Commanding an Army

Commanding an Army . . . 

In the realm of immortal warfare, where the fates of sects and empires hung in the balance, a curious lull had descended upon the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. For the next several months, the sect refrained from launching their usual large-scale attacks. The reason behind this abrupt shift in strategy could be traced back to none other than Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen, who, like two shadows dancing in the twilight, had chosen to keep a low profile within the safety of their encampment.

Their identities were akin to secrets etched in the deepest realms of the cosmos, yet they had already ignited the fiery gaze of countless onlookers on the battlefield. Sensing the precariousness of their situation, the duo opted to cloak themselves in a shroud of anonymity, reducing the risk of their true selves being laid bare for all to see.

But, as fate would have it, even in the midst of this quiet interlude, sporadic skirmishes still erupted, causing casualties within the ranks of the Thousand Transformations Army. Qin Wentian, however, remained acutely aware of the relentless recruitment efforts underway in the Thunder Prefecture by the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect. Though only a fraction of the populace was willing to don the mantle of resistance against the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, the sheer magnitude of the prefecture's population ensured a steady influx of new recruits, bolstering the army's ranks.

In these tumultuous times, Qin Wentian and his valiant comrades thrust themselves into the maelstrom of small-scale conflicts, leaving their indelible mark with their exceptional performances. Within the army's encampment, Qin Wentian's reputation soared higher and higher, ultimately propelling him into the coveted role of vice-captain. It was an unprecedented ascent for a second-level immortal, a testament to his prowess. Yet, in the shadows, Ye Qing harbored aspirations to seize the captain's mantle, a prospect that had never graced the Thousand Transformations Army before. However, Qin Wentian, unmoved by titles and distinctions, humbly declined, his sights firmly set on the pursuit of his true goal.

On the battlefield, the tempestuous desire for self-improvement burned within Qin Wentian's heart, driving him to dispatch more foes, weakening the Eastern Sage Army one life at a time. His unquenchable thirst for vengeance against the man who had wronged Luo Huan and Qin Yao remained unabated. The elusive adversary belonged to an elite battle team of the Eastern Sage Army, and though Qin Wentian's mastery of formations was formidable, the prospect of facing such a formidable foe loomed daunting.

In the crucible of war, mercy was but a distant memory. Survival, growth, and the relentless pursuit of power were the unwritten laws, much akin to the tenets of cultivation. Time, as it always did, flowed inexorably, and it was not uncommon for these immortal wars to span centuries, even millennia, before the scales of victory or defeat tipped definitively.

...

Meanwhile, in the hallowed halls of the God Hand Mountain Manor, situated on the outskirts of the ancient mountains, eight long years had ebbed away since the arrival of the immortal emperors. Impatience had taken root, prompting many to abandon their posts and depart from the area. Only the steadfast retainers dispatched by the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor and the Violet Emperor remained, their patience stretched thin. Yet, despite their restlessness, they dared not defy the orders of their mighty masters.

Deep within the heart of the ancient mountain, ensconced within the hallowed chambers left behind by the legendary Emperor Yi, a sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air. In a grandiose display of age-old craftsmanship, the colossal bronze gate creaked open, inch by suspenseful inch. Emerging from the yawning abyss of obscurity was a young man, his visage concealed by an enigmatic bronze mask. His every step seemed to reverberate with the weight of history itself as he ventured forth.

With an imperceptible flicker of his immortal essence, his awareness swept through the surrounding expanse, a vigilant search for any potential intruders. Finding the world devoid of prying eyes, he retreated back into the cavernous maw of the bronze gate, reemerging moments later, leading a retinue of formidable individuals, each shrouded in an aura of otherworldly mystery. The members of this enigmatic assembly, all donning masks to conceal their identities, communicated in silence, their purpose understood without the need for words. With synchronized precision, they surged forward, their destination—the passage leading to the outside world.

