Forge a path to success

Huan Ge downed the wine in one gulp and slammed the cup down.

Sometimes I really think it's a good thing that there are strong and weak people in this world!

“How come you see?”

“If Heng Kong and the others hadn’t been able to suppress both sides, the internal strife in this military camp would probably have broken out into a full-blown war long ago. And if I hadn’t been able to suppress them all by myself, how could the chaos of the second lineage have been resolved in such a childish way?” Huan Ge said. “It is precisely because everyone knows the difference between the strong and the weak, and knows the importance of the opinions of us strong individuals, that the collective is willing to accept the result of the contest… and that they feel that this is not a bad solution!”

"Only through such tricks could I make them realize the strength of the Allied forces and their own limitations. But if you and I were all of equal strength and ability..."

He clutched the empty wine glass and sighed, "This military camp is probably already a river of blood!"

Trek poured him another glass: "This world is very unfair. The strong are born carrying the lives of the weak. Your commands will determine their life or death, and your words will change their minds... So it's better to be a little foolish than to be cautious. There's no need to delve into things that can be overlooked. This is what those in high positions mean by being careful with their words and actions."

“Absolutely right,” Huan Ge said in a deep voice. “But you see things so clearly, why haven’t you stepped forward yet? Commander-in-Chief Jastry!”

Trek remained silent for a long time, then smiled bitterly and said, "The chaos in the military camp stems from me alone. Even if I'm shameless, what right do I have to speak to them?"

The rampant separatists, the general despondency of the city-state, the turmoil within and outside the military camps, and even the rise of Parrimanism after the war—all of this stemmed from the final bloody battle 20 years prior. At that time, during a lull in the battle lines, heretics seized the opportunity to launch a surprise attack, while a large number of demons attacked the city-state from the sea. The city-state of Jingsha was on the verge of collapse, yet from the nobles to the soldiers, no one ever doubted the outcome of their battle.

Because the commander-in-chief at that time was Just Trek.

He commanded troops for ten years, winning every battle, and his military strategy and martial arts were universally acknowledged as top-notch. More importantly, his Holy Grail, supported by the Divine Tree, allowed for the rapid transfer of troops, enabling unprecedentedly high-mobility combat. At that time, the city-state was beset by internal and external troubles, and everyone knew what the right choice should be.

Withdraw the main force back into the city, repel the demons, and then use the city-state's terrain to defeat the enemy forces on the front lines. If they can simply hold out until the next reinforcements arrive, the predicament of the thorny shrubs will be resolved, and the ten-year war will finally be over!

But Jas Trek did not command in this way. He left only a small force to return to the city to reinforce it, while leaving the main force to fight to the death on the outer pass. That line was held, but the soldiers who should have been able to return home died in the final moments of the battle.

The city-state of Thorns gained nothing. The families of the fallen, in their grief, called for severe punishment of the negligent commander and for justice for the dead. As a result, the commander-in-chief was court-martialed and demoted to the Third Divine Guard. Meanwhile, Parriman, who led the remnants back to the city-state, was hailed as a hero and rose rapidly through the ranks.

The events of twenty years ago ended with the downfall of a high-ranking official.

"This is utterly absurd!" Huan Ge shouted angrily. "Something that can be understood with just a glance at a map, if the common people who are unfamiliar with warfare don't understand it, how could the people in the military court not understand it!"

"do not talk……"

Huan Ge insisted, "The pressure on the front lines is so great that if we don't hold the line as quickly as possible, the forces of the outsiders will bypass the city-states and sail downstream, directly attacking the thousands of small and medium-sized dust islands in the rear, as well as our support outposts on the periphery! The first to fall will be Huilong City of Jiqiu Peak, and then the reinforcements from Longquan Township will be cut off by the outsiders at sea. The fresh troops of the next decade will suffer heavy casualties before the battle even begins!"

By then, let alone breaking through the Heavenly Prison, even maintaining the defense for the next ten years will likely become a major problem. Given the current situation, we must do everything in our power to hold it!

Trek said in a deep voice, "It wasn't your family members who died in battle!"

Huan Ge stood his ground: "But what I'm protecting is the peace of millions of families!"

The two soldiers glared at each other, their eyes so cold, like blood-soaked arrows. In the end, Trek was defeated, slumping dejectedly onto the bar.

“The people need an explanation,” he said softly. “The families of the fallen need an explanation. Someone must be held accountable for so many deaths and injuries. How can this matter be resolved if no one takes responsibility?”

