Dragon Soaring Old Camp

A moment later, Lu Chen arrived at the main hall.

Seven or eight people were already standing inside.

Four of them wore the uniforms of low-ranking civilian or military officials from the Ministry of War. They appeared respectful, yet deep in their eyes lurked a barely perceptible arrogance and scrutiny.

The other three were dressed as ordinary soldiers, but their auras were fierce and rugged. All possessed mid- to late-stage Xiantian cultivation, their faces weathered by wind and frost as they looked at Lu Chen with fervent eyes.

"This subordinate, Wang Lang, Principal Clerk of the Ministry of War's Directorate of Military Geography—Vice Principal Clerk Li Xun of the Military Selection Directorate...—pays respects to the Duke of the Realm!" The Ministry of War officials bowed.

"Zhang Meng, Captain of the Northern Frontier's Tiger Might Battalion—Sun Ji, Squad Leader of the Assault Battalion; Liu Sandao, scout of the Ranger Cavalry Battalion—pays respects to Your Grace!"

The three soldiers dropped to one knee, their voices ringing loud and clear.

"Rise." Lu Chen walked to the seat of honor and sat down, his calm gaze sweeping over them. "The Ministry of War has sent you all to assist me; I appreciate the gesture. What business do these three soldiers have?"

Captain Zhang Meng clasped his fists. "Reporting to Your Grace! We brothers followed General Han Lie in the Northern Frontier and fought through Gray Valley; we also risked our lives at Blackwater River! We heard that Your Grace is forming the Demon Suppression Army to strike down those skulking ghosts and demons, and our hearts are burning! General Han is now a deputy general, and we too wish to follow Your Grace, to keep killing enemies and serving the country! We beg Your Grace to take us in!"

The other two nodded again