gnovel Chapter 104 On the Eve of the Military Parade
Chapter 104 On the Eve of the Military Parade
The Tiger Warriors' main camp, the central command tent.
Lin Chen yawned as he leaned back in the main seat, while the eight Vajra Guardians stood solemnly on either side below.
Zhao Zilong stood in front of the sand table, pointing to the topographic map and explaining the procedures for tomorrow's military parade.
Although these things were decided three days ago.
"His Majesty will arrive at 3:45 AM tomorrow..." Zhao Zilong began.
"Stop, stop, stop," Lin Chen waved his hand.
"General Zilong, you've told me these procedures eight times already. Anyway, you'll be in command tomorrow, so I'll just stand on the platform as a mascot. You don't need to read them aloud again."
A low chuckle came from inside the tent.
Zhao Zilong said helplessly, "My lord, all the civil and military officials will be here tomorrow, and His Majesty will be present in person. You must..."
"I know, I know," Lin Chen sat up a little straighter.
"Formation drills, charge exercises, and military display—eight thousand iron cavalry are divided into eight square formations, each with a thousand men, and are led by the Eight Great Vajras."
The warhorses are Dragonblood Horses, the equipment is Xuan Iron Heavy Armor, and each person is equipped with three bottles of Qi-restoring pills.
We've practiced three formation changes, and now we're launching a final assault—we're determined to shake the grandstand to its core, right?
"That's right." Zhao Zilong nodded.
"That settles it then." Lin Chen slumped back down.
"You've practiced for three months. If you mess up tomorrow, your salaries will be docked."
The eight Vajra Warriors laughed in unison, "Rest assured, Master!"
Lin Chen got up and walked outside the tent.
The military camp was brightly lit under the cover of night, and eight thousand cavalrymen were making their final preparations.
Warhorses neighed, armor clanged, and a chilling atmosphere filled the air.
These warhorses were all carefully selected dragonblood horses, and the cavalry equipment was of the highest quality:
Heavy armor made of black iron, a long spear that breaks through the qi barrier, and a powerful bow with a strength of twenty stones.
Such a configuration is top-notch even in the entire Dayan region.
"My lord," Yuan Tiangang appeared silently beside him.
"Tomorrow, in addition to the Imperial Guards, His Majesty will be accompanied by two Celestial Realm experts in secret."
"Two?" Lin Chen raised an eyebrow. "Are royal celestial beings so worthless?"
"You flatter me, my lord," Yuan Tiangang chuckled.
"The support provided by a country still has some foundation."
According to Li Chunfeng, one of them had a similar aura to the one he had spied on outside the mansion that day.
"Can Mr. Li handle this?"
"More than enough," Yuan Tiangang said calmly.
"Although Li Chunfeng is only at the early stage of the Celestial Realm, his Daoist techniques are profound, allowing him to fight opponents of higher levels. Moreover... the Empress will not make a move."
"I'm not afraid to take action." Lin Chen laughed. "I'll put on a good show tomorrow and let His Majesty and the officials see what true elite troops are."
He paused:
"By the way, several ladies from the manor will be attending the ceremony tomorrow. Their safety must be guaranteed. We have twelve Heavenly Guards secretly protecting them."
"Everything has been arranged," Yuan Tiangang said.
"Furthermore, Minister Su sent word that preparations for the coming-of-age ceremony are progressing smoothly..."
"I trust my uncle to handle things." Lin Chen stretched.
"I'll sleep in the barracks tonight and get up early tomorrow—though I really don't want to get up early."
"Yes."
……
The next morning, at 3:45 AM.
Before dawn, the Tiger Legion's camp was already in an uproar.
Eight thousand iron cavalrymen were fully prepared and ready to go, their warhorses puffing out white steam, and the cavalrymen standing tall.
The heavy armor of black iron gleamed coldly in the morning light, long spears stood like a forest, and banners fluttered in the wind.
Lin Chen was dragged out of bed by Yuan Tiangang and, still half asleep, was dressed in a silver-white military uniform with a dark gold battle robe over it, and the Duke of Zhenguo's sword was worn at his waist.
He was already handsome, but now he looked even more dashing—if you ignored his half-closed eyes.
"My lord, it's almost time," Zhao Zilong stepped forward to report.
Lin Chen mounted his horse—a pure white dragon-blooded horse named "Treading Snow".
