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

After Li Xuancang returned to his residence, he instructed Nangong Zhan, Wang Xiaoniu, and others to return to the military camp.

They were instructed to use the beast meat to quickly increase their strength.

He will soon be promoted to captain, and at that time he will need to build his own 3,000-strong army. Nangong Zhan and others will be his right-hand men, and he will need sufficient strength to support them.

Afterwards, Li Xuancang went to Shen Qingshan's lodging to check on his condition.

Shen Qingshan's injuries have mostly healed, but his cultivation level has not been restored.

He remained calm and unaffected by the loss of his cultivation.

"Lord Li, congratulations on your triumphant return and your outstanding achievements."

Shen Qingshan smiled faintly and congratulated Li Xuancang.

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Shen."

After a brief conversation, Shen Qingshan said with a serious expression, "Lord Li, the Bi'an Division has sent someone to pick me up. I must say goodbye to you now."

The people of Bi'an Division have special means to contact the sect.

Shen Qingshan has already made contact with the sect, and the Bixie Division will soon send someone to take him back to the sect.

Upon hearing this, Li Xuancang felt a sudden pang of disappointment, but he quickly composed himself.

"All good things must come to an end. My promotion ceremony to captain will be held in three days. I hope Fellow Daoist Shen can attend the ceremony before leaving."

Li Xuancang felt a great deal of goodwill, respect, and gratitude towards Shen Qingshan, and wanted him to attend his promotion ceremony.

"Congratulations, Lord Li, on becoming a captain at such a young age! I will certainly not be absent."

Shen Qingshan was very surprised that Li Xuancang was being promoted to captain at such a young age, and then he was genuinely happy for Li Xuancang.

After talking with Shen Qingshan for a long time, Li Xuancang reluctantly took his leave.

Being with Shen Qingshan gave him a feeling of being able to let go of everything and feel completely relaxed.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and the promotion ceremony specially set up for Li Xuancang in the military camp was already completed.

On the day of the ceremony, the military camp and drill ground were filled with flags and armored vehicles.

The ten-mile-long drill ground was spotless, with battle flags fluttering in the wind on all sides. The high platform stood majestically, the honor guards were arrayed in strict formation, and the drums and music were solemn and magnificent.

The entire Anzhou garrison, including all its generals and soldiers, was assembled.

The armor gleamed coldly in the sun, and the crowds stood in neat rows, waiting in solemn silence.

Not only were all military personnel present, but all the high-ranking officials of the state government were also in attendance.

The governor, vice-governor, chief administrator, registrar, and other high-ranking officials of Anzhou, dressed in their official robes, ascended the platform and sat upright to witness the grand promotion ceremony, representing the prefecture's bureaucratic system.

No prominent families, powerful clans, or influential local gentry in Anzhou were present.

The entire Pei family was present, a special envoy from the Marquis's mansion was also present, and leaders of various aristocratic clans and martial arts factions took their seats.

For a time, the high platform of the drill ground was filled with dignitaries, all dressed in their finest attire, creating an unprecedented spectacle.

This is the highest-level, most grand, and most significant military promotion ceremony held in Anzhou in recent years.

"What a grand affair! So many important figures have been mobilized?"

"Du Tianfeng really values ​​Li Xuancang highly, as he has invited so many prominent figures to attend the ceremony."

"Such a grand scene is rarely seen."

"..."

The crowd was abuzz with discussion, feeling as if they had just witnessed something truly eye-opening.

At the same time, they could also feel Du Tianfeng's care for Li Xuancang.

Logically speaking, it's just a promotion to captain, there's no need to make such a big show of it, nor is it possible to get all the important figures like the governor to come.

However, all the powerful and influential people in Anzhou came, and no one was absent. They all came because of Du Tianfeng's influence.

As the auspicious hour approached, Li Xuancang, clad in brand-new Xuan Tie Captain's Armor, stepped onto the stage.

His armor was solemn, his posture was as upright as a spear, and he exuded the iron-blooded majesty of a veteran of countless battles.

He walked with a steady gait, accepting everyone's attention with composure.

All eyes in the audience instantly focused on him.

Countless gazes intertwined, and a myriad of thoughts were revealed to everyone.

Some military generals were filled with envy, hoping to emulate his achievements, make merit on the battlefield, and rise step by step.

