The power he should only have been able to absorb after becoming a Titled Douluo was now showing faint signs of breaking through—because of the birth of Eternity.
Gu You wasn't sure whether this was a good thing or a bad one. Still, he was full of anticipation for what the third seal of the Purple-Gold Dragon Emperor would bring.
This period of seclusion had also brought advancement in his cultivation. His soul power had risen to Rank 79—just one step away from Soul Douluo.
Knock knock!
Gu You, who had been meditating in his room, stood up and walked to the door.
Standing outside was Long Yuxue.
"Ma'am."
Gu You stepped aside and invited her in.
Long Yuxue looked vibrant and full of energy. Clearly, she had participated in the battle. The Abyssal Tide was dangerous, but also a rare opportunity—the best time to gain military merit and climb the ranks. Naturally, she wouldn't have missed it.
"After Blood Eight took you away that day, you never came back. What happened? Why didn't you return to the frontlines? I heard they issued an order that barred you from fighting?"
"It probably had to do with my Golden Dragon Spear. The Blood God Battalion made the call, so I wasn't allowed to go back into combat."
Gu You smiled helplessly.
Long Yuxue looked puzzled.
"Come on. I'm taking you to Operations. It's time to settle merits and rewards."
"Alright."
Long Yuxue smiled.
"During battle, our Blood God Rings automatically record the number of abyssal creatures we kill and the merit we earn. But after major operations, there's always additional compensation."
"Basically, melee fighters take the brunt of the fighting so that ranged attackers can safely attack from behind. So afterward, ranged fighters must transfer a portion of their merit to the frontline units. The Battalion has a set formula for that."
"You fought on the front line in your first battle and performed outstandingly. You'll definitely get extra merit. In fact, I think you've already earned enough to be promoted to second lieutenant."
"You've got good luck. You just arrived and ran into an Abyssal Tide. And it turned out to be a short one—only seven days before it ended."
They arrived at the Operations Office, where soldiers were lined up to use their Blood God Rings to claim merit and attend the rank conferral ceremony. Any soldier who had earned enough merit could be promoted.
After every major battle against an Abyssal Tide, a large group of soldiers would gain ranks.
Gu You queued behind Long Yuxue.
The process ahead was quick. Over a dozen senior officers were handling the promotions. Gu You watched as many soldiers received additional stars on their shoulders and couldn't help feeling a mix of admiration and excitement.
According to Long Yuxue, his rank should be promoted to second lieutenant—one stripe, two stars.
Finally, it was Long Yuxue's turn.
She handed over her Blood God Ring. After it was scanned through a special device, a colonel smiled at her.
"Yuxue, well done this time. You really made your father proud. You earned 9,500 merit points in this battle."
"According to protocol, as a ranged attacker, 3,500 of your points will be transferred to frontline fighters. That leaves you with 6,000. Adding that to your previous total—congratulations. You've earned a promotion to lieutenant colonel."
Although she had already expected it, Long Yuxue couldn't hide her bright smile. Getting promoted to lieutenant colonel before turning thirty was no small feat.
She stood at attention, saluted, and stepped forward for the promotion ceremony.
Next in line was Gu You.
He handed over his Blood God Ring.
The colonel accepted it and froze for a moment. Then his head jerked up to stare at Gu You.
"You're with the Blood God Battalion?"
"I'm an auxiliary member," Gu You replied calmly.
The colonel paused, then inspected his ring more closely.
"You've got two categories of merit here—the combat-based one is… wow… the total comes to 21,000 merit points."
His voice rose noticeably at the end.
"You joined the Blood God Battalion?"
Long Yuxue, who was just about to receive her new insignia, turned back around and rushed over. She grabbed Gu You's wrist and stared at the Blood God Ring with the rose-thorn pattern on it, her eyes full of awe and envy.
Everyone in the Blood God Corps knew that the true core defending the Abyssal Passage wasn't them—it was the nine Blood Gods.
Once someone became an official Blood God, their rank was immediately elevated to major general. While this also meant they'd be stationed here permanently, it was still the highest honor. Their name would be entered into the Federation's archives, their legacy eternal.
Any descendant of a Blood God within three generations would receive special privileges in the Federation. The Blood Gods themselves held powers on par with parliamentary members, with a seat—albeit unofficial—on every Federal vote.
They were the true guardians of the Federation, revered by all.
"I'm just an auxiliary member." Gu You gave a modest smile.
Long Yuxue's expression turned odd.
The Blood God Battalion didn't only include the nine Blood Gods. Some outstanding members of the Corps were selected as auxiliary or even reserve Blood Gods. But this still meant taking the first step into their ranks.
She figured it had something to do with Gu You's mysterious Golden Dragon Spear. But still, being accepted into the Blood God Battalion was a massive honor—especially since he had only been in the Corps for a few days. Not even a full month.
How could she not feel envious? Maybe even a little jealous.
Once someone joined the Blood God Battalion, they no longer belonged to any part of the main Corps. They answered only to the Blood God Battalion.
Even she, as his direct superior, could no longer give him orders.
Long Yuxue recalled her father's words.
So this... this is the difference between us.
Seeing her dazed expression, Gu You gently reminded her.
"Ma'am, you still need to complete your promotion."
"Oh." Long Yuxue blinked and turned away.
The thrill she'd felt moments ago about her promotion to lieutenant colonel had mostly faded.
Gu You was also curious. With 21,000 merit points, what rank would he be promoted to?
Long Yuxue had just barely passed 20,000 total with her new gain, and she went from major to lieutenant colonel.
He was already over that. Could he advance one step further?
He watched as Long Yuxue's rank insignia changed from two bars and one star to two bars and two stars.
With a mix of anticipation, Gu You stepped forward.
At the very least, he thought, he'd become a major, right?
But the promotion officer's reply was a cold splash of reality.
"The Blood God Battalion doesn't authorize promotions through us. Your rank must be determined by them. You're dismissed."
Once you join the Blood God Battalion...
(End of Chapter)
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