Chapter Nineteen: Obtaining the Golden Silk Armor

This was the first time since arriving in the Republic era that Xiao Fei undertook a perilous mission on his own, and also the first bold step he had taken to save the fate of the Chinese nation. Restless, he tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep for a long time.

His unintentional journey through time had intertwined his destiny with so many others: his sister-in-law, Zhen Sanjiang, Hu Changqing, and all the valiant brothers of Qinglong Mountain. His success or failure would determine theirs as well—he could not afford to fail.

"Master, is something weighing on your mind?"

As Xiao Fei was caught in a whirlwind of emotions, Ling’er’s voice sounded in his mind. Their souls were connected, and she could naturally sense his heavy heart.

"Indeed, Ling’er. This mission concerns the lives and deaths of so many. My own survival is of little importance—after all, I do not belong to this era. If I die, so be it. But if I fail, Hu Million’s army and the Japanese forces will surely sweep over Qinglong Mountain, and with my current abilities, I cannot guarantee victory." Xiao Fei couldn’t help but confide his worries to Ling’er.

"Master, you need not fret. In such critical times, how could you forget about me?" Ling’er replied with a touch of mystery.

Xiao Fei sat up abruptly. "That’s right, Ling’er! Didn’t you say yesterday that since I saved Qinglong Mountain and thousands of lives, the system rewarded me with 3,000 energy points? Tell me quickly, can I exchange these points for something even better?" he asked eagerly.

"Well, Master, don’t be impatient. Listen to me. Given your current state, even I am worried for you. Look at your skinny arms and legs—if you don’t sleep for a night, you’ll collapse. So in my opinion, you should first improve your physical fitness," Ling’er said.

"Improve my physical fitness? How should I do that?" Xiao Fei asked, intrigued. Ling’er was right—he was never the athletic type. In his past life, university days were idle; he rarely exercised outdoors, spending most of his time in his dorm playing games. After coming here, the continuous days of strenuous activity had truly taken a toll on his body.

Seeing his impatience, Ling’er briefly explained the use of the 3,000 energy points.

Currently, Xiao Fei’s superintelligent system was only at level one. Upgrading to level two required 2,000 energy points, or he could use those points to purchase a set of Golden Silk Armor. The remaining 1,000 points could be used to enhance his physical attributes. After scanning him, Ling’er reported Xiao Fei’s parameters:

Muscle resilience: 40
Bone strength: 15
Cellular vitality: 20
Mental power: 30
Stress resistance: 45
Intelligence: 60

Each indicator was out of 100. Only one of Xiao Fei’s scores was passing; his average was just 35, which astonished him.

Unable to resist, Xiao Fei asked Ling’er to report Zhen Sanjiang’s stats, and was even more shocked: Zhen Sanjiang’s scores were 50, 44, 50, 45, 36, and 35, averaging over 40.

According to the classifications provided by Ling’er, human beings on Earth at the mortal level could be divided into nine tiers based on these parameters. Scores below 10 indicated a vegetative state, 10–20 was a weakling, 20–40 was an ordinary person—the vast majority fell into this category—while 40–50 was a Warrior, 50–60 a Battle Commander, 60–70 a Battle Master, 70–80 a Battle King, 80–90 a Battle Saint, and 90–100 a War God. Each rank was further divided into three sublevels.

By these standards, Xiao Fei was merely an ordinary person, while Zhen Sanjiang had already reached the first tier of Warrior. If not for his Thunder Wings and Browning pistols, Xiao Fei would never have outshone Zhen Sanjiang.

Ling’er’s explanation left Xiao Fei even more frustrated. He had thought he’d struck it rich, yet 3,000 energy points would be spent in a flash.

He recalculated: if he used 2,000 points to upgrade the system, without extra energy points, he still couldn’t freely exchange for resources. The most practical move now was to buy a set of Golden Silk Armor.

He had coveted such armor even in his previous life—equipping Golden Silk Armor in a game was a mark of glory, but he could never afford it. Who would have thought that today, in reality, his dream would come true?

"Ling’er, let’s do it. Use 2,000 energy points to buy me a set of Golden Silk Armor, and the remaining 1,000 points to enhance my physical attributes!" Xiao Fei commanded.

"Master, are you sure?"

"I’m sure!"

"Very well, executing immediately!"

In the blink of an eye, Xiao Fei felt every part of his body crackling, as if thousands of ants were crawling over him—a tingling, soothing sensation that instantly made him feel invigorated, his senses sharpened.

"Ling’er, what rank have I reached now?" Xiao Fei couldn’t help but ask.

"Master, your average score is now 43—you are now a first-tier Warrior."

"What the—? After spending so much, I’ve only reached first-tier Warrior? I still haven’t surpassed Zhen Sanjiang?" Xiao Fei exclaimed.

"Master, this is already quite impressive. Zhen Sanjiang’s physique was honed through decades of hardship and real combat. For you to reach Warrior level so quickly is remarkable."

"Fine, fine. Now, hand over the Golden Silk Armor. If I’m not satisfied, I’ll punish you!" Xiao Fei said shamelessly.

"You rascal! Even Ling’er isn’t safe from you. Hmph, here you go."

No sooner had she finished speaking than a golden light flashed before Xiao Fei’s eyes. He felt as though he was wearing a light, close-fitting vest. Touching it, golden light radiated from his body—a golden garment appeared and disappeared, leaving him utterly amazed.

"Ling’er, is this the indestructible Golden Silk Armor?"

