Chapter 1350: Who Is He

Of the ten battalion commander positions, eight were already set in stone, a fact clear to all present.The remaining two positions were open for contention between Tian Chang, Wen Lianmu, Lei Zhangan, and himself, Gao Zhe. As for the prodigies from outside Qi, they weren't even considered.This sudden war, while seemingly grand and fierce, was at its heart merely a clash between the younger generations of Qi and Jing. Both sought to gauge the other's strength without escalating the conflict.Should a hegemonic state unleash its full might, nations like Xiang and Xu would surely be reduced to ruins.Thus, from the perspective of Xiang and Xu, they preferred to act as proxies in this battle, at least ensuring compensation from the hegemonic states after the war.Caught between two evils, a choice had to be made.This led to the current situation, where the young prodigies of Qi and Jing flocked to the Star-Moon Prairie, a true constellation of stars vying for glory.Hence, Yu Que, the commander of the Dole Army, merely observed from Wanhe Temple, rather than coming to the Star-Moon Prairie battlefield. This symbolized the attitude of projecting power upon the world, not specifically upon Qi.On the Star-Moon Prairie, other nations beyond Qi and Jing were merely playing supporting roles.With Bao Bozhao and the other eight comfortably entrenched, Gao Zhe believed that by speaking first, he could likely sway the assembly and secure a position.After all, he, Gao Zhe, was one of the few renowned scions whose heirship was already established, and his social circle was of significant weight. Yan Fu, Jiang Wang, Chongxuan Sheng, Li Longchuan... they were all frequent companions for drinking and revelry. Though there had been minor disagreements yesterday, they wouldn't affect the larger picture. The Gao and Chongxuan families were intertwined by interests, and he, Gao Zhe, was highly investable!But no sooner had Gao Zhe's words fallen than Lei Zhangan, seated diagonally across from him, immediately raised his eyes and looked towards him.He sat like a crouching tiger.Those eyes were like an enraged sea."Literary or martial contest, you choose," Lei Zhangan declared.Gao Zhe: ...Are you out of your damn mind?!There are still two spots open, and the moment I speak, you want to challenge me to a literary or martial contest?I've stated my advantages, can't you state yours, and we discuss it together?Can't you just see who else is vying for the next spot and pick the softest target to squeeze?!Absurd! Utterly deceitful!Yet, in this situation, he couldn't possibly show weakness from the outset, otherwise "building merit for Great Qi" would become a mockery.Thus, he sneered, "What of a literary contest? What of a martial contest?"In truth, upon hearing Gao Zhe's words, Wen Lianmu had been about to chime in, "Speaking of military strategy, I am quite awake now." But seeing Lei Zhangan's explosive opening, he held back for the moment.Now, hearing Gao Zhe's tough talk, he became even more spirited, pricking up his ears with glee.Gao Zhe's biggest problem was his lack of clear perception, a trait identical to that of the disgraced Gao Qing. In the entire Jinghai Gao clan, perhaps the most outstanding young talent was Gao Jing, unfortunately lost in the Tianfu Secret Realm.Furthermore, Gao Jing suffered from the same issue—which likely afflicted the entire Jinghai Gao clan—they mistook the Emperor of Qi's favor towards Noble Consort Jing as the unshakable authority of the Jinghai Gao clan, thus regarding themselves as a top-tier aristocratic family of Great Qi.Their securing two spots in the Tianfu Secret Realm last time, and Gao Shaoling's easy ascent to the position of Chishou Town Pacifier... these events gave them a false sense of security.But this foundation was extremely unstable.Even a blood relative like Jiang Wuqi, with the demeanor of a benevolent ruler, could fall out of favor. Could Noble Consort Jing's favor truly remain undiminished?Moreover, there was a fatal weakness—Noble Consort Jing had no sons.Gao Zhe's value was not as immense as he imagined.The reason Yan Fu and Li Longchuan continued to associate with him was that he had been relatively sensible before, not because his Gao family was so extraordinary.Even a foreigner like Lin Xian could see the rift between him and Chongxuan Sheng and the others at a glance, yet he himself only considered them minor matters.Naturally, many in the world were willing to give face to the Jinghai Gao clan, but unfortunately, there were few in this military tent right now.Lei Zhangan didn't strike, but Wen Lianmu joined in.Have you not seen even Tian Chang looking eager?And a man like Lei Zhangan, having raised his hand, naturally wouldn't hold back his strike. Without hesitation, he declared, "A literary contest is a one-on-one