Chapter 1072: No One Tells Me What to Do! Flip the Table!

A black obsidian-class fighter jet streaked in from the horizon and landed at the dedicated airport under the guiding lights of the Crimson Fortress.

When Xu Jingming stepped down from the fighter jet, the tall Ji Shulan was already waiting.

She had seen Xu Jingming once before at the United Nations meeting.

But now that she saw him again, her impression was entirely different.

Xu Jingming stood straight and tall, his eyes faintly glinting with sharp light.

Without any extra movements, he radiated a heavy pressure.

Could someone at Ninth Tier Lower Realm possess such an aura intensity?

Her heart jolted.

Only Zhou Yuanwu, Lei Ding, Luke, and a few others knew Xu Jingming had broken through to Ninth Tier Mid Realm.

Luke had been beaten senseless, so he naturally wouldn't bring it up.

As for Zhou Yuanwu, he had never publicly announced the news.

Though unaware that Xu Jingming had broken through, merely his aura made Ji Shulan's heart tremble; she hurried forward quickly:

"Deputy Commander Ji Shulan of the Crimson Fortress, welcome, Special Envoy."

She did not underestimate him because of his youth; instead, she lowered her posture considerably.

"It's a burden on you, Commander Ji." Xu Jingming nodded slightly.

Most Ninth Tier cultivators had their own factions, but some preferred to be lone wolves.

Blood Sword was one such, and Ji Shulan was another—she had lived alone for decades.

Due to her S-rank Elemental Wind ability, she was also called the "Storm Sage."

Though her title sounded wildly fierce, Ji Shulan possessed a delicate, gentle beauty reminiscent of southern water towns.

"Not at all."

Ji Shulan smiled faintly and led the way. "Come, I'll take you to the Commander."

"The Commander only mentioned you were coming—he doesn't yet know what this visit is for...?"

On the way, Ji Shulan cautiously asked.

"To kill beast kings."

Xu Jingming replied succinctly. "The Ninth Tier Beast Emperors keep interfering on the battlefield—we must strike back hard!"

As expected...

Ji Shulan's heart tightened.

With her experience, she could tell Xu Jingming wasn't lying.

She felt even more contempt for Liang Hong's earlier words.

This is called arrogant and overbearing?

Even for Ninth Tier cultivators, the frontline carries the risk of death.

That's why Cao Jun had been unable to produce a list earlier.

With Xu Jingming's talent, he could easily hide safely in the rear—he had no reason to risk himself on the frontline.

Yet now he had come, proving he truly hated the beast kings!

Such a person must not fall into Jiang Liwei's trap.

Thinking of this, she stopped walking and spoke:

"Special Envoy Xu, before meeting the Commander, I have something I must tell you."

"Oh? What is it?" Xu Jingming looked puzzled.

"Commander Jiang Liwei wants you to go..."

Ji Shulan briefly explained the situation.

Xu Jingming burst out laughing.

There's such a good thing?

He had originally planned to strike straight at the beast kings' stronghold.

"The Wailing Desert lies at the beast kings' core territory, guarded by at least three Beast Emperors—if discovered, you'll be doomed."

That's why even the Commander dares not probe it lightly—don't you dare wade into this mess!"

Seeing Xu Jingming seemed unconcerned, Ji Shulan grew frantic and urgently emphasized the dangers of the Wailing Desert.

"Commander Jiang has guarded the border for decades—he has vast experience and knows how to arrange things properly. I trust he won't harm me." Xu Jingming said casually.

Upon hearing this, Ji Shulan was deeply moved.

Look at him, look at him—what a pure, innocent child!

Nothing like Liang Hong described—arrogant and overbearing!

To be fair, Xu Jingming really is too young.

By normal standards, he should still be studying at an Ability University.

It's natural he doesn't understand the wickedness of human hearts.

Thinking of this, Ji Shulan's gaze toward Xu Jingming softened further.

She silently resolved: if Jiang Liwei truly forces the arrangement, she would absolutely refuse to let Xu Jingming go.

After winding through the Crimson Fortress for two minutes, under Ji Shulan's guidance, Xu Jingming entered the conference hall and met Jiang Liwei and Liang Hong.

"Welcome, Special Envoy Xu, to our Crimson Fortress. With your arrival, our strength has grown even greater."

Jiang Liwei's hoarse voice rang out.

Though his words were a welcome, there was not the slightest hint of warmth.

He didn't rise from his seat; the welcome sounded like a rehearsed line.

Not only Jiang Liwei, but another man, Liang Hong, was also seated in his chair.

Moreover, he showed no intention of rising to greet him, but instead spoke:

"Special Envoy Xu's arrival has truly relieved our urgent predicament. Commander Jiang, perhaps this matter should be handed over to him."

Upon hearing this, Xu Jingming's eyes narrowed slightly.

He'd barely sat down and already assigned a task? How impatient.

"Fine."

Jiang Liwei nodded, turning to Xu Jingming: "There's a reconnaissance mission into the Wailing Desert. I hope Special Envoy Xu can complete it swiftly."

His tone was flat, offering no special warning about the Wailing Desert's dangers, as if it were an ordinary mission.

As soon as he finished speaking, Ji Shulan immediately objected: "Commander, the Wailing Desert is far too dangerous. I believe it's unsuitable for the Special Envoy to go."

"The Special Envoy hasn't spoken—why are you butting in?"

Liang Hong let out a light scoff, then turned to Xu Jingming with a sneering tone: "This is Commander's order. If you don't wish to carry it out, then return to the rear.

Our Crimson Fortress doesn't need a cowardly ninth-rank like you on the front lines—we'll report this truthfully to the Grand Councilor."

Oh no!

Ji Shulan's heart lurched.

Based on her understanding of Xu Jingming, he was a hot-blooded young man who lived only to fight enemies.

Provoked like this, he'd surely accept immediately!

Yet the next moment, a brazen voice came from beside her: "Who the hell are you to decide whether I carry out this mission?"

Huh?

Ji Shulan's expression froze in shock.

This wasn't the reaction she expected from Xu Jingming.

Liang Hong also froze, then his face turned purple with rage.

As an S-class mid-ninth-rank, ranked among the top in all of Great Xia's ninth-ranks, when had he ever been shouted at like this?

"Xu Jingming! Are you defying military orders?!"

Liang Hong glared fiercely at Xu Jingming.

With Jiang Liwei as his backer, and within the Crimson Fortress's stronghold, he had no reason to fear Xu Jingming.

"It seems you've misunderstood something."

Xu Jingming rose from his seat, looking calmly at Jiang Liwei and Liang Hong:

"I came to the Crimson Fortress not to obey anyone's orders. Neither of you—whether Deputy Commander or Commander—have the authority to command me."

The Wailing Desert is indeed my target.

If Jiang Liwei had politely explained the dangers and requested I undertake the mission, I wouldn't have objected.

But this kind of command—nearly a threat—leaves me no choice but to flip the table.