274: All-Army Competition

The winter sunlight, carrying a hint of coldness, spilled onto the broad and hard Training Ground of the Hongdu Base military district.

The place was bustling with noise and a heated atmosphere. Flags fluttered at the edges of the field, and the spectator stands were filled with officers of all levels and some invited elite soldiers.

This event was the "All-Army Tournament" intentionally arranged by Jiang Xin, aimed at selecting elite combatants for the upcoming multi-front warfare.

Jiang Xin and Zhang Lei stepped side-by-side onto the specially designated front-row observation deck, causing the spirits of all contestants and spectators to surge. The presence of the two highest Commanders caused quite a stir.

Soon, the contestants for the first round of duels took the stage, instantly pushing the atmosphere to a climax. Those stepping up were two Majors from the Red Alert Legion, and they were both surprisingly Third-Tier Masters!

The person on the left, well-proportioned with a calm gaze, was named Ding Hai. He walked slowly to the center of the field, arms slightly open, and the air around him instantly became moist, with the faint sound of waves echoing. With a low shout, blue light surged on the ground before him, and a massive deep-blue formation emerged. A Tsunami Mammoth, as large as a mountain and flowing with pale blue water elements, majestically manifested! The mammoth's long trunk curled, bringing bursts of humid gale, and its four feet stomped the ground, causing the granite floor to tremble slightly. Not only that, but Ding Hai himself seemed to merge into the water, his figure appearing and disappearing within the water vapor spreading around the mammoth.

The person on the right was named Xu Rui, with a lean physique and a gaze as sharp as a blade. He let out a low growl, his muscles bulging and his skin taking on a metallic luster. In an instant, he completed his transformation; he stood four meters tall with a tiger's head and a human body, covered in pale golden fur and bone armor—he was the powerful Sharp Metal White Tiger! His claws extended, with cold light flowing at the tips like top-tier alloy blades. With a gentle swing, the air was sliced with a piercing screech, releasing extremely sharp metal energy.

"Oh? A Third-Tier duel right at the start, and it's a Summoning-type against a Transformation-type. This is interesting," Zhang Lei said, crossing his arms with a look of interest in his eyes.

The battle erupted instantly!

The Tsunami Mammoth let out a silent roar, its massive trunk carrying tens of thousands of tons of water pressure, crashing toward Xu Rui like a high-pressure water cannon. Simultaneously, its four hooves trampled the ground, sending waves of water spreading outward from its center, creating a sizable "water domain" on the Training Ground. Ding Hai hid within the water mist, his figure elusive, occasionally flicking his fingers to fire condensed, high-speed water arrows at Xu Rui's joints and vital points, making them difficult to defend against.

The Sharp Metal White Tiger that Xu Rui had transformed into displayed astonishing agility and aggression. He did not clash head-on with the mammoth but instead used ghost-like speed to roam and flash along the edges of the water domain, his golden tiger shadows leaving trails of afterimages. Every strike of those cold, shining claws brought forth golden claw-lights that seemed to tear through space, slicing the incoming water columns into pieces while he constantly sought an opportunity to close in on Ding Hai's true body. Although the mammoth's attacks were powerful and wide-reaching, they always seemed a beat slow in the face of Xu Rui's extreme sharpness and speed; its massive body instead became an easy target to hit.

The two exchanged blows, the roar of energy collisions, the surging sound of waves, and the crisp clanging of metal never ceasing. Ding Hai was a blend of offense and defense, steady as a rock; Xu Rui was as fast as lightning, invading like fire. In the blink of an eye, they had exchanged dozens of rounds, and it was difficult to tell who had the upper hand, leaving the crowd below thrilled and gasping in surprise.

"These two Majors... are very good!" Zhang Lei nodded slightly, making no effort to hide his admiration. "Newly promoted Third-Tiers who have such solid foundations and clear combat thinking are very much worth cultivating."

