Jang guided his steed across the barracks ground to inspect the new recruits. He readied them in an organized fashion with multiple ranks, clad in armor and equipped with polearms. Since these peasants have been here, they were drilled in basic trainings, individual combat, formation tactics, strength endurance along with being ran over by chariots repeatedly. These new Bingmayong has went through all the procedures set by the general, and now they look exactly like the ones who have served for years.

Donned in suits of newly made metal cord and plaque, these dozens of men appear grandeur. Nothing suggests their identity as lowborn peasants who lost everything they had to the scourge of war. The armor can intimidate even the most courageous foe. The ji has been sharpened countless time, ready to hook or impale all that stands against them.

Or at least that is what these recruits themselves believe.

"Forward march!" Jang ordered the disciplined soldiers into two files. Men followed the lieutenant towards the exit of the camp in uniform fashion, a testament to the rigorous trainings that have greatly transformed them. They held their polearms high, the blades of their ji shined brightly against the sunlight as the gates of the camp palisades opened. With Jang leading at the front, the newly trained troops are expecting the usual military exercise in fields of empty rice patties, honing formational tactics in difficult terrain.

"Slaughter them!" an unexpected war cry roared. This spooked the men in armor, immediately the confusion gripped their thoughts. Exploiting the exact moment of this lack of readiness, ambushers emerged from hiding, crawling out from the cover of trees and bushes.

"W-what is going on?"

The lackluster group is under attack. The ambushers wore the exact same armor. Using wooden spears and sticks that serves as replacement for real weapons.

"Array!" Jang barked loudly. But the men under his lead are too shocked to assemble defensive formation. Not even the simplest spear wall can materialize as they are all too confused at the sudden change of event.

A messy pitch battle followed. Men with wooden sticks managed to crash into the ranks of these newly trained soldiers. All previous trainings were not sufficient to help the defenders from being pushed backwards. As the strict lieutenant tries to enforce order amongst the near routing soldiers, more of the recruits would be pummeled hard on their helmets.

While this is a surprise military exercise to test their ability to adapt, it is still nonetheless a very dangerous one.

"Well, I was expecting worse," the ironclad general commented while enjoying a cup of tea. He observed the 'battle' from a wooden tower. The ones who partake in this shock exercise are all non-bending veterans from the Battle of Honghai, some of his earliest followers. With years of experience behind their backs, the recruits stood no chance. But a few of them are trying to defend themselves. It may not be the most splendid display of martial prowess, but it is a journey that even the old guards must go through. As the saying goes, experience outranks everything. This small skirmish between the veterans and the newly recruited showed a result that is night and day.

"The one named Liu is showing some progress," the general noted the persistent nature of that Jiansinese man. Liu is fighting using the standard skill of a spearman. "Unlike the rest, he at least has some experience. Not much, but still better. I suppose it's fate that he did not die from being crushed by earth."

While that insignificant non-bender from the nearby region is still weak compared to the elite units, all officers standing nearby can agree to the assessment. Non-benders do not tend to perform well in conflicts. In a world filled with people who can harness the elements, the vast majority of those who lack this ability must subject themselves to the will of the more powerful. Yet, a military also cannot realistically only have benders. Logistics and the ability to field larger armies can provide greater strategic advantage over a smaller elite force. Spreading too thin is dangerous. Having an overly expensive unit can also meant problems in replenishing the numbers.

As much as benders may want to see their non-bending counterparts as weak, it is an asinine belief that have doomed many warriors in the past who were considered 'unstoppable'.

The old guards continued this unrelenting assault, pushing the equally armored recruits against the palisades. No matter how loud Jang shouted out the orders, these inexperienced troops failed to organize themselves in the face of chaos. A simple and unsophisticated wall of spears would be more than sufficient in dealing with an ambush like this one. Daofei bandits prefer such tactics, oftentimes inflicting heavy casualties on more sluggish government soldiers.

"Rookie mistake!" one older Bingmayong with a scarred face parried a deadly thrust from his opponent. He then smashed a makeshift wooden club into Liu's face, bloodied it. "臭小子!Don't get so corky just because you wear the same thing we have!"

