Chapter 11: Joining the Militia

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As evening fell, Lin Yi returned to his apartment from the studio and logged into the Apocalypse World once again.

He had already used his spare time several times today to go online and completed two firewood-cutting tasks.

Perhaps because he had gained Gu Yongqiang’s favor by submitting multiple tasks, Gu Yongqiang assigned him a new mission.

“You don’t have a place to stay yet in Gutang Village. The firewood shed in my courtyard is yours to live in. But since my legs are weak, I need you to help me carry two buckets of well water from the east side of the village every morning.”

“Ding! Gu Yongqiang from Gutang Village has issued you a daily task. Completing the water-carrying task grants you the right to stay in the firewood shed.”

From Liu Hong’s diary, Lin Yi knew how dangerous nights were in the Apocalypse World. Without a place to stay at night, it would be impossible to survive.

He had seen the firewood shed Gu Yongqiang mentioned. Though small and dirty, it had a wooden bed to rest on—at least a place to settle.

“Thank you, Brother Gu. Don’t worry, I’ll fetch the water first thing tomorrow morning.”

Gu Yongqiang nodded, pleased with Lin Yi’s attitude, and then gave him some clean bedding and sheets.

The bedding was faded from years of washing, clearly over a decade old, but it looked clean and still carried a faint scent of soap.

Lin Yi nodded silently, realizing this Brother Gu was a kind-hearted man.

However, Lin Yi’s main reason for staying close to Gu Yongqiang was not only to explore the Apocalypse World gradually but also to acquire Gu Yongqiang’s external martial arts.

In Lin Yi’s understanding, external martial arts in the Apocalypse World were like skills in a game.

He knew that the militia captain Gu Man used sword skills—external martial arts—to fight ghostly demons.

When Gu Man faced the ghost demon, their strength seemed evenly matched. But once Gu Man used a spiritual weapon to unleash external martial arts, the ghost demon was quickly defeated and captured within a few moves, showing how external martial arts could enhance one’s power.

Liu Hong’s diary also mentioned external martial arts once, describing it as a rare treasure. If mastered, it could be used in reality with tremendous power.

As twilight deepened, Lin Yi tidied up the small firewood shed bedroom simply. Seeing that his online time was limited, he prepared to log off.

Just then, footsteps echoed in the dark courtyard, followed by voices from Gu Yongqiang’s house.

“Captain Yongqiang!”

“Don’t call me captain. My leg’s crippled; I haven’t been your captain for a long time. But if you’re not managing your second squad properly, why come to me...”

The visitor was clearly Gu Chenghu, the captain of the militia’s second squad.

Their voices faded until Lin Yi could no longer hear. He shook his head and logged off.

Inside the house, their conversation continued.

Gu Chenghu said, “Brother Yongqiang, I heard a Descendant recently came to your place? Recommended by the village elder from Guhe Township?”

Gu Yongqiang nodded, “That old man often does this; I’m used to it. This month’s already the third one.”

“How’s this Descendant’s character and talent?”

Gu Yongqiang was surprised. “Why? Is your militia so short of people that you have to accept new Descendants? I thought your second squad didn’t want Descendants?”

“Ah, Brother Yongqiang, to be honest, we lost two men outside the city today. They probably can’t patrol for a while. Some team members said a few Descendants have been arriving in the village recently, so I came to see if any are suitable.”

“Not suitable. He’s only been here two days. Joining your militia will only mean death for him. Whether he’s suitable later, I’ll observe some more…”

On the third day in the Apocalypse World, Lin Yi logged in early before dawn and carried two buckets of well water from the east side of the village for Gu Yongqiang. Then he accepted a firewood-cutting task in the backyard mountain.

During this, Lin Yi drew a universal talent once.

But it was still a white-tier talent.

“Fated Lone Star” (White Talent): Possessing this talent increases the frequency of dangerous events you encounter by several times compared to normal people. Those close to you have a higher chance of tragic death. However, crises come with fortune—you have a certain chance to receive fate’s rewards amid good luck.