Jiang Xin also showed a satisfied smile. "Ding Hai is steady, good at field control and group battles; Xu Rui is sharp, good at raids and precision kills. In terms of actual combat potential, they are not inferior compared to Lieutenant Colonel, Green Giant ability and Flame Fist; they are indeed rare talents in the army."

The battle lasted for over a hundred rounds. Although the mammoth summoned by Ding Hai had powerful defense and fierce area-of-effect attacks, maintaining such a powerful summoned beast and a controlled water domain consumed a massive amount of his Superpower.

Xu Rui pushed his speed and sharpness to the limit, constantly kiting, probing, and exhausting his opponent. Finally, after a sharp feint, Xu Rui seized a tiny gap in Ding Hai's rhythm of attack, transforming into a streak of golden lightning that broke through the water curtain. His cold, shining claws stopped three inches before Ding Hai's throat—the winner had been decided!

The two stopped their movements, breathing slightly hard, their bodies bearing marks from the intense energy collisions, but their eyes were bright as they acknowledged each other.

Zhang Lei beckoned to the two as they walked off the Training Ground. Xu Rui and Ding Hai immediately jogged over and stood at attention before the observation deck, their postures as straight as pines.

Zhang Lei looked at them with a smile on his face. "You two, what are your names? Your strength is very good, and you have great spirit!"

"Reporting to the Deputy Commander-in-Chief! Xu Rui!" Xu Rui, whose transformation had been deactivated, answered loudly with a sharp gaze.

"Reporting to the Deputy Commander-in-Chief! Ding Hai!" Ding Hai's voice was relatively steady.

"Good! Xu Rui, Ding Hai, I'll remember you." Zhang Lei nodded and then extended an olive branch. "I am about to lead an army to fight in Western Hunan, where the mountains are high and the forests are dense. I need some good hands. Between the two of you, who is willing to follow me on the western expedition?"

"This general is willing to go!" Xu Rui stepped forward without any hesitation, his voice resonant and his eyes burning with battle intent. The mountainous environment of Western Hunan was perfect for him to utilize his advantages in speed and raiding.

Although Ding Hai was a beat slower, he was not to be outdone and also stepped forward. "Reporting to the Deputy Commander-in-Chief! Ding Hai is also willing to go with you!" He did not want to miss the chance to follow this legendary Commander.

Zhang Lei thought for a moment and smiled. "The terrain in Western Hunan is undulating and requires more flexible abilities. Xu Rui, you come with me. Ding Hai, your abilities can be better utilized in the water-rich Jingchu region. You should report to Army Commander Chen Hao and join the eastern expedition to the Jingchu region. How about it?"

"Yes! We resolutely obey the order!" the two answered in unison. Excitement flashed in Xu Rui's eyes, and Ding Hai accepted it calmly, knowing it was a reasonable arrangement.

The tournament continued with unabated fervor.

Following them onto the stage were another two Third-Tier Masters, and there was even a female general! She had a well-proportioned figure, a neat short ponytail, and soft features; her name was Zhang Qing. Her opponent was a pilot of destroyer Mecha, a Major named Hong Ze who possessed a water element possession Superpower.

Zhang Qing's Superpower was Summoning-type—the Green-Feathered Divine Eagle. With a clear cry, a formation flowing with green light appeared in the sky, and a majestic energy eagle with a wingspan of over five meters and covered in greenish-gold feathers soared out of the formation with a long cry, circling above her head. Two pairs of green light-wings composed of pure wind elements also condensed on Zhang Qing's back, and with a gentle flap, she rose several meters off the ground.

Hong Ze summoned his destroyer Mecha. Water light flowed over the mecha's surface as if it were covered in a layer of moving water film—this was his water element possession, which greatly enhanced the mecha's defense, buffering capabilities, and certain self-repair characteristics.

