The Beginning of the Appointment

In Han Mingxuan's study in Nostramo.

"Talos, come here for a second."

"Uncle, you were looking for me."

"You've just come back from the front lines; there are some things I need to ask you about."

"I'll speak freely and without reservation, Uncle."

"How's it going at the Ullanor front?"

More than six years have passed since the Ullanor Crusade began, and during this time, Han Mingxuan has barely paid any attention to it.

Now that six years have passed, it seems it's time to officially appoint Warmaster.

"Uncle, it seems the situation at the Ullanor Crusade front is very good. The coordinated operations of the First Legion and XVI Legion are very effective. I believe the Ullanor Crusade will be completely over soon."

Han Mingxuan nodded, and then he issued a task to Talos.

"Talos, from today onwards, I want you to release the news."

"Uncle, what exactly did the message say?"

"Appointing him Warmaster."

With just four simple words from Han Mingxuan, Talos understood what his Uncle was up to.

"Uncle, are you trying to test them?"

"There's no way around it, Talos. People tend to overthink as they get older. I'm not young anymore, and I don't have the same boldness I had in my twenties or thirties. A little testing the waters is necessary."

After hearing Han Mingxuan's words, Talos remained silent for a while.

Compared to other people in their forties and fifties in Nostramo, his Uncle looked older, not in appearance, but in his hair.

Compared to others, his Uncle's hair looked more like that of someone in their 60s.

Although my Uncle always said he didn't care, his aged appearance didn't lie.

"Uncle, should I inform the Imperium?"

"No need. You just need to release the message, and the Emperor and the Chancellor will cooperate with you on the rest."

"Clear."

Given the nature of Huangpizi Dark King, it would be truly troublesome if he didn't cause trouble at this critical juncture.

After Talos left, Han Mingxuan did not rest in the study; instead, he went to find Oll Persson.

"Sir, you've arrived."

"Old Warmaster, did you know I was coming?"

"No, I'm just waiting. If you don't come to me, I'll come to you. If you do come, just like now, I'll accept it gracefully."

As expected of an old fellow who has lived for tens of thousands of years, his words were watertight, and whether he advanced or retreated, he was the one being deceived.

"Then do you know why I've come here?"

"Because of the position of Warmaster, sir."

"That's right, old Warmaster. I hope you can step in regarding this matter of bestowing the title of Warmaster."

"Is this your request, or your order?"

Would you prefer a request or a command?

"Yes, Your Majesty, Great Father of Night."

"Actually, I'd prefer you to choose the former, old Warmaster."

"But in the eyes of us old folks, you are too kind and lenient towards us retirees. To receive your orders would be an honor for us."

"Let's stop with the mutual flattery, Oll Persson, bring out the stuff."

Upon hearing this, Oll Persson pushed a box that he had prepared beforehand in front of Han Mingxuan.

It was a stone box, or rather, a box made by hollowing out a single piece of stone.

After opening the box, there was a Bone Fragments inside.

"This was crafted from an eagle's leg bone; it's the original military order."

"That dead eagle hanging around Neoth's neck?"

"Yes, sir, that's it. After I became his Warmaster, he gave me this thing to represent him in mobilizing the army. Therefore, this became the original Warmaster's Seal."

Look.

This old Warmaster is indeed the Emperor's white moonlight, it's no exaggeration. When Horus appointed the Warmaster, he didn't receive this treatment.

"Alright, I'll keep this for now. Once the Warmaster is chosen, I'd like you to come with me."

"As you wish, sir."

Not long after Han Mingxuan left, the old Warmaster went to the tavern.

"Xiulikas, stop drinking, the waves of fate are crashing down on you."

Xiulikas didn't reply; he just kept drinking his wine in silence.

"On this matter, I am not on the same side as you, Warmaster."

"But the Father of Night needs you. Among us who are alive, you understand destiny better than even Klein."

"Ha, you didn't consult fate when you were discussing that damned plan, so I won't offer any advice now. If you want rivers of blood to flow, then let them flow."

"All of this is for humanity, Fate's Sacrifice."

"Oh."

Xiulikas merely responded with a cold laugh to the old Warmaster's statement.

They claimed everything was for humanity, but they didn't realize that once their plan was truly implemented, humanity's fate would be plunged into the deepest, coldest, and cruelest abyss.

At that point, the Galaxy Burning, Warp will collapse.

Meanwhile, on the Ullanor front.

Because of Talos's carefree and loose tongue, plus a certain Astartes warrior in the First Legion who couldn't keep his mouth shut.

Fueled by the overwhelming rumors, the two Legion on the Ullanor front received confirmation immediately.

The Imperium will appoint Warmaster after the Ullanor Crusade concludes.

"Young man, is the information reliable?" Lion El'Jonson asked, looking at his Scions.

"The source is Talos, the Soul Hunter of the Thirteen-Person Group. Guaranteed."

Upon hearing this, Lion El'Jonson pondered for a moment, and then issued an order.

"Contact Horus immediately! No, bring Horus to me at once!"

"Father, if I may be so bold, does such a momentous matter as the appointment of Warmaster require consultation with the Commander of the XVI Legion?"

His idea, from the perspective of the Legion's interests, was not wrong, because the charisma of the leader of the XVI Legion was beyond question.

Lord of the Luna Wolves.

The XVI Legion Primarch, Horus Lupercal, the First-Returned Son of the Emperor.

If we were to ask who among all these people could rival their father for the position of Warmaster?

Without a doubt, the Lord of Luna Wolves would be among them.

"Times are changing, young man. The position of Warmaster is not simple. Anyway, contact him first and have him come over immediately; this is an urgent military matter."

"Clear!"

"No need, brother, I've arrived."

Upon hearing Horus's voice, Lion El'Jonson looked towards the door of the Operations Command Room.

"It seems you've also received that rumor."

"This is indeed not a rumor, Lion El'Jonson. The initial source that could be confirmed was the Soul Hunter Talos. To ensure the information's authenticity, I inquired with Impetus, who gave an affirmative answer."

"Is this what Uncle meant?"

"No, this was Father's wish, but this matter has been delayed for many years."

"It seems this matter is beyond the ability of the two of us brothers to resolve."