Qian Ye turned to look at his troop. Having been through a disaster, everyone was wounded; nearly half of them were in casts and could hardly move freely. The heavily wounded still laid resting in the ship requiring others to carry them down shortly. Most mercenaries were never modest and gentle about looks, certainly even less so when hurt. At first glance now, they resemble refugees far more than hardened soldiers of fortune.
If they were not hurt entirely they could hardly exude a mighty manner. Even a wounded lion, after all, could not compare to a whole one.
Ji Rui—a crafty old fox—attempted to show sincerity, far removed from flattering for favor. Grinning, he said, “Lord, the great Qin Empire abounds with extraordinary talents. They may appear ordinary there, but amidst neutral terrains as ours, they truly rare gems indeed. Perhaps half among your company even exhibit potential to ascend past warlords; the Dark Flame shall reshape completely once that happens.”
Qian Ye grasped Ji Rui’s meaning immediately. While he inwardly dismissed Ji’s overstatement as usual, Qian couldn’t deny that nearly a third of these mercs did bear possibilities of breaking through their limits.
If these potentially capable men possessed enough resources, most might ascend past their limits, bringing forth dozens even beyond warlord strength—in short, their battle strength might even challenge some units among Qi Emperor’s top ten divisions.
And those who failed to rise—might still elevate a level.
Mercenaries in neutral territory seldom lacked innate ferocity—but rather means and favorable environments for development.
In view of all this, Ji had really hit the nail: they were indeed, every single man of them, outstanding individuals—however, their worth emerged over mountains of over forty-thousand casualties left behind.
He then said simply and with poise, “Let’s return to the city. I wonder how its situation stands now?”
Instant response from Ji ensued, “What else could it be? All those trade firms and minor clans behave extremely carefully indeed.” After winning decisively as you have now and having returned victoriously, could any dare make ripples in peace? Indeed those misbehaving previously met severe correction under your hand already.”
Qian Ya simply nodded, “Well taken care off.”
In terms of territorial dynamics not much transpired; though the Dark Flame deployed en masse, Nanqing and Tingchao both maintained stability. None daring seized control by force in this situation.
Upon Qian’s last glorious return, an unforgettable lesson given to disruptors ensued—prisoned included even Zhang Tianwong’s personal nephew. Eventually losing Tingchao city after confrontation, hence others weighting their power simply did not dare challenge again.
Final victory news of Empire prevailing at Floating Battlefield had also spread rapidly. Though Dark Flame suffered devastating losses near annihilation, still the victor’s pride ensured quick resurgence.
Resources summon manpower, and manpower strength. However tragic casualty figures seemed—the numbers wouldn’t even stun much if dispersed among our neutral terrains where mankind struggle to carve space in this world constantly.
Already awaiting nearby—the rugged utility land cruiser, Ji extended open the passenger door himself—a full subservient display—as respectfully Qian Ye was invited aboard assuming full attendant roles.
Officially Ji held himself still as Lord of Nanqing possessing nontrivial personal strength—hence such an action drew many surprised whispers.
Qian, mildly pertained: “Master Ji—don’t be so humble toward me!”
“Not at all. How would such a posture disfavor any?” responded Ji, smiling widely still maintaining warm tone: “Indeed by you being whom you are—serving honorably still holds dignity. As for being city Lord—it was all empty title anyway… If old sentimentality counts—if you would grant me minor post within Dark Fire I would gladly remain!”
“You are far too humble!” returned Qian frowning.
Yet Ji’s countenance turned serious. “This isn’t remoteness—rather perhaps over familiarity even. Truth—we’d known enough time as is, witnessed with one own’s eyes your entire path of progression—seen you treating comrades of Dark Flame, and even single-handily restructured completely Nanqing’s economic landscape.”
Yet Qian responded: “Actually—credit in part belongs rightfully back to Zi Ning!”
“Well of course,” Ji continued without pause. “Son Ning indeed belongs tightly to you, but ultimately you remained the central force behind the entire transformation within both dark Flame AND Nanqing.
Qian hesitated then nodded politely.
