Bai Songnian was momentarily stunned, his face showing evident surprise. He had never expected that his piercing gaze, imbued with the power of insight, would be so nonchalantly deflected by a junior.
If he were to exert more force, naturally he could penetrate Qian Ye’s original force defense. However, Bai Songnian, who could converse as an equal with Zhao Xuanji, with such stature and standing, how could he possibly attempt a second strike after the first one failed? Moreover, the glance from Zhao Xuanji beside him was already rather unfriendly. Could it be that he would have to explain to this old rival that he couldn’t see through the young man at a glance?
Bai Songnian, having weathered many storms, regained his composure in a flash, quickly resuming his genial smile. “Indeed, extraordinary, well-deserving of the Zhao clan’s high regard.”
“You flatter me,” Qian Ye responded, his brow twitching slightly, accepting the praise with neither humility nor pride.
The two convoys of the Bai and Zhao clans advanced side by side, reaching the outskirts of the central army camp. The vehicles stopped at the spacious area outside the gate, leaving only the carriages of Zhao Xuanji and Bai Songnian to proceed, while all others, even Zhao Jiandu and Bai Aotu, had to remain outside.
A high platform had already been set up near the largest parade ground within the central army, surrounded by ironclad guards, creating a solemn atmosphere.
The key figures from the various powerful clans and lineages, like Zhao Xuanji, naturally took their seats on the stage, while the commanders of smaller clans and lesser armies found seats at the periphery. The rest of the people from the influential clans and large armies had to sit around the parade ground. Qian Ye and his companions stood in a designated area on the parade ground, arranged according to the order of their respective clans.
At the center of the high platform, Zhang Boqian’s seat remained empty. Although he was not present, no one dared to make a loud noise. The representatives of the familiar clans mostly greeted each other, few engaging in lengthy conversations, and everyone waited in silence for the ceremony to begin.
Qian Ye stood in the Zhao clan’s formation for a moment, suddenly hearing the long, resonant blasts of horns echoing from all directions within the camp, reverberating for a long time before fading away.
After the third blast of the horn, three drumbeats followed, causing everyone to shiver, as if a boundless aura of majesty had descended upon them.
Feeling something, Qian Ye looked up towards the high platform. Unbeknownst to him, a majestic figure had taken the seat at the center. Just sitting there, Qian Ye felt as if a towering peak was pressing down on him, almost suffocating him.
When the drumbeats’ echoes dissipated, Zhang Boqian slowly began, “In this Eternal Night battle, we began with a bloodbath and ended with the sleep of the behemoth. The entire empire worked together, achieving great victories. Our Great Qin is founded on martial strength, and military achievements have always been richly rewarded. Today, I, on behalf of His Majesty, will honor the valiant, to serve as examples for our troops.”
Zhang Boqian’s voice, though not particularly loud, reached every corner of the imperial camp, clear and distinct to all. Moreover, his voice continued to spread far and wide, growing louder the further it went, eventually sounding like thunderous waves.
In the wilderness outside the imperial camp, dozens of shadows suddenly leaped out from the ground, grass, and trees, rolling on the ground in pain. Soon, they all bled from their noses and mouths, and died. These were spies from the Eternal Night, originally hidden very secretly, but now dead due to Zhang Boqian’s overwhelming presence.
At this moment, an Iron Guard brought a tray with a large bowl of strong wine. Soldiers circulated among the crowd, offering a bowl of wine to everyone present.
Zhang Boqian raised the wine bowl, standing tall, and gazed around, saying, “As the saying goes, ‘behind a general’s success lie the bones of a thousand men.’ Our glory today is truly the result of countless comrades’ blood. Therefore, before bestowing the honors, I propose a toast to the fallen, with all my fellow warriors.”
Everyone fell silent, bowing in respect, and then downed the wine in one gulp.
Swallowing the fiery wine, Qian Ye felt a burning sensation rising from his stomach, and his vision grew hazy. The faces of his former comrades appeared in his blurry sight, bringing a sense of melancholy and a sigh.
After drinking, Zhang Boqian resumed his seat, and a general handed him a list. Glancing at it, he nodded, saying, “For individual rewards, we will combine the merits from the Blood Battle, the Sleep of the Behemoth, and the capture of the Eternal Night camp. Any thoughts?”
No one, whether on or off the stage, had any objections. Though not everyone participated in all three battles, those who did faced the greatest risks, making it difficult to oppose. Besides, this result had already been reviewed by the emperor, and no one would dare to protest in this setting.
Zhang Boqian waited a moment, and when the crowd remained silent, he announced, “The first in military merit is Bai Aotu from the Bai clan, with a first-class commendation.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the Bai clan erupted in cheers, with Bai Songnian on the stage beaming and bowing to accept congratulations from all sides.
At this moment, the Bai clan basked in unparalleled glory.
