After the three thousand vanguard legions set off, the training ground was filled with tense activity. The army was making final preparations for departure. There was a cacophony of people and horses, the rolling of wheels, and banners that blotted out the sky. High-ranking Military Department officials, important figures from the major noble families of the capital, and members of the Second Prince Dominguez's faction all appeared at the training ground to see the army off.
Sun Fei was originally among those invited, but he did not appear at the training ground.
In the frigid weather, breath almost froze. In an instant, the white breath exhaled by more than 60,000 people evaporated and became dark clouds in the sky. Then, soon, amidst a chorus of bugle calls that resounded throughout the heavens and earth, the army of more than 60,000 people set off in an orderly manner.
The whole scene was extremely spectacular.
This was the first time Sun Fei had ever witnessed such a massive army marching out. Swords and spears were like a forest, and the crowds were like a river. A chilling aura permeated the heavens and the earth. Thousands upon thousands of soldiers exuded a domineering, iron-blooded aura. Although this aura was invisible, it filled the heavens and the earth. Even the white breath and dark clouds exhaled by more than 60,000 people in the sky were torn open by this iron-blooded aura, creating a huge cloud hole and forming an incredible meteorological spectacle.
The sheer killing intent emanating from the thousands of soldiers, even with a sense of awe and power, made even a master like Sun Fei feel insignificant at that moment.
As the army marched onward, rushing past in the distance like a torrent, Sun Fei finally spotted Zenit [ God of War ] Andrei Arshavin, riding a white horse and wearing black armor, looking smug and triumphant under the protection of the elite guards of the [ Iron-Blooded Camp ].
Beneath a long banner bearing the imperial family's symbol of a two-headed white ice bear, the commander of an army of 60,000 men appeared incredibly dashing and imposing, exuding an aura of nobility and majesty. His every move captivated the attention of thousands of soldiers, and he radiated an invincible charm.
Sun Fei even keenly observed that the iron-blooded aura and righteous spirit emanating from the thousands of soldiers seemed to be subtly enveloping this generation's " God of War," as if the power of millions of soldiers had been bestowed upon Arshavin.
Against this backdrop, Arshavin's not-so-imposing figure appeared incredibly tall, and a terrifyingly noble aura that Sun Fei had never seen before suddenly surged from his body.
At that moment, the Empire's [ God of War ] seemed to notice something as well. He turned his head and looked over, his lightning-fast gaze fixed on Sun Fei. Then, he quickly noticed the Witch Paris sitting next to Sun Fei.
The atmosphere at this moment was incredibly subtle.
Although the distance was great, Sun Fei seemed to hear the Empire's [ God of War ] snort heavily.
This hum seemed to ignite the murderous aura of thousands of soldiers, like a deity from the heavens above dressed in human form, exuding an overwhelming and irresistible power.
At this moment, Sun Fei truly understood that Arshavin's reputation as the " God of War " was absolutely well-deserved.
In Sun Fei's previous impression, Arshavin was not a particularly outstanding figure. Although he possessed Six-Star Class Dou Qi and was considered one of the top experts in the empire, his strength was only comparable to the Ten Judgment Knight and not considered the empire's top military force. After Sun Fei defeated the four Judgment Knight in succession, he actually no longer took this [ God of War ] seriously.
But at this moment, Sun Fei suddenly understood that Arshavin's title of " God of War " was not only based on his personal martial prowess, but also primarily on his talent for commanding troops and his imposing presence and methods when leading thousands of soldiers.
When Arshavin commands tens of millions of troops, he truly becomes a " God of War," like a deity, anticipating the enemy's moves, invincible in battle, and victorious from afar.
At this moment, Arshavin surprisingly exuded an aura that made Sun Fei feel inferior.
At the very least, Sun Fei tried repeatedly to ask himself: if he were commanding thousands of troops, could he, like that prince in white armor on a black horse in the distance, have such keen insight and make such decisive moves, tightly uniting the strength of millions of people with the New Year?
The final answer is no.
At this moment, Sun Fei was slightly lost in thought.
"Hehehe, what's wrong? Are you stunned by His Highness the Crown Prince's unparalleled heroic bearing?"
A hint of allure flickered in the beautiful eyes of the Alluring Witch Paris. Seeing Sun Fei's thoughtful expression, she knew exactly what he was thinking and gently comforted him.
