Descending the mountain, Ganyu went ahead to help Morax and the others prepare for the upcoming council,
while Jiang Yan headed toward the Thousand Rock Army's training grounds to muster his troops.
Even from a distance, he could already hear the thunderous shouts and rhythmic clamor of training.
Under the blazing sun, countless bare-chested men swung their long spears in perfect unison—
thrusting, sweeping, and parrying with military precision.
Others were running laps around the perimeter of the camp, shouting in cadence as they ran:
"Five kilometers!"
"I love you!"
"One day without running—"
"And I'll die for you!"
The camp was neatly divided into three sectors:
one for endurance training, one for spear drills, and one for close-quarters combat and resilience exercises.
From their broad shoulders and bronze skin alone, one could tell—
these were hardened warriors forged in sweat and discipline.
This was Jiang Yan's adaptation of the modern military training system from his past life.
He might only have known the basics himself,
but he was more than capable of introducing essentials like formation drills, marching, and discipline.
Moreover, through treasure chests he had unlocked a trove of martial arts manuals and battle doctrines,
which he had personally passed down to the troops,
allowing them to structure their own cultivation schedules efficiently.
"Thousand Rock Army—hear my command! All units, assemble!"
Standing at the edge of the camp, Jiang Yan infused his voice with elemental power,
and the roar that erupted from his throat echoed across the entire valley.
Within moments, rows upon rows of armored soldiers stood before him in perfect formation,
their faces solemn, their stances unyielding.
"Report to the Immortal Lord! The entire army—fifteen thousand four hundred and thirty men—has assembled!
Awaiting your orders!"
The lead officer saluted crisply. Jiang Yan nodded in approval, motioning for him to return to ranks.
He swept his gaze over the formation—
fifteen thousand elite soldiers standing tall like iron statues,
their aura so fierce it seemed to make the air itself tremble.
Five years of training… not wasted.
A faint ripple of immortal might flowed from him,
instantly tightening every man's spine.
The last time they'd seen their commander this serious
had been on the day the Thousand Rock Army was founded.
"Comrades!" Jiang Yan's voice carried like thunder.
"We've been stationed in these mountains for five long years!"
He paused, letting his words sink into the hearts of every soldier before him.
"Do you still remember what I said when we first formed the Thousand Rock Army?"
"That we would become the sharpest spear in the hands of the Geo Lord,
to pierce through all who dared stand in His way—
and the strongest shield before the people,
to protect our homeland with our very flesh and blood!"
He raised a clenched fist.
"And now—the time has come when our Emperor needs us!"
His voice boomed across the mountains.
"To the north lies a bastard god named Chi—
a jealous Archon who covets our peace and prosperity,
who envies the protection we enjoy under two great deities!"
"Now, that mongrel leads his army southward—
to destroy our homes, to enslave our kin,
to tear apart everything we have built!
Tell me—what shall we do?!"
"Kill!"
"Kill!!"
"Kill!!!"
The deafening chorus shook the skies—
fifteen thousand voices roaring as one,
their battlelust blazing like wildfire.
"Then come, comrades! The time has come to prove ourselves!"
"This will be the first battle of the Thousand Rock Army!"
"We bear Lord Morax's name—our every strike must make the heavens tremble!"
"Let our enemies learn what it means to face the army of kings!"
He spread his arms wide, shouting to the heavens:
"Thousand Rocks unyielding—barriers immovable!"
"Thousand Rocks unyielding—barriers immovable!"
"Thousand Rocks unyielding—barriers immovable!"
The soldiers' roars rolled like thunder, their fervor shaking the mountains themselves.
"Excellent!" Jiang Yan bellowed with satisfaction. "I can feel your spirit!"
"Army, hear the command—march immediately! Destination: Guili Plains!"
And so the Thousand Rock Army set forth,
a grand host of iron and flame marching behind their Immortal Commander,
their collective might surging like a rising tide toward Guili.
Guili Plains – Council Hall
Within the meeting chamber, a circle of adept sat in solemn discussion.
"That wretch Chi…"
"He's coveted the Guili Plains since the very beginning."
Guizhong slammed the table in disgust, eyes flashing cold.
"So he's finally lost patience after twenty years of lurking?"
Moon Carver spoke calmly, tone faintly disdainful.
"Overestimating himself," muttered Dragon King Azhdaha, not even bothering to raise his eyes.
Most of the assembled immortals shared that same look of scorn.
And indeed—it was hard to blame them.
On their side stood not only Morax, but also Azhdaha, Guizhong, Marchosius, and Jiang Yan—
five beings of Archon-level might.
What could one solitary god like Chi possibly accomplish against them?
"Alright, with the food supplies handled—"
Morax clapped his hands, drawing the room's attention.
"Guili Plains sits by mountains and rivers, its terraces stretching for miles.
It seems Chi has come delivering tribute rather than war…"
A glacial gleam flickered in his golden eyes.
"Doesn't he, though?"
A teasing voice came from the doorway.
There stood Jiang Yan, clad in cyan armor, smiling as he stepped inside.
"Well, well—look who finally decided to come home,"
Cloud Retainer quipped with a sharp hum. "Our great general graces us with his presence at last."
"Ahaha, Cloud Retainer—still as beautiful as ever, I see."
Jiang Yan scratched his head awkwardly, laughing lightly.
He knew perfectly well she was still sore on Ganyu's behalf—
after all, what kind of man disappears into the mountains for five years right after starting a relationship?
"Hmph. Flattery won't save you," she sniffed. "This time, stay a while—and spend time with Ganyu."
Her words were huffy, but everyone knew the Adeptus was simply being her usual tsundere self.
Beside her, Ganyu's cheeks turned crimson at her master's teasing,
her sapphire eyes darting away in shy embarrassment.
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