Identical armor cannot mend the difference in combat experience. These battle-hardened veterans made short work of their younger comrades, tearing into the poorly formed ranks. It is a very one-sided battle.

"Gah!" the man from Jian Sin was thrown to the ground. Not dead, but not pleasant either. His fellow recruits also cannot withstand the onslaught. It's even more embarrassing when the ambushers are using essentially wooden stick as weapons.

Jang also partook in some melee himself, managed to disarm dozens with the three-pointed lance. Some are unfortunate enough to be rammed away as his unstoppable steed maneuvered around the ambushers. As the warrior who is second to only the general himself, this Firebender's prowess managed to somewhat alter the momentum, giving breathing room to the recruits. He alone is more powerful than all the new soldiers combined.

"Form a wedge!" his chant finally has an effect. The younger Bingmayong soldiers assembled into a roughly shaped wedge formation, crudely dividing the veterans into two groups. They managed to push them back, albeit with heavy bruises themselves.

The General is pleased. Although the reaction is slow at first, this form of conditioning can help them to expect the unexpected. Even the most malnourished peasants can eventually become battle-hardened soldiers through the right methods.

Time to raise the stakes.

"Send in the chariots," the masked commander ordered in a mundane voice.

"SEND IN THE CHARIOTS!" a Bingmayong officer roared from the tower.

Coordinated drumming ushered the attack. Twenty of such carts drawn by ostrich-horses are now thundering across a field. No matter how loud the lieutenant yelled, the mere sight of those war machines struck fear into the peasants. With a depleting morale, most of them fled and broke formation.

Here, the general anticipated this reaction. Many citizens of the Earth Kingdom are rural peasants who have a faint idea on the world outside their village. Conscripts who are armed swords and spears would often have no idea of powerful war machines driven by steel and engine. During the Hundred Year War, it is not an uncommon sight for non-bending troops to charge directly at Fire Nation tanks, hopelessly hitting the hard exterior with nothing but blunt blades. If these new peasants wish to become somewhat useful in today's warfare, then he must show them all the monstrosities present in war. Starting with the more primitive ones.

"Run!" someone behind Liu faltered. Many of them dropped their polearms, failing to adhere Jang's command to assemble a defensive formation. The Jiansinese tried to stand against them alone before being easily swept aside as the chariot wheels almost crushed him. One of the charioteers even used a long stick and pummeled the left shoulder, delivering a heavy blow on the joints.

The general watched silently as those chariots 'finished' off the remaining ones still standing. Under the current condition, these recruits would not be ready to face daofei armies who prey on incompetent guard units.

One of the officers near him chuckled. Old man Meng Tian entertained the thought of sending the hulking Earthbending tanks instead, bringing a much heavier shock to the inexperienced young men.

"We need them to be alive," the general stated dryly. "No one can reach their full potential if they are frightened to death." He wishes for the new Bingmayong soldiers to familiarize with the volatile nature of a battlefield first before introducing them to the danger of mechanized machines. Between the conflict of various warlord states, there have been countless cases where the mere sight of hideous metal constructs can diminish the morale of inexperienced conscripts. People fear what they do not understand, so running is the natural instinctive response. Which is why exposing them to what they might fight will be paramount.

"Well, time to end this," the general ordered the completion of this surprise military exercise. While it is expected that the new troops will not perform well, the commander at least hoped to find some hidden talent amongst them. It is unfortunate that none have demonstrated exceptional skills, which means more training will be necessary. "Let them eat and rest well. Ensure the injuries are well tended. I will personally inspect their camp later."

The officers relayed the orders. Scattered men are recalled. Tired soldiers marched in weak posture, still struggling to overcome the fear of those chariots. They must still endure the harsh yelling from Jang, who berated them for unable to fully utilize formations into a realistic scenario. All it took is one somewhat realistic confrontation to overwhelm everything they learnt.

"Be ashamed of yourselves for spending more time running than actually trying to fight!" Jang scathed. "If you pathetic lot have simply assembled correctly, the opponent would have a hard time breaking it!"

Not a single one of them tries to refute as they marched back to camp. To wear these cord and plaque armor is to give off the impression of an elite unit. But their effectiveness amounts to not much difference than a regular militia. Without experience, they will only be a drawback at their current stage of discipline.

