After a long pause, Wu Kui finally gritted his teeth and nodded.
In terms of combat power, he stood no chance against Ling Feng's demon emperor pet. But when it came to command, strategy, and military tactics?
Ling Feng was nothing but a rookie!
A victory here would net him 100 honor points—nine more than what he'd painstakingly accumulated over two decades of military service!
"Since General Wu agrees, General Ling, I assume you have no objections?"
Han Li's gaze shifted to Ling Feng, his tone indifferent.
"One moment, Commander-in-Chief." Ling Feng clasped his hands in a fist-and-palm salute. "This junior has a question."
"Speak freely." Han Li smiled faintly. So far, he was quite satisfied with Ling Feng's performance.
Despite his youth, the boy had audacity—and taming a demon emperor alone put him leagues above most generals present.
After all, even within the entire Qingtian Fortress, including himself, there were no more than five emperor-level experts!
"Ahem..." Ling Feng coughed awkwardly, his face reddening slightly. "What exactly is a sand table simulation?"
The entire tent fell silent.
He didn't even know what a sand table simulation was—yet he'd agreed without hesitation?!
Instantly, the soldiers who had just begun respecting Ling Feng felt their expectations crash back down.
This kid hadn't just barely attended military strategy classes—he'd never attended a single one!
"A sand table simulation," Jia Wenhe quickly explained, "uses sand particles to replicate battlefield dynamics, allowing tactical changes to be visualized instantly. It's the military's method for studying and simulating combat scenarios."
"Ah." Ling Feng's eyes lit up. "Got it."
"General Ling, if you don't even understand the rules," Wu Kui smirked, barely hiding his contempt, "do you still wish to proceed?"
You're not even a rookie—you're a complete amateur!
"Ling Feng, let me handle this."
Li Bufan stepped forward, placing a hand on Ling Feng's shoulder. "I at least know the basics."
"What are your odds of winning?" Ling Feng asked quietly.
Li Bufan swallowed hard. "Less... than ten percent."
"Then I'll do it myself."
Ling Feng chuckled wryly before turning back to Wu Kui. "Of course we'll proceed! Once a word is spoken, even four horses cannot chase it back!"
He then looked at Jia Wenhe. "Adviser Jia, would you kindly explain the rules in detail?"
Better to sharpen the spear at the last minute than to go in blind!
Wu Kui's eyes flashed with disdain. Trying to cram now? Dream on!
"Then listen closely, General Ling."
Jia Wenhe flicked his feather fan and swiftly outlined the rules.
Ling Feng's memory and comprehension were monstrous. Even if he couldn't master the rules instantly, he memorized every detail flawlessly.
"Commander-in-Chief, I'm ready." Ling Feng bowed to Han Li.
"You're not going to... digest the rules first?" Jia Wenhe blinked. I just finished explaining!
"No need." Ling Feng smiled faintly.
The moment he spoke, whispers erupted through the tent.
"He's given up, hasn't he?"
"Must have. Those rules are complex—even seasoned generals need years to grasp them properly!"
Not a single soldier present held any hope for Ling Feng. Even Li Bufan and the others wore deep frowns.
This time, Ling Feng had been far too reckless!
Commanding troops was nothing like martial combat!
"Very well. Since General Ling is prepared—bring out the sand table!"
Han Li narrowed his eyes, his hawk-like gaze locked onto Ling Feng. He wanted to see where this boy's confidence came from.
With a wave of his hand, eight soldiers carried in four wooden tables, each bearing a detailed terrain model sculpted from sand.
When combined, the tables formed a massive sand table, replicating the border between the Tianbai Empire and the Tianyang Empire with perfect accuracy—mountains, valleys, plains, forests—every feature meticulously represented.
This sand table is a low-tier spiritual artifact, with each grain of sand being a valuable item, capable of simulating the battlefield scenario to the greatest extent.
Once the soldiers withdrew, Han Li strode to the table's edge. With a sweep of his palm, a gentle gust stirred the sand—
Two armies materialized.
In the southwest corner, a force of five million.
In the southeast, just two and a half million.
"This simulation is modeled after a historic battle between the Tianbai and Tianyang Empires. The two generals may now choose which army to command."
Han Li glanced at Ling Feng. "Given General Ling's inexperience, I'll let him choose first."
"Is that even a question?"
Ling Feng didn't hesitate. "Five million versus two and a half million? Obviously, I'll take five million!"
"Then it's settled." Han Li nodded. "General Ling commands the Tianyang Empire's five million. General Wu, you lead Tianbai's two and a half million. Victory conditions: annihilate the enemy or capture their stronghold."
"Heh. General Ling, you've just made a colossal mistake!" Wu Kui burst into laughter. "I'm a Tianbai general—I know our legions and elite units inside out! Did you really think numbers alone would save you?"
Ling Feng shrugged. "Makes no difference to me."
"Hmph!" Wu Kui's laughter died abruptly, his eyes glinting. "Then let me show you what a true veteran looks like! A greenhorn like you—who's never fought, never commanded—has no right to call himself a general!"
Numbers don't lie. Five million is still five million!