211: Medal Awarding Controversy

Just as the atmosphere was tense and solidified to the extreme.

At the entrance of the Star Dome Council Hall, a flash of light appeared.

Several figures emerged.

Leading them was a man in a Union Marshal's uniform, with greying temples, but a figure as steady as a mountain.

The Union's Immovable Mountain, General Qin Wu!

A supreme existence at Legendary Rank 18!

Behind him followed Lin Yuan, the Commander of the Southern Border War Zone, and commanders from other regions.

General Qin Wu's gaze swept across the hall, and the suffocating sword intent had dissipated at some unknown point.

He seemed not to have noticed anything that had just happened, merely walking to his main seat and slowly sitting down.

His voice was calm, carrying an air of authority.

"Everyone, sit."

Wei Yun looked as if he had been granted a great pardon, his face alternating between pale and flushed.

He dared not utter another word and slunk back to his seat.

Xiang Tian glared fiercely at Wei Yun, then grinned, laughing silently.

He walked over to Su Jin, clapped him heavily on the shoulder, and then sat down with a flourish in the seat behind him.

Su Jin also withdrew his gaze and calmly took his seat at the table, a seat that originally did not belong to him, but which no one dared to question now.

The arrival of General Qin Wu was like a stabilizing force, instantly calming all the turbulent undercurrents within the Star Dome Council Hall.

This Legendary Rank 18 powerhouse, who had guarded the Molten Heart for decades and was known as the "Union's Immovable Mountain."

His prestige and strength were enough to temporarily quell any factional disputes.

The awarding ceremony officially began.

An officer from the Union Headquarters walked onto the central platform, his voice, amplified by a rune array, clearly echoing throughout the entire Star Dome Council Hall.

After a lengthy opening speech, the ceremony finally got to the main point.

...Next, we will present awards to the units and individuals who have rendered outstanding meritorious service in this Southern Border counterattack.

One by one, names were called out, and one by one, soldiers from the Southern Border War Zone walked onto the platform to receive their honors.

General Wei, Chen Shanhe... these generals who had fought valiantly in the Southern Border now had another medal, representing their illustrious military achievements, on their chests.

Xiang Tian, as the commander of the Crimson Dragon Legion, also went on stage to receive a "Golden Star Guardian" medal.

As he walked off the stage, he passed by Su Jin and deliberately dangled the shiny medal in front of Su Jin's eyes.

He winked and whispered, "How about it, isn't my medal quite shiny too?"

Su Jin shook his head with a slight smile.

Finally, after the last regular award recipient stepped off the platform.

The presiding officer's voice carried a sense of solemnity.

"Next, we will present the 'First Merit' medal for this great victory in the Southern Border!"

As soon as the words "First Merit" were uttered, the atmosphere in the entire Star Dome Council Hall grew solemn once again.

Everyone's gaze, without prior arrangement, turned towards the youngest figure in the first row.

"Lord of Infinite City, Su Jin!"

"At the most critical moment of the Southern Border battle, Lord Su Jin, with his unique strategic-level building, the eternal star beacon."

"Replaced the destroyed Windbreak Corridor, reopening the lifeline of the Southern Border, providing the most crucial foundation for our subsequent strategic counterattack!"

"He used his territory, Infinite City, as an anchor point, cooperating with the Southern Border War Zone to decisively implement the 'Lighthouse' plan."

"He placed himself in danger, cooperating with the Union's Southern Border Army Group to attract and tie down the enemy's main force."

"Afterward, with extraordinary strategy and courage, he participated in the 'Beheading' plan."

"He launched a surprise attack on the enemy's rear, cooperating with our main force to annihilate the entire Dark Star Empire's Southern Border army in one fell swoop, and killed the enemy commander, the Legendary Rank 17 powerhouse Valerius!"

"This battle completely shattered the Dark Star Empire's scheme to divide our Southern Border defense line."

"It annihilated over ten million enemies, captured countless supplies, and reversed the strategic situation of the entire Molten Heart battlefield!"

"Upon joint recommendation by the Southern Border War Zone and the Molten Heart General Headquarters, and resolution by the Union's Supreme Command."

"Infinite City is awarded the 'Pillar of the Union' honorary banner! Lord Su Jin is awarded the honorary rank of Major General! And the 'Dawnbreaker' medal!"

With each meritorious deed the presiding officer announced, the expressions on the faces of those present changed slightly.

