Two streaks of divine light flashed from his eyes. Ye Chen looked up at the man whose attire was dazzling and said coldly, "Commander Hua thinks highly of me, inviting a Major General to deliver a message!"

Qin Feng smiled faintly, "This is an invitation. You can review the terms listed on it." He handed over a document.

Ye Chen took it casually, tore off the wrapping paper, and pulled out the document—just a single sheet of paper.

To whom it may concern, greetings, Major General Ye Chen. I greatly admire your strength and wish to invite you to serve under me, to forge an empire together! I believe you are not one to settle for mediocrity. For ordinary people, the apocalypse is a disaster, but for us, it is an opportunity!

An opportunity to rise and rebel!

As long as you agree to the following two conditions, you will receive everything you deserve.

First: A mission will be assigned every month, and it must be completed!

Second: You must not leak any information regarding the organization.

...

Ye Chen finished reading, folded the invitation, and said calmly, "These two conditions are very simple."

Qin Feng nodded. "They are."

Ye Chen looked up at him. "I believe other factions offer terms that are even simpler than this."

Qin Feng nodded again. "Indeed."

"Then why are you so confident that I will join you?" Ye Chen fixed his gaze on him.

Qin Feng looked back, suddenly smiling. "The invitation is in your hands. I trust your choice!"

Ye Chen studied him for a long moment, then slowly lowered his gaze. "Is the test over?"

Qin Feng was momentarily taken aback, looking at him twice more, a smile playing on his lips. "As expected of the man Leader Hua selected. Brave and wise, not just some reckless brute!"

Ye Chen offered no reply, turning away. "The fact that you were the first to deliver the invitation proves your organization's capability. Setting aside everything else, at least your intelligence network is superior. Information is akin to eyes, and at times, it is more useful than absolute power! Others might accept the invitation first, wait to see the proposals from other factions, and then deliberate. Most people subscribe to the 'shop around' mentality—a good strategy, but often, while you are choosing, the best goods are bought by someone else."

Qin Feng looked at Ye Chen with admiration. "Precisely. It seems you are decisive in your actions, not prone to dithering. Had you not given me an immediate reply, you would have forfeited any chance of joining the organization!"

"Now, welcome aboard!"

Ye Chen said coolly, "While I respect your method of testing, I dislike being manipulated. Let this be the last time."

Qin Feng paused, then burst into laughter. "Don't worry. Once you join the organization, you’ll see there are plenty more benefits."

...

In the center of the base city, at a towering villa.

In a lavishly decorated room, by a cedarwood desk, a young man leaned back languidly in an armchair, hands clasped behind his head, feet propped up on the desk, gazing out at the scenery beyond the window. Before long, a middle-aged man dressed in black entered, bowed before the youth, and murmured respectfully, "Young Master!"

"Well? Did those two wastes, Zhao Fei and company, manage to take care of that brat?" the young man drawled.

Steward Wang reported quickly, "Zhao Fei went with Wu Ming. Wu Ming was beaten so badly he’s in the hospital; they doubt he’ll survive. Zhao Fei yielded to the man's challenge, left the military camp, and his whereabouts are now unknown."

"Wu Ming is crippled?" The youth’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Even though that fool only has Level 10 Constitution, he was still considered strong among ordinary people. To think that brat disabled him—it seems he has some tricks up his sleeve."

Steward Wang nodded. "Now that this individual has displayed such formidable power, organizations established by several major commanders are vying to recruit him. He is expected to become a Major General very soon!"

Even with external backing, the highest initial promotion allowed was to Major General; this was considered a tolerable limit. A sudden promotion to Major General would spark too much resentment and cause major trouble.

"Major General, eh..." The youth stared out the window, a sliver of coldness in his eyes. "Even Generals are trash in my eyes! Let him bounce around for a few days. When he reaches the General's Barracks, I will show him the price of provoking my woman!"

Who was this youth? His residence was a private villa!

...

At another opulent location.

A middle-aged man stood with his hands clasped behind his back, overlooking the distant view, his expression profoundly deep, revealing absolutely nothing of his thoughts. After a moment, an attendant approached and reported respectfully, "We have the news. That person has joined Hua Bulao's organization."

