Free Web NovelChapter 579: Chapter 397: Stars of Generals Gather! (Double-Length) (Part 2)
Having fought top Demon Generals multiple times, and even slain a Great Demon, in terms of strength, he was absolutely dominant!
He still had that confidence.
"You...," Xu Yuan watched Song Changming’s nonchalant demeanor, the electric light around him intensified, even catching the attention of other Little Flag Masters on the Stone Peaks.
"Today, no matter what, I will force you to reveal your full strength!"
Xu Yuan didn’t care about others’ gazes, he only focused on Song Changming, as if Song Changming was his only opponent.
"So, Xu Yuan of the Fifth Army, a man born with Anomalous Thunder protecting his body...," Yu Rui muttered to himself, his gaze falling on Xu Yuan.
His physique was solid, especially his limbs which appeared as wide and expansive as an ape’s, extremely prominent.
"What’s this? Even the mighty Ape God Yu Rui has moments of trepidation?" A nearby Little Flag Master teased.
"Don’t call me that." Yu Rui gave him a displeased glance, clearly unhappy with the nickname Ape God.
"How majestic a title that is, Ape God!" The Little Flag Master was about to say more, but seeing Yu Rui already clenching his fist, his expression froze and he backed down.
Apparently, he feared the other’s fist.
In the field, depending on how well they knew each other, small groups of twos and threes gradually formed, with each group having someone particularly conspicuous.
For instance, Song Changming, Yang Zhen, and Xu Yuan formed a group, and among the three, Xu Yuan was the most eye-catching at the moment.
Then there were Dou Xuan, Wen Zhen, and Liao Junmao, who intersected with each other, among whom Dou Xuan, with the highest battle achievements and prestige, was the most notable.
The largest group consisted of five or six individuals.
Among them, one stood out the most, the discussions among them also centered around this person.
"I heard that this time the imperial family members wouldn’t participate. In terms of strength, I think Brother Tang will undoubtedly take the lead..."
"Alas, it seems that we are just here to accompany the run, today this position should belong to Brother Tang."
"Just hope if we have to face off, it won’t be too early against Brother Tang."
"..."
During the conversation, everyone’s eyes fell on one person.
This person had a towering figure, with well-defined and handsome features. Just standing there exuded a strong aura, making others reluctant to underestimate him due to his delicate appearance.
"The stars gather in the Military Department, those with impressive battle achievements are not just me. Facing everyone, I would not easily claim victory." Tang Le Mountain said slowly, his words were modest and proper, not arrogant or complacent.
"Brother Tang is comforting us. I just hope to perform well in front of the Grand Marshal, and not underperform..."
"Brother, that’s true indeed. Even as the support role, it should be valuable..."
They conversed, clearly not everyone was set on the commander position. Some Little Flag Masters had already reconciled with the notion that the position was out of reach, therefore approaching the competition with a calm disposition, without much expectation or demand.
Yet some, prideful and ambitious, secretly competed with everyone, unwilling to just be a spectator.
About an incense stick’s time later, officials from the Military Department arrived, led by the current Grand Marshal, Hu Tomb.
"Greetings to the Grand Marshal!" On the Stone Peak, sixteen Little Flag Masters saluted in chorus.
"Hmm." Hu Tomb stood with hands behind his back in midair, sweeping a glance over everyone, his gaze lingering on Song Changming momentarily.
"I called you here for a purpose which I believe you already know, given the relentless attacks from the Demon Race, the leadership contest should not be delayed. Today will be decided by martial prowess!"
At Hu Tomb’s words, some remained indifferent, while others showed changing expressions.
Those indifferent relied on their families’ connections and were already aware of the Military Department’s decision, so they weren’t surprised.
This time’s selection process for the commander’s position was simple and direct.
The strong shall ascend!
"Ha? Only compare martial strength?" Liao Junmao’s mouth was half-open, then worried about displeasing Hu Tomb, he quickly shut it, but his eyes shone with interest.
If it were about family background, command ability, prestige, and experience, he admitted he had no advantages.
