Chapter 1 The Beginning
The Ministry of Rites in Longjing.
The place was brightly lit at this moment.
The Dragon Country was about to enfeoff five new kings, and their titles and names were to be arranged by the Ministry of Rites.
"How should the title of the Sixth King be arranged?"
"This Sixth King has caused quite a stir. If we were to use a common character, it wouldn't be particularly appropriate."
"Actually, it's quite simple. We could also name him according to his martial path."
"King Yuan?"
"Yuan, Supreme, Qian. King Xuanqian?"
"King Qian would suffice, wouldn't it?"
"The Sixth King of the Dragon Country, King Qian. It's not bad. Let's decide on that."
After much deliberation, several old scholars in official robes finally settled on Chen Jiuyang's royal title.
...
The Ministry of War.
"The five new kings have been decided. Let's first discuss the Sixth King's position."
"Our Dragon Country already has kings stationed in the east, west, north, and south seas to suppress them. The Sixth King hails from Feng Province, with Shu Mountain at his back, and also has deep ties with the Blade Legion and the Apocalypse Legion."
"The Sixth King's legion should be stationed in Feng Province. The Blade Legion also happens to be in Feng Province. Let me think..."
"The Sixth King's legion will be stationed in Feng Province, with the forty-six marquises of Feng Province incorporated into the legion. Shu Mountain will provide twenty percent of the troop source, and the remaining sixty percent will be drawn from the Blade Legion and the Apocalypse Legion. A total of thirty thousand troops as standard, how about that?"
"A standard of thirty thousand troops is acceptable. What will be the positioning of this legion?"
"Heh heh, this Sixth King comes from a military background and doesn't have much affection for the noble families. The Sixth King's martial path is extraordinary. His own legion will undoubtedly impart his martial path to enhance its strength. During normal times, they can clean up the parasitic noble families. What do you think?"
Everyone slowly nodded. "This is excellent."
"Duke Du spent decades feeding wolves alone to clear out the surface forces of the small noble families and clans in Lingnan, weakening their destiny. With five new kings emerging in sixty years of national destiny, it's time to tidy up the noble families and clans within the country."
"The legions of the remaining four kings should also be standardized in this way."
"In that case, should the new five kings be brought under the supervision of the Sword Bearers?"
"This matter was decided long ago. The new five kings have also been brought under the supervision of the Sword Bearers. However, to clear out the noble families and clans, following the standards of the first five kings would be too restrictive for the new five kings. The conclusion from above is that the new five kings will also serve as deputy Sword Bearers in their respective regions, possessing some authority of the Sword Bearers without being overly restricted, while still being supervised by them."
"Good."
"Excellent."
"In that case, let's issue the regulations. Mobilize personnel. The establishment of the new five kings' legions, including personnel, supplies, logistics, and authority, must be handed over to the new kings."
...
The Ministry of Revenue.
"The new kings have appeared. Regarding their royal emblems, we must consult them for the design."
"Hmm, the Ministry of War has already issued a notification. The five kings will have standard legions of thirty thousand troops, with the Sixth King's legion to be treated separately and given preferential treatment..."
"Thirty thousand troops, equipped with a thousand helicopters, five thousand vehicles, and ten escort logistics ships! Isn't this a bit too extravagant... Oh, no standard firearms, ammunition, tanks, etc., then it's acceptable."
"The Sixth King has his own industries. Heh heh. In that case, besides these, we will allocate another one hundred billion yuan in funds. We won't need to worry about the rest."
The daily expenses of thirty thousand people, as well as the construction of military bases and soldier dormitories, mess halls, and training grounds, would cost an astronomical sum.
...
The Apocalypse Legion.
"Good kid, he's actually been made a king. The Ministry of War has notified us to dispatch personnel. Hmm... We owe the Sixth King a favor. Staff officer, select some promising talents and send them to Feng Province."
...
Longjing was vast and prosperous, with a population of tens of millions, and a radiating population of over a hundred million. It was the largest city in the Dragon Country.
Under the night sky, the lights of Longjing formed a continuous expanse, a city that never slept.
Chen Jiuyang and Gong Luoque were drinking wine in a small building, unaware that the arrangements for the establishment of their legions would only be officially issued tomorrow.
Chen Jiuyang put down his wine cup and said lightly, "Brother Gong, when will the good show you mentioned begin?"
"It has already begun," Gong Luoque smiled. "It's just that the preliminary setup didn't need Brother Chen to see. Brother Chen only needs to watch the highlights."
As he spoke.
"Bang—"
On the street opposite, an explosion sounded, followed by a disheveled figure fleeing towards them.
Hong Jiangjin, with a look of panic, shouted as he fled, "County Princess Gong, why are you attacking me?"
Gong Liexian, clad in golden dragon-patterned armor and holding a golden spear, said indifferently, "Brother Hong, it's not my fault. The order came from above for me to kill you."
"This is the work of the Sword Bearers. Anyone who doesn't want to be involved, get out of the way!"
"I don't believe it! I, Hong Jiangjin, have done nothing. Why would the Sword Bearer Legion issue an order to kill me? County Princess Gong, it was my father who recommended you to the Sword Bearer Legion!"
Gong Liexian's voice was indifferent. "Brother Hong, the Sword Bearers have issued an order, and I only follow it."
"Ch—"
Immediately, Gong Liexian unleashed his full power. The golden spear in his hand seemed to come alive, emitting a dragon's roar: "Hong Ming!"
The spear shot out from Gong Liexian's hand, piercing Hong Jiangjin's body directly, pinning him to the wall of the small building where Chen Jiuyang was seated. Hong Jiangjin then died with unconcealed resentment, his eyes wide open.
The son of the Jingcheng Prefecture Lord, often the champion of the martial rankings, had died just like that.
"My son!"
Hong Haimeng, upon receiving the news, rushed over. Seeing this scene, his eyes turned red, and he roared in grief. With murderous intent, he looked at Gong Liexian, "Liexian, why did you do this?"
Facing him, Gong Liexian's expression was pained, and he cupped his fists with a look of reluctance. "Uncle Hong, I was acting under orders. I had no choice. I don't know the specific reasons."
"If you have any doubts, please go find the Legion Commander."
Hong Haimeng's body trembled, and he seemed to age ten years in an instant, falling silent.
After a long while, Hong Haimeng finally accepted the fact that his son had been killed by the Sword Bearers. How could he dare to go and question the Sword Bearer Legion Commander? He knew what his son had been doing all these years, especially the excessive actions on the martial rankings this time. It was only a matter of time before the Sword Bearers found trouble.
The net of heaven is vast, and the laws of the country are not missed!
Then, he left with Hong Jiangjin's body.
Gong Luoque looked at Chen Jiuyang and said lightly, "Brother Chen, how was this good show?"
Chen Jiuyang's eyes flickered. "It was indeed quite a spectacle."
Gong Luoque said, "Brother Chen, would you be able to come home with my brother and me tomorrow?"
"Since Brother Gong has so sincerely invited me to witness such a good show, I will naturally fulfill my promise to treat and heal County Princess Gong after the martial rankings."
"Now that the martial rankings are over, it is indeed time to treat and heal County Princess Gong."
"Hoo." Gong Luoque breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. My brother and I will come to pick you up tomorrow."
"No problem."