1359 - 1369
Chapter 1359: Returning to Kangzhou City
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
The lake in the wilderness was in Yezhou Province, which was a barren province in the western border of Taixia Country. The realm of the disaster was in the west of Yezhou Province. After a few cities in Yezhou Province were collapsed, this province had already become demon's territory or the territory of the puppet regime founded by the remnants of Heavens Reaching Church.
Even when Yezhou was not collapsed, very few people could be seen in the wilderness of this province, not to mention now.
Under bright moonlight and sparse starlight, besides sparkling waves within 100 miles over the lake, twittering insects in the wilderness alongside the lake and some wild beasts that would always hide by day and come out by night, nobody else could be seen in the surroundings, not to mention any demon.
'What a pity!' Zhang Tie sighed inside.
If that heavenly demon knight was still waiting for them outside there, Zhang Tie and Yan Feiqing had 70% possibility to kill it or capture it alive. Pitifully, it was not there. Therefore, they couldn't even find some demons to test their promotion in cultivation base.
"Qing'er, where are you going?"
After standing still in the air and looking around for a few seconds, Zhang Tie asked Yan Feiqing.
"I'm going back to Fantasy Women Palace, Cloudy Dream Mountain, Wuzhou Province!"
"You're going back to Fantasy Women Palace?" Zhang Tie became a bit amazed as he thought that Yan Feiqing would stay in the theater of operations for a few more days.
"Yup, 2 months later, I have to attend an appointed fight. I need to prepare for it…"
"Who's that blind? How dare he offend my Qing'er? I will go deal with him together with you…" Zhang Tie said with an exaggerated expression on purpose.
Yan Feiqing then replied with a smile while covering her mouth by hand, "It's between women. Hubby doesn't need to go there. I will go there alone. It's Zhu Qianqian, one of the 4 elders of Taiyi Fantasy Sect who appointed a fight with me. 10 years ago, the disciples of Fantasy Women Palace and Zhu Qianqian bore grudges against each other after going downhill. She and I then opted to have a fight 10 years later to end up this enmity. I was here to kill demons in the theater of operations so as to sharpen my battle strength and further improve my cultivation base…"
'Zhu Qianqian?'
The moment Zhang Tie heard this name, he had felt being a bit familiar with it. He then remembered that this woman was Huaiyuan Palace's reliance in Taiyi Fantasy Sect. She might even be Lan Yunxi's master.
'My god, what a coincidence!'
Zhang Tie suddenly felt his head swollen.
"Hubby, what's wrong? Are you acquainted with Zhu Qianqian?" Yan Feiqing's voice turned strange as she looked at Zhang Tie with a special, dubious eye light that would especially be possessed by women.
"Don't think too much!" Zhang Tie rubbed her raised butt twice as he said, "I've not seen Zhu Qianqian. But an elder of Huaiyuan Palace told me that Zhu Qianqian is closely related to Huaiyuan Palace. She's even an old friend of Lord Huaiyuan…ahem…ahem…a disciple of Huaiyuan Place is even learning from Zhu Qianqian. I remember that Zhu Qianqian is still a shadow knight…"
"10 years ago, Zhu Qianqian reached 5 change realm of shadow knight. Even if she had entered the Dongtian of Taiyi Fantasy Sec for cultivation, she would not reach 8 change realm of shadow knight in one decade!" Yan Feiqing then added with a smile, "Now that Zhu Qianqian has a close relationship with Huaiyuan Palace and hubby is the grand elder of Huaiyuan Palace, I will not make her too embarrassed in the fight…"
"That's great. That's great…" Zhang Tie let out a sigh of relief at once.
"Zhu Qianqian only recruits female disciples like how I do. I wonder about the name of Zhu Qianqian's disciple from Huaiyuan Palace. She might bring her disciples to watch the fight between us. By then, I will watch out in case of hurting that disciple…" Yan Feiqing asked casually.
Soon after Zhang Tie recovered his composure, Yan Feiqing's question had made his heart race. He could only reply with a solemn look, "Zhu Qianqian's disciple from Huaiyuan Palace is the daughter of Longwind Count called Lan Yunxi!"
"Although I don't need hubby's assistance in the appointed fight, welcome to watch it if you like…"
"Ahem…ahem…no need. As it's between women, men would better not interfere with it. Additionally, I'm now serving as the Weiji General of the theater of operations and have not cared about public affairs for months. There should be a lot of public affairs in Kangzhou City to deal with. Therefore, I'm afraid that I will have no time to watch that…"
As Zhang Tie explained, even he felt that was a poor excuse. However, he had to be decisive in this case. Even if he wanted to see Lan Yunxi, it shouldn't be in the fight between Yan Feiqing and Zhu Qianqian. That would be a catastrophe for him if Lan Yunxi found that Zhang Tie's wife defeated her master…
Yan Feiqing kept gazing at Zhang Tie's face with brilliant eye light. Not until Zhang Tie felt a bit embarrassed did she reveal a sudden smile, "Now that hubby is busy with public affairs, you don't have to go there. If hubby is going back to Kangzhou City, I could give you a ride…"
"Sure, thanks, wife…" Zhang Tie had no other choice but to agree with her suggestion. Actually, he still wanted to loaf around the theater of operations for some days; now that he had already said it, he should not regret whatsoever.
Yan Feiqing then pulled Zhang Tie's hand. In the blink of an eye, the virtual image of Fantasy Woman Heavens-Breaking Boat had covered the two people.
Although the virtual image was only 10 m longer, it had already turned into a golden shuttle from a silver one after she promoted to a heavenly knight. Additionally, there were two fairies looming on both sides of her virtual image while their skirts and waistbelts were flying in the sky. Even Zhang Tie clicked his tongue in wonder…
The golden shuttle broke the skyline and flew towards east like a meteor. In the blink of an eye, it had reached over 6 times the speed of sound. It was a sharp increase compared to when she was a shadow knight. Even ordinary heavenly knights couldn't fly as fast as her.
On the way, Yan Feiqing and Zhang Tie met some teams of demon knights; however, as the golden shuttle moved so fast that it had flown far away before those demon knights responded to it…
Because there was more than one heavenly demon knight in the theater of operations, Yan Feiqing made a detour around the core region of demons which might exist high-level demon knights and dodged away from the eastern marching route of demon corps. After passing by Yezhou Province and Wuzhou Province, they soon come to the border between Huanzhou Province and Wuzhou Province…
Fortunately, they were not intercepted by heavenly demon knights on the way here. However, when they were about 500 miles away from Helan Mountain Range, Zhang Tie saw a huge air battlefortress moving horizontally nearby Xuanyuan Fortress as if they had already discovered Yan Feiqing and were going to intercept her. However, when Yan Feiqing released a brilliant light towards the sky and shone the stars in the sky, a virtual image of the fairy appeared in the sky. Although the process only lasted for 2 seconds, the air battlefortress stopped its horizontal movement at once as it gave way to them…
…
Before daybreak, after a golden shuttle flashed by the air territory of Kangzhou City, Zhang Tie descended from the sky and appeared in the back garden of the Kangzhou Provincial Farming Administration…
A team of bodyguards, which was making an inspection tour in there, instantly surrounded him. After seeing clearly the one who declined, all the bodyguards knelt down as they greeted in unison, "General…"
Chapter 1360: Zhang Family's Heyday (I)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
In July, the sun was as hot as fire. At noon, a black cloud flew over here from the east and covered the sun, casting a huge and dense shadow…
Wherever the black cloud flew by, mountains, rivers, cities and farms would be in shadow. Watching the dark cloud, all the soldiers and commoners of Taixia Country inside and outside cities were dumbfounded.
Even those who had seen the world were also shocked inside by that dark cloud.
That dark cloud was actually a moving, huge group of aircraft which contained over 10,000 huge transport airships from thousands of meters high to over 10,000 m high in a certain formation. These airships were led by one commander-level airboat. These airships were guarded by air cavalries on their flanks and at the end.
Besides that huge shadow, the booms caused by tens of thousands of engines were earth-shaking.
This was the manifestation of power and the will of steel and iron…
Although people on the ground didn't know what task were these airships and airplanes carrying out, they were all spirited by such an overwhelming scene. They were all conquered by the power of Taixia Country. Numerous people kept waving their arms and towels towards the sky. Some people were even running after that huge shadow and cheering up.
The largest flying range of air cavalries couldn't match that of huge airships. Therefore, in every hundred miles, some airplanes would land at new airports while the other airplanes which had been hovering over the sky would join in the army of air cavalries.
The huge steel and iron group flew all the way from Kangzhou Province. Wherever they passed by, they would arouse great shocks on the ground.
Since the start of the holy war, some soldiers or commoners might have seen so many airships; however, nobody had ever seen so many airplanes. Actually, nobody had seen so many airplanes in the sky at the same time since the Catastrophe.
At the fore of the airboat ahead of the steel group, a handsome youth in snow-white clothes was watching the clouds, mountains and rivers moving forward while many whims flashed across his mind…
Of course, this youth was Zhang Tie.
In the blink of an eye, Zhang Tie had already returned to the land surface for over 2 months.
In June, all the 138 mu official corn fields in Huanzhou Province, Kangzhou Province, Ningzhou Province and Military Province registered a bumper harvest which shocked the whole world…
Starting from last year, Huanzhou Province, Kangzhou Province, Ningzhou Province and Military Province had been in shortage of grains. Only after serving as the Weiji General for less than half a year, Zhang Tie had already successfully solved the problem of grain shortage in the theater of operations. Starting from June, the news that the four provinces realized a bumper harvest in the western theater of operations had spread over Taixia Country in a few days as if it had wings. Like a dope, it made all the people across Taixia Country thrilled and highly spirited.
Taixia Country and the western theater of operations urgently needed this change. Starting from the catastrophe of bloody figures in the Zhongzhou Province on the 903rd year of Black Iron Calendar. In only a bit more than 1 year, the oriental empire had been constantly facing troubles. Before the catastrophe of bloody figures in Zhongzhou Province was suppressed, the chaos in Xuanyuan Hill had shocked the whole world. Closely after that, the catastrophe of bloody figures completely spread over the country. Before the catastrophe of bloody figures across the country was cracked down, the problem of grain shortage had spread over Taixia Country. When the problem of grain shortage deteriorated, the army of demons started to spread over the provinces and prefectures in the west of the country, involving the country into the holy war completely, leaving no chance for it to take a breath…
Over the past 2 more years, the entire country was like taking a roller coaster. People were singing and dancing to extol the good times yesterday as if the holy war was still far away from Taixia Country; however today the country had been covered with battle flames and smoke while over 10 billion people had been under the control of demons.
