Promotion to Squad Leader

After Tang Lie was captured, the remaining members of the Fire Cloud Sect were quickly wiped out by the overwhelming strength of the Tribunal Army.

Apart from Tang Lie, the rebellious leader who was to be escorted to the Darkness City headquarters for trial by the Darkness Tribunal, all the Fire Cloud Sect Elder, totaling over a thousand people, were wiped out.

The events that occurred at the Fire Cloud Sect will soon spread to every corner of the Southern River Realm and surrounding areas, greatly deterring those forces that dare to defy the rule of the Darkness Hall.

This victory further cemented the infamous reputation of the Darkness Tribunal, adding another chapter to the Tribunal Army's record of achievements.

Inside the main hall of the Fire Cloud Sect, since all the original high-ranking members and disciples of the Fire Cloud Sect had been wiped out, the Tribunal Army had occupied the place and used it as a temporary meeting place.

"Lan Yan, what were the casualties of our Tribunal Army in the annihilation of the Fire Cloud Sect?"

Seated at the head of the table was naturally Zhong Kui, the Camp Commander of the Tribunal Army. As the highest-ranking officer in charge of this mission, he was also responsible for tallying the losses of his own side after the battle.

Below Zhong Kui sat four people wearing purple longswords and Ghost Face Mask. They were the four Flag Leader of the Tribunal Camp, all of whom were at the peak of the Life Profound Stage Perfection.

Surprisingly, two ordinary Tribunal Guard wearing black longswords and Ghost Face Mask were also present at this high-level meeting of the Tribunal Camp.

These two people were none other than Lin Langtian and Qing Tan.

There was no objection from either the Camp Commander Zhong Kui or the four Flag Leader to their participation in the high-level meeting. After all, in terms of status, Qing Tan was the Hall Master disciple, and in terms of merit in suppressing the rebellion, Lin Langtian and Qing Tan were undoubtedly the most deserving.

Aside from Zhong Kui, the Camp Commander single-handedly suppressed the rebel leader Tang Lie, Lin Langtian and Qing Tan made the greatest contributions among those present.

Especially Lin Langtian, if that Half-step Death Profound Stage Blood Puppet were to join the battlefield, not only would Qing Tan be in imminent danger, but the Tribunal Camp would probably suffer even greater losses.

No one dared to disagree with them sitting here.

"Reporting to the Camp Commander, in this annihilation of the Fire Cloud Sect, our Tribunal Camp suffered a total of eighteen Tribunal Guard killed, one Squad Leader killed, twenty-eight Tribunal Guard seriously wounded, and seventy-two lightly wounded."

Although she was covered by black clothes, Zhao Yan's delicate figure was still somewhat visible. At this moment, she stood up, her red lips slightly parted, and said.

"Oh, eighteen Tribunal Guard have been killed, including a Squad Leader. This is quite a loss..."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Kui frowned slightly. The Tribunal Camp only had four hundred people in total, so this loss ratio was already quite high.

Shaking his head, Zhong Kui immediately said, "Although the losses were considerable, dying in battle to quell the rebellion is the highest honor for our Tribunal Army. They died a worthy death, and as the Camp Commander, I feel honored for them."

After speaking, Zhong Kui paused slightly, then looked at another Flag Leader beside him and said, "Zhao Gang, have you plundered the Fire Cloud Sect Sect's treasury? Set aside a portion as compensation for the fallen soldiers, and quickly distribute the rest to the brothers."

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, the tall and robust Flag Leader immediately stood up and respectfully replied.

"Oh, compensation and spoils of war..." Upon hearing this, Lin Langtian, sitting at the end of the table, raised an eyebrow slightly and murmured to himself.

Unexpectedly, the Tribunal Army's internal system was so comprehensive, even including death benefits. This was the first time Lin Langtian had seen such a system since arriving in the Heavenly Profound Continent.

Moreover, the division of spoils was something Lin Langtian hadn't expected. He had originally thought that the treasure trove within the Fire Cloud Sect would be sent to the headquarters of the Darkness Hall.

After all, as the number one power in the Southern River Realm, the Fire Cloud Sect, which has been deeply rooted in this place for hundreds of years, should have a great deal of cultivation resources and treasures. However, Zhong Kui divided them all up with just one word.

At this moment, Lin Langtian also understood why the Darkness Tribunal was so dangerous, and why so many disciples of the Darkness Hall wanted to join it.

It turns out that the Tribunal Army uses a war-for-war approach. As long as the rebel forces are destroyed, the spoils of war are entirely theirs and do not need to be handed over to headquarters.

In this way, although the missions of the Darkness Tribunal are extremely dangerous and the casualty rate is not low, the rewards are also extremely high. After all, even if the foundation of a sect is divided into hundreds of parts, it is still very valuable in the hands of ordinary Tribunal Guard.

As long as one can survive within the Tribunal Army, the speed at which one's strength increases is obviously extremely fast. For a battle maniac, it is simply a sacred place for cultivation.