...

Liu tightened a bandage around his shoulder, hissing as the pain strikes the flesh again. The bruises produced a deep color at the spot that was forcefully pummeled. If that was a real spear, it would easily tear through the torso, likely a dismemberment. Luck may not help him next time.

"You alright?" a random man asked.

The different dialect meant it's difficult for the Jiansinese to fully understand the words. But it's clear that the fellow recruit demonstrated genuine care. They talked. Two peasants from insignificant background spoke nothing but the simplest topics.

The darker skinned man is named Chang, former boat builder from the south-eastern coasts of the Earth Kingdom. Unlike the inland regions, his people faced many pirate attacks who used the South Pole or various Earth Kingdom islands as bases. The sluggish local armies cannot react quickly to the swift tactics of those seafaring cutthroats. He lost his entire people in the previous raids, either murdered or enslaved. Those pirates showed no remorse for what they did to the helpless villagers.

Liu handed Chang another bandage to treat a small cut on the wrist. Apparently one of the old guards swing his club too hard, splinters cutting the flesh.

"It's not too bad," Chang said in a dull voice. "At least they are not trying to kill us."

"Not trying to kill us?" Another recruit exclaimed with disbelief. He is stirring a pot of rice porridge, pointing the wooden spoon at the duo. "We could have died right there! Why did the general send those madmen right at us? What was he even thinking?"

A fourth stranger with a smaller build chimed in, musing on the notion that all of them might also become 'madmen' in few years. They glanced at him. People just call him Bookworm, a former scholar who seems to always know just slightly more than the people around him, sometimes to the annoyance of others. Such individual would be the last kind that should appear in a military camp. Unlike the rest, he can barely lift a shield.

Bookworm theorized that the general prefers soldiers who have nothing to lose. Why should they fear death when all their loved ones are already gone? The Bingmayong as whole are mostly composed of such people. With a few exceptions, all of them are victims of the Earth Kingdom's turmoil, having experienced trauma and witness the most horrific acts committed by others. Perhaps the Judge of Honghai believes that these are perfect candidates to form infamous 'dare to die' troops, only on a much larger scale.

"I don't think General Old Iron applies suicidal tactics, at least not until desperate moments. It's possible that he wishes to create an army of people who not only can kill bandits, but very wants to do it too." Bookworm continued while rubbing some blood off his bruised kneecaps. "Why would he willingly want nobodies like us when he can just recruit citizens from the city? Haven't you noticed none of the people in this unit is from Ba Sing Se?"

"We even have an officer from the Fire Nation," Chang added. "The faces of some cavalrymen don't even look like us."

"Well, you also don't look like us either, my good 兄弟," someone else commented. It's possible that Chang's darker skin is the result of having Southern Water Tribe ancestry. His curious new comrades already noted that the pigment on his face is more similar to the people of the South Pole rather than the Si Wong desert, once again immersing themselves into this continent's diversity of people.

They thought about it while being accompanied by dozens of other tired men who also sat around a cooking pot. Strangers exchanged their thoughts despite the dialectic barrier, agreeing that citizens within the city are less affected by the chaos outside. Living in a more stable environment, locals would still have families and work to keep them occupied, so no good reason to join the army. But for those who truly lost it all to the fires of war, the thirst for vengeance is a strong motivation even for pathetic weaklings. If the general can defeat the infamous pirate lord in the famous Battle of Honghai many years ago, then they too may walk this path to slay bandit armies that plagues the lands.

"I don't think we are ready to go out there yet," Chang said diplomatically. "Those veterans that attacked us may have applied a degree of forcefulness. But maybe they are doing it because they care."

This incurred the mockery laughter from other recruits. Chang's youthful thinking is often the subject of comedy. Of course, maybe some of the old guards do think like this, believing their action in this exercise will directly affect the survivability of their junior counterparts. But they agreed that real daofei armies will not show mercy on inexperienced soldiers. A horde of thousands would be a nightmare to deal with, especially if the cutthroats are battle-hardened warriors too. As newly trained Bingmayong, they would only bring dishonor with the current level of skill.