Over the past 2 years, everyone in Taixia Country was anxious, ranging from imperial households to commoners in barren lower provinces.
Undoubtedly, the soldiers and commoners in the four provinces in the west of the country were most intense. The four provinces were in the frontline of the war; besides, they were heavily afflicted by grain shortage. Any error would lead to big chaos; especially the problem facing grains, if there were not enough grains, the four provinces would be in total disorder before the arrival of demons.
Since the second half year of last year, Taixia Country had been transporting grains to the four provinces. Even the freight was an astronomical figure, not to mention the cost of these grains.
In this case, the four provinces won a bumper harvest which even broke the record. When everyone was dumbfounded or driven ecstatic, the morale of the theater of operations was stabilized at once. Additionally, being affected by the achievement of the four provinces, even the morale of the neighboring provinces and military regions had been stabilized. At the critical moment, the significance of the bumper harvest in the four provinces would never be overestimated.
Everyone had owed the bumper harvest in the four provinces to Zhang Tie and pushed his reputation to a new height. This was definitely a great military exploit that could stabilize the undertaking of the country in the dilemma.
Honestly, besides Zhang Tie's meritorious deed, the most important factor for this bumper harvest in the four provinces was the seeds provided by Imperial Land Resources Bureau. Actually, starting from the second half year of last year, the bureau had been providing grains for both the four provinces and the other provinces which had been afflicted by grain shortage. The result was that the four provinces under Zhang Tie's governance won an unprecedented bumper harvest while all the other provinces and prefectures that received grains from the bureau were dwarfed by Zhang Tie's achievement. Some places were still suffering from grain shortage. In this case, everyone would completely owe the amazing achievement to Zhang Tie instead of the Imperial Land Resources Bureau.
The bumper harvest achieved by the four provinces aroused the attention of the rest of the world. Such a meritorious deed could never be buried. In this situation, even Xuanyuan Hill and the crown prince had to award Zhang Tie by having an imperial envoy to bring Zhang Tie a golden robe and a waistband being embedded with pieces of jade which implied supreme social status and dignity. The crown prince even assigned imperial envoy to confer "Ms. Rong" on Zhang Tie's mom and a title of nobility on Zhang Tie's dad in Youzhou Province…
Chapter 1361: Zhang Family's Heyday (II)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Zhang Tie's meritorious deed in the western theater of operations could really glorify his forebears.
According to the regulation of Taixia Country, people couldn't be awarded a title of nobility unless they had killed demons. The title of nobility acquired by Zhang Tie's dad was almost the only one that could be awarded by Xuanyuan Hill. Being inferior to prince, duke, marquis, count, viscount and baron, this title of nobility was not awarded according to the heavenly fortune ranking. It symbolized great honor and was used to award those people who had made great contributions to humans in the holy war although having not killed demons on the battlefield.
Zhang Tie's dad and mom were both awarded which indicated that the country appreciated them for having such a great son.
Besides solving the problem of grain shortage facing the theater of operations at the critical moment and making people reassured, Zhang Tie also invented Fiery Oil and all-purpose medicament as well as founded the first air force of humans in this age…
Zhang Tie invented the battleplanes that were serving the air forces of Taixia Country, along with their dual-drive engines and the Fiery Oil. Even the "Airpilot Guidelines" and "Air Combat Manual" adopted by the pilots of air forces were compiled by Zhang Tie based on his own experience. In a sense, Zhang Tie was the father of human air forces in Black Iron Age.
When Zhang Tie's dad and mom became noble members of Taixia Country, Meng Shidao officially took the office of prime minister in Xuanyuan Hill in July and became one of the top 3 chancellors of Taixia Country.
If it were before, Zhang Tie would worry that Meng Shidao might bring more stress to Huaiyuan Palace and his family after becoming the prime minister of Taixia Country; however, he didn't worry about it now. Because Zuoqiu Mingyue, the ruler of the western theater of operations of Taixia Country and one of the top 3 chancellors, officially sent a request to Xuanyuan Hill to have Fiery Oil listed as the storage of the 6 top warehouses of Taixia Country in the same period.
Given Zuoqiu Mingyue's prestige, the moment he sent the official request to Xuanyuan Hill, it had aroused the attention of the rest of the world. Because any increase or decrease of materials in the top 6 warehouses of Taixia Country was a major event that was concerned with the stability of the country. Since the end of the first holy war, the storage materials of the top 6 warehouses had remained unchanged. To a certain degree, the action of including Fiery Oil as one storage material of the top 6 warehouses meant that Taixia Country would include the application of Fiery Oil into national policy.
Not only Zuoqiu Mingyue, even those commanders of the top 4 armies of Taixia Country, Lord Guangnan Mansion, Northeast Military Region, sectors and forces under the affiliation of Heavenly Fortune Sect, major clans, provincial governors and prefectural governors across Taixia Country even Human Rune Instrument Manufacturing Masters Union had sent official request to have Xuanyuan Hill include Fiery Oil into the storage materials of the top 6 warehouses across the country.
As it was very important for the country to vary the materials storage of the top 6 warehouses, its procedures were very strict. Generally, the first step for increasing or decreasing materials storage of the top warehouses was that the material should form a huge momentum, a strong foundation in use and a high support rate among the people. Second, at least one provincial governor should send an official request to Xuanyuan Hill. Third, it would be negotiated by the top 3 chancellors of Taixia country. After reaching a consensus among the top three chancellors, the decision would finally be made by Xuanyuan Hill before being issued.
As the military committee chairman of Taixia country, Zuoqiu Mingyue's official request pushed the procedure directly to the remaining two steps. As long as the top 3 chancellors reached a consensus and the crown prince agreed with it, the proposal would finally be fixed.
Nobody dared doubt that Zuoqiu Mingyue's proposal had any issues. Because any discerning people would see the prospect of Fiery Oil. Additionally, with the invasion of demons, Fiery Oil had spread over the country within 1 year in an overwhelming manner, arousing the attention of numerous people.
After Zuoqiu Mingyue posed his proposal, the deputy prime minister had agreed with this opinion very much. The last person who determined whether Fiery Oil would be included as storage of top 6 warehouses of Taixia Country would be Meng Shidao who had just been promoted to prime minister. As long as the top 3 chancellors had agreed with this proposal, the crown prince who had the broad seal of Xuanyuan Hill would definitely not refuse it given such a case. Even Emperor Xuanyuan would not veto their consistent opinion if he came back, not to mention the crown prince. Otherwise, all the people across Taixia Country would doubt that the crown prince didn't have the ability to supervise the country; instead of suspicioning the abilities of the top 3 chancellors. As long as the crown prince was normal in intelligence, he would not dig a hole to bury himself in this case.
Everybody was paying special attention to Meng Shidao's decision.
In the entire July, Xuanyuan Hill was in a weird atmosphere. When Meng Shidao had just become the prime minister of Taixia Country and numerous members of the Gobbling Party started to cheer up, Meng Shidao faced the first problem, namely, whether they would have Fiery Oil as the storage of the top 6 warehouses in Taixia Country.
Firey Oil belonged to Zhang family and Zhang Tie, who was still the grand elder of Huaiyuan Palace. The vendetta between Meng Shidao, the Gobbling Party and Huaiyuan Palace was known across the world. As long as Zhang family's Fiery Oil entered the storage of top 6 warehouses, Zhang family's rise and decline would be related to the safety and stability of Taixia Country. By then, nobody would dare offend Huaiyuan Palace or Zhang family…
If Meng Shidao agreed with that proposal, he would create a powerful enemy for himself; if not, this new prime minister's moral standing would be deteriorated in the mouths of the public and the reputation and prestige that Meng Shidao had spent great efforts in building over these years would suffer a devastating strike…
Everybody in the world was waiting for Meng Shidao's final decision.
Everybody was waiting for the good show, except for Zhang Tie.
Besides grains, soon after the corns started to be reaped, all the Fiery Oil bases across the theater of operations that had been completed in the past half a year had been in busy operation. The first batch of Fiery Oil was soon dispatched to all the arsenals across the country. The arsenals which had been longing for Fiery Oil soon produced the first batch of Fiery-Oil equipment by 3 shifts around the clock.
On July 29th, Zhang Tie himself escorted the first batch of Fiery Oil equipment to the frontline corps from the rear end of the theater of operations.
Standing at the fore of the airboat, Zhang Tie watched the clouds and billows flashing backward. At the same time, he was thinking about Fiery Oil. Fiery Oil was important for both Taixia Country and Zhang family. Previously, Zhang Tie thought that the all-purpose medicament would first enter the storage of top 6 warehouses of Taixia Country; however, he had not imagined that Fiery Oil entered the storage of top 6 warehouses ahead of the all-purpose medicament and became an important resource for combating demons, which attracted the attention of all the people in the world…
'Would Meng Shidao refuse it?'
It might be difficult for others to make such a decision, except for Meng Shidao…
At this moment, Lu Yanyu hurriedly came out of the hatch door behind Zhang Tie.
Watching Zhang Tie's back, Lu Yanyu took in a deep breath as he tried his best to recover his composure. At the same time, he slowed down his footsteps.
"General, I've just received the news. 10 minutes ago, Xuanyuan Hill has already officially issued a new decree and had listed Fiery Oil as the storage of top 6 warehouses of Taxia Country. The new decree would be delivered to all the provinces across the country through the National Farming Ministry on the same day. Congratulations, general…"
Chapter 1362: Zhang Family's Heyday (III)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
'It has passed.' Zhang Tie's heart slightly pounded…
If a person had been waiting too long for something, when it really came, he might recover his composure. That was the very situation facing Zhang Tie. At this moment, Zhang Tie was not thinking about Fiery Oil, but that Meng Shidao was really something.
