Volume One: The Lonely Beta Test Chapter Twenty-Two: Yearning for Home

Lin Feng once again gestured for everyone to calm down, and continued, "The army is formed, its name is set; naturally, we cannot do without commanders. Where is Lord Han Yi?"

Han Dang immediately approached Lin Feng, knelt with one knee, and said, "Han Dang is here!"

"I appoint you as the commander of the 'Defenders Against Invaders.' From this day forth, you shall have full authority over all military affairs."

"My lord, I..."

Han Dang had only known Lin Feng for three days. Though he had sworn brotherhood with Lin Zhen and the others, he had never imagined Lin Feng would entrust him with the sole military force at his command. He was deeply moved by such trust, yet he worried that his brief time in Maple Grove Town would not be enough for these hundred or so men to accept his leadership.

Lin Feng saw Han Dang hesitate, and naturally guessed the root of his concern. His decision to make Han Dang the chief general, to hand over his only armed force, was made after much deliberation. Firstly, he trusted Han Dang’s character; after all, Han Dang had served three generations of the Sun family through the chaos of the Three Kingdoms, proving himself a man of loyalty and righteousness. Secondly, Han Dang’s abilities were beyond question—skilled in archery and horsemanship, possessed of great strength, he had followed Sun Jian in campaigns despite numerous dangers, earning merit after merit. After Sun Jian’s death, he aided Sun Ce in pacifying Jiangdong and defeating Huang Zu, and as magistrate of Le’an County, he achieved notable success in subduing the Shanyue. Later, under Sun Quan, he distinguished himself in wars against Wei and Shu, finally ennobled as Marquis of Shicheng and promoted to General Who Displays Martial Prowess.

The third reason was that, aside from Han Dang, Lin Feng had no one else suitable for the role. Lin Zhen, Zhang Meng, and the others could handle minor skirmishes, but were completely out of their depth when it came to serious engagements.

"Uncle Han, I know your talents well. Not just these hundred men—even with thousands at your command, you would lead them with ease. Besides, your martial skills are unmatched; I doubt anyone here could best you!" Lin Feng declared loudly.

He wanted everyone to witness his confidence in Han Dang and to give Han Dang a chance to prove himself.

"If anyone is dissatisfied, they may challenge him right now. Whoever wins shall take the position of chief commander—I will keep my word," Lin Feng announced to the assembly.

"Hahaha, I’ve experienced Fifth Brother’s skill firsthand. The bruises he left on me that day have yet to fade—I’d rather not collect a few more," Zhang Meng laughed, mouth wide.

He felt no shame in having lost to Han Dang; in fact, he was utterly convinced of Han Dang’s superiority. Otherwise, why would they be drinking together now, and why would Han Dang be here?

Zhang Meng’s words quickly quelled the restlessness among the crowd. In Maple Grove Town, Zhang Meng’s prowess was second only to none. Now that even he had been bested by Han Dang, who else would be foolish enough to seek a beating?

"Have you all lost even the courage to fight?" Lin Feng asked, his voice tinged with anger as no one stepped forward to challenge Han Dang.

"My lord, we know we’re no match for Commander Han—challenging him would be asking for a beating," a thin man replied.

The others nodded emphatically in agreement.

"But if we were on the battlefield, facing a stronger enemy with no way to retreat, would you lay down your weapons and surrender just because of fear?" Lin Feng retorted.

At this, the crowd fell silent; none had considered this question before.

"Well, that’s a different situation, isn’t it?" the thin man ventured again.

"What’s different? Speak," Lin Feng pressed.

"On the battlefield, it’s kill or be killed. Surrender? Never!" the man snarled. "But these are our own brothers—hurting each other isn’t worth it, my lord!"

"That’s right, my lord," a burly man chimed in. "If it’s an enemy, no matter how strong, I’ll fight him. Heads may roll, but we cannot lose our fighting spirit."

"Good! Well said!" Lin Feng exclaimed. "We must never lose the fighting spirit of Han sons. On the battlefield, we are ravenous wolves—never to show mercy to meek sheep, nor fear the fiercest tigers. If it’s a sheep, strike swiftly; if it’s a tiger, fight to the death and tear a piece from its flesh! Our enemies must fear us down to their bones. The very name of our 'Defenders Against Invaders' should make them tremble!"

"Yes, my lord!" the men shouted in unison.

"But how do we make our enemies fear us?" Lin Feng paused, clenched his fist, and said, "By making ourselves strong—so strong that our name alone strikes terror, our presence makes enemies’ legs go weak! This strength comes from diligent training, and the fastest way to improve is by challenging brothers stronger than oneself. Only by tasting defeat do you see your shortcomings and strive to overcome them, and only thus can you learn to face powerful foes unflinchingly. Do you understand?"

