One sentence of defiance triggered an uproar across the entire room.
Who was Zhang Huanyun? He wasn't some newly appointed commander of the Blood God Legion—this was a man who had spent sixty years stationed in the Endless Mountains, rising from a common soldier to the rank of Legion Commander. Within the Blood God Legion, his prestige was unmatched. Even the Heartless Douluo, Cao Dezhi—known as Blood One—couldn't compare in this regard.
For someone to speak to him like that? Over the past few decades, Gu You was undoubtedly the first.
Zhang Huanyun actually laughed. "Why not convinced?"
"I believe the punishment is unfair. I didn't break any rules. I was simply worried someone might have been hurt."
"That's certainly understandable. But this is the military—rules come above everything."
Gu You lowered his head in silence. It was true—when he entered earlier, many people were waiting in line. He had cut the queue.
"You'll be punished properly. Follow me." As he spoke, Zhang Huanyun beckoned and turned to leave.
Only then did Long Yuxue lean over and whisper, "What did you do?"
"I rushed in too fast and bumped into him."
"What?"
One had to know—even her father, Long Tianwu, addressed Zhang Huanyun as 'Uncle' in private.
Gu You followed behind Zhang Huanyun without a hint of defiance. Zhang walked with his head high, his posture upright, showing no signs of anger.
Internally, Gu You remained calm. He didn't believe he would be subjected to any real punishment.
The Blood God Legion—what kind of existence was it? It was the Federation's divine shield. To have been the Legion's commander for decades, and a Federation General, meant Zhang Huanyun had to be a man of utmost fairness and integrity. He would see Gu You's actions for what they were—understandable.
With a man of his stature, how could he possibly fuss over someone so low in the ranks?
Long Yuxue, however, was far less calm. She followed nervously behind, uncertain what to say. Because she had grown up here in the Endless Mountains, she knew better than most how sacred Zhang Huanyun's position was. Even the Blood God Battalion ultimately had to obey his command.
Zhang Huanyun led them directly into the operations command center. Gu You and Long Yuxue followed closely behind, resembling personal guards.
In the elevator, Zhang finally turned to face them, his expression vaguely amused.
'Hmm. They really are a good-looking pair,' he thought. 'This kid is quite handsome. Not unlike myself in my youth.'
"Gu You, where are you from?" he asked casually. Having just returned, he wasn't familiar with the new recruits.
"The Spirit Pagoda."
A slight smirk touched Zhang Huanyun's lips. "Ambitious young man. Follow me."
Long Yuxue whispered anxiously, "How... how could you talk to the commander like that? Even my dad wouldn't dare say what you said."
Gu You was speechless. He understood Long Yuxue's concern, but he also knew that in the military, humility alone wouldn't take you far.
Zhang Huanyun's office was the largest Gu You had seen in the entire base. However, it was far from luxurious—just a few bookshelves, a desk, some simple sofas. Even the walls were bare of decoration.
Zhang Huanyun sat down on the sofa and gestured for Gu You to stand across from him.
"Kid, you've got a lot of confidence. Tell me—what makes you qualified to join the Blood God Battalion?"
"I don't rely on anything but talent."
"Hah! Got some fire, I like that. I've heard about you. That weapon of yours—able to absorb abyssal energy. High command knows about it too. I don't know all the details, but I know your name."
"Sit down, both of you." He waved his hand at Gu You and Long Yuxue, then tapped his Blood God Ring.
His ring looked different from the others. It was blood-red, but with a golden band circling its center. Only the Legion Commander could wear this kind. Vice commanders and regiment leaders wore silver-ringed variants.
"Blood One, are you free? I've got a guy here named Gu You—shouldn't we have a little chat about him?" he said as he connected the call.
"You're back? I was just about to talk to you about him. You're in your office?" the voice of Heartless Douluo Cao Dezhi replied.
"Yeah, come over."
Not long after, Blood One entered the room and saw Gu You.
Gu You immediately saluted. In front of these two men, he could not afford to be disrespectful. They were the supreme authority of the entire Blood God Legion.
Blood One glanced briefly at him and sat next to Zhang Huanyun.
"How effective is his ability to suppress abyssal creatures?" Zhang asked.
"See for yourself." Blood One tapped his own Blood God Ring, and a projection appeared on the adjacent wall, displaying footage from the Abyssal Tide.
Zhang Huanyun watched intently. His expression remained neutral, until the enormous abyssal finger and later the Charm Empress appeared. Then, his face finally shifted slightly.
"You two can go now."
"Yes, sir!"
...
"You really know how to poach people, Cao Dezhi!" Zhang Huanyun said, glaring at Blood One.
"What do you mean 'poach'? He agreed on his own, okay?" Blood One replied with a chuckle.
"I don't care. If he's officially part of the Blood God Legion, then he's my man. Doesn't matter who brought him in. That golden dragon spear of his—its effectiveness against the Abyss concerns the entire Legion. That's not a small matter. How could you just recruit him into the Blood God Battalion without asking? Give him back to me. I'll appoint him to a special position and ensure his safety."
"Yeah, right. If I give him to you, I'll never get him back," Blood One said flatly.
"What's wrong with following me? Don't you realize I'm getting old? I need someone to succeed me. Our Blood God Legion is unique. The Commander's role is crucial and must be filled by someone with real strength. And if I recommend someone to military command, they'll definitely approve it. I haven't found a suitable successor yet. But this kid is promising—young, powerful, and a natural counter to abyssal creatures. If we train him right, he might hold the Abyssal Passage for a hundred years. I'd retire in peace."
Blood One fell silent. "It's Gu You's choice in the end... but honestly, he's probably the only one who could lead the Blood God Battalion in the future."
"Exactly. Look at us—we're powerful, yes. But when I'm gone, who'll take the reins?"
"Still, he belongs in the Blood God Battalion..."
(End of Chapter)
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