After a month of preparation, the day of the competition arrived.
The Storm Guards gathered in the courtyard. The atmosphere was quiet, but heavy with intent. Everyone knew what was at stake.
The competition began.
The first day was elimination. Those who failed to meet the required standard were removed without delay. There was no uncertainty—either one advanced or they did not.
The second day was continuous battle. Participants faced one opponent after another, forcing them to manage not only strength but control and awareness. Those who relied only on power began to fall. Mistakes accumulated. Judgment faltered. One by one, they were eliminated.
By the end of the day, only the strongest remained.
The third day decided the final positions.
This stage tested decision-making under pressure. Each match demanded precision. A moment of hesitation created an opening. A reckless move ended the fight. Only those who remained composed and chose correctly at the right moment succeeded.
When it ended, the results were clear.
Among the Spirit Guards, three were selected—one Commander and two Assistant Commanders.
Among the Earth Guards, the same structure was formed—one Commander and two Assistants.
Beyond that, no further division was established. There were no Heaven Guards as no one had reached the required level for that position. Only Wang Yan stood at that threshold, and one individual alone could not form a division.
With that, the competition concluded.
Only one matter remained.
Leadership.
At the center of the courtyard stood Wang Yan, Liu Ming, and Zhao Qing. All three were capable.
For a moment, no one spoke. Then Liu Ming said to Wang Yan,
"You should lead."
Zhao Qing nodded. "There's no one more suitable."
Wang Yan looked at them calmly. "This isn't about who can lead," he said.
Liu Ming frowned. "Then what is it about?"
Wang Yan replied, "It's about who has been holding everything together."
The words settled.
He continued, "From the beginning, you've managed the structure. You kept everything stable when it mattered. You don't make reckless decisions. You don't lose clarity under pressure."
His gaze remained steady. "In terms of ability, there's no real difference between us."
A brief pause. "But in terms of consistency—and keeping everyone together—you are better suited."
Liu Ming's expression tightened. "You're capable of doing the same."
"I am," Wang Yan said. "But you've already done it."
Silence followed. The reasoning was clear.
After a moment, Liu Ming exhaled. "…Fine. I'll take it."
Wang Yan nodded slightly. "Zhao Qing will assist you."
Zhao Qing accepted without objection.
Liu Ming's gaze shifted back to Wang Yan. "And you?"
"I don't need a position," Wang Yan replied. "I'll remain as I am."
This time, Liu Ming refused immediately. "No."
His voice was firm. "You won't remain outside."
The courtyard fell silent.
Liu Ming continued, "The position of Elder exists for someone who stands above the rest and can guide the entire organization. You are the only one here who fits that position."
No one spoke against it.
Liu Ming made the decision. "You'll be the Elder."
All eyes turned to Wang Yan.
He was silent for a moment before speaking. "I haven't reached the required level yet."
It was a simple statement.
Liu Ming replied without hesitation. "That doesn't change anything."
A brief pause. "You're the only one who can take that position."
The meaning was clear.
Wang Yan looked at him, then at Zhao Qing, and finally across the courtyard. There was no doubt in anyone's eyes.
After a moment— he nodded.
That was enough.
Liu Ming became the Chief. Zhao Qing became the Assistant Chief.
And Wang Yan became the First Elder.
The structure of the Storm Guards was complete The courtyard remained filled after the selections.
No one moved.
At the center, Liu Ming stood with Wang Yan and Zhao Qing. After a brief moment, Liu Ming stepped forward. "Those who have been selected as Commanders and Assistants—step forward."
They came forward.
Liu Ming looked at them steadily. "You earned your positions."
"But from now on, your responsibility is not just your own strength. It is those under you. Lead them properly."
A brief pause.
Liu Ming's gaze shifted to the entire assembly—both the Combat Division and the Mercenary Division.
"What we established today," he said, "is the structure of our main branch. But structure alone is not enough."
Silence followed.
"We are now dividing our focus clearly. The Combat Division will focus on strength. High-level operations. Growth. capability."
"They will not be burdened with routine work. The Mercenary Division will handle all regular missions. Escort. Protection. Standard contracts. They will maintain steady income."
The roles were clearly separated.
Then Liu Ming added,
"This does not mean the divisions are fixed."
A slight shift of attention followed. "Those in the Mercenary Division can move into the Combat Division. If your strength and judgment are sufficient, you will advance. No one is restricted."
The meaning was clear—growth was open to all.
Then his tone shifted.
"But even with this—…it is not enough."
A brief silence followed.
"We are still relying on missions. And that limits us."
At this point, Wang Yan stepped forward. "We enter the market," he said calmly. "We start with shops. Weapons. Materials. Equipment. A stable source of income."
Simple. Direct.
Liu Ming continued, "This will be led by the main branch in Tian Dou City. But for this to work—" He paused. "We can no longer remain separated."
The courtyard grew still.
"Until now, our branches in Lingyun City and Green Pearl City have operated independently. That ends now."
His voice remained steady.
"We are forming a unified organization. Both branches will be linked to the main branch. Resources, operations, and finances will be managed together."
Zhao Qing stepped forward.
"All income from the branches will be organized," he said. "Each branch will retain its operational needs. But one-third of their total income—will be transferred to the main branch. To strengthen the core of the organization."
The structure was now clear.
Liu Ming gave the final direction. "The branches in Lingyun City and Green Pearl City will continue their current structure."
"Two divisions—Mercenary and Combat. Their focus will remain on missions. They will generate income and support the organization."
Another pause.
"And here—" His gaze hardened slightly.
"—we build power."
Silence followed. But there was no hesitation.
Everything had been laid out clearly.
The Storm Guards were no longer operating as separate groups.
They had become a single, organized force— with power, direction, and purpose.
A quiet stir spread through the courtyard.
It wasn't loud—but it was clear.
Excitement.
The members understood what this meant. They were no longer just taking missions.
They were building something far greater—something that would grow, expand, and establish itself as a true organization.
No one spoke it aloud.
But the anticipation was there—
they were looking forward to what the Storm Guards would become.
End of chapter.