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

The veteran struggled desperately, trying to break free, but was horrified to find that Li Xuancang's hand was like cast iron, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't move it an inch.

His cultivation at the mid-stage of the Body Tempering Realm was as fragile as a child's in front of Li Xuancang.

"Lord Li, Liu Dadao did not mean it. I hope you will spare his life in consideration of the many enemies he has killed."

At this moment, Battalion Commander Liu Qingyun spoke up loudly, pleading for Liu Dadao.

As soon as he finished speaking, those who had received his signal followed suit.

"My lord, Liu Dadao has killed many enemies. Even if he has not made any great contributions, he has certainly worked hard. I hope you will let him go."

"My lord, Liu Dadao acted impulsively and offended you, but his crime does not warrant death."

"Please, Your Honor, show mercy and spare Liu Dadao's life."

"..."

Li Xuancang glanced around; there were quite a few people pleading for him, mostly centurions, squad leaders, and sergeants.

Li Xuancang's eyes were sharp as knives, sweeping over all the veterans present. His voice was icy cold and chilling, intimidating everyone.

"My orders are absolute. I rose from a lowly soldier to the rank of centurion through bloodshed and battle, and now I command you all based on my military achievements. Anyone who dares to disobey will meet the same fate."

As soon as he finished speaking, he applied a little more pressure to his hand.

The scarred veteran convulsed in pain, his eyes filled with fear of death. He realized that Li Xuancang was really going to kill him.

The arrogance he had built up based on his seniority was completely shattered, leaving only endless fear and horror.

Only then did he realize that the young centurion in front of him was not some fancy figurehead who rose to power by luck, but a ruthless man who had truly fought his way through countless battles and been through countless deaths.

My own experience is insignificant compared to the opponent's iron-fisted record.

The entire hall was deathly silent, as if frozen in fear.

Everyone froze in place, watching the scarred old soldier being suppressed with one hand, utterly powerless to resist.

Looking at Li Xuancang, who exuded a menacing aura and commanding presence, all the resentment, doubt, and contempt in his heart were replaced by fear and awe.

"Bang!"

Li Xuancang slammed the man to the ground.

"puff!"

The scarred veteran convulsed, blood spurting out, as he greedily gasped for air.

The fear was still in his eyes. He scrambled to his feet, his face covered in dust and his clothes disheveled, all traces of his previous toughness gone.

With their heads down and bodies hunched over, they didn't even have the courage to look up at Li Xuancang. They slunk back into the queue, not daring to utter a single word.

"Everyone, return to your positions immediately according to my instructions. Anyone who disobeys will be dealt with according to military law without exception."

Li Xuancang gave the order in a stern voice, which echoed throughout the military camp, exuding authority.

"Here you go!"

All the soldiers responded in unison, their voices perfectly synchronized, their momentum overwhelming, and there was no longer the slightest disturbance.

Those veterans who were originally dissatisfied all bowed their heads and obediently obeyed orders, no longer daring to have the slightest objection.

Wang Xiaoniu and others quickly went to their respective posts and successfully took over key positions in the military camp.

In a short period of time, Li Xuancang used his iron-fisted methods to completely intimidate the entire army and establish his authority in the military camp.

With his command of these thousand elite troops firmly in hand, no one dared to challenge his authority.

Inside the battalion headquarters, Liu Qingyun and Cao Hua met privately.

The two men looked grave and fell silent for a moment.

"This is a powerful dragon crossing the river! The killing intent emanating from him was so strong it almost materialized, it made even me shudder."

Cao Hua still had a look of fear in his eyes, and Li Xuancang's ruthless appearance was still vivid in his mind.

"Damn it, the position of centurion belongs to us, I'm not satisfied."

Liu Qingyun was filled with resentment. They had waited for this position for many years and put in a lot of effort, but now someone else had taken the credit, and all their years of hard work had gone to waste. How could he accept this?

"Forget it! He's incredibly strong. He fought his way up from the bottom to where he is now, and he's killed countless people. This kind of person is definitely not someone to mess with."

Cao Hua had already decided to back down and dared not oppose Li Xuancang any longer.

"This man was personally appointed by Commandant Du. With Commandant Du's backing, we can't defeat him."

They all knew that Li Xuancang was promoted by Du Tianfeng through special connections, and that Du Tianfeng was behind Li Xuancang. In terms of both strength and background, neither of them could compete with Li Xuancang.

"Are we really just going to give up like this?"

Lau Ching-wan was still unwilling to give up.

"Ugh!"

Cao Hua sighed bitterly and said, "Over the years, we have been reluctant to be promoted to centurion in order to compete for this position. Now there is no need to continue to insist. I am prepared to give up my military power and be promoted to centurion."

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingyun's expression changed drastically, and he said in disbelief, "Are you crazy?"

Although a centurion is higher than a battalion commander, a centurion must be able to control troops. A centurion without military power is not even as good as some battalion commanders.

This is why, despite possessing the strength of the Blood Condensation Realm, the two have not advanced to the next level.

Xuanyang County has 3,000 soldiers, with ten commanders of a thousand men, but only three of them have real military power. This shows how important military power is.

If they were to relinquish their military power, all their previous efforts would be for naught.

"Anzhou is currently beset by internal and external troubles. Cults have infiltrated the region, and demons are wreaking havoc. Perhaps only by giving up military power can we survive."

Cao Hua also had his own considerations.

Giving up military power and becoming a leisurely centurion, while lacking real authority, also reduced many risks.

They don't need to train the army on a regular basis and don't have many tasks. They only go on expeditions with the army when it is mobilized.

Those who hold military power not only have to manage the army and worry about everything, but they also need to take action in ordinary disturbances, and they cannot back down in the slightest when a major war breaks out.

Their previous commander of a thousand men had recently died a violent death while investigating a cult.

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingyun's expression gradually calmed down; he could understand Cao Hua's thoughts.

"I will not relinquish military power."

Liu Qingyun's expression was resolute; he would not back down, much less relinquish his military power.

People have different ambitions, and the two made different decisions.

The next morning, Nangong Zhan announced that Cao Hua had come to see him.

"Bring him in."

When Cao Hua came to see Li Xuancang, he was quite surprised and wondered what Cao Hua wanted.

Before long, Nangong Zhan led Cao Hua into the main tent.

"This humble servant, Cao Hua, greets Lord Li."

Cao Hua clasped his hands in a salute to Li Xuancang. After yesterday's incident, he no longer dared to underestimate Li Xuancang in the slightest.

"No need for formalities, please have a seat!"

"Thank you, sir."

After Cao Hua took his seat, he flattered Li Xuancang, saying, "Lord Li is already a centurion at such a young age, and is highly regarded by the Captain. His future is bound to be limitless."

"Lord Cao, you flatter me."

Li Xuancang had no idea what Cao Hua was up to, so he responded calmly, waiting for him to reveal his purpose for coming.