Chapter 264: 264, Hero

"What? A private army has completely annihilated the Qingshi Special Operations Unit?! A general in the command center exclaimed, 'You're not joking, are you? Have you confirmed it?'"

The staff officer before the general replied, "It's absolutely true—it happened yesterday. They sent a soldier named Chen Wudi back to report, and our men quickly rushed to the scene to verify. They killed what was likely the Qingshi Special Operations Battalion, but we don't know why their forces came into our territory or how they got in."

"How could you let the enemy infiltrate so easily? Why didn't you discover them until they reached the command department?" the general roared in anger.

The staff officer stammered, "We suspect they were indeed here for a decapitation strike, so they took mountain paths and didn't bring their full combat personnel. They traveled light to minimize their target."

"How were they completely annihilated?" the general asked calmly after suppressing his anger.

"We recorded the private army's testimonies. They said they were from the Iron Camp. They managed to wipe out the enemy only because their commander was both wise and brave, using the Divine Machine Camp's uniforms to intimidate them, then forcing them to surrender before launching a charge," the staff officer said.

"That sounds rather eerie, doesn't it?" the general said, puzzled. He felt something was amiss but couldn't pinpoint what.

"I think it's strange too, but it makes sense if they knew they couldn't match the Divine Machine Camp," the staff officer replied. "What do we do now?"

"How many people in that private army died?" the general asked.

"Four hundred, matching the enemy's casualties," the staff officer said.

The general sighed, "A private army has wiped out the Qingshi Special Operations Battalion, and the casualties don't even exceed expectations. This is a great victory—we need such victories now!"

The staff officer immediately understood the general's intent. Everyone had high hopes for the Divine Machine Camp, hoping for a major victory to boost morale.

But the higher the hopes, the greater the disappointment. The Divine Machine Camp's defeat left the Li clan's senior generals deeply disheartened. During the past two days of operational meetings, the command center was shrouded in gloom, and the operational staff dared not even cough loudly, fearing reprimands.

Now, a private army had annihilated the enemy's Special Operations Battalion—this was tremendous news.

At their level, they didn't care about individual gains or losses but the overall impact.

The general said, "Report this to the Presidential Council immediately. I want to commend this private army. Rename the Iron Camp as the Hero Camp, and formally grant their commander a military rank—I'll appoint him as a major in the Li clan's regular army. Equip them with the best gear."

The staff officer was stunned. This was to set a model for the entire army!

Private armies, though holding military positions, never received formal ranks. Their officers were treated like hired hands, and even bought promotions. The Li clan had never considered them their own.

But now, with formal ranks, things were different. This Ren Xiaoshi might be transferred to the Li clan's regular army for a key position in the future.

As for reporting to the Presidential Council, it was just a formality. The Council wouldn't interfere in an officer's appointment as long as it benefited the war effort.

At that moment, the general suddenly said, "After equipping this private army, send them to the most difficult positions. I've received word that Qingshi has replaced their commander at the last minute—the new man is Qing Zhen."

"What do you mean?" the staff officer asked, confused.

"This Qing Zhen is extremely proud. The Special Operations Battalion was wiped out by a private army—it's a disgrace. How could someone so proud endure such a failure?" the general said, tapping the table with a cold smile. "Send this private army to the toughest positions and let Qing Zhen attack them, depleting his forces!"

The staff officer grasped the plan—this general wanted to use the private army to lure Qing Zhen into attacking the hardest positions.

The battlefield was like a vast chessboard, and the players couldn't afford emotions. The Hero Camp was just a pawn.

Sacrificing the Hero Camp was the most moving part.

The staff officer left and suddenly recalled an old saying: "Mercy cannot command troops, righteousness cannot manage wealth. The ancients surely didn't lie to me."

The Personnel Department's Tang Wanyi had just returned to the command center. He had a grievance against Ren Xiaoshi and was preparing to write damaging material about him for future leverage.

Heh, after offending the Personnel Department, you still think you can make it in the military? Dream on.

At that moment, the Personnel Department's tent flap was lifted by someone, and a staff officer entered with a file tucked under his arm: "Where's the Personnel Department people?"

Tang Wanyi left, smiling apologetically: "Here I am!"

Everyone said staff officers don't carry weight, and even their farts don't make noise. But in wartime, these staff officers were close to the generals. If any of them badmouthed you, you couldn't handle it. If that staff officer was favored by the leadership, it would be even worse.

That staff officer was meek before the general but less polite to the Personnel Department: "Go, execute this promotion file. The private army Iron Camp is renamed Hero Camp, Ren Xiaoshi is promoted to major, equip them with supplies, and have them arrive at the designated position on time."

Tang Wanyi was stunned: "What? Ren Xiaoshi? Promotion?"

Tang Wanyi was a sensible man. He knew exactly what a promotion meant!

The staff officer glanced at Tang Wanyi: "What? You have objections?"

"No, no, I'll go right away," Tang Wanyi thought bitterly—this was just back from there, and now he had to trek through mountains again!

Before leaving, the staff officer said, "Looks like you and Ren Xiaoshi have a grudge. Let me remind you, his military rank is now higher than yours. He's a hero the entire army wants to promote. If you've offended him, you'd better reconcile soon. You know who's lighter and who's heavier."

Tang Wanyi wondered if this Ren Xiaoshi was destined to clash with him!

That night, Tang Wanyi returned to the private army's camp. This time, his attitude was much better. Not only did he bring the promotion file, but also five carts of food supplies and five carts of military equipment!

Not only that, but he also left the carts for Ren Xiaoshi, making it easier for them to reach the front lines quickly.

Tang Wanyi looked at Ren Xiaoshi and smiled: "Sir, I was a bit rude earlier. You're magnanimous—if you still hold a grudge against me, please tell me how I can make amends."

Ren Xiaoshi thought for a moment: "Why don't you split a fork for me?"

Tang Wanyi: "???"