duel between the two of us. A martial contest is a clash between the armies we lead. Life and death are matters of fate, let us not bear grudges against each other. You choose one, and I shall comply!"Speaking of which, Lei Zhangan was originally qualified to secure a fixed commander position. Although the Lei family wasn't a top-tier aristocratic family, he was a cousin of Jiang Wuqi, the Lord of the Longevity Palace.But what made him, also broke him. He was destined to rise and fall with Jiang Wuqi.The ripples of the Cui Zhu assassination case seemed to have ceased on that early morning before the Ziji Hall.But the resulting ripples in Qi had never stopped.At least for the Longevity Palace, this was the case...Compared to the Everlasting Joy Palace, the Splendid Glory Palace, and the Nurturing Heart Palace, the influence of the Longevity Palace had significantly plummeted.Although the Emperor had forgiven Jiang Wuqi, his affection for the Eleventh Prince was no longer as intimate as before.In the past, he would summon him to the palace to share meals every few days, but since the Cui Zhu case, it had never happened again.Due to these circumstances, Lei Zhangan still needed to fight for a position on the Star-Moon Prairie.It's just...What a disgrace it was for him, Lei Zhangan, to contend for a spot with a parvenu like Gao Zhe!Thus, the moment he spoke, it was about life and death, leaving no room for Gao Zhe to save face.Gao Zhe: ...Damn you. Where is the "literary" in this choice of literary or martial contest? It's just a desperate struggle for survival!But how could he dare to fight for his life with Lei Zhangan?Don't look at Jiang Wang treating Lei Zhangan like a child; this man was also qualified to contend for a spot on the Guanhe Platform!Gao Zhe's face began to ache from the awkwardness, but thankfully, he had experienced awkwardness once yesterday, so he was no longer so unfamiliar with the feeling.Enduring the discomfort, he managed to force a smile and say, "What's all this about literary and martial contests, life and death with no grudges? It's laughable. There are still two commander positions, we can easily take one each. There's no need to fight to mutual destruction, it would be quite unseemly."Having said this much, he was already conceding, barely maintaining a façade of dignity.While laughable, there was a hint of pity.But if he were to so straightforwardly divide the positions, how could Wen Lianmu and Tian Chang agree?"Whether Brother Lei can get a position, I do not know," Tian Chang said in a calm tone. "However, Brother Gao, your complete exclusion of me from consideration is still open for discussion. Otherwise... literary or martial contest, you choose one with me as well?"This low-key, even somewhat sullen person, occasionally revealed fangs, surprisingly radiating a chilling glint!Wen Lianmu smiled slightly and said, "If it's leading armies to clash, I don't mind facing anyone."No one was willing to back down!Gao Zhe quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind and decisively spoke, "Since Brother Tian says so, I shall contend for one position with you. Brother Lei and Brother Wen shall contend for one position. We are all serving Great Qi, and the outcome shall be without resentment!"He wasn't a complete fool; he had a little cunning, otherwise, he wouldn't have thought of borrowing Jiang Wang's authority to suppress Lin Xian.His words seemed fair, but in reality, they transformed the situation of four people vying for two positions into one of two people vying for one position.He believed his cultivation was inferior to Lei Zhangan's and his leadership skills were inferior to Wen Lianmu's. If it were four vying for two, he would likely gain nothing.But in a two-vying-for-one situation, it was different because the seemingly "softest target" among the four had been naturally grouped with him.This was the most advantageous option he could think of in a short time.Lei Zhangan remained silent, as he didn't care who he faced. Wen Lianmu also kept quiet; when it came to leading armies into battle, he had his own pride and was confident that he wouldn't lose to Lei Zhangan.Tian Chang was even more silent; he was most satisfied with Gao Zhe considering him a soft target.But Chongxuan Sheng's voice, at this very moment, rang out: "No, you actually only have one commander position left."Gao Zhe looked over, startled and angry.Chongxuan Sheng, however, didn't look at him. Leaning back in a specially made chair, he looked around slowly and calmly said, "I believe everyone already knows about Jiang Wang. I originally advised him to focus on cultivation, but now that it is known throughout the world, he should indeed come to the Star-Moon Prairie to return a gift to the people of Jing...""I have already sent someone to invite him, and he