Zhang Tie turned around with a smile, "Oh, I see. Thanks for your notice, Mr. Lu…"
"It's my responsibility, general…" Lu Yanyu bowed towards Zhang Tie once again as he continued, "I've just noticed the Kangzhou Agricultural Administration, from today on, all the class A cities in Huanzhou Province, Kangzhou Province, Ningzhou Province and Military Province would increase oil depots for their top 6 warehouses and increase storage of Fiery Oil…"
"What's the request on the quantity of Fiery Oil storage in each class A city in the new decree?"
"Each class A city should store at least 2 million tons of Fiery Oil. Additionally, some developed class A cities should be installed with facilities in line with Fiery Oil production base inside the city. When in wartime, all the class A fields in each city should plant maize…" Lu Yanyu replied in details.
Zhang Tie nodded.
After finding that Zhang Tie stayed calm after hearing this news, Lu Yanyu admired him pretty much. After having a brief talk with Zhang Tie, Lu Yanyu left the fore of the airboat.
The moment Lu Yanyu left, Zhang Tie had felt a slight vibration from the remote-sensing finger ring that was especially for the communication between his elder brother and him among the bunch of finger rings that he was wearing.
"A news from Xuanyuan Hill, Fiery Oil has been the legit storage material of the top 6 warehouses in Taixia Country…"
Zhang Yang's news sounded a bit flurried as he even forgot to check the identity of the other person by code which the two brothers had always opted for usually.
Zhang Tie could understand his elder brother's feeling. He knew how thrilled was his elder brother at this moment from this news.
Zhang Yang's excitement made Zhang Tie feel inexplicably warm. Zhang Tie knew that even though they had already divided family property and lived apart apparently, they still shared the same pleasure whichever entered the top 6 warehouses of Taixia Country, Fiery Oil or all-purpose medicament.
"I've just received it too. This news is of great significance to Huaiyuan Palace. Within days, Youzhou Province might be very boisterous. Elder brother should pay more attention to Youzhou Province lately. And, how are dad and mom lately?"
"They're pretty fine. Since they know that you will not go to the frontline any more, they had both let out a sigh of relief. After dad won a title of nobility and mom was conferred as Ms. Rong, many people requested to pay a visit to them. Some were even introduced by elders of Huaiyuan Palace. Therefore, our parents didn't feel it was proper to decline their visits. Guess what those visitors would like to get the most from our parents?"
After his attention was successfully aroused by his elder brother, Zhang Tie seemingly saw his elder brother's smile although they were far away from each other. It was like how they lived in Blackhot City, when being extremely thrilled, Zhang Yang would always like to keep his family members guessing what happened.
"What do they ask about?"
"Our dad and mom have already been authoritative experts on family education in Taixia Country. All the visitors are there to ask for their experience in family education. They all want to know how our parents cultivated our two brothers in such a tough environment in Blackhot City. Hahaha…"
Zhang Tie became speechless. However, he knew that his elder brother's words were not exaggerated. His elder brother was ruling Jinwu Business Group who was also dignified in the commercial world of Taixia Country. What was more important, Zhang Yang was also a pharmacist who had made a great achievement. In such an ordinary family, one son had become a famous earth knight who had opened his own sect, the other had become a top-notch in commercial world who had made achievements in pharmacy in such a tough environment. From the perspective of family education simply, such an achievement could match that of heavenly knights among knights which were really admirable.
"Hahaha, I really want to know what our parents had told those people…" Zhang Tie burst out into laughter too.
"Haha, you will know that when you come back. Our mom is now being surrounded by an array of noble women and turns more like a noble madam. Oh, there's one more thing that you might not have imagined…"
"What's that?"
"A few days ago, some major clans in Youzhou Province posed a proposal to the Youzhou Provincial Governor's Mansion and suggested our dad to be recruited as the principal of Youzhou University…"
This news was really out of Zhang Tie's imagination. Youzhou University was the highest level official university in the province which was converged with elites. The principal of a provincial university was the most innocent and noblest title in a province. Although his rights couldn't match that of a provincial governor or prefectural governor, or even major officials that ruled a provincial justice temple or an agricultural administration, his influence could never be ignored in a province. Because all the elite students in a province were his disciples, as long as these elite students became famous in the future, they would mean a well-connected network with endless potentials.
"What did dad say?"
"Youzhou Provincial governor has already issued the decree. Although dad intends to take that office; however, he was still a bit hesitated…"
Zhang Tie thought about it as he found that his dad could definitely be qualified as a principal based on his temperament. Zhang Ping's biggest advantage was being patient. Additionally, he was a yes-man. The two features were the most important qualities that should be owned by educators. 'Perhaps, dad should really try it. He's not too old whatsoever.' Zhang Tie thought as he sent a message to Zhang Yang, "Elder brother, tell dad that we will support him whatever decision he makes. It's just a title of principal. If dad really wants to try it, it's not a big deal. If he couldn't do that, he could resign. With the assistance of our two brothers, if others could become well-educated by dad, they should owe it to their dull qualifications and failure to comprehend the essence of the education of our dad…"
"Hmm, I will tell our dad about that. Let's talk later. A lot of partners of Jinwu Business Group have already received the news and are congratulating me by sending messages. I've received hundreds of messages. I will be very busy in the following days…"
"Fine!"
"Zhang family's heyday is coming…"
Zhang Yang couldn't stand revealing his ambition in the end…
Soon after ending the communication with Zhang Yang, Zhang Tie had known what did Zhang family's heyday mean. Starting from Lord Guangnan's Mansion, Deyang Immortal Being of Heavenly Fortune Sect, Guan Qianchong the head of Guan Clan, Cheng Honglie the commander of Northeast Military Region and almost all the others who could contact Zhang Tie had already sent a message to him to congratulate him after knowing that Fiery Oil had officially been listed as the storage of the top 6 warehouses in Taixia Country…
The profits of Fiery Oil ranked first in the world. Even if Zhang family only took half of the profits of Fiery Oil, it had already laid a foundation for Zhang family to become a top major clan in Taixia Country…
When Taixia Country was in danger, Zhang family entered their heyday…
Chapter 1363: Meeting Old Friends
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Before sunset, the huge airboat had landed at an airport in Huanzhou Province near the foot of Helan Mountain Range.
This airport was very large. It was one of the largest airports in the east of Helan Mountain Range and an important logistics base in the theater of operations. Being 300-350 miles long and over 200 miles wide, the base was even larger than a class A city. Having a bird's-eye view from the sky, the entire airport was absolutely a small plain in the east of Helan Mountain Range. Being barren and plain, it was covered with sandstone within 600 square miles. There were only some short bushes and thorns on the ground.
After the vanguard of demons invaded Taixia Country, a professional army corps of 500,000 engineers only spent 2 months in renovating this place into a huge logistic base for aircraft based on its topography.
Over 3 million people of 7 field corps within over 60 square miles were depending on this logistic base.
After Zhang Tie's airboat landed there, those huge transport airships also started to land there by batches with the guidance of ground light signal, together with batches of airplanes which landed in the surrounding airports…
Before the hatch door was opened, a strong wind had arrived, causing banners and sands flying. As a result, everything was covered by the shallow sand in the blink of an eye…
After passing by the open land around the airboat, the fine sands hit the steel helmets and armors of those officers, which was aggressive and metallic like that when saber and sword slid over the surface of hone.
Being influenced by the strong wind, some nearby airships slightly deviated due to the unstable center of gravity. As a result, those ground logistics personnel soon rushed into the windy sands while an officer's hoarse voice sounded, "Hurry…No. 3 berth…start steam capstan to fasten the mooring lines of the airboat…"
In the strong wind and sands, the hatch door of the airboat was opened while Zhang Tie walked out in white.
"General!"
At the sight of Zhang Tie, all the armored marshals cupped their hands, causing clatters between pieces of metal armor.
"Marshals, take it easy!" Zhang Tie bowed towards them too. After that, he looked around and watched the sands in the strong wind as he sighed with feeling, "This place is a wind gap of Helan Mountain Range. It's wise to select the airport here. We could put this base in use as fast as possible. However, the garrisons have to suffer from such bad weather…"
"As soldiers of Taixia Country, it's normal for us to fight to death on the battlefields. By contrast, such weather is nothing serious!" Fang Hui grinned as he watched Zhang Tie, "As long as the general brings us some good weaponry for killing demons, our soldiers would feel worth staying here…"
Besides Fang Hui and Peng Yulin whom Zhang Tie had long acquainted with in Xiangshan City, there were 5 more black iron knights in armors of corps leaders standing in front of the team. All the leaders of the surrounding 7 field corps had arrived.
Followed by the 7 corps leaders were senior officers of each corps. In total, there were over 100 people, making it an armored team of officers.
Fang Hui and Peng Yulin were old friends that Zhang Tie made in Xiangshan City who killed demons together with Zhang Tie. Later on, they escorted the Wuzhou Provincial Army to return from Xiangshan City together while all the dangers on the way back had been cleared by Zhang Tie.
Fang Hui then introduced the other 5 corps leaders to Zhang Tie. Zhang Tie also introduced Lu Yanyu and some officers of the agricultural administration to the 7 corps leaders. They then became familiar with each other.
Zhang Tie came here with the first batch of Fiery Oil weapons that had been produced in the rear end. On the way here, Zhang Tie inspected the construction of airports, airplanes and training of pilots in each province and prefecture. He was very satisfied with the result. Over the past half a year, the bumper harvest of grains could cater to the production of Fiery Oil. Production of Fiery Oil airplanes and weapons, training of pilots and the construction of airports which Zhang Tie treasured most had been on track and gained pleasant achievements.
"Old Fang, we're friends. No need to be so constrained in front of me. As you're all here, I will cut the crap. I will find a proper place to show the latest weapons and their usage to you. After that, you, corps leaders, could have people take away your own weaponry. The earlier troops are matched with such weaponry, the more confident would our soldiers be when facing demons��"
"Haha, frank guy…" Fang Hui burst out into laughter as he threw a glance at the other 6 corps leaders and asked, "What do you think?"
"Hahaha, we would benefit from the association with Old Fang and Yulin this time. In the past half a year, I've heard that Fiery Oil weapons were especially powerful. However, it's said that only a small part of frontline troops and special forces of the top 4 armies are matched with some weaponry. They all treat weaponry as treasures. Whereas, most of the troops in the theater of operations have no chance to get such equipment. Many people have not even seen them before. I've long been desiring for them!" A knight with whiskers said straightforwardly.