A first-class commendation in the empire required the slaying of a Noble Marquis, who was nearly the highest commander on the dark army’s ground battlefield. In the three major battles, no enemy commander had fallen, but Bai Aotu’s first-class commendation meant she had slain at least two marquis-level dark powerhouses and multiple lower-ranking enemies, accumulating to this achievement.
Even so, it was enough to make her the envy of the military.
First-class military merit in the empire could be exchanged for an eighth-grade origin force weapon or a reward of equivalent value.
Bai Aotu, still in her simple, ancient attire, ascended the platform step by step and received a jade plaque inscribed with golden characters from Zhang Boqian. This plaque was the proof of her military merit, which could be exchanged for corresponding items from the imperial treasury.
In Qian Ye’s memory, Bai Aotu was someone who would not change color even if the heavens collapsed. Yet, standing before Zhang Boqian and receiving the plaque, her hands trembled, clearly unable to control herself. This not only surprised Qian Ye but also many others who noticed it.
Her momentary loss of composure was brief, and soon her eyes regained clarity, and her overpowering aura returned. However, in front of Zhang Boqian, her aura seemed weak, like a small tree before a towering peak.
Yet, the important figures from the various clans and families on the stage nodded approvingly, with Bai Songnian especially pleased, unable to stop smiling. As a Heavenly King, Zhang Boqian’s presence was inherently intimidating.
Being able to release even a trace of aura before Zhang Boqian was no small feat. Bai Aotu’s unlimited potential, often boasted by the Bai clan, was now proven in front of many influential clans and seasoned generals, greatly enhancing Bai Songnian’s reputation.
Of course, not everyone was impressed. Some, who had long-standing conflicts with the Bai clan, exchanged meaningful glances. Forcing out an aura in front of a much stronger opponent could be seen as disrespectful, and a narrow-minded person might take offense.
Regardless of what others thought, Zhang Boqian’s expression remained unchanged, showing neither anger nor appreciation. To him, Bai Aotu was no different from the other soldiers on the parade ground.
Zhang Boqian simply nodded, saying, “You must continue to serve the empire diligently.”
After the award, according to custom, there should be a few words of encouragement. Zhang Boqian’s neutral statement, without any additional praise, left Bai Songnian slightly disappointed. But considering Zhang Boqian’s nature, he realized Zhang Boqian treated everyone equally, and thus he calmed down.
Bai Aotu put away the plaque and was led away.
Next, Zhang Boqian said, “Second in military merit is Zhao Jiandu from the Zhao clan, with a second-class commendation.”
This announcement caused quite a stir in the crowd.
Zhao Jiandu truly gained fame during the later stages of the Blood Battle, and he had only advanced to the rank of warrior a few months prior. During the Blood Battle, due to the celestial ghost iron curtain, most participants were below the rank of viscount, limiting their achievements. Although dark marquises were active in the Sleep of the Behemoth, with Zhao Jiandu only at the twelfth level, it was unlikely he could have killed such powerful opponents.
While everyone acknowledged Zhao Jiandu’s exceptional talent, his young age and limited origin force level made it hard for many to believe he could achieve such a high ranking.
A second-class commendation in the empire required the slaying of a powerful marquis. If Zhao Jiandu achieved this, it must have been through sheer numbers, which was staggering. Such a quantity suggested that anyone at his level meeting Zhao Jiandu would not last long.
Hearing his name called, Zhao Jiandu rose calmly, adjusted his attire, and ascended the platform, standing before Zhang Boqian.
Zhao Jiandu’s appearance caused another wave of murmurs. This fourth son of the Zhao clan, famous throughout the empire, had rarely been seen in social gatherings since he began suppressing his level five years ago.
Seeing him in person, everyone was struck by his remarkable appearance and bearing, and even the Zhao clan’s allies and rivals praised him, agreeing that he deserved the title of the top young prodigy.
Standing before Zhang Boqian, Zhao Jiandu’s brows furrowed slightly, feeling an invisible pressure, making it hard to breathe, let alone speak. Zhang Boqian, not deliberately suppressing his aura, unintentionally emitted a natural yet heavy presence, causing Zhao Jiandu to feel as if a mountain was pressing down on his back.
Under the immense pressure, Zhao Jiandu’s origin force automatically surged, resisting fiercely. Suddenly, his body trembled, and a green mist shot up from his head, dispersing gradually.
The seasoned veterans and experts present immediately praised, “A fine display of green mist!”
Zhang Boqian gave Zhao Jiandu an extra look, nodding slightly, and said, “Good foundation. Maintain this, and do not become arrogant. Stay true to your heart, undistracted by external things.”
Zhao Jiandu’s expression changed slightly, and he saluted, saying, “Thank you, Your Highness, for your guidance.”
Zhang Boqian, handing over a second-class commendation plaque to Zhao Jiandu, didn’t say more. The plaque was marked with gold letters, but with a silver edge to distinguish it from a true first-class commendation.
Zhang Boqian’s few words changed the expressions of many on the high platform.
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