Free Web NovelChapter 575: Chapter 395: Seven Martial Veins, Battle for the Commander Position! (Double Chapter)
Even when facing a Great Demon, he seemed not to be that intimidated.
The continuous advancement in strength put his mind at ease; even in this Black Brilliance Era, where demon beasts run rampant, he could maneuver with greater ease.
The next day, at the defensive line’s garrison, atop a towering Black Stone Fortress.
Song Changming, Yang Zhen, and Xing Tiexin sat atop the battlement, drinking mild wine in the dim chilly wind.
"Have you heard about Donghua City being captured?" Yang Zhen looked at Song Changming and asked.
"When did that happen?" Song Changming was somewhat surprised, having just emerged from seclusion without paying attention to the spreading news.
The fall of a major city was no trivial matter, enough to alarm Prince Cui in the Prince’s Mansion.
"Just yesterday," Yang Zhen replied.
"Moreover, most of the Nineteenth Army was sacrificed, including that Grand Marshal from the Zhao Family," added Xing Tiexin, who had heard about it in the army.
"Zhao Jingtian?" Song Changming blurted out.
He had no interaction with the Nineteenth Army or the Grand Marshal himself and wasn’t particularly impressed.
It was just that this Grand Marshal was from the Zhao Family, naturally making him an adversary, so he had deliberately familiarized himself with this military figure just as a precautionary measure.
Unexpectedly, fate seemed uncertain, and this Grand Marshal from the Zhao Family was no more.
"That’s the second one," Yang Zhen said.
The second naturally referred to the number of Grand Marshals fallen during the Black Brilliance Era.
Xing Tiexin remained silent, his emotions complex.
On one hand, it was a Grand Marshal from the Zhao Family who died, so he couldn’t empathize and feel the same sorrow.
On the other hand, the annihilation of an entire army’s soldiers was so solemn and serious that rejoicing over it felt impossible; thus, he chose silence without much comment.
"I wonder who in the army will fill this vacant position of Grand Marshal; I actually think Changming and Brother Yang are both capable," Xing Tiexin suddenly said after a few sips of wine.
Hearing this, Song Changming shook his head and said, "Brother Yang indeed has a chance, meeting requirements on all sides; I’m far behind."
In theory, both he and Yang Zhen, as Little Flag Masters, did have such a possibility.
But from his years in the army, Song Changming understood somewhat about the military department’s standards for selecting a Grand Marshal—he held no advantages aside from personal martial prowess and battle achievements.
Compared to other Little Flag Masters in various armies, he instantly paled too much, so there was no chance.
In contrast, Yang Zhen’s decades of military experience accumulated in various aspects did give him a greater chance.
But honestly speaking, even comparing him to other brilliant talents in other armies, Song Changming thought that Yang Zhen might also find it difficult to stand out and claim the singular Grand Marshal position.
After all, like him, Yang Zhen did not have considerable backing to support him, otherwise even Yang Zhen’s personal cultivation and strength should not stop there.
"I don’t have a chance either; it’s not so easy to compete for the Grand Marshal," Yang Zhen shook his head, similarly not holding expectations.
At that moment, a General abruptly leapt up from below the fortress, soaring to appear in front of the three.
"Banner Master Yang, Flag Master Song, the Grand Marshal wants to see you," the General said with a salute.
"Alright, got it." Yang Zhen nodded in response.
Their leisurely drinking session was thus interrupted.
A camp, several kilometers wide, stationed laterally from the defensive line, where officers and soldiers came and went.
In peaceful times, Grand Marshal Wang Tianshuang would also be stationed here.
Now, Wang Tianshuang was conversing with an official from the military department.
Seeing Song Changming and Yang Zhen arriving, he nodded to them, signaling them to sit in the barrack.
"Today, calling you is to inform you of some good news," Wang Tianshuang said straightforwardly, getting right to the point.
"You’ve heard about the Nineteenth Army, right?"
Song Changming and Yang Zhen exchanged glances, a thought arising in their minds.
Could it be...
"Grand Marshal, are you referring to the demise of the Nineteenth Army?" Yang Zhen replied.
"Yes, considering the current wartime, the military department plans to swiftly rebuild the Nineteenth Army and intends to select some candidates to compete for the Grand Marshal position. Of the 41st Army, you two are on the recruitment list," Wang Tianshuang said, glancing at the official beside him.
