"Lord, ten kilometers ahead, there are several flying monsters approaching. They've been sent by other lords to scout," Yin Lihua quickly warned Zhou Yan.
"Flying pets, probably for reconnaissance. Ignore them, as long as they don't attack us proactively," Zhou Yan replied.
Yin Lihua nodded and didn't pay them much mind, but she did keep a reconnaissance unit monitoring the flying pets' movements.
Not long after, three flying monsters began circling overhead, seemingly observing Zhou Yan and his party.
Li Guang, seeing the monsters in the sky, asked Zhou Yan, "Lord, shall we shoot them down?"
A considerable number of the hundred men led by Zhou Yan possessed the Divine Archer skill. With just one command from Zhou Yan, the three monsters above would be pierced by countless arrows.
Zhou Yan casually stated, "Just three monsters. Ignore them. However, if one of them tries to follow us, we'll take it down."
"Understood!"
Upon hearing this, the generals were eager for one of the flying monsters to follow them, giving them a chance to showcase their skills.
These monsters didn't disappoint, and they continued to hover above for a full ten minutes. Everyone looked to Zhou Yan.
Zhou Yan observed the three monsters. Since they had been following for ten minutes and still intended to track them, he would not hold back. He nodded, giving them the go-ahead to unleash their skills.
Instantly, the generals behind Zhou Yan became excited. They quickly drew their bows and arrows, preparing to shoot at the monsters in the sky.
However, one person was faster. He directly drew a long spear and attacked one of the monsters in the sky, hitting it with a single thrust and sending it plummeting to the ground.
The general then urged his mount forward, heading towards the falling monster. He soon had the creature in his grasp.
Following this, dozens of arrows flew skyward, striking down the other two flying monsters. Every arrow found its mark, embedding itself in the bodies of the flying creatures.
Their demise was quite tragic.
Everyone, however, looked at the general who had attacked first, feeling a bit speechless at his speed.
"Why is everyone looking at me like that?" Zhang Xiu asked, beaming. "This monster isn't even big enough to be shared if we roast it."
With that, Zhang Xiu sheathed his spear and discarded the monster.
"Hey, you're usually so quiet, but you were quick to act this time," Dian Wei said to Zhang Xiu. Zhang Xiu's spear technique was indeed fast. The moment the Lord nodded, he had already drawn his spear and launched it into the air.
"My senior brother's spear technique is formidable. Apart from my second senior brother Zhao Yun, there are few who can match him," Wen Ping declared with a laugh.
Zhang Xiu, Zhao Yun, and Wen Ping, upon being summoned, retained their memories as fellow disciples. In private, they referred to each other as brothers and shared a very close relationship.
"Spear technique as divine as the gods! I, Yang Zaixing, would love to exchange a few moves," Yang Zaixing, also a spear user, felt his competitive spirit stirred by Wen Ping's praise.
"Divine spear technique is too generous. In terms of strength, I am still far behind my junior brother," Zhang Xiu said humbly.
"Not at all. Senior brother's spear technique is far superior to mine. Zhao Yun admits defeat," Zhao Yun quickly replied.
Qin Qiong looked at Zhao Yun and said, "Zhao Yun, I heard that as soon as you joined the territory, the Lord bestowed upon you his beloved spirit weapon, the 'Dragon Soul Spear.' You know, at that time, the Lord himself only had that one spirit weapon. It's evident how highly the Lord values you."
Indeed, many generals in the territory were envious. Zhao Yun was rewarded with a spirit weapon immediately upon arrival and was subsequently appointed as the general of an army. Although his official rank hadn't been formally announced, it was clear to everyone that it was only a matter of time.
Zhao Yun was not only handsome but also very humble. Upon hearing everyone's praise, he clasped his hands and said, "It is all the Lord's favor. Zhao Yun will naturally not let the Lord's expectations down."
While many envied Zhao Yun for leading an army, the one most valued by the Lord was undoubtedly Bai Qi.
All the generals held Bai Qi in sincere admiration. Not only was Bai Qi decisive in battle, but his mastery of formations, ambushes, and military strategy was exceptional. Every campaign he led resulted in the complete annihilation of the enemy.
The territory's soldiers were still too few. Each general had only a small number of troops. They were all capable of leading armies and longed to contribute to the territory's strength and earn the Lord's favor.
Unfortunately, out of the territory's more than 200,000 soldiers, 100,000 were newly summoned [Guanghan Immortals], and they were all women. The generals dared not ask the Lord to lead this particular army.
Zhou Yan, overhearing their conversation, laughed heartily, "My friends, rest assured. There will be more and more soldiers in the future, and none of you will be left out. You will all be senior generals of the territory."
"However, the competition will also be fierce. More generals will compete for troop command in the future, so don't fall too far behind!"
Hearing the Lord's words, the generals were naturally overjoyed. They also believed the Lord's promise. After all, the territory had only been established for a short time, yet it already possessed so many soldiers. They were confident that the territory would become a vast empire in the future.
"Thank you, Lord. I will surely strive hard and charge into battle for you, slaying any enemy who dares to obstruct your path!" Cao Ren declared.
"Lord, I wish to command a cavalry of over fifty thousand!" Yang Zaixing stated directly.
"Yang Zaixing, you have a big appetite! How many cavalry does the territory even have now, and you're asking for fifty thousand!" Hou Junji quickly retorted.
"I am more suited to leading infantry. I am not very proficient with cavalry."
"It's alright, I can teach you."
"I prefer archers."
...
The generals got along very harmoniously. They were now united in their goal to strengthen the territory. They were absolutely loyal. While there was competition among them, it was always healthy.
They did not want to be inferior to others and all desired to gain Zhou Yan's favor and be entrusted with important tasks.
Zhou Yan knew they were all capable, but unfortunately, the territory's soldiers were currently insufficient. He could only upgrade the barracks and summon more soldiers so that every general could lead an army.
"Lord, twenty kilometers ahead, a unit of a thousand soldiers has appeared and is heading your way. Based on their demeanor, they seem hostile, likely sent by those three flying monsters earlier," Yin Lihua reminded him.