At the threshold of the ancient mountain's exit, the young man, who had taken the lead with his bronze mask, slowed his pace. A semblance of profound knowledge played upon his features as he commenced the intricate task of inscribing a formation upon the ground. The focal point of this mystical endeavor rested upon a spatial artifact, its essence pulsating with the very fabric of space itself. As the spatial energy interwove with the formation, a path to freedom began to manifest before their eyes. Although the ancient mountain remained ensnared by an arcane force, it proved no match for the mastery of spatial energy.

"Immortal kings appear to be stationed outside the ancient mountain. Once we activate this teleportation formation, I will shroud our auras," the man in the bronze mask intoned, his instructions met with silent nods of understanding. "Refer to me as Di Tian when we step beyond these confines, not Saint Lord." He sealed their auras in preparation for their imminent departure.

In a blaze of spatial brilliance, the very fabric of reality quivered as the teleportation formation hummed to life. In an instant, the group vanished from the watchful gaze of the immortal-foundation experts stationed at the exit.

"Blast it! That was a teleportation formation!" cried one of the vigilant guards, their boredom shattered in an instant. As they scrambled to react, a formidable presence emerged from the shadows and ascended into the heavens. An immortal king, his aura palpable, extended his immortal senses, shrouding the vicinity. His scrutiny reached far and wide, probing into the distance.

"Is there no one here?" the immortal king muttered incredulously, his gaze probing the area. With a swift stride, he vanished from sight, his determination unshaken.

"Is there truly no one here?" the immortal king questioned again, his senses extending further. The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's mandate had been clear—guard this post for eight long years. And now, when an opportunity had finally presented itself, they had allowed it to slip through their grasp. How could he justify this to the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor?

Meanwhile, in the external world, the enigmatic young man's true identity remained an enigma. As long as he continued to conceal his visage behind the veil of his bronze mask, the threads connecting him to the incidents involving Dongsheng Ting and Zi Yunwu remained tantalizingly elusive, a mystery destined to remain unsolved.

Could it be that the youngest scion of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor had met his demise in such an unceremonious fashion, while the perpetrator slipped away like a phantom into the night? The prospect of such a reality weighed heavily on the minds of all who contemplated it, for they knew all too well the tempestuous wrath of the immortal emperor.

…

In the bustling heart of Yuan City, invitations from elite teams poured in ceaselessly, like a relentless tide attempting to ensnare Qin Wentian. Yet, with an unwavering resolve, he declined them all. The Eastern Sage Army had intensified their assaults, unleashing elite forces on occasion. During these skirmishes, Qin Wentian's team, valiant as they were, found themselves outmatched by enemy formations comprised of high-level immortals. The Eastern Sage Army had honed in on Qin Wentian's battle team, treating them as a formidable adversary.

Today, a colossal conflict unfurled as over ten thousand experts from the Eastern Sage Army launched a relentless assault. In response, the Thousand Transformations Army dispatched an equal force to meet their foe. Both sides refrained from unleashing their full might, cognizant of each other's capabilities. A full-scale engagement would only prompt the Eastern Sage Army to withdraw, rendering it an exercise in futility. Hence, the choice to engage in calculated skirmishes.

Regrettably, the Thousand Transformations Army faced yet another setback. Upon their return to camp, Xiao Yehan vented his frustration in hushed tones, "The Eastern Sage Army is tightening the noose. We lack the elite forces needed to counter their aggression."

"Many among their ranks are core disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, naturally possessing superior strength compared to our recruits from the masses. Given their relentless pressure, I wager they're on the verge of launching an all-out assault," Ye Qing remarked.

"I sensed that as well. It's likely the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect is poised for a concentrated offensive," Qin Wentian affirmed.

As they conversed, a resounding horn echoed through the air. It wasn't the signal to mobilize the entire army but rather a call to assemble. Soldiers hurried to the expansive drill ground, where the military governor awaited. He addressed the gathering, "The previous battle showcased the vanguard of the Eastern Sage Army. Currently, their remaining forces are split into two, preparing for a three-pronged assault against us. The impending battle will eclipse all prior clashes. The Dream Demon King has issued an unrelenting decree, leaving no path of retreat for their soldiers. Success is their sole option."

The resolve in the eyes of every soldier burned fiercely. They understood that in this battle, there would be no room for retreat amidst a three-pronged offensive. All they could do was commit their all and pray for a favorable outcome.

