My strength increases by one percent every day; I can destroy stars with my bare hands.

All the major and minor powers, powerful families and officials, and martial arts gangs in the city were secretly anxious and uneasy.

Everyone thought that the current crisis in Anzhou was doomed to fail and was destined to end.

But no one expected that what would reach the city was not news of defeat, but a stunning victory.

The barbarian army of tens of thousands retreated from the border, disbanding their camps and withdrawing their troops across the entire front.

When the good news first spread, the whole city was in an uproar.

At first, no one believed it.

The people on the street stood there stunned and bewildered, thinking it was a rumor or a lie from the military to reassure them.

After confirming repeatedly, I realized that this was not just a rumor, but an undeniable fact.

"They retreated? Tens of thousands of barbarians really retreated?"

"Impossible! The barbarians are powerful, and demons are stationed there. How could they retreat without a reason?"

"Xuanyang County's military strength is weak; how could they possibly force back tens of thousands of elite troops?"

"..."

The entire city was in an uproar of disbelief.

However, as the second and third military reports entered the city one after another, and the scouts who accompanied the army returned to the city to report on the battle situation, the news that the barbarians had indeed retreated and the crisis had been completely resolved was thoroughly confirmed.

In an instant, the fear, despair, and anxiety that had been suppressed for many days vanished completely.

Instead, there was a massive, overwhelming wave of enthusiastic cheers that swept across the entire city of Anzhou.

"A great victory! A truly great victory!"

"The barbarians have retreated, and we have survived."

"Xuanyang County has been defended! Anzhou has been saved!"

"..."

The city was in an uproar, the streets were filled with celebration, and the news spread like wildfire among the people.

People from all over the city poured out of the streets and alleys, cheering, shouting, with tears in their eyes, and embracing each other in celebration.

The doomsday gloom that had shrouded the city for days dissipated in an instant, the sun shone again, and people felt at peace.

The sword of massacre that had been hanging overhead fell, and all the crises vanished.

As more and more details of the great battle emerged, everyone learned of Li Xuancang's unparalleled feat, that he had single-handedly turned the tide, defeated the barbarians, and thwarted their wolfish ambitions.

"Lord Li has slain several enemies at the Gangqi Realm; he is truly a hero."

"Lord Li single-handedly charged into the barbarian camp; no one can match his courage."

"Lord Li has performed unparalleled feats and serves as a role model for us all."

"..."

In the streets and alleys, people gathered privately, discussing Li Xuancang's heroic deeds everywhere.

Is Li Xuancang really that terrifying?

"With Li Xuancang and Du Tianfeng in charge, Anzhou City is as stable as Mount Tai. We must not act rashly."

"All of you lie low and do not make any moves."

"..."

The forces that had secretly allied themselves with Hu Fuwang, plotted internal strife, and waited for the barbarians to break through the city and start an uprising felt as if they had fallen into an ice cave the moment they learned of the great victory.

The original plan for internal strife and the scheme of collusion between insiders and outsiders were completely shattered.

Li Xuancang's power made them wary, and they dared not make the slightest move.

In an instant, all the covert forces retreated into hiding.

All private meetings were dissolved, all secret agents were withdrawn, documents of treason were destroyed overnight, everyone stayed indoors, and all unusual movements were suppressed.

These treacherous officials, harboring ulterior motives, remained silent and hid in the shadows, fearing being targeted and punished later.

"Damn it, Li Xuancang is so powerful, how can we possibly avenge ourselves?"

Inside the Iron Fist Sect, Tie Shanhe and the elders had ashen faces and were filled with unease.

With Li Xuancang's immense strength and outstanding achievements, he is gaining even more power, making the Iron Fist Sect's future extremely difficult.

Inside the main military camp in Anzhou, a tremendous commotion also broke out.

When news of the victory at the border reached the central command tent, Du Tianfeng and a group of high-ranking military officers froze on the spot upon hearing the news, their faces filled with disbelief and incredulity.

"A thousand reinforcements were enough to force back tens of thousands of barbarian troops?"