This horse was a reward from the system's daily check-in event; it has the bloodline of a dragon.
"Let's go, finish the performance as soon as possible so we can go back and catch up on some sleep."
At a command, eight thousand cavalrymen surged out of the camp like a flood and marched toward the parade ground in the west of the city.
The sound of horses' hooves thundered, causing the ground to tremble slightly.
The people along the way had been waiting on the street for a long time, and they were all amazed when they saw this mighty and powerful army.
"That's the Tiger Legion? How impressive!"
"I heard that everyone here is at least a sixth-rank martial artist, and the centurion is even a grandmaster!"
"The Duke of Zhenguo is truly generous..."
Lin Chen yawned as he rode his horse, listening to the people's discussions, thinking to himself: This is exactly the effect I wanted.
Although waking up early is painful, the pleasure of showing off can make up for it.
The parade ground is located on a plain ten miles west of the city, covering an area of a thousand acres, and the viewing platform has already been set up.
As dawn broke, civil and military officials arrived one after another and took their seats according to their rank.
At the very front of the viewing platform was the throne, with seats for princes and dukes on either side.
As the Duke of Zhenguo, Lin Chen's seat was located to the lower left of the throne.
He ordered Zhao Zilong to lead the troops to the designated area to await orders, while he himself went up to the viewing platform.
"Your Excellency has arrived early," a gentle voice rang out.
Lin Chen turned his head and saw Su Wenyuan, the Minister of Rites—his uncle.
Su Wenyuan was about fifty years old, with a refined appearance, and looked at him with a smile while wearing a purple robe.
"Uncle," Lin Chen greeted, "You're here so early too?"
"Today's military parade is a major event." Su Wenyuan looked him over, his eyes filled with satisfaction.
"Chen'er, your military uniform... is quite reminiscent of your father's style back then."
Lin Chen laughed and said, "Uncle, you flatter me. My skills are nowhere near as good as my father's."
"No need to be modest," Su Wenyuan patted his shoulder.
"If your father were alive, he would be pleased. Alright, go to your seats, His Majesty will be arriving soon."
Lin Chen nodded and walked towards his seat.
As they passed by, many officials stood up to greet them respectfully.
The Zhenguo Duke's Mansion of today is no longer the dilapidated mansion it once was.
Just as I sat down, the sound of a bugle call came from afar.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
Nine pure white dragon horses pulled the imperial carriage slowly approaching, with the Imperial Guards clearing the way and banners waving.
The imperial carriage stopped in front of the viewing platform, and Empress Zhao Lingyang stepped out, supported by palace maids.
She was not wearing a dragon robe today, but rather a black military uniform with a golden cloak, a nine-dragon crown on her head, and an emperor's sword at her waist.
Although she was a woman, she possessed an imposing and naturally dignified air.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!" the officials shouted in unison.
"Rise." The Empress's voice was clear and melodious as she ascended the throne. "There is no need for formalities during today's military review."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The officials rose and returned to their seats.
The Empress's gaze swept across the viewing platform, lingering on Lin Chen for a moment, a slight smile playing on her lips.
Lin Chen returned the smile—a very serious one.
Two people stood beside the Empress.
On the left is the commander of the Imperial Guards, a mid-stage Grandmaster.
On the right was an unfamiliar old man in a gray robe, whose aura was as restrained as a deep abyss.
Lin Chen's eyes narrowed slightly.
At the mid-stage of the Celestial Realm, this should be one of the Empress's personal guards.
The old man in the gray robe looked up, and their eyes met. A hint of surprise flashed in the old man's eyes.
He couldn't even see through the Duke's cultivation level!
Outwardly, he appears to be only at the initial stage of the first rank, but his inner strength is unfathomable.
Lin Chen chuckled inwardly.
How could you possibly see through the Great Perfection of the Celestial Realm produced by the system?
"Duke Zhenguo," the Empress began, "is the Tiger Army ready?"
Lin Chen rose and bowed: "Your Majesty, eight thousand iron cavalry are lined up and ready to be inspected at any time."
"Alright." The Empress nodded. "Then let's begin."
"As you command!"
Lin Chen turned around and made a gesture to Zhao Zilong below the stage.
Zhao Zilong understood and raised the command flag high.
"Tiger Warriors—Form ranks!"