The confirmation of the Legion’s banner brought a collective sigh of relief; indeed, this difficult matter had remained unresolved before my return.

The subsequent arrangements for personnel and the division of the corps then became considerably simpler.

The Black Flag Legion was roughly divided into three corps and three departments, a structure entirely based on the circumstances of the merger of the three great tribes.

Over tens of thousands of years of evolution, even within the backward age of cold-weapon warfare, the military system of the Mafa world had developed to be quite sophisticated, forming a complete set of regulations and institutions! The Black Flag Legion was simply following this established model.

The Three Corps referred to the three main fighting bodies of the Black Flag Legion:

The Blood Wolf Corps! This was composed of the Blood Wolf Knights from the former Blood Wolf Legion, merely a change in designation from legion to corps, as they now fell under the banner of the Black Flag Legion. The commander was Chi Long, with Lan Da serving as his deputy.

The Byron Corps! Formed by the Sword Dragon Knights of the former Byron Tribe, commanded by Yin Shuang, with Yin Hui from the Byron Tribe as deputy.

The Angry Dragon Corps! Formed from the former Angry Dragon Legion, led by Bai Chuan, with Bai Chi as deputy.

Basically, there were minimal personnel changes within these three main corps.

The Three Departments comprised the Military Strategy Department, the Political-Religious Department, and the Logistics Department.

The Military Strategy Department! This was further divided into:

Strategy Group: Responsible for battlefield decision-making, calculation, providing comprehensive tactical predictions and guidance for army movements and battles, as well as contingency plans for unexpected events. This was one of the most crucial core components of the entire Legion.

Pigeon Group: Responsible for intelligence gathering and organization, providing accurate and detailed intelligence to the combat departments. The scope of this intelligence was extremely broad; they would not overlook any information that could assist the fighting forces.

Sound Group: Responsible for information transmission throughout the entire Legion and issuing important Legion orders. The Sound Group and the Pigeon Group were two highly interdependent entities, somewhat analogous to a modern communications department.

Training Group: Responsible for the daily training of the army, maintaining the fighting capacity of the troops.

General Affairs Group: Responsible for the organization and coordination of information among the preceding four groups.

The Political-Religious Department: Responsible for the cultural education of the army and the handling of internal affairs. It was divided into the following sub-groups:

Inspection Group: Responsible for supervising the conduct of every soldier within the army and identifying problems within the ranks. Any action they deemed detrimental to the interests of the army would be reported to the Enforcement Group and the Interrogation Group. This group only possessed the authority to supervise and report; they had no right to arrest soldiers violating regulations.

Enforcement Group: The execution team responsible for apprehending soldiers who violated military law. Similarly, their power of arrest derived solely from reports by the Inspection Group; without concrete evidence or a military warrant, they had no right to detain suspected individuals.

Interrogation Group: Functioning as the military court within the army, responsible for the arbitration and sentencing of soldiers who violated regulations.

These three groups formed a trinity of oversight, enforcement, and interrogation, each fulfilling its own duties while cooperating closely to ensure the fairness, impartiality, and transparency of enforcement. This maximized the self-restraint of all commanders, preventing them from incurring punishment under military law.

Doctrine Group: In most continental legions, this role was held by priests from the royalty or the Church, responsible for ideological education and cultural instruction for the soldiers, ensuring absolute loyalty to the royal family and the Church. However, the Black Flag Legion’s situation was unique, so the members of the Doctrine Group were still composed of the former priests of the various corps. Furthermore, given the special circumstances of the three-tribe merger, the Black Flag Legion added a more humane Fusion and Communication Sub-group to the Doctrine Group, responsible for coordination between the tribes. The members of this sub-group were mostly young, attractive maidens from the various tribes. This decision was immediately welcomed by the soldiers of the three main corps, equivalent to a modern army’s cultural troupe. Currently, at the base, only Yin Shuang and her attendant maids were available to fill these roles, but it was believed that the three tribes would soon select suitable candidates to fill the remaining positions.

This was undoubtedly a prospect worthy of excitement!

This forced me to marvel at how complete and humane the military system of the Mafa world was. Perhaps even modern armies could not surpass it in execution.

