Do!

Wang Meng gave a firm nod without saying a word, gripping the broadsword tightly in his hand, awaiting Lin Feng’s command.

Everyone around the arena stepped back over ten steps, clearing an open space for the duel.

“Zhao Kai, don’t be afraid! That guy’s just a death row criminal—killing him is no harder than killing a chicken!” someone shouted from the crowd.

It was only then that Lin Feng learned the Grade A soldier’s name—Zhao Kai.

“He’s just a death row prisoner, while you’re a Grade A soldier of the Northern Garrison and a 2nd stage martial artist. What are you afraid of? Show the might of the Northern Garrison—don’t bring shame to us brothers!”

Encouraged by these words, Zhao Kai regained some confidence. His gaze grew firm again.

Indeed, a 2nd stage martial artist wasn’t qualified to challenge a 4th stage Centurion like Lin Feng. But facing a former convict who had only been released from prison to serve as cannon fodder? There was nothing to fear.

On the side, Jiang Yi leaned toward Wang Meng and said, “Wang Meng, the honor of our fallen brothers rests on your shoulders now. Don’t let the Centurion down!”

Wang Meng clenched his teeth and nodded again. “Please rest assured, Centurion! Even if I have to give my life, I’ll vindicate our fallen comrades!”

At Lin Feng’s shout to begin, the two immediately clashed with raised blades.

In an instant, blades gleamed, and killing intent surged.

Both fought with full force, each move meant to take the other’s life—relentless and deadly.

But Wang Meng had long since been transformed by the carnage of the battlefield, having endured the mountains of corpses and rivers of blood from the Northern Barbarians’ siege. Remembering the Centurion’s bravery during that battle, his confidence soared.

Zhao Kai, on the other hand, was different. He and his kind had lived under the protection of General Yan Nantian, mostly fighting in favorable conditions. Facing a man like Wang Meng who fought as if he had nothing to lose, Zhao Kai quickly lost momentum. Panic set in.

When their blades clashed again, a loud clang rang out—Wang Meng, using all his strength, shattered Zhao Kai’s sword in one blow.

Terrified, Zhao Kai turned and bolted toward the two Decurions of the Northern Garrison. “Help! Help! I quit—I’m not fighting anymore!”

The two Decurions looked at Zhao Kai’s pathetic retreat with nothing but contempt.

Just then, Wang Meng turned to look at Centurion Lin Feng. Receiving only a glance in response, Wang Meng turned back coldly and hurled his broadsword.

“Clang!”

It pierced straight through Zhao Kai’s chest.

Zhao Kai looked down at the gaping wound in his chest, blood pouring out like a fountain. His vision darkened, and he collapsed in front of the two Decurions—stone cold dead.

Silence fell across the entire camp.

A so-called Grade A soldier of the Northern Garrison, a 2nd stage martial artist, had been defeated and killed by a former death row inmate from the kitchen.

What more could be said?

What complaints could anyone still make?

Decurion Cao Jinyuan stepped forward and cupped his hands. “Zhao Kai defied his superiors, harmed his comrades, and disrupted the military camp. His death was well deserved!”

Decurion Huo Changzai echoed, “Indeed, his death was justified. Only by killing him can we appease the anger of the troops. From now on, we shall obey the Centurion’s every command and pledge our loyalty unto death!”

Only now did Lin Feng nod in satisfaction.

He stepped forward and personally pulled the two Decurions to their feet with a grin. “Well said, both of you. We must never let such vile individuals ruin the bonds between brothers.”

The two Decurions nodded respectfully, still full of trepidation.

Lin Feng then called over Jiang Yi, “Let me introduce you—this is Jiang Yi, also a Decurion in our army. If either of you has matters to report, you may go to him directly, and he’ll inform me.”

By doing this, Lin Feng was placing Jiang Yi above the other Decurions, clearly declaring him one of his trusted aides.

Cao Jinyuan and Huo Changzai, both seasoned veterans, immediately understood the message. They smiled and said, “Decurion Jiang Yi, we’ll count on you to guide us going forward!”

Jiang Yi replied humbly, “You’re too kind, brothers. As long as we stand united and serve the Centurion faithfully, we’ll do well together.”

Then Lin Feng addressed the entire camp loudly, “Now that you are all soldiers of Yan Pass, you must look the part. All of you are to report to the quartermaster’s office within one day and change out of your Northern Garrison uniforms.”

“Anyone who disobeys—will be executed!”

To tame this group of fierce and unruly warriors, Lin Feng had to start with appearances. How could he expect them to think of Yan Pass’s future while still wearing the Northern Garrison’s uniform?

And after today’s events, no one dared to take Lin Feng’s words lightly again.

This Centurion—he really would kill without blinking!

Meanwhile, inside the central command tent—

Upon hearing about Lin Feng’s actions toward the Northern Garrison soldiers, Pan Feng burst into laughter.

“Xu Chong, how does that brat Lin Feng have so many tricks up his sleeve? I’ve argued myself hoarse trying to get those Northern Garrison dogs to change into our Yan Pass uniforms, and not a single one gave in.”

“But that brat? In less than half a day, he made all those proud fools fall in line!”

Xu Chong poured Pan Feng a cup of wine and chuckled, “Why else would General Yan Nantian admire him so much? That boy has talent—in battle and in discipline.”

“But our whole force is still made up of Northern Garrison men, and the numbers are far too small. If the Northern Barbarians attack again, we won’t have enough troops to defend. Maybe we should ask Magistrate Liu Hong to conscript more men. Otherwise, it’ll be hopeless.”

Just then, a voice shouted from outside the tent, “General, absolutely not!”

Lin Feng strode in with large steps, Jiang Yi and Wang Meng following behind.

He saluted properly, “Lin Feng greets the General!”

After the bloodbath they’d been through together, Pan Feng and Xu Chong already saw Lin Feng as a brother. There was no longer a rigid hierarchy between them.

Xu Chong quickly motioned for him to sit, while Pan Feng laughed cheerfully, “Lin Feng, there’s no outsiders here—no need to be so formal.”

“But rules are rules,” Lin Feng replied, though he took the tea and sipped without hesitation.

Pan Feng burst into laughter again. “You, a man who dared behead a Decurion under the Northern Garrison, are talking to me about rules? Don’t be shameless!”

Everyone laughed, including Lin Feng.

Then Pan Feng asked seriously, “You just said we shouldn’t let Magistrate Liu Hong recruit more soldiers. Why not?”

Lin Feng set down his cup and slowly explained, “Yan Pass just survived a devastating battle. Everything is in ruins, especially the farmlands outside the city—they’re almost completely destroyed. If we take every able-bodied man for the army, who’s going to farm? We can’t expect our soldiers to grow crops too, right?”

Pan Feng pondered this for a while and then asked, “Then what do you suggest? We can’t rely on just one thousand troops.”

“Simple,” Lin Feng said. “Increase soldier benefits and recruit willing men from surrounding areas with heavy rewards. I believe we can fill our ranks within a few months.”

That was the plan Lin Feng had in mind.

Pan Feng nodded thoughtfully—it did make sense. But then his brows furrowed again. “Then what about the money?”