In the top-floor conference room of the Runner-Up District compound, the most sacred place within the East Asia Military Region for high-level strategic discussions, no rank lower than Major General was even permitted within five hundred meters of the chamber.

Almost invariably, any time this supreme conference room of the East Asia Military Region was convened, it signaled the imminent approach of war—a local skirmish at the very least.

Today, not only were the generals from Zhongzhou assembled here, but the generals from Hezhou, Hanzhou, and other states across East Asia were also seated within the room.

The highest military conference room of East Asia was shrouded in a palpable, oppressive gloom. Generals from every state wore grim expressions, their eyes fixed intently on the constantly shifting displays on the massive screen.

At the very rear of the Zhongzhou contingent sat Zhao Huzi, calmly sipping green tea from a cup, the only face in the entire room capable of holding a smile.

The assembly of generals from all East Asia states would strike an outsider as odd. A terrorist organization had just launched a "Holy War" in Shengjing; logically, even if the news had reached every state, the generals couldn't possibly have arrived this swiftly.

The continuously updating screen finally stabilized, and as the overhead lights flickered on, the dim room was illuminated once more.

Yet, brighter light did little to alter the complexions of the assembled generals; they remained uniformly stern, as if covered by the same dark clouds.

Zhao Huzi took a delicate sip of his tea, his eyes rapidly assessing every general present. Those gathered today were undeniably the true power brokers. General Snake King Du Hen was personally chairing the meeting, indicating a level of importance far beyond the usual.

Heh heh… Zhao Huzi chuckled inwardly. Who would have imagined that such a formidable lineup from the East Asia Military Region would be convened not to discuss counter-terrorism, nor the declaration of **autonomy by some planet that had finally revolted?

All of this hinged upon one Lieutenant Colonel.

Under normal circumstances, a mere Lieutenant Colonel—even a hundred of them—would not cause any general in this room to furrow a brow or adopt such a gravely serious demeanor.

In the final analysis, everything stemmed from the individual standing opposite this Lieutenant Colonel, who was simply too formidable, compelling extensive deliberation.

"This rookie Lieutenant Colonel still hasn't been assigned a post," Snake King Du Hen declared, hands laced atop the table, finally breaking the silence that had settled over the hall. "We must resolve this matter today; it absolutely cannot be dragged out any longer."

With Snake King Du Hen speaking, the rest could no longer remain silent, and nods of agreement immediately rippled through the assembly.

Zhao Huzi maintained his pleasant smile. Indeed, the delay could not continue. Military districts across all states were watching East Asia now, keen to see how the region would handle the situation involving Qin Fen—the rookie who had secured so much glory for the East Asia Military Region—when pitted against Song Wendong.

Though his rank was small, any mishandling of this situation would either incite Song Wendong’s displeasure or make East Asia the laughingstock of the other regions.

"What does being the champion of the Rookie Tournament amount to?" General Li Mingzheng of Hanzhou spoke with clear agitation. "He’s just a junior officer. Must we offend the Earth Martial God for him? There is no comparison between them! Even in other regions, the generals there would prioritize not offending the Earth Martial God. I say, why not simply send him to the farthest corner—don't we have a breeding farm in that sector? Let him take charge as a logistics Lieutenant Colonel, managing the pigs. I trust the Earth Martial God would be pleased, and given the obscurity, even if someone sought him out for a duel, it wouldn't cause too much disruption…"

"I disagree."

That sharp, definitive voice cut Li Mingzheng’s words short. Zhao Huzi identified the source of the stern tone coming from Hezhou.

Major General Hui Yuanwu of Hezhou leveled a gaze at Li Mingzheng, his eyes sharp as swords, showing undisguised scorn and fury.

"Qin Fen is an outstanding warrior! He deserves heroic treatment!" Hui Yuanwu promptly rose to his feet, his expression intense. "He deserves the brightest future! Can we really risk offending that person over this matter?"

At this declaration, several generals among the contingents from other states began nodding in agreement. Zhao Huzi noted a flicker of satisfied amusement in the Snake King's eyes. In a very short time, the discussion had clearly fractured into three distinct factions.

One faction, led by Li Mingzheng of Hanzhou and joined by some generals from other states, had a crystal-clear goal: suppress Qin Fen, preferably ejecting him from the military altogether.

The second was the conservative faction led by Kunbise of Taizhou, advocating a moderate course. If Qin Fen could be protected, fine; if not, they would let him go. This group was essentially neutral, wishing not to become too deeply involved, and they constituted the largest number.

The final faction, ostensibly led by Hui Yuanwu, was in reality subtly spearheaded by the Snake King Du Hen—the radical wing: Protect Qin Fen!

Zhao Huzi was somewhat surprised. Snake King Du Hen rarely declared his stance so openly. What was happening today? He seemed to be subtly favoring the protection of Qin Fen? While the intention wasn't overt, it was impossible to miss by those paying attention, or perhaps, it was deliberately revealed, as he hadn't intended for his position to remain hidden.

I don't get it! Zhao Huzi recalled clearly that Qin Fen's relationship with Snake King Du Hen wasn't close; it was fraught with subtlety. Due to the issue surrounding Du Peng, Qin Fen was, in fact, at odds with the Du family.

Even as the Du family had explicitly moved to suppress Du Peng, Qin Fen had maintained his steadfast support for him. Under these circumstances, how could the cold-blooded Snake King Du Hen possibly protect Qin Fen? Zhao Huzi shook his head slightly.

As Hui Yuanwu stood and shouted, Li Mingzheng was equally unyielding, rising from his seat to shout back at Hui Yuanwu’s retort.

Soon, supporters of Hui Yuanwu's side also rose, followed by those backing Li Mingzheng. The quiet conference hall rapidly devolved into a cacophony, resembling a marketplace.

Zhao Huzi subtly glanced at Du Hen. The Snake King watched the two arguing sides quietly, showing no inclination to intervene, though occasional glimmers of expectation, or perhaps anticipation, crossed his eyes. He seemed to be waiting for something—a catalyst that would allow him to make his final decision.

Just as the argument reached its fever pitch, a projection suddenly warped and materialized in the center of the conference table, instantly silencing every bickering general.

For an unscheduled news bulletin to appear during a supreme military conference meant something major had occurred—at least in significance.

"Shengjing has suffered a terrorist attack. A mag-lev vehicle exploded over Shengjing airspace. The deceased have been identified: a young man named Liang Tao, mother Cao Rong, father Liang Aimin…"

Clang…

Cao Bo’s teacup slipped from his grasp and shattered on the floor. He stared blankly at the projection screen…

Another subtle smile touched the corner of the Snake King's eye. Many details surrounding the incident in Shengjing were not entirely secret—what Liang Tao and his group of spoiled rich kids had planned for today was no true secret. But through this incident, other things could be ascertained…

Qin Fen should still be alive, right? The upturn of the Snake King's lips deepened slightly with satisfaction. He struck hard, leaving no loose ends! Coupled with his rapid surge in strength, this was truly a talent worth protecting.

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