Ye Qing involuntarily stumbled back several steps, nearly tumbling to the ground. His face turned deathly pale at a visible rate, reflecting the immense shock and waves of terror that rippled through his entire being.
The War God of the State? That title hasn't been mentioned in ages... and it belongs to this unremarkable-looking guy in front of me?
"This... this is impossible!"
Ye Qing's heart sank with dread, but the sight of the Seventh-Rank Military General, who had clearly been dispatched from a nearby division, plunged his heart into an abyss. He was merely a local Defense Leader. To put it bluntly, his jurisdiction was a tiny area. He was a tyrant in his own territory, but on the outside, he was nothing more than a minion, not even worthy of a second glance.
"Could this be a mistake?" Zhang Tianxiong's tongue was nearly tied in a knot. All traces of his earlier arrogance had vanished, replaced by torrents of cold sweat.
It was well-known that this great figure had retired. But as the saying goes, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. A man of his caliber, no matter how dire his situation, could crush a dozen village bullies like him with a flick of his wrist.
Zhang Qiang, who was barely able to stand, almost bit his own tongue off. The people who had been fawning over him and supporting him just moments ago quickly let go and melted back into the crowd, too afraid to show their faces. Without their support, Zhang Qiang collapsed to the ground.
Did it hurt? Of course, it hurt! But he clenched his jaw, not daring to make a sound.
"He... he's the War God of the State?"
Hu Yun, Dandan, and their families exchanged glances, their unspoken shock and terror plain to see. Hu Yun, in particular, recalled how much she had said at the banquet yesterday, thinking he was just an ordinary martial arts buddy of Ning Kun's. But now... The Former Chief Military Commander! She could never have imagined that such an illustrious and powerful figure could be so down-to-earth and easygoing, like the boy next door.
γMany years ago.γ
The Great Elder stood before the Map of Mountains and Rivers, a pot of wine in his belly, and made a bold declaration. "Let the Kings' Army gather a million troops across the vast sky, what of it? We have the invincible War God, Chen Yang. He alone is enough."
"As long as Chen Yang is here, you can only cower to survive."
He even boasted that as long as Chen Yang stood guard, the land would be impregnable. Should they desire it, all lands under the sun and moon, wherever their mountains and rivers flowed, would become their territory.
This name had once spread to every corner of the Four Seas and Eight Wastelands.
And now, this legendary figure had appeared right before their eyes. Who could not be moved?
BANG!
Coming to his senses, Ye Qing dropped to both knees. "I, Ye Qing, pay my respects to the War God of the State," he said with awe. He knew to use this former title because there was now a new Supreme Martial Commander.
The cold wind howled. Ye Qing remained kneeling, not daring to move.
What in the world had I done? My whole philosophy was that I was the local tyrant here, and my word was law. How domineering and proud I was! But now...
"You said earlier that even if someone affiliated with the Former Chief Military Commander offended you, you would slaughter them all the same?" Chen Yang's indifferent, emotionless voice slowly filled the air.
To Ye Qing's ears, it sounded like a clap of thunder.
"I... I was joking. I hope you won't take offense, sir," Ye Qing said hastily.
"Joking?" Ning Kun said coldly. "Just now, you, a mere Defense Leader, were acting so high and mighty, hmm?!"
"I really was just joking."
THUMP. Ning Kun kicked out, sending Ye Qing tumbling several times. He vomited blood continuously yet quickly scrambled back to his knees, his hands on his thighs, looking as devastated as if his parents had died. "It was my fault today. I was blind and underestimated you, and I said some despicable things. I, Ye Qing, sincerely apologize."
Ye Qing offered another excuse, never once mentioning his flagrant disregard for the law, skillfully avoiding the main issue. Having lived so long, he had perfected a smooth and worldly demeanor, always knowing how to defend himself and minimize his transgressions.
"I don't accept your apology." Chen Yang gestured with his hand. "Do it."
CLANG!
The war saber was unsheathed. Li Yang didn't hesitate. A hand rose, and the saber fell.
Everyone: "..."
Chen Yang then turned to Zhang Qiang. "Can you tell me, what business is it of yours to interfere in someone else's marriage?"
Zhang Qiang: "..."
It wasn't just him; even Zhang Tianxiong was trembling with fear as cold sweat dripped from his brow.
"I... I just didn't want Dandan to marry into a bad situation! Now that I know Ning Kun is your subordinate, I sincerely wish them well," Zhang Qiang forced himself to explain.
"Who are you to her? What right do you have to intervene?"
Zhang Qiang's face went pale, and he was rendered speechless.
"Do it."
Li Yang's saber struck again.
Zhang Tianxiong was terrified out of his wits. Before he could even grieve the loss of his son, he saw Chen Yang standing before him.
"You knew you were in the wrong, yet you still used underhanded means to humiliate others? It seems you've done this sort of thing so often it's become second nature, hasn't it?" Chen Yang tilted his head and asked earnestly.
"I'm, I'm sorry, I..."
This time, Chen Yang didn't need to say a word. Ning Kun brought his palm down on Zhang Tianxiong's head, and the village chief who had once dominated the area fell to the ground, stiff as a board.
That was vicious!
Chen Yang snuffed out his cigarette and patted Ning Kun's shoulder. "I won't be attending your wedding, but I wish you the best."
"Boss." Seeing Chen Yang about to leave, Ning Kun took a step forward and shouted, "Boss, are you re-summoning the eight hundred thousand Martial Guards of Hanyun Valley?"
This question made Li Yang's heart pound violently. Even the men he had brought with him snapped their heads around, a palpable aura of shock erupting from them as their resolute eyes focused on Chen Yang.
"Yes."
Without turning back, Chen Yang simply nodded.
However, that single word sent a wave of exhilaration through Li Yang and his subordinates.
"Salute!"
Li Yang's expression was solemn. He stood ramrod straight as he raised his right hand to his forehead.
WHOOSH!
The rest followed in perfect, coordinated unison.
"If I get the chance, I'll come find you for a drink again," Chen Yang said, waving over his shoulder as he walked away.
Ning Kun shook his head. From a nearby haystack, he pulled out an object wrapped in strips of cloth. Tearing away the wrapping, everyone saw that it was a Broad-Backed War Saber.
Its cold light glinted ominously.
"General Ning Kun, requests to enter the battle!"
"General Ning Kun, requests to return and fight the Barbarians again!"
"I, Ning Kun, am willing to carry the commander's banner once more, to let those restless dogs understand that the Former Chief Military Commander has returned!"
SHIING!
The Broad-Backed War Saber was revealed. In that instant, a cold glint flared to life. A world-shocking killing aura began to spread, slicing through the sky like a cold moon, striking fear and terror into the hearts of all who witnessed it.