Chapter 565: Ceremony Part 1 (1/2)

Chapter 565: Ceremony (Part 1) [V6C95 – Sorrow of a Silent Parting]

The startled Bai Songnian revealed an expression of clear astonishment. He had never imagined that a youngster would be able to block his discerning gaze so nonchalantly.

He might be able to pierce through Qianye’s origin defenses with greater effort, but he was a character on the same level as Zhao Xuanji—it would be too shameless for someone of his status to try again after failing the first time. Moreover, Zhao Xuanji was casting a gaze of ill-intent at him. Was he supposed to explain to this old rival that he had failed to see through a youngster in one try?

As one who had experienced numerous winds and waves, Bai Songnian quickly recovered from his loss of composure. A smile reappeared on his face as he nodded. “Indeed extraordinary and deserving of the Zhao clan’s courtesy.”

“You’re too kind.” Qianye’s brows rose slightly as he accepted this tentative complement. His attitude was neither servile nor overbearing.

The Bai and Zhao clan motorcades arrived side by side at the command center and parked in the open space outside of the gates. All vehicles apart from those of Zhao Xuanji and Bai Songnian had to stop here—even Zhao Jundu and Bai Aotu weren’t exceptions.

A high platform had been constructed in the largest drill grounds at the command center. The atmosphere was solemn with Ironclad Guards standing around the area in large numbers.

Powerful aristocratic leaders like Zhao Xuanji naturally sat at the center of the platform, while the lesser nobility and leaders of second-rate army corps were seated at the periphery. The others could only sit within the drill grounds, but Qianye and the others had seats in front of the platform. There was an area there marked out according to the rankings of the nobility.

Zhang Boqian’s seat on the platform was empty, but even so, no one in the field dared cause a clamor. Most of the familiar clans would only exchange greetings at most, with hardly anyone engaging in lengthy discussions. Apart from that, the only thing to do was wait silently for the ceremony to begin.

Qianye stood for some time within the Zhao clan lineup before he heard the long cry of a bugle horn. The bold melody reverberated throughout the camp for a good while before receding.

The three bugle calls followed by three drumbeats shook the hearts of everyone present—it was as though a boundless might had descended upon them.

Qianye looked up at the stage after sensing something. There, he saw that a heroic man had suddenly appeared in the central seat. The man was merely sitting there, but Qianye felt as though there was a tall mountain peak rushing at him—he could hardly breathe for a short moment.

Zhang Boqian spoke as the drums had faded away. “From the bloody battle to the end of the campaign at Giant’s Repose, it can be said that the empire had stood united against the enemy and made great contributions. Since its foundation, our Great Qin Empire has always rewarded contributors generously. Today, this monarch will award the meritorious soldiers in His Majesty’s stead, so that they can be viewed as the role models of every army.”

Zhang Boqian’s voice wasn’t that clear and resounding, but it washed over the entire imperial camp and rang clearly in everyone’s ears. Moreover, his voice wasn’t limited to the imperial camp—it grew sharper and sharper as it spread out in all directions, ending in a rumbling thunder far in the distance.

In the wilderness outside of the camp, dozens of figures popped out from under the ground and within the grass. They rolled about on the ground in great agony, blood flowing out of their noses and mouths until their last breath. These were spies the Evernight side had left to collect intelligence. They were well-hidden at first, but who would’ve thought they would lose their lives in this manner?

At this moment, an Ironclad Legion soldier delivered a tray with a large bowl of strong wine on it. There were other people shuttling between the soldiers on and below the platform, distributing wine to everyone.

Zhang Boqian stood up and raised his bowl. “It’s said that a general conquers at the expense of myriad lives. Our glory today was actually bought using the fresh blood of countless comrades. Before we proceed with the bestowments, I would like to drink with all of you as an offering for the departed.

The audience was solemn as they followed Zhang Boqian’s ritual and emptied the bowl of strong wine.

The bowl of alcohol felt like fire as it entered Qianye’s stomach. During his momentary daze, the faces of past comrades crept into his blurry vision. For a brief moment, his entire being was filled with a bleak chill that caused him to sigh.

With that, Zhang Boqian returned to his seat and a champion beside him delivered a list of names. Zhang Boqian scanned the list and said with a nod, “The awards this time will tally up the contributions from the bloody battle, Giant’s Repose, and for storming the Evernight main camp. What does everyone think about this?”

No one expressed any objection—neither those on the stage nor the ones below. Not all of the aristocratic descendants had taken part in three battles. This arrangement was inevitably disadvantageous to some, but they couldn’t find the reason to object since those who had fought in every battle faced the greatest risk. Moreover, it was certain that the emperor had read about this arrangement already. Even if there were some who wanted to object, they wouldn’t dare voice their opinion on such an occasion.

Zhang Boqian waited for a while, but the scene remained deathly silent. He then said, “First place, Bai clan’s Bai Aotu. First-class merit.”

These words caused the Bai clan to break into thunderous applause. On the stage, Bai Songnian’s eyes had narrowed into a straight line. He cupped his hands in every direction to accept everyone’s congratulations.

The Bai clan’s grandeur at this moment was peerless.

A first-class merit required one to kill an honored marquis. However, these characters were more or less the most powerful dark race leaders on the battleground. None of the other side’s main generals had fallen in the three battles, so it was likely that Bai Aotu had accumulated merit by killing at least two marquis-level dark race experts and other enemies of the same level.

Even so, it was enough to look down on the entire army.