"General Sun, whether a person is worthless or not has no necessary connection with physical disabilities. For example, some people clearly have a pair of eyes, but how are they different from the blind?"
Ling Feng shot a glance at Commander Xiao, immediately frightening him into kneeling on the ground, "This humble one has eyes but failed to see, please forgive me, General!"
Ling Feng paid no attention to him, but said to Sun Gongming calmly, "Although my medical skills cannot make your right hand grow back, I have here a Heavenly Sword Technique specifically for left-handed cultivation, take it to practice, General."
"Heavenly Martial Technique?" Sun Gongming’s eyelid twitched, "No, no, it’s too precious!"
"Fate has brought us together, as long as General does not lose spirit anymore, what’s a Heavenly Martial Technique?" Ling Feng smiled faintly, "Moreover, General helped me out today, consider the martial technique as a token of thanks."
Commander Xiao nearby watched with great envy; this Little General Ling was so generous, casually giving away a Heavenly Martial Technique!
At this moment, he truly regretted his actions, wishing to slap himself hard dozens of times! If only he could curry favor with Ling Feng, perhaps he could gain some benefits too. Not to mention a Heavenly Martial Technique, even an Earth-level Martial Technique is a lofty aspiration for commanders like them!
Regret for his past actions!
After exchanging pleasantries, Ling Feng explained the purpose of his visit, Sun Gongming then told Ling Feng the password required for passage.
In these precarious times, to pass through various checkpoints and enter the Sky-reaching Fortress, the principle is that a password is necessary.
Commander Xiao’s arrogance towards Ling Feng and his companions stemmed from not stating the password while claiming to be generals.
However, his attitude was indeed a bit too harsh.
Ling Feng did not bother to quarrel with a mere commander. After bidding farewell to Sun Gongming, he continued the journey with Lee Bufan and others towards the Sky-reaching Fortress.
After passing through eight checkpoints, they finally arrived at the Sky-reaching Fortress, where the magnificent structures and fortifications left them in awe.
Each tower was nearly a hundred zhang high, and atop them stood rows of battlements equipped with fearsome Magic Crystal Cannons.
Within the Empire, there are countless skilled craftsmen. The Magic Crystal Cannon uses top-grade Elemental Stones as its energy source, compressing energy inside to rapidly release it, with a range reaching thousands of zhang and power comparable to the full strike of a King-level expert.
Ordinarily, each cannon shot costs millions in top-grade Elemental Stones, so they are rarely used except during battles.
But just their presence atop the towers was intimidating enough.
Before Ling Feng and his group could approach the fortress towers, Silver Winged Griffins soared into the sky, circling in the air; soldiers mounted on the Griffins, wielding spears, shouted loudly: "Who goes there, state your name!"
"From Qianzhong Peak to Qianzhong Danger! I am Ling Feng, here to meet the Northwest Grand Governor!"
Ling Feng raised his eyebrows and shouted the passage password.
Upon hearing Ling Feng correctly state the password, the Griffin Corps soldiers in the air flew back to the tower and ordered a small gate to open for passage.
"Luckily, Sun Gongming told us the password!"
Ling Feng secretly wiped cold sweat; the soldiers mounted on Silver Winged Griffins, each at least Divine Origin Realm Fifth Realm level, and coupled with the griffins’ momentum, dozens of spears would be launched down. Even if they escaped the first wave of attacks, they wouldn’t survive the second round.
Entering the fortress, the space was larger than imagined; apart from batches of soldiers training on the parade field, the sky and mountainous areas were filled with visible sentry towers, cannon stations, soldiers...
Upon first arriving at the Sky-reaching Fortress, the only emotion felt was shock!
Soon, an armored officer jumped down from the back of a winged tiger, saluted Ling Feng with a standard military gesture, and said loudly: "Are you General Wei Yuan Ling Feng?"
Ling Feng nodded, returned the salute, and smiled, "May I know your name, General?"
That officer solemnly said with a firm voice: "General Ling, the Grand Governor is currently discussing military affairs and might take some time, unable to receive guests. However, he’s long instructed that if General Ling visits, you must be treated with respect. Please follow me to the camp to rest."
"Thank you, General Fang."
Ling Feng touched his nose, thinking that the Northwest Army Commander had anticipated his return. This was not surprising; he rewarded Ling Feng with three hundred military honors, and Ling Feng would likely visit the Ancient Tower Forest on exploration.
Led by Fang Wentong, Ling Feng and his group arrived at a relatively luxurious large tent.
"While waiting, General Ling, please stay in the camp. After the Grand Governor’s meeting ends, I will come deliver the order."
"Thank you, General." Ling Feng nodded and asked, "By the way, is General Zhen Yuan Yue Tengfeng in the army? If convenient, can I meet him?"
"General Yue requested to go into battle two days ago, facing the Northern Snow Wolf Clan and Ice Fox Clan’s demons head-on. I think it’ll be a few days before he returns." Fang Wentong replied.
Ling Feng raised his eyebrows and asked casually, "General Fang, can you tell me why the Northern Demon Clan suddenly disturbed the Northwest frontier? Besides the Snow Wolf Clan and Ice Fox Clan, are there other Demon Clans invading?"
"Sorry, this is a military secret; General Ling, although you are General Wei Yuan, you’re not part of the Northwest Army leadership, so I cannot disclose it."
Fang Wentong bowed to Ling Feng and continued, "If there’s nothing else, General Ling and your team can rest in the camp. If you need anything, inform the soldiers. I will take my leave."
Having said that, Fang Wentong exited the tent. As a military officer, Fang Wentong naturally had his own duties, especially during such critical times.
"It seems this Northern Demon Clan’s commotion isn’t trivial, it’s more than just harassment."
Lee Bufan sighed, found a seat, and said seriously.
"Oh? Bufan, you understand military tactics?" Ling Feng was surprised; he thought Lee Bufan was only interested in swords, indifferent to anything else.
"Among the Three Grand Ministers, the Grand Commandant manages military affairs. Although it’s not my interest, family teachings, coupled with the Old Master’s daily encouragement, have made me learn a bit."
Lee Bufan smiled bitterly and added slowly, "Based on what we saw on the way today, the fortress’s defense has reached a fourth-level alert state. The enemy’s numbers are at least in the tens of thousands, and even Demon King Level experts have emerged!"