Dragon-Slaying Platform.
A battle stage specially used for life-and-death duels between high-level cultivators.
With all its restrictions activated, it could withstand a full-force strike from a mid-stage Longevity Realm cultivator without suffering damage.
The pupils of everyone below the stage contracted in unison!
The unruly troublemakers had gone pale, the smugness in their eyes vanishing without a trace.
The steady old veterans, meanwhile, erupted with astonishing light in their eyes—battle intent, anticipation, and the excitement of finally witnessing something legendary!
Lu Chen's voice rang out once more. "The Demon Suppression Army is an army forged through battle. Not some ceremonial guard for others to look at. Today's combat drill is a fight to the death—I have said so. But before that—"
His gaze swept over those below the stage before finally settling on Lei Ba.
"Lei Ba."
Lei Ba's entire body jolted. He stepped forward, dropped to one knee, and cupped his fists as he roared, "This general is here!"
"You call yourself the 'Vanguard Battalion's foremost fierce general.' How many do you think you can take?"
Lei Ba raised his head, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes—the light of fury and battle intent entwined after being provoked. "Reporting to the Duke, among those of the same realm, this general can take three!"
Lu Chen nodded. "Good."
He stepped down from the command platform, walking toward the Dragon-Slaying Platform one step at a time.
With every step he took, the bluestone slabs beneath his feet trembled faintly, as though bearing some enormous pressure.
His back cast a long shadow in the sunlight. That shadow fell across the soldiers like an invisible mountain.
He stepped onto the Dragon-Slaying Platform.
Then he turned to face the more than 9,800 soldiers of the Demon Suppression Army.
"I'll stand right here," he said.