The battle began! Zhang Qing and the Green-Feathered Divine Eagle took to the air, dancing nimbly. The Green-Feathered Divine Eagle whipped up storms of wind blades as sharp as knives, sweeping down from all angles. Zhang Qing herself flapped her wings, holding two warblades condensed from wind elements, occasionally diving for raids so fast she only left green shadows in the air. Her attacks were like a gale and torrential rain, penetrating everywhere.

However, the defense of Hong Ze's "Water Mecha" was like an iron wall. That layer of flowing water element armor seemed to have a life of its own, deflecting, absorbing, and annihilating the vast majority of the incoming wind blades with muffled thuds. The M249 Metal Storm, enhanced by water energy, let out thunderous roars. Although its speed was not as fast as Zhang Qing's, its attacks were like thunderclaps, forcing Zhang Qing to constantly evade. Hong Ze was like a reef standing amidst stormy waves; no matter how the wind blew or the waves crashed, he remained unmoved. But similarly, it was difficult for him to capture the wind-like Zhang Qing. The battle between the two fell into a stalemate for a time, neither able to overcome the other, and it was ultimately judged a draw.

After the two left the field, they also came before the observation deck. "Greetings, Commander-in-Chief! Deputy Commander-in-Chief!" Zhang Qing's voice was soft yet powerful, while Hong Ze's voice was muffled and clanging.

Zhang Lei looked over, his gaze falling on Zhang Qing. This female general not only had outstanding strength but also a very remarkable appearance. She had a small oval face with exquisite features: dark eyebrows like distant mountains, almond eyes like autumn waters, and a nose bridge that was pert above lips as red as cinnabar beads. Especially those large almond eyes; although they held the solemnity of a soldier, they were also like pools of autumn water, sparkling with spirit and very recognizable.

Before Zhang Lei could speak, Jiang Xin beside him suddenly spoke first. With a serious yet faintly playful smile, he directly arranged: "Major Zhang Qing, your wind-type abilities are indispensable for mountain reconnaissance and rapid support. I order you to be transferred to Deputy Commander-in-Chief Comrade Zhang Lei's personal guard starting today, to accompany him on the expedition to Western Hunan. During the expedition, you are to take care of the Deputy Commander-in-Chief's daily life and safety. Major Hong Ze, you will go to the Jingchu region and report to Army Commander Chen Hao."

After finishing the arrangements, Jiang Xin even turned his head to give Zhang Lei a meaningful look that said, "Brother, this is as much as I can help you."

Hearing this, Zhang Qing's large almond eyes instantly widened further, flashing with surprise before turning into deep joy and a trace of undetectable shyness. She immediately gave a crisp salute, her voice rising slightly due to excitement but remaining clear and powerful: "Zhang Qing understands! I guarantee to complete the mission!"

To follow the nationally famous "ice fire divine lord" on an expedition was an opportunity many soldiers dreamed of! Moreover, the Commander-in-Chief's words seemed to imply... letting her be close and take care of him? This was simply an unexpected joy! She stole a glance at Zhang Lei, whose face seemed a bit stiff, and her heart couldn't help but beat a few times faster.

Zhang Lei was left somewhat speechless by Jiang Xin's sudden "arrangement" and gave Jiang Xin a sharp, annoyed look. But in front of everyone, and since it was an official military order, he couldn't directly refute Jiang Xin's decision. He could only nod with a hint of helplessness and say to Zhang Qing, "In that case... Zhang Qing, you will follow me for now."

"Yes! Sir! Zhang Qing will certainly perform her duties faithfully and not fail your trust!" Zhang Qing replied crisply, her bright eyes sparkling, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curve up slightly.

The subsequent matches of the tournament remained spectacular. Several more Third-Tier Red Alert officers took the stage to compete, each showing their unique skills. Then came the competition for the Second-Tier peak group. At this level, a large number of powerful civilian experts began to emerge. Among them were skilled members of civilian organizations who had awakened Superpowers after the apocalypse, as well as residents who had awakened through the base's crystal core. They had chosen not to organize their own Demon Hunting Squad but instead joined the army.

