Nine Star Burden

Chapter 83: Poor Hai Tianqing

In the snowfield base of Jiannan Village.

Hai Tianqing looked at the six teams in front of him. Although there were only two teams from Class 1, the teachers were allowed to be in charge of six teams at a time. Hence, the teams at the back stepped forward to fill the space. To Hai Tianqing’s dismay, the four teams standing in were all from Class 2.

There were many reasons for this situation. Hai Tianqing sighed in his heart and said, “During this mission, each team will hunt for 20 White Ghouls and use the right palm of the White Ghouls as proof of the kill. In other words, you have to bring back 20 White Ghoul hands. Please allocate some space in your military backpacks.”

The 24 students stood uniformly in front of Hai Tianqing. For the convenience of management, the students were all dressed in white camouflage uniforms. Even Xia Yan, who usually rebelled, followed suit.

However, Jiang Xiao had to admit that Xia Yan did look rather different and gave off an entirely different vibe dressed in the camouflage uniform. Her suave and domineering aura made her stand out and seem particularly eye-catching. Appearance really mattered. Her bright and menacing pair of eyes made her seem even more like a goddess.

“After entering the snowfield, we will lead you to the first supply point. Once you rest for five minutes, each group will begin exploring in the Northwest direction and follow the map to the second supply point.”

Hai Tianqing stared at the six teams that consisted of students from Class 1 and Class 2, after which he said smilingly, “When you receive the proof issued by the teacher at the second supply point and return to the first supply point, the task will be considered complete.

“We’ll be judging and deducing the score according to the amount of time each team takes to complete the task and the number of White Ghoul palms obtained. The top three teams will be rewarded by the school.

“The instructor of the base camp will explain the equipment to you.” Hai Tianqing backed away and a soldier stepped forward to explain the items in the military backpack that were meant for the students.

He also briefed them about the quantity and usage of food, water, signal torches, and other equipment.

Jiang Xiao noticed that only his team and Xing Lang’s team participated in the expedition, while the other four teams were from Class 2.

He had no idea if the remaining two teams would join in the next batch or simply choose not to participate.

That scene made Jiang Xiao a little curious. He wondered, Why are the talented members of the Class 1 team so cowardly, but the Class 2 students who are lowly-qualified so confident instead?

However, Jiang Xiao felt heartened about the fact that everyone in his team had a clear goal in mind and so wouldn’t be separated or get into conflicts during the training in the snowfield.

Jiang Xiao had no idea what was going on with Li Weiyi.

However, to Xia Yan and Han Jiangxue, the snowfield was just like their playground.

The team of four was ready to go after getting equipped and putting on their protective eyewear. They then followed the teachers to the snowfield.

The sky was still dim and full of stars. There was also a ray of light in the distance that was bright and vibrant.

If the temperatures weren’t freezing, it would really be a dreamy and fantastical world.

Coincidentally, Jiang Xiao encountered a strong gust of wind again.

The gale caused the snow to fly up and get smacked against the faces of the students. It was hard for them to even speak.

Under the harsh conditions, they trod for half an hour and finally arrived at the first supply point.

It was Jiang Xiao’s third time visiting the snowfield, but his first time entering the natural cave.

The supply points were manned by special teams who lived there and provided humans with water and food. They would also immediately conduct a search and rescue as soon as someone called for help.

Jiang Xiao strode into the natural cave and was greeted with the sight of a passageway that was lined with torches on both sides.

The passageway wasn’t long. After walking for about 20 minutes, a large gate appeared in front of them.

A teacher then stepped forward and knocked thrice on the gate.

Ka-cha!

A small gap was formed above the gate and a sharp pair of eyes appeared quietly, frightening the students.

Ka-cha!

After the small gap was closed, the door slowly opened.

The leading teacher entered and the students at the back looked around before mustering up the courage to enter.

Jiang Xiao followed the team and entered. There was a huge amount of space inside, and its shape was irregular yet rounded. There were plenty of torches on the walls that warmed and lit the entire space up.

The first thing that it reminded Jiang Xiao of… was a military camp!