Welfare Group: Responsible for the distribution of pensions and compensation investigations for the families of fallen soldiers, ensuring that Legion soldiers could fight without concern for their families’ livelihood should they perish. This was why Mafa warriors were always so fierce and tenacious in battle. The strict enforcement of the Welfare Group played a vital role in this.

General Affairs Group: Responsible for coordination and communication for the entire Political-Religious Group, as well as personnel arrangements.

The Logistics Department: Responsible for the logistical supply of the entire Legion. This included:

Finance Group: Responsible for the distribution of soldiers’ military stipends!

Supply Group: Responsible for the overall coordination of material allocation for the entire Legion.

Ordnance Group: Responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, production, and forging of armor, swords, and all other necessary defensive and offensive equipment for wartime.

Provisions Group: Responsible for the supply and distribution of army rations.

General Affairs Group: Responsible for the coordination and personnel arrangements for the entire Logistics Group.

The three departments and their subordinate groups constituted the operational framework of the entire Black Flag Legion, and all of this was approved during the meeting.

With this, the Black Flag Legion’s establishment, personnel assignments, and other specific matters were more than halfway complete. Other detailed issues would require further handling later.

The process was simple, efficient, and swift, astonishing even me, a person from the modern era, with its professionalism and meticulousness.

The Black Flag Legion was formally established, simultaneously marking the birth of the fourth great Legion of the Demon Dragon Empire. Moreover, this nascent Legion was the most powerful among the four great Legions of the Demon Dragon Empire, boasting eight Super Generals. If the commander-in-chief (myself) and Ji Du were counted, that totaled ten.

Of course, the good news didn't end there. Soon, the Super Generals from the nations of Picheng and Cangyue would arrive here, swelling the number of Super Generals to an astonishing fourteen.

This number far exceeded that of an average legion. Remember, the entire Demon Dragon Empire combined possessed only ten Heaven Demon Warriors, three Heaven Rainbow Archmages, and one Heavenly Venerate Daoist. Of these, Jiuyao Chongyang, Shenpo, and Jiuyao Zhutian were essentially fixed defensive forces stationed at the Imperial City. Those truly available for combat were only Ji Du, the late Huoyao, and the other eight Great Heavens Demons, plus the three Heaven Rainbow Archmages—a total of eleven, distributed across three different legions. They were significantly weaker than the current Black Flag Legion.

Frankly, this situation was far beyond what I could have predicted when I infiltrated the Demon Sealing Continent alone. Sneaking up on two Heaven Rainbow Archmages and ambushing Mo Luo Aotian and the other six seemed like an almost impossible task, yet I had somehow managed to accomplish it by some strange twist of fate.

After the meeting concluded, everyone was extremely fatigued. Although many matters remained undiscussed, they decided it was best to postpone further deliberation until later.

Originally, the soldiers of the Blood Wolf Legion had planned to hold a bonfire celebration to commemorate the return of Ji Du and me, and the formation of the Legion. However, considering my physical condition and the exhaustion of the various tribal leaders, the bonfire party was postponed until the following day.

After grabbing a light bite to eat, I was settled by Chi Long into a comfortable, large tent.

It was only then that I could finally breathe a slight sigh of relief!

Sitting alone in the tent, my gaze fixed absently on the full moon hanging high in the sky, the surrounding revelry and firelight failed to penetrate my thoughts. My entire spirit involuntarily flew back to the Demon Dragon Continent, yearning to return there soon to see my mother and Chen Feng. It had been two years since I last saw them, and I wondered how they were faring. Although they had since been moved to the Demon Dragon Empire, I was still desperately eager to see them one more time.

But the thought of Shenyin, Shenxu, and Yunshang still being held by the Demon Sealing Empire gave me a feeling like a thorn in my side.

No matter what, I had to rescue them. Thinking of the formidable power I now commanded gave me increased confidence.

The only thing that worried me now was that before I could march my army into the Demon Sealing capital, the cornered Demon Sealing Empire might resort to desperate, insane actions, causing harm to Shenyin and Yunshang...

The thought brought a wave of unease and irritability. My only prayer now was that it wasn't too late.

