Several days later.
In Great Li's Northern Territory.
Some time had passed since the Barbarian Tribe withdrew its troops.
After ascending the throne, the Barbarian Tribe Empress had adopted a conservative policy, with no intention of marching south again.
The four towns at the Border Pass had finally regained their former peace.
But just a few days earlier.
An announcement concerning military merit awards had stirred towering waves in the military camps.
At that moment, outside Heavenly Journey City.
A patrol squad whispered among themselves while carrying out their duties.
"Hey, have you seen that announcement?"
"Of course. It just told everyone that the masked warrior who turned the raging tide on the Blackwater City battlefield and killed a Barbarian Tribe High-Rank Shaman back then.
"And Li Zicheng, the Blackwater Army's Deputy Thousand-Household Commander who rescued the Futu Army outside Heavenly Journey City that day and killed the Barbarian Tribe's Sixth Prince.
"Were actually Gu Chenfeng, the Third Young Master of the Gu Family, hiding his identity.
"Now they've not only revealed his identity, but promoted him to Deputy Commander too."
"Do you believe it?"
"Believe it? Believe it, my ass!" one soldier cursed.
"Damn it, this world is rotten to the core.
"Someone without connections like me can fight tooth and nail and stake his life, and at best become some little Banner Officer.
"Look how easy it is for the Gu family's third young master to get promoted.
"Just send capable experts into the army to earn some merit.
"Then this third young master pops out and says he earned it while hiding his identity.
"And there you have it-position and rank, all handed to him!"
Another chimed in, "Heh, this is hardly anything new.
"After all, our General knows this trick better than anyone.
"I heard that