The Art of Chaotic Divinity

Ling Feng rose slowly from his seat and strode toward the battalion commanders. His voice cut like ice. "When I ask you a question, you answer truthfully. Refuse, and you won't leave this room alive."

"You... who do you think you are!"

Xu Zhongda's cheek was swollen from the slap Ling Feng had landed earlier. He was, after all, a peak Spiritual Element Realm martial artist and the commander of the First Infantry Battalion. Yet he had been humiliated in front of everyone.

"You don't know who I am?"

Ling Feng's eyes turned frosty as he stared straight at Xu Zhongda. "You're a battalion commander, and yet you show open contempt toward a superior. Is this how your commander-in-chief runs his army?"

Xu Zhongda clenched his fists tightly, his teeth grinding. "Fine, General Ling. Then allow me to be blunt. You think you can become the next King of a Hundred Battles? That's nothing but a fool's dream!"

"Oh?"

Ling Feng's gaze swept over the other commanders. Though they had been assigned under his command, they still belonged to Yuan Tiangang's faction. They didn't take him seriously at all. To them, he was just another fresh graduate, despite holding the title of general.

If this continued, he would have no authority. Without authority, how could he possibly lead?

"Then let's make a bet." Ling Feng looked directly at the battalion commanders and spoke word by word. "I will become the next King of a Hundred Battles!"

Xu Zhongda sneered. "General Ling, better watch your tongue before the wind snaps it off."

"No need to worry yourself about my tongue. You should be more concerned about yourself!"

Ling Feng's eyes narrowed. He raised his voice. "Guards! Xu Zhongda has shown open contempt for his superior. According to military law, he is to be punished with three hundred lashes. The rest of the commanders will each receive one hundred lashes. Carry out the punishment immediately!"

"You!"

Xu Zhongda's pupils contracted. "Brat, how dare you!"

"For daring to talk back again, add another hundred lashes!"

Ling Feng jabbed a few swift fingers into Xu Zhongda's chest, sealing off his elemental qi. His voice remained cold. "You think you're tough? I'll seal your cultivation, then carry out the punishment!"

Moments later, a dozen Black-Armored Cavalry soldiers filed in. They dragged the commanders out of the main tent, and soon, the air was filled with the sound of whips cracking and men wailing.

Xu Zhongda, especially, was beaten until his skin split open. Yet even while howling in pain, he kept shouting, "You brat, you'll never become the King of a Hundred Battles!"

Inside the tent.

"Brother Feng, that was brilliant!"

Mo Feng couldn't hold back his laughter. Seeing those arrogant commanders get a brutal lesson left him feeling deeply satisfied.

"These men were sent by Yuan Tiangang to sabotage us. If I don't make an example of them, they'll think I'm an easy target," Ling Feng said, then looked to Mo Feng with a steady gaze. "Feng Mo, remember this. When you need to be firm, be firm!"

Mo Feng nodded. "Brother Feng, I'll remember your words."

"Haha,Big Brother, let me have a few cracks at them too. That Xu commander has been picking on me these past few days. This is such a relief."

Jiang Xiaofan grinned ear to ear, looking completely elated.

"No need to dirty your hands."

Ling Feng gestured slightly with his chin. A glint flashed in his eyes. "I was able to send Xu Zhongda flying with one slap, but he still insists I can't become the King of a Hundred Battles. It seems Tianmang Fortress is full of hidden talents."

He paused for a moment, then looked at the others. "Tell me everything you know about the Hundred Battles Arena."

"Tianmang Fortress's Hundred Battles Arena has only one rule. Anyone thirty-five years or younger can enter. The arena is filled with powerful challengers," Li Yunting said, his eyes tinged with awe and anticipation.

"I've seen a few matches there," he continued. "The fighters on that stage are on a whole different level. The students from our four major academies can't compare at all. Even someone like Xuanyuan Pozhen wouldn't stand out!"

Ling Feng raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"Most of the ones who qualify to enter the Hundred Battles Arena are late-stage Spiritual Element Realm. The strongest of them can end battles in a single move," Li Yunting explained solemnly.

"One move?"

Ling Feng was slightly surprised. At the Spiritual Element Realm, martial artists had unique and profound soul manifestations. Defeating an opponent in one move was no small feat. If someone could do that consistently, then they must truly be a monster.

"Yes, just one move," Li Yunting confirmed. "His name is Linghu Yudao. He's the undefeated King of a Hundred Battles in Tianmang Fortress. They say he's invincible beneath the king-tier!"

Invincible beneath the king-tier?

Ling Feng's eyelid twitched.What a bold claim!

Li Yunting's eyes held deep admiration as he added, "Five years ago, Linghu Yudao had already begun to make a name for himself in the empire. Now, his strength is extraordinary. The feeling he gives off is one of total domination. He stands above all, unshakable."

"Unshakable, is he?"

Ling Feng smiled faintly. "Then I'd like to see for myself whether Linghu Yudao truly lives up to his name."

"Oh,and the Hundred Battles Arena allows for consecutive challenges. If you win one hundred straight matches, you earn the title of King of a Hundred Battles. That also grants you a direct audience with the commander-in-chief of the Three Armies and a personal reward," Li Bufan added. "Brother Ling, I think you'll find that reward appealing."

"Hehe!"

Ling Feng's sword-like brows lifted, and a faint smirk curled at the edge of his lips.

If he became the King of a Hundred Battles, he could humiliate that old fox Yuan Tiangang and establish his own authority.

Li Yunting nodded in agreement. "I also heard that achieving a hundred victories not only earns you a reward, it also gets your name etched into the imperial records for all eternity!"

"Empty fame. Not worth chasing."

Ling Feng's smile didn't waver. "But I am curious what kind of reward Yuan Tiangang will offer me."

"Brother Feng, the matches haven't even started and you're already thinking about the prize?" Mo Feng joked.

"I will win!" Ling Feng's eyes gleamed with certainty. If he couldn't even conquer the Hundred Battles Ranking, what right did he have to talk about slaying the demon emperor?

Everyone saw the determination in his gaze and nodded. If anyone could pull off such a miracle, it was this "monster."

"By the way, how do I sign up for the Hundred Battles Arena?" Ling Feng asked casually.

"Don't worry about that, Brother Ling. I'll handle the registration for you," Li Yunting replied with a hearty laugh. "The pride of all us new recruits is riding on your shoulders."

...