Of the top ten on the martial arts rankings,
six were veterans from the old forces, and four were newly arrived sect disciples.
The array Dao and alchemy rankings were likewise split evenly between old and new.
No one could call it unfair.
Anyone with ability could make a name for themselves, regardless of their background.
The day the rankings were posted, the corresponding military merits and ranks were awarded immediately.
The veteran at the top of the martial arts rankings jumped straight to low-grade Silver and received a set of high-grade battle armor and an advanced saber technique manual.
The leaders of the array Dao and alchemy rankings received rewards of their own.
For a time, morale throughout the encampment soared to its peak.
Everyone threw themselves into earning more military merits and climbing the ranks.
The divide between the old and new forces had also diminished considerably during the competition.
Ability did the talking. Victory brought honor, and even those who lost accepted the outcome.
That night, another meeting of the senior leadership convened in the Council Hall.
Su Ming sat upright in the seat of honor, his expression calm.
After several days of recuperation, the Origin essence within his body had recovered to roughly seventy percent.
Although he had yet to regain his peak condition, it no longer interfered with his normal activities.
The senior officers below sat in two rows.
Every face bore a look of delight.
The military merit system had been implemented smoothly, and internal conflicts had largely subsided.
The twenty thousand newcomers had also been settled in one group after another.
Everything was moving in the right direction.
"You handled the competition well."
Su Ming spoke calmly, but with clear approval.
Xuanyuan Tian Ji inclined her head slightly.
"We've only established the basic