The official understood, taking out two booklets and personally handing them to Song Changming and Yang Zhen, not allowing others to pass them along.
The booklet wasn’t large; flipping it open revealed just a few words, along with the military department’s seal, proving the matter true.
Indeed, they were selected.
Song Changming hadn’t expected that just as they were discussing this matter, even asserting he had no chance, he would actually find himself on this list.
That meant he truly had the qualification to compete for the Grand Marshal position now!
"This is indeed an unexpected development..."
In the military, which Grand Marshal doesn’t have decades or even a century of military career?
In contrast, an ’outsider’ like Song Changming, who had joined the army merely for about ten years, had the qualification to aspire for the military’s Grand Marshal position.
He wasn’t sure if competitors as green as him ever had precedents in the past.
"With this matter settled, Grand Marshal, I shall take my leave," the official said, bowing and then quickly returning to report.
"Grand Marshal, this..." Yang Zhen, holding the military booklet, looked at Wang Tianshuang.
"Having such an opportunity indicates that you two are outstanding enough, recognized by the military department. As for whether you can secure the final Grand Marshal position, just try your best," Wang Tianshuang said with a smile, without offering too many encouraging words.
After all, he also wasn’t very clear about the specific matter, as the council convened by Hu Tomb didn’t allow much attendance.
According to past experiences in competing for the Grand Marshal position, his subordinates were mostly not very hopeful, considered to be merely accompanying.
Song Changming’s strength was exaggeratedly strong, but he also lacked in other areas of evaluation, not being the perfect candidate.
As for Yang Zhen, while he had no significant shortcomings, he also lacked the absolute strength of Song Changming.
Certainly, Yang Zhen was excellent, but in this selection of the best among the best, he was not exceptional enough to make him stand out among the many brilliant stars.
"Alright."
Yang Zhen and Song Changming didn’t linger, taking the military department’s notice and leaving Wang Tianshuang’s barrack.
"I truly didn’t expect this..." Yang Zhen exclaimed.
The surrounding troops came and went, and upon seeing the two, the soldiers stood respectfully and saluted.
Yang Zhen waved his hand, allowing the soldiers to disperse.
Yet, the smile on Yang Zhen’s face grew increasingly intense.
"To be honest, this truly is excellent news; even if I don’t get the Grand Marshal position this time, there will eventually be a chance!"
Yang Zhen, in his cultivation to this day, pursued nothing more than two things.
One was becoming a Grandmaster, the second being this Grand Marshal position!
The first goal was even harder to achieve, while the second one was now within reach!
"Come, tonight let’s head to the Three Immortals Tower and drink heartily!" Yang Zhen laughed, his smile also filled with a bit of vigor.
"Alright." Song Changming nodded, sensing Yang Zhen’s good mood, not wishing to dampen it.
As for the competition for the Grand Marshal position, Song Changming himself didn’t have Yang Zhen’s fixation.
Of course, should opportunity for promotion to Grand Marshal presents itself, commanding an army, he wouldn’t forsake such a chance.
Holding a high position not only broadens one’s vision but also allows one to obtain more resources and benefits, aiding better cultivation.
His ultimate goal remained unchanged; everything was to become stronger.
However, he didn’t have full confidence in securing this Grand Marshal position.
If it were merely about competing in personal cultivation strength or demon-slaying ability, he feared no one.
But if other standards of evaluation were involved, then it was hard to say.
As Wang Tianshuang said, in vying for the Grand Marshal position this time, just do your best.
That evening, they returned home having drunk to their heart’s content.
In the courtyard, Su Qingqing was feeding some little beasts of the house.
Having returned from the Yuanzhou Demon Realm, she specially brought back many good things.
Some peculiar and exotic foods even made the usually picky Little Yellow Chicken willing to eat several more mouthfuls.
And Dahuang devoured them happily, indiscriminately consuming both meat and vegetables, fondly.
After all, they were beasts; a preference for demon realm specialties was quite normal.
Suddenly, Su Qingqing keenly heard the familiar footsteps outside the courtyard, immediately stopping her teasing, happily running to open the gate.
"The young master has returned."
...
