4: Siege War

However, it was clear that his current identity was not that of a powerful martial artist, but merely an ordinary new recruit.

But even so, the military still taught them some basic combat techniques.

"The Seven Kill Saber Technique, which only attacks and does not defend, is a quick saber technique specifically for training soldiers in their getting Started."

Gu Chang recalled the memories in his mind, and then he felt that this time he might truly obtain the powerful strength he had always dreamed of.

Even the Seven Kill Saber Technique he knew, although it was only a basic combat technique with only seven Moves in total, was refined and simple, requiring only repeated training to master it proficiently within two or three months.

Moreover, this combat technique also had subsequent content; as long as one could obtain more merits and become a Squad Leader, Platoon Leader, or even a Commander, they would definitely obtain even more powerful martial arts.

"Hoo~ Excellent!"

After taking a deep breath, Gu Chang's expression became resolute.

If he were in the real world, he would never let his main body take such a risk, after all, marching and fighting wars could lead to death!

Fortunately, this was the Reincarnation World, and he had three chances. Moreover, although the army had clear rewards and punishments, as long as one dared to fight and strive, they could stand out. As long as he could obtain a powerful martial art, his efforts would be worth it!

After clarifying his thoughts, Gu Chang began to chat with Qian Dazhi, the veteran beside him. The fact that he was still fighting in the military at his age meant he must have some tricks up his sleeve.

"I heard we're attacking Pingshan City this time. Alas, we'll probably have to assault the city walls, and who knows how many people will die then."

"Son, you must be vigilant when fighting, or you'll die without knowing why."

When Gu Chang asked him about the upcoming war, the other party immediately lowered his voice and warned him.

"Mhm, I understand."

Upon hearing this, Gu Chang immediately felt a bit nervous. To be honest, even after two lives, he didn't have much experience with fighting, let alone bloody battles with real swords and spears.

Marching along the mountain path was difficult and slow, and they would occasionally be delayed by various issues.

Ever since he learned that he would most likely face a siege battle, Gu Chang had been trying to find ways to improve his strength.

So, when the army stopped to rest, Gu Chang began to practice the Seven Kill Saber Technique. This body, after all, had some foundation and was much stronger than his other bodies.

It didn't take Gu Chang too long to go from being unfamiliar to gradually mastering the technique.

Of course, it was only limited to proficient mastery; he wasn't sure about its actual power, as this body was also that of a young soldier who had trained for no more than two months.

At the same time, in order to increase his survival rate, Gu Chang also collected many hard wooden sticks, three inches long and thumb-thick.

These hard wooden sticks, when woven together with ropes, could be sewn onto the cloth armor worn on the body, forming a layer of defense.

They could be used on arms, calves, chest, waist, and other areas; this was some experience he had learned in his previous life.

This wooden armor was hard and not too heavy. Although it slightly affected movement, it could still provide Gu Chang with some safety protection.

They continued to march, stopping and starting, until they finally arrived at a military camp at dusk.

"You! You! And you, the few of you form a squad. You will be the Squad Leader. Remember, the Squad Leader must manage his subordinates well. If anyone runs away or messes things up, the Squad Leader will be punished first!"

However, upon entering the military camp, the newly arrived recruits were immediately dispersed.

Gu Chang, looking fifteen or sixteen and quite strong, was directly chosen by a Platoon Leader in black armor to become a Squad Leader.

Yes, he was the leader of five people, including himself.

If it were just that, it would have been fine, but the problem was that the entire squad, apart from Gu Chang, consisted of the old and the weak.

The old soldier beside him, plus three other clearly childish-looking child soldiers, none of them were older than fifteen, and the youngest was probably only thirteen.

Soon, the teams were assigned, and the Platoon Leader led his ten squads to a corner of the camp to prepare for the night.

Although it was called a military camp, it was actually just a temporary camp wall built around, with areas divided inside and some tents set up.

Gu Chang's group of new recruits didn't even have tents; they had to find some rags and wood to build a crude shelter.

Fortunately, there was food in the camp. Although it was a thick, viscous soup made of unknown mixed grains and wild vegetables, it was edible with two flatbreads and was enough to fill their stomachs.