Undoubtedly, this was another talent with detrimental effects outweighing benefits—a trash talent.

Lin Yi would never solidify such a talent.

Judging by the white-tier talents drawn consecutively for three days, it would take time and some luck to get a good talent.

That day, Lin Yi maintained his routine—working in the studio, converting earned gold and equipment into cash, then paying the studio members’ wages.

During this period, he messaged Liu Bo, but the latter replied slowly. Lin Yi guessed Liu Bo might have already used his activation code to enter the Apocalypse World.

This guy was decisive. Lin Yi could only wish him good luck.

Thus, for three consecutive days, Lin Yi dealt with studio affairs by day and used fragmented time to explore the Apocalypse World.

The longer he stayed in Gutang Village, the more information he gathered.

Moreover, perhaps because Lin Yi had performed well before Gu Yongqiang these days, he received a new task from him as soon as he logged in that morning.

Inside the house, Gu Yongqiang looked at Lin Yi and said, “In Gutang Village, just chopping firewood won’t guarantee your safety. You are a Descendant and need to train. I see you’ve been patient with the firewood tasks—a steady person. Would you be willing to help the militia?”

“Help the militia?”

Lin Yi was taken aback, then asked, “Brother Gu, doesn’t the militia only recruit members above level five?”

Gu Yongqiang shook his head patiently, “You’re not joining the militia, just helping them. You know Descendants are special. Killing demons and ghost spirits drops special items. Helping the militia means assisting them in killing these creatures, and you gain growth experience.”

Seeing Lin Yi hesitated, Gu Yongqiang added, “Don’t worry. Your current strength is low; helping means assisting in kills, not leading the charge. The militia will assign people to protect you; you won’t be harmed.”

Though he said this, Lin Yi still hesitated.

Not needing level five to gain experience with the militia was a good opportunity.

But Lin Yi had a universal talent. If developed steadily, even a random good talent could open broad paths.

Also, though Gu Yongqiang promised militia protection—

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The Apocalypse World was so dangerous that even militia members couldn’t guarantee their safety.

When dangers arose beyond the militia’s scope, no one would care about this Descendant.

Lin Yi fell silent.

Noticing his delay, Gu Yongqiang frowned slightly.

Lin Yi was only level one, with no countermeasures against demons or ghost spirits. Gu Yongqiang didn’t actually recommend Lin Yi help the militia.

Yet yesterday, militia third squad captain Gu Man had successfully forged a defensive spiritual weapon using Descendant drops, greatly boosting his strength. He even killed a level ten ghost spirit attempting to hide in the village at dusk, earning praise from the village elder.

This feat made other militia captains eager to imitate Gu Man, bringing Descendants to hunt monsters for materials.

Last night, second squad captain Gu Chenghu came to Gu Yongqiang with a plan to help Descendants grow and jointly farm materials—provided the Descendants’ character and aptitude were acceptable.

Lin Yi’s recent performance was commendable—steady and patient.

Gu Yongqiang recommended Lin Yi to Gu Chenghu.

But unexpectedly, Lin Yi seemed reluctant to take risks.

Gu Yongqiang raised his eyebrows. This Descendant named “Green Mountain Never Old” was more cautious than usual, unlike the Descendants he knew.

He had met many Descendants recently, all wild with excitement to use their powers in this world.

Not only begging to learn external martial arts, but also eager to join the militia to farm monsters.

Why was this one so different?

After pondering, Gu Yongqiang said, “If you’re willing, I’ll consider teaching you my external martial arts.”

“External martial arts?”

Lin Yi’s interest was piqued.

If the benefit was sufficient, he could afford to take some risks.

“Brother Gu, what sort of external martial arts do you have?”

“Yangyan Blade Technique. I learned it ten years ago in Tianshui City. Its power is immense. But I promised my master I wouldn’t teach it to those without outstanding talent. If you can advance to level four within half a month, I’ll teach you.”

