Chapter 966: You Should Go

After returning to the barracks, Li Bufan gave Ling Feng a deep look but said nothing more.

He understood exactly what Ling Feng's choice meant. But since it was Ling Feng's decision, he wouldn't try to persuade him otherwise.

In a way, he and Ling Feng were the same kind of people. What they sought was nothing but strength.

As for how the Southern Army's higher-ups treated them, it meant little in the grand scheme.

Li Bufan had joined the military to temper his combat will through life-and-death battles, to breakthrough his limits and grow stronger.

A single glance between them was enough to convey their thoughts.

This was how clever men communicated.

Of course, there was also the straightforward Jiang Xiaofan and Mu Qianxue's group of three girls, who remained utterly clueless about the implications of today's banquet.

"Big Brother," Jiang Xiaofan patted his belly and grumbled, "that trip to the commander-in-chief's tent didn't seem to accomplish anything except filling our stomachs. He didn't assign us any positions!"

He added, "And I'm still hungry!"

Ling Feng shook his head with a wry smile. "Don't worry. That commander-in-chief won't be giving us any positions. As for Bufan... if I'm not mistaken, someone will soon arrive with orders to separate him from me."

Sure enough, before he could even finish speaking, the sound of footsteps came from outside the tent. A vice-commander from the Frontline Camp, Zuo Song, arrived with a squad of soldiers and called out respectfully, "This humble general, Vice-Commander Zuo Song of the Frontline Camp, pays his respects to General Ling!"

"Right on time," Ling Feng murmured.

He strode out with his group and found Zuo Song kneeling on one knee, his expression solemn. Behind him, soldiers carried wooden boxes with great ceremony.

Nearby recruits gathered, murmuring in awe.

"Damn, this is a big deal! At the very least, he's being promoted to chiliarch!"

"I knew Brother Ling was someone special! He's got the presence of a future great general!"

"Chiliarch? Didn't you hear? They called him General Ling! Word is, he's the genius who defeated the Royal Sword Team! I missed that legendary battle because I was away training!"

"Holy shit, that's Ling Feng? I thought it was just someone with the same name!"

Li Yunting and the others exchanged amused glances. To them, anyone who could defeat the Royal Sword Team was practically a myth.

Lu Qingshan clicked his tongue enviously. "Being personally appointed by His Majesty does have its perks. Even the commander-in-chief has to show respect. The rest of us will have to claw our way up the hard way."

Li Yunting shot him a glare. "Shut your mouth. Do you think Ling Feng's title came for free? Could you have repelled the Tianyang Empire's envoy delegation? Could you have defeated the Royal Sword Team?"

Lu Qingshan chuckled awkwardly. "I'm just saying I'm jealous, alright?"

Amid the crowd's admiration, Vice-Commander Zuo Song smiled and asked, "Which one of you is Young Master Li Bufan?"

"I am." Li Bufan stepped forward, arms folded over his sheathed sword.

Zuo Song bowed deeply. "Congratulations, Chief Commandant Li. Starting today, you are the Chief Commandant of our Frontline Camp. Here are your armor and official seal. Will you assume your post immediately, or shall we return for you in three days?"

The announcement stunned everyone.

These men had come to appoint Li Bufan.

What about Ling Feng?

Li Yunting and the others who knew of Ling Feng's status as General Weiyuan were especially bewildered.

𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Jiang Xiaofan scratched his head and blurted out, "Wait, so only Bufan gets an appointment? What about me? What about Big Brother? Where's his assignment?"

Zuo Song shook his head. "My apologies. There is none. The commander-in-chief has asked me to relay a message: General Ling is to remain here and await further arrangements. He assures you will be satisfied."

Ling Feng smirked inwardly.

This old fox wants me to back down on my own!

Zuo Song gave Ling Feng a fist-and-palm salute, then turned back to Li Bufan. "Chief Commandant Li, will you—"

"Go back and tell your commander-in-chief that I have no interest in being a chief commandant!" Li Bufan's killing intent flared, making Zuo Song flinch.

"Bufan," Ling Feng said calmly, "you should go."

"The position of Frontline Camp Chief Commandant is a high-ranking one," he added with a faint smile.

Li Bufan frowned. "You know exactly what Yuan Tiangang is trying to do."

"Exactly why you should go." Ling Feng patted his shoulder. "Don't forget why you came to Nanjiang. You're here to grow stronger."

"We stand together," Li Bufan said firmly.

Ling Feng laughed. "Don't worry. One day, you'll be transferred under my command, not as a chief commandant, but as my vice-general! And that day won't be long."

Li Bufan met his gaze. "You're my lifelong rival. I'll hold you to that!"

With that, he snatched his official seal and battle robe, storing them in his storage spirit ring. He glared at Zuo Song. "Lead the way!"

Zuo Song shuddered.

Life under this man is going to be hell.

"Good. At least Bufan's got a decent position now."

Ling Feng stretched lazily and returned to the tent, looking completely calm and unhurried. There was no trace left of the bold and imposing air he had shown earlier when making that promise to Li Bufan.

The recruits around them exchanged confused looks.

What the hell? Is General Ling just going to be a general in the new recruits' camp?

...

Days passed.

One by one, the recruits left. Li Yunting's group was assigned to the elite Golden Flame Cavalry. Shen Yidao joined the Red Saber Camp.

Eventually, even Jiang Xiaofan, Lin Xian'er, and Mu Qianxue were persuaded to leave, until only Tuoba Yan remained at Ling Feng's side, solely because she couldn't be apart from him for long.

Seven days later, the new recruits' camp was nearly empty. Yet Ling Feng remained, utterly at ease.

Finally, Tuoba Yan couldn't take it anymore. "General Ling," she asked, "what exactly are you planning?"

"You'll find out soon," he said, smiling as if waiting for someone.

Then, hurried footsteps approached. The tent flap was pulled aside, and in walked the familiar figure of Vice-Commander Zhao Dabiao from the Patrol Camp.