Then Ji: “Forgive sincerity here—me sparring with you these days would perhaps fall apart quite speedily?”
After thinking slightly, smiling gently back at Ji: “Well—maybe—though not that swiftly necessarily.”
Laughter escaped Ji’s mouth.
“Forget that old man’s consideration!” He then turned to Qian, “Since sentiment counts still back—grant me deputy commander position please, as ceremonial figure without actual work—merely calling during critical battle would be acceptable.”
With such sincere request—and Ji already well-known for his sense and wisdom—Qian Ye simply nodded in acceptance.
With Qian boarding into the cruiser already, Ji took front passenger position for assistant—his attitude completely adjusted as aide. Halfway through moving ahead, suddenly and with earnest, Ji spoke again.
“Qian Ye—truth from you only! How long could one like my current strength still endure against your prowess?”
Such a question—serious and sincere from the older one, prompted the younger to truly contemplate.
Qian facial expression clearly indicated dilemma—struggling how to properly phrase an accurate reflection based around two facts:
Now having already ascended to Rank Duke—transcending even the divine warleader’s threshold—with the gap now not even comparable to before, with Qian’s techniques typically carrying killing blow capability from outset;
Given Ji pressing on with his query so frankly. Qian’s contemplative mind immediately considered several possibilities and sequences.
Starting from Original Spear — both basic and higher version of Dim Black Feather would ensure certain immediate results. Even Ji at full strength mightn’t endure one strike.
Next would come Sable Heart. Both wielded within Zhao Jundu or Qian Ya’s palm—showed consistent trait that those falling short of divine warlord status usually succumbs immediately upon confrontation. Not even worth counting Ji attempting evasion.
Not deploying these weapons next likely approach would be Mountain Yue, specifically using Seven Strikes from “Seize Dominion” ability which if concentrating in single small fan shaped arc — Ji simply couldn’t evade, meaning sudden fatal impact likely.
Another technique available: Devour Vitality, which already attained coverage radius ensuring Ji can’t possibly avoid fully. While unlikely causing instant lethals it might remove over half his vitality and capability; sustained multiple tendrils strike and perhaps his foundational essence may begin erosion potentially irrecoverable.
In considering each option logically, the only one Ji could possibly survive for longer duration would be Devour Vitality, “longer” only meaning surviving one round before demise—not even approaching two.
Furthermore this ability mostly designed towards multi-target situations; single-target combat rarely prompted use by its practitioner Qian Ye.
Another possibility, a trick in form of little piglet. One quick acidic blast—perhaps leaving Ji alive yet maimed severely.
Seeing Qian shifting expressions back while remaining deep in thought, comprehension dawned on Ji.
A slightly sour chuckle escaping, Ji added: “Understood! Undoubtedly, I can guess—lucky surviving single blow is my personal fortunate outcome already”
Yet still Qian Ya quickly tried reword, “Maybe… at least one round?!”
The very vehicle driver felt an almost instant body tightening—subsequently eased gradually.
Qian finally realized who the seemingly calm yet internally turbulent individual driving them was—”Zhong Liuguan”? The legendary former Captain and Chief Guard of Nanqing had indeed descended to this level.
If Ji fell immediately under Qian’s hands in clash — Zhong could be deemed as falling even below Ji’s threshold.
This realization, in Zhong’s current frame of mind, now translated outward through body language.
Ji Rui turned to Qian still with a light smile: “Given what said previously, clearly even Deputy Commander’s appointment might actually stand as high for me perhaps? Would small leadership capacity suffice?”
Qian Ya hastened immediately. “Nonsense! Deputy still fine for you”
With obvious delight showing: “Gladly, will strive earnestly!” exude from Ji with joy.
After passing through Nanqing, convoy approached Dark Flame Headquarters. Ji personally ensured his leader entered, only then departing to return back toward City Manor.
Still within the off roader—Guan Chungliu softly questioned: “City Lord Ji—we seemingly need not lower ourselves this way?”
Ji shook, smiling. “Low esteem you perceive truly is?”
Admitting the strength: “Acceptance toward Qian’s power undisputable by me! But considering—we still have the chance carving independence elsewhere establishing sovereign foundations anew.”
