Already Whipped into Shape

Bang!

Zhao Kui and several captains flew backward at once, slammed into the courtyard wall, and left cracks spiderwebbing across it.

Dust billowed. The courtyard was a wreck.

Yang Xiao stood where he was, without so much as shifting a heel.

The other captains stared, shock filling their eyes.

The Aperture-Penetration Realm!

Their young Deputy General had already reached the Aperture-Penetration Realm!

In the Martial Arts Arena, Zhao Kui and the other captains struggled to their feet, their faces stricken.

Old Saber lay on the ground and looked at Yang Xiao. A trace of awkwardness entered his eyes. He gave a soft cough but made no move to rise, playing dead as though that would spare him from facing the young man's calm expression.

Yang Xiao lowered his hand and swept his gaze across everyone present.

The courtyard fell silent. Every captain lowered his head, not daring to meet Yang Xiao's eyes.

Yang Xiao drew his brows together slightly and spoke.

"My name is Yang Xiao. From today onward, I'm your Deputy General."

His voice was calm, but it carried an authority that brooked no argument.

"I have three rules."

"First, you must obey my orders."

"Second, credit will be divided according to contribution."

"Third, anyone who disobeys orders in battle will be dealt with under Demon Suppression Division military law, regardless of background."

His gaze passed over Zhao Kui, Old Saber, and the other captains in the courtyard.

"Is that clear?"

Silence filled the courtyard.

"Crystal clear, Deputy General Yang." Lu Mingchuan was the first to speak. He looked at Yang Xiao with a bright smile and an expression of utmost respect.

A few breaths later, Zhao Kui lowered his head. "Clear," he said through clenched teeth.

Old Saber, still lying on the ground, silently flexed his fingers.

The