The conversation then shifted to what kind of people they will face. Many spoke of the pirates who constantly harasses the Earth Kingdom coasts. Corsairs can still occasionally sail into the Mo Ce sea, specifically targeting the wealth of Fire Nation sailors unfortunate enough to meet them. But the thought of another campaign similar to the grand Battle of Honghai is childish as the main band of pirates were vanquished years ago. The coastal areas within Ba Sing Se's borders are peaceful, which means the threat will arrive from inland.

"I hope that the courthouse in the Lower Ring is preparing to judge all the captured White Sparrow renegade and sentence them," a nameless individual on the other side of the circle stated. A few of his missing teeth force others to listen a bit more carefully. "Rumors suggest that the one who will oversee this case is a fella with very dark skin, and a moon on his forehead."

"W-what does even mean?" one member of the audience asked. "Anyway, how will the courthouse judge hundreds of captured bandits? Are they seriously going to examine them one by one? From my experience in the southern region, the magistrates don't keep prisoners around for too long. Those folks from the White Sparrow daofei are probably dead now."

"Alright enough!" someone bellowed. The conversation is becoming a bit deviated from the original topic of what they might face in the future. Bookworm steered the talk back to potential enemies such as certain groups of bandits who inhabits mountainous terrains as their base. But he also assured them that they will not fight the other states.

"Ba Sing Se is not at war with the other minor warlords as doing so will affect this balance of power created by King Wu and the previous Avatar killed by-"

Everyone silenced the short man, urging him not to utter his name.

"Right, sorry." Bookworm resumed on the reasons why Ba Sing Se is technically not at war, helping the more uneducated comrades to understand the situation right now. "Although this city has the resources and the historical advantage as a capital city, it can't just march into another state and claim it as a province. Well, it can. But doing so will only force the other states to target it to revert the balance of power. The cost does not outweigh the benefits. None of the bordering states are hostile, so there are no reasons to reciprocate with violence. When a state becomes too big, other warlords will naturally form alliances to protect their own interests, even if they were enemies."

"But surely the destruction of Siaw Jong is possible without consequence, right?" Liu fulfilled his urge to speak. He hated the armies of that neighboring state to the bitter end, wishing their demise. If the forces of Ba Sing Se simply marched to the Siaw Jong capital, his people would be greatly benefited. "The armies of Ba Sing Se are numbered in about a hundred thousand, and those Siaw Jong dogs only have thirty thousand, surely we can finish them without much resistance!"

They look at him with curious glances, some even grimaced by this callous statement. Everyone else hail from different regions, so their investment in Jian Sin and Siaw Jong's conflict varied significantly. The Bingmayong in their entire short history has only fought bandit armies, but never soldiers from another Earth Kingdom state. Which is why the current conflict between the two bordering warlords does not matter too much so long as their spears are pointed at each other. Ba Sing Se would happily keep them occupied while painting themselves as noble mediators.

"They can, and it would be very easy. In fact, just one army let by a member of the Council of Five would be enough to crush Siaw Jong." Bookworm answered. "But even if the state of Jian Sin would gleefully accept this favorable outcome, other states would not stand idle as Ba Sing Se amasses more power. In their minds, Siaw Jong's fell meant their lands may be next. Don't forget that Ba Sing Se is the historical capital. Warlords of all over the Earth Kingdom are not fools, they know that perhaps one day the city might be able to again exert control over their lands. It's all about this careful balance of power maintained by the constant bloodshed to ensure no one state become too big. Balance, am I right?"

They all sat silently as the pot of food seems to become slightly warmer. But the stall porridge will still need some time before it is edible. While not fighting the other states meant that there is a lower risk of dying to more professionally trained soldiers, it also meant that the likes of them will have to sit on the sidelines. The Bingmayong do not venture outside Ba Sing Se's borders except for the grand battle of Honghai, where they defended the Western Air Temple against a massive pirate raid. But intervening in the conflicts of other independent states would mean the city must adapt a drastic shift in its politics. Without a good enough reason, why risk fighting the rest of the fractured Earth Kingdom when the city can just stay quietly and grow rich? Most of the soldiers and local garrison are not complaining and would much rather face poorly armed daofei than guards from another state.