Of course, these weren't my only concerns. Honestly, I felt perpetually lost regarding the future development of the Black Flag Legion. This stemmed from my self-awareness: essentially, apart from my cultivation as a Heaven Demon Warrior, I was utterly useless in every other aspect. Military maneuvers, governing internal politics, strategic planning—I understood none of it! Yet, here I was, the commander of the Black Flag Legion. Even now, it felt incredible.

“Is Your Highness worrying again about the Princess and Prince Qi?” Ji Du had appeared beside me at some point, sitting down next to me.

“En,” I nodded slightly.

“Some things are useless to worry or rush about,” Ji Du sighed deeply. “What we can do is grow stronger as quickly as possible, until the day we march into the Demon Sealing Imperial Palace. Only then can Your Highness’s wishes be fulfilled.”

“Marching into the Imperial Palace—easier said than done.” Since arriving on the Demon Sealing Continent, I had barely known a moment of respite. After the successful formation of the Black Flag Legion, while I felt relieved, I simultaneously felt utterly exhausted. This was not just due to my injuries, but more so from the pressure on my mind and spirit. As a person from the modern era, I understood clearly that this sustained tension and adventure had stretched my nerves too tight, making them feel ready to snap at any moment.

“Your Highness need not be so disheartened.” Ji Du, wise from age, certainly perceived my current state. “Your Highness hasn’t truly rested since leaving the Demon Dragon World. It’s no wonder you feel this way. I believe a good rest will allow you to recover.”

“Perhaps,” I nodded slightly. “It’s just that the thought of facing the powerful Demon Sealing Empire makes my heart feel hollow; I lack conviction.”

“The common saying is that nothing in life is absolute, and this is especially true for Your Highness,” Ji Du said, his eyes holding a captivating confidence. “I believe Your Highness will certainly eradicate the Demon Sealing Empire and rescue the Princess and Prince Qi.”

“I truly don’t know where General finds such confidence,” I said with a bitter smile. “Reaching this point has mostly been due to luck. All the luck in the world: coincidentally meeting the Blood Wolf Tribe in the desert, being saved by the Great Mammoth King at Lingfeng Bridge—it was all luck. But I know a person cannot live on luck alone; even the best luck runs out. I feel I have already reached the limit of what I can achieve.”

“Your Highness is correct; one cannot live on luck alone,” Ji Du stated seriously. “But often, luck is a part of strength. Did Your Highness ever imagine that after infiltrating the Demon Sealing Continent alone, you would achieve what you have today? The unification of the three great tribes, the formation of the Black Flag Legion, three million regular troops, over a dozen extraordinarily powerful Heaven Demon experts—all of this happened because of Your Highness’s existence. Since Your Highness has reached this stage today, successfully leveling the Demon Sealing Empire and rescuing Princess Shenyin and Prince Qi is not impossible.”

“........” I was somewhat stunned. It seemed he had more faith in me than I had in myself.

“One must never underestimate oneself,” Ji Du continued. “Moreover, Your Highness is no longer alone. Beside you stands this old servant; behind you lies the entire Demon Dragon Empire, the warriors of the Black Flag Legion, and even the royal houses of Picheng and Cangyue have dispatched their elite generals to assist Your Highness.” Ji Du placed both hands on my shoulders. “Therefore, Your Highness must not lose heart, do you understand? If you are tired, rest. After resting, you must rally your spirit. Everything Your Highness does now not only affects the fate of Princess Shenyin and Prince Qi, but also the destiny of the four royal houses of the Mafa Continent and the entire continent.”

“Ah!” Ji Du’s words left me dumbfounded. “It’s not that serious, is it?”

“What this old servant says is not an exaggeration at all,” Ji Du insisted. “The struggle between the Holy Word and Mo Luo alliances has lasted for ages, yet for over a thousand years, it has remained unresolved. However, Your Highness’s solitary incursion—though the Black Flag Legion is nothing compared to the seven legions of the Demon Sealing Empire—its sudden appearance on the Demon Sealing Continent at this critical juncture is enough to throw the Demon Sealing Empire into disarray. This is the rarest opportunity in a millennium; perhaps this thousand-year struggle can be definitively ended by our hands. Everyone is watching Your Highness, watching the Black Flag Legion. Even if you feel you cannot bear it, you must persevere.”

“This King understands,” I said with a wry smile. “General Ji Du, you must help me. You know my true capabilities better than anyone.”

