Zhao Ci answered without hesitation. “I know, Brother Ling looks down on me, thinks my cultivation weak. But even so, I want to chase your steps desperately. Even if I die on the battlefield, I won’t regret it!”
“Me too.”
Zhao Zhi beside her nodded. “Back on Tianlong Continent, our sky was just a well mouth. We never felt the humiliation of being despised, insulted.
Here, humans are treated like livestock, slaves. To change my fate, I must grow stronger. For that, I’ll risk everything!”
“Hey, you stole my lines. What do I say?” Long Chen rubbed his nose. “Though not human, my clan fares worse. For them, I must fight.”
“We’re the same!”
The others nodded, voicing their resolve.
“I’m glad for your choices. But I’m serious. Battlefield is unpredictable. You, or I, may die. Results could be cruel, leaving no smiles. Still going?”
Words are easy. Actions harder. Ling Xiao welcomed their choices, but battlefield courage was untested.
“Going!”
None wanted cowardice. They aimed to prove strength and bravery to Ling Xiao.
“Ling Xiao!”
The commander on the platform spoke.
“Today’s incident, this general hopes not repeated on the battlefield. Understand!”
“Commander Sikong, you’re joking. I, Ling Xiao, bully no one, unless provoked. If your eyes work, you saw Wan Qiufeng strike first.”
Yes, the Beimo expedition commander was Shenhuang Vice Dean Sikong Zun!
Usually Feng Ming Wanzhong’s role, but he recovered from heavy wounds. On the State Preceptor’s recommendation, Sikong Zun replaced him.
For others, Ling Xiao would show respect.
But for Sikong Zun, no need for pleasantries. Especially since he spoke truth.
“Daring to talk back. As soldier, defying superior, punishable by death!”
Sikong Zun sneered.
“Commander Sikong, clarify. I’m no soldier, not under you. I go for merit.”
Ling Xiao said calmly. “Military orders mean nothing to me.”
“Insolence! All border trial participants fall under me. Defy imperial will?”
Sikong Zun roared.
His hatred for Ling Xiao needed no mask.
He loathed Ling Xiao, wished instant death.
“Enough, Commander Sikong. No need to quarrel with a child. First trial, he knows no rules. Are you a child too?”
Speaking was Feng Qingyan beside Sikong Zun.
This time, deputy commander, assisting with troops.
Besides Shenhuang and Ice Phoenix warriors, Qingxu and Fire Phoenix too. Sikong Zun alone would cause chaos.
Though deputy, obeying Sikong, Feng Qingyan had veto rights against targeting Qingxu or Fire Phoenix.
Compromise result.
The Emperor avoided direct Fire Phoenix conflict.
“Humph!”
Sikong Zun snorted, suppressing rage.
Not the time for Ling Xiao. Battlefield opportunities abounded. No need now.
“Now, army marches to Imperial Camp, ten li outside capital. True base. Move!”
Cold glance at Ling Xiao, Sikong Zun leaped on a phoenix bird, heading out.
Square groups followed in squads.
Few here: two academies’ students, Mirror Division, Imperial Guards.
All seeking battlefield merit, never frontlined. Vast gap from real soldiers.
Outside city, pace quickened.
Half hour later, Imperial Camp arrived.
100,000 troops, formerly others’ command, now Sikong Zun’s.
What potion did the State Preceptor feed the Emperor for such risk.
Imperial Camp vast.
On arrival, troops drilled orderly on wide fields.
No clan divides. All Shenhuang soldiers.
Three tiers: Chick Phoenix, Phoenix, Divine Phoenix.
Distinct in gear, strength, status.
Divine Phoenix: immortal treasure weapons/armour, gold.
Phoenix: rare treasure, silver.
Chick Phoenix: fine treasure, grey.
Regular army.
Militia, cooks lacked even that. No colour, lowest status.
Sikong Zun’s arrival: drilling soldiers lined perfectly, as one. Admirable.
Ling Xiao sighed inwardly. If Sacred Dynasty had one-tenth this, defeat wouldn’t be so crushing.
Sacred had standouts like Qin Huo’s force, but most rice bags, rabble. Incomparable.
“Hail Commander Sikong, Deputy Feng!”
Thunderous roar fused into one, dispersing clouds with terrifying energy.
Ling Xiao still believed numbers meaningless.
Yet now, he wavered.
If 10,000 Celestial warriors achieved such unity, killing a Cave Heaven would be easy.
Fortunately, most warriors lacked this discipline. Else truly fearsome.
Such momentum awed onlookers.
