“Where is the Martial Star now?”

  Having grasped the Jade Emperor’s intentions, Xu Fang wasted no time and directly inquired.

  The heavenly generals, perhaps sensing Xu Fang’s formidable nature, trembled and answered honestly, “Reporting to the General, Martial Star has been unwell lately and hasn’t visited the camp for half a month…”

  “Unwell? Hasn’t shown up for half a month?”

  Xu Fang couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. A dignified star lord, and he’s claiming illness?

  After all, half a month ago was when Xu Fang had just ascended to the heavens!

  The Martial Star clearly intended to assert dominance over him!

  Of course, it wasn’t just Xu Fang who understood this; the heavenly generals were acutely aware as well. When they saw Xu Fang’s darkening expression, their hearts sank in despair.

  The struggle between the top and the second in command was a dilemma they could hardly navigate.

  “Immediately notify all soldiers in the camp. In one incense stick's time, I will be inspecting the troops!”

  Xu Fang turned towards the command tent, leaving behind a final command: “Also, send a random soldier to deliver a greeting note to the Martial Star!”

  After leaving that statement, the faces of the heavenly generals turned sour.

  The Martial Star had used such a flimsy excuse to brush off the newly appointed Demon-Slaying General, while Xu Fang insisted on sending a greeting note to the Martial Star. This wasn’t a simple message to deliver!

  It seemed that peace would be hard to come by in the camp!

  Little did they know who would ultimately emerge victorious in this brewing conflict.

  ……

  “Reporting, my lord! A heavenly general from the Divine Strategy Camp has come to deliver a greeting from the Demon-Slaying General!”

  Inside the residence of the Martial Star.

  A servant hurriedly approached the hall, respectfully handing a letter to the Martial Star.

  The Martial Star, clad in armor and exuding a fierce demeanor, raised an eyebrow.

  “Oh? A greeting from the Demon-Slaying General?”

  He smiled slightly, but a glint of coldness flashed in his eyes. “A mere child thinks he can ride on my head? He’s mistaken!”

  With that, the Martial Star tore open the letter and, upon reading its contents, his fury ignited!

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  “What a little brat! Thought you had some sense, but you’re simply courting death!”

  The letter boldly declared:

  Martial Star, you son of a—! If you have the guts, come and fight!

  “What a brat! Courting death indeed!”

  The Martial Star’s rage surged as he crushed the letter in his hand!

  However, at that moment, as he applied force, an overwhelming power burst forth from the letter, erupting into a tremendous explosion!

  Boom—

  A deafening roar echoed as the entire residence of the Martial Star crumbled in an instant!

  The heavenly attendants within were thrown into chaos and rushed toward the site, only to find the Martial Star in disarray among the ruins.

  His shining armor was riddled with cracks, and his meticulously styled hair was in disarray, looking utterly disheveled.

  His once-proud beard had been blown into an uneven mess by the explosion.

  “How dare they! This is sheer bullying!”

  The Martial Star was consumed with rage, utterly shocked that Xu Fang had hidden such a powerful spell within the letter!

  Once the letter endured force, the spell was unleashed!

  “Bring me my weapon, now!”

  The Martial Star, seething with indignation, transformed into a streak of light and sped toward the Divine Strategy Camp!

  ……

  Meanwhile, in the Divine Strategy Camp, Xu Fang had already arrived at the training grounds.

  The area was buzzing with noise, soldiers standing in disorganized lines, whispering and looking around.

  Xu Fang ascended the platform at the front.

  “Salutations, General!”

  Several heavenly generals bowed respectfully as they saw him approach. Xu Fang nodded but suddenly frowned, “What’s going on down there? The Divine Strategy Camp of the Heavenly Court, and you behave worse than the soldiers of the mortal realm?”

  “General, please calm your anger!”

  The generals felt a pang of dread. Xu Fang was in no mood to quibble and bellowed, “Everyone, stand at attention!”

  His voice resonated like thunder!

  The scattered soldiers were startled, stumbling as they tried to regain their composure, their expressions revealing their astonishment.

  They never expected the newly appointed Demon-Slaying General to be so blunt!

  “Hmph, what a Demon-Slaying General! Quite the display of authority!”

  At that moment, a sarcastic voice echoed from outside the camp, followed by a flash of golden light that transformed into the Martial Star.

  “Is that the Martial Star?”

  “Why does the star look like this?”

  “Could it be that he deliberately made himself look this way to give Xu Fang a warning?”

  “That’s too ruthless!”

  “Being harsh on oneself is true ruthlessness!”

  The soldiers whispered amongst themselves, their eyes fixed on the disheveled Martial Star, who appeared utterly defeated—his once-bright armor cracked, hair in disarray, and beard uneven, resembling someone who had just faced a calamity!

  Ignoring the soldiers’ chatter, the Martial Star fixed a deep, resentful gaze upon Xu Fang. If looks could kill, Xu Fang would have been dead countless times over.

  As the Martial Star appeared, those who were aware of the underlying tensions began to discreetly step back.

  The conflict between the top and second in command was one they dared not involve themselves in.

  “And who is this?”

  Xu Fang pretended to be oblivious, tilting his head to gaze at the other heavenly generals.

  “You brat, don’t act as if you know nothing! I am the Martial Star!”

  The Martial Star’s hatred for Xu Fang had reached a boiling point. Seeing Xu Fang play dumb only fueled his anger!

  “Oh, so it’s the Martial Star. I’ve long admired your name.”

  Xu Fang hurriedly cupped his hands, feigning enthusiasm as if he genuinely revered the Martial Star’s reputation.

  “But I’m curious as to why the star looks like this?”

  The next words struck at the Martial Star's wounds like salt!

  The Martial Star’s fury flared, glaring fiercely at Xu Fang, “Isn’t this your doing?”

  “Oh?”

  Xu Fang chuckled, “You overestimate me. Since ascending to the Heavenly Court, I’ve been residing in the General's abode. Today, I simply had a whim to visit the Divine Strategy Camp and meet with the Martial Star for the first time. How could I possibly be responsible for this?”

  Yet amidst his laughter, Xu Fang’s tone suddenly turned icy: “What a Martial Star! How dare you deceive the Emperor and slander your superiors? What punishment do you deserve?”

  His voice thundered like a storm!

  The heavy accusation landed on the Martial Star, shocking everyone into silence.