There was a deep-seated jealousy and resentment hidden within the scion of a long-established family.

At the same age, they relied on their families to bully men and women and did nothing, while Li Xuancang was already a captain. The difference between the two was like heaven and earth.

There was a genuine appreciation from the civil officials of the prefecture for his talent, recognizing his contributions to protecting the country and his integrity.

There was a deep-seated apprehension in the eyes of the Marquis's Mansion and the old aristocratic families, who knew that this young man was rising day by day and would eventually shake the old order.

Envy, jealousy, admiration, awe, fear, regret... a myriad of emotions gathered together.

On the vast training ground, thousands stood solemnly, yet undercurrents surged.

Immediately afterwards, a dense murmur arose from the audience, the voices rising and falling like a tide.

"Promoted to captain through exceptional means! A meteoric rise indeed!"

"This is what a man should do."

"Such a young hero, it's no wonder the military is willing to promote him despite his lack of experience. Such combat strength deserves to be cultivated with all our might."

"..."

Some marveled at Li Xuancang's power and achievements, while others wore mocking expressions, eager to see the show unfold.

"Does the Pei family regret abandoning this marriage proposal back then?"

Many people looked towards the Pei family's location, only to see that the Pei family members' faces were flushed, and some of them lowered their heads in shame.

Pei Hongwen and the elders remained unfazed, seemingly unconcerned by the harsh words.

However, the whiteness of their clenched fingers, hidden in their sleeves, revealed their inner turmoil.

Amidst the murmurs of the crowd, Du Tianfeng stepped forward, holding the military seal, command flag, armor, and imperial edict. With a solemn expression, he publicly announced the promotion of his clerk and military rank.

After reading the appointment document, Du Tianfeng solemnly handed over the military tally, command flag, and battle armor to Li Xuancang.

From then on, Li Xuancang officially became a military captain.

What followed was immense real power and privileged treatment far exceeding that of a centurion.

His military power increased significantly, and he became the sole commander of an army.

Previously, a centurion commanded only a thousand men, was subordinate to the main camp, and had no independent command authority.

Now promoted to colonel, he commands three thousand elite, hardened soldiers, forming his own army with independent organization and command.

It can independently train troops, deploy defenses, and arrange battle formations, independently guarding a region and serving as the mainstay of Anzhou.

From then on, Li Xuancang was no longer a minor general subordinate to the main camp, but a powerful commander who was in charge of guarding a region.

The salary, rank, ceremonial guard, residence, assigned soldiers, and carriages of the captain were all in line with those of high-ranking officials in the prefecture.

The imperial court allocated special funds, weapons, provisions, and resources to supply its troops.

He could be accompanied by personal guards, appointed staff, command ceremonial guards, and patrol the border with orders, wielding immense authority.

The imperial court publicly announced that the direct relatives of officers and lieutenants would enjoy preferential treatment as military dependents.

The Li family residence has been placed under official protection, with dedicated soldiers taking turns guarding it and ensuring the safety of the family.

The family's money, grain, and salary are distributed monthly in a special fund, ensuring they have no worries about food and clothing and enjoy lifelong preferential treatment.

With their family members' household registration elevated and their status elevated, they were able to attend official and gentry banquets, and no one dared to look down on their background anymore.

The siblings in the family receive double protection from the state government and the military in terms of their studies, careers, and future prospects, and enjoy priority in being recommended.

In the future, you will be able to receive more cultivation resources and more cultivation techniques.

One person's promotion brings prosperity to the entire family and friends.

On the high platform, the military order was read aloud with resounding force.

The thousands of soldiers below the stage stood in solemn salute, their voices resounding through the sky.

"Congratulations, Captain Li!"

"The captain is undefeated in a hundred battles, guarding the border!"

"Greetings, Lieutenant Li."

"..."

The roar was like thunder, shaking the surrounding area and echoing throughout the entire city of Anzhou.

The governor and the civil officials nodded in approval, while the various powerful families displayed a range of emotions, including envy, awe, and regret.

As the Pei family members gazed at the young man revered by all on the high platform, their regret grew even stronger.

The Marquis of Anzhou's expression was somber, and his eyes held an even deeper sense of apprehension.

All the forces that had once looked down on, ridiculed, and ostracized Li Xuancang were now completely silent and dared not show the slightest disrespect.