he Wei army reward system was starkly different from the Shu army's.
At Shu's camp, loyalty could directly translate into material rewards. But Wei operated on a military ritocracy. Promotions granted specific material perks, with each rank unlocking more powerful gear:
Common Soldier: One white-grade equipnt piece (weapon, armor, helt, or boots).
Ten-man Commander: One green-grade item.
Hundred-man Commander (Centurion): A blue-grade item.
Thousand-man Commander (Vice General): A dim silver-grade equipnt piece.
General Token: A regular silver-grade artifact.
Effect: Summons four random Wei soldiers to assist in battle.
Limit: Usable once per world.
Details: Summoned units are randomly assigned classes, with a chance to summon elite units.
This item was a ga-changer—potentially summoning elite Tiger-Leopard Riders with attributes rivaling minibosses.
In comparison, Shu's "favor for rewards" system seed much less disciplined. Wei's rewards were directly tied to ability and rank, embodying their military ethos of rewarding rit.
Now promoted to Centurion, Qin Ming received his first reward: a pair of blue-grade boots.
Attributes: 2 Defense, 2 Agility.
Though modest, it was a step up from nothing.
Three quests opened for Qin Ming, each promising lucrative titles:
Fad in the Army
Objective: Attain the rank of General in the Wei army.
Reward: Wei Army General (Green Title)
10 Constitution, 10 Spirit.
Courage of Three Armies
Objective: Solo kill a minor Shu boss.
Reward: Vanguard Commander (Green Title)
10 Strength, 10 Agility.
Cut Down a Tiger at Bo Wang Slope
Objective: Participate in killing a Five Tiger General, landing the final blow.
Reward: Five Elite Generals (Blue Title)
Automatically aligns the wearer with a villainous faction in subsequent worlds.
100 starting favor with all villainous characters.
The final quest mirrored Shu's "Five Tiger General" title quest, its effects symtrically opposed. Shu granted early access to the protagonist faction, while Wei propelled players into villainous ranks.
Qin Ming found the parallel intriguing. His dual allegiance now gave him a unique chance to double-dip and pit the factions against each other.
As these thoughts swirled, an unexpected opportunity arose: Zhao Xiong, the second of the Zhao brothers, invited Qin Ming and Ghost Lady for drinks.
Bare-chested and boisterous, Zhao Xiong poured generously from a wine jar, his deanor exuding a hearty charm. But to Qin Ming, sothing about his enthusiasm felt... off.
Why would such a high-ranking officer bother with a re Centurion?
"Brother Hyena, why so stiff?" Zhao Xiong chuckled, pouring yet another cup. "You're in my camp now—relax!"
"Zhao General, you're far too kind," Qin Ming replied, stopping him mid-pour.
"If there's sothing you need from us, just say the word. No need for all this."
Zhao Xiong paused, his grin fading slightly. He set down the wine jar and t Qin Ming's gaze.
"I won't lie, Hyena. I don't need anything from you. I just enjoy good company."
"Then why the feast?"
"Because I see potential in you!" Zhao Xiong laughed heartily. "You've got guts—rare in this army. Most soldiers only think about survival, but you? You've got ambition. You've even earned General Xiahou's favor!"
Qin Ming exchanged a glance with Ghost Lady, sensing the trap.
Zhao Xiong leaned in conspiratorially.
"But talent alone won't take you far here, my friend. You need a patron, soone to protect your back and pave the way."
His voice dropped, eyes narrowing aningfully.
"Follow , Hyena. Stick with , and I'll make sure you don't just survive—you'll thrive."
Qin Ming and Ghost Lady stood simultaneously, bowing deeply.
"We're honored by your generosity, General!" they said in unison.
Zhao Xiong waved them off.
"No need for such formality! We're brothers now—what's mine is yours. To celebrate, let's drink until dawn, sleep side by side, and share tales like old friends!"
"Sleep side by side?!
Both Qin Ming and Ghost Lady stiffened.
For a mont, the air grew heavy with awkward silence.
Did he know Ghost Lady's secret? Had he seen through her disguise?
Qin Ming forced a grin, trying to deflect.
"General, I appreciate the offer, but we have tasks waiting for us—"
"No excuses!" Zhao Xiong cut him off, grinning broadly.
"If one of you is busy, the other can stay! That's an order!"
As Zhao Xiong's insistence grew, Qin Ming's expression darkened. He began calculating the risks of striking now, but Ghost Lady caught his arm, shaking her head slightly.
Her aning was clear: Not yet. Too risky.
Reluctantly, Qin Ming backed down.
Zhao Xiong bead at their acquiescence, clapping them both on the shoulders.
"That's the spirit!" he laughed. "Now, Hyena, you stay here with . Lady—"
He paused, gripping Qin Ming's hand instead of Ghost Lady's.
Their eyes t.
Qin Ming froze, his confusion mounting as he registered the soft, almost affectionate look in Zhao Xiong's eyes.
For a mont, ti seed to stand still.
"...General?" Qin Ming ventured cautiously.
Zhao Xiong's grip tightened.
"You've got strong hands, Brother Hyena," Zhao Xiong murmured, his voice unexpectedly low.
At that mont, Qin Ming realized sothing.
Ghost Lady wasn't the target.
He was.
(End of Chapter)
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