Among them, a young man named Yang Feng was particularly eye-catching. He was originally a freshman at Hongshan University. After Lujiang was liberated, he used points to exchange for a crystal core and awakened a powerful Superpower; he was also one of the first civilian experts to respond to the call to enlist. Through military merit, he had already been promoted to first lieutenant, and his strength was only one step away from the Third-Tier. Yang Feng's Superpower was rare and powerful—it was lightning-type!

Upon taking the stage, he reached out with one hand, and an "Annihilation Thunder Hammer" condensed from violent lightning and wrapped in electric snakes appeared in his hand, its head flashing with thunder as if it could shatter everything. He could not only control lightning for mid-to-long-range bombardment but also transform himself into electric light for short-distance lightning teleports, with a speed that was unbelievably fast. His mastery over lightning-type abilities was seamless, being both fierce and overbearing yet agile.

His opponent, also at the peak of the Second-Tier, could only last for fewer than fifty rounds in the face of his violent lightning power and ghost-like speed before being blasted out of the field by a phantom of the thunder hammer, resulting in defeat. The strength he displayed far exceeded those of the same tier.

"Good, very good!" Zhang Lei's eyes sparkled as he watched, and he couldn't help but praise, "Good lad! This lightning-type ability is fierce and swift, possessing both area-of-effect and precision kill capabilities—rare and powerful! He's a good prospect!"

After the match, Yang Feng came before Jiang Xin and Zhang Lei, standing tall with the unique sharp aura of a young man: "first lieutenant Yang Feng greets the Commander-in-Chief and the Deputy Commander-in-Chief!"

"Yang Feng? A good name." Zhang Lei liked him more the more he looked at him and asked directly, "I am about to head to Western Hunan, where the terrain is complex. I need a vanguard like you who has both explosive power and mobility. What do you think? Are you interested in coming with me?"

Hearing this, a blazing light erupted in Yang Feng's eyes. Without any hesitation, he stood at attention and saluted again, his voice trembling slightly with excitement but remaining incredibly firm: "I am willing to die for the Commander! Yang Feng will not fail your trust!"

"Haha! Good! You have courage and strength! You're a talent!" Zhang Lei laughed heartily and patted Yang Feng on the shoulder.

This All-Army Tournament lasted for a long time, with spectacular duels appearing one after another.

Jiang Xin and Zhang Lei took this opportunity, like Bole identifying fine steeds, to carefully screen, interview, and transfer a large number of newly emerged, potential-filled, and unique experts from among the many contestants, reinforcing the various units about to set out for Western Hunan, the Jingchu region, and the South of the Ranges.

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Since the data for the Four Great Zombie Cities was not given earlier, to facilitate reference for the upcoming national campaign, Xiao Feng feels it is necessary to fill this gap.

Kyoto and Magic City: 500 million; Mountain City: 400 million; Deep City: 180 million.

Besides the Four Great Zombie Cities, due to not considering the actual situation earlier, Ram City and Chengdu should logically also be hundred-million-level zombie cities. Adding data here: Ram City: 150 million; Chengdu: 110 million. In essence, Mountain City cannot be considered a single city, as its area is equivalent to half a province, but let's not dwell on that. Below are the zombie population numbers for some cities that are ten-million-level in reality.

River City (Wuhan): 90 million.

Changsha (Changsha): 60 million (There is a discrepancy with the previous text; the previous text has been modified).

Jinmen (Tianjin): 80 million.

Xinzheng (Zhengzhou): 80 million.

Chang'an (Xi'an): 70 million.

Hangcheng (Hangzhou): 70 million.

Sucheng (Suzhou): 70 million.

Jiaozhou (Qingdao): 60 million.

Yizhou (Linyi): 50 million.

Dongguan (Dongguan): 50 million.

Huizhou (Hefei): 50 million.