As Zhang Tie's words satisfied these corps leaders' tastes very much, their attention was aroused at once.
"Well, there's a training ground not far from here, which is used for training garrisons of the base in normal days. How about showing us the power of these Fiery Oil weaponry over there?" Another corps leader suggested while all the others nodded. Therefore, they came to a training ground near the place where Zhang Tie's airboat had landed. Although those marshals didn't have a chance to chime in just now, they all went there to take a look at the power of Fiery Oil weaponry.
The training ground was right on a small undulating hillside which covered a few square miles. As there were some mountain slopes and ravines over there, airships couldn't land there. To fill and level up that place, it meant a great quantity of work. Therefore, they kept it as a training ground for the garrisons of the airport. Usually, it was used for training fighters in the base. Taking a broad view, Zhang Tie found a lot of training facilities on the training ground such as obstacles, trenches, water pools, marshy land and high slopes which were indeed convenient for training.
When they arrived there, the strong wind gradually stopped. As a result, the visibility grew increasingly greater. Many Hua fighters were rolling, crawling and fighting on the training ground while the air was filled with their hoarse roars. Right on the hillside, 5,000-6,000 people with red strips of cloth on their arms were fighting another 5,000-6,000 people with blue strips of cloth on their arms at their full efforts, bared to their waists. The fierce scene looked like that they were really having a fight at the risk of their lives. While rolling and wrestling on the ground, those fighters' sweat, blood and mud combined into bizarre muddy strips and mottled regions on their skin…
Zhang Tie was moved by such a tough training as he felt the same qi of Hua fighters in Iron-Blood Camp from them. They were really training at the risk of losing their lives. Many people were severely beaten that even their faces were covered with blood; whereas, they still roared and rushed towards the opponents; instead of moving a step backward…
"Where does the garrison corps of this base come from?" Zhang Tie asked those marshals on his sides.
"This garrison corps is rearranged from the original Wuzhou provincial army!" A corps leader said in a muffled voice, "Many relatives of these people have been killed by demons or collapsed in the areas occupied by demons. Therefore, they all want to avenge demons. They all know that their opponents are at least LV 9 fighters in demons corps. Most of the people among them are below LV 6. Although they're clear that they might not be able to kill those demon b*stards, they still strengthen their training and expect to kill one demon so as to not live in vain…"
"Not only them, those fighters of corps in the theater of operations even brothers of top four armies of Taixia Country think that they would not live in vain by killing one demon and win by killing two…" Fang Hui also sighed with emotions, "We're afraid that it'd be useless even if they sacrificed themselves. That would be really despairing…"
After watching the training on the training ground for a couple of seconds, Zhang Tie said, "Gather them, they should see what I've brought for them to fight demons…"
After Zhang Tie's words, the mort had reverberated around the training ground. After hearing the mort, all the Hua fighters stopped their training immediately as they gathered up in terms of 1,000 people matrix on both sides of the hillside beside the training ground solemnly…
Almost the moment those fighters gathered up, Zhang Tie's subordinates had already carried crates to the graining ground. At the sight of the items inside those crates, all the corps leaders' and officers' eyes lit up like bulbs…
Chapter 1364: New Weaponry
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
After those crates were opened, they saw wholly-new Fiery Oil weapons lying inside tidily. Being simply isolated by tissue paper, the swarthy and shiny weapons were lying quietly in the crates in rows and floors. At the sight of them, all the marshals at present drooled as they moved their fingers.
Before Zhang Tie came to the theater of operations, the ground troops of Fiery Dragon Corps mainly used inflammable grenades, inflammable spears and inflammable crossbows and bolts. Zhang Tie carried some crates of inflammable spears, inflammable grenades and inflammable crossbows and bolts. Besides, engineers and craftsmen in Taixia Country invented two more Fiery Oil weapons and matched them with ground troops on a large scale, namely, inflammable mines and inflammable flamers…
"This is an inflammable grenade…" Zhang Tie said as he took up an inflammable grenade from a crate under the gaze of those corps leaders. After rotating its handle anticlockwise by 90 degrees, Zhang Tie threw it towards a wooden target in the training ground over 50 m away. The moment the grenade fell in front of the wooden target, it had turned into a fierce flame, which instantly covered the wooden target. Only after a few seconds, the wooden target had been burned into ashes. Not only that, after the wooden target was burned into ashes, the flame didn't die out until it turned 20 square meters' area into scorched black, leaving some wisps of smokes…
The power of an inflammable grenade made those corps leaders and officers thrilled.
After seeing Zhang Tie's gesture, all the 8 corps leaders gathered about as each of them took up an inflammable grenade and started to look at it. They weighed up the grenade by hand while nodding inside.
"I saw that the general rotated the handle of the inflammable grenade before throwing it out just now. I wonder about the principle?" Peng Yulin asked with an inflammable grenade in hand.
"This is the safety switch of the inflammable grenade. When you don't rotate it, this inflammable grenade would be very safe and wouldn't be detonated by ordinary collisions. After you rotate its handle anticlockwise by 90 degrees, you would trigger its fuse. Inflammable grenades adopt two modes of fuses. After switching on its fuse, it would be detonated soon after it crashes against any object. The other mode is that it would be detonated automatically after its fuse switches on for 4.2 seconds even if it doesn't touch any object. Whenever each of the two modes' condition was satisfied, the inflammable grenade would be detonated in that mode…" Zhang Tie said as he took up another inflammable grenade. After rotating its handle by 90 degrees, he threw it out in the same trajectory. This time, that grenade exploded directly in the air. After turning into a fierce blaze in the air, it finally landed on the ground and started to burn up.
"The mixed modes of detonation of an inflammable grenade are designed for the sake of actual combat. Because Hua fighters' opponents on the battlefield are at least LV 9 demon fighters, whose speed and responsiveness were far out of the reach of ordinary Hua fighters. In this case, if time-delayed fuse were adopted, the grenade might be kicked back or thrown back before explosion. The outcome might be that we have to suffer an accidental casualty. However, if we only adopt contact-mode fuse, the inflammable grenade would not explode unless it touched the ground or hit the opponent. The opponents would not easily dodge away from the attack of an inflammable grenade in the second mode…"
After hearing Zhang Tie's explanation, all the 8 corps leaders nodded. The mixed fuse of the inflammable grenade was indeed developed for the sake of actual combat. It could never be developed by nerds or those who had not attended any fight in the frontline at all. Additionally, 4.2 seconds was the optimal period given the throwing speed and the distance on the battlefield…
"Great, that's really great!" Fang Hui clapped his hands on one side forcefully as he continued, "Those who have not fought demon fighters on the ground could never work out such modes. The inventors should be well awarded…"
Zhang Tie remained silent with a slight smile while Lu Yanyu who was standing on Zhang Tie's side opened his mouth, "The idea of mixed modes of the fuse of an inflammable grenade was proposed by the general. The general has joined in the design of many key links in the production of these weapons in the arsenals of Huanzhou Province, Kangzhou Province, Ningzhou Province and Military Province…"
After hearing Lu Yanyu's words, those corps leaders changed their viewpoints about Zhang Tie once again. They all knew that Zhang Tie was something; however, they had not imagined that Zhang Tie could have such great accomplishments and insight in technologies and craftsmanships. It seemed that the Military God had made a pretty correct choice in having Qianji Hermit serve as Weiji General. Previously, those corps leaders were not sure that dual-drive engines were invented by Zhang Tie as they thought the accomplishment might be achieved by someone else for the honor of Zhang Tie. However, now they realized that Qianji Hermit's abilities might not be out of the imagination of commoners���
Zhang Tie just smiled after hearing the exclamation and praise of those corps leaders. He didn't look arrogant at all. The mixed modes of the fuse of inflammable grenades were indeed the best design that Zhang Tie worked out after so many combats with demons. Besides inflammable grenades, inflammable spears also adopted mixed modes of the fuse…
After trying the power of inflammable grenades themselves, the 8 corps leaders were all thrilled…
After showing inflammable grenades to them, Zhang Tie started to introduce inflammable spears and inflammable crossbows and bolts to them. Even officers and Hua fighters in the training ground were in a tumult when they watched those new Fiery Oil weapons, not to mention those corps leaders.
Especially when Zhang Tie demonstrated the usage of the inflammable spear. He took up an inflammable spear and threw it out casually. As a lightning bolt flashed by, it hit a huge piece of weathered rock on the hillside over 1,000 m away. The entire piece of rock was broken completely. Closely after that, it started to burn heavily. The destructive capability and sphere of influence of inflammable spear were over 3 times more than that of the inflammable grenade.
The inflammable mine was weirder. Being of the same size as an inflammable grenade, the inflammable mine was flatter and could be easily buried under the ground. Its fuse was based on contact mode. As long as a demon stepped on it, it would be covered with high-temperature flame and burnt into ashes. Even those on its side might be involved. The inflammable mine was as destructive as an inflammable grenade. After being detonated, it would cover about 20 square meters…
The inflammable flame thrower was most destructive among all the Fiery Oil weapons.
The prototype of inflammable flame thrower was flamethrower that human troops were matched with before the Catastrophe. With a pair of steel cans on one's back, one held an over 1-m long spraying gun, as long as he pressed down the switch, Fiery Oil would be sprayed out of the spraying gun under high-pressure nitrogen in the shape of a 40-50 m long berserk fiery dragon, which would sweep over everything nearby. As a result, stones, wooden targets and bushes started to burn up…
Even those corps leaders were dumbfounded by the destructive capability of inflammable flamethrower, not to mention those Hua fighters in the training ground. Because everybody knew that this destructive weaponry would be available to them soon…
"With such sharp weapons, our fighters of Taixia Country would never be afraid of demons even if all the demons are above LV 9…" A corps leader sighed with feeling.
