God of Pets

Chen Guan carefully studied the mission system of the Reserve Team and found that if the squad couldn't complete tasks, the elixirs they could receive were pitifully few. If they managed to complete fixed tasks and take on some random ones, they could accumulate more points, resulting in significantly more elixirs than they currently received.

"No way, if the squad doesn't complete the tasks, I can't get the elixirs. Such valuable elixirs, how can I just give up on them? With the help of the elixirs, my level will increase faster, and it makes sense to undergo the Second Awakening and join the regular army sooner. There's no time to play around here," thought Chen Guan, contemplating how to help the squad complete the tasks together.

In fact, the squad's tasks weren't considered very difficult. Most of the fixed tasks involved clearing out groups of Secret Spirits.

The Beimang Mountain Blessed Land was located right next to the Reserve Team's station, and it was also a private Secret Realm of the Celestial Court Army. In the Beimang Mountain Blessed Land, there were many military bases of the Celestial Court Army.

The Reserve Team also had passes to the Beimang Mountain Secret Realm, and they needed to accept tasks to clear the groups of Secret Spirits near the military bases.

These Secret Spirits were all low-level entities, and though there were many to clear, regular soldiers wouldn't pay attention to them nor had the time to clear them, which is why the tasks fell on the Reserve Team.

Squad 17 received 7 fixed tasks this month, all of which involved clearing Secret Spirits, just divided into different regions.

Most clearing tasks involved ridding the area of a type of Secret Spirit called the Yellow Springs Infernal Soldiers, which were chiefly of ordinary quality. Occasionally, one or two extraordinary or rare Yellow Springs Infernal Generals appeared.

Among the seven tasks, six involved clearing Yellow Springs Infernal Soldiers near certain military bases, and one involved clearing a Giant Spirit Ghost Python under Cuiyun Peak.

"Captain Shi, I think these tasks aren't difficult. First Awakening Secret Spirits, our brothers should be able to handle them, right? Completing the fixed tasks would earn us some elixirs every month, which would be nice," Chen Guan mused.

Shi Zhimen smiled wryly, "Brother, you might not know, but I'm not boasting. Our group, the old generation, were all regular soldiers of the Celestial Court Members. We've been educated by the older generation since young. While we may not be exceptional, we do have skills. In one-on-one situations, our brothers could handle not just the Yellow Springs Infernal Soldiers but even the Infernal Generals."

"But these Yellow Springs Infernal Soldiers usually appear in groups, ranging from hundreds to thousands, sometimes even tens of thousands. They can form battle arrays, fighting with organized skirmishes. Our squad now lacks a leader, and including you, we only have 11 people. Facing hundreds of Infernal Soldiers is already tough, let alone facing a large group. Two fists can't fend off four hands."

Chen Guan did not say more, just laughed it off and continued learning riding skills with Shi Zhimen.

Other squads can defeat them; aren't they worried about being outnumbered either? In the end, it's the members like Shi Zhimen who have given up or simply have no intent to attempt these tasks; they don't want to take risks.

Some of them may lack confidence in themselves, others may lack trust in their teammates, and some are just waiting for the Second Awakening to join the regular army, having no real interest here, so they leave everything aside.

Since they didn't want to go, Chen Guan saw no need to say more. He's not the squad leader yet, so there are things he shouldn't say.

"Brother, you have quite the talent. Of all the people I've taught, you learn the fastest and the best. With talent like this, why are you in our squad? It's a waste of your abilities," Shi Zhimen probed, wanting to know about Chen Guan's background.

He himself didn't have any notable background. His parents were old soldiers of the Celestial Court Army, and through their old leader's influence, they managed to get him into the Reserve Team.

When he gets into the Celestial Court Army later, there won't be many to look after him, so he wants to find a patron.

"My experience and skills are lacking, a bit of training won't hurt," Chen Guan replied with a smile.

To Shi Zhimen, this statement made it even more evident that Chen Guan's background must be extraordinary; he was like a young master coming for training and experience.

Shi Zhimen became even more enthusiastic, eager to impart all his riding skills, showcasing his expertise.

In the evening, the two of them went to eat together, strengthening their bond.

The other teammates gathered as well. No other squad had such complete attendance in the cafeteria.

Most members of other squads were out in Beimang Mountain Secret Realm on tasks or training; they couldn't return for three meals a day, unlike their idle squad who gathered in full.

This time, Chen Guan swiped the Heavenly Meal Card and ordered a lot, inviting Shi Zhimen and the others for a meal.

He needed to find a way to get them to join him in completing missions. After all, he wasn't invincible yet, and misfortune might occur. Having companions would be best.

However, today Chen Guan said nothing, just treated them to a meal and some chatter, much to everyone's delight.

Early the next morning, the clerk came to deliver an appointment, appointing Chen Guan as the squad leader of Squad 17.

Neither Shi Zhimen nor Ning Changbu and other teammates felt surprised. Though they hadn't seen the Heavenly Meal Card like Shi Zhimen had, they knew Chen Guan must have connections above, otherwise, how could a newcomer immediately become a squad leader?

But most of them didn't think Chen Guan's connections were very strong; otherwise, why would he come to Squad 17 to be a squad leader?

"Congratulations, Captain Chen," the clerk said to Chen Guan before declining his invitation to stay for a meal and leaving.

Shi Zhimen and Bu Changning came over to congratulate Chen Guan's appointment as squad leader, although it was somewhat insincere.

In fact, Shi Zhimen also wanted to be squad leader, considering the benefits were considerably better than a regular member, and leaders received more rewards after tasks.

Still, as Chen Guan was appointed, he didn't mind since he hoped to support Chen Guan and gain favor in the future.

"Now that I'm the captain, we should celebrate," Chen Guan smiled.

Everyone thought Chen Guan was going to treat them to a meal, cheered, and clapped enthusiastically.

"How about this, let's go to South Mountain to kill a few Yellow Springs Infernal Soldiers for fun, consider it an outing, and we'll celebrate with a feast afterward," Chen Guan suggested, at which the applause abruptly stopped, leaving everyone in stunned silence.

"Since no one objects, no need to stand around. Let's head out, quickly go and return, so we can celebrate in the evening," Chen Guan said as he strode outside first.

No one moved, so Chen Guan didn't look back, continued walking outside, armoring himself, summoning his Zhaoye Lion Horse, and mounting it.

"What are you standing around for? Armor up, mount!" Shi Zhimen gritted his teeth, shouted at everyone, and encouraged them out.

Though the team was reluctant, knowing Chen Guan had connections and with Shi Zhimen backing him, they worried Chen Guan's backing was significant and didn't dare offend him, so they reluctantly armored up and mounted.

After everyone gathered, Shi Zhimen first ordered them to line up and roll-call before reporting to Chen Guan, "Captain, Squad 17 reports 11 total counted, 11 present, awaiting captain's orders."

"Good, heading to Beimang Mountain Blessed Land, move out," Chen Guan took the lead.

Though Bu Changning and others were unwilling, they had to follow Chen Guan. As he was the squad leader, not obeying would not only embarrass Chen Guan and diminish his standing above, but they also feared being kicked out of the Reserve Team.

As they were still reserve members, not formally part of the Celestial Court Army's roster, it wasn't difficult to remove them.