Chapter 422 The Protagonist at the Dinner Table
Chapter 422 The Protagonist at the Dinner Table
Qin Yifeng's arrival was like a gust of wind, stirring up the sleeping sand in the valley and alarming everyone present.
Qin Yifeng's aura was powerful, as steady as a mountain, yet as surging as a river. The burning wings that had vanished from his back were the envy of all, the very foundation of his title, Blazing Sky Soarer. However, within this awe-inspiring power lay an indescribable sense of weariness, as if he had traversed countless mountains and rivers, enduring numerous hardships, to finally arrive at this land he held dear. Four days ago, Xiao Zhi had used the Wind Whisper Stone to tell him a message that exploded in his heart like a thunderclap: Yun Youzi, their leader, had arrived at the Ghost Wind Rift Valley.
Without a moment's hesitation, Qin Yifeng immediately decided to depart from the Divine Court and speed towards the Ghost Wind Rift Valley. Five days might be just a glimmer of light in the vastness of time for ordinary people, but for Qin Yifeng, these five days were the most arduous yet fulfilling period of his life. He traversed vast seas of clouds and crossed towering mountains; every flap of his wings felt like a struggle against fate and a race against time.
Finally, at this moment of the awards ceremony, Qin Yifeng arrived as promised. His arrival not only added solemnity and majesty to this grand celebration, but also allowed everyone present to feel the indomitable and courageous spirit emanating from him. As the representative of the Radiant Legion, Qin Yifeng stood on the podium, the focus of everyone's attention, his gaze firm and fervent as he looked at Yun Youzi, who sat in the very center.
"Boss." Qin Yifeng clasped his hands in greeting. Three hundred years ago, he was Yun Youzi's little brother, and he would be Yun Youzi's little brother for the rest of his life.
Yun Youzi stood up and hugged Qin Yifeng tightly: "Brother, it's been a long time!"
After a long while, the two parted ways. On the way, Xiao Zhi had already explained the entire process to him, and he arrived at the command platform on time. He waved to the sky, and a golden light descended from the heavens, landing in Qin Yifeng's hand.
At that moment, all the glory and splendor converged in his hands. He slowly raised the medal of honor, which shone with dazzling light, and solemnly presented it to Zheng Qian.
Qin Yifeng's voice echoed like thunder: "I, Qin Yifeng, on behalf of the Radiant Legion, present the Certificate of Glory and the Guardian War God Medal to the hero Zheng Qian, hoping that he will grow up healthily and become a generation of War God to protect the peace of the human race." Every word carried expectations and heavy responsibilities for the future.
Then, Qin Yifeng lowered his voice, his eyes flashing with approval and encouragement: "Not bad, better than us old fogies." These words were like a spring breeze, filling Zheng Qian with unprecedented motivation and confidence.
Zheng Qian gripped the heavy medal tightly in both hands, his eyes resolute. He bowed deeply to Qin Yifeng and said sincerely, "Thank you for your kindness, Uncle-Master. I will live up to your expectations, cultivate diligently, protect our homeland, and let the light of our human race shine forever!"
At this moment, Zheng Qian's face was filled with an excited and proud smile, while Qin Yifeng's eyes sparkled with relief and anticipation.
The Medal of Glory is extremely unique in design, with a dazzling gem set in the center, radiating a soft and warm light, symbolizing Zheng Qian illuminating the hope of humanity like a beacon; around the gem are intricately carved runes, each rune containing powerful energy and blessings, representing humanity's endless admiration and gratitude towards Zheng Qian.
On the reverse side of the medal is engraved a majestic war god totem, its eyes piercing as if it could see through all evil in the world. Below the totem are Zheng Qian's name and the four characters "Guardian War God," written in a powerful and vigorous style, revealing an undeniable majesty.
Both the Starry Sky Medal of Wisdom and Courage and the Medal of Glory represent supreme glory. Zheng Qian carefully placed the two medals into his spatial ring, feeling quite pleased with himself.
Qin Yifeng walked to the chair on the right and sat down. That seat was reserved for him, the big shot.
"Now, let's hear from our hero, Zheng Qian." After Zhao Nuo finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted, and everyone looked at Zheng Qian expectantly, their eyes shining.
Zheng Qian stood on the command platform, the center of attention, his gaze sharp as he surveyed the dense crowd below, in the distance, and on the city walls. His voice, hoarse from battle, yet brimming with power, resonated in the hearts of everyone present.
"Everyone, I am Zheng Qian." He spoke slowly, his voice revealing firmness and gratitude: "First of all, I want to thank the soldiers of the Radiant Legion. It was you who built my path forward with your flesh and blood and repelled the arrogance of the three races. The wisdom and strategy of the Strategic Alliance were also a solid support for our victory in this gate-blocking battle. Every plan and strategy of yours was like a beacon in the dark night, illuminating my way forward."
