When Martial Arts are practiced to a profound level, the Internal Refinement of Essence leads to Essence Mutation, granting individuals various abilities.
For instance, controlling frost, flames, lightning, and so on.
Tang Wen had heard some of this from Li Da Niu, but since Li Da Niu himself didn't know much, Tang Wen had taken it as mere stories.
He never expected Zhou Bing to say something even more outrageous—her ability was "jinxing husbands"?
Her serious demeanor made it seem like she genuinely believed she had such a power.
It was the first time Tang Wen had heard someone "self-deprecate" like this, and he couldn't help but crack a joke.
He half-jokingly explained, "Captain, if you see an enemy, you don't even need to fight. Just announce that they're your fiancé, and then…"
Zhou Bing coldly interrupted him, "You're such a clueless kid! Engagement is a matter between two people."
Tang Wen rubbed his nose and said, "Captain, with your looks and figure, how could anyone refuse? Once they agree, it's a done deal. Assassinations would be a sure hit."
Huh?
Zhou Bing was visibly stunned for a moment, then shook her head indifferently, "Don't joke like that, and don't try to comfort me in roundabout ways."
"Right, right." It was only their first meeting, and Tang Wen realized he might have overstepped.
They changed the subject, and Zhou Bing continued to explain some important points.
Busy times always pass quickly, and the clock in the room pointed to 6 PM.
If they weren't on night duty, it was time to clock out.
"Our hunting squad originally had seven members, and you're the eighth. The other six are divided into two hunting teams. You can act alone for now, and in a few days when they return to camp, I'll introduce you to them."
Zhou Bing spoke as they walked, and soon they reached the gate connecting the inner city to the outer city.
Tang Wen asked in surprise, "Captain, do you live in the outer city too?"
"I live in the city, at No. 7, 3rd Street. Remember that. Come find me anytime if you need anything. Let's go." With that, Zhou Bing led the way toward the outer city.
"Uh, Captain Zhou, you don't need to walk me back. I live at No. 6, 5th Street in the outer city."
She didn't stop, "I rarely go to the outer city, so I need to familiarize myself with the way to your place. In case of urgent military matters, I'll know where to find you."
"Am I the only one in the squad who lives in the outer city?"
"Yes, but once you've established yourself in the hunting squad, you can move into the inner city too."
By the time they stepped out of the gate, it was already dark.
Many people were still gathered at the entrance, excitedly discussing.
Their children or husbands had become guards today and were still in the Guard Barracks, queuing up to complete their paperwork.
Tang Wen and Zhou Bing, dressed in the guards' usual leather armor, walked out and were met with admiring and excited gazes.
"They're guards too!"
"My husband is one now!"
"Baby, our family's life is going to get better, it's going to get better." A woman holding her child said.
For ordinary people in the outer city, having a family member become a guard meant that the household of seven or eight could have one full meal a day.
But that was all. To eat their fill every meal, the others would still need to farm or work.
A familiar wooden door came into view.
"Captain Zhou, do you cook for yourself when you get back?"
"I'll eat at the Guard Barracks' canteen."
Tang Wen secretly speculated: It seems Captain Zhou might live alone.
"Oh, my sister should have dinner ready by now. Let's eat together! Sis, we have a guest, make some extra food!" Without giving Zhou Bing a chance to refuse, Tang Wen quickly pushed the door open and called out loudly.
Zhou Bing frowned as she heard a young girl's voice from inside: "You got selected? That's great! Hehe, Xiao Wen is amazing!"
"We have a guest. Team Zhou from our hunting squad."
"Got it! I heard." Tang Tang, without even blinking, went inside and came out with a piece of lamb chop.
The lamb chop was already prepared, sourced from a premium Yellow Goat. It only needed salt for stewing and no spices for roasting, yet it was so delicious it could make one swallow their tongue.
"Uh, Tang Wen, I won't stay. Remember to report to the Guard Barracks early tomorrow."