The Liao Family backing him was merely a third-rate small family in the Third District, unhelpful in the contest for the commander position.
But if it was purely about personal martial strength, this reignited some of his confidence, as he gazed through the crowd, ultimately fixing on Tang Le Mountain.
Wanting to seize the commander position, this prodigy of the Tang Family was evidently the strongest competitor on the surface.
But even as powerful as Tang Le Mountain, if it came to real combat, he didn’t believe he had no chance of winning!
"Deciding the commandership solely on martial strength..." Xu Yuan was also somewhat surprised, having no noble family background, unaware of the inside story.
"In this case..." His first reaction was suddenly thinking he might have a chance.
However, as he turned to see Song Changming beside him, it was as if a bucket of cold water had doused his gradually heating head, chilling him to the bone.
Song Changming never boasted about his impressive battle achievements, others might still have doubts about Song Changming’s current strength, but he knew very well.
Only judging personal martial strength, Song Changming was more dreadful than anyone!
To call him merely a roadblock would be an understatement.
Song Changming was a colossal beast blocking everyone’s path; if you couldn’t surpass him, don’t even think about approaching that commandership.
"These folks haven’t realized the gravity of the situation..." Xu Yuan looked at other determined, eager Little Flag Masters, feeling both helpless and amused inside.
It gradually dawned on him that using martial prowess as the only criterion was undoubtedly most favorable to Song Changming...
Perceiving an inkling of grievance in Xu Yuan’s gaze, Song Changming returned a gentle smile.
"Good luck, Brother Xu."
"..."
Hu Tomb didn’t want to waste too much time, knowing the Demon Race could cause trouble at any moment.
He just spoke a few words briefly, confirming the day’s intent, then left the rest to the personnel he brought, diving straight into the main topic.
A group of officials scattered about, stationed at various positions throughout the valley, seemingly arranging something.
Hu Tomb nodded to a white-haired elder.
"Enough, stop teaching me how to do my job." The elder grumbled discontentedly, not caring whether he might offend the Grand Marshal.
Hu Tomb didn’t say much about it, instead, he retreated a few steps in the air.
Just as the elder raised his staff, lightly tapping it in the void before him.
In the next moment, space ripples formed.
The entire valley was soon enveloped by a massive energy screen.
"Is this a Talisman Array?" Song Changming recognized the vast screen before him as the power of a Talisman Array at a glance.
"This feeling, it’s on par with those City Defense Arrays, is it a Level Five Rune Array, or Level Six..."
Song Changming instinctively compared this Talisman Array, fixing his Talisman Master’s gaze on the wantonly flowing runes in the water-ripple-like light screen, marveling at its intricacy.
And such an elder who easily set up this level of Grand Array was undoubtedly a Talisman Master.
The Military Department did not have such Talisman Masters, must have been invited from the Prince’s Mansion.
"Brother Song knows Runes as well?" Xu Yuan couldn’t help but ask seeing this.
"Barely, it’s nothing significant." Song Changming shook his head.
He wasn’t wrong, compared to the elder above, his Talisman skills were indeed insignificant.
The elder, having completed the Grand Array, cast a glance at the group of Little Flag Masters below, snorting lightly in annoyance.
"A bunch of young brats, can they even turn the sky over, must make this old man run around busy."
"Elder Qian, calm your anger, it’s just a precaution fearing the Demon Race might cause trouble, sorry for the disturbance, please excuse..." Hu Tomb said helplessly.
In all of Cui Bai Dao, there were fewer than a handful who could make him assume such a humble posture.
This elder happened to be one of them.
The opponent’s profound Talisman skills were high enough to earn his solemn respect.
"Alright, since it’s Prince Cui’s request, I’ve got nothing more to say." Elder Qian seemed unwilling to waste any more energy arguing, making his way straight to the border of the valley.
Hu Tomb signaled, and a group of Personal Guards immediately moved to guard around the elder.
Bringing out the elder this time allowed for no mishaps; otherwise, even he would have a hard time explaining to Prince Cui.
...