After dinner, it was completely dark. Apart from some bonfires and braziers, there was no other light in the entire military camp.

In the crude tent, Gu Chang heard suppressed whimpering sounds beside him.

Those child soldiers were secretly wiping away tears at that moment.

"Waaah, I miss my mom, I miss home, I don't want to fight."

"My dad at home is gone..."

Sadness seemed to be contagious; as the first child soldier started crying, the other two also began to cry.

Gu Chang could even vaguely hear similar sounds from other tents around. In such chaotic times, ordinary people had no power of independent choice whatsoever.

"Alas, wars are fought every day these days. Today you fight me, tomorrow I fight you. Who knows when it will end!"

Qian Dazhi, the old soldier, also couldn't sleep and sighed continuously as he watched the crying child soldiers.

Gu Chang also felt restless. He, too, thought of his own body's situation.

There wasn't much to say, really. He was an ordinary farmer's son, eating one meal and then going hungry for the next, joining the army just to get enough to eat. His family was also full of old and weak who couldn't even get enough food.

So he had no right to comfort these people. He just silently did some exercises and preparations, at least he couldn't die without value in the coming days.

In the following days, new recruits continued to arrive, and Gu Chang and his group constantly drilled or did odd jobs in the military camp.

It was only then that he realized that they were actually just cannon fodder, miscellaneous soldiers; the true elite soldiers were not in the same place as them.

During this period, Gu Chang tried to exit the Reincarnation World, but found that doing so now would deduct Reincarnation points.

So he gritted his teeth and persevered. After about a week, the actual siege battle began.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Outside Pingshan City, tens of thousands of troops gathered. War drums pounded, and majestic generals arrived on warhorses with elite soldiers, followed by a large number of auxiliary troops pulling supplies.

Finally, after some shouting and failed attempts at surrender, the war immediately began.

Large numbers of auxiliary troops were driven forward by the fierce warlord.

"Swish! Swish! Swish!"

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Numerous arrows rained down from the sky, piercing the wooden shields above their heads like hedgehogs. One auxiliary soldier after another was struck before even reaching the city wall, then screamed, wailed, and fell to the ground.

Gu Chang, who had not yet entered the battle from the rear, felt a chill run through his entire body as he watched the auxiliary troops constantly falling in front.

Although he understood that he wouldn't truly die in Reincarnation, such a brutal battlefield slaughter still far exceeded his imagination.

The descriptions in TV dramas and novels were, after all, too pale.

"Quick! Move up!"

"No retreat!"

"The General has ordered! The first to ascend will be rewarded with a thousand gold and promoted three ranks!"

"Charge! Charge! Charge!"

Seeing that many arrows on the city wall had been expended, a military order was immediately issued. Then, the warlord directly drew their battle sabers and roared at the reserve auxiliary troops!

At this point, Gu Chang had no choice but to advance. So, holding a wide wooden shield and carrying a scaling ladder with others, he began to charge under the warlord's coercion.

"Swish swish swish!"

"Bang bang bang!"

"Don't be afraid! Don't be afraid!"

"Son, the more you fear death, the faster you'll die!"

"Kill!"

"The first to climb the city wall will be promoted three ranks!"

"Faster, faster, faster!"

Arrows flew past rapidly, shields in hand were constantly struck, soldiers beside them fell one after another, and it was even difficult to distinguish whether what they stepped on was stone or corpses.

Finally, the army reached the city wall. Scaling ladders were hung one after another on the city wall, and then soldiers climbed up with all their might.

Some were splashed with hot oil, some were struck down by rolling stones, and others were hit by scalding golden liquid.

Gu Chang went from initial fear and confusion to desperate fighting, even climbing onto the city wall and engaging in a battle with the defending soldiers using his long saber.

"Crack! Crack!"

"Pfft!"

At the critical moment, Gu Chang instinctively used the Seven Kill Saber Technique. Although he successfully killed several defenders, in the end, two fists were no match for four hands. His armor was torn, the wooden armor worn underneath was cut, and he was struck multiple times, ultimately dying a tragic death.