Chapter 186: Chapter 186: Granting the Rank… Vermilion Bird Major General! (2nd Update)
Translator: 549690339
When the army, radiating an aura that could pierce through the heavens, appeared before Su Shanna’s eyes, she was utterly astounded.
Such a demeanor she had only seen among those veterans who had participated in the defense wars.
But where could there be such a brutal war nowadays?
Su Shanna looked toward the figure of Xue An not far ahead.
How on earth did he manage to mold a newly-established special forces team into this, in just ten short days?
The doubts in her heart made her even more curious about Xue An.
At this moment, all members of Fire Phoenix stood firmly in front of Xue An.
They all looked at Xue An with almost fanatical gazes, then suddenly saluted as one.
“In this battle, we have annihilated 372 enemies, with all members of Fire Phoenix returning unscathed! Awaiting instructions from the instructor!”
Their voices thundered across the land, and the strength of their spirit caused many to change color.
Xue An smiled faintly, nodding slightly, “Barely acceptable, I suppose!”
This statement surprised many people.
Such an exceptional result and it’s ‘barely acceptable’?
Commander Hu watched this troop with a fascinated gaze, like a lecher ogling an unparalleled beauty, wishing he could devour them whole.
As for the defeated soldiers, they looked upon the people of Fire Phoenix with eyes full of envy and respect.
In the military, only the strong are worshipped!
By demonstrating absolute strength, Fire Phoenix verified what it meant to be strong, naturally earning the admiration of many.
And the outcome of today’s competition spread like wildfire, instantly enhancing the reputation of Fire Phoenix.
Commander Hu repeatedly tried to invite Xue An to serve at his post, and he assured with a thump on his chest that a colonel’s position was guaranteed, if not a general’s, should Xue An accept.
But Xue An remained unmoved, shaking his head to decline.
He offered his help to General Lin this time, moved only by the man’s undying loyalty.
If he became too entangled in military affairs, it would betray Xue An’s original intentions.
Ultimately, Commander Hu had no choice but to leave, disappointed.
Before departing, Su Shanna made a point of seeking out Xue An.
“Mr. Xue, you are a remarkable military strategist. I hope we can meet again at this year’s special forces competition!”
As she spoke, Su Shanna smiled and extended her hand.
Xue An smiled in return, “It seems unlikely, as I am about to leave Fire Phoenix!”
“Why?” Su Shanna was startled.
“Because serving as an instructor was merely a favor for a friend, and now that Fire Phoenix has been reborn from the ashes, they can walk their path on their own,” said Xue An lightly.
Su Shanna’s expression gradually became solemn, and she abruptly stood at attention and saluted Xue An.
“Your excellency, you are a true soldier!”
When the news of Xue An’s impending departure reached Fire Phoenix, Cheng Hao and the others were all taken aback.
“Instructor Xue is leaving? Why is he going?”
“I don’t know! But that’s the rumor going around!”
“Is it because someone is jealous of our achievements and is trying to force Instructor Xue out?” Zou Yi said, his face full of murderous intent.
This statement was like a spark igniting the powder keg of Fire Phoenix.
The brows of Cheng Hao and the others all furrowed.
“If anyone dares to force out Instructor Xue, then we will overturn heaven and earth!”
“Right! We recognize no one else but Instructor Xue!”
Everyone clamored as they prepared to storm out.
But when they opened the door, they found Xue An standing quietly at the entrance.
“Instructor!”
The crowd assembled in formation, shouting in unison.
Xue An smiled, “What’s this? Planning to fight to the death with someone?”
Everyone was startled.
Then Xue An said indifferently, “Leaving Fire Phoenix was my decision, with no interference from anyone.”
“Why? Instructor, if there’s anything we’ve done that displeases you, you can punish us as you see fit! Why leave?” Sun Ling said agitatedly.
Xue An shook his head, “You’ve done well, I take back what I said at the beginning, calling you trash! But leaving is certain, after all, I have my own matters to attend to!”
The mood of the people plummeted.
Indeed, during these ten days, Xue An had never shown them a pleasant expression.
But these ten days had also been a time of rebirth for them.
Many would never be able to achieve in a lifetime what they had challenged themselves to do under Xue An’s guidance.
At this time, Xue An spoke softly, “Do you know why I named you Fire Phoenix?”
The group listened intently.
“Because you are not just an ordinary special forces unit, this world contains many existences beyond the imagination of ordinary people!”
“Ordinarily, they might not dare to act recklessly for fear of worldly power, but if one day this deterrence no longer exists, they will commit all sorts of evil.”
“And you are the sharp blade poised over the necks of these beings, that is… the Slayers of Immortals!”
The words of Xue An made the people of Fire Phoenix shudder.
However, people like Cheng Hao who had been exposed to more secrets knew that what Xue An said was true.
“Your abilities now are quite good, and you could even say that no other force in this world is stronger than you are now, but it’s still far from enough! So now, I will give you another boon.”
With that, Xue An waved his hand, and everyone’s minds were filled with new information.
Each person received something different.
Xue An had tailored the cultivation techniques according to their individual situations.
For example, Cheng Hao, the captain of Fire Phoenix, upright and forthright, was bestowed the Nine-Star Tyrant Emperor Art by Xue An.
Sun Ling, suited to stealth and assassination, received the Shadow Curse Assassination Technique.
Zhou Daniu, with a robust build and a foundation in hardening techniques, was given the Indestructible Vajra Method.
Initially, everyone was somewhat bewildered, but as they realized what they had received, all were excited.
Especially people like Cheng Hao and Sun Ling.
They were very clear about how precious the techniques Xue An had given them were.
Any one of these techniques, if leaked, could lead to endless slaughter.
“These things are of no use to me; practice them for fun!” Xue An said with a light smile.
At this moment, Cheng Hao and the others all had solemn expressions, stepped forward in unison, and then bowed deeply.
“We shall never forget the kindness of our instructor; members of Fire Phoenix will forever be disciples of the instructor. Should we disobey, may heaven and earth not tolerate us!”
Their voices rang through the sky.
Xue An chuckled and shook his head, “Alright! I’m off.”
Having said that, Xue An turned and left.
Meanwhile, at a distant building, General Lin stood with his hands behind his back in front of the window.
“General, with such great prestige in Fire Phoenix, I’m afraid he may…” someone said softly from behind.
General Lin turned and glanced at the person, “May what?”
“I’m afraid it might lead to changes!”
General Lin’s lips curled up, “When did you start working by my side?”
“General, I came a year ago!”
“Good, from now on you don’t have to come anymore!”
After saying this, regardless of the sudden change in the attendant’s expression, General Lin turned back to look at the distant Fire Phoenix camp, his gaze flickering slightly.
One who commands heaven and earth, arbitrating change with ease, able to make heroes bow with simple humor.
Such a person… can truly be called unparalleled in the nation!
“Issue the order, confer upon Mr. Xue… the military rank of Major General Vermilion Bird!”