"So many orphans and elderly people! Children who have lost their fathers, wives who have lost their lovers! Are you going to tell them this is justified? Are you going to tell them that soldiers deserve to die?!"

Trek's voice grew louder and louder; he was almost out of control, repeating the same monotonous questions. Parriman walked the world wearing a mask, and he was, in reality, just like everyone else. His mask was that cynical demeanor, that listless style. But he couldn't remove the mask; beneath it lay regret and sorrow, words he couldn't speak to his family, couldn't speak to his subordinates. Only when he met his old comrades could he, fueled by alcohol, utter a few words.

“The city-state of Thorns needs Jas Trek to be put on trial, just as it once needed Parryman!” Trek sighed. “How can the war be declared over if I do not shoulder this responsibility!”

"Nonsense, utter nonsense!"

The bar door was kicked open, and a thin, elderly man in a military uniform, his eyes blazing with rage, pointed at Trek and said in a trembling voice, "Is this how I taught you? Did I teach you to be moral and just?"

Trek was momentarily stunned: "General Slayne..."

"You're a soldier! As a soldier, you must obey orders and follow commands. As a general, you're concerned with the overall situation, victory or defeat, life or death!" Slain rebuked. "You're just a soldier; all you should be thinking about is victory and defeat, how to win!"

"War has broken out, people have died, and you will face the grieving families. You must go up to them and say that your family members died gloriously! They sacrificed themselves for justice and for all living beings! Tell your children that you must inherit your father's bravery, that you must become a great soldier in thorns to slay your father's enemies, and tell your wives that you must inherit your husband's will, that you must raise your children to be great citizens of the city, to fight alongside us, and not to be ashamed of the souls of the dead!"

"That's your duty! Your obligation!" Slain roared. "You're a ruthless soldier, your mission is to make the Allies win! Public opinion, morality, what the hell are those? That's for politicians! Are all those politicians in Fort Mansa incompetent? Who are you to worry about them?!"

Trek remained silent, and Huan Ge tried to smooth things over: "Old man, this is too much... We should always have some humanity..."

Silayn turned and yelled, "Shut the hell up! Could you make this decision if you were in my shoes? Twenty years ago, you probably would have committed suicide!"

"I'll shut up, I'll shut up."

Huan Ge sat there, eyes downcast, pretending not to hear anything. Si Lai En stared at her prized student, her eyes filled with deep disappointment.

"Trek, why didn't you do that?" the old man asked.

"Old General, you make it sound so easy!" Trek gritted his teeth. "How dare I speak? Am I supposed to tell you that your good grandson died a glorious death, and ask you, a lonely old man, to cheer up and support me in weathering the criticism in the city?!"

“Yes! That’s exactly what you should say!” Thlaine glared. “No matter how much pressure you’re under, you have to withstand it. If those around you can’t hold on, you have to pull them up yourself. You have to give speeches, garner support, guide public opinion, exaggerate the consequences of defeat, and make everyone believe that it was you, Jastry, who saved the Allies, and that you are the undisputed hero of the city!”

"But you ran away. You went to a military court yourself, but in the end, that coward Palliman got the postwar media benefits, turning a clown into a city-state hero!"

Trek shook his head: "Now, let's talk about this..."

“Yes, it’s pointless.” Slaine interrupted it. “You’re just a squad leader now, and I’m an old man whose mind is filled with nothing but my dead grandson. We can’t even stand up straight anymore, so let’s just live on in despair.”

"Run! Run! Run as far as you can. If all goes well, at least we can survive overseas for another 2 or 30 years, spending our last days alone amidst the siege of outsiders!"

After the old man left, Huan Ge drank two more cups and said to his old friend, "I have to say something ruthless."

"I have heard many heartless things today."

“The city-state of Jingsha needs Jas Trek,” Huan Ge said calmly. “If we fight a few battles, we might be able to temporarily suppress public opinion… but neither I nor Chu Hengkong can change everyone’s mind.”

"Twenty years ago, you were prepared to become a sacrifice. Now, I wonder if you still have the courage to stand under the gaze of everyone?"

Huan Ge left too, leaving only a drowsy Trek in the small bar. Some time later, the bartender returned to tidy the bar, and Trek lifted his bleary eyes.

"If I were to give a speech now, would you listen?"