A few bunk beds were placed neatly in the spacious cave, alongside a few desks and military resources.

A bonfire was burning in the center, with hot water being boiled beside it. There was a topographic map hanging on the wall that was rather far away, with multi-colored plans and legends.

“Thank you,” said a warm and gentle voice. He took off his hood and lifted his goggles. It was Hai Tianqing. “Our school has already completed the contact. Leave immediately after resting for five minutes.”

Jiang Xiao also noticed the sharp pair of eyes. However, he could tell from this gaze that he was a menacing and domineering soldier.

The soldier said nothing and instead walked back to his bed quietly. He then lied down and closed his eyes to take a nap.

Although he was a soldier, he seemed to be different from the soldiers outside.

There was at least a huge difference in their attitudes.

There were a total of 14 soldiers in this enormous space. Some were lying on the bed while others were seated in front of the desk or sitting in front of the bonfire and boiling water. However, none of them spoke. They were just like 14 ghosts.

The central bonfire crackled at the supply point.

The ambiance affected the group of bubbly youths. Apart from Hai Tianqing who spoke, the rest dared not utter a single word at all.

Hai Tianqing turned his head and said, “They have a very strict rotation system, but I’m sure you guys are clear that there are plenty of people who come here to train. These soldiers are often woken up during their breaks and made to go to the snowfield to search for the refugees in need of help. They’re tensed up all the time. So, the longer we stay here, the more we will be hindering them from resting.”

Everyone still remained silent even after hearing Hai Tianqing’s words.

The soldier taking a nap on the bed opened his eyes and glanced at Hai Tianqing.

“You have five minutes to prepare, take your map, and advance according to the prescribed route.” Hai Tianqing suddenly changed his tone and continued, “Of course, the sooner you start, the better. It’s better to give the soldiers’ time and space in the supply point to the ones who really need them.”

“Go!” Xing Lang yelled. He pulled his goggles down and walked out immediately.

His three members followed behind him enthusiastically.

Hai Tianqing smiled and gestured to the teacher at the side.

The teacher nodded and immediately followed them.

“Let’s go.” To everyone’s surprise, Han Jiangxue was the second one to speak.

Jiang Xiao was rather stunned too. He thought, It’d be great for us to get some hot water here. What’s the hurry?

Hai Tianqing raised his brows and said to another teacher, “According to the rules, I have to leave with the team.”

Hai Tianqing then followed Han Jiangxue and her team out.

After passing through the gate, Han Jiangxue said in the passageway, “Leave your military backpacks behind.”

Jiang Xiao was dumbfounded.

Xia Yan and Li Weiyi immediately put their military backpacks down without another word.

Han Jiangxue then flailed her arms and a ray of light flashed, after which the layers of space began to overlap.

Han Jiangxue pulled out a giant sword from Sky Smasher, followed by a long-handled hammer, and tossed them at Xia Yan and Li Weiyi respectively.

Li Weiyi and Xia Yan had both left their weapons with Han Jiangxue a day ago.

Xia Yan and Li Weiyi also quickly tossed their military backpacks into the overlapping space.

Jiang Xiao finally snapped back to reality and hurriedly followed suit.

At the same time, they also exited the passageway and strode towards the snowfield.

Hai Tianqing arrived later and started frowning.

Han Jiangxue’s team did not follow the route given by the map and chose not to go ahead with the most explored and relatively safe Northwest route.

Han Jiangxue’s team headed straight in the Southeast direction!

Hai Tianqing put on his cap, pulled his goggles down, and thought to himself, Seems like these kids don’t want the rewards anymore. They probably don’t want to fight for the dispensable honor either.

These kids have decided to go for the most dangerous and challenging route.

Is surviving here for 15 days the true reward for them?

At this thought, Hai Tianqing smiled wryly.

He specially chose this team because he thought that they would be able to complete the mission using the least amount of time and that he would be able to leave the snowfield and go back to the warm and sunny Earth as soon as possible.

To his surprise, he ended up choosing the team that would definitely come in last for the sake of gaining actual experience!