should arrive within two days."Saying this, he smiled: "The First Inner Mansion in history to command a battalion, I assume no one would object, right?""Naturally, no one objects!" Someone immediately responded, "With Jiang Wang here, what is Xu San? What of Wang Kun? What fear is there of Pei Hongjiu?"The speaker was Lin Jie, a prodigy from the Yi Kingdom.Chongxuan Sheng glanced at him, surprised at the precision of his flattery.The Yi Kingdom was a small country south of Chang, not far from the Heavenly Punishment Cliff, and was deeply influenced by Legalist thought. The people of this country were more inclined towards uprightness and integrity, and generally had a strong sense of seriousness.The names Lin Jie mentioned were all renowned Inner Mansion realm prodigies from Jing.It wasn't entirely arrogant to say so, as Jiang Wang had achieved the title of the First Inner Mansion of ancient and modern times, and indeed, there was no need for humility in the Inner Mansion realm.If Lin Jie had mentioned an Outer Tower realm prodigy from Jing like Chen Suan, it would have had a hint of setting someone up for a fall. The current level of control was quite subtle... he was a talent.Chongxuan Sheng was in the mood to comment on individuals, but Gao Zhe's mood was ruined by a single sentence.Looking at Chongxuan Sheng, he forced a smile and said, "Ah Sheng, stop joking. Jiang Wang isn't even here yet."Chongxuan Sheng looked at him with a smiling expression: "I never joke with people I'm not close to."This statement clearly defined his position, drawing a clear line, and from then on, he would no longer associate with Gao Zhe in this manner.Gao Zhe was stunned for a moment, unable to react."Although Jiang Wang has a great reputation, he's not even present. To occupy a main battalion position, isn't that inappropriate? This is a battlefield, not a place for child's play. We are deciding life and death here, determining victory and defeat, not drawing on a sand table or placing chess pieces. He wants a position... why didn't he come earlier?" A voice suddenly spoke from the back rows."Who is that?" Chongxuan Sheng asked the people around him."Gu Yan of the Zhao Kingdom!" The young man with a stubborn expression shouted loudly.He stared fiercely at Chongxuan Sheng, refusing to show the slightest weakness.Among the Eastern Domain nations, if one were to rank the small countries most fond of Qi, Zhao would definitely be at the top. Compared to the former Yang Kingdom, it was even more aligned with Qi. Regardless of the authorities, the vast majority of Zhao's populace wished to be incorporated into Qi.Who would have thought that in such a country, someone with backbone could emerge, daring to question a renowned prodigy from Qi?Li Longchuan immediately stood up, walked in front of the person, and tilted his chin: "Come out, let's talk."Too direct, too overbearing in demeanor.Gu Yan was clearly taken aback, and couldn't help but turn to glance at Madam Xidu.Madam Xidu, who had the highest cultivation and nominally the highest status in the tent, sat silently beside the commander's seat, indifferent to the situation.Clearly, she was very aware of who was in charge of this war.And those who were not aware, upon seeing her attitude, should have become so.Gu Yan's face alternated between pale and green. Finally, he gritted his teeth, stood up, and walked out of the military tent."Then I'll accompany you for a talk!" he declared fiercely.The two walked out of the military tent, one after the other.No one in the tent commented on this.It must be said, there was nothing wrong with Gu Yan's questioning in terms of logic.But the essence of this matter was to question the leading role of Qi's prodigies on this battlefield.Thus, Li Longchuan didn't bother reasoning with him, but directly used his authority to suppress him, taking him out of the tent. This was a direct strike at the core, breaking the enemy's momentum.Perhaps Gu Yan wanted to fight for the rights of smaller nations, or perhaps he wanted to seize credit for himself...Li Longchuan was too lazy to care. As a scion of the Shimen Li clan, he had the right to be unconcerned.The ten battalion positions offered by Fang You were definitely more important than their current apparent value. Otherwise, Chongxuan Sheng wouldn't have felt compelled to speak up for Jiang Wang.Jiang Wang, having become the First Inner Mansion of ancient and modern times, had a future that went without saying. Upon returning to Qi, while not quite having whatever he desired, he would certainly receive abundant imperial favor.Generally speaking, ordinary gains shouldn't be given too much consideration.But now, Gao Zhe, Tian Chang, and Wen Lianmu were arguing vehemently, and Lei Zhangan, who had seemingly not intended to participate in the Star-Moon Prairie