"Well, that's too bad I guess," another recruit named Qiu sighed as he cleaned a weapon. "Although we will not be fighting the other states, I suppose the bandits do have some tender flesh we can enjoy."

All the other tired soldiers heard the peculiarity of that statement and looked at him, unsure the exact context of Qiu's word.

"T-tender flesh?" Chang raised an eyebrow. "The Judge of Honghai says that meat will be part of the ration once he deems us worthy. Why are you trying to steal food from bandits when we have more within these walls?"

The others nodded in agreement. The perks of being a soldier of Ba Sing Se is definitely the food, both in quality and quantity. Being able to eat good meals is a tremendous incentive for those who came from unfortunate backgrounds. Most men here are peasants, eating meat once a year is already a big ask. But the strange way of Qiu's statement incurred the suspicion of everyone else.

"What?" that man is confused by the reaction of his comrades. Some of them even glared, perhaps guessing the true meaning of 'tender flesh'.

"There are rules of wars that all honorable people must follow, even if they are unwritten ones." Chang said in a serious tone. "I advise that you hold your tongue before this misdeed reaches the ears of more unforgiving people."

The other recruits murmured in agreement. But Qiu casually ignored this advice, much to irritation of the rest.

"What's wrong with what I said? It's expected that bandit armies might have a woman or two that has not been deflowered. Why let others have them when we can enjoy those girls ourselves?" Qiu defended this act by stating that it is common occurrence in war, he did not expect that it would draw a backlash. "Look, I am not a petty person, we ever encountered a woman in a bandit camp, we may all share her one at a tim-"

"You got the nerve to lump us with you!" a much older recruit bellowed. Despite some stains of white hair accumulating on his beard, it took four younger men to hold him back. They are all already tired, a brawl would have been committed on this imbecile if they have more energy. "Most of us here have lost all that is dear to us. Have you ever considered the harm the other side feel when one of their own is treated in such dishonorable manner? How are you different from a lowly bandit if such way of thinking governs your actions?"

Qiu snorted at that.

"Don't act so superior old man. Whenever a settlement is sacked, something like this is bound to happen. Look, I know it's hard for you all to accept, but a woman would not just open their legs wide willingly. A bit of force isn't too bad. Just hold her down and get your business done, very simple. Wouldn't even need to kill her."

The rest of the recruits were all shocked by how little remorse Qiu held. Their frustration quickly turned to anger. Liu even grabbed a lone rock on the ground, preparing to smash it against Qiu's thick skull.

"No!" Chang intervened despite his own irritation towards this unforgivable hedonist. "Harm him and the General might relinquish your place in this unit. We will let the commanders handle this!"

Everyone gritted their teeth. They all understand Liu's reaction. Unspeakable atrocities committed by the Siaw Jong military have spurred this Jiansinese to act. Even if Qiu is technically not an enemy, no sane people would stand idle and allow others to commit unspeakable acts upon the innocent.

"You are looking for a fight?" Qiu challenged them all. "All I did was speaking the truth. Why spend money in a whorehouse when you can find a village from another state. There are young beauties in the countryside that are just as enjoyable. Of course, the ones from the cities do look more refined. If we ever wage war with the other states, there will be many opportunities for us to take some girls. Don't feel guilty, didn't everyone else also do such things on conquered women? It's a normal thing that happens in war."

He noticed that all the recruits are suddenly quiet, almost in fear. It's as if they have seen the spirit of death that guards the gate to the underworld. Even Liu dropped his fury to look at something Qiu is not aware of.

Heavy muffled breathing is becoming louder. The sound of metal boots treading the ground with simple steps have made Qiu's skin tremble. The recruit isn't sure if he should turn around or do nothing. But it's too late, the shadow of a large figure loomed over his own.

He is here.

The visitors stopped right behind Qiu, who stands the closest to this camp quarter's entrance. Unlike normal occasions, the one who greeted them seems to have a hastened pace in breathing, likely due to listening the profanities spat out by Qiu.

"Everyone else also do such things, you say?" an unimpressed voice from behind said. "By your logic, an act is not morally wrong if it is the norm of the world. But let me interpret this phrase. When a sinner uses examples of other people to rectify their own actions, it is them admitting to the mistake, therefore accepting the same punishment."