"Even LV 10 battle demons who are able to release protective battle qi could only stand such a high temperature for a few seconds, not to mention those LV 9 fighters…"
"It seems that one Hua fighter could kill dozens of LV 9 demons with a set of an inflammable flamethrower in proper topography…"
"Based on its destructive capability, it could even be used to deal with low-altitude wing demons. Therefore, those wing demons would not be scrupulous in the sky anymore…"
"As long as demons suffered some losses, they would definitely know the destructive capability of the inflammable flamethrower. In the future, our fighters who manipulate inflammable flamethrower would definitely be the primary target of demons. Therefore, only dauntless fighters could use inflammable flamethrower…"
All the corps leaders at present were in hot discussion as they were conquered by the destructive capability of the inflammable flamethrower. In some sense, the inflammable flamethrower was even more destructive than some powerful battle qi strikes with fire attribute.
"Besides being available for a single pawn, the inflammable flamethrower could also be installed on the armored vehicle…" Peng Yulin said while all the others moved their eyes on Zhang Tie.
"Actually, we've already invented inflammable tanks, which is matched with a reinforced inflammable flamethrower by adding a steam pressure device and a small nitrogen separator. This sort of inflammable flamethrower could reach over 100 away…"
After hearing Zhang Tie's words, all the corps leaders' eyes shone once again. However, Zhang Tie's following explanation disappointed them for the time being…
"However, the topography in Helan Mountain Range doesn't allow heavy weaponry such as armored vehicles to access. Therefore, the first batch of inflammable tanks could only be transported to corps near Weishui River by train…"
"What about airplanes and air force?"
Zhang Tie replied while blinking his eyes, "I have no idea about the concept of the air force. I'm just a Weiji General. I'm responsible for training pilots and making weapons. As for the arrangement of those pilots, it's within Military God's consideration. If I established an air force in the rear end, those imperial around-the-clock censors might find an opportunity to find me trouble…"
After exchanging a glance with each other, all the corps leaders were clear of Zhang Tie's concerns. Therefore, they shifted the topic at once.
"How many weapons does General bring to our corps this time?"
"1.5 million inflammable grenades, 500,000 inflammable mines, 100,000 inflammable spears, 200,000 inflammable crossbows and bolts, 10,000 inflammable flamethrowers and some matched equipment and supplies for each corps for the time being…"
"We extend our thanks to the general on behalf of our soldiers!" Some corps leaders cupped their hands towards Zhang Tie as they said in unison, "Our fighters are happy to see general in the theater of operations!"
Shaking his head, Zhang Tie sighed with emotions inside as he threw a glance at those ordinary fighters on the training ground and said in a low voice, "Hopefully, their parents, wives and children don't hate me in the future. Without the weaponary, they might still have a chance to escape; however, with the weaponry, they would seek for death…"
At this moment, a breeze blew by, causing dirt to rise and fall. It was quiet all over. Those corps leaders and officers were all watching Zhang Tie silently as they could barely understand Zhang Tie's feelings.
"Our Hua men could fight to death for the country, the people on the battlefields. We all wish to fight to death and not feel pitiful at all…" Peng Yulin said while raising his head, revealing a pair of heroic, raised sword-shaped eyebrows under his helmet…
Chapter 1365: Going Back for Reporting on His Work
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
When Xuanyuan Fortress appeared in his vision, Zhang Tie could still faintly hear the exclamations of the Hua corps fighters who were receiving new weaponry. As a result, Zhang Tie felt a bit less guilty unconsciously. Perhaps, nobody knew that Zhang Tie disliked war since he was born; neither did he like to see others going for death. Zhang Tie didn't feel like celebrating it whether the others were dying in a glorious or humble manner.
However, as a male knight in such a damned secular world, he had no other choice but to escape and hide somewhere like a coward or go to the battlefield like a fighter who buried his mercy and sadness in his heart resolutely by turning himself into a scorching piece of steel and faced challenges one after another as well as cleaning up all the demons who wanted to enslave and exterminate humans once again. The more demons he killed, the more comfortable he would be; if he could kill all the demons, he would feel completely satisfied with it.
Because it was wartime, after Zhang Tie escorted the first batch of weaponry to the ground logistic base in Helan Mountain Range, he didn't stay there too long. After having a short drink with the 7 corps leaders, he had restarted his trip by airboat towards the air territory between Weishui River and Helan Mountain Range where Xuanyuan Fortress was located in before the weaponry was fully transferred.
When he saw Xuanyuan Fortress once again, it was evening while the sky was covered with stars. Xuanyuan Fortress and those surrounding battle fortresses were bathing starlight in the sky.
As Weiji General, Zhang Tie could directly keep his airboat at a berth in Xuanyuan Fortress.
"I might stay in Xuanyuan Fortress for a few days. All the other things would remain unchanged and at your disposal. You could return by this airboat…" Zhang Tie told Lu Yanyu before getting off the airboat.
"Erm…general, this airboat is your private vehicle. Just keep it here. Airboats would come here to provide supplies at regular time from provinces. We could return by one of those airboats…"
"I don't need to be that luxurious here. It's a waste for this airboat to stay here. You go back by airboat first. When I need it, you could assign the airboat to pick me up…" Zhang Tie waved his hand to stop Lu Yanyu. After 2 seconds' silence, Zhang Tie added, "Perhaps…there would be a new Weiji General…"
Zhang Tie's last words had Lu Yanyu widen his eyes at once as he watched Zhang Tie with an unbelievable expression, "General…general…wants to resign…"
After being in the officialdom of Taixia Country for dozens of years, Lu Yanyu didn't believe that Zhang Tie could make such a decision in his heyday. After taking office for over half a year, Zhang Tie had successfully met the supply of grains, Fiery Oil and airplanes in the theater of operations. So many official businesses, major clans and commoners had benefited from the grains, Fiery Oil, airplanes and weaponry that Zhang Tie had provided in the Huanzhou Province, Kangzhou Province, Ningzhou Province and Military Province. Everybody appreciated him very much. Weiji General was prevailing in the officialdom and was deeply favored by the people; especially after the bumper harvest when Zhang Tie's prestige skyrocketed and could almost match that of the commander of the Peacewest Military Region. In that case, as long as Zhang Tie maintained everything in the rear end unchanged without doing anything else for a couple of years, when the rear end's situation was completely consolidated with a few more times' bumper harvests, his meritorious deeds on production and supply of Fiery Oil, grains and weaponry would be as great as that of commander of a military region in Taixia Country. When Zhang Tie promoted to a shadow knight, he would easily be elected as the commander of a military region.
Lu Yanyu couldn't understand why Zhang Tie would resign at this moment. If he resigned at this moment, it was equal to gifting his meritorious deeds to others. 'Is cultivation so important for a knight?' Even if Zhang Tie served as Weiji General, he could still cultivate. Take a few days ago as an instance. Although Zhang Tie disappeared for over 2 months, the rear end still ran as usual.
"I indeed have such an idea…"
"General…" Lu Yanyu moved one step forward out of excitement as he bowed towards Zhang Tie deeply, "Although this subordinate is not very familiar with general's temperament, this subordinate has noticed everything that general has done for the theater of operations over the past half a year and kept it deep in mind. General's method is too inspiring. Without the general, there would not be such a good situation facing the rear end. General is far-sighted and generous. Gentleman's morality is fine intoxication and education which glorifies all the 4 provinces. This subordinate really admires the general for what you have done. General, please listen to this subordinate's sincere words. If you resign at this moment, it would be too pitiful. Please think twice before making a decision…"
Watching Lu Yanyu, Zhang Tie cupped his hands towards him solemnly as he said, "Thanks for your sincere advice, Mr. Lu. I don't feel regretful hearing your words at this moment!"
"This subordinate expects that the general could continue to be the Weiji General of the theater of operations. If the general resigned at this moment, the subordinates' morale would decline, the pretty good over situation facing the four provinces would also be weakened. I believe that Military God would never agree with your resignation!" Lu Yanyu said. After being silent for a few seconds, he added, "Even though the prime minister has an unrivaled power, Meng Shidao would not dare offend the general given your status of Weiji General and your great military exploits."
Zhang Tie shook his head with a smile as he replied, "It's not because of Meng Shidao. Even though I have a bright future in officialdom and could become one of the top 3 chancellors of Taixia Country in the future, it's not what I want!"
"I see, it seems that the general has other ambitions…" Lu Yanyu was enlightened suddenly as he watched Zhang Tie with an admirable and sophisticated eye light as if it was his first time to know Zhang Tie. What a strange world! What many people strove for was nothing but a piece of sh*t for others because someone would jettison high position and vanity like abandoning a pair of broken shoes.
Patting Lu Yanyu's shoulder, Zhang Tie said, "Take care of yourself…". Closely after that, Zhang Tie left the airboat under the sophisticated gaze of Lu Yanyu.
A knight subordinate of Zuoqiu Mingyue was waiting for Zhang Tie outside the airboat.
Since he left Xuanyuan Fortress as Weiji General, it was Zhang Tie's first time to return to Xuanyuan Fortress for reporting on his work.
A black sedan was waiting outside the airboat. Zhang Tie became a bit stunned by it. Because no knight would even throw a glance at it on the ground; however, in Xuanyuan Fortress, there were very few sedans and were pretty eye-catching. It's the traffic tool for important figures in the fortress. Even a heavenly knight would not fly here and there in the air fortress.
After getting in the sedan, Zhang Tie had been transported towards the high tower in the center of the fortress. On the way, all the knights on two sides of the roads moved their eyes onto the passenger in the vehicle…
"What? Is that Qianji Hermit? Qianji Hermit has returned to Xuanyuan Fortress…" Some knights recognized Zhang Tie at once…
"Isn't Qianji Hermit the Weiji General of the rear end? Why did he come back to Xuanyuan Fortress…"
"Do not make a fuss! Who told you that Weiji General can't come back? Hillbilly…"
The result was that the news that Zhang Tie had returned to Xuanyuan Fortress had been spread over the air fortress before he met Zuoqiu Mingyue…
Chapter 1366: A Countermeasure (I)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
In the same room, facing the same person, Zhang Tie didn't feel anything different than that when he met Zuoqiu Mingyue here for the first time. After more than half a year, Zuoqiu Mingyue was still like a spirited immortal except for some imperceptible wisps of pale hair near his temples. Zhang Tie sighed with emotions inside.