battlefield, had rushed here before tonight...It seemed they had all received some information.Combining the information he had heard, Li Longchuan was about seventy to eighty percent certain, and decisively stepped forward to cooperate, without even exchanging a glance with Chongxuan Sheng.In Chongxuan Sheng's heart... there were only two words: "Trouble-free."As expected of a general's family, they had learned military strategy from a young age. Much less troublesome than Jiang Wang!Chongxuan Sheng and Li Longchuan easily controlled the situation here, and Yan Fu was observing with a detached attitude.Gao Zhe, however, was trapped in a state of furious rage, unable to break free for a long time.Contending with Lei Zhangan was utterly impossible; he was absolutely certain of this. If Jiang Wang also intended to take a commander position, then he would have no chance of commanding a battalion this time.His purpose in coming to the Star-Moon Prairie battlefield this time was to gain prestige, bask in glory, and make a name for himself.How could he stop here?If he were to give up so dejectedly, why would he bother enduring this hardship? Wasn't being a local lord in Jinghai Commandery not潇洒 (easy and carefree) enough?He knew that by leveraging Jiang Wang's name while he was absent to suppress others, he had already offended Chongxuan Sheng. But he hadn't expected the other party to be so heartless!Was it really necessary?Did they have to push him, Gao Zhe, to the opposing side?Weren't the interests tying the Gao and Chongxuan families to be considered?But completely reasoning with Chongxuan Sheng was impossible. He could only turn to Yan Fu: "Brother Yan, Jiang Wang is already the first of ancient and modern times, a figure who has forged legends. He doesn't lack one or two bouts of fame. Even if he comes later, arrangements can be made in any battalion. We are all friends, is this necessary?"Yan Fu looked at him deeply, and finally just said warmly, "You know Jiang Wang's personality. If you apply to join his battalion, you can secure a deputy commander position."There were many hurtful things he could have said, but Yan Fu ultimately spared his feelings.But Gao Zhe felt no comfort at all, only absurdity.I, the dignified heir of the Jinghai Gao clan, where can I not secure a deputy commander position? Do I need to beg Jiang Wang for this?"Are you forcing me?" he gritted his teeth and said.Yan Fu shook his head and chuckled, but said nothing more.Being gentle towards others didn't mean he feared trouble. How could someone who once said he would wield a sword to cut down idle talk, regardless of the other's origin, fear trouble?He was merely preserving the last bit of decency, choosing not to hold grudges.This was akin to an adult's tolerance towards a child.Realizing this, Gao Zhe almost shattered his teeth.What he hated most was feeling that he didn't receive enough respect among this group. Now, even Yan Fu was treating him this way!But it wasn't until Chongxuan Sheng spoke that he realized what true "lack of respect" was."You seem to think that if Jiang Wang doesn't take this battalion, you will have a position." Chongxuan Sheng, who had been suppressing his anger for a long time, looked coldly at the gnashing Gao Zhe: "Are you stronger than Wen Lianmu, or stronger than Tian Chang? People should know their limits, but you, I see, seem completely unaware of your own worth! Tian Chang would find killing you no harder than killing a chicken, and you still thought you picked a soft target?"Tian Chang smiled without speaking, though surprised by Chongxuan Sheng's acuity, he didn't show it on his face.And Chongxuan Sheng's words immediately ignited Gao Zhe. The resentment that had accumulated for a long time exploded at once: "What of Jiang Wang?! Does he have three heads and six arms? I've eaten and drunk with him, and I haven't seen anything different about him! His legendary battle records, who knows if they are even true!""The legend of challenging the Tianfu elders? Don't you find it laughable? Ten Thousand Evils, Flesh Cutter, Face Revealer, Head Chopper, which one wasn't a powerful expert in the Outer Tower realm, an existence filled with evil? Yet Jiang Wang could fight one against four? Were those three human demons in their peak state when Jiang Wang killed them? Or were they suppressed by Yu Beidou? From Linzi to overseas, Jiang Wang is good at creating momentum. Are you deceiving yourselves too?""Your hostility towards Jiang Wang is inexplicable and hard to understand." Yan Fu frowned, "How has he ever offended you?"Gao Zhe was utterly fed up with the contempt of these people and was prepared to go all out, completely tearing off his façade. Chongxuan Sheng and the others wouldn't spare his feelings; as the dignified heir of a prominent aristocratic family, did he still