Chapter 108: Clear Distinction Between Rewards and Punishments!

Chapter 108: Clear Distinction Between Rewards and Punishments!

Long Xiao, the general of the Black-Armored Cavalry, had been observing from the sidelines. Determining there was no longer any imminent danger, he flew over to join the group below.

Upon noticing Zifeng on Ling Feng's shoulder, he mistakenly identified it as the Earth-Fire Flame Demon they had encountered earlier. He immediately issued a fierce rebuke, "You wretch, why are you still alive!"

"General Long, calm yourself. This creature has become the spirit pet of my younger brother here. I believe it poses no further threat."

Wen Tingguang hurriedly intervened, speaking up to stop Long Xiao.

"W-What?"

Long Xiao thought he must have misheard. He glanced at Ling Feng before turning to Wen Tingguang, his voice filled with disbelief. "Elder Wen, are you joking?"

"If not, why do you think this Earth-Fire Flame Demon suddenly retracted its Earth Fire Array?" Wen Tingguang sighed. "Although I find it hard to believe myself, the truth is undeniable."

"Uhh..."

Long Xiao's mouth twitched several times. Despite being a general of the Black-Armored Cavalry and tasked with guarding the empire's borders, he came perilously close to losing his life at the hands of the Earth-Fire Flame Demon. Yet, to his surprise, the creature was ultimately subdued by a young cultivator at the Qi Formation Realm.

In the depths of Long Xiao's heart, a medley of emotions surged as he cast a glance at Ling Feng and then at the small stone figure on his shoulder, now oddly transformed into something adorable. With a resigned shake of his head, he muttered, "Well, so be it."

Although this outcome dealt a blow to his self-esteem, it was far preferable to allowing the Earth-Fire Flame Demon to continue its rampage, slaughtering the surrounding civilians.

After all, as the local general, allowing the monsters to run rampant would undoubtedly result in him being held accountable by the high-ranking officials of the empire.

"Since this demon has already been subdued by you, forming a blood pact, let's call it a day." Long Xiao took a deep breath before adding, "Today, it's thanks to your timely intervention that disaster was averted, sparing countless lives. I owe you my gratitude, my young friend."

Ling Feng rubbed his nose. In truth, all of this was thanks to Zifeng's efforts. He still couldn't quite wrap his head around it and was unclear about what exactly had happened.

But to conceal Zifeng's true identity, Ling Feng could only reluctantly accept the credit and replied with a smile, "Senior, you are too kind."

"Clear distinction between rewards and punishments is the first iron rule of our Black-Armored Cavalry," Long Xiao stated, standing with his hands behind his back in a solemn manner. "Since you've greatly aided me, it's only fitting to reward you generously, my young friend."

However, in Wen Tingguang's presence, Long Xiao refrained from criticizing Ling Feng. He continued to smile warmly and said, "Since you, young friend, have no intention of joining the military, then I shall give you a Mirror Armor. Though it may be just an upper-grade treasure, it will serve you well."

With that, Long Xiao retrieved a round Mirror Armor shimmering with dark light from his spirit ring and handed it to Ling Feng. This was a precious item possessed only by high-ranking generals of the Black-Armored Cavalry. While it held little significance for Long Xiao, it was invaluable to Ling Feng.

At least it was far superior to the armor he had stripped from Lin Yinyin.

Gratefully accepting the Mirror Armor, Ling Feng exclaimed, "Thanks, Senior!"

With a wry smile, Long Xiao waved his hand and continued, "Moreover, it seems you, young friend, are a swordsman. I happen to possess a sword art that I no longer have any use for. It might as well be passed on to someone who can make good use of it."

In a dazzling display, Long Xiao conjured another sword manual from thin air. "This is a mystical middle-grade sword art known as the Blood Lotus Sword Song. When mastered, it allows the wielder to summon the form of a blood lotus, striking in all directions with a single sword stroke!"

Eagerly, Ling Feng accepted this mystical-tier sword manual. Prior to this, his training had primarily focused on yellow-tier sword arts such as the Falling Leaves sword art and the Starshatter sword art. Now, with access to a mystical-tier sword art, he had significantly expanded his swordsmanship skills.

"Thank you, Senior!" Ling Feng expressed his gratitude sincerely, his face lighting up with joy.

However, Wen Tingguang couldn't help but inwardly sigh. These items seemed insignificant compared to the recommendation letter for joining the Black-Armored Imperial Guard, indicating that this young man's vision and knowledge were still somewhat limited.

Observing Wen Tingguang's dissatisfaction, Long Xiao clenched his teeth and retrieved a pill. With a cheerful smile, he said, "There's also this. Young friend, you've already reached the tenth level of Qi Formation, equivalent to what ordinary folks call the realm of qi mastery. I happen to have a Pulse-transformation Qi Pill. It can help a Qi Formation Realm cultivator at the tenth stage break through their meridian and advance to the Pulse Formation Realm!"

"This—"

Ling Feng drew in a deep breath. While the Pulse-transformation Qi Pill might not be considered a top-tier pill, it was indeed the most suitable one for him!

"Isn't this too precious?" Ling Feng waved his hand. In reality, with Zifeng's successful evolution thanks to the Earth-Fire Flame Demon, he considered himself the biggest winner. It made him feel awkward that Long Xiao was giving him so many gifts.

"Not at all!" Long Xiao flicked his finger, sending the pill into Ling Feng's palm. He cast a sideways glance at Wen Tingguang. Seeing the elder nod slightly, Long Xiao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

If Wen Tingguang was still dissatisfied, Long Xiao would have to find other gifts for Ling Feng.

"Very well, now that the threat of the Earth-Fire Flame Demon has been quelled, I shall not delay any further. Farewell, young friend, Elder Wen. Perhaps our paths will cross again someday!"

With that said, Long Xiao gave Wen Tingguang a fist-and-palm salute. Then, as if fleeing, he vanished into the horizon.