He changed the subject, his gaze softening as he looked at the young prodigies and disciples of the Heavenly Vein Sect beside him: "And you, my companions, whether you are exceptionally talented prodigies or diligent disciples of the Heavenly Vein Sect, your companionship and fighting side by side are my greatest motivation. Master Yun Youzi, I will always remember your teachings. It is you who have given me the courage and wisdom to challenge powerful enemies."
Zheng Qian's voice gradually became more impassioned: "But the battle is not over. Our human race still faces unprecedented challenges. I, Zheng Qian, am willing to be the pioneer, but what is needed even more is that each of us cultivates tirelessly, improves ourselves, and jointly protects the peace of this land."
His gaze was piercing as he surveyed the entire room, each word resounding with conviction: "Let us join hands, not only for today's victory, but also for the future, so that our descendants can breathe freely and live in peace on this land. The path of cultivation is long and arduous, but as long as we hold fast to our beliefs, nothing is impossible!"
The applause thundered again. Zheng Qian's words were like a warm current, inspiring everyone's hearts and filling the future of humankind with hope and light.
Yun Youzi, Qin Yifeng, and Xiao Zhi exchanged glances, and all three showed relieved smiles.
Zheng Qian is a good talker. He didn't take all the credit or boast about himself; instead, he thanked everyone first and encouraged them to work together. This is the mindset of a leader and the embodiment of team spirit.
Ma Yiru's sharp, eagle-like eyes now held a smile as he said to Zhao Feng, "Learn from this, this is the art of speaking. Don't let people think we're just roughnecks who only know how to cultivate as soon as you open your mouth."
"Haha, forget it. My legs would tremble if I were to speak up. I'm better suited to be a soldier, fighting on the battlefield. Let's leave these kinds of speeches to all-around geniuses like Zheng Qian." Zhao Feng laughed heartily. He was also self-aware enough that he could never be a great general in his life. He didn't have the ability to command, and he was only suitable to be a vanguard, charging into battle and killing the enemy.
Zhao Minghang stood tall and straight, his voice strong and clear, every word revealing his boundless admiration for Zheng Qian: "Zheng Qian is a role model for us. Not only is he unparalleled in combat, invincible on the battlefield, but what is even more admirable is his extraordinary vision and ideological awareness. His magnanimity is among the most rare I have ever met. Every excellent quality he possesses is something we, the younger generation, should study diligently and strive to emulate throughout our lives."
Upon hearing this, Ma Yi nodded with satisfaction, his eyes showing both affirmation of Zhao Minghang's awareness and high hopes for the younger generation. He slowly said, "That's right, Minghang. I'm very happy that you have such awareness. Zheng Qian is indeed a role model that we should all learn from. His spirit is the most valuable asset of our legion."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Minghang's face was full of smiles, his obsequiousness evident: "Following the lieutenant general, I have naturally benefited greatly and learned many things that cannot be learned from books. This awareness is something I should have."
However, a hint of disdain lingered in Ma Yi's smile. He pondered to himself: Zhao Minghang's change in addressing him today from the usual "Lieutenant General Ma" to the more respectful "Lieutenant General" suggested a motive that wasn't entirely innocent. This young man was always ambitious and driven by a near-obsessive pursuit of military merit, single-mindedly seeking to climb the ranks of the high and mighty Divine Court through his achievements. This ambition was no secret within the military.
Ma Yi's gaze deepened. As a general, he not only had to cultivate the soldiers' combat effectiveness but also guide them to establish correct values and outlook on life. He saw Zhao Minghang's talent and potential, but his eagerness for quick success worried him.
“Minghang,” Ma Yi said earnestly, “pursuing military merit and yearning for the Divine Court are human nature. But you must remember that true heroes are not only brave and fearless on the battlefield, but also have firm and pure hearts. Zheng Qian can be our role model not only because of his unparalleled combat power, but also because of his unwavering dedication to the human race.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Minghang's expression hardened. He lowered his head, remained silent for a moment, then raised his head and looked at Ma Yi with a firm gaze: "Lieutenant General, I understand. I will take Zheng Qian as my role model, not only to fight bravely on the battlefield, but also to establish in my heart the belief of protecting the safety of the human race. I will be a truly responsible and compassionate warrior."
Looking at Zhao Minghang's determined eyes, Ma Yi nodded inwardly. Everyone has their own path to growth. As long as one can recognize their shortcomings and is willing to work hard to overcome them, then that person will surely go further and fly higher.
Zhao Minghang sneered inwardly: Ma Yi, Zhao Feng, you unambitious bastards, once I enter the Divine Court, I will repay you tenfold for the humiliation you suffered today.
After Zheng Qian finished presenting the awards, it was time for the teamwork award. Lei Ruichen, Ma Haoli, and the others went up together to receive their commendation.