With that alone, the other recruits quickly rearranged themselves into uniformed ranks. But Qiu stood still, fear ensnarled his flesh to the point of immobilization. There might an invisible force that holds the man in place. Or it is the general's overwhelming presence that stopped him from moving.

The one that arrived is no ordinary Bingmayong. Donned in the heaviest suit of armor, the Judge of Honghai himself has come to inspect his new soldiers. While the general may be strict and harsh, the recruits understand that there is a genuine care imposed by this war hero. Food and supplies are never in shortage. Living conditions are competently maintained, sometimes even using the commander's personal wealth to upkeep certain aspects of the camp. Yet, for all the general's dedication, he has precisely caught them in a troublesome moment. Such dishonor is not only bringing shame to the rest, but it also displays utter audacity against the man who commands this army.

The general looked down Qiu, who is physically still trembling.

"Face me," the ironclad man demanded in a surprisedly quiet tone. This command is devoid of any emotions.

Qiu reluctantly turned around, but still maintained his head looking at the dirt below.

The general is physically taller than most malnourished peasants that joined this army group, and it does make him appear imposing to any foe that dare to initiate a challenge. With the massive glaive in hand, the Judge of Honghai can easily dismember any bandits in the path, but same logic can also apply to anyone.

"You seem to be very bold, what were you all discussing?" the general asked, obviously being sarcastic.

This section of the camp fell silent. The only other observers are the strange looking guards that accompanied the general here.

"Not talking?" the general gazed at the now timid Qiu. "What did you say about waging war against the other states? What is it that you want to do to those who have done you no wrong? If a woman's husband tries to stop her from being subjected to senseless humiliation, are you going to kill him first?"

Qiu didn't respond. He does not dare. The general changed tactics, brandishing the legendary glaive, showing off the excellent craftsmanship and beautiful inscriptions. But he stressed that it is unfortunate to have a visually appealing weapon constantly stained with blood.

However, it does depend on what type of people who found themselves at the receiving end of this weapon. A blade stained in crimson can also be beautiful if the blood is drawn from the wicked, especially if the enemy have committed great moral transgression. Art is after all subjective in certain aspects, but only a special kind of people can enjoy this niche of artistic expression.

"Do you know, Qiu? With this glaive I have sent thousands into their graves. I still clearly remember the faces of those slaughtered." The Judge of Honghai stated. "My only regret is killing them too quickly. Back then, I never thought that death might actually be an escape. It would better if I can keep them around, refusing to grant them the relief they so desire."

Qiu's wits have been fully shattered. He knelt on the ground, pleading for forgiveness.

"General, I can assure you that I did not violate anyone before joining your esteemed army!" Qiu fully abandoned his pride. He is now committed to saving his own skin. "I will never taint your image, I swear!"

The general addressed the other recruits instead of Qiu.

"You all have probably heard about my greatest military accomplishment in the Battle of Honghai, but I doubt most of you know why it is named as such." He went into detail on how this name is first spread by the nuns of the Western Air Temple, elicited that his view of the world greatly conflicted with the pacifist nature of all Air Nomads. "I can assure you that place was certainly not named Honghai before the great battle. But why is it named the Battle of Honghai and not the Battle of Lanhai?"

The recruits are genuinely unsure. Their general walked a few steps away from the knelt down Qiu. They all wonder what will happen next.

Qiu does appear slightly relived by the distance between himself and the ironclad man. But the general then asked a question.

"How many of the lives do you think I took? How many of them were once part this army?" The general gently rubbed his metal hand across the blade. "The blood all looks the same, I wonder if it is the same case as this one."

Qin responded with stuttering. "G-general! I am one of your men. I would only fight for you, not against you!"

The general became quiet before answering with his own reply.

"An inferior creature who openly wishes to defile defenseless women want to fight for me?" He almost sounded incredulous. "I accepted you into this unit and was repaid with an insult."

Liu snickered at Qiu's misfortune. They watched as the general then forced the hedonist to pick up a spear, initiating a form of trial by combat. If Qiu somehow wins, he may peacefully be discharged.

But that was not a trial, that's an execution.