have to continue flattering and appeasing them?"Can't justify yourself, so you're saying this?" He sneered, "What we should be discussing is not whether he offended me, but why he can claim a commander position when he's not even present, based on a name alone! Who is he? Is he worthy?!""It seems you've held resentment towards Jiang Qingyang for a long time." Chongxuan Sheng said calmly, "When he arrives, should I ask him to apologize to you and inquire how he managed to displease you?""Then let's discuss it when he arrives!" Gao Zhe said coldly.At this point, behind Wang Yiwo, a voice spoke: "Ten Thousand Evils, Flesh Cutter, Face Revealer, Head Chopper, when the four human demons attacked Jiang Wang, they were all at their peak state, this is absolutely true."Everyone looked towards the sound. It was Lin Xian, the prodigy from the Rong Kingdom.Gao Zhe, now erupting, had a certain air of debating against a multitude of scholars, and laughed heartily: "And you know this?"He left no room for Lin Xian: "You're fawning over Jiang Qingyang so much here, does he even know? Will he pat your head and give you bones to eat?""Of course, I know."Despite Gao Zhe's insult, Lin Xian remained neither servile nor arrogant. He looked directly at him and said clearly, word by word, "Because when the four great human demons attacked Jiang Wang, I was present and saw it clearly! I, Lin Xian, practiced the sword since the age of three, was unparalleled among my peers in the Rong Kingdom at fifteen, and ascended the Guanhe Platform with a sword at seventeen to contend with the heroes of the world. Although I did not secure a name, I believe no one can underestimate me. Gao Zhe, examine yourself, can you withstand one strike from me? What are you relying on to insult me in this manner today? The power of Qi? The power of the Jinghai Gao family? Only when you can be like Jiang Wang, relying on yourself in a dignified manner, should you come and question Jiang Wang's battle records!""You said..." Madam Xidu, who had remained silent, was also somewhat moved: "When Jiang Wang fought the four great human demons alone, you were present?""The battlefield was in the Broken Soul Gorge's Chaotic Stone Valley. At that time, I was hidden in the Innate Disorder Array, and I witnessed that battle with my own eyes!"Lin Xian said decisively, "The Evil Retribution Divine Ability of Ten Thousand Evils, the Mutual Destruction Divine Ability of Flesh Cutter, the Human Face Divine Ability of Face Revealer, and the Extreme Malevolent Ghost Body of Head Chopper, were all exceedingly formidable. The strength Jiang Wang displayed in that battle completely shattered the limits of my imagination for the Inner Mansion realm. Flipping through historical records, I have never seen such a figure! I, Lin Xian, have never bowed to anyone in my life, but towards Jiang Qingyang, I am wholeheartedly convinced, and can only look up!"The entire hall fell silent.Even Gao Zhe had to cool down. He was forced to carefully weigh himself, as Chongxuan Sheng had suggested.It was only now that people finally understood why a person as resilient and tenacious as Lin Xian could say, "Willingly be Jiang Qingyang's running dog."Putting themselves in his shoes, if they had personally witnessed such a legend, they would likely be far more enthusiastic than Lin Xian."I think I know who Jiang Wang is now," Madam Xidu said calmly.This statement was a response to Gao Zhe's earlier question. Of course, she had always known who Jiang Wang was, but she had some doubts about that terrifying battle record, after all, there was much gossip in the world. It wasn't until this moment, confirmed by Lin Xian, that she truly "knew who Jiang Wang was.""If Jiang Wang is coming..." Tian Chang smiled slightly, "He should have a commander position, I have no objection."Wen Lianmu shrugged: "Within the same realm, who can compare with Jiang Qingyang?"After saying this, he glanced at Wang Yiwo from the corner of his eye with a bit of guilt, but Wang Yiwo's face was expressionless.Lei Zhangan then said, "Then let's not waste time. I'll take the remaining battalion. Tian Chang, Wen Lianmu, Gao Zhe..."His gaze swept over them one by one: "If you are not convinced, come at me together!"The atmosphere within the military tent suddenly became heated.Meanwhile, Chongxuan Sheng lounged back, grinning with a touch of pride.Speaking of which, the two most arrogant individuals in the tent today had both been personally defeated by Jiang Wang. It seemed to them, these were among the most profound memories of their lives—Wang Yiwo, who looked down on others, implicitly acknowledged that no one in the same realm could compare to Jiang Wang.Lei Zhangan, who was willing to fight one against three, tacitly agreed that Jiang Wang should occupy a battalion even though he wasn't present.