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

Inside the main tent, Li Xuancang remained calm and composed, not asking any questions. His shrewdness and composure surprised Cao Hua.

"Little fox."

Cao Hua cursed inwardly, thinking that Li Xuancang was nothing like a young man.

Li Xuancang neither asked nor mentioned anything else, leaving him in a very passive position.

After hesitating for a moment, Cao Hua took the initiative to break the deadlock.

"Lord Li, I have been in the Blood Condensation Realm for many years and intend to relinquish my authority and focus on my promotion to centurion, no longer interfering in the affairs of the camp."

Upon hearing this, Li Xuancang looked at Cao Hua, not expecting him to voluntarily relinquish his military power.

Although Li Xuancang was surprised, he remained calm and listened quietly without responding.

Seeing this, Cao Hua offered his terms.

"I have a capable subordinate who is calm, has excellent combat skills, has followed me for many years, and has made great contributions."

He paused here, observing Li Xuancang's expression.

Li Xuancang, however, remained expressionless, showing no change in demeanor.

Unable to fathom Li Xuancang's thoughts, he could only continue, "This humble officer is willing to relinquish all military power and cease interfering in any affairs of the military camp. I only ask that the centurion grant me this favor and recommend this man to fill the vacant position of battalion commander."

"From now on, I will never interfere in military affairs, nor will I ever form cliques or cause trouble in private. I beg Your Excellency's permission."

He blurted out his purpose in one breath: to have his own people take over his position.

His plan was shrewd: he deliberately relinquished power and showed weakness, using a strategic retreat to advance, and leveraged his remaining influence and voice to force Li Xuancang to do him a favor.

By installing his trusted confidant as the battalion commander, he appeared to be backing down, but in reality, he still wanted to secretly maintain control of the battalion.

After listening, Li Xuancang replied in a lukewarm tone, directly refusing the offer.

"The position of Battalion Commander is an important post in the army, in charge of military discipline and commanding soldiers. It concerns the overall situation of the army. How can I make such a decision? Everything must be decided by the Captain."

Promoting a battalion commander is beyond Li Xuancang's authority and requires reporting to Du Tianfeng.

Cao Hua's heart sank, knowing that Li Xuancang was indirectly refusing him.

Everyone knows that Li Xuancang's backer is Du Tianfeng. If he recommends someone to Du Tianfeng, the matter will be a sure thing. But he is deliberately making excuses now, which is obviously a rejection of Cao Hua.

Cao Hua's face stiffened, his smile froze, and anger and embarrassment flashed in his eyes.

He thought that with his seniority, he would be more willing to back down and show goodwill, and Li Xuancang would surely give him some face. He didn't expect that the other party would not give him any face at all and would directly block his plans.

He suppressed his anger, and his tone turned cold.

"Commander Li, are you really not going to show me any leniency? I have served in the Anzhou military camp for many years. I have worked hard, if not made any great contributions. I also know some comrades who hold important positions. I am only asking for a small recommendation. Your Excellency is being far too unreasonable."

Cao Hua's words were already a threat. If Li Xuancang did not agree, he would definitely use his power to interfere.

Li Xuancang looked at Cao Hua with sharp eyes and said with a faint smile, "Lord Cao has many friends, which is truly enviable. Unlike me, who is new here and only knows Lieutenant Du."

Li Xuancang's answer sent a chill down Cao Hua's spine. He swallowed all his threats and dared not utter another word.

With Du Tianfeng as his backer, Li Xuancang's position in the army was unshakeable, and he was definitely not someone Du Xuancang could mess with.

There's no room for negotiation now.

Cao Hua's face turned pale and then red. He knew that if he continued to argue, he would only humiliate himself. He was full of resentment and dissatisfaction, but he dared not show it in person.

He stood up, gave a forced bow, and spoke in a stiff and cold tone.

"Since the centurion insists, I will not disturb him any longer."

After saying that, without waiting for Li Xuancang's reply, he turned around and left, his steps filled with obvious anger and resentment.

Watching Cao Hua's indignant departure, Li Xuancang remained calm and unmoved.

With Du Tianfeng's support, his strength is enough to rival those at the Qi Refining Realm, and he fears no one and no means.

"Cao Hua plans to leave and needs to select a battalion commander. Wang Xiaoniu and his men are not strong enough, so they can only be selected from the army."

With a battalion commander position vacant, Li Xuancang wanted to have one of his own men take over, but unfortunately, his men were not strong enough, so he had to choose someone else.

"Xiao Zhan, come with me to pay my respects to Commandant Du."

Li Xuancang had some plans in mind, so he went to see Du Tianfeng.

Three days later, Cao Hua relinquished his military power, and Du Tianfeng did not stop him. Li Xuancang then smoothly took over the military command.

"Pass down the order: a grand competition will be held at the training ground tomorrow. All soldiers at the Bone Forging Realm with sufficient merit can participate and compete for the position of Battalion Commander."

When Li Xuancang's order was relayed, the military camp immediately erupted in excitement.

"What? Lord Li wants to select a battalion commander? This is my chance."

"Great! I must win first place and take the battalion commander position."

"This is an opportunity I cannot afford to miss."

"..."

The news spread like wildfire through the military camp.

Those who met the requirements were eager to try, determined to get the position of battalion commander.

"Thump, thump thump thump..."

As dawn broke and the sky turned a pale white, the deep beat of drums echoed through the military camp, and the soldiers rushed to the drill ground.

On the high platform, Li Xuancang, clad in full armor, stood imposingly, exuding a subtle yet powerful aura of pressure.

Once everyone had arrived, Li Xuancang announced loudly, "Commander Cao is to be promoted to centurion. Today, a grand competition will be held, and whoever wins will become the new commander."

boom!"

Upon hearing this, a thunderous cheer erupted from the surrounding crowd.

The eyes of the dozen or so qualified soldiers gleamed, eager to participate.

"The competition begins."

At Li Xuancang's command, more than a dozen generals rushed onto the arena, all determined to win the position of battalion commander.

A sudden gust of wind swept through the venue, silencing everyone. Thousands of eyes were fixed on the dozen or so people on the stage, and the air grew heavy.

"Fellow comrades, please offer your guidance."

A burly, powerfully dressed centurion stepped forward and bowed slightly to the others.

"It's General Zhang. He's at the late stage of the Bone Forging Realm and a strong contender for the position of Battalion Commander."

The soldiers recognized the man, knew his strength, and believed he had a high chance of winning.

"General Zhang, please enlighten me."

With a resolute face and dressed in black armor, Wu Bai leaped into the center of the arena.

The two faced off, each aware of the other's strength and regarding the other as their strongest opponent.

His eyes were fixed on his opponent like a hawk's, and all the murderous aura accumulated from years of battles erupted.