"I'm to be the acting commander of the Crimson Gold Battle Group?"Qin Tian looked at the upright messenger officer before him, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.He had assumed the higher-ups would assign another Sixth-Tier Spiritual Energy User to the Crimson Gold Battle Group to replace Yan Song, never expecting that he would be appointed acting commander.But this surprise didn't last long. He quickly straightened his back, his shoulders squared."Thank you for the trust, division leaders." Qin Tian raised his hand to take the transfer order, his fingertips touching the paper with a steady firmness. His voice wasn't loud but every word was clear, "Qin Tian will not fail his mission."The messenger officer looked at the undisguised sharpness in his eyes, a curve of approval appearing on his lips.Although this young man hadn't been in battle for long, he seemed even more composed than described in his file. Especially that air of confidence, it truly had the demeanor of a renowned general on the battlefield."Commander Qin."The messenger officer's expression became serious, his gaze sweeping over the soldiers arrayed on the training ground. His voice, amplified by the sound array, carried a penetrating power:"Besides announcing personnel changes, I'm also here to commend the Crimson Gold Battle Group's recent performance and convey the division's operational arrangements for the next phase of the Crimson Gold Battle Group.""In recent operations, the Crimson Gold Battle Group swept through two Demon Caves with lightning speed, accumulating a total of over 19,700 demons killed, including more than ten Sixth-Tier demons. Not only that, the Crimson Gold Battle Group also successfully destroyed a demonic energy rift, cutting off the source of demon generation. This battle earned outstanding merits."He paused, a more solemn tone entering his voice: "By resolution of the division committee, the Crimson Gold Battle Group is specially awarded a collective Second-Class Merit once. Individual military merits for outstanding performance in this battle will be issued within seven days after the battle results are verified." As his words fell, an irrepressible cheer erupted on the training ground.A collective Second-Class Merit was an extremely high honor for any battle group. This commendation was like a shot in the arm, instantly boosting morale."Beyond the commendation, are the operational deployments for the next phase." The messenger officer's tone shifted, "The division orders that the Crimson Gold Battle Group must depart before noon today, advance three hundred kilometers along the Obsidian Corridor, and garrison the 'Broken Blade Defense Line' on the east side of the Fiery Demon Prison Sea."His face was stern: "Recent monitoring has detected abnormal demonic energy fluctuations within the Fiery Demon Prison Sea, indicating a risk of demon riots. Your mission is to reinforce the defense line's fortifications and closely monitor the movements of the Fiery Demon Prison Sea.""During your garrison, you must maintain communication with the Iron Wall Battle Group to the west and the Star Kite Battle Group to the north, forming a triangular joint defense. No matter what happens, you must hold the defense line and await further command and deployment at all times."The Fiery Demon Prison Sea… Qin Tian's eyes flickered. The Fiery Demon Prison Sea was the largest demon gathering place within several hundred kilometers. It had a large number of demons, widespread distribution, and was far more dangerous than Demon Cave Number One and Demon Cave Number Two.However, this place…"Do you have any objections?" The messenger officer looked at Qin Tian.Qin Tian stepped forward, raised his hand in a salute: "The Crimson Gold Battle Group accepts the order and guarantees to complete the garrison mission!"The messenger officer returned the salute, a smile appearing on his face: "The division looks forward to your performance."After reading everything, he didn't linger long, having a brief conversation with Qin Tian before returning to the division headquarters on the second level of the Demon Suppression Abyss.As soon as the messenger officer's figure disappeared from sight, the Crimson Gold Battle Group's station was like a lake into which a stone had been thrown, rippling in layers."Haha, Old Shen, our Third Battalion's good days are finally here!"Lu Sheng slung his arm around Shen Juan's shoulder, his mouth nearly splitting to his ears. If the occasion hadn't been inappropriate, he would have burst out laughing. Damn it, their Third Battalion had been targeted everywhere before, even more pitiful than a stepchild.And now, their battalion commander had leaped to become the group commander. From now on, they could walk sideways in the group headquarters.Shen Juan's face broke into a smile, his body relaxing a bit at that moment. As for the other soldiers of the Third Battalion, they cheered as soon as the messenger disappeared from sight.Li Wufeng and the First Battalion soldiers were infected by the Third Battalion's atmosphere, their smiles bright. They were comrades who had fought alongside Commander Qin, and they were also the First Battalion to stand firmly behind Commander Qin. With this bond, they believed Commander Qin would definitely not mistreat the First Battalion.Feng Xiaotian, Luo Hu, and Zhao Yue, the three battalion commanders who were once Yan Song's confidantes, exchanged glances, their eyes complex, with a hint of worry and trepidation.The conflict between Qin Tian and Yan Song was well-known, and they were considered Yan Song's confidantes. Now that Qin Tian was in power, would he target