“Alright, Brother Gu. I agree to help the militia.”

Seeing Lin Yi’s resoluteness, Gu Yongqiang smiled and shook his head. He once thought Lin Yi was a steady, hardworking Descendant, but now he realized he wouldn’t act without certainty.

He wasn’t sure if recommending him to Gu Chenghu was right or wrong.

...

That noon, Lin Yi followed Gu Yongqiang to the second squad’s base for the first time.

The place was a tiled courtyard house with many Yang trees planted inside.

Yang trees were unique to the Apocalypse Continent, their bark a pale red, and their branches a rare blood red.

Lin Yi noticed many scratch marks on the bark and wondered why.

Seeing his gaze, Gu Yongqiang explained, “Yang trees are special. Smearing their sap on your eyes lets you see the aura of ghost spirits at night. Several militia bases in Gutang Village have Yang trees for night patrols. Also, the sap’s scent repels some ghost spirits.”

Lin Yi nodded, understanding.

“Brother Yongqiang!”

At that moment, a few people emerged from the house, led by Gu Chenghu and militia members of the second squad.

The members clearly respected Gu Yongqiang.

Gu Yongqiang nodded and said, “I’ve brought the person. He’s in your hands. Protect the village and don’t disappoint me.”

After a brief reminder, Gu Yongqiang left.

Gu Chenghu sized up Lin Yi and asked, “You’re Green Mountain Never Old? Why such a strange name?”

Lin Yi touched his nose. The game name was random and didn’t suit Gutang Village’s surname-based naming.

“Captain Gu, just call me Green Mountain.”

“Alright, Green Mountain, come in with me.”

Gu Chenghu said no more, leading Lin Yi inside.

Once inside, Lin Yi noticed another player besides himself.

This player’s aura differed from the villagers. Even wearing the same clothes, Lin Yi could tell at a glance.

He wore plain garments, a leather bow hung at his waist, appeared in his thirties, and squinted slightly as if wearing glasses in reality.

He stepped forward, smiled, and extended his hand.

“Little brother, what level are you? Also here to help the militia? I’m Dugu Feng. Nice to meet you.”

Lin Yi wasn’t intimidated and shook his hand.

“I’m Green Mountain Never Old, a newcomer to Gutang Village.”

Dugu Feng laughed heartily, “Haha, newcomers usually don’t qualify here. Looks like Green Mountain brother, you’re lucky.”

“Flattering...” Lin Yi nodded, exchanging pleasantries.

He remained highly cautious of other players in the Apocalypse World.

Before coming, he had covered his face with a brown hemp cloth, but Gu Yongqiang tore it off midway.

Gu Yongqiang said that in Gutang Village, disguises like that were either wanted roaming bandits or infiltrating demons. The militia would attack without hesitation.

With no better disguise, Lin Yi had to show his true face.

At this moment, Gu Chenghu approached them.

“Alright, since you’ve been recommended, your character is recognized. I won’t test you. From now on, you two are reserve members of the second militia squad, though your power is weak—one is level four, the other level one...”

Hearing “level one,” Dugu Feng glanced at Lin Yi, surprised. This player was truly a newcomer.

Yet he was lucky to join the militia at level one.

In the Apocalypse Continent, the fastest way to level up in the novice village was to earn experience with the militia.

Gu Chenghu continued, “Our second squad patrols on odd days each month, either guarding outside the city by day or patrolling inside the village at night. Since you’re too low level and would only die against ghost spirits, you won’t patrol at night. But during the day, as long as you’re in Gutang Village, you’ll follow our militia squad.”

“My demands aren’t high. Just obey, be serious, and don’t harm Gutang Village. We had a Descendant named Long Haixin who raised ghost spirits to increase his power. I personally killed him. If either of you acts the same, I guarantee you’ll be torn to pieces.”

After these harsh words, Gu Chenghu’s tone softened.

