Pfft!
Longbrow True Man’s nose was smashed by Ye Qiu’s punch, blood spurting out instantly.
“Bloody hell, you little brat, why’d you hit me?” Longbrow True Man cursed furiously.
Ye Qiu said, “Impersonate Ye Wushuang again, and I’ll twist your head off.”
“You wouldn’t dare…”
Longbrow True Man looked up, saw Ye Qiu’s menacing glare, and shrank back, muttering glumly, “To save you lot, I cut off the eyebrows I’d grown for decades. Not only do you not thank me, but you beat me. My heart’s breaking, boo-hoo…”
Ye Wudi roared, “Cry, my arse! Cry again, and I’ll chop you down with one swing.”
Instantly, Longbrow True Man shut his mouth, his face full of grievance.
“This place isn’t safe to linger. Let’s go back!”
Just as Ye Qiu spoke, the sky rumbled.
Boom!
Dozens of fighter jets appeared overhead.
Then, on the ground, over a hundred trucks formed a long convoy, speeding towards them like a dragon.
Leading the pack was a military jeep.
Soon, the convoy reached them.
The jeep stopped, and Tang Fei leapt out, striding quickly to Xiao Jiu and the others.
He saluted.
“Marquis of Champion, are your injuries serious?” Tang Fei asked, noticing bloodstains on Xiao Jiu.
Xiao Jiu grinned nonchalantly. “Just minor scratches. Thanks for your concern.”
Tang Fei nodded slightly. “Old Tang ordered me to bring you to him immediately upon your return, but with your injuries…”
Xiao Jiu laughed. “These wounds won’t stop me from seeing Old Tang.”
Tang Fei, still concerned, said, “Marquis, how about a hospital check-up first, then we see Old Tang?”
Xiao Jiu waved it off. “No need. Let’s see Old Tang first.”
The group prepared to leave.
At that moment, Qinglong bid farewell. “Marquis, since you’re safe, Qilin and I will head back.”
Xiao Jiu, knowing Qinglong and Qilin were worried about Cao Yuan’s safety, didn’t try to keep them. “Thanks for today. Tell Cao Yuan the life he owed me is repaid.”
“When I’m back in the capital, I’ll find him for a drink.”
“I’ll arrange a plane to send you back!”
Xiao Jiu summoned a soldier, gave a few orders, and soon an armed helicopter arrived, whisking Qinglong and Qilin away.
Then, Ye Qiu and the others drove back to the Northern Territory Military District headquarters.
After passing multiple security checks, they reached the ninth-floor conference room.
Upon entering, they saw Old Tang seated alone at the centre of the conference table, dressed in a grey Mao suit, exuding quiet authority.
“Greetings, Commander!”
Ye Qiu, Xiao Jiu, Ye Wudi, and Tang Fei saluted Old Tang in unison.
Longbrow True Man, shedding his usual flippancy, bowed respectfully. “Infinite Heavenly Venerable, Longbrow True Man, head of Dragon Tiger Mountain, pays respects to Old Tang.”
“No need for formalities, True Man. Please sit,” Old Tang said warmly.
Longbrow True Man took a seat near the edge.
Old Tang’s gaze then settled on Xiao Jiu, his tone calm but heavy. “Marquis of Champion, do you know your crime?”
Though Old Tang’s voice was as tranquil as a lake, it carried an overwhelming pressure.
This wasn’t the aura of a martial master but the unique imperial presence of a supreme leader.
It felt like a mountain bearing down.
Even Ye Qiu felt a shiver of awe.
Xiao Jiu bowed deeply. “Xiao Jiu knows his fault.”
“Where did you err?” Old Tang asked.
Xiao Jiu replied, “I shouldn’t have left the Northern Territory without permission and entered a neighbouring country.”
Slap!
Old Tang slammed his hand on the table, his sudden anger startling everyone.
“Xiao Jiu, as Commander of the Northern Territory, you abandoned your post and trespassed into a neighbouring country. That’s a capital offence!”
“But, considering you acted to avenge your brothers, with cause, I won’t punish you for that!”
“What angers me is that you don’t value your own life.”
“You are a pillar of the state, my right-hand man, still so young. If you’d died in that foreign land, how could I face the people of the Northern Territory?”
“Xiao Jiu, do you remember what I told you when I entrusted the Northern Territory to you?” Old Tang asked.
“I remember,” Xiao Jiu said. “You told me, Commander, that the Northern Territory can fall into chaos, but Xiao Jiu must not die.”
“Since you remember, why don’t you cherish your life?” Old Tang’s anger faded, replaced by a sigh. “Xiao Jiu, oh, Xiao Jiu, you’ve taken my words as mere wind past your ears. It seems I hold no weight in your heart.”
Xiao Jiu, pale with fear, dropped to his knees. “Commander, you are paramount in my heart.”
“Without you, I’d still be a rough thug with a bit of kung fu. Your keen eye made me the Marquis of Champion.”
“Entrusting the Northern Territory to me was your trust.”
“All I am, you’ve given me.”
“Your kindness, Xiao Jiu will never forget.”
“As for this matter, I was wrong. Please, Commander, punish me.”
Xiao Jiu lowered his head.
Old Tang remained silent, the conference room’s atmosphere growing oppressive.
Two full minutes passed.
Finally, Old Tang stood, walked to Xiao Jiu, and personally helped him up.
Xiao Jiu was visibly moved. “Commander…”
Old Tang smiled kindly. “Xiao Jiu, you’re a fine man. By taking down so many Brahmin sect experts, you’ve likely deterred the neighbouring country. They won’t dare act rashly for a while.”
“Having a brave warrior like you is my fortune, the nation’s fortune, and the people of the Northern Territory’s fortune!”
“These years, you’ve guarded the Northern Territory well. Though entering a neighbouring country was a capital offence, your merits outweigh your faults, so I won’t pursue it.”
Xiao Jiu said gratefully, “Thank you, Commander.”
Ye Qiu, watching, marvelled inwardly. Old Tang, the supreme leader, wielded the art of balancing grace and authority with masterful precision.
Old Tang addressed Xiao Jiu again. “Let this be a lesson. Don’t be so reckless again, or I won’t spare you. By the way, how are your injuries?”
“Nothing serious, just flesh wounds,” Xiao Jiu said with a smile.
“Go to the hospital for a thorough check. No lingering effects allowed,” Old Tang said, patting Xiao Jiu’s shoulder before returning to his seat. He looked at Ye Qiu. “Ye Qiu, you took on a perilous mission to rescue Xiao Jiu, averting chaos in the Northern Territory. That’s a monumental achievement. After discussing with the War God, we’ve decided to reward you.”
Old Tang produced a small gold-and-jade box and slid it to Ye Qiu.
“Open it,” Old Tang said.
Ye Qiu opened the box, revealing a purple-gold medal. The front bore the words “Protector of the Nation.”
Ye Qiu’s heart jolted. “Commander, is this… the Protector of the Nation Medal?”