“Hahahaha,” Ji Du laughed. “Rest assured. This old servant will handle the daily affairs of the Legion. As for leading battles, I believe Chi Long, Bai Chuan, and Yin Shuang are all extraordinary military talents, more than capable of the task. Furthermore, behind us, the Military Strategy Departments of the Demon Dragon, Cangyue, and Picheng nations will provide comprehensive plans for our movements and operations. Not to mention that our Super Generals will soon increase to fourteen. What else does Your Highness have to worry about?”

“That is true,” I admitted awkwardly. “But it seems I genuinely have nothing to do. This Legion Marshal of mine is rather undeserved.” Thinking about it, I was useless at leading troops or fighting, completely clueless about internal governance and politics, and I hadn't even touched strategic decision-making. By this measure, my role as Legion Marshal truly seemed meritless!

“Heh heh, it seems Your Highness has excellent self-awareness,” Ji Du said without reservation. “However, Your Highness possesses one thing no one else has.”

“Ha! Are you saying I’m not completely useless?” I looked at Ji Du in surprise.

“Your Highness possesses unparalleled prestige and the greatest deterrent force against the entire Demon Sealing Empire,” Ji Du stated sternly. “Therefore, Your Highness must never look down on yourself, because Your Highness’s very existence is the greatest threat to the Demon Sealing Empire and the greatest encouragement to our Holy Word Alliance. Otherwise, do you think the Byron and Angry Dragon tribes would have willingly submitted to the Demon Dragon Empire and become one of its four great Legions?”

“Thank you for enlightening me, General.” Ji Du’s words felt like a sudden burst of clarity. Yes, perhaps compared to other legion marshals, I was entirely out of my depth. But as Ji Du said, my fame from the Battle of Yuncheng, the ambush at Cicheng, killing two Heaven Rainbow Archmages and ambushing Mo Luo Aotian and six others on the Demon Sealing Continent, and then single-handedly forming the Black Flag Legion—all this was enough to establish a supremely powerful image. Luck might have played a part, as did the assistance of Ji Du, Chi Hao, and Chi Ming, but it was undeniable that all of this happened because of my existence.

This was my capital. My previous anxiety and fear stemmed from knowing myself: I couldn’t imagine what would happen when Chi Long and the others discovered their marshal was an amateur who understood nothing of military strategy, battle, or internal governance. Perhaps the hard-won Black Flag Legion would instantly disintegrate.

But Ji Du’s counsel allowed me to find a path uniquely mine—perhaps the only path that could work!

At this moment, I couldn't help but recall one of the most legendary emperors in Chinese history: Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang.

Historians often labeled Liu Bang the 'Rogue Emperor'!

In terms of leading troops and fighting, Liu Bang couldn't hold a candle to Han Xin. In terms of governance, Xiao He was worlds ahead of Liu Bang. In terms of brilliant strategy, Zhang Liang was heaven and earth compared to Liu Bang. Yet, these three peerless talents—a great general, a premier minister, and a strategist—all pledged allegiance to Liu Bang, helping him conquer territory, offering counsel, managing the state, and formulating grand strategies.

What was it that this so-called 'Rogue Emperor' relied upon? Later historical appraisals of Liu Bang contained only a few words:

Insight into people, and self-awareness!

Yes, Liu Bang relied on these two qualities. He knew how to use talented people, understanding his own shortcomings and recognizing the strengths of others.

Just hand the problems over to the experts; why must one handle everything personally?

It seemed my habit of appropriation from my past life could be useful again—I recalled reading in a text that to achieve immediate success, you don't necessarily need to run faster than a horse; you just need to ride a good one. And indeed, my 'appropriation' approach proved popular everywhere. Sword fighting techniques and battle blades were the initial applications, and they achieved unprecedented success.

Now, it seemed, it could be applied again. I already saw several excellent horses beside me.

Subconsciously, I glanced toward Ji Du—Heh heh, old fellow, it’s you. I’ll learn from that Liu Bang. I’ll be a hands-off manager! Give the problems to the experts.

As the saying goes, if you master one thing, you master everything; I felt a sudden enlightenment.

Undoubtedly, Ji Du was my Xiao He. Now, where were my Zhang Liang and Han Xin?