"Several powerful barbarian warriors at the Qi Refining Realm, and the barbarian army commanded by two demons, actually withdrew overnight on their own initiative?"

"Lord Li is truly invincible and a genius beyond compare; we can only look up to him in awe."

"..."

The generals were all dumbfounded. They repeatedly checked the military situation, still finding it absurd, shocking, and unbelievable.

They knew all too well how weak the Xuan Yang County's military was, how powerful the barbarian army was, and how strange and formidable the demonic warriors were.

But Li Xuancang single-handedly turned this seemingly hopeless situation around.

Shock, bewilderment, astonishment, and awe filled everyone's hearts.

Everyone knows that Li Xuancang deserves the greatest credit in this battle, a credit no one can match.

With such great achievements and such strong support, Li Xuancang is about to rise to prominence.

"Xuan Cang has performed such a great service, saving Anzhou from life and death. It's time for him to be promoted."

Du Tianfeng's words shocked the entire room.

They understood the underlying meaning in Du Tianfeng's words: he was trying to recommend Li Xuancang for a reward, and it wouldn't be long before Li Xuancang was likely to be promoted to captain.

Li Xuancang was promoted to centurion only a few months ago, and now he is about to be promoted to captain. This speed of promotion is unbelievable.

Although Li Xuancang's promotion was so rapid that it defied military regulations, no one dared to object.

Li Xuancang's strength and achievements are evident to all, and the army is the place that values ​​strength and merit the most, so Li Xuancang's promotion to captain is almost a foregone conclusion.

From that moment on, all the generals and soldiers in the army were sincerely convinced of Li Xuancang's worth.

No one mocked his humble origins anymore, no one looked down on his youthful arrogance, and no one laughed at his failed engagement and becoming a laughing stock.

All the rumors and worldly contempt were completely crushed by the glorious military achievements of this battle.

A young hero, who became a legend in one battle.

Amidst the city's jubilation, the atmosphere at the Pei residence was entirely different.

The entire Pei family mansion was deathly silent; you could hear a pin drop.

There was no joy whatsoever, only endless repression and regret.

All the elders of the Pei family gathered in the main hall.

Everyone's face was ashen, their expression deathly pale, filled with remorse, and no one spoke.

Previously, they coveted the power and wealth of the Marquis's mansion, admired Lin Jingyan's outstanding reputation, and were opportunistic and wavering in their choices.

They looked down on Li Xuancang and handed over a peerless gem to someone else.

At this moment, the elders of the Pei family looked old and bitter, their voices hoarse and trembling, filled with endless regret.

"We were wrong...we were all wrong..."

"Lin Jingyan had only a prestigious family background and empty reputation, and his literary talent was superficial. He was useless in times of crisis and accomplished nothing in chaotic times."

"Li Xuancang was young and ruthless, a young hero? He rose to prominence in a single day."

"..."

Pei Hongwen clenched his fists, his knuckles turned white, and his heart clenched with a heavy feeling. Regret overwhelmed his mind like a tidal wave.

Everyone in the Pei family knew that after this battle, Li Xuancang would surely rise to prominence and have a bright future.

The marriage agreement that they had once discarded was now seen as a once-in-a-century opportunity for the Pei family.

They abandoned it with their own hands, and now no matter how much they regret it, it's too late.

One of the elders looked indignant, his tone accusing.

"The head of the family should discipline his daughter properly. If she hadn't taken it upon herself to secretly exchange gifts with Lin Jingyan, how could our Pei family have missed out on such a promising son-in-law?"

These words were blunt, criticizing Pei Hongwen for failing to properly educate his daughter.

The others also recalled that if Pei Qingyuan hadn't taken it upon herself to send someone to the Marquis of Anzhou's residence, none of what happened afterward would have occurred.

The Pei family will not become a laughing stock in Anzhou, and they will also have a son-in-law who will bring them great fortune.

The culprit behind all of this is Pei Qingyuan.

Upon being rebuked by the clan elders, Pei Hongwen's face flushed red and then turned pale, but he was unable to refute them.

He was also filled with anger towards Pei Qingyuan. Even though he loved Pei Qingyuan very much, he could not suppress his anger at this moment.