62 The Fool and The Favored

As Gao Mao stood and prepared to attack again he realized he didn't know where the two energy constructs were that had been beside Yun at the start. He instantly slid to a stop and started to observe his surroundings, not seeing them anywhere.

After confirming the constructs were gone he again charged forwards and slashed at her, but as his weapon was raised high above his head he suddenly felt like it was stuck in stone. He couldn't move it with all his strength!

With dread he turned his head to look above him and saw that the two weapons were pinning his blade in place. Suddenly they both spun in opposite directions and sent his weapon flying backwards, putting him off balance so far that he had to madly dash backwards to stay upright and avoid losing face.

As he stabilized himself Yun smiled at him and he immediately raised his pike to block, intercepting a strike from the red spear. While he was facing off against the red spear the white one just floated in between him and Yun, tauntingly doing nothing.

As an incense stick of time passed the two weapons traded off every so often which one was suppressing him, maintaining just enough pressure that he could only slowly retreat and could do nothing but block. Finally, after two incense sticks of time Gao Mao's worst nightmare happened. As he was receiving yet another strike from the white spear he felt a strange sensation of weight on either of his hands before looking down to see that his pike's handle had completely split in between his hands.

Shock crossed his face as the white spear slashed his cheek, leaving behind a minor wound with enough lightning energy in it that it would very likely scar. Gao Mao stumbled backwards and fell on his rump while staring at his pike shaft, he hadn't even noticed the subtle nicks on the handle, but as he paid more attention they were all grouped very tightly on one area of the shaft, as if they were trying to hit the same spot every time. He looked up at Yun again only to see the two weapons melt into pure energy and disappear while she turned back and returned to her chair in a few mysterious steps.

"Does anyone else think this Yun is not qualified to maintain her position?" Yun asked with a hint of mockery in her voice.

No other voices sounded. The entire room, including Long Wuying, were looking at Yun like she had two heads and twelve tails. What a monster! This was only a ten year old fox cub, not even these twenty something disciples who had followed the traditional path of cultivation could match her at her own realm, much less at a higher realm. As she grew she would continue to be an incredible existence wherever she went.

"Since we're done with the entertainment this Yun would like the 'rotten pike' to return to his seat at the far left. Everyone else move over for him please."

His head hanging low, Gao Mao returned to the table, taking the lowest ranking seat instead of the highest of the Lieutenants. He couldn't even feel anger at his demotion, just anger at himself for letting his pride destroy his position. He had lost all face today, challenging his commander and losing so spectacularly in spite of being more than twice her age and at a higher realm.

"Now then, the rankings have changed. Huo Xue is now the First Lieutenant, Wu Bao is the Second, Liu Hao is Third, and Gao Mao is the Fourth Lieutenant. These rankings will also determine preference in selecting the tasks for your squads from the list that is compiled by the military headquarters."

Yun stopped and looked at the four of them, especially the first ranked Vulpis female, Huo Xue, and her grey fur and eyes who was very striking.

"This Yun previously provided quite a bit of resources to the crafting disciples, each of you may request one item in addition to the item or items that this Yun bestows upon you. Huo Xue will receive a special robe crafted by my friend Zhu Cai that will also protect her. Wu Bao will receive a shield to complement his fighting style that is also immune to the Volvaka's fire attacks. Liu Hao will receive two items of his choice, as he is a sword cultivator and likely does not want his sword replaced without his input. Finally Gao Mao will get a new pike to replace the one that was just destroyed."

Everyone but Gao Mao had a happy look on their face, as they had just received gifts that were well thought out for them, but Gao Mao felt that his 'gift' was more an item that must be compensated and not a true gift from the commander. He had really disgraced himself this time.

"There is a limit on what can be requested, and Zhu Cai will determine what that limit is and communicate it to you when you work with her to put in your orders."

Looking over at Long Wuying, Yun also awarded him two items of his choice from the crafting department, as well as a black short sword that could be placed on the back of his waist for emergencies or assassinations.

"Wuying, this is an important time, don't let yourself be caught unprepared."

"Yes General Yun, Wuying will keep this graciousness in his mind."

Finally finished with this initial meeting, Yun dismissed them to begin developing their squads. After their squads were developed and they obtained their new equipment from Zhu Cai's department they would begin some special combat training that had yet to be disclosed.

Leaving the hall, Yun went down to finally talk to Zhu Cai about the orders she had just given.