"We understand!" they replied as one.

Lin Feng continued, "There’s no need to worry about injury. We are brothers, and will show restraint. Remember: sweat more in practice, bleed less in battle; shed a little blood now, keep your life later."

"Yes, my lord!"

"Excellent! Now, who dares challenge Commander Han?" Lin Feng asked.

"I—"

"And I—"

At once, all hands shot up, fists clenched high, each eager to challenge Han Dang.

Seeing this sea of raised fists, Lin Feng nodded in satisfaction. Lin Zhen, meanwhile, stroked his beard in mock sympathy for Han Dang; if all these men challenged Han Dang, even if they lost, he’d be exhausted to death. But Lin Feng’s next words delighted him.

Lin Feng quieted the crowd and continued, "Brothers, I haven’t finished about the challenges. One chief commander is not enough for our hundred men—we need two deputy commanders and ten squad leaders as well. These deputy commanders and squad leaders will also be chosen by challenge. First, twelve of you will be selected through duels among yourselves; only these twelve may challenge General Han. At the very least, each of these twelve will become a squad leader."

At this, the crowd erupted in excitement. Lin Feng’s method gave everyone a chance; even if they could not become deputy commander, they could still vie for a squad leader’s post.

Watching the eager, restless men, Lin Zhen deeply admired Lin Feng’s idea. It would not only select the true talents for their use, but also greatly boost everyone’s competitive spirit, enhancing their abilities and swiftly raising the army’s overall strength.

Han Dang, who had just worried about facing a flood of challengers, now relaxed and smiled. If everyone had challenged him one by one, even if their blows didn’t hurt, he’d be worn out in body and spirit.

Zhang Meng could no longer contain himself and rushed to Lin Feng, asking, "Immortal Lin, may I, Old Zhang, join the challenge?"

Lin Feng smiled, "Of course! But let me add one more thing."

He raised his voice, "From now on, this challenge system will become an important way for our 'Defenders Against Invaders' to select men of talent. Whether new recruits or veterans, anyone may earn the rank his abilities deserve through this method."

Zhang Meng was overjoyed. "Haha, General Han, looks like that deputy commander’s post is as good as mine!"

Han Dang laughed, "Third Brother, you are more than fit to command a whole army—wouldn’t being my deputy risk wasting your talents?"

It was clear Han Dang feared managing the outspoken Zhang Meng—after all, Zhang Meng was his lord’s uncle, and Han Dang had to call him ‘brother.’ Putting him under his own command would make giving orders awkward.

"What, am I not following the rules set by our lord? Fifth Brother, are you trying to go back on your word?" Zhang Meng, not thinking so much, took Han Dang’s words as rejection and looked a little offended.

Lin Feng understood Han Dang’s concerns, but he could not change the system he himself had just established—constant changes would undermine his authority.

"But my lord," Lin Zhen interjected, "didn’t you say on the way here that you had an important task for Meng to undertake? If he becomes General Han’s deputy..."

"Ah!" Lin Feng slapped his forehead. "I nearly forgot!"

He gave Lin Zhen a grateful look, then said, "Uncle Meng, in a bit, ask Uncle Han if you can choose a few men for your mission."

Han Dang immediately knelt, his manner grave. "My lord, Han Dang and all these brothers are your men. Whoever you wish to send, it’s your decision; there’s no need to consult me."

"Uncle Han, why do you kneel? Please rise!" Lin Feng helped Han Dang up. "I just said, you have full authority over the 'Defenders Against Invaders.' Selecting men must have your consent."

Lin Feng felt deeply gratified at Han Dang’s words, for they showed Han Dang’s utter loyalty. Silently, he congratulated himself on his wise decision.

"But, my lord—" Han Dang began, but Lin Feng cut him off at once, "Uncle Han, do you want to make me break my word? Hm?"

His face darkened. Seeing Lin Feng angry, Han Dang prostrated himself, flustered, "Even if I die a thousand times, I would never do anything to harm your honor! For the grace you have shown me, I offer my life in return!"

Lin Feng was almost speechless—just changing his expression made Han Dang kneel again. He realized he’d have to be more careful with his words in the future.

He helped Han Dang up and said quietly, "Uncle Han, how could I not know your feelings for me? Though you now call me lord, we are always uncle and nephew. How can an uncle kneel so easily to his nephew? That would make me unfilial. Please, rise."

As Lin Feng spoke, he was moved by his own sincerity. His words brought tears to Han Dang’s eyes, for he could hear Lin Feng truly regarded him as family. Zhang Meng, Lin Zhen, and the others felt the same; after years of wandering, they longed for such warmth, and gradually, they opened their hearts and became part of the Lin family’s loving home.