Half a month later.
At a flat stretch of ground near a water source, the soldiers charged with protecting the emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire set up camp.
In a spacious command tent, Jiang Mingyang sat in the seat of honor, while Ma Hongjun, Tang San, and Oscar sat below him.
Seeing the confusion on Tang San's and Ma Hongjun's faces, Jiang Mingyang said:
"Hongjun, Xiao San, you're both junior commanders now. But if you're to be promoted any further, you'll need achievements on the battlefield. Otherwise, the men won't accept it.
"Now that you've reached the front lines, seize every chance to earn merit.
"Once you have accomplishments to your names, I'll have grounds to speak for you when rewards and titles are handed out.
"Act without worrying. I'll back you up."
Ma Hongjun grinned and nodded. "Don't worry, boss! We came to the battlefield to earn merit. We won't let you down."
Tang San nodded as well, looking steady and composed.
Jiang Mingyang looked at them both and continued, "On the battlefield, you must be adaptable. Keep your eyes on all six directions and your ears open to all eight.
"As Soul Elders and Soul Ancestors, you're only in the upper-middle range of fighters on the battlefield. You cannot let your guard down.
"A battlefield isn't like a practice match. You must be decisive when it's time to kill. Don't hesitate.
"Ambushes are common, too. Even the strongest fighter can be caught off guard, so take care.
"And with so many powerful fighters on the battlefield, watch their movements closely.
"A Soul Douluo can kill scores of Soul Elders and Soul Ancestors with a casual strike.
"Our Soul Douluo can only do their best to keep an eye on the enemy's experts and deny them an opening.