Tang Long's words sent ripples of shock through the crowd, like a colossal boulder dropped into already turbulent waters, stirring up a fresh wave of commotion.
Following his statement, the Military Academy instantly drew countless gazes, and people's attention zeroed in on it, all curious about its next move.
To everyone's surprise, the Military Academy made no move. Instead, Tang Long continued speaking.
"Even the God of War, Bai Qi, wouldn't dare claim to be undefeated in a hundred battles. Yet he dared to boast of such a feat. Now look at him, he's trapped himself. He deserves it, truly. As the saying goes, before heaven makes a man die, it first makes him go mad."
"Did he really think he could do as he pleased after reaching the Saint realm? Hah, a pipe dream. I say he was simply arrogant, and that's why he died, taking the King of Kao Shan and hundreds of thousands of his men with him!"
"He is a sinner and should be nailed to the pillar of shame! Such a person should serve as a negative example for the military, a disgrace to the armed forces, not be hailed as a hero. The Dragon Pavilion should also be abolished; such an external force, established by someone like him, might even be colluding with foreign powers!"
"Otherwise, how can one explain a soldier achieving financial freedom? According to my investigations, Ye Longlin's personal assets are quite substantial."
His words stirred up a tempest in the capital. However, those who were privy to some of the inside story dismissed Tang Long's claims, as he was, after all, speaking solely from his own perspective.
It was undeniable that Ye Longlin possessed significant assets, but had he not considered the context?
Upon hearing the news, Xuan Wu's expression darkened at a visible rate, and a murderous glint flickered in his eyes.
"Have the Divine Dragon Brigade accompany me to the Military Academy!"
Of the Dragon Pavilion's Four Great Vajras, only he and Azure Dragon remained. Azure Dragon had already retired, leaving Xuan Wu as the sole commander. Therefore, no matter what, he had to vindicate his boss and absolutely could not allow such a fool to tarnish his boss's reputation!
"Yes!"
The Divine Dragon Brigade, consisting of three hundred and twelve members, was Xuan Wu's most elite unit!
Mobilizing this unit to the Military Academy could be seen, at its most basic level, as Xuan Wu's intention to deal with Tang Long and prevent him from slandering his boss's name. On a grander scale, it was an act that could provoke conflict between the Military Academy and the Dragon Pavilion.
No matter how inadequate his words were, it was not for Tang Long to handle this matter.
But that was precisely what he had done!
The Military Academy, the sole military institution in Great Xia, spanned over a thousand acres. It housed not only a flight squadron and live-fire training grounds but also various other facilities, effectively covering all aspects of training for land, sea, and air forces.
It was also known as the cradle of generals, with many graduates achieving a one-star military rank.
Entry into this academy was either through national examinations or by joining the army, with superiors deeming them worthy of training.
The guards on duty were fully armed soldiers!
Upon Xuan Wu's arrival, he was immediately stopped by the gate guards.
"Apologies, comrade. During the Military Academy's period of closed-door training, no one is permitted entry without prior notification from the academy."
The sentries blocked their path. Seeing the soldiers arrayed behind them in formation, they were momentarily bewildered.
Xuan Wu, with his hands in his pockets, nodded slightly. "Since it is the academy's rule, I will abide by it. However, I wish to meet Tang Long. Alternatively, you may contact the school's high command and inform them that... the Dragon Pavilion's Divine Dragon Brigade is paying a visit to the Military Academy!"
The sentry took a deep breath and quickly picked up the phone to notify his superiors.
Soon, the school's vice principal appeared. Sun Zhonghan, upon seeing Xuan Wu, greeted him with a smile. "The Dragon Pavilion's visit should naturally be welcomed. However, it is rather inconvenient at the moment. They are all currently training in the jungle training area, so please do return."
Sun Zhonghan said with a chuckle, directly refusing them entry.
Xuan Wu, not being a fool, immediately understood that this man was likely allied with Tang Long and part of the faction within the school that supported him.
He sneered. "The soldiers of the Dragon Pavilion are all seasoned veterans. If I order a breach, Vice Principal Sun, do you think your men can stop us? Or perhaps you naively believe that a mere military academy can hold back the Dragon Pavilion?"
Sun Zhonghan's heart skipped a beat. He stared intently at Xuan Wu and retorted with a cold laugh, "I don't believe we can stop you, but I believe you don't have the guts."
"Article 3, Item 16 of the Military Management Regulations stipulates that trespassing into a military academy is a capital offense."
Xuan Wu wasted no further words. He let out a long roar, "All Dragon Pavilion subordinates, heed my command! Draw your sabers and prepare to breach!"
*Shing, shing, shing—*
The sound of sabers being drawn echoed incessantly but then stopped abruptly, leaving everyone present stunned.
Sun Zhonghan stared at him in disbelief and exclaimed, "Xuan Wu, are you seeking death?"
Xuan Wu let out a mocking laugh. "I fear no death today, why would I fear your threats? I tell you, if I don't get an explanation today, I'll kill you first, then Tang Long!"
"If you don't believe me, try me and see if I dare!"
These words sent a jolt of shock through Sun Zhonghan, and he felt a surge of overwhelming killing intent, causing him to feel a twinge of fear.
Seeing Sun Zhonghan fall silent, Xuan Wu strode to the barrier, raised his saber, and brought it down. The barrier fell to the ground instantly, removing the last vestige of separation between them!
"Everyone, heed my command, breach the gate!"
Xuan Wu roared again, and the 312 individuals behind him marched into the Military Academy.
*Thump, thump, thump—*
It was as if the ground itself was shaking. The palpable killing intent converged, making it impossible even for him to ignore, as it was truly awe-inspiring.
"Wait!"
"Xuan Wu, what exactly do you think you're doing?"
Sun Zhonghan had no choice but to compromise. He was the one handling this here; if higher authorities were to step in, it would only become more troublesome.
"As I said, bring Tang Long out!" Xuan Wu stated calmly, as if discussing a trivial matter.
Sun Zhonghan shook his head. "Impossible. This matter is entirely impossible. I can tell you clearly, Tang Long is about to graduate. Once the jungle combat results are out, Tang Long will graduate and immediately enter the military world. A future general cannot be handed over to you."
Xuan Wu immediately scoffed. "A general? A general with nothing?"
"A blank resume, blank combat record, a general who has never been on the battlefield? Sun Zhonghan, are you treating me like a three-year-old? Any one of my Divine Dragon Brigade members is more outstanding than Tang Long! A general? I'm here to deal with generals today, what can you do to me?"
"Today, either hand over Tang Long, or I breach the academy. You have only two choices. I'll give you one minute to consider!"