306: Chapter 306: Promotion, 66th Army 306: Chapter 306: Promotion, 66th Army Sikong Jing just gave a faint smile and said nothing to explain why, as a Spirit Martial Root, he was able to reach the Innate Five Realms.

“Furthermore, Beigong Commander,” Sikong Jing added, “I am currently an apprentice of the Long Night Saint Dragon Palace.

I also value my freedom and am afraid I cannot join the Long Night Black Burning Army.”

Beigong Xianfeng stared at him in silence.

The entire hall watched this very dignified commander, uncertain of how he would handle the situation.

After a while, Beigong Xianfeng nodded gently, “Lan Zhuanghe will be left to your disposal.

Meanwhile, take the 99th Army’s men back to the Central Castle.

I will let you know how to proceed once I’ve made a final decision.”

As these words fell, Lan Zhuanghe struggled frantically, “Commander, please, please, ple…”

Before he could finish, he fainted from terror.

Sikong Jing then clasped his fists in respect, took Lan Zhuanghe and Elder Wei along with everyone else, and strode out of the command hall.

At his command, the 30,000 troops of the 99th Army galloped away.

From atop the city wall, Beigong Xianfeng, watching Sikong Jing and others leave, praised, “What a natural-born military commander.”

As soon as he finished speaking, swish, swish, swish…

A few Vice Commanders arrived with several Generals.

One of them inquired, “Commander, whose natural-born military talent are you praising, Lan Zhuanghe’s?”

All eyes turned to Beigong Xianfeng with a glint of expectation.

Upon hearing this, Beigong Xianfeng’s expression turned cold as he spoke lightly, “You’ve arrived just in time.

Take Yan Shun to prison and set a date for his execution!”

Buzz!

Yan Shun’s head buzzed, and his whole body turned to mush.

The Vice Commanders and Generals were left dumbfounded, wondering what had happened that would warrant such a severe punishment as execution.

The members of the 96th Legion trembled violently, and one Vice General after another broke into a cold sweat, secretly relieved that Sikong Jing had pressed them the night before, thankful they had joined the 99th Army.

All that talk about Yan Shun being unbeatable was utter nonsense!

Thinking of Sikong Jing’s methods, they all felt a chill; this was not a man to be crossed.

At that moment, a gaunt Vice Commander stepped forward and asked, “Commander, what has Vice Commander Yan Shun done to warrant such severity?”

While they held no fondness for Yan Shun, they were fellow Vice Commanders and were frightened themselves.

They needed to understand the full story to avoid making the same mistakes.

Beigong Xianfeng pondered for a moment and then slowly said, “Because the one who conquered five cities in a row was Ning Jingjing of the 99th Army.

Lan Zhuanghe bullied the families of the 99th Army’s members and even turned the 99th Deputy General.”

He didn’t mention Sikong Jing, after all, he wasn’t part of the Long Night Black Burning Army yet, and bringing him up would cause too many complications.

Plus, Sikong Jing didn’t want to take credit for himself; instead, he was considering Ning Jingjing.

This was also what Beigong Xianfeng appreciated about him.

Then, Beigong Xianfeng went on to tell how Yan Shun knew he could exploit the 99th Army’s achievements even when he was outside the city.

Finally, he turned to the Vice Commanders and Generals, saying, “In the Black Burning Camp, Yan Shun could scheme to seize the 99th Army’s merits; on the battlefield, he could plot to steal their achievements.

Such a precedent would be perilous for the Black Burning Army.”

“Such a corrupt element must be strictly punished and executed swiftly!”

Most there shuddered slightly at his words, but naturally agreed Yan Shun must be executed, or the Black Burning Army would rot away bit by bit.

“Take Yan Shun away.

I need to thoroughly inquire how the 99th Army managed to take five cities overnight.”

“How they transformed a half-ready force into an unstoppable wave, to properly reward the 99th Army.”

Beigong Xianfeng’s words sent a shiver through the Generals’ hearts; it seemed Ning Jingjing was about to rise in rank.

It remained to be seen how far she would be promoted.

After everyone had left, Beigong Xianfeng summoned one Vice General after another from the 96th Legion and listened earnestly to their harrowing tales of defeat.

When he learned that Ning Jingjing had already returned home, a gleam flashed in his eyes.

