At the sound of Ye Jingyu's shout, more than ten thousand men rose as one, their movements synchronized and crisp, perfectly reflecting the results of their training over the past month. Seeing such might, a look of satisfaction spread across Ye Jingyu's face, and he nodded towards Chen Qi, Bieli, and the others standing at the very front as a sign of commendation…
He dismounted from his warhorse, walking step by step toward the Reviewing Dais under the gaze of ten thousand eyes. His expression was composed, showing none of the traits of an eighteen-year-old youth, much less a young general leading troops into battle for the first time. Instead, he looked like a seasoned veteran of countless campaigns…
Sensing the serenity in Ye Jingyu’s heart, Zhuge Yi Shi, Chen Qi, Bieli, Ye Longyi, Ying Xiaoxiao, and Yue Youqun all displayed looks of admiration. This was the bearing befitting a great commander. So young, yet possessing such steadiness; his future prospects were limitless…
Bieli and the others felt more certain than ever that they had not chosen the wrong leader this time…
Ascending the Dais step by careful step, the armor on his body clinked softly. His dark hair billowed in the wind as he surveyed the ten thousand men below with eyes full of confidence. A faint smile touched Ye Jingyu’s lips…
“My brothers, I know that you were once martial arts masters renowned in the world, untamed heroes who yearned for freedom and a life without constraint. Many of you did not join the Iron Legion willingly, nor did you wish to march to war. However, regardless of the reason—willingness or compulsion—you have joined the Iron Legion. This is an undeniable fact that neither I nor you can change… Soon, we depart for the front lines. Soon, we will face war. You are all brave men; none of you fear killing. But war is more than just killing; it also demands that you protect your own lives as much as possible, and protect the lives of your comrades.
We are all members of the Iron Legion. I care not what grievances you held in the past; from this day forward, we are a family, the best of brothers, sharing hardship and sharing fortune. No matter how dangerous this expedition may be, I hope every single brother returns safely…
Of course, I know that is impossible. War is a game where men die. I do not know how many of us will return from this campaign, but I, Ye Jingyu, swear to the heavens: if you do not return, your families will be cared for by me, Ye Jingyu. If you return with me, honors, riches, glory, and prosperity will be shared equally. In this life and the next, you are all my dearest brothers…” Ye Jingyu spoke with heavy emphasis, his eyes burning with infinite resolve…
The crowd below displayed various expressions: some scorn, some moved, some confused, some bewildered, but the majority were filled with surging passion. They were all fine men; who among them did not aspire to achieve merit and fame? Ye Jingyu’s few words thoroughly ignited the blood within them…
Immediately, a massive chant of “Brothers! Brothers!” erupted throughout the field…
The colossal roar echoed across the entirety of Yunjing City. Watching the galvanized soldiers below the Dais, Ye Jingyu showed no change in expression. He knew that many among them were not yet truly unified in heart, and he hadn't expected his few words to sway everyone. But the atmosphere had been stirred, and that was enough for now…
He raised his right hand, signaling for the surging soldiers to be still. When.16.\m 1|6|Official Banner**Four Dishes and One Nap Uploaded
As silence fell over the ranks, Ye Jingyu spoke again, “Bring the wine, beat the drums…”
In an instant, the waiting drummers began hammering the military drums with frenzy. The thunderous sound shook the entire training ground. Servants, who had been waiting ready, rushed forward to present large bowls of liquor. In less than the time it takes to heat a small meal, all ten thousand men held a huge bowl of strong spirits…
Ye Jingyu also raised a bowl of strong wine. Smelling the pungent aroma, his eyes filled with the fierce spirit of battle…
“Brothers, let us lift our cups to the heavens, laugh wildly on the battlefield, Cheers!”
“Cheers!” ten thousand voices roared in unison…
A wave of heroic spirit soared toward the sky…
Ye Jingyu lifted his large bowl, ignoring the stinging fumes of the strong liquor, and brought it to his lips, gulping down the entire bowl—a measure easily holding half a jin of spirits—in one go…
Finishing, Ye Jingyu violently smashed the bowl downward. The shattering sound echoed, and the ten thousand men below mirrored his action, resulting in a loud, collective crash…
“March out!” Ye Jingyu roared, leaping directly from the Dais onto his warhorse. His black cloak streamed behind him in the wind, an endless surge of heroism infecting those around him…
The vast majority of eyes burned with high fighting spirit. They followed their officers, moving in lockstep with Ye Jingyu’s personal guard, striding out of the training ground. Chen Qi, Bieli, and the others mounted their own horses, keeping close to Ye Jingyu’s flank…
They knew this expedition was fraught with peril; they understood it was a journey where nine out of ten might die. Yet, there was no apprehension in their eyes. Fortune favors the bold; they trusted that Ye Jingyu would chart a path for them…
The army of over ten thousand, radiating killing intent, exited the training ground and followed the main road to the West Gate of Yunjing, where the Sovereign of the Shu Yun Kingdom was waiting to bid them farewell…
Soon, the massive contingent reached the West Gate. The Sovereign of Shu Yun, Luo Xiaofeng, was already seated beneath the grand canopy, dressed today in silver dragon robes and wearing his crown. His expression was solemn, the majesty of a monarch fully displayed…
On either side of him sat the seven Young Masters, Princess Yongle, and various other high-ranking nobles and ministers. Their expressions were complex; none could guess the thoughts behind them…
When they saw Ye Jingyu leading more than ten thousand men charging forward with soaring morale, raising clouds of dust and radiating intense power, astonishment washed over everyone’s face. Especially Luo Xiaofeng; he could hardly believe that in just over a month, Ye Jingyu had molded this unruly band of scoundrels into such an elite force. Merely their formation and aura were comparable to regular armies, perhaps only lacking the baptism of actual battlefield experience…
When they were still a hundred paces away, Ye Jingyu reined in his horse. He dismounted and walked forward several dozen steps before stopping. He did not kneel, offering only a cupped-fist salute toward Luo Xiaofeng…
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