12dz Chapter 508 - 362: Five Years of Trials, Celestial Fiend Devouring the Sun! (Double-Length)
Chapter 508 - 362: Five Years of Trials, Celestial Fiend Devouring the Sun! (Double-Length)
Compared to five years ago, Xing Tiexin, who has unlocked the Celestial Martial Vein, has seen his strength rapidly grow over the past few years.
He has now become a diamond among the commanders in the army, a true cornerstone.
No wonder Yang Zhen has always had high hopes for Xing Tiexin.
"Younger Brother Yang is still optimistic as ever. Last time, our ranking at the parade was fourteenth, and this time, I fear it won’t just be a drop of one or two places," Gao Shuxi said in a casual tone.
He wasn’t opposed to his own army doing well, but he purely disliked Yang Zhen, along with his companions Song Changming and Xing Tiexin.
He would occasionally mock the three of them, making things difficult and unpleasant.
Another point is that Gao’s family is closely connected with the Zhao Family.
To put it plainly, the Gao Family in the Second District has always been loyal to the Zhao Family.
Therefore, even for political reasons, Gao Shuxi would never associate with Song Changming and his companions.
"Xing Tiexin’s personal prowess is notable in our army, but when compared to commanders across the entire Military Department, it falls somewhat short."
Just as Gao Shuxi finished speaking, a hill on the battlefield exploded into dust due to a powerful burst of Gang Qi.
Upon closer inspection, it was Xing Tiexin who single-handedly took down a fierce adversary and dozens of personal guards.
In an instant, the 41st Army’s spirits soared, while the opposition seemed on the verge of collapse.
This left Gao Shuxi at a loss for words, as if he had been slapped in the face.
Several Little Flag Masters from the 41st Army were quite excited, but he remained silent.
In this battle, Xing Tiexin performed excellently, his brilliance evident to all.
Song Changming was pleased for Xing Tiexin, thinking that in a few years, Xing Tiexin could be promoted to the position of Little Flag Master, with no need for Changming’s interventions.
As for Gao Shuxi, in Song Changming’s eyes, he was merely a minor player now.
Despite Gao’s family being in the Second District, when compared to the top Noble Families like Wang, Meng, and Zhao, or even Guan Yuntai’s Guan Family, they were a tier below, posing no threat now.
Gao Shuxi was already the face that the Gao Family had cultivated and promoted, while Song Changming, having been able to eliminate Zhao Liang five years ago, had no fear of a mere Gao Shuxi now.
According to his observations, Wang Tianshuang seemed inclined to change Gao Shuxi’s position as Little Flag Master.
After all, Wang Tianshuang represented the Wang Family, which opposed the Zhao Family, naturally not keeping a Zhao Family minion close by for long.
Gao Shuxi’s situation was actually not very good, and he could be dismissed for some minor offense at any time.
"Which two armies are in the next battle?" asked Song Changming.
"The Fifth Army and Twenty-first Army," Yang Zhen responded after a quick glance.
"The Fifth Army, huh..." Song Changming still remembered.
At the last parade, it was Meng Kunlun’s Fifth Army that dealt them a defeat.
Unfortunately, this time, having been promoted to Little Flag Master, he was destined not to have the chance to face the Fifth Army again.
While thinking, he suddenly sensed a gaze cast upon him and looked sideways.
"It’s him..."
The one meeting his gaze was the former top commander of the Fifth Army.
The man born with the power of Thunder, Xu Yuan.
Back then, it was his presence that led to both of them being eliminated together.
Now, after so many years, Song Changming had become a Little Flag Master, while Xu Yuan was similarly clad in the Banner Lord Armor Robe, standing on the high platform.
Undoubtedly, he had also been promoted to Little Flag Master of the Fifth Army.
"It’s a pity there’s no chance to compete with you again." Xu Yuan, not far away, controlled his voice to convey to Song Changming’s ear.
"I have yet to congratulate Brother Xu on his promotion to Banner Master," Song Changming smiled and said.
"That was four years ago, I heard you killed that Zhao Clan Elder. If there’s a chance, I will challenge you again!"
