The Strongarm Bull Devil Clan’s retreat was not a temporary withdrawal—it was a full-scale pullout. That afternoon, scouts reported that under the leadership of the First and Third Princes, all Bull Devils had retreated across the Blood River, back to their demonic lands.
Upon receiving this news, Raymond Lei was overjoyed and ordered it to be spread throughout the city. In no time, Blood River City erupted in celebration.
This time, the Strongarm Bull Devil Clan brought an army of 2.2 million, while Blood River City’s defenders numbered less than two million. Yet in the end, the Human side achieved a crushing victory, beheading over 1.3 million Bull Devils. It was the greatest triumph in centuries of Human-Devil conflict.
But the key to this victory was one person: Leon Huang.
That night, Raymond Lei sent someone to invite Ian Song to the Commander’s Headquarters.
As soon as they met, Raymond Lei handed Ian a battle report that was about to be sent to the Military Council and asked him to look it over.
Ian skimmed the report. In it, eighty percent of the credit for the battle was attributed to him personally, while only twenty percent was given to the Blood River front’s officers and soldiers.
After reading the report, Ian handed it back to Raymond Lei.
Raymond Lei hurriedly asked, “Well? What do you think?”
“It’s inappropriate,” Ian shook his head.
Raymond Lei’s expression shifted slightly. He said seriously, “Leon, I know your actual contribution is even greater than what’s written in the report. But you have to understand my position too. After all, the defenders of Blood River City fought desperately. If all the credit goes to you, it’ll be hard for me to argue for decent pensions for the fallen soldiers.”
In this battle, over 1.3 million Bull Devils were killed, but the Human side also lost nearly half a million.
All those who died are supposed to receive compensation, but normally, the military doesn’t pay much. If the defenders of Blood River City are credited with greater merit, Raymond Lei will have an easier time fighting for their pensions.
Ian immediately realized Raymond Lei had misunderstood him, so he smiled and said, “You’ve got it wrong. I’m not complaining about getting too little credit—I think I’m getting too much. In fact, I believe all my merit should be erased and redistributed to the defenders of Blood River City!”
“What…?” Hearing this, Raymond Lei felt deeply ashamed for misjudging Ian.
“Isn’t that a bit much?”
“It’s not too much at all!”
Ian continued, “You know my relationship with the Military Council is terrible. No matter how much merit I earn, they probably won’t reward me much—maybe nothing at all. Instead of that, if I share the credit, I’ll actually gain genuine goodwill from everyone!”
Raymond Lei nodded in deep agreement. “You’re absolutely right. You’re really shrewd, kid. Fine, we’ll do as you say! But I’ll still let everyone know they owe you a favor.”
“No need for that!” Ian waved his hand. “No one’s stupid—once the merits are handed out, they’ll get it. If you spell it out, it won’t look as good.”
“Alright, we’ll do it your way!” Raymond Lei smiled.
After sitting for a while, Ian took his leave. Raymond Lei didn’t try to keep him, since he still had to rewrite the battle report.
Ian had just returned to his own courtyard when he found someone waiting there—William Nangong.
William Nangong had witnessed the entire war. After seeing Ian’s terrifying mastery of formations, he was deeply shaken. He’d once looked down on Ian, but now he felt a pressure facing him.
“What are you here for?”
Ian gave William a casual glance and asked.
That indifferent look made William furious. He said coldly, “Snow Yue is my fiancée, but lately she’s been getting awfully close to you.”
“So what?” Ian replied, completely unconcerned.
“I want to duel you. The loser will never be allowed near Snow Yue again!” William shot to his feet, glaring at Ian, his eyes burning with fighting spirit. Seeing Ian’s formation skills had badly shaken his confidence.
To overcome this feeling, he had to defeat Ian in some way—otherwise he’d always live under its shadow. So he deliberately used Snow Yue as a pretext to challenge Ian.
As for losing Snow Yue, William didn’t care at all. With his status and martial prowess, he could have any woman he wanted.
“Go home.”
Ian waved his hand.
“Are you scared?” William stepped forward, his fighting spirit burning even fiercer.
Ian smiled and shook his head. “No, you’re just not worthy. I killed ten Martial Saints today, and you… you’re not even interesting to me.”
“What?”
William’s fighting spirit instantly faded, and his face turned dark.
“Still not leaving? What, you want me to invite you to dinner?” Ian urged impatiently.
At that, William’s chest heaved with anger. He shouted, “You only killed those Bull Devil Martial Saints because of your formations! Without them, you’re nothing!”
“So what if it’s formations? Isn’t that still my skill?” Ian laughed, then his eyes flashed with contempt. “Someone like you wouldn’t last three breaths in my array!”
"You...!"
William was furious, but for once, he couldn’t think of a retort.
“What’s wrong? Not convinced? If you’ve got the guts, step into my array—if you last three breaths, I’ll admit defeat!” Ian said playfully.
Hearing that, William nearly coughed up blood. He flung his sleeves and stormed off, worried that if he stayed any longer, he really might spit blood.
“Brother Huang, that guy is so annoying!”
Just then, Ning Ling walked over, giggling, “But you really pissed him off! Look, his face is turning green!”
William, just reaching the door, heard Ning Ling’s parting jab and nearly stumbled, almost falling.
Ian shot Ning Ling a look. “Don’t talk nonsense if you don’t understand, little girl. Young Master Nangong isn’t angry, he’s just cultivated a special technique—makes his face turn that color.”
“Special technique, my ass! A pair of damn dog man and woman!”
Hearing Ian’s words, William cursed them in his heart, quickening his pace as he left.
“Hehe!”
Watching William flee, Ning Ling let out a string of silvery laughs. Then her eyes filled with admiration. “Brother Huang, everyone in Blood River City is saying you single-handedly defeated the Strongarm Bull Devil Clan. Is it true?”
“What do you think?” Ian teased.
“Of course it’s true!” Ning Ling nodded vigorously. “In my heart, Brother Huang is the strongest!”
“You little brat, you’re getting better at flattery!” Ian said, pretending to scold her. But seeing Ning Ling slowly emerge from the shadow of Ning Mo’s death, he couldn’t help feeling happy.