With a sighed breath from elder: “Guan, truly you consider lowering?”
The original Captain stayed silent.
Ji: “Within the Dark Flame — how familiar we actually remain about current deputy commanders’ identities exactly?”
Guan responded: “Two younger fellows mainly…”
Interrupt quickly.
Truth—officially two existed. One named Song Zining. The other—Lady Ji Tianqing. Even possible Lao Khan could be counted partial.
While Guan held no direct comprehension regarding origin Lady Tianqing held—some estimation toward battle strength was still accessible.
“Lord Zhou omitted—while Lady Ji at such youth possessing strength already established—do you still think simplicity surround her true origin? Noticing even Lord Zhou attitude deferentially toward her? Potentially she might be one with backgrounds terrifying enough that might bring doom through fear alone. To serve alongside such elites — I personally flattered even by comparison itself. When several years pass and they both cross the formidable divine warlor gate, do figures like us still have seats at their table?”
Stunned silence from Captain, then exasperation: “Surely it is not that easy.”
“Not easy it may be for us—certainly not same for them.”
“But still…”
“Age has settled our bones down; it was fine, being a nominal lord for the past year. I truly no longer hold appetite for conquests or conflicts; seeking a lord to follow contently into peace, would that not seem acceptable as well?”
Again attempted response from soldier only to fail speech. Suddenly finding that idea of tranquil life, though meaning being beneath someone else more, began to sound acceptable.
Still hesitant with another unspooled word: “As for Qian…”
Cicrumcission Rui’s mouth upturns into amusement.
“Luckily for us—Lord Ya’s broad-minded, with future prospects bright; he now towers incomparably beyond either of us. Even as your old friend now meeting him—his current bearing sends involuntary shivers down my backbone.”
Recognizing the validity deep within Guan’s chest, only resignation in response followed.
Arriving at Dark Fire Headquaters—they approached building under construction beside existing Command Center. New tower rose unprecedentedly above entirety of Nanqing surpassing city-manor tower dramatically, still ongoing extensive renovations, filled with dozens of diligent builders.
Few servants leading way guided Lord Qian upward.
Finally at penthouse level, bowed deeply: “Your new office Sir”.
Begging clarification from Commander, perplexed yet respectful.
“Office sir, constructed per Lord Rui orders since your departure with Young Master Zi Ning—deeming HQ dignity insufficient compared to your current prestige; all expenditures originated under City Mansion order—the workers dispatched similarly under Lord Rui and Lord Guan themselves monitoring construction progression, though haste left it unfinished—Nonetheless office arrangement both yours and ZIning’s completed.”
Pushing open office entrance: every inch elegant, minimalist style exuding grandiosity.
Clearly selected and artfully placed antiques graced every surface each possessing evident noble heritage—clear curios collected through years by Ji himself.
Nearly half the top floor was appropriated to this space itself—a form of majesty within design. Large window offered panoramic views—City below including city manor visible from above—conveyed authority.
With nod in acknowledgment of appreciation:
”Lord Rui did all too kindly.”
Servant questioned. “May servants proceed assisting transition to current premises?”
“Brief delay,” Command replied, shifting attention:
Realizing suddenly that majority inside weren’t familiar Dark Fire personnel, Qian Ya questioned further.
“We served previously inside City Mansion before relocation decision sir; Our lord expressed no intentions maintaining large entourage since his stepping back from governing. Granting grace of prior faithful service—we offered employment transition assisting Lord Ya himself with menial needs as needed.”
Commanders silent nod indicated acceptable—no question in return whether surveillance intent present; efficiency, skill, smooth performance all already spoke positively.
Set comfortably within grand furniture arrangement—mountain high papers presented: summarizing ongoing Dark Flame activities—including various manufactories operating within Nanqing all now under its umbrella ownership.
With firm composure he commenced reviewing. As reading unfolded through hours—unconsciously passing time, until daylight began dimming into gloam; eye strain signaled, alongside a forgotten nostalgic sensation: Governance—was never truly simple nor easy work!
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