That evening, the Radiant Legion and the Strategic Alliance held a victory banquet for the prodigies of the Dragon Shaping Realm. Various kinds of demonic beast meat were plentiful, especially the meat of the Shadow Serpent Clan and the Flame Leopard Clan, which were the main dishes. The Ghostwind Rift Valley was never short of resources; the human race had built a complete supply chain for the soldiers of the Ghostwind Rift Valley, ensuring they never lacked either money or food.
Of the seventy-two sons of the Qilin, sixty-four have died, leaving eight alive. Today, these eight have finally gathered together. They drink, chat, and reminisce about the past, as if they have returned to the carefree era of three hundred years ago.
Zhao Minghang, holding a wine glass, surveyed the venue, toasting all the big shots. If he knew them, he would go up and shower them with compliments; if he didn't know them, he would introduce himself and then down a glass in one gulp.
"Zheng Qian, congratulations!" Zhao Minghang walked steadily to Zheng Qian's side, his face beaming with satisfaction and praise. The bronze wine cup in his hand gleamed with the light of victory. He had the expression of a leader congratulating a subordinate while also showing affection and concern: "Everyone has seen your ability and talent. This gate-blocking battle has broken the record of a thousand-year war. You deserve the greatest credit!"
"Thank you, Director Xie!" Zheng Qian stood up, raised his wine glass, and clinked it against Zhao Minghang's.
Zhao Minghang put his arm around his shoulder and said, "Your military merits, after my application, will be calculated as heroic and fearless merits. You killed 289 demonic beings at the Transformation Realm and two demonic beings at the Zen Realm, all of which will be calculated at triple merit, totaling 26,310. Adding the merits from the four days of blocking the gate, that's 66,310. You don't know, I checked the military merit record law. Consecutive victories can accumulate merits, plus the special merits for heroic and fearless, as well as merits for teamwork, etc., I've secured 73,860 merits for you."
Zheng Qian was stunned for a moment; he really hadn't expected the military strength to be calculated to be over 70,000.
"Director, all of this is inseparable from your guidance and support. I will work even harder in the future and live up to your expectations! I'll drink this glass to express my gratitude!" Zheng Qian's eyes sparkled with excitement and gratitude. He raised his glass and gently clinked it with Zhao Minghang's glass, making a crisp and pleasant sound, before downing it in one gulp.
Zhao Minghang was in charge of recording military merits and was the highest commander when the gate-blocking battle began. If he hadn't spoken up, the military merits might not have been counted so much, so Zheng Qian was genuinely grateful to him.
With an almost sacred sense of ritual, Zhao Minghang slowly pulled out a silver medallion gleaming with a warm yellow light from inside his close-fitting clothes. The four large characters on the front, "Hundred-Victory General," were powerful and vigorous, each stroke seemingly containing the thunderous force and wisdom of past battles. Turning the medal over, the back revealed a meticulously carved sword and hammer design.
"This is your military merit badge. With your military merit, you can be promoted to Level 5 of the Hundred-Victory General. I've decided to upgrade you directly." After saying that, Zhao Minghang glanced at Li Zun, Feng Yingte, Lei Ruichen, and the others who had stood up beside him, and whispered, "Let me tell you a secret. In the three thousand years of history of Youfeng Rift Valley, the fastest record for jumping three major levels from the Iron-Blooded Recruit Company to Level 5 of the Hundred-Victory General is Zheng Qian."
"Haha, Zheng Qian is amazing!" Feng Yingte laughed heartily, his voice filled with genuine admiration and respect. Zhao Minghang's words weren't a secret he was trying to hide; they were clearly announcing to everyone that Zheng Qian's meteoric rise in military achievements was an unprecedented miracle, shattering everyone's understanding and records!
"Zheng Qian, you are truly amazing! I, Lei Ruichen, must toast you properly today!" With that, Lei Ruichen raised his glass without hesitation, the wine seemingly carrying his full respect and admiration, and drank it all in one gulp without any hesitation.
Seeing this, Zheng Qian, also filled with heroic spirit, immediately raised his wine cup to clink with Lei Ruichen's, drank it all in one gulp, and then quickly refilled his cup, shouting in a loud voice, "Brothers, our Commander has fought alongside us at Huaxu Cliff Fortress for four days and four nights. He not only had no complaints, but also did everything himself. How can we not respect such a good commander? Come, everyone, let's toast our beloved Commander!"
"A toast to the Chief!"
"Director Zhao, I'll drink it. Please do as you please!"
"Director Zhao, you are the best superior I have ever met!"
"Come on, do it."
Everyone drank their drinks in one gulp. Zhao Minghang, feeling quite pleased with himself, sat down and started telling Zheng Qian about his glorious achievements over the years.
"Back in the day, when I was your age, I fought my way in and out of the demon race's ranks..."
A smile flashed in Zheng Qian's eyes. He didn't interrupt Zhao Minghang's boasting, but instead became a listener, occasionally adding his own boasts, making Zhao Minghang extremely happy.
At this moment, Zheng Qian relinquished the main role at the dinner table to Zhao Minghang, the deputy director of the Wise and Courageous Adjudication Division.
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