128: Chapter 128 Post-Event Rewards

The smoke of battle had not yet cleared. Yuan Hui was gently helped to a seat by his personal guards, the bloodstain on his chest still clearly visible in the twilight.

He had only just finished adjusting his breathing for a moment when he raised his eyes to look at Zhang Wen, who was standing to the side, his tone carrying undisguised approval.

"In the battle at Tali Mountain, you destroyed the altar, blocked the Soul Master, and even killed three Penetration Realm Black-Robed Figures. Your contributions are monumental."

As he spoke, Yuan Hui took a gold-inlaid, jade-embedded medal and a brocade box from his embrace, solemnly handing them to Zhang Wen.

"According to military regulations, I hereby confer upon you the 'First-Class Enemy-Breaking Medal' and promote you to the rank of Second Lieutenant."

"Though this medal is light and the rank is only a starting point, both represent the military's high recognition of your life-risking protection today."

Zhang Wen received them with both hands. As his fingertips touched the cool metallic texture and exquisite jade patterns of the medal, the hearty laughter of Dual Talents reached his ears.

"Good lad! Not only did you accomplish such a great deed, but you were also promoted directly to Second Lieutenant. You've truly ascended in a single step!"

"I previously thought you were just a green kid, but I didn't expect you to be so daring in actual combat. That move where you threw your spear to lure the enemy just now—even I didn't react in time."

The surrounding personal guards also cast looks of admiration and envy.

The previous doubts about Zhang Wen being "young and inexperienced" dissipated completely, replaced by recognition for the newly promoted Second Lieutenant.

However, Zhang Wen's hand gripping the medal did not relax. He scanned the charred marks left behind after the altar collapsed, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Senior Yuan, I have accepted the military merit, the medal, and the rank, but what kind of strength did that existence behind the spatial rift possess, that even you were injured?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Hui's expression sank instantly.

He stood up, walked to Zhang Wen's side, and gazed at the darkening sky in the distance, his voice lowering a few notches.

"I don't know. That voice mentioned the Old Marshal; it is definitely not an ordinary person."

"I have already sent men to deliver a message to the military headquarters posthaste. Your status as a Second Lieutenant will also make it more convenient to mobilize resources during subsequent investigations."

"Then what are we to do next?" Zhang Wen pressed. The sky-splitting startling thunder spear in his hand was still faintly emitting Lightning Radiance—the lingering force of the fierce battle had not yet completely faded.

"First, return to camp to rest and reorganize for three days."

Yuan Hui's tone was firm, "You fought consecutive bitter battles today, and your spiritual power consumption was too high. You need to properly stabilize your Realm."

"Besides, you have just been promoted to Second Lieutenant, so you also need to familiarize yourself with the corresponding duties and responsibilities in the army."

"Three days later, the military headquarters will send someone. By then, they will arrange subsequent missions based on your performance and your status as a Second Lieutenant."

"I suppose you should also be going back to school soon; the end of the semester should be approaching."

"Ah? There's still a final exam!" Zhang Wen said, feeling quite speechless.

Dual Talents added from the side, "Don't worry. With a First-Class Medal and the rank of Second Lieutenant, the military headquarters will definitely allocate more sufficient Cultivation resources for you."

"Once your strength improves further, perhaps we can even fight side by side as colleagues!"

Zhang Wen nodded and carefully put away the medal and the brocade box, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the patterns on the medal.

This was not just an honor, but also a heavy responsibility.

Returning to his residence.

"After being exhausted for so long, ah, the bed is still the most comfortable..." Zhang Wen said, stretching.

At this moment, it was like an old turtle sunning its shell—sprawled out in comfort.

"Ding, detected that the host has completed the 'Western Frontier Demon Removal' mission. Now grading based on the host's completion status."

The System's voice rang out as expected. Zhang Wen sat up abruptly, waiting for the System's grade.

"Mission 1: Assist in finding the Soul Devouring Hall's Western Frontier altar. Completed."

"Mission 2: Prevent the living sacrifice ritual. Completed."

"Mission 3: Kill at least one Penetration Realm member of the Soul Devouring Hall. Exceeded completion."

"Grade: SSS. Reward: One special lottery chance, 50,000 points, and the Thunder Battle Body advanced Cultivation Technique—Nine Heavens Startling Thunder Art."

"Extra Reward—Buff: Thunder and Lightning."

"Effect: There is a chance to trigger the 'Electrotherapy' effect when attacking, causing the enemy to convulse, their hair to stand on end, dealing minor damage and briefly interrupting their current action."

"Σ(°ロ°), another buff, but this name really feels a bit unreliable."

The next second, Zhang Wen felt a current flow through his body. He felt like a mobile high-voltage transformer; whoever touched him would be unlucky.

Immediately after, the Nine Heavens Startling Thunder Art Cultivation Technique entered his mind, further developing the Thunder Battle Body and giving him another trump card.

"Not bad, not bad. Now is the time to use this special lottery chance."

Adhering to the principle of not letting lottery chances go overnight, Zhang Wen immediately contacted the System to start the lottery.

The familiar disk appeared and began to spin. "Ding, congratulations to the host for obtaining Soul Devouring Mirror Fragment X1."

"Collect all fragments to synthesize the Soul Devouring Mirror. Current progress (2/3)."

"Not bad, it's more reliable than the regular lottery chances," Zhang Wen said, waving his hand.