To Qin Fen's estimation, Seoul in Hanzhou was not far from Shengjing. In fact, with the advancement of high technology, the straight-line distance between the two cities was perhaps even shorter than it appeared on a map.

The day after the death of a high-ranking military general in Hanzhou, Qin Fen had already settled into a modest ninety-square-meter house on the outskirts of Shengjing.

After finishing a lunch prepared by Song Jia herself, Qin Fen opened the front door to find a Colonel in full dress uniform waiting outside.

Slap! Upon seeing Qin Fen, a Lieutenant Colonel, the Colonel snapped to the most perfect military salute imaginable, which momentarily stunned Qin Fen.

Military protocol dictated that a junior officer should always salute a senior officer upon meeting. Qin Fen’s lips curved into a self-deprecating smile. In this age of Divine Beast Martial Artists, who could overshadow even the Federal President, the reason this Colonel was saluting him had nothing to do with his rank as a Lieutenant Colonel. The real impetus for such a gesture was Qin Fen's actual attainment: the rank of Martial Arts Master.

There are no secrets the wind cannot carry. News of Qin Fen’s decisive battle against Pei Chengjun at Mount Halla had already spread rapidly within the small circle of Master-level practitioners. Now, to say nothing of a Colonel in the army, almost anyone who wished to know the truth of the matter was aware of it. Especially in Weizhou. Every person who hadn't succumbed to senility knew about it.

“Lieutenant Colonel Qin. The High Command has ordered that you report to the Military Department immediately.”

Qin Fen turned back to Song Jia, who was tidying the dishes, and said, “I’ll be back soon.”

Song Jia’s sweet smile held a trace of genuine excitement, and the expressive light in her eyes seemed to convey, “Go on, and hurry back.”

Qin Fen quietly boarded the military vehicle the Colonel had prepared and was soon driven to the main compound of the Shengjing Military Department. Not a single unnecessary question was asked in the car; he could already guess the reason for the summons.

Currently, the two hottest topics in the Military Department were the unfortunate demise of a high-ranking general in Weizhou, who was killed in a senseless terrorist attack, and the issue concerning Saturn. Being summoned at such a critical juncture, it was highly probable that his visit was related to one, or both, of these incidents.

With a head full of speculation, Qin Fen followed the Colonel into an office he had never seen before.

Pushing the door open, Qin Fen saw what appeared to be a small conference room, centered around a moderately long table. Seated behind it were six generals.

The moment he stepped across the threshold, Qin Fen subtly arched his thick eyebrows. Several sharp cracks echoed as his joints popped open. The room was saturated with the immense pressure emanating from several powerful martial artists. His body instinctively raised its True Gang Qi, and his skin subtly underwent transformation.

This pressure differed from that exerted by ordinary martial arts powerhouses. Qin Fen clearly perceived that the aura from four of the martial artists in the room contained no icy killing intent; it was mostly a form of imposing pressure, though this pressure was laced with the unique iron-blooded spirit unique to the military.

His bone joints audibly snapped as Qin Fen walked slowly but steadily into the room, his gaze level with the four generals seated at the table. A flicker of sudden realization flashed in his eyes: Five-Star Generals! All six generals present wore impeccably pressed military uniforms, indicating that each held the rank of a Federal Five-Star General.

Slightly outside of Qin Fen's expectation, two of these four Five-Star Generals were Black, and the other two were White. The two seated in the center were of East Asian descent. Based on their appearance, they seemed only middle-aged, but a truly careful observation would reveal the subtle traces of time etched into their aura and physique. These individuals were far from merely middle-aged; their formidable martial power had merely slowed their physical aging, supplemented by careful upkeep, making them look around forty. At the very least, the East Asian Snake King, Du Hen, whom Qin Fen recognized, could not possibly be only forty years old.

The six Five-Star Generals each exuded an aura potent enough to incite a desire for battle. Six pairs of gazes, fierce as thunderbolts, instantly converged upon Qin Fen, causing the illumination in the entire room to surge momentarily. The Colonel standing by the door sputtered a mouthful of bright red blood and stumbled back dozens of meters, staring at the room that had injured him with a face as pale as parchment.

Without any physical strike, the simultaneous release of pressure from six Five-Star Generals was enough to cause a martial artist of decent strength to suffer injury and retreat easily. If the pressure moments ago had contained even a sliver of killing intent, the Colonel mused with a bitter smile as he retreated further, he would have been slain by the sheer killing aura alone.

