Free Web NovelChapter 580: Chapter 398: Tang Family Prodigy, Symbol of the Military Department! (Double-Length)
The stage for deciding the commander position is set in this vast Desolate Rock Valley, stretching tens of miles.
A military department official stirred the Gang Qi within him and loudly announced the two participants of the first battle.
Upon hearing the names, Song Changming was taken aback and looked to his side.
Yang Zhen’s expression was calm, as serene as water.
"First battle, Yang Zhen of the 41st Army versus Tang Le Mountain of the First Army."
As the official’s words fell, most people’s attention was instinctively drawn to that Tang Family prodigy.
They might not know who Yang Zhen is, but they certainly know who Tang Le Mountain is.
"To encounter the Tang Family’s member in the first battle, that Yang Zhen is truly unlucky."
"Indeed, this way, we won’t have to face Tang Le Mountain in the first round."
"If possible, I’d still like to get through a few rounds; I really don’t want to face an unbeatable opponent right away..."
Among the few, Tang Le Mountain remained as composed as ever, gracefully flying off the Stone Peak and standing mid-air in the valley.
The cold wind blew through the sky, causing the Banner Master’s cape behind him to flutter continuously.
"Brother Yang, try to hold on as long as possible. As long as you perform well enough, you’ll still have a chance to stay on this military department list next time," Xu Yuan couldn’t help but remind him from the side.
It was clear that, in his view, Yang Zhen’s defeat was almost inevitable.
After all, his opponent was Tang Le Mountain.
In terms of overall strength, the other party can easily rank in the top three among the Little Flag Masters.
If he remembered correctly, Tang Le Mountain had already unlocked the Ninth Martial Vein a few years ago!
Now he was probably not far from reaching the final Innate Perfection Realm.
He possessed Blazing Divine Thunder, allowing him to challenge across levels, but Yang Zhen had nothing. Breaking through eight Martial Veins was considered excellent among all Little Flag Masters.
But among the sixteen Little Flag Masters here, it was quite unremarkable.
It could be said that without unlocking eight Martial Veins, there was no chance to be selected in this valley.
Only Song Changming was the sole exception.
"There’s no reason to lose before fighting. Even if your cultivation isn’t as good as the opponent’s, there’s a chance to win," Song Changming said to Yang Zhen before his departure.
"You’re right, Brother. Win or lose, we must try our best," Yang Zhen nodded in agreement.
If he had already conceded defeat before the battle, how could he display his full strength?
Fighting spirit and mentality are also part of one’s overall strength.
After speaking, Yang Zhen soared into the sky and came before Tang Le Mountain.
"Brother Song knows how to give a motivational speech before the battle," Xu Yuan said with a smile.
"It’s you who don’t speak like a human," Song Changming replied calmly.
"..."
"41st Army, Yang Zhen," Yang Zhen cupped his hands.
Tang Le Mountain looked at his opponent calmly, his face devoid of emotion.
"First Army, Tang Le Mountain."
The First Army was the earliest force to follow Prince Cui on eastern and northern expeditions.
Its achievements and historical status have long been documented for locals to admire and local scholars to study.
Half of the folk songs praise the First Army.
Regarding external fame, the First Army, due to its uniqueness, almost surpasses the rest of the Cuiqi Army combined. It is like a totem and the symbol of the entire Cuiqi Army!
And because of this reputation, everyone in the First Army knows there are no weaklings!
To serve as a Little Flag Master in the First Army, one must have exceptional strength; otherwise, it would be impossible to command respect!
Many believe that Tang Le Mountain will surely win the commander position, partly because he is from the First Army!
This identity is like a heavy mountain pressing down on the heart of every competing Little Flag Master.
Yang Zhen was no exception. He took a deep breath, trying his best to clear his mind, drew his Long Spear, and the Gang Qi within him surged, transforming into an unstoppable Spear Qi!
On the other side, Tang Le Mountain drew an extraordinary Treasure Sword from his waist, igniting Sword Intent.
"As expected, he’s already unlocked nine Martial Veins, this guy..." Xu Yuan immediately saw Tang Le Mountain’s true cultivation and began to assess his own odds if he were to face him.
"Brother Yang, please," Tang Le Mountain, still not showing the slightest tension.
"Please!" Yang Zhen finished speaking, and the two nearly vanished from their original positions simultaneously.
The indomitable Spear Qi collided with the brilliant Sword Qi in mid-air, creating a massive sonic boom.
Powerful Qi roared as if it would engulf the entire valley.
When it reached the edges of the valley, it was absorbed by the gigantic light membrane of the Talisman Array, preventing further spread.
With one strike, Yang Zhen’s form appeared amid the Sword Qi and was sent flying back several miles.
In contrast, Tang Le Mountain remained calm, standing his ground, seemingly not having exerted his full strength, shattering Yang Zhen’s Spear Qi head-on.
This single frontal strike already revealed the undeniable gap in their strengths.
In the next moment, the two clashed once more.
This time, Yang Zhen no longer attacked short with long but began to avoid his opponent’s sharpness, maneuvering and entangling, like a leopard, looking for an opportunity for a fatal strike.
Tang Le Mountain, on the other hand, was like a mighty lion, exuding a regal aura, unmoving as a mountain.
After several rounds, Tang Le Mountain swept his sword, and Yang Zhen, unable to dodge in time, had his Sword Qi broken, getting injured.
It had to be said that Tang Le Mountain was truly strong, powerful enough to impose a despairing gap for most Little Flag Masters.
From start to finish, Yang Zhen never threatened Tang Le Mountain, not even forcing him to be serious.
"You’re not my opponent, give up," Tang Le Mountain said, seeing that Yang Zhen remained adamant despite his injuries.
"I appreciate Brother Tang’s kindness," Yang Zhen said, then moved to charge at his opponent once more.
