In the old world, the Yang family had long been a military household in the Song Dynasty. For generations, they served in the military, rendering countless merits to the nation. Countless sons of the Yang family fell on the battlefield, and yet, what they received in return was far from justice. The Yang family sought to revive the Song Dynasty, but there was little they could do in the face of its cowardice. Even military deployments were subject to layers of suspicion and constraint. The shackles and limitations were endless.
Now, in the Great Yi, with a single word, Yi Tianxing granted an entire legion to the Yang family—offering even full command of the Vermilion Bird Legion without hesitation. This was not only a mark of trust, but a great responsibility.
Yang Ye, Yang Yanping, and Yang Yanding, all three were overwhelmed with emotion. A sense of "a soldier dies for one who truly understands him" surged within their hearts. Their expressions became fervent and moved.
"No need for ceremony. This is what the Yang family deserves. Back when you abandoned Yang Family Village to join Xuanhuang Village, your contributions to the Great Yi have been countless. This is your rightful reward. Being a legion commander is just the beginning. So long as the Yang family does not fail the King and does not fail Great Yi, then what of being granted a marquisate?"
Yi Tianxing spoke solemnly, "In the Great Yi, titles of nobility are granted only through military merit."
Military merit for nobility—if one wanted to become a marquis, then go conquer and seize a territory worthy of the title. As long as one accomplished it, Yi Tianxing would not be stingy with noble ranks. Any reward was possible.
"A marquis?"
This word caused everyone in the hall to brighten up, feeling an indescribable temptation. In a Destiny Dynasty, becoming a marquis meant access to greater Heaven and Earth authority, more abundant fate energy, and higher status. In this chaotic age, it was an incredibly powerful incentive and motivation.
Among the generals, even their breathing grew rapid. A burning desire lit up in their eyes.
"Qi Jiguang, step forward!!"
Yi Tianxing looked toward Qi Jiguang, who stood silently at the side.
Since the founding of the Great Yi, Qi Jiguang had officially joined the dynasty and entered the Military Affairs Pavilion. He started out as an ordinary soldier, eating and sleeping with the troops, accepting tasks, slaying beasts, and leading attacks on monsters.
Through countless trials, he had risen through the ranks. In just a few months, he had won the heartfelt admiration of the soldiers and was promoted to general in the Military Affairs Pavilion.
With his status as a military strategist from the Immortal Academy, he flourished like a fish in water. He often discussed battle strategy with Yang Ye and other generals, even conducting war simulations on the chessboard. His tactics were ruthless and decisive—every move a killing blow. His prowess in military strategy even earned Yang Ye's admiration. The two became confidants and close friends.
With his abilities, he would shine wherever he went. The glory of a military strategist was earned on the battlefield—that was one of his motivations for joining the army.
"Your subject is present."Qi Jiguang stepped forward and bowed.
"By royal decree, Qi Jiguang is hereby appointed Commander of the Azure Dragon Legion, with a troop strength of 200,000 and full control over all military divisions. Bestow the Azure Dragon Command Seal."
Another legion commander had just been appointed.
A glowing Azure Dragon seal floated in the air and split into two halves—one remained before Yi Tianxing, the other flew toward Qi Jiguang.
"Qi Jiguang thanks His Majesty for the honor."
Qi Jiguang bowed deeply, accepting the heavy seal—heavy not just in weight, but in responsibility. As a legion commander, he now bore the future of 200,000 soldiers.
"The Four Divine Beast Legions will begin with the Azure Dragon and Vermilion Bird Legions. The other two will be established later. Beyond the Divine Beasts, I now establish the Four Absolute Legions—Slay Demon, Break Demon, Trap Immortal, and Execute God. Outside these eight great legions, I will also establish the Twelve Celestial Stem Legions."
Yi Tianxing once again dropped a bombshell that left the gathered generals stunned.
The Four Divine Beasts, the Four Absolutes—that was already eight major legions. Each would consist of 200,000 troops. Just these alone added up to 1.6 million soldiers. While not all were yet to be formally established, even a few confirmed legions would reshape the Military Affairs Pavilion.