Commoners could not imagine how great stress was this old man sustaining whose figure was not imposing. He had to face the great stress of a multitude of demon knights and demon corps while sustaining the expectation of hundreds of millions of commoners across the entire empire. Within days, the frontline near Helan Mountain Range and Weishui River had already become the focus of both humans and demons in this holy war. Even the iron man might be collapsed mentally facing such great stress. However, this old man didn't fall inside. After stabilizing the western line of defense, Zuoqiu Mingyue still stood here and accepted the coming storm frankly.
In the past half a year, although Zhang Tie was not in the frontline, he also knew that the demon army was approaching the human line of defense. During the same period, human knights and frontline battle fortresses had made great achievements under the guidance of Zuoqiu Mingyue in "sawtooth tactics" by separating the vanguards of demon army into parts. Under the general guidance of Zuoqiu Mingyue, the vanguard of demon army gradually slowed down their marching speed while those separated demon knights troops and ground corps had to combine with each other on a large scale once again so as to respond to the counterattack from Taixia Country…
"Commander-in-chief, Zhang Tie the Weiji General of western theater of operations is coming…" Zhang Tie still bowed towards Zuoqiu Mingyue politely in case of being regarded as fickle and arrogant because of Zuoqiu Mingyue's favor.
Zuoqiu Mingyue revealed a very warm smile as he threw a tender yet sharp glance at Zhang Tie. Closely after that, he slowly nodded as he said, "Hmm, not bad, very good. I've not selected the wrong person!"
Zhang Tie was not familiar with Zuoqiu Mingyue; otherwise, he should have long been excited after hearing Zuoqiu Mingyue's praise. Only those who were familiar with Zuoqiu Mingyue knew that the commander-in-chief barely acclaimed any person usually. He would comment someone as "not bad" or "very good" at most. It was really his first time to speak highly of someone using "not bad", "very good" and "I've not selected the wrong person" together. Nobody else across Taixia Country had ever gained such an acclamation from Zuoqiu Mingyue.
"I'm overpraised and embarrassed by such praise, commander-in-chief!"
"You're too modest…" Zuoqiu Mingyue burst out into laughter, "I'm clear about your achievements as Weiji General. Everybody else has known what you've done for the theater of operations. Take the Fiery Oil weapons that you sent to the 7 corps near Helan Mountain Range and the performance of the students of the pilot academies in the four provinces as an instance, soon after that, I've received reports from hundreds of corps leaders of provincial armies and top 4 armies. All of them have been jealous about that and urged me to replenish the latest Fiery Oil weapons and air force for each corps. Look at you, a single action of yours would bring me a lot of troubles…"
Although Zuoqiu Mingyue's words sounded like complaining, his tone implied he was very happy. Therefore, these words could also be regarded as praise.
After hearing Zuoqiu Mingyue's words and looking at the pale hair near his temples, Zhang Tie could only decline politely, "Benefited from the concerted efforts of soldiers and commoners and the spirit of sacrifice of officials in these provinces, I made such a bit achievement by fortune…"
"The total population of corps of Taixia Country within Peacewest Military Region has almost reached 500 million. As Weiji General of the theater of operations, you have the biggest right to speak on some issues. How long do you think it will take for these corps in the theater of operations to accomplish its first weaponry update?"
"At least 22 months!" Zhang Tie put it straightforwardly. As Weiji General, Zhang Tie might not interfere with all the details, he was very clear about the productive capacity of weaponry of the 4 provinces within Peacewest Military Region. This figure was calculated by the Peacewest Agricultural Bureau.
"22 months?" Zuoqiu Mingyue slightly frowned.
"The arsenals across the 4 provinces have been producing weaponry by 3 shifts. I've already told my subordinates to have mill owners and major clans participate in it in terms of bidding. Now, all the Fiery Oil bases in the 4 provinces have been put into production. All the provinces are releasing their productivity. This figure was an optimistic estimation that has excluded the demon army's influence on the productivity of those provinces.
In the following year, the productivity in each province could increase 30% more. The weaponry update of Taixia troops within the 4 provinces could also be finished 4 months earlier; however, the outcome is that the quality of Fiery Oil weaponry would not be guaranteed while the yield rate of each kind of weaponry would degrade by 2 levels. Many weaponry's problems might not be exposed unless in use. Because skilled workers couldn't be trained in one day. Otherwise, we might suffer an unexpected loss. Even the troops' confidence about Fiery Oil weaponry would be weakened…"
Zhang Tie said calmly while watching Zuoqiu Mingyue, "The same plan has been posed by some officials in the Peacewest Agricultural Bureau. However, I've vetoed it. I am experienced in the grassroots of troops. I know that what sort of weaponry does a fighter need. As for all the fighters in the frontline, unreliable weaponry means a high risk of losing their lives. Weaponry of poor quality would even weaken fighters' morale instead of enhancing it. At the critical moment, we'd better not use such poor-quality weaponry. According to the plan on matching corps with Fiery Oil weaponry, corps in Military Province and in the east of Huanzhou Province, Kangzhou Province and Ningzhou Province would be matched with Fiery Oil weaponry. Generally, it will not play a negative role in the defensive line near Helan Mountain Range and Weishui River…"
After hearing Zhang Tie's statement, Zuoqiu Mingyue slightly frowned for a couple of seconds before nodding.
Chapter 1367: A Countermeasure (II)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
"Whether the air cavalries trained by pilot academies in the 4 provinces could attend battle now?"
"I could only say they have mastered the basic combat skills by airplanes. However, the real fighters couldn't be trained by pilot academies; instead, they could only be trained on the battlefields!"
"How many air cavalries could be trained by the end of this year?"
"There're total 341 pilot academies within the 4 provinces. By the end of this year, these pilot academies could train over 1 million air cavalries in total. We've already produced an equal number of airplanes. In the next year, the number of pilot academies within the 4 provinces could even increase by two times. Some excellent flight students could become coaches. Therefore, over 2 million air cavalries could be trained in the 4 provinces by next year…"
"Besides those in the theater of operations, whether Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory has established other pilot academies across Taixia Country?"
"Starting from two years ago, Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory has started to train a batch of air cavalries for Black Armor Army. Later on, we trained a batch of air cavalries for Lord Guangnan's Mansion and Heavenly Fortune Sect. Last year, Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory also accepted the requests from some major clans who got along well with us and helped them train a batch of air cavalries. As of now, the air cavalries trained by Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory have started to spread over the country. Many air cavalries of Fire-Dragon Corps have been assigned to establish pilot academies across the country at the request of provincial governors and prefectural governors and major clans. Up to now, the number of pilot academies across the country has been over 3,000. Additionally, the figure is also increasing day by day…"
Those pilot academies in Taixia Country were the silent achievements of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory in the past 2 years. Since commander Cheng Honglie assigned soldiers to learn airplane driving skills and usages of Fiery Oil weapons in Fire-Dragon Corps, the number of pilot academies had experienced explosive growth in the past 2 years. Any slightly far-sighted local officials or clan heads and elders of major clans and sects would understand the great prospect of Fiery Oil on the battlefield; especially the significance of the appearance of large batches of air cavalry troops. Therefore, after Commander Cheng Honglie's action, those people who wanted to learn airplane driving skills and the usages of Fiery Oil weaponry almost wore out the doorstep of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory.
Provincial and prefectural governors, clan heads and elders of major clans, their relatives or special envoys almost wore out the doorstep of Zhang family.
Zhang Tie knew them all. He had turned over the management of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory to the Iron Heart Palace. Under the management of his wives, Zhang family won an increasingly greater sphere of influence with the opportunity brought by Fiery Oil, Fiery Oil weaponry and pilot academies.
After Zhang Tie left Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory for less than 1 year, the entire Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory had become the holy land for cultivating air cavalries in Taixia Country. It could be said without exaggeration that all the people who could drive airplanes in Taixia Country were basically trained by Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory.
As of now, there had been 16 pilot academies within Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory; however, the great demand for training air cavalries still couldn't be met. Therefore, Fire-Dragon Corps could only assign fighters who had grasped airplane driving skills to help the other prefectures, provinces and major clans to establish pilot academies. The batch of fighters who learned airplane driving skills from Zhang Tie were almost headmasters and coaches of those new pilot academies. According to the tradition of the succession of teachings of Taixia Country, those air cavalries cultivated by these people were Zhang Tie's disciples' disciples.
The person who won the reputation of "the first air cavalry in Selnes Theater of Operations" had already been an instructor all over the country and become the forebear of all the air cavalries in Taixia Country. Zhang Tie was definitely the authoritarian in the realm of air cavalry being widely accepted by Taixia Country as a whole.
"In your opinion, whether these fresh air cavalries should be separated under the leadership of each corps or be arranged into an independent army?" Zuoqiu Mingyue inquired Zhang Tie about air cavalries. Given the performance of Zuoqiu Mingyue, he might have considered this question for a long time; however, he had not made the final decision. It's concerning about the stability of the theater of operations and the frontline of Taixia Country as well as the life or death situation of hundreds of millions of people. Even at such a high position, Zuoqiu Mingyue should also pay special attention to it.
It's not strange for air cavalries to be an independent armed service. It's actually a tradition of human countries before the Catastrophe. The air force among the three services before the catastrophe referred to air cavalry troop. However, after the Catastrophe, because humans could only make airships instead of high-performance aircraft, whose combat capability couldn't match that of airplanes, human countries don't establish independent air force anymore. In this age, all the airship troops were almost the auxiliary armed services of the ground corps and were under the leadership of each corps leader. In emergencies, airship troops might be gathered to coordinate with the airship troops. However, if air cavalries became an army independently, it would be utterly different.
Zhang Tie had also considered about this question seriously. Therefore, the moment he heard Zuoqiu Mingyue's question, Zhang Tie had answered him, "The new air cavalry troops are different than the previous airship troops on both weaponry and battle strength. If such a troop was completely commanded by a ground troop, it would not fully exert its battle strength. According to the experience of human air force before the Catastrophe, the air force was always more effective than ground troop in many cases…"
"Do you agree to make air cavalry an independent armed service?" Zuoqiu Mingyue asked solemnly.