them?The only thing worth celebrating now was that the conflict was with Yan Song, and they hadn't actually participated in anything. They hadn't even had time to take sides before Yan Song was taken care of.Thus, there was no conflict or grudge between them and Qin Tian before, so they should—not be treated differently, right?As for the battalion commanders and soldiers of the other battalions, they readily accepted Qin Tian's ascension as acting commander. Regardless of Qin Tian's abilities, at least, besides his Third Battalion and Li Wufeng's First Battalion, the other battalions were equal in the new commander's eyes and would not be intentionally favored, which was definitely better than when Yan Song was in power.At present, the only ones who were miserable were Yan Song's personal guard and his direct subordinates.With Yan Song dead, their backbone was gone, and they were like wandering spirits, unsure of what to do next.And now, Qin Tian, who had once been an opponent of Yan Song, had taken over as acting battalion commander. His people would surely take over all power in the group headquarters, so these people would inevitably be swept out.But one good thing was that the Demon Suppression Abyss had a unique rule.Within the Demon Suppression Abyss, most scions of bloodline families would bring their own teams. The merits earned by these individuals were credited to the scions, and if they died, the military would not provide pensions.The military only had command over the scions themselves and could not directly command their subordinate teams.To summarize with a common Western saying: the vassal of my vassal is not my vassal.Now that Yan Song was dead, they could choose to continue fighting or apply to leave the Demon Suppression Abyss.The military would not forcibly obstruct them in this regard.The clamor on the training ground had not yet completely subsided when Li Wufeng stepped forward first, followed by several key members of the First Battalion. He walked up to Qin Tian, gave a standard military salute, and smiled heartily: "Commander Qin, congratulations! All officers and soldiers of the First Battalion will obey your command from now on!""Damn it, you beat me to it!" The other battalion commanders quickly walked over, their voices ringing out: "Commander Qin, from now on, everyone will resolutely obey your deployment! Wherever you point, we will fight, no questions asked!"The voices of the several battalion commanders were not loud, but they clearly spread throughout the surroundings.Seeing this, the soldiers also gathered, all saluting Qin Tian in unison. For a moment, the atmosphere on the training ground became completely enthusiastic and unified.Qin Tian looked at the familiar and unfamiliar faces before him. He raised his hand in return, his gaze sweeping over everyone, his voice steady and powerful: "I've received everyone's good intentions."He paused, his tone growing firmer, "From now on, there will be no favoritism in the group, only comrades fighting side by side. Hold the defense line, eliminate the demons, and let everyone return home alive with military merits—that's what I, Qin Tian, will do.""Now, all battalions, return immediately to prepare! Depart on time in two hours!""Yes!"Everyone responded in unison, their voices shaking the air slightly.Under the sunlight, the Crimson Gold Battle Group's banner fluttered in the wind, as if cheering on this team about to embark on a new journey.By the time the Crimson Gold Battle Group reassembled, Yan Song's people had already left the team.No one was surprised by this, but one person's appearance was unexpected.This person was none other than Old Ghost, the Sixth-Tier Soul Master by Yan Song's side."Strange, wasn't he Yan Song's man? Why isn't he leaving with the others?""Yeah, I don't understand either.""Is there a possibility that he wasn't entirely Yan Song's man, but rather an expert who came to the Demon Suppression Abyss to fight, and just happened to be assigned under Yan Song, which made him seem like Yan Song's confidant?""That makes sense too."The soldiers speculated and deduced about Old Ghost's stance and identity.The murmurs drifted into Old Ghost's ears like fine rain, but he didn't even lift an eyelid. He simply gazed calmly ahead, a complexity hidden deep in his eyes that others couldn't comprehend.Just then, a gentle thought quietly entered his mind, carrying Qin Tian's unique steady aura: "That child, I've already sent someone to rescue him. You don't need to worry."Old Ghost's back stiffened abruptly, his withered fingers clenching tightly in his sleeve, his knuckles turning white from the effort.He suddenly looked up, staring at Qin Tian on the high ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) platform—the other man was looking at the entire formation. Feeling his gaze, Qin Tian merely tilted his head slightly, giving a reassuring look, then turned back, but his thought continued:"Afterward, I will personally arrange his whereabouts, ensuring he grows up safely. But I don't recommend you meet him, after all—his current predicament is ultimately related to you."Old Ghost's Adam's apple bobbed violently. His aged thought, thick with hoarseness and a sigh, echoed in Qin Tian's mind: "It was I who harmed their family. Not meeting is as it should be."He paused, a hint of gratitude in his voice: "Master, thank you."Qin Tian's thought carried a faint smile: "I accept this thanks. Also, privately, you don't need to call me 'Master.' Just call me 'Boss' like the others.""Yes, Boss."Old Ghost responded readily, even letting out a slight sigh of relief. Compared to the restrictive title of "Master," the word "Boss" made him feel more at ease.Qin Tian looked at Old Ghost's slightly relaxed face, the corners of his mouth curving upward.Within the Demon Suppression Abyss, all electronic components were unusable, so it was naturally impossible to contact the outside world.Therefore, he had Li Fei, the former "two-timer," leave the Demon Suppression Abyss with Yan Song's people. Once he returned, he was to contact Feng Mocheng, reveal his identity, and have Feng Mocheng send people to rescue the child.For the Hurricane Mercenary Group, this was a piece of cake."All units—"Qin Tian's voice suddenly rose, amplified by spiritual energy, spreading to every corner of the training ground, instantly silencing all whispers.He slowly walked down the high platform. Sunlight flowed over his shoulders, and the black frost scabbard at his waist gleamed with a cold, hard luster."All battalions, array in the 'Iron Wall Formation'! The Supply Battalion in the center, First Battalion on the left flank, Second Battalion on the right flank, Third Battalion in the vanguard, Fourth Battalion covering the rear, and Fifth to Eighth Battalions filling the gaps in the flanks!"The orders were clear as a blade, "Spiritual energy transport vehicles, check your energy cores! Ensure that the spiritual energy crystal reserves in each vehicle are no less than eighty percent!""Yes!"Hundreds of voices collided, making the air hum.The eight battalions instantly interlocked like precise gears. The previously loose formation visibly transformed and reorganized: First Battalion soldiers carried heavy spiritual energy cannons, advancing to the left flank with neat steps, the sound of metal boot soles hitting the ground forming a dull drumbeat; the Second Battalion's Psychic Mage team moved to the right flank, forming a solid right-wing barrier; the Third Battalion's assault troops gripped their weapons and spiritual energy rifles, forming a sharp arrowhead formation.Most striking was the Supply Battalion in the center. They did not belong to the regular combat sequence but carried out very important tasks.Thirty spiritual energy transport vehicles were neatly arranged, the energy patterns engraved on their bodies glowing a faint golden color in the sunlight. Their compartments were piled high with spiritual energy ammunition boxes, defensive fortification components, and spare spiritual energy crystals.Next to the driver's cabin of each vehicle stood a spiritual energy conduit, connected to the core furnace at the bottom of the vehicle—that was the unique transport power of the Demon Suppression Abyss. It didn't use fuel, didn't rely on circuits, and was entirely driven by the spiritual energy injected by the soldiers. At this moment, the crystal at the top of the conduit emitted a warm orange glow, indicating sufficient energy."Supply Battalion reporting: Spiritual energy reserves at eighty-six percent, defensive barrier activated!""First Battalion reporting: Left flank formation stable, spiritual energy cannons fully charged!""Third Battalion reporting: Vanguard formation ready, awaiting orders at any time!"Reports from each battalion rose and fell. Qin Tian stood at the very front of the team, his gaze sweeping over this steel-like torrent of a formation.Over four thousand soldiers, dozens of transport vehicles, countless gleaming weapons and armor, spread out a battle line several miles long across the wilderness.It was like a awakened metal giant dragon, preparing to crawl forward into the depths of the abyss."Depart!"Qin Tian gave the order, leading the way forward.Instantly, the engines of the spiritual energy transport vehicles emitted a low hum, their bottom energy cores began to operate, and faint golden light patterns coursed along their bodies, like living veins.The transport vehicles slowly started. The sound of wheels grinding on the ground, mixed with the soldiers' footsteps and the low hum of spiritual energy weapons, converged into a majestic battle song.Sunlight pierced through the gaps in the formation, casting intersecting light and shadows on the ground.The shadows of the front-row soldiers were stretched long, overlapping with the shadows of the rear transport vehicles, as if the land itself was moving.Occasionally, the wind blew, stirring up dust from the ground, but it could not penetrate this airtight formation—the Supply Battalion's defensive barrier held up a faint golden light shield around the vehicle array, protecting the important supplies securely.Old Ghost stood behind Qin Tian, looking at this magnificent scene, a ripple appearing in his eyes.He had seen Yan Song lead teams into battle before, but their momentum was far inferior to that of the Crimson Gold Battle Group now—every soldier's eyes were full of determination, and even the energy fluctuations of the spiritual energy transport vehicles had a neat and unified rhythm.Qin Tian walked at the very front of the team, clearly feeling the immense momentum behind him. Even the air seemed to be ignited by this force, becoming hot and heavy.Ahead, the entrance to the Obsidian Corridor was hidden in the distant gray mist, like the open throat of a giant beast.But this team showed no hesitation. The sharp edge of the Iron Wall Formation pointed directly at that gloom. The hum of the spiritual energy transport vehicles shattered the wilderness's silence. Metal reflections and spiritual energy halos spread across the sky and earth. The battle flag, emblazoned with the words "Crimson Gold Battle Group," fluttered in the wind, and the main force advanced rapidly towards the Fiery Demon Prison Sea.

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