Dawn broke faintly over the Northern Camp of Jing'an.Before the morning horns had sounded, the air within the encampment was already heavy with killing intent.Qin Yue sat fully armored, his expression as hard as forged iron, his eyes cold and sharp as blades.
The battle in the northern outskirts last night still lingered in every soldier's memory. Li Tianyuan had shattered the demonic tide with his spear, channeling the mysterious Ding Force to save the entire camp. Morale soared—but whispers soon followed.His sudden promotion as Inspector of National Destiny had stirred mixed feelings within the ranks. Some admired him; others doubted him.
To steady the troops—and to gauge the true depth of Li Tianyuan's strength—Qin Yue gave an open command:
"Today, we hold a martial trial, by the spear!All young generals of the Northern Camp may challenge Li Tianyuan.Let this test settle both heart and army!"
The announcement spread like wildfire through the camp.Among the three thousand armored soldiers, countless young officers burned with pride and ambition. None would miss a chance to prove themselves—or to make a name by defeating the man everyone whispered about.
Fu Yuan chuckled softly, folding his arms. "Now this will be a fine show."Mu Changfeng clenched his fists, his eyes blazing. "Li Tianyuan… let's see if you truly belong among soldiers."Only Mu Xueyin frowned slightly, worry clouding her face.
The trial ground was the great martial arena in the heart of the Northern Camp.Banners lined the perimeter. Hundreds of soldiers formed a circle, armor gleaming beneath the early sun.Li Tianyuan stood in the center, calm and silent, a long spear in his hands.
The first challenger strode out—Zhao Xiao, a knife-wielding commander not yet thirty, known for his brute strength. His war blade gleamed crimson under the light."Lord Inspector," he called, his voice like thunder. "Forgive my offense!"
The war drum sounded.Zhao Xiao struck first, his blade crashing down like a falling mountain. The wind of the strike howled, sharp and deadly.
Li Tianyuan's mind tensed. The Ding Force roared within him, yet no longer as chaotic as before. He raised his spear horizontally. Steel met steel with a burst of sparks.
Zhao Xiao pressed his assault—three powerful strikes in a row, each enough to split stone. Li Tianyuan staggered back under the pressure, but his stance held firm. Then, in a moment of calm clarity, he synchronized his breath with his spear. The Ding Force moved as one with his heartbeat.
"Haah!"
The spear's tip flared gold and struck upward. The shockwave hurled Zhao Xiao's blade into the air—it fell to the ground with a dull thud.
The crowd gasped.
Zhao Xiao stepped back, then clasped his fists in respect. "Lord Inspector, your skill is extraordinary."
The second challenger stepped forward—Xue Ling, a young woman of twenty-two, famed across the camp as its brightest sword talent.Her long sword shimmered like flowing snow as she bowed. "Please, grant me your guidance."
She moved first, her sword dancing like starlight—swift, elegant, and relentless. The air filled with silver arcs of light, encircling Li Tianyuan from all sides.
At first, his heavy spearwork struggled to match her agility. Step by step, she drove him back.Mu Xueyin's hands tightened. She nearly cried out, but Fu Yuan stopped her with a calm gesture."Wait. He's learning."
Indeed—under the storm of swordlight, Li Tianyuan's inner force began to change. The chaos of the Ding Force slowly aligned, flowing like a river finding its course. He could feel the rhythm of battle.
"Break!"
He thrust forward. The spear's golden radiance pierced through the cascade of swordlight. Xue Ling's hand trembled—the sword flew from her grip.She blinked, then smiled faintly. "I concede. A worthy defeat."
The crowd murmured in awe.
The third challenger approached—Han Lie, master archer of the camp, known to strike a leaf at a hundred paces. He carried a massive bow on his back, his steps steady and unhurried.
"Gun versus bow," the soldiers whispered, "a rare duel indeed."
Han Lie nocked an arrow and drew the string. The bow curved like a full moon. A chilling killing aura filled the field.The first arrow flew straight for Li Tianyuan's brow.
With a sharp cry, Li Tianyuan swung his spear, shattering the arrow midair.
But Han Lie loosed again—three arrows in succession, each faster than the last, cutting through the air like thunderbolts. The shafts crossed paths, sealing every avenue of escape.
Li Tianyuan's Ding Force surged like a tempest. He inhaled deeply, then stepped forward, power flooding through his limbs.The spear whirled—a radiant barrier of golden light. All three arrows splintered on impact.
Then his final strike came, the spear thrust forward like lightning.Though the tip stopped short, Han Lie felt a chill pierce his chest. He staggered back, lowering his bow, and bowed deeply."I admit defeat."
The soldiers erupted in cheers.
Three victories—blade, sword, and bow—and Li Tianyuan stood tall, panting but unshaken.He could feel it now: the Ding Force was no longer consuming him. It flowed in harmony with his will, alive but obedient.Within his mind's eye, a golden cauldron shimmered, spinning slowly as it radiated a soft, divine glow.Each breath, each movement—his spear and his soul moved as one.
At last, he understood Fu Yuan's words: The true battle is not with others, but within oneself.
From the sidelines, Mu Changfeng clenched his fists, silently vowing, "I won't fall behind him."Mu Xueyin, tears glinting in her eyes, whispered, "Tianyuan… don't push yourself too far."
No other warrior dared to step forward.Qin Yue rose from his seat, his gaze sharp as a blade. He slammed his hand down on the table."Excellent! Such a spear could command a hundred battalions! From this day forth—Li Tianyuan shall be the Northern Camp's Spear of Command!"
The army roared in unison, their shouts shaking the camp to its core.
Yet in the midst of triumph, Li Tianyuan's face suddenly turned pale. His hands trembled—the spear slipped from his grasp as he collapsed to the ground.
"Tianyuan!" Mu Xueyin cried, rushing forward.
Fu Yuan's expression darkened. He murmured to himself, "The Ding Force grows tame, yes… but it's consuming his bloodline. If he doesn't uncover its origin soon—it will destroy him from within."
The arena fell silent. The excitement faded, replaced by whispers of unease.
Upon Li Tianyuan's chest, the faint image of a golden cauldron shimmered beneath his skin—sometimes peaceful, sometimes hungry, as if slumbering… yet waiting to devour his very soul.