"It's very necessary to make air cavalry an independent armed service; however, we don't need to be that anxious. Given the situation facing the theater of operations, each corps was matched with airship troops; all the air cavalry students in the theater of operations come from each corps. The ground corps have been accustomed to the coordination of air troops when in fight and have developed the corresponding combat and guidance system and concluded combat experience. This custom and system couldn't be altered within a short period. I think that the first batch of air cavalries in the theater of operations will still be affiliated to the ground corps. As the subsidiary combat unit of ground corps, they should follow the order of ground corps so that the air cavalries could rapidly respond to the combat demand of the ground corps in some areas when maintaining the original combat and battlefield guidance system of those ground corps. In this way, the overall battle strength and morale of ground corps would not be weakened too much due to adjustments!"
Zhang Tie became silent for a few seconds before continuing, "Meanwhile, we should see many shortcomings from ground troops' command of air cavalries. The air cavalries that are affiliated to ground corps would play their advantages in some areas; however, as long as the battlefield covers one province even many provinces, single air cavalry troops being affiliated to ground corps would become sparse and hard to coordinate with. As long as a large-scale encounter or battle being involved with dozens of even over 100 corps happens, the air cavalry troops that are fully commanded by the ground corps would barely form a powerful punch due to excessive decentralized strength or meet the overall strategic demand of the entire theater of operations. Therefore, it's urgent to establish an independent air cavalry troop that is especially governed by the commander-in-chief which could take into account the overall situation facing the theater of operations!"
"You mean our air cavalry troops should be divided into two parts. One part could form an independent armed service which could take into account the overall situation facing the theater of operations and fight demons independently; the other part is still affiliated to the ground corps!" Zuoqiu Mingyue relieved his frown as he asked calmly.
"Yes!"
Zuoqiu Mingyue finally revealed a faint smile as Zhang Tie's answer was as same as the system of air cavalries of Taixia Country in the future that he had conceived. Because this issue was of great importance, although Zuoqiu Mingyue had already got the idea, he didn't make a decision urgently. Now that Zhang Tie was a "top expert" in this issue, Zuoqiu Mingyue inquired Zhang Tie about his opinion by hand in order to confirm whether his idea had any loopholes or somewhere to fix. Zhang Tie's answer made Zuoqiu Mingyue reassured completely. At the same time, he had a greater comment on Zhang Tie inside. As the commander-in-chief of Taixia Country, Zuoqiu Mingyue should have such a judgment. However, Zhang Tie shared the same opinion with him on this issue. This indicated that Zhang Tie was already qualified to rule the overall situation. What was more, Zhang Tie was selfless about the solution to this issue. In some sense, it implied that Zhang Tie was sincere and loyal to Taixia Country very much.
Squinting his eyes, Zuoqiu Mingyue watched Zhang Tie as he found that Zhang Tie was more and more favorable. He realized that Zhang Tie could stabilize the overall situation facing the rear end and diffuse his concerns in the theater of operations. If Zhang Tie stayed on Zuoqiu Mingyue's side, he could give Zuoqiu Mingyue advice; even if Zhang Tie was on the battlefield, he could also be responsible for the security of an area by slaughtering and threatening demons. What a rare hero in Taixia Country!
"Qianji Hermit really has a well-deserved reputation. Zhang Huaiyuan really has a good successor. I couldn't match you at your age…" Zuoqiu Mingyue let out a deep sigh.
It was a bit excessive for the Military God to praise Zhang Tie's alias. Therefore, Zhang Tie hurriedly bowed after hearing it…
After feeling Zhang Tie's silence, Zuoqiu Mingyue suddenly said, "I've got a junior at home. She's beautiful and talented, able and virtuous. Given her look, she could ensure her husband to have a bright future. She's the pearl of Biyong Palace of Zuoqiu Clan. As she's not married yet, I intend to marry her to you, what do you think about it?"
After hearing Zuoqiu Mingyue's suggestion, Zhang Tie became dumbfounded as he had never imagined that…
'What…what the hell…'
Chapter 1368: Being a Matchmaker
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
"Thanks, commander-in-chief. I'm overwhelmed by your unexpected favor. However, you might not know that I've already got too many wives in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. They have been sharing my joys and sorrows for so many years. I treat all of my wives equally, regardless of age and status. My wives call each other sisters. If the pearl of Zuoqiu Clan marries me, I'm afraid to embarrass her…" Zhang Tie said frankly.
Zhang Tie had been utterly different than the boy in Blackhot City. At that time, he was young, frivolous and hot-blooded like a horny hyena. At the sight of beauties, he would have a maggot in his mind. He even had an absurd one-night stand with those girls of Rose Association. By contrast, Zhang Tie had already known that the real women in a man's life should be sentimental instead of being a top beauty or a princess of a major clan. The sentimental woman was priceless while the callous woman was like flowing water. Even if the pearl of Zuoqiu Clan was as beautiful as a fairy and would bring a mountain of benefits to Zhang family, Zhang Tie still felt such a woman was like flowing water. Even if she was sweet and brilliant, he could only appreciate her quietly on the bank…
Additionally, Zhang Tie didn't need to associate with any major clans or sects through marriage anymore; neither would he embarrass his wives only for the sake of one person.
Although being dignified, Bai Suxian's emotional experience and life experience couldn't be matched by commoners. Additionally, she had fought demons together with Zhang Tie in the Earth-elements Realm. Zhang Tie didn't expect that other princesses of major clans in Taixia Country could make it. Additionally, Zhang Tie was clear that he couldn't treat other princesses of major clans as same as how he did to Bai Suxian.
Zuoqiu Mingyue was not stupid. After hearing Zhang Tie's words, Zuoqiu Mingyue had understood the deep meaning of the simple word "embarrass"——Zhang Tie was worried about making the pearl of Zuoqiu Clan embarrassed by having her on the same footing with the other wives, which might offend Zuoqiu Clan. Additionally, if the pearl of Zuoqiu Clan had a great qi field, the other wives of Zhang Tie might not feel comfortable.
Zhang Tie declined it politely.
Zuoqiu Mingyue had not imagined that his suggestion could be declined. How could he refuse the good intention of the Military God? Was he lunatic or an idiot? However, Zuoqiu Mingyue didn't lose his temper; instead, he appreciated Zhang Tie's high EQ more.
Zuoqiu Mingyue had long heard about the identities of Zhang Tie's wives. Those foreign women and a pair of twins were all humble commoners with ordinary family backgrounds. In the eyes of the Military God of Taixia Country, Zhang Tie's wives were nothing different than those from common families on the roadside, including Ms. Olina who had a great talent in commerce and O'Laura who was a queen. Zhang Tie's property in Waii Subcontinent was really too poor in the eyes of the Military God of Taixia Country. Zhang Tie refused the princess of Zuoqiu Clan for the sake of these common people and give up the beautiful jade for the sake of some stones, which impressed Zuoqiu Mingyue that Zhang Tie was a sentimental and reliable person.
"It seems that our Zuoqiu Clan's junior isn't destined to marry you…" Zuoqiu Mingyue let out a sigh pitifully and became silent. If he kept urging that, the Military God of Taixia Country would lose his face too much.
After throwing a glance at Zuoqiu Mingyue, Zhang Tie revealed a smile, "My elder brother is in the prime of his life. He's talented and remarkable with decent and tolerant morality. His family doctrines are rigorous. My elder sisters-in-law are all Hua women who're cultured, elegant and reasonable. They all look as noble as those from major clans. At commander-in-chief's favor, this humble man suggests one princess of Zuoqiu Clan to marry my elder brother as my elder sister-in-law. How about that?"
After hearing Zhang Tie's words, Zuoqiu Mingyue became silent for a second. He then became a bit interested in it. He had heard about Zhang Tie's elder brother. Although Zhang Yang's achievement in cultivation was not as brilliant as that of Zhang Tie, the reputation of Jinwu Business Group had also spread over Taixia Country over these years. Additionally, it was said that Zhang Tie's elder brother was also a pharmacist. Therefore, Zhang Yang was also not bad. The two brothers assisted with each other with a profound brotherhood. It's also a good choice for Zuoqiu Clan's female junior to marry Zhang Yang as Zhang Tie's elder sister-in-law if she couldn't marry Zhang Tie…
"Fine, you have my words…" Zuoqiu Mingyue promised Zhang Tie at once.
"Now that commander-in-chief has agreed, I will notice my family members to propose marriage in Biyong Palace someday…"
Zuoqiu Mingyue nodded, which meant that they had fixed it. The two people didn't even mention whom to marry Zhang Tie's elder brother. Because there was an existing rule on connections through marriage between major clans of Taixia Country, Zhang Tie knew that Zuoqiu Clan would definitely find a proper female junior to marry his elder brother. That lady would never look ugly while she must be a direct descendant of Zuoqiu Mingyue; otherwise, this connection through marriage would be meaningless.
After fixing the connection through marriage in brief talk, Zuoqiu Mingyue and Zhang Tie instantly felt the other one a bit closer. Additionally, Zuoqiu Mingyue's words sounded much more genial.
"I have one more thing to negotiate with you!"
"Go ahead, please, commander-in-chief."
"It's said that you've established Fire-Dragon Corps in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. In the beginning, Fire-Dragon Corps have been matched with Fiery Oil weaponry; additionally, they have mastered special battle methods?"
"Yes!" Zhang Tie nodded as he felt it was unnecessary to cover it.
"The Fiery Oil weaponry have just been delivered to the troops in the theater of operations. However, those corps are still learning to use them. As there's no reference or model, I want you to assign a part of your Fire-Dragon Corps to the theater of operations and have them stationed at the bank of Weishui River…"
After hearing Zuoqiu Mingyue's request, Zhang Tie instantly understood that Zuoqiu Mingyue wanted a part of Fire-Dragon Corps to serve as a reference of those corps in the theater of operations so that those corps could be familiar with the use of Fiery Oil weaponry as soon as possible.
The army would finally be put into use in the theater of operations. Zhang Tie couldn't refuse such a request. Actually, since he established Fire-Dragon Corps, Zhang Tie had been preparing for that.
"Fine…" Zhang Tie nodded straightforwardly, "I wonder how many people do you need, commander-in-chief?"
"50,000!"
"But who would be responsible for guiding the part of Fire-Dragon Corps in the theater of operations?"
"I will direct them!"
"Okay, I will have people arrange it!"