"In this battle, victory means life, and defeat means death. It also represents a golden opportunity to amass substantial battle merits. Do you all possess the confidence to succeed?" General Lan's thunderous voice reverberated through the crowd, met with a resounding chorus of determination: "FIGHT!"

"Excellent. Let me outline our strategy. Our primary objective is to penetrate deep into enemy lines and directly confront their elite forces. If, by chance, Yuan City falls into their hands, we shall promptly redirect our efforts and plunder their Han City." The military governor's words sent shockwaves through their hearts. What audacity! General Lan proposed an audacious plan that called for a direct clash with the enemy's elite troops and an audacious assault on their stronghold, Han City.

The strategy was not set in stone, but the majority of the Thousand Transformations Army swiftly mobilized, aware that time was of the essence. Delay could allow the enemy to adapt and recalibrate their tactics, and opportunities, once lost, might never return. It was imperative to seize the fleeting moment.

Amid the vast expanse of the drill grounds, only a small fraction of the entire army remained, a select few among them being Qin Wentian's team. Ye Qing had received a transmitted command earlier, instructing their team to stay behind. As the others looked on inquisitively, they couldn't help but direct their inquiries toward her, curiosity etched on their faces. "Captain?"

"There's a special mission designated for those teams chosen to stay behind," Ye Qing explained, her voice carrying an air of intrigue. Her fellow soldiers fell silent, comprehending that such missions often fell to the more formidable teams. Little did they anticipate that they would be among the chosen few.

"It's odd, though. The other teams left behind are the regulars, not the elite squads," murmured one soldier. After spending considerable time in the army, they'd developed an innate understanding of which teams held elite status and which did not.

It was at this juncture that General Lan made his entrance, accompanied by a cadre of seasoned experts. Casting his gaze toward Qin Wentian, he began to elucidate the situation. "We have thirty-six experts here dispatched from the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect. They will be assigned to various battle teams and assume the role of captains, directing the flow of battle. Your duty is to comply without question. Is that clear?"

A collective "Yes" echoed through the ranks, their puzzlement still lingering but their adherence to military protocol unwavering. Disobeying a direct order carried severe consequences.

"Jun Mengchen and Zi Qingxuan, step forward. You shall each take command of one battle team as captains," General Lan continued.

"Understood," responded Jun Mengchen and Zi Qingxuan as they stepped forward. In total, there were thirty-nine battle teams assembled here. Both Jun Mengchen and Zi Qingxuan were entrusted with the responsibility of leading their own respective teams, their prowess deemed sufficient for the task.

"Furthermore, these thirty-nine battle teams will constitute an autonomous regiment. Tianwen will serve as the regiment's commander, and all must heed his orders. Failure to do so will result in severe consequences," General Lan proclaimed solemnly. His declaration caused the attention of the armored figures below to converge upon the enigmatic masked figure, Qin Wentian. It appeared they had gravely underestimated his true identity. He was evidently a direct descendant of a prominent figure within the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect. Their initial aim was to acclimatize him to battlefield life, but now, they were bestowing upon him the authority to lead a regiment.

With thirty-nine battle teams under his command, the regiment boasted over a thousand experts—an immense level of authority.

The thirty-six experts who had accompanied General Lan were, in fact, members of the Battle Saint Tribe who followed Di Tian. They swiftly dispersed, each integrating into a different team. Their cultivation levels ranged from the first to the ninth, yet all exuded an air of extraordinary prowess. Jun Mengchen and Zi Qingxuan took charge of their respective teams, while Purgatory and Little Rascal remained by Qin Wentian's side, their skills better suited for combat than leadership.

Qin Wentian ascended into the sky, his voice resonating with unwavering authority as he bellowed, "Move out!"

"MOVE OUT!" The resounding echo below was a testament to Qin Wentian's newfound stature. His fame had skyrocketed, and there was no questioning his position—he was the commander of this regiment.

Observing the turn of events, Ye Qing couldn't help but smile. This, she thought, was how it should have been from the very beginning.