gnovel Chapter 17 Promotion to Chief Flag Officer
Chapter 17 Promotion to Chief Flag Officer
[Host has consumed 150 Deep Blue attribute points, upgrading Flying Fish Shadow Step to the second level.]
[The host has consumed 150 Deep Blue attribute points, upgrading the Soul-Chasing Life-Stealing Lock to the second level.]
As the system's voice fell, a familiar burning sensation instantly exploded in my dantian, then transformed into countless fine warm currents, frantically washing over my limbs and bones.
It started with my legs; it felt like I was soaking in scalding hot medicine, with muscle fibers breaking down and rebuilding in minute ways.
Jia Huan groaned, cold sweat beading on his forehead.
He could clearly feel that his legs, which had been somewhat heavy, were undergoing a qualitative transformation.
The bones seemed to become lighter and more resilient, and the calf muscles tightened, becoming as explosive as a bowstring.
The warm current traveled along the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, instantly clearing away the stagnation in the meridian.
Jia Huan tried to leap lightly, and his body shot out like an arrow, landing as lightly as a feather without disturbing a speck of dust.
The feeling was like his body had broken free from the constraints of gravity, as if he could skim across the water like a flying fish and leave no trace on the snow, whenever he wanted.
The sluggish feeling of blood surging when performing light-body skills in the past has completely disappeared, replaced by a smooth and light feeling as if it were an extension of one's own arm.
Immediately afterwards, the burning sensation gathered in both arms and finally settled at the fingertips.
If the change in lightness skill is "lightness", then the improvement in hidden weapon techniques is "heaviness" and "accuracy".
Jia Huan casually pulled a copper coin from his sleeve. What was originally an ordinary hidden weapon in his hand now seemed to have become an extension of his body.
He didn't aim deliberately, but the trajectory of the falling leaves and the frequency of the flickering candlelight automatically appeared in his mind.
With a slight flick of the wrist and a burst of skillful force from the fingertips, a powerful energy flowed out.
"Duh!"
With a soft sound, the copper coin was deeply embedded in the beam three zhang away, penetrating the wood and carrying a strange rotating force.
Jia Huan stared at his fingertips, deeply moved.
This second layer of "Soul-Chasing and Life-Taking Lock" is not just an increase in strength, but also a control over "momentum".
Now, his moves are like a venomous snake spitting its tongue—ruthless, cunning, and impossible to defend against.
That sense of control, that ability to hit exactly where he wanted, even gave him a kind of illusion.
As long as you give him hidden weapons, there is no throat in this world that he cannot lock!
After completing the skill point allocation for Deep Blue, Jia Huan glanced at his system panel.
[Host: Jia Huan]
[Learned Martial Arts: Xuanjia Body Forging Technique (Level 6), Embroidered Spring Soul-Severing Blade (Level 4), Golden Scale Prison Suppressing Skill (Level 3), Flying Fish Shadow Step (Level 2), Soul-Chasing Life-Stealing Rope (Level 2)]
[Overall Strength Rating: Peak Acquired Martial Artist]
[Dark Blue Attribute Points: 150]
"Phew! My overall strength has actually reached the peak of the Acquired Realm, just one step away from the Innate Realm? The speed of improvement is really fast."
"But this is far from enough for me. I need to kill more evil people, obtain more Deep Blue attribute points, and keep adding them until I am invincible!" Jia Huan sighed after letting out a long breath.
Afterwards, he lay down on the bed and closed his eyes to rest.
What he had been doing these past few days had left him feeling extremely exhausted.
So he needs to rest for a while and think about what mission he should take on next.
……
Jia Huan rested for three days.
Three days of rest were enough for Jia Huan to adjust his body and mind to their peak.
Early that morning, two inconspicuous blue-canopied carriages suddenly stopped outside the gate of the Rongguo Mansion.
Two men dressed in the uniforms of Jinyiwei (Imperial Guards) civil officials stepped out of the carriage. One carried a dossier, and the other held a red lacquered wooden tray. They looked solemn and went straight to the gatekeeper of the Jia family mansion to hand over their waist tokens.
The news spread extremely quickly; in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Jia Huan was already waiting in the main hall.
"This humble servant, Jia Huan, greets the two superiors."
Jia Huan remained composed and respectful, bowing with his hands clasped in greeting.
One of the older civilian officials nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over Jia Huan, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.
He stepped forward and announced loudly, "Jia Huan, listen to my command!"
"exist."
"In the case of apprehending Xue Wuchang, you acted decisively and skillfully, not only capturing the wanted criminal but also enhancing the prestige of our Embroidered Uniform Guard. Following deliberation by the Southern Garrison Command, you are hereby promoted to Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, effective immediately!"
After saying this, the official took a document bearing a bright red seal and a heavy gilded token from the wooden tray in his colleague's hand and solemnly handed them to Jia Huan.
Immediately afterwards, another official lifted the red cloth, revealing a neatly folded black flying fish robe and an embroidered spring knife with an antique design and flowing dark patterns on its scabbard.
"This is the standard flying fish uniform of the captain. The knife is named 'Autumn Water,' forged from refined steel and is incomparably sharp. I hope you will use it well."
Jia Huan took it with both hands, only to find it heavy in his hands.
The black flying fish robe was cool and slippery to the touch, and it exuded a faint aura of murderous intent.
The Embroidered Spring Blade exuded a chilling aura, as if it yearned to drink blood.
"General Jia."
The older official lowered his voice and earnestly encouraged him:
"Although the rank of the General is not high, it is a position with real power and the ability to act independently. I hope you will not forget your original aspiration and forge a future for the court and for yourself."
Jia Huan gripped the token tightly, feeling the metallic texture in his palm, his eyes gradually sharpening.
He straightened his back and replied in a deep voice:
"Rest assured, sir. Apprehending criminals and protecting the capital is my duty! I will certainly not fail you!"
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from behind the screen, accompanied by Aunt Zhao's suppressed laughter.
"Oh my! My darling! This is a captain! A high-ranking officer in charge of more than twenty people!"
Aunt Zhao rushed out in a flurry of activity, grabbed the civil official's sleeve, and smiled broadly.
"My lords, you've had a long journey! Please, have a seat and some tea! My son is truly remarkable, thanks to the court's support. I'll make sure he takes good care of you both!"
The official, a man of the world, though finding Aunt Zhao somewhat vulgar, still smiled politely, considering that Jia Huan was now a powerful commander.
"You're too kind, Madam. Lord Jia is a young man of great talent and has a bright future ahead of him."
After seeing off the two officials from the Southern Garrison, Jia Huan returned to his room, closed the door, and slowly unfolded the black flying fish robe.
On the black fabric, the flying fish pattern seemed to come alive under the candlelight, baring its fangs and claws, exuding a chilling aura of power.
He changed into a robe, tied a belt around his waist, hung the specially made embroidered spring knife on his arm, and looked at himself in the mirror.
The man in the mirror had sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes. His flying fish robe accentuated his upright and pine-like figure. His original gloomy aura was swept away, replaced by a chilling coldness and majesty.
"Commander-in-Chief..."
Jia Huan whispered, his fingers gently tracing the hilt of the knife.
"This is just the beginning!"