"..." Song Changming nodded, "General, rest assured."

At the same time, on the body of the Commander, a young man with a tattoo resembling a ghostly drawing on his face looked up, meeting his gaze with a fierce grin.

Evidently, that was Xing Tiexin’s matched opponent for him.

Beside him, Fu Yuan whispered to Song Changming, "This Ma Lie Feng is a talent dug up from your last term at the Recruit Training Camp, and the most outstanding one. He became a Deputy General in just two years and has quite a reputation in the army.

His growth has been fast, breaking through three Earth Martial Veins the year before becoming Deputy General. His strength is not to be underestimated now."

"I understand." Song Changming acknowledged.

The opponent’s Commander was evidently full of confidence, clearly believing this contest was a sure victory.

The Centurions’ showdown concluded, and ten Centurions stood on stage triumphantly, vying for glory in the army.

At this moment, they undoubtedly stood quite prominently.

Even the highest-seated Banner Masters were discussing these Centurions.

To have Banner Masters remember their faces was the greatest significance of the Martial contest.

"Who dares challenge the stage next?" An official atop a high platform shouted loudly, his voice resonating.

This time, he asked the entire army.

On the Martial contest stage, only pure personal martial prowess was valued, irrespective of rank or achievements.

Thus, even the most inconspicuous soldier could challenge the strongest of these Centurions today in front of everyone.

Of course, most soldiers had self-awareness and would not act impulsively.

Only those with impressive strength dared to step onto the stage; even if they couldn’t defeat these Centurions, exhibiting their style on stage would be enough.

Enough to seize the opportunity to become squad leaders, or even a Centurion, which would be satisfying.

Soon, a brave soldier moved swiftly and chose a Centurion on the stage, respectfully requesting a battle, seemingly afraid others might beat him to it.

There certainly was a method to this.

For these lower-ranked soldiers, they needed to seize an opportunity, ideally choosing a Centurion with a gentler temperament to challenge.

Usually, these Centurions would allow the challenger to show off their skills before knocking them off the stage.

If a Centurion with a bad temper or impatience came up, they’d strike heavily, dismissing the challenger with a punch.

In this manner, challengers naturally lost the chance to showcase their abilities, missing out on promotion.

Thus, some Centurions’ stages saw challengers one after another, while others remained idle with few visitors.

After roughly one incense stick’s time, the challenges concluded.

Centurions and soldiers left the stage, and the main event was up next.

The Generals’ battle!

It was a contest among the military’s Generals.

In the army of 12,000 Armored Warriors, excluding over 2,000 in reserves, there were 10 Commanders and 36 Deputy Generals.

Usually, debates within each troop would most often revolve around the skills of these Generals.

The ten Commanders rarely clashed with each other, and had never openly competed.

But these 36 Deputy Generals would engage in matches during such important Martial contests.

The strength of the Generals, to some extent, determined the power and ranking of the various troops in the army.

Thus, soldiers privately debated fiercely, not just for their own pride and their troop’s, but for their own interest.

In the army, as elsewhere, there’s no absolute fairness. Troops with strong skill and high status enjoyed more resources and focused training.

Lower-status troops naturally suffered more.

Thus, almost the entire army eagerly anticipated the Generals’ battle, not merely for individual honor among Generals.

"Who among you will send your favorite warrior to the stage first?" Wang Tianshuang looked at the ten Commanders below.

Hu Xiangnan stood up directly, bowing, "Banner Master, I propose."

Evidently, he was not one to delay, immediately being the first to volunteer.

In that fashion, Xing Tiexin would not be weak; he stood up at once, saying, "I propose."

"Good." Wang Tianshuang nodded with interest, agreeing.

The other Commanders, seeing this, did not intervene, planning to watch the excitement first.

"Ma Lie Feng." Hu Xiangnan summoned his best potential candidate as agreed.

"At your command!" The tattoo-faced muscular man rose immediately, grabbing two short halberds, and flew to the center stage.

"Changming." Xing Tiexin also called out.

"Be careful," Fu Yuan couldn’t help but remind Song Changming upon seeing him rise.

He had a vague sense something was amiss when Ma Lie Feng showcased some Innate Cultivation while flying into battle.

Ma Lie Feng could be stronger than he imagined! 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Song Changming nodded, his expression unchanged, and flew to the stage.

Xing Tiexin also saw the signs, sat down, smirked, and said to Hu Xiangnan beside him, "No wonder you’re so confident."

"Heh, don’t be stingy. I earned fifty Middle Grade Spirit Crystals from you; I’ll treat you to dinner tonight." Hu Xiangnan chuckled.

"Don’t think you’ve got it made." Xing Tiexin shook his head, saying no more.

"I’ll be watching." Hu Xiangnan didn’t mind, just assumed Xing Tiexin was being stubborn.

On stage.

Song Changming stood opposite Ma Lie Feng, holding a sheathed longsword, sensing countless gazes on him, including the highest-seated Banner Masters.

Due to the intense Generals’ battles and being the highlight, only one duel was held per round.

This was truly a moment the whole crowd looked forward to.

"Ma Lie Feng, I’ve seen him before, quite an excellent rising star; the other, though, Xing Tiexin didn’t let Fu Yuan deal with him." Wang Tianshuang glanced once, noting Song Changming’s young and unfamiliar face.

Usually, his time in the army wasn’t abundant, his focus more on the Commanders, and less inquiry into the Deputy Generals.

Some reports and military matters usually were handled by the Little Flag Masters under him.

So he’d never really understood Song Changming, noticing only his moderate Innate Cultivation with two Earth Martial Veins, less strong than Ma Lie Feng.

"Sir, don’t underestimate this newcomer. Regarding Martial Tao aptitude and strength, he’s no worse than Ma Lie Feng." Yang Zhen responded with a smile.

"I agree, during guarding the Spirit Crystal Vein, this kid’s strength genuinely impressed me," Wang Shifu nodded beside him, also recognizing Song Changming.

"Oh! Since you both say so, it’s worth watching." Wang Tianshuang replied somewhat surprised.

"Generals, when you’re ready, start at your discretion," an official said politely.

"Getting a good start would be nice. Are you ready?" Ma Lie Feng asked casually, holding two short halberds, his words teasing Song Changming.

It was apparent he was highly confident in his strength, not considering he might lose.

"Ready, let’s begin." Song Changming stood upright on the stage, fastening the sheathed longsword on his waist armor, lightly placing his right hand on the hilt.

In the next moment, Ma Lie Feng didn’t hold back, directly moving like a whirlwind, disappearing from his spot.

"Wow! So fast!"

"Indeed, General Ma lives up to his name, fast as the fierce wind. Seeing is believing!"

The observing soldiers were all taken aback by this Generals’ battle.

Xing Tiexin’s thousand-man team also anxiously watched, worrying Song Changming might lose too disgracefully.

In the arena, with the wind rushing at him, Song Changming squinted slightly, his expression unchanged, only his internal Qi Blood beginning to surge.

Suddenly, his foot moved, sidestepping and drawing the blade in one swift motion.

The knife light streaked to the left, ceasing the rushing whirlwind, revealing Ma Lie Feng’s figure as swift as the wind.

...