I run a casino in the immortal realm.

The two fifth-rank generals, meanwhile, were completely absorbed in their own thoughts, like meditating monks, ignoring Zheng Yifei's question.

As long as they don't speak up, even if the lower-ranking officers have a lot of strategies in their heads, they won't dare to overstep their bounds.

This is the deep-rooted class oppression within the military.

The nail that sticks out gets hammered down. Anyone who dares to steal the limelight from their superior at this time, even if they don't die on the battlefield today, will die from a cold arrow from their own people tomorrow.

Xu Qian turned slightly to the side, leaned close to Zheng Yifei's ear, and said in a very low voice, "Sir, they are watching the expressions of those two fifth-rank generals. These old soldiers are forming cliques and engaging in favoritism. If those two don't speak up, the people below won't dare to step forward."

This bureaucratic system has worn away their fighting spirit.

Zheng Yifei nodded slightly. He understood.

A methodical inquiry won't break through this impenetrable barrier; in extraordinary times, extraordinary measures are necessary.

"It seems that you gentlemen are usually too busy making money to think about how to fight a war."

Zheng Yifei sneered, his tone revealing undisguised mockery.

The officers below turned pale and then red, but none of them dared to refute.

Zheng Yifei was too lazy to waste any more words with them. He suddenly stood up and slammed his hand on the desk.

"Bang!"

The hard rosewood desk was instantly covered with spiderweb-like cracks.

"Since you can't be relied upon, then I'll find someone myself!"

Zheng Yifei's voice was as loud as a bell, causing dust to fall from the hall.

He turned to Ouyang Zhan and loudly ordered, "Ouyang Zhan, listen to my command!"

"Your subordinate is here!"

Ouyang Zhan stepped forward, his armor clanging.

"Immediately draft public notices and military bulletins, post them throughout the city, and disseminate them to every camp!"

Zheng Yifei spoke each word carefully, each syllable striking the hearts of the officers below like a heavy hammer blow:

"We are seeking strategies to defeat the enemy from the entire army and the entire city! Anyone skilled in troop deployment, familiar with the tactics of the Western Rong army, and capable of proposing effective strategies for defending the city may recommend themselves to the General's Office!"

"Once you pass my assessment, you will be immediately promoted and given an important position! Regardless of your background, past experience, or rank!"

Zheng Yifei stared at the shocked faces below and dropped the bombshell: "Even if you're just a cook or a common soldier now, as long as you have real skills, I'll immediately reward you with the position of a fifth-rank military advisor in the General's Office, or even directly appoint you as a general!"

These words immediately caused an uproar within the White Tiger Hall.

"Sir! This is against the rules!"

General Ma finally couldn't hold back any longer. He stepped out of the ranks and said urgently, "Promotions in the army have always been based on seniority and military merit, and must be reported to the Ministry of War for approval. You're directly appointing a common soldier as a fifth-rank military advisor... this will cause chaos in the army!"

"rule?"

Zheng Yifei looked at him, his eyes as cold as if he were looking at a dead man: "When the Western Rong people's swords were at your throat, did you talk to them about rules? I hold the power of execution first and reporting later, granted by the Prince of Pingxi. In Pengcheng, my word is the rule!"

General Ma was forced back a step by Zheng Yifei's murderous aura, his face turned pale, and he dared not utter another word.

Zheng Yifei ignored him and continued speaking to Ouyang Zhan: "To prevent any secret retaliation, those who wish to recommend themselves can take two paths. First, they can openly and honestly come to the General's Mansion and beat the drum to register; second, they can contact him privately."

He pointed at Ouyang Zhan: "Distribute all your brothers to various camps. Anyone who is willing to recommend themselves but has concerns can contact your people privately. Anyone who dares to obstruct knowledgeable people from reporting at this time, or who secretly retaliates afterward..."

Zheng Yifei's gaze swept across the entire room once more, his voice icy cold: "If I verify even one case, I will exterminate their entire family! There will be no leniency!"

"Yes, sir!"

Ouyang Zhan loudly accepted the order and turned to walk out.

Zheng Yifei flicked his sleeve, sat back down in his chair, looked at the trembling officers below, and coldly uttered two words: "Get out."

More than fifty officers, feeling as if they had been granted a pardon, scrambled out of the White Tiger Hall.

The news spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of Pengcheng in less than half an hour, especially the garrison camps.

The East Camp was the main camp of the Pengcheng garrison.

Ouyang Zhan led dozens of elite anti-smuggling officers at the Nascent Soul stage and rode his warhorse straight into the camp.

"Thump! Thump! Thump!"

The somber drumbeats of the assembly were sounded, and thousands of soldiers who were training listlessly were forcibly assembled on the drill ground.

Ouyang Zhan stood on the command platform, holding the order personally signed by Zheng Yifei in his hand. He channeled all his spiritual power and roared out Zheng Yifei's words from the White Tiger Hall verbatim.

"...Even if you're just a common soldier, as long as you can come up with a plan to repel the enemy, the General will directly reward you with the rank of fifth-grade officer! We're not afraid of your ambition, we're only afraid of your lack of ability!"

Ouyang Zhan's roar echoed across the training ground.

The thousands of soldiers were initially deathly silent, then erupted into an uncontrollable buzzing sound.

"A fifth-rank official? My goodness, General Ma must have spent thirty years just to reach that rank?"

"Has the new commander-in-chief gone mad, or is he serious?"

"Shh, keep your voice down. Didn't you see the notice? It says the Prince of Pingxi granted him the power to execute first and report later, and the prefect was arrested anyway. How could it be fake?"

Many people in the crowd had their eyes light up, but most were just watching.

They had lived at the bottom of society for many years, and were so afraid of being bullied by their superiors that they couldn't believe such a windfall would fall from the sky.

Looking at the reaction below, Ouyang Zhan sneered and added as Zheng Yifei instructed, "I know what you're afraid of! Are you afraid of being punished by your superiors if you stand out?"

The General said he wouldn't dare come openly. Do you see these brothers behind me?

They'll be patrolling the camp these next few days, and keeping watch outside the tents at night. Anyone who tries to sneak in at night will be taken straight to the General! Anyone who dares to stop them, I'll chop off their dog's head first!

After speaking, Ouyang Zhan waved his hand, and dozens of elite Nascent Soul stage cultivators immediately dispersed, like nails driven into every corner of the camp.

In a corner of the drill ground, a corporal wearing tattered leather armor and sporting a scar on his face stood with his head down, gripping a rusty spear tightly in his hand.

His breathing became rapid, and in his bloodshot eyes, it seemed as if a fire that had been extinguished for many years was being reignited.

He looked up at Ouyang Zhan on the high platform, then at the elite cultivators scattered throughout the camp. He gritted his teeth, turned around, squeezed out of the crowd, and walked deeper into the camp.

The stagnant waters of Shenzhen were finally stirred up by Zheng Yifei, this boulder, creating a stormy sea.