Half a day later.
Within the Great General's main hall, the dim glow of the Whale-Breath Lamp flickered, illuminating two figures.
The clamor of the ceremony conferring noble titles and military appointments had been shut out entirely.
Only a heart-chilling silence remained here.
Xiao Canglan stood before an enormous map of the Lingnan Circuit, his gaze deep.
It was as though he could see through the stone walls to the beacon fires and smoke of war at Heavenly Abyss Pass, ten thousand miles away.
An army of Dao Soldiers numbering in the millions fought outside the pass day and night without rest.
They were consuming both sides' fighting strength at a furious rate.
He did not turn, but his voice reached Qing Chen's ears clearly, carrying a trace of gravity.
"Azure Abyss Marquis."
He used the new noble title to mark the formality of the occasion. "Today's glory was earned through your achievements. The Immortal Dynasty remembers them, and so does the Commander-in-Chief."
Qing Chen bowed slightly. "It was all thanks to your nurturing, Great General, and His Majesty's heavenly grace."
Xiao Canglan slowly turned, his eyes, which held the rise and fall of tides, fixing deeply on Qing Chen. "Dispense with the formalities.
"I summoned you to let you know how heavy the burden on your shoulders is now, and how perilous the road beneath your feet is.
"You don't blame the Commander-in-Chief for putting you over the fire to roast, making you the target of every arrow, do you?"
Qing Chen promptly dropped to one knee, his voice firm and resonant. "Governor-General, you have given me a new life and raised me through the ranks.
"Had you not bestowed a Nascent Soul Formation Pill upon me, I would not have advanced to the Nascent Soul realm so easily.