“What a Spirit Martial Root from the Canglong Small Domain, but why a Spirit Martial Root!”

If Sikong Jing weren’t a Spirit Martial Root, things would be much easier, but for now, it was very perplexing to him.

In Beigong Xianfeng’s eyes, even if Sikong Jing had reached the Eighth Layer of the Martial Scripture Realm, what heights could his future achievements possibly reach?

“Promotion to General?

Impossible, my Martial Arts Realm is not high enough…”

“As Ning Jingjing’s advisor, I’m afraid he won’t join the Long Night Black Burning Army, this is difficult indeed!”

Beigong Xianfeng sighed deeply before finally saying, “Someone, go and call for Cao Yi…”

Shortly after, the Cao Yi mentioned arrived, the very same lean Vice Commander.

Next, Beigong Xianfeng drafted an order and gave a few instructions, then sent him off to the 99th Army before returning to the Central Castle.

…

In the castle of the 99th Army, Sui Yuli stood atop the wall, suddenly brightening up as he exclaimed, “Brother Sikong is back.”

The still-bound Pan Zha and several hundred captives trembled violently, their emotions taut with tension.

But Pan Zha remained stubborn, taunting, “Humph, someone’s definitely going to die.

I bet he’s planning to flee once he returns, hehe.”

The captives said nothing, but they felt that in just one night, it was unlikely anything significant could have happened.

Soon, Sikong Jing returned with nearly thirty thousand soldiers, approaching the several hundred captives, and gestured to the 99th Soldiers who had been left behind: “Release everyone except Pan Zha.”

In that moment, all the captives regained their freedom.

“Hahaha, what did I say?

In the end, Sikong Jing, you just obediently let everyone go.”

Although Pan Zha knew his chances of survival were slim, seeing Sikong Jing fail brought him joy and pleasure.

In his view, Sikong Jing releasing the captives definitely meant he was afraid.

“Bring Lan Zhuanghe here,” Sikong Jing then ordered resolutely.

In the next instant, Pan Zha’s laughter ceased, his gaze fixated on the pitiable and beyond help Lan Zhuanghe.

At the same time, the several hundred captives also widened their eyes, their True Qi bursting forth as they shouted, “General Lan.”

But of course, they were firmly suppressed by the 99th Army’s men…

“Sikong Jing, how dare you do this to General Lan; Commander Yan will not let you off,” shouted the captives furiously.

Pan Zha pointed towards two 99th Deputy Generals and said, “Have you lost your minds to follow this brat from the Canglong Domain and cause such a mess?

Do you want the entire 99th Army to be buried with you?”

However, the two 99th Deputy Generals just sneered, and all the 99th Black-armored Soldiers sneered as well.

Suddenly, a figure on a giant Flying Horse flashed from the distance, landing on top of the wall.

It was Vice Commander Cao Yi.

Pan Zha’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Why was it Vice Commander Cao who came, not Yan Shun?

“The 99th Army, the Beigong Commander has orders.”

As these words were spoken, the entire place was shocked, and Pan Zha along with the captives were dumbfounded, recalling Sui Yuli’s previous words.

That is, Sikong Jing would cause an even greater figure to suppress Yan Shun.

The city fell silent.

Cao Yi continued the proclamation: “General Lan Zhuanghe of the 96th Legion became selfish and inflated with ambition, seeking to harm the family members of the 99th Army’s soldiers.

His crime warrants death…

now handed over to the 99th Army for disposal.”

Buzz!

The several hundred captives turned deathly pale, weakened.

And Pan Zha was left dumbfounded, unable to believe.

Then Cao Yi announced, “99th Army Deputy General Pan Zha shares the same crime as Lan Zhuanghe.”

Suddenly, Pan Zha’s body went limp, and he nearly fainted.

“Vice Commander Yan Shun deceived his superiors and subordinates and disregarded the iron rules of the Long Night Black Burning Army.

His execution will be scheduled after inquiry.” Cao Yi stated emphatically.

Pan Zha and the hundreds of captives collapsed to the ground, no longer able to make a sound.

“The 99th Army broke through five cities in one night.

General Ning’s capabilities are witnessed by all; she is now promoted to General of the 66th Legion.”

As Cao Yi’s words fell, the crowd was in an uproar, thrilled beyond measure.