Xu Yuan seemed not very interested in his position as Little Flag Master but was enthusiastic about challenging Song Changming.
"Alright." Song Changming agreed.
In these years, due to Song Changming’s rapid rise and astonishing battle records, there were actually quite a few generals in the Military Department who sought to spar with him.
Most of the time, Song Changming didn’t mind the trouble and accepted.
On the one hand, this allowed him to accumulate practical experience and verify his cultivation achievements over time.
On the other hand, he maintained his tradition.
Anyone wishing to spar with him must have sufficient stakes.
Through this, throughout the year, relying on the gambling bets that came his way, he actually earned quite a tidy sum, thus partially alleviating the resource consumption needed for daily cultivation.
Meanwhile, on the battlefield.
The battle soon presented a one-sided situation rather than being intense.
Though the Fifth Army lacked Xu Yuan as a crucial general, its military prowess wasn’t greatly reduced, swiftly completing a wave of clearing, and effortlessly securing the first victory at the parade.
Xu Yuan, on the lookout platform, seemed satisfied with the army’s performance, his expression relaxed, chatting and laughing with colleagues.
However, at the Grand Marshal’s seat, Meng Kunlun remained composed, not smiling or speaking.
A grand victory at a parade was nothing to him.
Meanwhile, at the Three Thousand Spirit Mountains Treasure Land in the west of Yun Province.
On a foggy high peak, numerous treasured palaces stood, resembling celestial palaces.
A gigantic White Jade stela stood on the peak, nearly a hundred feet tall!
On it were inscribed three ancient characters.
Celestial Tao Academy!
The usually tranquil academy was, unusually, in great disorder today.
In a bamboo house, someone who had slept until midday heard the academy’s unusual commotion and stepped out.
If Song Changming were here, he would certainly recognize the person.
It was Li Jinyu, who had accompanied him to the Ancient Abyss Country, known for his intelligence and foresight!
"Senior Brother, what happened today with such noise?" Li Jinyu, in simple white disciple attire, stopped a passerby to inquire.
"Elder Jin predicted an ominous celestial event today, the Celestial Fiend Devouring the Sun, something unseen in three hundred years! The Three States of the Human Race may face disaster!" The senior brother immediately explained.
"Celestial Fiend Devouring the Sun..." Li Jinyu paused.
This ominous sign, he recalled being told by his master.
Unexpectedly, it would suddenly appear today!
He knew Elder Jin was a person of great abilities, whose star-watching skills ranked among the top at the Celestial Tao Academy.
Since it came from Elder Jin’s mouth, the prophecy was unlikely wrong!
The Celestial Fiend Devouring the Sun is really coming, and it’s happening today!
"Enough said, Master commands us to spread this information quickly, to warn the Three States of the Human Race!"
With that, the senior brother bowed and hurried away.
"I’m safe here at the Celestial Tao Academy, but how has Brother Changming been these years?" Li Jinyu suddenly thought of Song Changming still in Yun Province.
His fingers lightly pinched, making some calculations.
However, it was still like seeing through the fog, vague and unclear.
Song Changming’s existence was extremely difficult to calculate.
It was so in the past, and despite years at the Celestial Tao Academy, it remained so.
He could only roughly calculate that Song Changming was in the vicinity of Yunzhou Cui Bai Dao but knew nothing of what Song Changming was doing or what opportunities or dangers might lie ahead.
"I haven’t mastered the skills yet." Li Jinyu shook his head, dropping his hands.
"Brother Changming, I can only hope you remain safe..."
...
Song Changming looked skyward.
The sun set in the west, the huge orange sun gradually descending.
"It’s time to rest today," Song Changming calculated the time and mused to himself.
"Changming, come have a drink at my place later, Tiexin did well today," Yang Zhen turned back and smiled.
"Alright," Song Changming agreed without hesitation.
In this period of strict crackdowns, places of romance are off-limits, but having a few drinks at home is harmless.
While speaking, an unusual atmosphere suddenly enveloped them.
Song Changming furrowed his brows, looking up, his eyes gradually widened.
The westward blazing sun was being enveloped in darkness!
...