"Actually, Alexander, you don't need to try to suppress everyone in everything, because there are no perfect people in this world, not even the gods in the heavens. You know, like me, although many people in the empire don't particularly like the First Prince, everyone must admit that in the more than twenty years since the empire was founded, the First Prince has absolutely been the most brilliant star among all the empire's generals. If we only talk about commanding troops and conquering, apart from Emperor Yassin, absolutely no one in the empire can match the First Prince. He is the kind of person who was born for war. His art of command comes from the favor of the gods; it is an unparalleled talent. As long as he has soldiers under his command, no one can steal his brilliance. As long as he is in the army, he is a true God of War."
Listening to the Witch Paris describe the First Prince Arshavin in such a way, Sun Fei gradually realized that he may have never truly understood the First Prince. There were many people and many things in this world that he had not yet had the chance to truly understand.
but--
"No matter if they have a thousand troops, I'll crush them with a single punch."
Sun Fei quickly shook off this negative emotion, clenched his fists, and suddenly felt full of confidence.
Because he quickly figured out the key point: there are countless paths to becoming a strong person. Perhaps commanding an army was the path Arshavin chose, but Sun Fei preferred another one—he didn't want to entrust his safety to others, even if they were his followers.
A true strongman doesn't need a thousand troops; he only needs a pair of invincible iron fists.
Only when you are invincible yourself can you truly be invincible.
I have my own way.
Paris seemed surprised that Sun Fei would break free from the atmosphere created by the First Prince's massive army so quickly.
At that moment, for some reason, this alluring woman couldn't help but think of another figure—
Six years ago, the handsome, almost otherworldly man who loved to cuddle a disabled puppy stood atop the city gates of the imperial capital for the first time, watching the triumphant return of the Empire's [ God of War ]. This was the first meeting between the two arch-enemies. At that moment, Dominguez seemed to experience only a brief moment of shock before quickly yawning. Only she heard him mutter, "How boring. Leading an army is less appealing than raising dogs..."
"By the way, there's something else I'm curious about. In another half month, it will be the date for the Martial Saint Martial Saint Battle that the two empires originally agreed upon. Now that a full-scale war has broken out between the two empires, will the Martial Saint Battle still take place as scheduled?" Sun Fei changed the subject, gazing at the towering Martial Saint Mountain deep in the capital, and asked softly.
" On the Azeroth Continent, once the [ Martial Saint Challenge ] appears, nothing will affect the duel between Martial Saint. The outbreak of war will only make the Martial Saint Battle even more significant." Paris shook her head, reached out to tuck her wind-blown hair behind her ear, and softly replied, " The Martial Saint War will greatly influence the outcome of this battle; it is a contest no less significant than the victory or defeat on the southern battlefield."
"Do you know what the chances are of Martial Saint Krasic winning the Martial Saint Battle?" Sun Fei asked.
"No one can defeat Lord Krasic," Paris replied decisively.
Sun Fei remained silent.
Because he truly knew nothing about the Imperial Martial Saint, nor did he know the extent of this legendary Lord Krasic's strength—was he Moon Class expert? Or Sun-Rank Venerable? It seemed that the entire Zenit Empire had a fanatical faith in this Martial Saint, even Witch like Paris was full of confidence in him. Just what kind of person was this Imperial Martial Saint?
After chatting about some unrelated topics, Sun Fei took his leave.
" Alexander, remember your promise," Paris said suddenly, staring at Sun Fei's retreating figure.
"Kindness?"
"Remember, no matter when or under what circumstances, as long as I ask, you must help Prince Dominguez at least once, even if it's just one move. Do you understand?" Paris shouted loudly. Sun Fei had a feeling that the Witch was expecting his answer; her voice seemed a little nervous.
"Kindness."
Under the blessings and watchful eyes of countless citizens of the Empire, the Zenit army, like a long black dragon, finally crossed the Moro Mountains, headed south, and disappeared on the horizon.
After parting ways with Paris, Sun Fei did not rush back to the Chambord camp. Instead, he remained disguised as a background character and wandered around the twenty-mile vassal state camp area, secretly observing the movements of the various vassal states that had entered the final Empire Ranking Competition. An hour later, he arrived at the camp of the sixth-rank vassal state, Kingdom of Byzantium.
Sun Fei revealed his identity, the Byzantium's wary gaze turned to surprise.
He quickly received a warm welcome from the Byzantium. Upon hearing the report from the guards, King Constantine, without even having time to put on his shoes, and Queen Isabella, barefoot, came out from their royal tents to greet Sun Fei with the highest level of courtesy.
Almost all Byzantium worshipped and thanked Sun Fei as a savior.
First update.
The train is running at night; the terrifying Spring Festival travel rush is here.
Peak hours, it's terrifying.