Even Lin Langtian couldn't help but nod in approval of the various rules and regulations of the Darkness Tribunal. As expected of the strongest trump card of the Hall Master's lineage, the training system of the Tribunal Army was far more cruel and efficient than the Gu-raising system within the Yuan Sect.

While Lin Langtian was pondering, Zhao Yan stood up again, looked at Zhong Kui with her beautiful eyes, and said, "Camp Commander, the Squad Leader who died in this battle belonged to my Third Banner. I wonder if you have Camp Commander recommendations for Squad Leader?"

"Oh, promoting a Squad Leader..."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Kui murmured, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, and slowly said, "Since you are the new Squad Leader of the Third Banner, do you, as the Flag Leader, have any candidates to recommend?"

Upon hearing Zhong Kui's words, Zhao Yan smiled slightly and said, "I do indeed have someone in mind."

"Hmm... who is it?" Zhong Kui nodded and asked.

Although he was the Camp Commander, he did not interfere too much in the internal affairs of each banner. As long as the candidates recommended by Lan Yan were capable and had the merits to meet the requirements, he would agree.

"Hehe, my recommended candidates are..." Zhao Yan paused slightly before looking at the two Tribunal Guard at the end of the seats.

"My choice is... Lady Qing Tan," Lan Yan said with a slight smile.

"Lord Qing Tan..."

Upon hearing this, the other three Flag Leader were stunned for a moment, and then all looked at the calm figure in black at the end of the seats.

What they didn't expect was that Lan Yan would appoint Qing Tan as the Squad Leader. Keep in mind that the latter had only just joined the Tribunal Army. Wasn't this promotion too fast?

Even Zhong Kui was taken aback, clearly not expecting that Lan Yan's choice would be Qing Tan. Thinking of this, Zhong Kui couldn't help but frown slightly.

Although Qing Tan was the Hall Master disciple, after joining the Tribunal Army, she became just an ordinary Tribunal Guard. Lan Yan's behavior seemed to be an attempt to curry favor, which was a taboo of the Darkness Tribunal.

Lin Langtian raised an eyebrow, looking at Lan Yan who exuded the aura of a mature woman, and an idea couldn't help but surface in his mind.

Does this Flag Leader genuinely believe that Qing Tan is suitable to be the Squad Leader, or is he simply flattering and currying favor, or perhaps both?

Thinking of this, Lin Langtian couldn't help but look at Qing Tan beside him, only to find that the latter's eyes remained as calm as an abyss, without the slightest fluctuation, just like a colleague who was an outsider who had nothing to do with him.

Seeing this, Lin Langtian couldn't help but sigh, "Qing Tan has really grown up..."

At this moment, Lan Yan seemed to see Zhong Kui's doubts and confusion, and said with a light laugh, "I know that the Camp Commander leader thinks that it is too fast for Lord Qing Tan to become the Squad Leader so soon after joining the Tribunal Army, and it may even make the brothers below think that we are showing favoritism."

But Camp Commander, our Tribunal Army principle is to always speak based on merit. In this mission to quell the rebellion, in addition to killing dozens of ordinary disciples of the Fire Cloud Sect, Lord Qing Tan also killed two Fire Cloud Sect Elder Life Profound Stage Small Success and Xu Qing, the leader of the Evergreen Gang colluded with Tang Lie and was at the Life Profound Stage Great Success.

Such merit is enough to rank him among the top five in this suppression mission. It is precisely because of his outstanding achievements, and because our Tribunal Army has never valued seniority or rank, that I recommended Lord Qing Tan as the Squad Leader. And I believe the brothers below will have no objections."

"Oh, you killed one Life Profound Stage Great Success and two Lesser Life Profound Stage Small Success..." Upon hearing this, Zhong Kui was also taken aback, and then looked at Qing Tan with surprise.

Because he had been engaged in fierce battles with Tang Lie or focused on the fight between Lin Langtian and the Blood Puppet, Zhong Kui was unaware of Qing Tan's performance in suppressing the rebellion. However, upon hearing Lan Yan's account, Zhong Kui was quite surprised.

After his initial surprise, Zhong Kui couldn't help but think to himself, "As expected of the Hall Master Master's personal disciple, he is very likely to succeed Bo Xuan as the Sixth Hall Master of the Darkness Hall in the future."

With such strength and talent, aside from the monstrous Lin Langtian, she is in a league of her own in the Northern Xuan Region. If she continues to grow at this rate, the day when Qing Tan takes charge of the Tribunal Army may be coming soon.

Thinking of this, Zhong Kui understood why Lan Yan recommended Qing Tan to be the Squad Leader. Such an achievement was something even he couldn't find a reason to refuse, let alone want to refuse.

"In that case, from this day forward, Lord Qing Tan will assume the position of Squad Leader of your Third Banner."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhong Kui's mind stirred, and two Ghost Face Mask appeared on the table in front of him. The long swords on these two Ghost Face Mask were both blue.

The Green Longsword represents the Squad Leader level.

With a slight wave of his hand, the Ghost Face Mask on the Green Longsword flew to Lin Langtian and Qing Tan, and then landed steadily.

