Promote a God of War?

"Heh..."

Yang Hu, who was driving, let out a series of cold laughs before shaking his head with a sigh. "Whether it's Xue Dingshan or Li Jiankun, they certainly have the seniority and remarkable military achievements, but compared to you, Boss..."

He continued bluntly, "To be frank, Boss, you performed legendary feats, single-handedly pushing the nation's border—which hadn't moved in a century—outward by eighty li. With such glorious achievements, who could possibly compare? Who is even qualified to be mentioned in the same breath? Xue Dingshan and Li Jiankun? They aren't even worthy of carrying your shoes!"

Finally, Yang Hu snarled through clenched teeth, "Not promoting you is one thing, but to dismiss and sideline you... what the hell!"

"DAMN!"

Losing control of his emotions, Yang Hu slammed his hand on the steering wheel, cursing furiously.

"As Martial Guards, our sacred duty is to obey orders," Chen Yang said, turning his head to gaze out the car window, his expression calm and unruffled.

Qin Qiu hugged him tightly, her gaze soft. She said nothing, simply holding him.

「Half an hour later.」

The minivan followed Su Ling's Ferrari into a residential community named Mountains Rivers Villa. Built less than five years ago, the community was brand new and luxurious. Between the new, Chinese-style villas stood massive French sycamores, making the place feel like an earthly paradise. The warm spring breeze blew gently, refreshing the spirit.

Chen Yang couldn't care less about luxury. He preferred quiet, so this place suited his tastes perfectly. It seemed this trip to Cangyun City would require a somewhat lengthy stay.

After driving further in, they finally stopped in front of a villa adjacent to an inner canal.

Su Ling, full of enthusiasm, ushered everyone inside while he single-handedly moved all the luggage.

Chen Yang smiled but said nothing. This young man, a descendant of an old acquaintance, really does have a good temperament. Aside from being a bit thick-skinned, there are no major flaws to find. In a few days, I'll grant him a two-rank increase in his cultivation as payment for this villa. As for taking him on as a younger brother... even if Su Yan agreed, I wouldn't. Right now, I don't want to get too close to anyone.

Looking around the courtyard, Chen Yang tilted his head and asked Qin Qiu, who stood beside him, "Are you satisfied with this place?"

Since it was a new neighborhood, the occupancy rate was low, making it feel a little desolate. Many young people couldn't stand such solitude.

"I'm satisfied." Qin Qiu nodded and shook Chen Yang's arm gently. "As long as I'm with you, it doesn't matter where we live!"

Chen Yang patted her head and said with a smile, "My wife is the best woman in the world."

"You smooth talker," Qin Qiu scolded with a playful smile, rolling her eyes.

Nearby, Yang Hu couldn't stop shaking his head in amazement. Who could have imagined that the Nine Gates Admiral, the man who once struck fear into the hearts of the Barbarian Military Guards, could have such a tender side? And now, he had truly fallen for this gentle new life.

The house was very clean, requiring no special tidying up. After thanking Su Ling, Qin Qiu began to unpack their luggage. Although she was the heiress of a wealthy family, she was surprisingly adept at household chores. Chen Yang, on the other hand, had become a mere helper, largely unneeded.

Standing in the courtyard, Yang Hu watched the scene and felt a genuine happiness for Chen Yang, along with a deep sense of emotion.

For years, he had been the one to manage everything for Chen Yang, big or small—from buying cigarettes to charging into the fray. He had always believed he would follow Chen Yang for the rest of his life, forever his subordinate, inseparable. That was his greatest hope. But now, Chen Yang had a family. He had someone by his side who could care for him more intimately. Perhaps... it was time for him to leave.

Most importantly, Chen Yang was bound to leave the Martial Department and become an ordinary man in this vast, secular world. Rise with the sun, return at dusk? Cook with Qin Qiu, go shopping, and discuss when to have a baby? He vaguely remembered Chen Yang expressing such a dream a long time ago. Now, it had finally come true. It had just arrived far, far too soon for the Nine Gates Admiral, the Zhennan Prince. That glorious figure, revered by countless people, would probably fade away in a short time, existing only in memory.

When he first heard the news, Yang Hu had assumed Chen Yang would rush to Hanyun Valley and declare himself king. But perhaps this was the real Chen Yang. He cared nothing for fame or fortune, nor did he covet power. He was filled only with love for his country. Once that responsibility was on his shoulders, he would never dare forget it. Perhaps, one day, we will meet again. The Martial Association, the Chen Clan royal family... Chen Yang would never sit idly by. If that day ever came, if Chen Yang so much as whispered his name, he, Yang Hu, would lead hundreds of thousands of good men from Hanyun Valley. Even bare-handed, they would fight to bring back the light.

"What are you thinking about?" Chen Yang asked with a smile as he walked over.

Yang Hu's nose suddenly tingled. Without a word, he pulled Chen Yang into a big hug. "Boss, we'll see each other again, right?"

Chen Yang remained silent.

"Haha!" Yang Hu laughed heartily, though he already knew the answer. He gave Chen Yang a respectful bow and then strode away. "Boss, I wanted to get drunk with you tonight, but I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to hold back my tears."

"I'm off!"

Chen Yang waved as he left.

Qin Qiu slowly walked over, wrapping her arms around his waist and holding him tight. Though his expression was unchanged, his heart was now beating much faster.

「Meanwhile.」

A young woman in a pale yellow dress, carrying a limited-edition handbag, strode into the villa.

Hmm?

She was clearly surprised to find people in the courtyard. Her phoenix-like eyes narrowed instantly as she said sternly, "Who are you people? What are you doing in my house?" She scanned them up and down. "Judging by the looks of it, you're treating this place like your own home. Planning on staying?"

Chen Yang and Qin Qiu were speechless.

Hearing the commotion, Su Ling ran out. The moment he saw the woman, his face darkened. "Jiang Ying, what the hell are you doing here?"

"You're asking me?" Jiang Ying pointed at herself and laughed in fury. "Su Ling, you said you were giving me this house! What is going on? You owe me an explanation!"

"Explain my ass!" Su Ling strode up to her and said coldly, "That was just some drunken nonsense. You actually took it seriously? Besides, did you really think I'd want you just because you were willing to be my girlfriend?"

At a birthday party not long ago, egged on by the crowd and fueled by alcohol, Su Ling had sworn he would give a villa to whoever became his girlfriend. Jiang Ying had immediately stepped forward. Since then, she had been pestering him for the villa, specifically demanding this one.

Su Ling had ignored her. I never even slept with her; she was the one who threw herself at me. Why should I give her a house? And even if I had, a villa isn't something you can just give away. Naive!

"Get out of here, and don't ruin my important business," he said. With that, Su Ling grabbed Jiang Ying, dragged her outside the courtyard, and warned her, "I'm telling you one last time, stop making a scene!"

Under Su Ling's piercing, cold glare, Jiang Ying stumbled back several steps until her back hit the wall.

"Hmph!" Su Ling snorted before turning and walking back into the courtyard.

"So, you're playing me for a fool, Su Ling! Fine!" Jiang Ying ground her teeth. As she stormed off in a rage, she pulled her phone from her handbag and dialed a number. "Mr. Li, someone's bullying me..." Her eyes fluttered, and tears immediately streamed down her face in a pitiful display. "It's Su Ling! By the way, I saw a couple of real beauties over here. I'm sure you'd be interested, Mr. Li."

After getting a reply, Jiang Ying thanked him profusely. "Thank you, Mr. Li! I'll send you the address right now."

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