“Of course, I’m not bloodthirsty. As long as you obey and don’t act rashly during dangerous hunts, I won’t punish you arbitrarily.”

“Being a reserve member of our second squad has many benefits—daily silver rewards, shares from monster kills, and if you perform well, portions of the monthly blood food issued by the village.”

“Blood food!”

Hearing this, Dugu Feng’s face lit up with excitement.

Lin Yi was somewhat surprised too.

From what he learned from Gu Yongqiang, blood food was a unique reward in Gutang Village. Consuming it could enhance one’s attributes.

Both Descendants and native Apocalypse Continent inhabitants experienced bottlenecks between levels four and five, and blood food helped break through those limits.

Dugu Feng asked eagerly, “Captain, is the blood food real? What performance is required to get it?”

“Requirements?”

Gu Chenghu thought for a moment, then said, “Not hard. Assist in killing five demons or ghost spirits each month.”

“Good, thank you, Captain!”

Dugu Feng was thrilled. He’d been in the Apocalypse World for a month but was stuck at level four due to low health attributes.

He bribed militia member Gu Shan in various ways just to join the militia and earn blood food.

Now that Gu Chenghu promised blood food, how could he not be excited?

...

Gu Chenghu was decisive. After explaining militia rules, he led Lin Yi and Dugu Feng to familiarize them with patrol routes.

“Today’s an even day. The first and third squads are on duty. The leader of the first squad is Gu Liehai, the strongest man under our village elder. I’m Gu Chenghu, leader of the second squad.”

While walking, Gu Chenghu introduced the militia.

Currently, Gutang Village had four militia squads, each with around twenty members.

Squad leaders had to be level ten experts with spiritual weapons, and members were at least level five, mostly level seven or eight rising stars.

At the outer wall of Gutang Village, gazing toward the wilds and forests, Gu Chenghu continued, “The closest village is Hexian Village, separated by three mountains about fifty miles away. Though not far, countless demons lurk along the way, danger everywhere.”

“We used to be in contact with Hexian Village, but since Descendants appeared frequently and demons increased, contact has been cut off.”

“Around Gutang Village’s mountains and fields, the most numerous demons are Heartthirsty Wolves. They appear in packs, cunning and sly. If spotted, the main force must be notified. Then there are stealthy ghosts and shen crows that infiltrate the village…”

Gu Chenghu spoke tirelessly, describing seven or eight dangerous demons near Gutang Village.

He detailed their appearances, habits, and weaknesses.

Lin Yi gained a great deal of knowledge.

Joining the militia had many benefits, allowing faster understanding of the Apocalypse Continent.

“All that’s said. Any questions?”

Gu Chenghu looked at Lin Yi and Dugu Feng.

Lin Yi asked, “Captain, I heard Brother Gu mention Tianshui City before. What kind of place is that?”

Dugu Feng, curious, leaned in. Despite his time in Gutang Village, he had never heard of Tianshui City.

“Tianshui City? If Yongqiang told you that, he must be preparing to teach you the Yangyan Blade Technique,” Gu Chenghu smiled and said.

“Tianshui City is a large human settlement, humanity’s true support. All militia leaders must visit there before taking office.”

“But the journey is long and perilous. Every trip requires a mobilized force and protection from the village chief and elders. Descendants might only access Tianshui if they become professional level. For now, don’t think about it.”

At this point, Dugu Feng asked, “Professional level? Captain, how does one become professional level?”

Gu Chenghu glanced at him, “Don’t aim too high. I’m not professional level yet. Why ask so much? When you reach level ten, then consider it.”

Scolded, Dugu Feng stopped asking.

Lin Yi had many questions too but saw Gu Chenghu’s impatience and said nothing.

Seeing this, Gu Chenghu led them back.

“These are your uniforms. Tomorrow the second squad patrols outside the city. Decide when you want to log in, then come to the city gate and find me.”

After tossing two militia uniforms, Gu Chenghu left, leaving only Lin Yi and Dugu Feng inside.

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