Huh? A woman?
Tang Tang turned her head sharply, her eyes lighting up instantly.
That figure!
That face!
And she's a team leader?
"How can Team Zhou leave without eating!"
As she spoke, she swiftly placed the lamb chop into the red brick oven.
"The lamb chop will be ready soon. Team Zhou, come inside." With that, she eagerly went to the door to pull her in.
"This?"
"I'm Tang Tang."
"I'm Zhou Bing."
Team Zhou hesitated for a moment before Tang Tang grabbed her wrist, pulling her into the yard and then into the house.
The yard was neat and orderly, and the house was warm and clean, which refreshed Zhou Bing's perception of the outer city.
The table was filled with dishes: Foxtail millet porridge, potato stir-fried with lard, roasted sweet potatoes, lamb stew with radish, and roasted pheasant.
Wow! This is even more lavish than what I usually eat.
Zhou Bing didn't hesitate to sit down. She and Tang Wen would be comrades-in-arms. It was good to get familiar over a meal.
Tang Tang brought out half a jar of Sweet Potato Wine and, without asking Zhou Bing's opinion, poured a bowl for each of them with a smile.
"Sweet Potato Wine is something we often drink during winter missions outside."
"Then drink up. There's more at home. Xiao Wen becoming a guard is worth celebrating!"
There's more at home?
Since when did my sister become so generous?
Sweet Potato Wine is even more expensive than meat.
Tang Wen glanced at Tang Tang calmly, picked up his bowl, and toasted Team Zhou.
He downed it.
Zhou Bing was equally bold.
"You two take your time. I'll go and share the good news with Brother Li." After refilling their bowls, Tang Tang dashed out the door.
She first went to the blacksmith's house, said a few words, and asked Li Da Niu to help her buy some wine.
Hearing that Tang Wen had become a hunting guard and that the team leader was at their house for a meal, Li Da Niu didn't dare to delay. He took the silver Tang Tang handed him and bought three full jars of Sweet Potato Wine.
Tang Tang carried the three jars of wine into the house, with a small bag of peanuts from Sister-in-law Li slung over her shoulder.
Zhou Bing looked at her, a hint of suspicion in her eyes, and reminded Tang Wen: "Don't overindulge usually. Drinking too much can lead to trouble."
Tang Tang quickly defended her brother: "No, Team Zhou, it's just that Brother Li and the others are too enthusiastic and insisted on giving it. Xiao Wen has had less than half a jar of wine all winter. Today is a happy occasion, so drink up!"
With that, she directly opened the black seal of one of the jars.
She poured wine for both of them from the jar.
Zhou Bing didn't mind and casually chatted with Tang Wen about the hunting camp. Tang Tang occasionally toasted, and she never refused.
In a world with little entertainment, drinking was one of the few pastimes.
As a Martial Practitioner, she spent most of her time in the military camp and inevitably developed a bit of a drinking habit.
Sweet Potato Wine was brewed using traditional methods. The alcohol content wasn't high, and it was smooth on the palate, but it had a strong aftereffect.
After finishing one and a half jars, Zhou Bing had consumed almost a jar herself.
Her pretty face, once icy, now melted into a rosy hue, her eyes naturally exuding a hint of allure.
Tang Tang was brimming with excitement as she served tonight's main dish, roasted lamb chops.
She then opened a jar of wine and candidly said, "Team Zhou, why don't you stay tonight and share a room with me? We sleep on a heated brick bed, and it's really warm."
"A heated brick bed? We have those in the inner city too."
"Yes, yes," the young lady nodded, filling the wine glasses. "I just found out how difficult it is to join the hunting squad. Team Zhou, being a woman, you must be really impressive.
You must be very busy, right? Are you married?"
Tang Wen lowered his head to drink, thinking to himself, "Sister, you've been setting the stage all night just to ask this, haven't you?"
"Well, you might lose sleep over it tonight."
(End of Chapter)