Feeling the sudden escalation of pressure, Qin Fen, conversely, felt more comfortable than when he first entered the room. His expression relaxed further, and even the rapidly circulating Gang Qi around his body returned to its normal state.

Are these people on the level of Star Constellation Generals? As the six men scrutinized him, Qin Fen assessed the Five-Star Generals in return. To attain the rank of Five-Star General in the military, sheer intellectual brilliance was insufficient; one needed commensurate martial prowess! This was the reality of the Federation now. Without sufficient might, those with exceptional command ability usually ended up in staff positions, like Chief of Staff, rather than achieving Five-Star General status.

Twelve rays of cold light enveloped Qin Fen, their sharpness intensifying like actual blades. Fierce killing intent mixed with the brilliance of their gazes continuously grew stronger.

Qin Fen stood straight, snapped his back, and delivered a textbook military salute: “Lieutenant Colonel Qin Fen, reporting for duty!”

These simple eight words exploded into the quiet room like a suddenly detonated bomb, instantly sweeping away the previously sharp and peerless gaze and imposing atmosphere.

The East Asian Five-Star General seated to the right of the Snake King Du Hen, also in a central position, narrowed his eyes into slits, his pupils flickering with appreciation and satisfaction. He murmured softly, “Not bad, not bad! Much better than the file indicated.”

The Snake King Du Hen smiled in silence, observing his “old friend,” Zuo Dongting, who continued the interrogation: “Qin Fen, is it? I hear you also signed up to go to Saturn to take command of the military there. As far as I know, you are only a Lieutenant Colonel. What makes you think you are qualified to command the army of an entire planet?”

The other four Five-Star Generals once again displayed similar confusion. Achieving the rank of Martial Arts Master at such an age was rare, but it didn't automatically grant the capability to command a planetary military force, even if that force was nominally small.

Go to Saturn? Qin Fen showed no sign of surprise. He realized instantly, using his intuition, that Zhao Huzai had almost certainly filled out the application form for him. In that moment, Qin Fen knew exactly where he was and what these people intended to do! This was likely the venue for the military’s initial screening of those who applied for the Saturn assignment; their objective was probably the first round of filtering.

Qin Fen did not shy away from their scrutiny. Meeting their sharp gazes, he clenched both hands into fists and drew a deep breath into his lungs, stating, “I wish to become a Divine Beast Martial Artist.”

The silent room did not erupt in gasps of surprise at Qin Fen’s bold declaration, nor did it meet him with mocking cold laughter at his presumption. The expressions of the six Five-Star Generals remained almost unchanged. Those who reach the rank of Five-Star General are not selected merely for combat ability; stringent requirements regarding other qualities are also paramount, which is why there are only six such generals across the entire Earth. They remained poised, unsurprised by Qin Fen’s answer. Which Martial Arts Master in this world wouldn't aspire to become a Divine Beast Martial Artist? And which of those qualified to go to Saturn wouldn't dream of competing for that supreme status?

Zuo Dongting spread his hands slightly to the sides, giving a slight shrug that politely indicated “surprise,” and then looked down at Qin Fen: “Ambitious, certainly, but those words sound rather hollow.”

The other four Five-Star Generals, without needing to nod, had eyes that clearly echoed Zuo Dongting’s sentiment. Those who attain this position have heard countless grand pronouncements and have become thoroughly desensitized to them.

Qin Fen said nothing. He slowly spread his arms, allowing his sixteen-star True Gang Qi to erupt into the room. A violent wind instantly whipped up, centered on him, causing the generals' uniforms to snap loudly. Even the hair of the half-inch shorter Black general fluttered lightly in the powerful gust.

“A few months ago, I reached the fifteen-star level,” Qin Fen slowly lowered his arms, maintaining the sixteen-star pressure, his voice calm and devoid of pride. “I assumed my martial star level wouldn’t increase again in the short term, but unexpectedly, through a stroke of luck a month ago, I became a sixteen-star martial artist.”

Though their expressions remained composed, a flicker of surprise rapidly crossed the eyes of the six Five-Star Generals. That they failed to discern his power level before he actively released it was truly unexpected.

“I believe that purely in terms of star level, aside from a few individuals in the military, there may be others stronger than me,” Qin Fen retracted his Gang Qi, his words dripping with absolute confidence. “But I believe that none of those people are younger than I am.”

The six Five-Star Generals smiled noncommittally. A sixteen-star martial artist of this age was, in itself, a miracle in the martial world. While the army possessed numerous talents, no one could compare to Qin Fen in this specific regard.

