Ling Tian Sword God

Chapter 139: Chapter 138: Selecting Team Members_1

Xiao Muyu’s mission was to set out from Shaochuan County and deliver supplies to the Fire Country’s forces fighting in Sanyang County. Along the way, there would be many formidable mountain bandits and harassment from Demonic Sect scouts. Any misstep would affect the battle on the front lines. This mission was extremely important but not overly difficult.

Ling Chen’s mission, on the other hand, was reconnaissance. His objective was to investigate the battle situation at Shaochuan Pass, ascertain the details, and report back to headquarters. This mission also seemed not too difficult.

Now, both Ling Chen and Xiao Muyu possessed a Command Waist Card. They would both be captains of their respective mission teams and therefore could not undertake the same mission.

”Alright, be careful on your mission. Even if it doesn’t seem too difficult, don’t let your guard down.” Before they parted, Ling Chen reminded Xiao Muyu.

Xiao Muyu was no longer a rookie disciple, so Ling Chen merely reminded him and wasn’t overly concerned. Since Zi Yun True Immortal had entrusted the Juechen Sword to Xiao Muyu, he surely had other trump cards. Ling Chen didn’t need to worry excessively about him.

”Got it, you take care too.” Xiao Muyu raised his fist, bumped it against Ling Chen’s, then turned and walked in a different direction.

Ling Chen took the mission notice from the board and approached a Deacon Disciple. After registering with the Deacon Disciple, Ling Chen received a list of other disciples who had also taken this mission. Only those with a Command Waist Card could accept the mission notice from the board; others could only leave their names and information, awaiting the captain’s summons.

Twelve other people had also taken this mission.

”Please summon these twelve individuals and have them gather on the training ground,” Ling Chen said to the Deacon Disciple.

”Understood.” The Deacon Disciple nodded and then left the command tent.

Ling Chen picked up the list, skimmed it, then clutched it in his hand and walked towards the training ground.

Within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, all twelve individuals had arrived and lined up before Ling Chen.

The twelve individuals wore varied attire; they were a mix of men and women, some comely and others plain, a rather motley group. Among them were disciples from the Sky Void Palace and the Myriad Dao Sect, disciples from lesser second-rate sects, and even unaffiliated loose cultivators.

After sweeping his gaze over the twelve, Ling Chen’s eyes settled on a figure in the center. This person was very familiar—none other than Xie Feng.

Their eyes met, and a cold smirk touched Xie Feng’s lips. Ling Chen is my captain? Perfect! That little brat dared to embarrass me in front of Junior Sister Xu. I’ll make sure to screw him over this time.

Ling Chen, however, merely glanced at him briefly before looking away, saying nothing.

”Is that our captain? He looks so young. Is he reliable?”

”I don’t know. I have a bad feeling about this. The captain looks like he’s only fifteen or sixteen!”

”So young... he can’t have much experience in the Jianghu. Can he really handle this position?”

A few team members whispered among themselves.

”Stop guessing. Let me tell you the truth: I know this captain. He’s young, arrogant, and thinks no one is his equal. What’s more, he’s a man of low character, a lecher. I advise you to prepare yourselves.” Xie Feng whispered to the few who had been speaking, an expression on his face as if he knew Ling Chen very well.

”Ah! To think someone so handsome could be such a person!” a female disciple with above-average looks exclaimed in dismay, hastily clutching her chest as if fearing Ling Chen might accost her.

Ling Chen didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at the woman’s exaggerated gesture. From her reaction, he could easily guess what Xie Feng had just whispered.

”Fellow Martial Artists.” Ling Chen cleared his throat, his expression turning serious. ”Since you’ve accepted this mission, I trust you are mentally prepared. This mission is not simple. To complete it successfully, we need not only sufficient strength but also excellent teamwork.”

”However, for this mission, more isn’t better. I only need four people to accompany me. The rest will be eliminated and removed from this list.”

”What? Only four people?”

”Does that mean eight of us will be eliminated? That’s too harsh!”

Just as Ling Chen finished speaking, a commotion arose.

Having anticipated their dissatisfaction, Ling Chen ignored the murmurs, his gaze settling on Xie Feng.

”First, you are eliminated.”

”Why?” Xie Feng’s expression changed as he shouted.

”Because we have a history, and I don’t like you. I wouldn’t feel secure with you as a team member. Even if I allowed you to join, you would only feign compliance while secretly disobeying. What use would you be then?” Ling Chen stated calmly.

”Ling Chen, this is clearly abusing your position to settle a personal score! Such petty behavior!” Xie Feng’s face darkened.

”So what if it is?” Ling Chen’s expression remained unchanged. ”The captain has the final say on team selection. In this team, my word is law.”

”You’re ruthless!” Xie Feng’s expression flickered. He knew he was no match for Ling Chen. If Ling Chen decided to act against him, he would suffer greatly and lose face completely.

”Does anyone else wish to leave?” Ling Chen swept his gaze over the others. ”If you have any objections to me, you may leave now. Otherwise, if anyone dares to feign compliance or disobey orders during the mission, I will show no mercy!”

When he finished speaking, the others merely exchanged glances, not daring to utter another word. Even Xie Feng, a Martial Artist Sixth Realm, didn’t dare utter a peep in front of Ling Chen, let alone them. None among them could confidently claim to be stronger than Xie Feng, so naturally, they wouldn’t dare challenge Ling Chen.

”Since no one is leaving, it means you are all willing to follow my orders.” Ling Chen’s gaze was calm as he continued, ”In that case, step forward one by one. Use your most proficient technique to attack me, and continue until I am satisfied.”

”You first.” Ling Chen pointed to a middle-aged man in yellow robes on the far right.

This man in yellow robes was an unaffiliated loose cultivator. He stepped out of the line, came before Ling Chen, and cupped his fists in a salute.

”Proceed.” Ling Chen stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his white robes fluttering.

”Then I shall be so bold!” A glint flashed in the yellow-robed man’s eyes as he attacked decisively, True Qi gathering in his palm.

”Heart-crushing Palm!” the yellow-robed man shouted, striking out with his palm and rapidly closing in on Ling Chen.

A heavy wave of Palm Power surged towards Ling Chen.

Ling Chen met the attack with a palm strike of his own, clashing with the yellow-robed man.

BANG!

The Air Energy scattered, and the yellow-robed man was sent flying backward.

”Unqualified.” Ling Chen shook his head, a look of disappointment on his face.

This level of strength is still far from my expectations. This is a team mission. If I’m the only capable one as captain, and the team members lack strength, the mission cannot be completed. It’s better to have a few good members than many useless ones. This kind of rudimentary skill would only be a burden if chosen; they’d be of no help at all.