Monarch of Evernight - Chapter 565

Chapter 565: 565

Chapter 565: Ceremony (Part 1) [V6C95 – Sorrow of a Silent Parting]

The startled Bai Songnian revealed an expression of clear astonishment . He had never imagined that a youngster would be able to block his discerning gaze so nonchalantly .

He might be able to pierce through Qianye’s origin defenses with greater effort, but he was a character on the same level as Zhao Xuanji—it would be too shameless for someone of his status to try again after failing the first time . Moreover, Zhao Xuanji was casting a gaze of ill-intent at him . Was he supposed to explain to this old rival that he had failed to see through a youngster in one try?

As one who had experienced numerous winds and waves, Bai Songnian quickly recovered from his loss of composure . A smile reappeared on his face as he nodded . “Indeed extraordinary and deserving of the Zhao clan’s courtesy . ”

“You’re too kind . ” Qianye’s brows rose slightly as he accepted this tentative complement . His attitude was neither servile nor overbearing .

The Bai and Zhao clan motorcades arrived side by side at the command center and parked in the open space outside of the gates . All vehicles apart from those of Zhao Xuanji and Bai Songnian had to stop here—even Zhao Jundu and Bai Aotu weren’t exceptions .

A high platform had been constructed in the largest drill grounds at the command center . The atmosphere was solemn with Ironclad Guards standing around the area in large numbers .

Powerful aristocratic leaders like Zhao Xuanji naturally sat at the center of the platform, while the lesser nobility and leaders of second-rate army corps were seated at the periphery . The others could only sit within the drill grounds, but Qianye and the others had seats in front of the platform . There was an area there marked out according to the rankings of the nobility .

Zhang Boqian’s seat on the platform was empty, but even so, no one in the field dared cause a clamor . Most of the familiar clans would only exchange greetings at most, with hardly anyone engaging in lengthy discussions . Apart from that, the only thing to do was wait silently for the ceremony to begin .

Qianye stood for some time within the Zhao clan lineup before he heard the long cry of a bugle horn . The bold melody reverberated throughout the camp for a good while before receding .

The three bugle calls followed by three drumbeats shook the hearts of everyone present—it was as though a boundless might had descended upon them .

Qianye looked up at the stage after sensing something . There, he saw that a heroic man had suddenly appeared in the central seat . The man was merely sitting there, but Qianye felt as though there was a tall mountain peak rushing at him—he could hardly breathe for a short moment .

Zhang Boqian spoke as the drums had faded away . “From the bloody battle to the end of the campaign at Giant’s Repose, it can be said that the empire had stood united against the enemy and made great contributions . Since its foundation, our Great Qin Empire has always rewarded contributors generously . Today, this monarch will award the meritorious soldiers in His Majesty’s stead, so that they can be viewed as the role models of every army . ”

Zhang Boqian’s voice wasn’t that clear and resounding, but it washed over the entire imperial camp and rang clearly in everyone’s ears . Moreover, his voice wasn’t limited to the imperial camp—it grew sharper and sharper as it spread out in all directions, ending in a rumbling thunder far in the distance .

In the wilderness outside of the camp, dozens of figures popped out from under the ground and within the grass . They rolled about on the ground in great agony, blood flowing out of their noses and mouths until their last breath . These were spies the Evernight side had left to collect intelligence . They were well-hidden at first, but who would’ve thought they would lose their lives in this manner?

At this moment, an Ironclad Legion soldier delivered a tray with a large bowl of strong wine on it . There were other people shuttling between the soldiers on and below the platform, distributing wine to everyone .

Zhang Boqian stood up and raised his bowl . “It’s said that a general conquers at the expense of myriad lives . Our glory today was actually bought using the fresh blood of countless comrades . Before we proceed with the bestowments, I would like to drink with all of you as an offering for the departed .

The audience was solemn as they followed Zhang Boqian’s ritual and emptied the bowl of strong wine .

The bowl of alcohol felt like fire as it entered Qianye’s stomach . During his momentary daze, the faces of past comrades crept into his blurry vision . For a brief moment, his entire being was filled with a bleak chill that caused him to sigh .

With that, Zhang Boqian returned to his seat and a champion beside him delivered a list of names . Zhang Boqian scanned the list and said with a nod, “The awards this time will tally up the contributions from the bloody battle, Giant’s Repose, and for storming the Evernight main camp . What does everyone think about this?”

No one expressed any objection—neither those on the stage nor the ones below . Not all of the aristocratic descendants had taken part in three battles . This arrangement was inevitably disadvantageous to some, but they couldn’t find the reason to object since those who had fought in every battle faced the greatest risk . Moreover, it was certain that the emperor had read about this arrangement already . Even if there were some who wanted to object, they wouldn’t dare voice their opinion on such an occasion .

Zhang Boqian waited for a while, but the scene remained deathly silent . He then said, “First place, Bai clan’s Bai Aotu . First-class merit . ”

These words caused the Bai clan to break into thunderous applause . On the stage, Bai Songnian’s eyes had narrowed into a straight line . He cupped his hands in every direction to accept everyone’s congratulations .

The Bai clan’s grandeur at this moment was peerless .