“Thus, theoretically, my martial potential should also be exceptional,” Qin Fen’s tone carried an aura of unyielding resolve. “I know that none of you equate potential directly with actual strength. I also know that no matter how eloquently I speak, I cannot convince you that I can transform potential into realized power. But this potential is my trump card. I might never improve again, or I might advance at an astonishing pace—because my future is unknown; I possess infinite possibilities!”

With these few sentences, the heroic spirit Qin Fen had suppressed since his defeat on Qilin Mountain surged back. He took a step forward, chest thrust out further: “If what the military seeks on Saturn is merely to secure a small additional benefit, then I can responsibly state that I am not your most suitable candidate.”

The five generals, excluding Du Hen, all showed faint surprise. At a time when everyone was desperately trying to claw their way into command of the Saturn army, a candidate actually stating he wasn’t the best fit was genuinely unexpected.

“But!” Qin Fen switched his tone, his confidence increasing by three points: “If what the military desires is not merely to glean a small profit before the Divine Beasts on Saturn, but rather to secure a Divine Beast Martial Artist of their own, then I am the most suitable candidate! The only one! I am unique!”

Clap, clap, clap...

Zuo Dongting pushed up the dark blue frames resting on his nose, his eagle-like eyes gleaming with appreciation. His slightly wrinkled hands gently applauded. “A stirring speech, unfortunately lacking in substance.”

Qin Fen shrugged nonchalantly. Having witnessed grand spectacles, his temperament was already very placid. If the military did not select him for Saturn this time, he would simply ask Zhao Huzai to arrange for an early discharge. He was confident he would receive every cent of his entitled severance pay.

“Substance?” Qin Fen frowned with complete indifference. “Plans like ‘transforming within a year, major changes within three’ are meaningless when spoken aloud. If words that sound substantive were effective, I imagine, Generals, you wouldn't be sitting here selecting alternatives, but rather the current commander of the Saturn army would have successfully fulfilled the mission assigned by the military.”

Zuo Dongting’s expression did not change. He picked up the pen in his hand and drew a red checkmark on the clipboard before him: “While somewhat sharp-tongued, your strength is indeed astonishing. Merely based on your current martial force, you are qualified to proceed directly to the next round of assessment.”

The two White generals and the Black general nodded subtly. Here, they did not need to exchange opinions; they merely needed to express their immediate impressions and views directly.

Four generals picked up their red pens, smiling as they repeatedly checked Qin Fen’s name on the clipboard. Outside, a discordant clamor of shouts suddenly drifted in.

Without needing to focus their ears or listen intently, every general present possessed deep martial cultivation and could clearly discern the noise outside.

“Punish the murderer!” “Uphold the law!” “A life for a life!” “Give us fairness!”

Each cry, wave after wave, echoed from the outermost perimeter of the Military Department compound, amplified by hundreds of battery-powered loudspeakers, the sound sufficient to penetrate every building within the compound.

The four generals simultaneously set down their red pens and exchanged confused glances. What was happening in the East Asian Military Region? It sounded like a crowd of civilians was shouting protests outside the gates of the Military Department?

Du Hen gently pressed a button on the desk. A projection appeared in the space before them.

Through the projection, Qin Fen immediately recognized the gate—the main entrance to the Shengjing Military Department compound. One never forgets a place entered even once, let alone a place entered multiple times.

In the projection, nearly a hundred people were gathered at the gate. Each wore a red ribbon tied around their forehead. Their chest T-shirts were all white, printed with the same portrait on the chest.

This portrait was not entirely familiar to Qin Fen, but he certainly could not forget the man’s appearance: the Hanzhou God of War, Pei Chengjun, whom he had killed that day on Mount Halla!

Behind the assembled crowd, a long red banner was hoisted high, proclaiming: Pei Chengjun was killed long ago; the murderer remains at large. Severely punish the killer, Qin Fen!

The two White generals and the Black general simultaneously knitted their brows in disapproval. These people had come to protest the death of Pei Chengjun. Did they not know that Pei Chengjun was a Martial Arts Master? Even among civilians in the Federation, there was a deeply ingrained understanding regarding those who achieved the rank of Martial Arts Master: unless you engaged in wanton destruction, robbery, kidnapping, or committed other heinous acts, the Federal law would generally not interfere. Killing a person was a grave matter for an ordinary citizen, but for a duel between Martial Arts Masters, it was entirely normal. Besides, how did Pei Chengjun become an accepted Martial Arts Master in the first place? By killing the previous Martial Arts Masters to officially enter their ranks.