"En!" The middle-aged man grunted, not turning around, offering no other words.

The attendant dared not say more, standing quietly to the side.

After a long pause, the middle-aged man suddenly remarked, "Look, isn't this city magnificent?"

The attendant was momentarily stunned.

"What is the purpose of a person's life?"

"If such a beautiful city cannot fall into my hands, what value does it hold? Don't you agree?" Strange light flared in the middle-aged man's eyes.

The attendant quickly nodded in agreement.

...

"Tomorrow, you will receive word of your promotion to Major General!" Qin Feng smiled. "In the future, we might be fighting side-by-side."

Ye Chen nodded.

Qin Feng looked at him oddly. "You don't seem happy about it."

"I'm fine," Ye Chen replied indifferently.

Qin Feng offered a wry smile and sighed. "Alright, I’ll take my leave then. I’ll come back tomorrow to escort you to the General's Barracks."

Ye Chen nodded. "No need to see me out."

"Quite the gentleman," Qin Feng chuckled wryly, waved a hand, and departed.

...

As dusk settled, Bailong and the others returned.

"I was nearly captured by that beast today, damn it, it scared me stiff," Bailong huffed, pushing open the door to the previously quiet room, instantly filling it with lively chatter.

He was a man who thrived on excitement; he could bring laughter wherever he went.

"What happened?" Qing He, bored moments before, brightened up and asked with a smile.

"He’s too clumsy, rushed ahead alone, and almost got himself killed," Yue Heng drawled dismissively.

"Hell no!" Bailong gave him the middle finger. "If I hadn't chased after it, that monster would have gotten away! That was Baihuacao’s military merit; how could I let it slip away!"

"Is your life more important, or is military merit more important?" Yue Heng rolled his eyes.

"That still needs asking!"

Yue Heng nodded. "Good that you know..." He hadn't finished speaking when Bailong declared, "Of course, military merit is more important!"

Yue Heng nearly spat blood, roaring, "Go die!!"

"Fine then, the bathroom is mine," Bailong grinned and dove into the bathing area.

Yue Heng was speechless for a moment.

Ye Chen emerged from his room, glanced at the group, and announced, "You don't need to claim military merit missions tomorrow. I'm taking you to meet someone, and by then, you’ll all be promoted directly to General!"

Yue Heng was stunned. "Meet who?"

"You'll know when the time comes," Ye Chen offered no further explanation.

Qing He, standing nearby, was aghast. "Promoted straight to General? That’s incredible! Who is that powerful? Why don't you take me along too?"

Ye Chen shook his head. "You are too weak!"

Qing He, brimming with enthusiasm moments before, instantly felt crushed and collapsed to the floor, clearly contemplating finding a corner to draw little circles.

...

The next morning, bright and early, four luxury sedans were waiting outside Military Camp 108, causing many early risers to stare and whisper amongst themselves.

"The license plates all have the character 'General' on them—do four Generals require this convoy?"

"No way, four Generals???"

"Why are they here? Looks like they’re waiting to pick someone up."

"Impossible. Who is important enough for four Generals to receive them personally?"

Amidst the murmuring crowd, Ye Chen and his group emerged from the building, perfectly dressed, their change of clothes packed, small bags in hand, and walked toward the entrance. Finally, under the gazes of everyone present, they approached the four luxury cars.

"You’ve finally arrived," Qin Feng said from inside the car. The window rolled down, and he smiled. "I was about to become a spectacle. Hurry up and get in; I don't want to be gawked at anymore."

Ye Chen nodded slightly.

"And who are these gentlemen?" Qin Feng noticed Bailong and the others behind Ye Chen.

Ye Chen stated casually, "They are my friends. We'll take you to meet Commander Hua shortly; I believe he will be interested."

Qin Feng frowned slightly. "If their strength isn't sufficient, they won't be allowed to leave."

"I am aware of that," Ye Chen replied, sliding into the seat. Bailong and the others settled into the other cars. Then, the four sedans started up, driving off into the distance under the astonished gaze of the crowd.