Ye Qiu was utterly shocked.
He hadn’t expected Old Tang to personally come to the Northern Border.
This alone indicated that the situation in the Northern Border was extremely grave.
Otherwise, both Old Tang and the War God would not be present here simultaneously.
These two were monumental figures. The appearance of even one would signal an earth-shattering event. Their joint presence today could only mean that the severity of the situation had exceeded Ye Qiu’s expectations.
Tang Fei announced loudly:
“Reporting, sir, Ye Qiu has been brought!”
Instantly, several pairs of eyes in the conference room turned sharply to Ye Qiu.
Ye Qiu stood at attention, chest out, and saluted Old Tang and the War God.
“Greetings, sir!”
Old Tang’s gaze lingered on Ye Qiu for a moment before he smiled, “If I’m not mistaken, Ye Qiu, this should be our first meeting, correct?”
“You’re not mistaken, sir. This is my first time meeting you,” Ye Qiu replied respectfully.
Old Tang said, “I’m fully aware of your actions since joining the Underworld Palace. Well done!”
Those two simple words conveyed Old Tang’s approval of Ye Qiu.
“Sit!”
Old Tang gestured to the seat across the conference table.
“Thank you, sir.”
Ye Qiu quickly took his seat, glancing at the War God and Ye Wudi, nodding slightly in respect.
Ye Wudi smiled, keenly noting that Ye Qiu’s cultivation had advanced significantly since their last encounter.
“Sir, may we begin?” the War God asked.
Old Tang nodded, “Proceed.”
The War God gave Tang Fei a look. Tang Fei understood, walked to the door, and addressed the two bodyguards, “No one is to approach this room. If anyone tries to force their way in, shoot to kill.”
“Yes, sir!”
The bodyguards acknowledged the order.
Tang Fei then locked the conference room door and sat beside Ye Qiu.
The War God began, “Ye Qiu, I assume Tang Fei has briefed you on the Northern Border situation?”
Ye Qiu replied, “Tang Fei only told me that Champion Marquis Xiao Jiu’s fate is unknown. He didn’t provide specifics. Sir, what exactly happened?”
Instead of answering, the War God asked, “Ye Qiu, do you know how Xiao Jiu became the War God of the Northern Border?”
Ye Qiu shook his head, completely unaware of Xiao Jiu’s past.
The War God explained, “When Xiao Jiu first arrived in the Northern Border, he was just a lowly soldier. His rapid rise to Champion Marquis and commander of the Northern Border was due not only to his exceptional personal abilities but also a particular battle.”
“That battle paved the way for Xiao Jiu’s promotions.”
“That battle was the Battle of Beigu Pavilion!”
A look of reminiscence crossed the War God’s aged face as he continued:
“Beigu Pavilion lies at the westernmost edge of China’s Northern Border, bordering a neighbouring country. It was originally a village.”
“Years ago, the neighbouring country began repeatedly encroaching on Beigu Pavilion, later sending soldiers to occupy it forcibly.”
“How could our nation’s territory be violated? The Northern Border dispatched troops to expel the neighbouring country’s soldiers.”
“Intelligence indicated that the neighbouring country had only a platoon stationed at Beigu Pavilion. Out of caution, the Northern Border sent a reconnaissance company.”
“Xiao Jiu was serving in that reconnaissance company at the time.”
“But when they reached Beigu Pavilion, the expulsion failed. The enemy opened fire first, forcing the reconnaissance company to counterattack.”
“It was only then that the company discovered the neighbouring country had set an ambush at Beigu Pavilion, with an entire elite regiment deployed.”
“By then, their retreat was cut off, and the reconnaissance company was surrounded.”
“Beigu Pavilion had no signal, making it impossible to call for reinforcements. In this desperate situation, the reconnaissance company fought back, engaging in a life-and-death battle with the elite regiment.”
“That battle was a bloodbath.”
“That battle left bodies strewn across the field.”
“The fighting lasted a full three hours. The reconnaissance company’s soldiers were all killed, leaving only Xiao Jiu alive.”
“The neighbouring country’s elite regiment, however, was reduced to just fifty-three men by the reconnaissance company.”
“Xiao Jiu did not retreat. At the time, his strength was comparable to a Tiger List expert. Single-handedly, he took down the remaining fifty-three men of the elite regiment and planted our flag at Beigu Pavilion.”
“When the medical team arrived, Xiao Jiu was critically wounded, with seventeen bullet holes and eight knife wounds.”
“The Northern Border Military Region brought in the best medical experts to operate on Xiao Jiu. Everyone believed his injuries were too severe, and his chances of survival were near zero.”
“But against all odds, Xiao Jiu clung to life with sheer willpower.”
At this point, the War God paused, took a sip of water, and continued:
“The Battle of Beigu Pavilion was a devastating loss, but it showcased the fearless, sacrificial spirit of our nation’s soldiers.”
“‘The heroic spirit of heaven and earth remains awe-inspiring through the ages.’”
“The soldiers of the reconnaissance company, with their blood and lives, exemplified the loyalty, duty, courage, and dedication of Chinese soldiers. Their heroic essence shines as brightly as the sun and moon, their righteous spirit erecting a towering monument!”
“Every soldier from the reconnaissance company who perished was posthumously awarded first-class merit.”
“As for Xiao Jiu, who survived, he became renowned throughout the Northern Border and received commendations from the Northern Border’s top brass. In addition to a first-class merit medal, he was bestowed numerous honours.”
“At the time, I was overseeing military operations. Following Old Tang’s instructions, Xiao Jiu was awarded the ‘Hero of Border Defence’ title, and the heroic deeds of the reconnaissance company and Xiao Jiu were announced to the entire military as an example.”
“From then on, Xiao Jiu’s career soared.”
“In a short time, he rose from a mere soldier to the War God of the Northern Border.”
“Xiao Jiu’s martial prowess also surged during that period. At the age of twenty-five, he claimed the top spot on the Dragon List.”
“After reaching the top of the Dragon List, Xiao Jiu single-handedly infiltrated the enemy country and killed three of their top commanders, avenging the brothers who died at Beigu Pavilion.”
“Subsequently, Old Tang bestowed upon Xiao Jiu the title of Champion Marquis, tasking him with guarding the Northern Border.”
“For years, it was precisely because of Xiao Jiu’s presence that the neighbouring country dared not cross the line.”
“Xiao Jiu’s courage was unmatched, guarding the Northern Border like a god, earning him the title of War God of the Northern Border.”
Hearing this, Ye Qiu asked, “War God, how does this relate to Xiao Jiu’s unknown fate?”
“Let me explain,” the War God said. “Yesterday was the twenty-seventh day of the seventh lunar month.”
“That day holds special significance for Xiao Jiu.”
“The Battle of Beigu Pavilion took place on the twenty-seventh day of the seventh lunar month.”
“After Xiao Jiu was named Champion Marquis and stationed in the Northern Border, he had the ashes of the reconnaissance company’s soldiers relocated to Beigu Pavilion, where he built a martyrs’ cemetery called the Beigu Pavilion Martyrs’ Cemetery.”
“Every year on the twenty-seventh day of the seventh lunar month, Xiao Jiu would bring several cases of wine to pay respects to his fallen brothers.”
“Confident in his martial prowess, Xiao Jiu never took guards, only bringing two adjutants.”
“Yesterday, Xiao Jiu went to Beigu Pavilion to pay his respects, and something happened!”