The fight ended before it can even begin. The general snapped the spear in half, using one arm to deliver a gentle swing of the glaive.

Qiu stopped breathing. A sudden painful sensation radiated from the left arm with the whole limb dismembered. He almost fainted. The general intentionally created a false sense of relief before clamping down the massive glaive, effortlessly chopped the right arm off as well.

The recruit screamed pathetically. His other comrades are understandably horrified by the sight. But some do take pleasure in this. For a man who speak so casually about violating women, he deserves more than death.

The general stood in front of Qiu, lifting the face up with the stained blade so that they can look eye to eye. The recruit stares fearfully into the pitch darkness of the commander's helmet, the angry metal mask says it all.

"When you claim to not have committed moral transgression upon the innocent before, I believe you. But do you seriously think I would allow a low life, whose worth is inferior to dirt, roam this world freely?" The general wanted Qiu to give his own response. The pain is too great. But it is not greater than the suffering that this imbecile might inflict on innocent people who wanted nothing but a peaceful life. "Don't worry, I won't kill you, not yet at least. But I believe in the next few months, you will desire, even crave to die."

The general then stabbed the glaive into the ground. He held Qiu by the neck, tearing off the armor. Afterwards, the Judge of Honghai frightened the new troops as he drilled both armored thumbs into Qiu's eyes. It was both a horrific and grotesque sight, some of nearby trainees even vomited.

"In all fairness, it was I who was too blind and accepted a fool like you," the general admitted over the constant screaming of the man he is toying with. "To make sure that no one would suffer because of your unforgivable sin, I will make sure you can't even lay eyes on another woman."

This may be deemed excessive, but to all that is present, no action to too great when it comes to preventing innocent people from being harmed. The general continues to drill his hands into Qiu's head when Jang marched by to report some news. The lieutenant is unfazed by what is happening.

"General," Jang bowed, performing the 'fist and palm' salute.

"Ah Jang, good job on leading the men today." The Judge of Honghai is still fixated on blinding Qiu. "I came to inspect them. Hope you do not mind."

"I may be responsible implementing many of the training sessions, but you will always have the final say."

"And I take full responsibility, a true hero always take charge," the general squeezed Qiu's eyes harder, blood drenching the armored hands. The noisy cries of this punished Bingmayong did not deter both men from conversing normally.

The Judge of Honghai inquired about his lieutenant's presence, believing Jang has a message to pass on.

"General Sun Bin has extended an invitation. His daughter will wed with the son of the Gan Jin patriarch." Jang stated in his regular serious expression. The general didn't even need to give a response, inquiring about the date of this event is also unnecessary. "I will inform him that you unfortunately cannot attend but wishes their family good health. The responsibility of disciplining unruly troops must come first. General Sun Bin would not be offended by our understandable predicament, as he too has experienced the woes of training new soldiers."

The general applied more force into Qiu's squeezed skull. "You read my mind perfectly."

"As I should do," the Firebender replied.

"Don't let you know who get anywhere near this place," the general added. "Me and my assistant chefs will be testing out a new recipe. The process of butchering will not be pleasant to both the eyes and ears." He dropped Qiu onto the ground, now a blind man without arms. The soldiers with odd appearances finally approached the unsuspecting Qiu. At the orders of the General, they wielded large meat cleavers, but not with the intention of immediately kill their target.

"Who are they, what's up with the baskets over their heads," Liu remarked about the anonymous identity of these soldiers.

Instead of getting a direct response, the general placed one of his bloodied hands on the Jiansinese's shoulder, in a reassuring manner. The ironclad man stared at the rock that was going to be used on Qiu.

"You and that filth is not that different. He too was a soldier from another state, but words will always have the power over life and death. His story ends here so that others can proceed without being harmed. I hope you learnt something today."

Qiu screamed even louder as the mysterious troops encircled him. Chains and the sound of flesh being ripped through are echoing throughout the whole camp. No one is complaining about this wonderful music to their ears.

The general then issue another command to his 'assistant chefs'.

"把他的肉放进油锅里炸!"

End of chapter notes:

-I would like to apologize to a specific portion of those who read this fanfiction. Difficult situations in real life have tremendously hindered the uploads.