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墨書 Inktalez
Ouyang Chang listened as Jufeng recited his resume from memory, yet he felt little surprise. If the Dragon Elder valued someone who wouldn’t even do this much preparation, how could they be qualified to be here?
However, the next words from Jufeng left Ouyang Chang quite shaken.
“Changchang, am I right?”
Jufeng's lips curled into a slight smile, causing Ouyang Chang to flush with embarrassment.
The nickname "Changchang" had been used for many years; it was affectionate, a term of endearment from the soldiers that stemmed from Ouyang Chang’s warm-hearted nature.
The Crimson Rank held a lofty status, as evidenced by Qi Fa's attitude towards the Tenth Rank. Those at the top of the pyramid looked down upon the masses.
Yet Ouyang Chang was undoubtedly an anomaly among the Red-Class Mecha Pilots; he was approachable to an astonishing degree. Almost no veteran in the Dragon Breaker Army with over eight years of service was someone he couldn’t name, and even many of the new recruits were familiar to him.
This could be seen as a gift; many might dismiss it, but only those with keen insight could recognize how much cohesion Ouyang Chang’s approach brought to the Dragon Breaker Army. During the critical period when the Dragon Elder was gravely ill, Ouyang Chang led the Dragon Breaker Army without any disruption. Under pressure from Liu Lei and Pand Zhong, the army managed to navigate through smoothly, thanks in no small part to Ouyang Chang’s efforts.
Instinctively, Ouyang Chang glanced at Qi Fa beside him, his eyes filled with reproach. The implication was clear: wasn’t Jufeng just as proud as you? It seemed not entirely so now; he understood me so thoroughly, and I was completely unprepared for this.
This is all your fault.
Unfortunately, Qi Fa’s gaze was directed elsewhere, oblivious to Ouyang Chang’s fiery look.
“General, I apologize for any embarrassment; this is merely a nickname from my brothers and hardly worthy of formality.”
Ouyang Chang couldn’t discern Jufeng ’s intent; his rational mind thought it was just small talk. He decided to engage casually; he couldn’t afford to lose face.
“Not at all,” Jufeng replied warmly, placing a hand on Ouyang Chang's shoulder. “This reflects everyone’s affection for you. I’m still a novice in military affairs; I’ll need your guidance moving forward.”
If Jufeng were truly stubborn and self-righteous, Ouyang Chang might have found a way to handle him since the Dragon Breaker Army had never feared confrontation. However, he hadn’t anticipated that Jufeng would choose a gentle approach instead. This caught him off guard, leaving him unsure of how to respond.
“The Commander is too kind. We all rise from humble beginnings; if you take things step by step, General, there should be no problem in time.”
Listening to the shift in titles made Jufeng feel that he had passed this hurdle. However, dealing with superiors was always easier than managing those at the grassroots level.
“Thank you.” Jufeng moved past Ouyang Chang and headed toward the center of the army.
Qi Fa watched Jufeng's retreating figure along with those around him and felt somewhat annoyed. He turned back to Ouyang Chang and said, “Why are you so indecisive? You surrendered after just two sentences! Where has your battlefield spirit gone?”
Ouyang Chang glared fiercely, throwing a chestnut at Qi Fa's head. "You raised the white flag before me, and you still have the nerve to talk back? I wouldn't even recognize your grandfather if I slapped him!"
The two began to bicker, though it was clear some of it was for show. Tian Feng walked past them and smiled politely. Instantly, the two reconciled, with Ouyang Chang returning the smile to Tian Feng while Qi Fa turned his gaze elsewhere.
Once the crowd had dispersed, Jufeng sat down to introduce himself. Ouyang Chang reined in his anger and said seriously to Qi Fa, "This person is truly remarkable!"
Qi Fa snorted dismissively. "What's so great about him? We can handle this round, but the next one won't be so easy. You can't lower your pride, but there are those who can. He'll have a tough time."
Ouyang Chang reflected on his earlier words, realizing they contained a hint of encouragement. He knew better than to confront directly; after all, he still held some respect for the Dragon Breaker Army and the Dragon Elder. Just from that alone, he could tell Jufeng was someone who valued loyalty. And someone who values loyalty is never entirely bad.
"Fortune and misfortune are intertwined. Even if we get through this round, facing Liu Lei and Pand Zhong will be difficult. This position is a hot potato; with the corresponding power comes hidden crises. I hope he sees through all this and came here with clear intentions, rather than just seeking the Commander's high position."
Ouyang Chang felt a sense of melancholy, and Qi Fa fell silent as well. They were both veterans of the Dragon Breaker Army, its arms and legs; the Dragon Breaker Army was their eternal home.
Neither wanted to see their home continue down such a troubled path. They hoped that after the Dragon Elder, someone would step up to carry on the legacy of the Dragon Breaker Army effectively.
"I hope he succeeds."
At that moment, Ouyang Chang revealed emotions befitting his age and walked alongside Qi Fa toward Jufeng.
When Ouyang Chang reached Jufeng's side, he overheard something that made him worry; these soldiers were being far too reckless.
After Jufeng finished introducing himself, before anyone else could speak, one Commander let out a cold snort.
In the deep darkness of night, that sound rang out clearly like a slap across Jufeng's face.
Jufeng fell silent, not immediately angry but staring intently at the Commander who had spoken.
The latter met his gaze without flinching.
This was a plan they had all agreed upon; they understood that officials like Qi Fa and Ouyang Chang could easily be labeled as traitors if they led a rebellion. It was simply unwise. However, for officials under their Commanders, their influence wouldn’t be as significant but would still be enough to sway ordinary soldiers.
This Commander took it upon himself to cast aside his official title and stepped forward first.
Tian Feng’s gaze was fixed on this Commander, his eyes sharp as knives, pressing forward with intensity.
However, among the ranks of high-ranking officials like Commanders standing together in numbers, they all directed hostile looks toward Jufeng and his group.
The atmosphere became somewhat awkward, very awkward indeed.
The room fell silent, and if no one spoke up soon, Ouyang Chang planned to step in and diffuse the situation.
Fortunately, Jufeng did not let the silence linger for too long.
"Commander, I don't quite understand the meaning behind your cold snort. Do you find something wrong with my words? Or do you believe you are more suited for this position than I am?"
Jufeng's response, after a brief pause, was filled with power; his words were as sharp as a blade. Though his voice fell into the void, the edge of his words cut deeply into the Commander’s neck.
The Commander felt a tightness in his throat. He wanted to retort but found himself unable to speak when he met Jufeng's gaze.
(To be continued)
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