Add the Twelve Celestial Stem Legions to the mix, and that made twenty legions, twenty legion commanders—a massive force. Once fully formed, the strength of Great Yi would swell to an unimaginable level.
"Zhang Fei, step forward!!"
Yi Tianxing looked toward the generals and called out.
"Your subject is here!!"Zhang Fei bowed, excitement flashing across his bold, rugged face. His heart pounded with anticipation.
"You rendered great service when you first joined Xuanhuang City. You've repeatedly distinguished yourself in the military, and your strength is among the best. Today, I appoint you Commander of the Break Demon Legion, with a force of 200,000 and a full range of divisions. Bestow the Break Demon Command Seal."
"Thank you, my King. Zhang Fei accepts the command."
Zhang Fei's voice carried deep respect. At that moment, he felt a true sense of belonging to Great Yi.
"Wang Dahu!!"
Yi Tianxing called out again.
"Your subject is here!!"Wang Dahu's body trembled as he stepped forward. Surprise and shock filled his heart.
He hadn't expected a reward. Though a veteran in the army, Wang Dahu was well aware that he wasn't the most talented or the strongest—only at the Life Aperture realm. He remained in the army thanks to his loyalty, having followed Yi Tianxing from the earliest days. That loyalty kept him in a place of trust.
He never sought promotion, only diligently trained soldiers, drilled formations, and oversaw the army's secret weapon—the Eight-Gate Golden Lock Formation.
Yi Tianxing had always trusted him.
"Dahu, you've followed me since the beginning, and have trained soldiers daily without rest. Today, I appoint you Commander of the Battle Tiger Legion, with 200,000 troops. Bestow the Battle Tiger Command Seal."
Yi Tianxing's voice was firm.
This was not a token reward. Being a legion commander required true ability and integrity. Wang Dahu had both. He not only trained hard, but frequently visited the Sutra Pavilion to study military classics. After the founding of the Immortal Academy, he persistently attended to learn warfare and tactics. His hunger for strength and his own insights into strategy made him no less effective than others on the battlefield.
Many nodded at the appointment. No one questioned it. Wang Dahu had earned his place.
This was also a powerful incentive for ordinary soldiers—that through effort and loyalty, even someone from humble beginnings could rise.
"Xue Kunlun, step forward."
Yi Tianxing called.
"Your subject is here."
Xue Kunlun, robed in snow-white, bowed. He had witnessed Great Yi's battle against the beastman coalition and seen many cities firsthand. Eventually, he chose to join the dynasty.
"You joined Great Yi with your troops and possess leadership talent. Your original subordinates will remain under your command. Today, I appoint you Commander of the Snow Rabbit Legion, with 200,000 troops. Bestow the Snow Rabbit Command Seal. Rank: First-grade."
"Snow Rabbit Legion Commander Xue Kunlun thanks His Majesty!"
He received the seal with both hands.
"Hua Mulan, step forward."
"Your subject is here."
Hua Mulan stood tall in full military attire, heroic and radiant. She possessed a unique grace not often found in women.
Though her origins were unknown to most, her reputation was not. To lead troops as a woman was enough proof of her skill. Any who underestimated her would regret it.
"Hua Mulan, you are no less than any man. Today, I appoint you Commander of the Hundred Flowers Legion, with 200,000 female soldiers. Bestow the Hundred Flowers Command Seal. I hope you will show the world the strength of women."
Yi Tianxing nodded approvingly.
"Thank you, my King."
A smile appeared on Mulan's face. Forming an all-female legion was her long-standing dream. In the desert, she couldn't achieve it. But in Great Yi, it could be done.
In times of chaos, many women were willing to fight. Using her current troops as the core, she could form the Hundred Flowers Legion quickly. Though its strength would take time to grow, it had unlimited potential.
"Very good. For now, I appoint the Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, Battle Tiger, Break Demon, and Hundred Flowers legions. The rest shall wait for worthy candidates. I welcome all talent with open arms."
Yi Tianxing's tone was calm, but his words shook the hearts of all present.