"Yes, Master. Are you satisfied?" Ling’er said, giggling.

"Satisfied, very satisfied."

The Golden Silk Armor was indeed indestructible—unless struck by large missiles or rockets, ordinary bullets could not pierce it. It also had an invisibility function and was so light he barely felt it.

With the armor’s protection and the speed of the Thunder Wings, Xiao Fei was confident that no one could harm him now.

"Ling’er, give me a few dozen Browning bullets too," he said eagerly, imagining himself facing the Japanese, taking them down one by one.

"Master, your energy points are spent. There’s nothing left to exchange for bullets," Ling’er replied helplessly.

"Seriously? Without Browning bullets, how am I supposed to show off my marksmanship? Why didn’t you warn me?" Xiao Fei complained.

"Master, I did ask you for confirmation. I was only carrying out your orders. Now you’re blaming me?" Ling’er sounded aggrieved.

"Alright, alright, don’t be upset. That intelligent system of yours is really stingy. Would it kill it to give me a few more points?" Xiao Fei sighed.

"Master..." Ling’er was speechless.

No matter. Even without bullets, I’ll kill enemies with an ordinary pistol.

With that, Xiao Fei was ready to set out immediately, but before leaving, there were matters he still needed to explain.

This was a top-secret mission—the fewer who knew, the better. At dawn, Xiao Fei summoned a handful of elders: Zhen Sanjiang, Hu Changqing, Zhang Zhixiang, and other military leaders, but not Qin Tianbao, that effeminate fellow.

"Master, this is too risky. We cannot stand by and watch you take such chances," Zhen Sanjiang said anxiously.

"That’s right, Master. Jiangning city is guarded by my uncle’s men. Though his character is questionable, his command is solid, and the city’s defenses are tight—guards every ten paces, sentries every five. Even I wouldn’t get in safely without the frequently changed passwords. Since breaking ties, he’s altered all the codes, so I’m afraid I can’t help you," Hu Changqing said.

"Master, it’s not that I doubt you, but this mission is too dangerous. Even if it must be done, you are our supreme commander. You must not come to harm. If you don’t mind, let us old fellows lead the charge," said Qin Zhong, the veteran king of soldiers.

Xiao Fei was moved by their heartfelt concern, but it only further solidified his resolve.

"Everyone, listen to me. A wise general does not fight unprepared battles. I am not seeking glory. I am personally undertaking this mission in Jiangning because I have a complete plan. Rest assured. Before I leave, there are a few matters you must remember," Xiao Fei said solemnly.

Hearing this, the others dared not protest further.

"Master, give your orders. We will follow to the death!"

"Good. First, this mission is top secret—no one outside this group must know. Second, after I leave, all matters, great and small, are to be handled by Zhen Sanjiang. His orders are mine. Third, be vigilant against the enemy. No one is to leave or enter the mountain without permission. Fourth, take extra care around flammable and explosive areas at the base of the mountain. We used fire to repel the troops last time—there’s no guarantee the enemy won’t use the same tactic. Fifth, it’s autumn harvest. Send more men to gather grain and fruit from the rear hills daily to ensure our stores, but under no circumstances are you to seize food from the villagers. Any infraction will be punished without mercy. Do you all understand?" Xiao Fei instructed.

"At your command, Master! Rest assured!" they replied in unison.

"Very well, go about your preparations. No need to report back."

"Yes, Master!" They withdrew, but Zhen Sanjiang lingered, his expression troubled.

"Brother Zhen Sanjiang, something’s on your mind?" In private, Xiao Fei never addressed him so formally—Zhen Sanjiang was the first hero he truly respected.

"Master, I must confess. Last night, Qin Tianbao stole my token and left a letter. He went down the mountain alone, claiming he was going to kill the Japanese devils," Zhen Sanjiang said.

"Outrageous! This is utter nonsense!" Xiao Fei was furious. That effeminate fool—could he ruin everything?

"Master, I failed in my duty. I am willing to accept punishment."

"You are indeed at fault—letting him steal your token. Our rules are strict. I must punish you, but since this is your first offense, I’ll give you an important task to redeem yourself."

"Yes, Master, I accept your orders."

"After I leave, you must take special care of my sister-in-law, Liu Susu. Make sure she eats three meals a day—don’t let anything go wrong!"

"Ah, yes, yes! I guarantee on my life that Miss Liu won’t lose a single hair." Zhen Sanjiang was so excited by this that, without waiting for further orders, he left with a broad smile.

Xiao Fei was puzzled. What was that about? I wasn’t finished talking!

But he didn’t dwell on it. Qin Tianbao, that effeminate fellow, was more trouble than he was worth. If he alerted the enemy, the consequences would be dire.

Just then, as he pondered, he heard a soft sound by the window. A paper airplane floated in.

How curious—playing with paper airplanes at a time like this? Intrigued, Xiao Fei picked it up.

On it was written in delicate script: Uncle, you must return safely. When you come back, let’s finish watching the movie we didn’t finish last time—Signed, Susu.

Xiao Fei couldn’t help but smile, his eyes growing moist, warmth flooding his heart.

He also noticed that Liu Susu had signed her name simply as "Susu," not "Sister-in-law" or "Xiao-Liu Susu."

"Susu, I will return safely. Wait for me!"

Tucking the paper plane into his chest, Xiao Fei made his way to a secluded spot behind the mountain, activated the Thunder Wings, and set out for Jiangning City, thirty li away.