A first-class merit required one to kill an honored marquis . However, these characters were more or less the most powerful dark race leaders on the battleground . None of the other side’s main generals had fallen in the three battles, so it was likely that Bai Aotu had accumulated merit by killing at least two marquis-level dark race experts and other enemies of the same level .

Even so, it was enough to look down on the entire army .

The empire’s awards were generous, to say the least . She could exchange a grade-eight origin firearm or some other reward of similar value .

Bai Aotu was, as before, dressed in plain, white clothes . She took firm steps onto the platform and received an inscribed jade tablet from Zhang Boqian . This token was proof of her contributions and could be used at the imperial armory to exchange for items .

The Bai Aotu in Qianye’s expression was someone who could hardly be moved unless the earth and sky were to fall apart . But her hands were trembling slightly as she stood in front of Zhang Boqian to receive the tablet . Apparently, she was beside herself at this moment . This surprised everyone on and below the stage, including Qianye .

Bai Aotu’s loss of composure lasted for but a short moment . Her eyes quickly regained their clarity, and a tyrannical vigor rose again around her body . It was just that this power appeared rather weak in front of Zhang Boqian, much like a small tree before a majestic peak .

Even so, the major characters on the stage nodded in quick succession . Bai Songnian looked all the more pleased and seemed unable to keep his mouth closed . As a heavenly monarch, Zhang Boqian’s suppressive might was shocking even if he was simply standing there without any deliberate action .

Being able to release one’s vigor in front of him—even just a wisp of it—was no easy feat . Bai Aotu’s future prospects had been widely proclaimed by the Bai clan . This display of strength before the army and clans caused Bai Songnian’s expression to be filled with radiance .

Naturally, not everyone was praising Bai Aotu . Some of the clans that didn’t get along with them exchanged meaningful glances . It was considered bad manners to forcefully release one’s power in front of a superior expert—a narrow-minded individual would have already been offended by her .

No matter what people above and below the stage were calculating, Zhang Boqian’s expression remained the same . There was neither anger nor praise . It was as though Bai Aotu was no different from any other soldier in the drill grounds .

Zhang Boqian said with a nod, “You must serve the empire more in the future . ”

A short speech of encouragement was customary after bestowing the award . Zhang Boqian’s words only followed tradition without any additional praise . This inevitably caused Bai Songnian to feel some disappointment . But he calmed down after some thought because this was Zhang Boqian’s natural disposition—he never showed favor toward anyone .

Someone duly led Bai Aotu back after she had put away the jade tablet .

Afterward, Zhang Boqian announced, “Second place, Zhao clan’s Zhao Jundu . First-class merit . ”

This announcement immediately kicked up a great clamor .

Zhao Jundu truly rose to fame toward the end of the bloody battle, and his ascension to the champion rank was only a couple of months ago . Due to the presence of the Iron Curtain, the participants in the bloody battle were mostly below the count rank . As such, the contributions were limited no matter how many of them he killed . There were indeed marquises operating in Giant’s Repose, but it wasn’t possible for Zhao Jundu to kill these opponents at rank-twelve .

Although everyone admitted that Zhao Jundu was extraordinarily talented, he was still too young, and his origin power rank was limited . Many people couldn’t believe that he was in the rankings at all, much less ranked second .

The empire’s first-class merit required one to kill an honored marquis . In order for Zhao Jundu to obtain this contribution, he must’ve used sheer numbers to meet this requirement . Such a large number of kills proved that those at the same level might not even last a couple of moves against Zhao Jundu .

Hearing his name being called, Zhao Jundu stood up calmly and adjusted his clothes before walking onto the stage . Soon, he was standing before Zhang Boqian .

Zhao Jundu’s pose raised a hubbub of whispers upon and below the stage . This illustrious Zhao clan fourth young master had rarely appeared in public since his level-suppression five years ago . Hence, very few had ever seen him in person .

All eyes lit up after seeing him personally . Both Zhao Jundu’s appearance and temperament were beyond outstanding . Be it his allies from the Zhao clan or his enemies, everyone offered silent praise . They felt that his bearing alone was deserving of his title as the number one character among the younger generation .

Zhao Jundu, however, was frowning as he stood in front of Zhang Boqian . He could feel an invisible pressure upon him which made it difficult to even breathe, not to mention speak . Zhang Boqian wasn’t deliberately containing his power today . Just the vigor overflowing naturally from him was enough to make Zhao Jundu feel a certain pressure . It was as though a mountain was falling slowly onto his back .

Zhao Jundu’s origin power became fully activated on its own, poised to resist at all costs . His body trembled all of a sudden as a wisp of azure energy rushed into the sky and condensed therein, receding only after quite a while .

All those seated nearby were veteran experts with great insight . Someone immediately praised, “What a powerful azure energy!”

Zhang Boqian gave Zhao Jundu an extra glance and said with a slight nod, “Good foundations, keep up the good work . Do not be arrogant or become distracted by material gains, always maintain an unmoving heart . ”

Zhao Jundu’s expression shifted slightly as he performed a military salute . “Thank you for your instructions, Your Majesty . ”

Zhang Boqian spoke no more and simply handed the jade tablet to Zhao Jundu . The words “first-rank” were inscribed on the tablet . It was just that the golden characters were lined with a silver border, to differentiate it from a true first-rank merit .

Zhang Boqian only spoke a couple of extra words, but this caused everyone’s expression to change quite a bit .