“Yes, sir,” the bartender said. “Whenever.”

Chapter 374 War and Turmoil (4)

"Is everything ready with the store manager? You're really enthusiastic. What about Trek?...Okay, I understand. Be careful."

Chu Hengkong cut off the communication and turned to ask, "Is everything ready?"

Qingxia raised her hand: "I need a kiss to inject power! Otherwise I might lose! Ouch, ouch, ouch!"

Chu Hengkong poked her forehead hard: "A lot of people will be watching, be serious."

“I understand, we’ll win~” Qingxia covered her forehead. “But, will winning solve the problem? It doesn’t seem like everyone will change their minds because of a duel.”

"Of course not, this battle is just an excuse," Chu Hengkong said. "Excuses can guide thinking, but they can't change the status quo. The key to solving problems is always people and effort."

Qingxia nodded repeatedly: "I see~~ That's why I said Xiaoye is the key."

The two of them looked at the other end of the preparation room. Miss Canxin was sitting on the bench with an expression of extreme stomach pain. It wouldn't be surprising if she vomited at any moment.

They used this arena competition as an opportunity to devise a small plan, and Qingye was the core of this plan.

"I sent the letter a long time ago, but... the patriarch's reply hasn't arrived yet..." Qingye covered her face. "What if the patriarch disagrees?! Wouldn't that be considered giving false information?! I'd be the first one executed if the truth came out!!"

"Are you already feeling the psychological burden?" Chu Hengkong patted her shoulder forcefully. "Think about your ambitions."

Vande chimed in, "You're the woman who's going to turn the entire Shura Island into a battlefield!"

"Please, you two, shut up! You're losing all fighting spirit as you talk!"

Qingye took a few deep breaths, picked up her twin swords, and stood up.

"Okay, let's go."

Van der was very impressed: "I told you she had the talent to be a dictator."

"Watch out, one-eyed squid, I might really chop you up!"

"Go go go!"

Qingye stepped out of the preparation room amidst cheers, greeted by blinding sunlight and a surging crowd. The oval dueling arena, resembling a stadium, was packed with people; almost half the military camp had come to watch this decisive duel. She knew that not only the military camp, but probably citizens from other factions were also watching the duel, with hundreds of millions of eyes fixed on her.

The referee was none other than the second captain, Huan Ge himself. He raised his hand in the center of the arena and shouted, "According to the ancient tradition of the military camp, the victor is justice. Now, let's begin the first Ironthorn Crown 'Justice' Tournament!"

"First match, point mass, 3-way battle! Both contestants, enter the arena!"

The Independent faction's contestant was the first to enter the arena amidst cheers. He was a treant clad in full-body armor, wielding a large green sword. Huan Ge introduced him: "Independent faction, from the Ironthorn Crown Second Team, Path of Unity Point 3, 'Green Blade' Graru."

"Charge, Graru!" "Let them know our resolve to protect the sacred tree!" "Don't let us lose to outsiders!"

The audience has reason to be confident. Unlike those pampered Ascendants, Grall is a powerful fighter who has earned his reputation on the battlefield.

His character and abilities are absolutely first-rate. If he weren't so young, he would have already crossed the first abyss.

Huan Ge pointed to the other side: "The Allied Forces, from the Guangshi family of Shura Island, the Path of the Remnant Heart, Point 3, Guangshi Qingye!"

The shouts of encouragement abruptly ceased, replaced by a cacophony of discussion. "That Guangshi family?" "People from Shura Island?" "Why would a prestigious family of the Remnant Hearts..."

Amidst the murmurs, Qingye stepped into the dueling arena, ignoring the commotion around him, and bowed to his opponent. Gralu returned the bow meticulously, and both assumed their fighting stances. He calmly calculated before the drums signaling the start of the battle.

"Everyone is in his place..."

Having spent so long on the front lines, he knew the characteristics of the various schools of Soul Reapers like the Light Toki family. Soul Reapers were primarily known for their speed, while the Musou Reverse Heart Style would more or less utilize the interplay of light and shadow.

The opponent likely has a wide range of tactics, and with their high speed, a preemptive strike is probably hopeless. Therefore, I must utilize my advantages as a treant and rely on my endurance to withstand the first attack…

"preparation……"

He raised his long sword and held his breath.

Wait for the enemy to run out of energy and reveal an opening before launching a counterattack!

"Begin! End! Victor, the light will sweep away the night!"