"Uh, wasn't Qing Tan supposed to be promoted to Squad Leader? Why am I included?" Lin Langtian wondered, looking at the Green Longsword and Ghost Face Mask in front of him.

Seemingly noticing Lin Langtian's confusion, Qing Tan explained telepathically, "Bro Langtian, in the Darkness Tribunal, the Trialers and Shadow Guard are one entity, so their levels are always consistent."

However, the trial participants have real power, while the Shadow Guard only have honorary titles. Therefore, although you, Bro Langtian, wear Green Longsword and Ghost Face Mask and are Squad Leader, you do not have any men under your command.

I'm sorry about this, Bro Langtian, I've wronged you."

Upon hearing Qing Tan's explanation, Lin Langtian nodded in realization. It turned out that this was just an empty title, high in rank but without any real power.

Lin Langtian chuckled and said, "It's alright, Qing Tan. As Shadow Guard, I only need to protect you. I don't need to take on any substantial duties, otherwise it would just be a hindrance."

Lin Langtian took it all in stride. He was never a member of the Darkness Hall, and holding a substantive position would only be a constraint. This was exactly what he wanted.

Once Qing Tan gradually adapts to the rhythm within the Tribunal Army, he will be able to leave without hesitation.

"Hehe, Lord Qing Tan, Shadow Guard, put on your new mask." At this moment, Zhong Kui, who was at the head of the table, said with a faint smile.

Upon hearing this, Lin Langtian and Qing Tan nodded, then removed their original black longsword Ghost Face Mask and put on brand new Green Longsword Ghost Face Mask.

The moment the mask was removed, Zhong Kui and the four Flag Leader, who had been watching Lin Langtian and his companion, were also shocked by the young face beneath Lin Langtian's mask.

As the Hall Master disciple, Qing Tan had met them more or less, but they were still somewhat unfamiliar with Lin Langtian. Seeing that Lin Langtian was so young, they couldn't help but be surprised.

He is indeed a young and unparalleled genius.

When Lan Yan saw Lin Langtian's handsome face, she couldn't help but be slightly stunned. Recalling the warm embrace from before, she bit her red lips lightly, her beautiful eyes flickering slightly, and she couldn't help but have some romantic thoughts.

"Thank you for your Camp Commander." After putting on the new mask, Lin Langtian and Qing Tan seemed to have a much sharper aura at this moment. They then stood up and cupped their hands to Zhong Kui.

"Hehe, no need to be so polite. Our Tribunal Army always speaks based on merit. This is all rightfully earned by Lord Qing Tan. I'm sure the Hall Master will be very pleased to know this." Zhong Kui waved his hand and laughed.

"I am willing to go through fire and water for the Tribunal Army, without hesitation!"

Qing Tan said something that all members of the Tribunal Army would say after being promoted, and then slowly sat down with Lin Langtian.

Lin Langtian glanced at Qing Tan beside him, who was wearing Green Longsword and Ghost Face Mask and looked brand Qing Tan, and sighed inwardly.

In the original work, Qing Tan should have been like this, rising step by step from an ordinary Tribunal Guard to Squad Leader, Flag Leader, and finally the Tribunal Chief of the Darkness Tribunal through merit in the cruel Darkness Tribunal.

Shaking his head, Lin Langtian couldn't help but sigh, "The path to becoming a strong person always comes at a price..."

As Lin Langtian sighed, the tall, thin Flag Leader next to Lan Yan coughed lightly and then said, "By the way Camp Commander, there is one more thing that needs your personal attention."

"What's wrong? Even you Wang Tao, can't handle it?" Zhong Kui asked, slightly taken aback.

"This matter is of great importance and cannot be handled by a Flag Leader like myself." The Flag Leader named Wang Tao gave a bitter smile and then said, "After annihilating all the elders and disciples of the Fire Cloud Sect, we also discovered many powerful figures from the Southern River Realm within the Fire Cloud Sect."

These people are currently imprisoned, but they claim they were tricked by Tang Lie and did not participate in the Fire Cloud Sect's rebellion. It's difficult to discern the truth from their claims, and we don't know what to do with them.

"The leaders of many forces in the Southern River Realm?" Upon hearing this, Zhong Kui frowned slightly, and then felt a headache coming on.

The Southern River Realm is a large area, and there are countless powerful forces within it. At least dozens of them are respectable enough to be invited by the Fire Cloud Sect.

These forces were involved in the rebellion of the Fire Cloud Sect, and according to the rules of the Darkness Tribunal, they must all be eliminated.

According to Wang Tao, most of them were innocent, and if they were all eliminated indiscriminately, it would probably not be good for the reputation of the Darkness Hall.

But if we let them go, who knows if there are any forces among them that collude with the Fire Cloud Sect, like the Evergreen Gang ...

Just as Zhong Kui was having a headache, Lin Langtian, who was standing to the side, had an idea.

It would be such a waste to eliminate so many forces. If I could win them over, and with the addition of Zhou Tong and Dugu Qi, wouldn't I already have the beginnings of my own power base?