Where were these champions of legal righteousness when Pei Chengjun killed people? Why did they not step forward to demand justice then?

The four generals exchanged glances and simultaneously sneered, shaking their heads. As people who had experienced the era of Martial Arts Masters, their instincts naturally leaned toward Qin Fen, a Martial Arts Master himself.

Pfft... Pfft...

With the sound of two projectiles being spat out, several screams were immediately heard from the projection. Qin Fen stared, momentarily stunned, at the scene: four or five people within the protesting crowd were cutting off their little fingers as a form of protest right there in public!

The four generals, who had been shaking their heads and smiling wryly, were also taken aback. What were these people doing? Why were they cutting off their own fingers?

Du Hen watched from the side like an audience member, observing the scene on the projection. He let out a cold snort from his nostrils, his icy words laced with extreme mockery as he slowly articulated: “Cutting off fingers again? What is this? Have the people of Hanzhou made no progress in all these years? If they wish to show mettle, why not simply cut off their manhood in front of everyone?”

A few drops of cold sweat beaded on Qin Fen’s forehead. He inwardly admired Du Hen—truly deserving of the title Snake King—not only for his chilling words but also for their venomous cruelty.

The projection was once again filled with piercing wails of pain, and the volume and intensity of the protesters’ voices surged again.

The same projection was playing out in another room within the Military Department. Zuo Lin, holding a glass of red wine and gently swirling its contents, nodded slightly, looking down: “Interesting. How do you like the little gift I sent you during your assessment, Qin Fen? Civil outrage can often be troublesome. If you are smart, you will cease this now. When my people approach you to recruit you, become my subordinate and work for me. Otherwise…”

The red wine in Zuo Lin’s hand began to boil and churn as true energy was injected. A glacial coldness flashed in his handsome eyes: “My secret weapon is capable of real killing.”

“Protest?” Zuo Dongting lightly tapped the paper bearing Qin Fen’s name, looking at Qin Fen with a profound expression and saying no more. The only sound in the room was the rhythmic tapping of his fingers on the desk.

Du Hen supported his chin with one hand, a playful smile tugging at his lips as he watched the projection. Wasn’t this event a little too coincidental? Duels between Martial Arts Masters, while not common, were not events that occurred once a century. In the past, life-or-death combat between Masters was generally confined to the small circle of Martial Arts Masters, rarely spreading to the general public. News of who killed whom was even rarer. Even if the public learned of such an event, it usually served only as topic for light conversation, never escalating to the kind of large-scale protest seen today. Appearing precisely at the time of Qin Fen’s initial assessment made the situation even more intriguing.

Swish... swish... swish... swish...

In the room, four decisive and crisp checks sounded. A trace of satisfaction appeared on Zuo Dongting’s lips. His grandson had not yet entered the world of Martial Arts Masters and didn’t fully grasp the mindset of a true Master. The hope of using public outrage to force the other generals to vote against Qin Fen had failed. Now, this incident could only serve as leverage, a bargaining chip for them to use if the situation escalated further.

“Very well, Lieutenant Colonel Qin Fen, although your rank is low,” Zuo Dongting raised his ink-black eyebrows, streaked with a few strands of white hair, “Congratulations, you have passed the initial assessment.”

Du Hen flicked his fingers. The copper-plate paper on the desk transformed, becoming like a razor-sharp steel blade, spinning high in the air before flying toward Qin Fen.

“There are two more assessments; they are clearly described here,” Du Hen stated in a flat, calm tone. “Examine them carefully. The subsequent evaluations will not be singular or surprise-based. Prepare yourself for fair competition against the elites from various military regions.”

Qin Fen took the assessment sheet, exited the room, and started reading as he walked. This time it wasn't like the Rookies' Tournament. In fact, before this interview assessment, the system had already culled everyone who completely lacked the basic qualifications from the roster.

There weren't many assessors this time, so naturally, it wouldn't be as cumbersome as the Rookies' Tournament. To save time and increase efficiency, the trials were divided into a Martial Trial and a Written Trial.

The Martial Trial, naturally, was a combat spar, while the Written Trial tested the applicants' overall strategic sense and command capability. After all, the military department didn't believe that only Divine Beast Warriors could emerge; at the very least, they needed to secure more tangible benefits, making the Written Trial equally crucial.

Walking through the corridor, Qin Fen heard the footsteps of a near Martial Arts Master not far away, simultaneously feeling a scrutinizing gaze envelop him.

Raising his head, Qin Fen saw a very young Colonel coming toward him from inside.