Especially those generals who had previously harbored hostility towards Su Jin, their expressions were now extremely complex.

They could question Su Jin's background, they could mock his youth.

But these military achievements, forged with the enemy's blood and lives, were irrefutable proof that no one could erase.

This was no longer simple luck or opportunism, but a glorious victory worthy of being recorded in the Union's war history.

Under everyone's gaze, Su Jin calmly stood up, adjusted his collar, and slowly walked onto the central platform.

General Qin Wu personally took the uniquely shaped medal from the tray held by the attendant.

The medal was entirely made of a golden crystal.

The main body was a sharp sword piercing through darkness, with a brilliant star at the hilt.

Symbolizing bringing the dawn's light in the darkest hour.

"Su Jin." General Qin Wu's voice was gentle.

"Your achievements, the Union will not forget. The soldiers of the Molten Heart will also not forget."

He personally pinned this medal, representing the highest honor, onto Su Jin's chest.

"Thank you, General." Su Jin bowed slightly, showing his respect.

However, just as the awarding ceremony was about to conclude successfully, a discordant voice rang out.

"Marshal, please forgive my presumption."

It was Wei Yun who spoke.

He stood up from his seat, saluted General Qin Wu at the main seat with a standard military salute, his posture impeccable.

"I am not questioning the decision of the Command, nor do I have any intention of belittling Lord Su Jin's illustrious military achievements."

"Quite the opposite."

"It is precisely because I attach immense importance to Lord Su's contributions, and to the strategic value of Infinite City and the eternal star beacon to the Union, that I must stand up and raise my concerns."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the hall, finally resting on Su Jin.

"Infinite City is powerful, and the eternal star beacon is an even greater national treasure."

"No one can deny this. But precisely because it is so important, the question of its ownership cannot be taken lightly."

"Lord Su Jin is a private lord. Infinite City is his private territory. The eternal star beacon is his private building."

"This means that this strategic hub, which can determine the direction of the entire Southern Border War Zone, and even the entire Molten Heart battlefield."

"Its ultimate control rests in the hands of one person."

"I do not distrust Lord Su's character and loyalty, but everyone present here is a pillar of the Union."

"When we consider issues, we cannot rely solely on temporary trust."

"What we need is a system, an infallible guarantee."

His voice grew impassioned, as if he were truly considering the future of the Union.

"I propose that, for the subsequent operations in the Molten Heart, and for the absolute safety of this strategic-level marvel."

"Infinite City and the eternal star beacon should be placed under the 'joint supervision' of the Union's Molten Heart Supreme Command."

"With personnel jointly stationed by the General Staff, the Central Starlight Legion, and the Southern Border War Zone, to assist Lord Su in management and defense."

"Only in this way can we ensure that such a divine artifact plays a greater role in the future. This is also a form of protection for Lord Su."

The Star Dome Council Hall instantly erupted into an uproar.

A portion of the generals from the central government, or those who were on good terms with Wei Yun, nodded in agreement.

"What General Wei said is not without reason."

"A national treasure should indeed be under the unified control of the Command for absolute security."

Meanwhile, the generals from the Southern Border War Zone were all visibly enraged.

Xiang Tian even stood up abruptly, pointing at Wei Yun and roaring.

"Shameless! Pretty boy, you're clearly trying to seize it by force! Do you dare to fight me?"

Lin Yuan, sitting below the platform, now picked up the teacup on the table, gently blew on it, and slowly spoke.

"Youngster of the Wei family, are you done speaking?"

His voice was not loud, but the clamor in the entire Star Dome Council Hall quieted down.

Wei Yun's heart skipped a beat, but he still braced himself and said, "Marshal Lin, your subordinate is discussing the matter at hand."

"Discussing the matter at hand?"

Lin Yuan put down the teacup; the cup made a soft clink as it touched the table, yet it felt like a heavy hammer striking everyone's heart.

"The 'Lighthouse' plan was drafted by my Southern Border War Zone, reported to the Union's Supreme Command, and personally approved by Commander Qin Wu."

"Every detail of the plan, including the ownership and command authority of Infinite City, has clear approval documents."

"Are you now proposing 'joint supervision' to question my plan, or to question Commander Qin Wu's decision?"

Behind Lin Yuan, the vast illusory image of the Celestial Pivot Mech flashed and disappeared.

The terrifying pressure belonging to a Legendary Rank 17 powerhouse descended like mountains and seas.

"What, am I too old to wield a blade anymore?"