"The earlier they come, the better it will be. Because the large-scale war near the frontline of Weishui River and Helan Mountain is coming soon!" Zuoqiu Mingyue said sincerely.
"Don't worry, commander-in-chief, I will have 50,000 people of Fire-Dragon Corps appear at the bank of Weishui River together with their weaponry within 1 week!" Zhang Tie said resolutely.
"Fine!"
…
After fixing the matter of assignment of Fire-Dragon Corps, the knight subordinate of Zuoqiu Mingyue who led Zhang Tie here just now reported that the Cheji General of Ningzhou Province had arrived and was waiting for Zuoqiu Mingyue. After finding that Zuoqiu Mingyue was busy, Zheng Tie bade a farewell to him right away.
Not until he left the high tower in the center of Xuanyuan Fortress did Zhang Tie patted his head as he suddenly remembered that he had forgotten to resign.
Strangely, since he saw Zuoqiu Mingyue, Zhang Tie had felt bashful talking about it.
Now that he had forgotten about it, Zhang Tie could only comfort himself to serve this term for another period. No matter what, everything about the four provinces had already been in the right way. Nothing more to worry about. Zhang Tie had enough time to do whatever he wanted. Additionally, Lu Yanyu's suggestion was reasonable. If he mentioned his resignation at this critical moment, Zuoqiu Mingyue would probably disagree with him. The reason was that the four provinces couldn't stand any big trouble anymore. Even if he did nothing in his position, as long as he could reassure the people, Zuoqiu Mingyue would never replace him with someone else.
'Whatever. I will talk about it next year. After half a year later when the four provinces' situation stabilizes, I will ask to resign. By then Zuoqiu Mingyue might agree with it.'
Zhang Tie muttered.
…
Soon after he came to the avenue in Xuanyuan Fortress, white light had flashed by. Before Zhang Tie responded to it, Bai Suxian had already thrown herself into Zhang Tie's arms tenderly.
"Why didn't you tell me that you're coming back in advance?" Bai Suxian complained with a pleasant and spoiled look. After leaving him for half a year, Bai Suxian instantly ran over here soon after she heard that Zhang Tie had returned to Xuanyuan Fortress. Therefore, the moment Zhang Tie left the central high tower of Xuanyuan Fortress, he had been captured by Bai Suxian.
All the passers-by were attracted by such a scene——a beauty embraced a teenager as she acted in a spoiled way in the teenager's arms as if nobody was on their sides.
"Ahem…ahem. I just wanted to give you a surprise." Zhang Tie said tenderly as he patted her soft waist as he looked around without caring about the onlookers' eye light. Closely after that, he buried his head into Bai Suxian's hair and took in a deep breath. After smelling her body fragrance, Zhang Tie became reassured physically and mentally at once. He then kissed her tender cheek as he looked straight into Bai Suxian's eyes and said, "I miss you so much. Although we've just departed from each other for half a year, I feel that I've not seen you for a long time…"
Zhang Tie indeed had not seen Bai Suxian for a long time because he had stayed in the tower of time for 6 decades. Therefore, Zhang Tie sighed with emotions at this moment.
After sensing Zhang Tie's sentimental deeds to her in the public, Bai Suxian felt warm-hearted at once as she almost turned soft all over. She then whispered to Zhang Tie, "I miss you too…"
The two people then looked straight into each other's eyes with a smile…
Chapter 1369: Arrival of Fiery-Dragon Corps
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
6 days later, over 40 airboats landed on the open land in the south of Weishui River.
The moment the airboats landed, those fully-armored fighters of Fiery-Dragon Corps had walked out of the airboats in teams, followed by those wholly new wheeled dark green armored vehicles which drove out of the stern of the airboats.
These armored vehicles were much greater and flatter than the ordinary armored vehicles in Taixia Country. Two tentacle-like steel pipes stretched out of the top of this kind of vehicle. There was a huge oil tank under the armor in the back of this armored vehicle. This kind of armored vehicle could start and move rapidly and flexibly. It only emitted euphonious and muffled sounds from its engine and heatwaves from the air-bleed hole…
Being not far from the airport, a wholly new battle fortress was the new encampment of these fighters of Fire-Dragon Corps. After getting off the airboats, these fighters had started to quickly unload weaponry from the airboats. The entire encampment then became boisterous…
Only in one hour, 50,000 armored fighters with weaponry had stood solemnly in front of Zhang Tie in 5 formations and waited for Zhang Tie's review.
…
"Corps leader, Zhang Wumu as well as the 50,000 officers and fighters of No. 1 corps of Fire-Dragon Corps have been ready…"
A over 2-m high heavily armored tough man with a 1.7 m high battle crossbow on his back reported to Zhang Tie loudly in front of the team on an open land near the bank of Weishui River.
This tough man had been mentioned before. He was Zhang Tie's "senior fellow apprentice" in Hidden Dragon Island, who ranked top 3 on the battle strength rankings and family donation rankings in Hidden Dragon Island, a clan disciple of Huaiyuan Palace being close to Lan Yunxi.
When in Hidden Dragon Island, Zhang Wumu was well-known. He was even famous as Fiery King kong among the disciples of Huaiyuan Palace. At that time, he was much more eminent than Zhang Tie. Even Zhang Tie would call him senior fellow apprentice in Hidden Dragon Island.
However, as time went by, after Zhang Tie who was only a bit famous among the clan disciples of Huaiyuan Palace in Hidden Dragon Island became Huaiyuan Palace's clan elder, the two people's positions and prospects had seen a sharp difference.
As of now, Zhang Tie had promoted to an earth knight and was known across the country. Besides, he had become the grand elder of Huaiyuan Palace, the head of Fiery-Dragon Bounty Territory, the founder of Iron-Dragon Sect and the Weiji General of the western theater of operations of Taixia Country. His status was even greater than that of Zhang Taixuan the head of Huaiyuan Palace. Given the past performance of Zhang Wumu, Zhang Tie appointed him as a valiant general of Fiery-Dragon Corps.
Zhang Wumu was a disciple of Elder Muyuan's branch in Goldensea City. Because Elder Muyuan and Zhang Tie both came from the branch of Goldensea City, the relationship between Elder Muyuan and Zhang Tie was a bit closer than that between other elders and Zhang Tie. Therefore, after Zhang Tie established Fire-Dragon Corps in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory, Elder Muyuan recommended Zhang Wumu to Zhang Tie. In the beginning, Zhang Wumu just served as an ordinary officer in Fire-Dragon Corps. After promoting many times, he finally became the leader of No. 1 corps of Fire-Dragon Corps, which was the most powerful corps in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory.
It was actually not the first time for Zhang Wumu to be Zhang Tie's subordinate. When Zhang Tie took over the Hurricane Corps of Huaiyuan Palace in Waii Subcontinent, Zhang Wumu served as an officer of Hurricane Corps. He might feel a bit jealous of Zhang Tie at that time; however, after Zhang Tie promoted to an earth knight, this former senior fellow apprentice was only in awe of Zhang Tie while his jealousy had completely disappeared. In the hearts of Zhang Wumu and the other disciples of Huaiyuan Palace, Zhang Tie's experience in Hidden Dragon Island seemingly became their glory.
——Would I have to tell you that Elder Mushen and I met each other every day as classmates in Hidden Dragon Island and fought demons in Heavenly Cold City?
This sentence could definitely rank first among the awe-inspiring words of the young generation of Huaiyuan Palace. If those young disciples of Huaiyuan Palace who had heard about Zhang Tie in Hidden Dragon Island and joined the task of exterminating Zhen Clan in Heavenly Cold City together with Zhang Tie said this sentence when they were full and almost drunk, they would instantly become the focus of everybody at present and win a lot of awe-stricken eye light.
Zhang Wumu had heard this sentence from others; however, he felt bashful speaking it.
As for "senior fellow apprentice", who, in Huaiyuan Palace, dared say that they were the senior fellow apprentices of Zhang Tie the grand elder of Zhang family? If someone was caught despising the clan elder of Huaiyuan Palace, their prospect in the clan would be stygian for sure. Even their family members and friends might be involved…
As Zhang Tie was familiar with Zhang Wumu, after Zuoqiu Mingyue requested Zhang Tie to assign 50,000 fighters of Fire-Dragon Corps to the theater of operations, Zhang Tie directly dispatched Zhang Wumu and the No. 1 corps of Fire-Dragon Corps here.
Zhang Wumu's voice was stentorian while he was spirited and ambitious. After glancing over Zhang Wumu and those fighters behind him, Zhang Tie nodded. Closely after that, he pointed at the over 5 miles wide billowy Weishui River while his voice entered the ears of all the 50,000 fighters, "We're here for a fight. From today on, this place would be your battlefield. Perhaps after a short period, a multitude of LV 9 demon fighters would rush over here from the opposite bank. Are you afraid of that…"
"No, we're not!" 50,000 fighters held high their sabers and swords while roaring furiously.
"If we were afraid of death, we would have not been soldiers!" Zhang Wumu watched the river with a solemnly look as he replied loudly, "Even if all the 50,000 fighters of Fire-Dragon Corps die here, we swear to save our cost. We will never lose face for corps leaders!"
"Good!" Zhang Tie nodded as he looked around before saying, "Demons are not almighty; they also have flesh and blood. If we kill a demon at the cost of our own lives and have gray-haired men bid farewell to black-haired men, kids would lose their fathers, wives would lose their men, elders would lose their sons, then we're not the real heroes. You have to kill demons by staying alive. You have to return alive and tell your sons and grandsons the story about how their fathers killed demons at the bank of Weishui River in the future. Only such people would be real heroes in my eyes and would make me glorified. Tell me whether you can make it or not?"
"Yes, we can!" 50,000 people answered in unison in high spirits.
"Good. Remember what you said. Men should never break their promise. You're elites of Fire-Dragon Corps. No matter what kind of demons you meet, as long as you deal with them according to the skills that you've been trained over the past 2 years, you will not be afraid of any enemy. I will also fight and bleed with you here to the end. If you fight to death, I will avenge your death. In the future, all of your kids will be the disciples of Iron-Dragon Sect…"
"Long live!"
"Long live!"
"Long live!"
All the 50,000 fighters were extremely hyper while their morale reached the zenith…