Chapter 86 Betrayal=Death

"Punch harder! How are you going to defeat the Spirit Condensation Stage beast if you cannot breach this kid's defense!"

Feng Yan berated the guard who was facing Chu Qing. The matchup was unfair as Chu Qing practiced the Top Grade manual and his body was as fortified as a defensive Spirit beast.

It was impossible for the guard to deal damage when the young teen used the defensive technique on top of his natural advantages.

On the other side of the Farmland, Pei Yuan was running circles around a group led by Zi Ming. Not a single person had managed to land a hit on his body.

In the open space, Hei Ying trained with Commander Lu Shao's team. Her clever jabs and Gazelle Punches had caused many to fall unconscious.

Ikasa sighed as he came to realize just how ill prepared these soldiers were for the tournament. Unwilling to see their morale drop further, he gave them a break and ended their training for the day.

"Do you think they can perform better after training for the next two weeks?"

He asked Feng Yan, who joined him on the second floor. Feng Yan shook his head without hesitation.

"Unless you are willing to provide them the same techniques we use, they have no chance of defeating any of the Spirit beasts."

He explained his reasoning when Ikasa looked at him questioningly.

"The Tri Tusk Boar… Its hide is as thick as Chu Qing's defense. Pei Yuan should be able to keep up with the Cloud Patterned Leopard in terms of speed. And the One-eyed Chimp is no less smart than Hei Ying."

Feng Yan exposed the grim situation of the people City Lord had sent to them for training. Ikasa realized that he only had two options; either he bestows the soldiers the same techniques or adds his own men to the City Lord's team.

Speaking of men, Ikasa was reminded of his private force.

"Did you finish ascertaining the loyalties of the new recruits?"

"Yes! Only two had previous dealings with the Hu Clan. Some of the shops traded with the Sect but after the hostilities started, they stopped. Most of the people have a deep grudge against the three forces."

Ikasa considered the answer and deemed it acceptable. He couldn't condemn new recruits just because they had some contact with the two most powerful forces in this City in their past.

"Should we distribute our manuals among them? It will help if we have backup in case City Guards do not show improvement in the next week."

Ikasa phrased it like a question but Feng Yan knew he was just being polite. Since he proposed it, it meant he wanted the recruits to start training in his manuals as soon as possible.

"I will gather the recruits now."

Feng Yan said, understanding Ikasa's implicit intentions.

"Also bring as many large mouthed jars as possible with you."

Ikasa reminded Feng Yan, his gaze surveyed the fields brimming with energy, "I don't think this farmland needs anymore Energy-infused water."

Feng Yan nodded and went to find Chu Kuang. After the last exercise with the City Lord's team, Chu Kuang had come to terms with the fact that there was no ghost but a mischievous little beast.

It still liked to steal Chu Kuang's food but now the bald man had learned his lesson and prepared two portions for his lunch.

The Kids wanted to meet this little fox, but so far they had no luck. Except for an occasional glimpse, they didn't have the fortune of getting to play with it as they wished.

Right now, this little beast followed Feng Yan as he gathered his recruits to the front of the residence. It had heard the conversation and anticipated another Energy Storm.

In the next quarter of an hour, flat mouthed jars had been spread around the fields and eager recruits stood at attention, awaiting their orders.

Ikasa had prepared a grand speech for the day when he would give his top grade manuals to his private militia.

"Today, you are going to become part of the peak group in this world who have the privilege to use the Top Grade Manual. In exchange, I demand just one thing: Your total Loyalty!"

He paused for the dramatic effect. His words caused the recruit's minds to be blown. If they were normal passersby, their reactions would be something like these -

"Did he say Top Grade Manual?"

"When we signed up, they did not mention anything about this…"

"I bet if Xue Mu hears of this, his gut will turn green from regret."

But they were not. They were trained under Feng Yan for the past week and he had inculcated military discipline in their body.

Their faces showed shock, smugness and joy but their bodies didn't move an inch.

Ikasa nodded in satisfaction at the discipline they displayed. Before he passed the techniques to them, he wanted to emphasize how big of a decision they were about to make.

"If any of you are having second thoughts, turn around now. Because only one fate awaits those who betray me. That is Death!"

His declaration chilled the hearts of those present.

His vicious grin only amplified that fear.

The Kids had never seen this side of Ikasa and the two youngest, Luo Qiqi and Yan Xiao huddled together.

Feng Yan had a somber expression as he realized that the words this young man had said in the ruins were not just for show. As much as he disliked this new side of Ikasa, he appreciated it more.

Chu Kuang couldn't believe such words could come out from his amiable Master's mouth. He had only ever heard his master speak sweet words and forgotten that no successful person had ever reached the pinnacle without stepping on a few skeletons.

As stunning they were for his close acquaintances, his words had the most powerful impact on the recruits.

They had no idea about the rewards or punishment when they signed up. When the punishment was laid before them bluntly, it sent shivers down their spine.

They took their time to come to terms with it, but they accepted it.

Death was not uncommon for servants in this world. At least their new employer warned them beforehand instead of first forcing them into servitude and then killing inexplicably for the smallest mistake.

Even after a few breaths had passed, none of the recruits gave up his position. This was their only chance to rise to the top.

Ikasa smiled appreciatively at their conviction. He arrived near the recruit in the front corner and handed him the Hundred-Use manual for [Around the Body in 80 Breaths].

He patted the young man on his shoulder and looked him in the eye.

"Open the manual, and read the contents. Let it change your fate!"