...?

what happens?

In Glaru's mind, the beginning and the end sounded immediately. There wasn't even a moment's pause in between. Was the captain too nervous and called the wrong thing? Did he make a blunder in this situation?

Then, a sudden wave of pain made him turn his head. He then realized that he was no longer on the arena; he was stuck in a pile of wood chips, surrounded by warriors who were just as bewildered as he was.

—In that instant, the enemy knocked him from the ring back to the independence camp!

Above the dueling arena, a video recording, slowed down five hundred times, played back. The Soulbreaker, who burst forth like a beam of light after the starting signal, swung his scabbard, knocking his opponent away, and returned to his original position, sheathing his sword. His movements were fluid and seamless, so fast they seemed like a mirage in the sunlight.

The arena was completely silent.

Huan Ge clapped loudly, like a clueless fool, "Excellent skill! Truly superb swordsmanship, worthy of being a genius from the prestigious Guang Shi family. I just wonder why a genius from Shura Island would come to my city-state to participate in the war?"

Qingye returned the greeting with ancient etiquette and said frankly, "I have come here to convey the determination of Shura Island. Shura Island is also part of the allied forces. The city-state is in dire straits, and our Lord has specially ordered my Guangshi clan to bring the island's elite troops to its aid. At this moment, the reinforcements from Shura Island are already on their way, and the Remnant Hearts already on the front lines will not retreat either!"

She brandished her sword in the sunlight; it was the long sword "Mian Sheng," a symbol of martial prowess!

"Lord Wuzun specially dispatched me to deliver this message in order to stabilize the morale of the troops. Everything I said earlier is true, and I have Lord Wuzun's sword as proof!"

The second branch erupted in uproar; the soldiers were in a panic. The core members of the independence faction hurriedly looked at Silane: "General..."

“It’s true,” Silay confirmed. “I’ve seen that knife. Mingwu never parted with it… After all, it belonged to his brother…”

Silay's voice grew softer and softer as he stared intently at Qingye's other dagger.

Isn't that "Longyu"? The other knife lost during the night, a weapon that had long disappeared into the mists of history, how could it have reappeared now?

Did she retrieve the sword for her ancestor...? Then were those who broke through the wilderness earlier really just Chu Hengkong and his group...?

Silian was momentarily confused. As a true veteran, he understood better than anyone what this meant. With these twin swords in hand, coupled with her merit in breaking through the Heavenly Prison, this young girl was the future of Shura Island.

Even if what she says on the stage is a lie, Chunhe Wuzun will make it the truth. Because she is the hero who broke through the Heavenly Prison, what she says is true, and must be true!

"Even if reinforcements arrive, we might not win..."

"The enemy is stronger!"

"Anyone can play word games; even a small boat can be reinforcements!"

Slaine remained silent, and the independence officers grew increasingly anxious. A trusted confidant whispered, "General, reinforcements are almost here, should we... should we still rebel?"

Silian sighed, "You yourself said it's 'rebellious,' so don't you know who's right and who's wrong?"

Without waiting for a reply, he silently walked towards the ring. The independence activists were all at a loss because of this bombshell news, and the scene was so chaotic that no one paid any attention to the general who was about to enter the ring.

How ridiculous. Thlaine thought to herself. Everything was so absurd.

Soldiers fight amongst themselves in the barracks, while outsiders come to uphold justice. A "Love for All" bill, ostensibly for national salvation, is implemented, but the popular but incompetent speaker is sidelined. A good commander has been ousted. The new general is caught in a dilemma. The ignorant masses, with their lives forged in thorns, engage in a tug-of-war.

Everyone sees it clearly. But what good does knowing do? He can't stand up, yet he's made up his mind again. Tens of millions, hundreds of millions, hope he can speak out. The future remains uncertain, and the spirits of the dead watch from afar. All the hesitation has propelled him to take this step.

A pointless battle.

“That’s great…” Slaine muttered to herself, “A ring tournament…that’s a really good idea…”

He tossed aside his cane, head held high, and stepped onto the ring in his military uniform, seemingly preserving this dignity for someone else's sake. Huan Ge's booming voice echoed throughout the arena: "Second match, point-to-point, 4-winner!"

"Independent Faction, from the Ironthorn Crown Second Team, Path of Unity Point 4, 'Veteran' Silayen!"

"Allied faction, free fighter without affiliation, Path of Unity Point 4, Qingxia!"