Chapter 104: Colonel Rank Award Ceremony

The cool girl stepped forward, took the lieutenant colonel’s shoulder insignia and certificate from Zhao Gang, her expression calm, as if it were only natural.

Finally, Zhao Gang’s gaze settled on the front of the formation, his voice suddenly rising: “Jiang Xia, Akatsuki Jin, Du Gu Yun… during the Shadow Canyon mission, Itachi remained calm under pressure and turned the tide at the critical moment—your merits are outstanding!”

“By decision of the Demon Suppression Army Headquarters, Itachi are hereby granted—colonel rank!”

“Whoa—!”

The entire hall erupted instantly! Colonel! In the Demon Suppression Army, this was a real power position, granting independent command of an entire army and control over a region!

For these individuals, fresh graduates, to receive such an honor was unprecedented!

Jiang Xia took a deep breath, stepped forward first, and took the heavy colonel’s shoulder insignia and appointment letter from Zhao Gang.

He could feel countless eyes fixed on him—some envious, some admiring, others complex.

“Do well,” Zhao Gang slapped his shoulder firmly, his eyes filled with expectation. “The future of Shanhai Pass needs young people like Itachi.”

After the award ceremony ended, the crowd gradually dispersed. Wang Teng sidled up, rubbing his newly replaced lieutenant colonel insignia, then glancing at Jiang Xia’s colonel insignia, clicking his tongue.

“Tsk tsk, Lao Xia, now Itachi’re really an officer! Itachi’ve got to look out for me from now on!”

Jiang Xia punched him lightly with a smile: “Don’t start that crap—Itachi’re a Wanghou-level lieutenant colonel now too; Itachi’re a powerhouse anywhere.”

“How can that be the same?” Wang Teng chuckled. “By the way, now that Itachi’ve graduated, what are your plans? The New Year’s coming—going back to Linjiang or staying at Shanhai Pass?”

Jiang Xia gazed at the distant towering walls and shook his head: “I won’t be going back anytime soon. Shanhai Pass is better for honing oneself—and it suits me better.”

He thought of the Celestial Mechanism Pavilion, of the mysterious jade seal, and of that terrifying Yinglong Demon Saint.

Wang Teng looked at the bustling streets, feeling a touch of homesickness but also excitement. “I heard the New Year atmosphere here in Shanhai Pass is different from ours—it’s got that… uh… battlefield Spring Festival vibe!”

At that moment, Ye Lingxi walked over, still dressed in her crisp training uniform, though her expression was slightly softer than usual: “Jiang Xia, Wang Teng, what are your plans for the New Year?”

Wang Teng immediately chimed in: “None yet! I was just worrying about how me and Lao Xia, two big guys, would spend it! Lingxi, is your Ye family’s New Year lively?”

Ye Lingxi’s eyes dimmed slightly, then returned to calm: “The Ye family… has many people, but my parents died in battle when I was very young.”

“For me, the New Year is mostly family obligations and… not particularly pleasant family gatherings.”

She paused, looking at Jiang Xia and Wang Teng. “If Itachi don’t mind, Itachi can come to the Ye household to spend the New Year with me—at least… it’ll be livelier than spending it alone.”

Jiang Xia and Wang Teng both froze. This was the first time they’d heard Ye Lingxi mention her parents.

Wang Teng immediately puffed out his chest: “No problem! We’re definitely coming! Lingxi, don’t worry—I and Lao Xia will make sure Itachi have the liveliest New Year ever!”

Jiang Xia nodded gently: “Alright, then we’ll be troubling Itachi.”

Ye Lingxi’s lips curved slightly: “It’s settled. On New Year’s Eve, I’ll come pick Itachi up.”

On New Year’s Eve evening, Ye Lingxi arrived precisely on time, driving a rugged vehicle to pick up Jiang Xia and Wang Teng, heading toward the Ye family estate.

As the foremost of the Four Great Families of Tianmen Pass, the Ye family estate covered vast grounds, with pavilions, terraces, and towers radiating grandeur.

Yet stepping inside, one sensed a rigid hierarchy and… a faint, lingering oppression.

The banquet hall was brightly lit, with a massive round table surrounded by people. At the head sat an imposing elder, the patriarch of the Ye family, the Divine General Ye Ting.

Beside him sat Ye Lingxi’s uncles—Ye Lan, Ye Feng—and other elders, along with their children, including Ye Feng, who had taunted her at the training camp gate.

Seeing Ye Lingxi enter with Jiang Xia and Wang Teng, the hall fell silent for an instant, eyes turning toward them—curious, scrutinizing.

“Grandfather, Uncle Lan, Uncle Feng,” Ye Lingxi bowed calmly. “These are my comrades: Jiang Xia and Wang Teng.”

Ye Ting studied Jiang Xia, his gaze deep, and nodded: “Mm, I know Itachi. Sit down. Itachi’re all young—no need to be formal.”

Jiang Xia and Wang Teng politely greeted the elders and sat beside Ye Lingxi. Wang Teng lowered his voice to Jiang Xia.

“Damn, Lao Xia, this atmosphere… feels less like New Year and more like a meeting.”

Jiang Xia signaled him to be quiet with a glance. He sensed the internal tensions within the Ye family—Ye Lingxi’s parents had died early; her branch likely occupied a precarious position.

True enough, once the banquet began, the conversation quickly turned to the cultivation levels and futures of the younger generation.

Ye Lan sipped his wine, speaking casually: “Lingxi’s breakthrough to Wanghou, and her great achievements in Shadow Canyon, have truly brought honor to the Ye family.”

“I hear young Jiang Xia is even more remarkable—hailed as the top talent of the new generation?”

Ye Feng added: “Indeed, young Jiang Xia possesses extraordinary talent; his future is limitless.”

“But may I ask—what are your plans? Will Itachi remain in the Demon Suppression Army, or consider… joining a family for more stable resources?”

The invitation was unmistakable.

Ye Lingxi frowned slightly, about to speak—but Jiang Xia had already set down his chopsticks and smiled.

“Thank Itachi for your concern, Elder Ye. I am currently a member of the Night Watch and the Demon Suppression Army. Defending Shanhai Pass is my duty.”

“As for joining other factions, I have no plans. I believe both the Night Watch and the Demon Suppression Army will never fail to reward any warrior who bleeds for humanity.”

He spoke with neither humility nor arrogance, clearly stating his stance and his official identity, leaving Ye Feng no room to press further.

Ye Ting glanced at Jiang Xia, a flicker of approval in his eyes, and said: “Enough. It’s the New Year—let’s eat.”

The banquet continued under a slightly somber atmosphere.

After the meal, Ye Lingxi led Jiang Xia and Wang Teng away from the main residence to her own independent courtyard.

The courtyard was far quieter, more lived-in. Wang Teng exhaled deeply: “Finally out of there—eating inside felt like a weight on my chest.”

Ye Lingxi apologized softly: “Sorry to have Itachi witness this… the Ye family is like this…”

Jiang Xia shook his head: “It’s nothing. Every family has its own hard-to-sing song.” He looked at Ye Lingxi. “Itachi’ve had it tough, haven’t Itachi?”

Ye Lingxi paused, then turned to gaze at the lanterns hanging in the courtyard, speaking softly.

“I’m used to it. After my parents died, I knew I could only rely on myself.”

Wang Teng immediately leaned over, grinning: “Lingxi, don’t worry! From now on, it’s me and Lao Xia! Whoever dares to bully Itachi, I’ll be the first to stand up—right, Lao Xia?”

Jiang Xia looked at Ye Lingxi’s slightly lonely back and nodded seriously: “Yes. We’re friends.”