Eternal Life: My Lifespan Increases Daily

Chapter 386 - 302: Rebirth, Martial Contest (Double-Length)_2

Song Changming descended from the sky like a streak of light, landing outside the city.

"Finally back." Song Changming gazed towards the main city and spoke to himself.

Song Changping and Song Chang’an returned to the ancestral grounds of the Da Lai Song Family, but he did not accompany them.

Now, with the military leave having been over for three months, if he didn’t return, not only would he be unable to continue as a general, but he might also face charges of dereliction of duty.

Therefore, he couldn’t delay any longer and betray the good intentions of Xing Tiexin.

Song Changming headed towards the city gates, and on the wide official road, he suddenly sensed a few traces of cold aura, causing him to focus his gaze.

He saw several burly figures, tightly wrapped, sitting on tall horses, their postures straight and upright.

Even though they were trying to be low-key, Song Changming instantly recognized them as corpse puppets from the Corpse Refining Sect.

Therefore, it was not difficult to deduce that those walking at the front were members of the Corpse Refining Sect.

"Senior Brother, if we don’t find any clues this time to locate Junior Brother Lou, I don’t know how we’ll explain it to Master when we return." One of the disciples from the Corpse Refining Sect said with a worried expression, sighing.

"I know that Junior Brother Lou must have offended someone outside and was plotted against!

He hasn’t returned in so long, and there’s not even a letter. You, me, and even Master know in our hearts that the chances are slim." Another disciple from the Corpse Refining Sect took a deep breath, shaking his head as he spoke.

"It’s most likely that Hu Yan’s doing!"

"Even if it is Hu Yan, how can we find that guy!"

"Sigh, I just hope that Master doesn’t take out his anger on us afterward..."

The group whispered to each other as they entered the city, completely unaware of Song Changming entering the city with them.

"Sure enough, it’s someone sent by that Elder Lou."

Listening to their conversation, Song Changming felt slightly relieved.

He hadn’t left any traces of this matter, dealing with Lou Baoqiu and Hu Yan at the border of Yun Province, far from Cui Bai Dao.

In the current situation, trying to trace it back to him would be like finding a needle in a haystack.

"As long as Eldest Brother and Second Brother aren’t discovered, this matter should be safe," Song Changming thought to himself.

He entered the city, passing by the disciples of the Corpse Refining Sect without drawing any attention.

He made his way back to the military camp to report to Xing Tiexin.

"You little rascal, you still know how to come back. You didn’t even send a single letter; any later, and I would’ve thought you died out there." Xing Tiexin said irritably upon seeing Song Changming.

"This time, it’s my fault, and I’m willing to accept punishment." Song Changming admitted his mistake frankly.

After all, three months away was indeed too long.

"I’ll dock you three months’ pay," Xing Tiexin snorted lightly.

Song Changming accepted this.

This punishment was already the lightest, and it was more of a minor loss for him—merely a few lost low-grade spirit crystals.

Xing Tiexin still looked after him; docking some pay was merely a formality for appearances’ sake.

"Go find Fu Yuan to hand over the military duties. He’s been quite busy covering for you these three months. Changming, don’t let me down in the future."

"Thank you, General."

After leaving Xing Tiexin, Song Changming went to Fu Yuan to take over his duties.

In the evening, he specially invited Fu Yuan and some of the centurions to express his gratitude.

"General Song, you might not know, but during the time you were away, Zhao Linxin repeatedly tried to impeach you, even slightly using the influence of the Zhao Family!

Thanks to Grand General Xing and General Fu, who mediated the situation, they managed to preserve your position as general..." Ma Guxi, one of the centurions, having drunk a few glasses, couldn’t help but say.

Now, the factions under Xing Tiexin were clearly divided.

Zhao Linxin and Tang Qicheng, as big family scions, were aligned with each other, along with several centurions of similar family backgrounds, advancing and retreating together.

On the other side was Fu Yuan and Song Changming leading the group.

Those following them were grassroots military officers who had been promoted by Xing Tiexin, mostly coming from humble beginnings, finding warmth together under Fu Yuan and Song Changming’s protection within the army.

They were the least hoping for Song Changming’s mistake to cause him to fall, or they would have even less voice in the army, struggling to compete with family scions for military merits and benefits, and even facing bullying.

"I’ve kept this matter in my heart. Thanks to Brother Fu and General Xing, and thank you all for attending today." Song Changming raised his glass to them and penalized himself for his mistake.

"My position isn’t high, and I didn’t contribute much; it’s mainly the general who shielded you from the Zhao Family’s pressure..." Fu Yuan waved his hand and shook his head.

"No need to say that. Brother Fu, just being willing to help me with my duties makes me infinitely grateful; how can you say it wasn’t much?" Song Changming laughed.

Fu Yuan laughed too, "Then if I encounter anything in the future, please help me, Brother Song."

"Of course."

"Come, come, let’s drink!"

"Tonight, General Song, you must drink a few more cups, not leave until drunk!"

The meal was quite enjoyable, with everyone being on the same side, ensuring no idle talk ruining the atmosphere.

Back at his home in the Third District.

"Young Master, you’re back!" Song Ping’an, who was responsible for guarding the house, was delighted to see the returning Song Changming.

Song Changming had been away for three months, and knowing some inside information, he was somewhat worried, fearing unforeseen dangers.

In the courtyard, Dahuang and White wagged their tails like propellers, and upon seeing Song Changming back, they were also excited, jumping up and down.

Only Song Changming could bear their consistent flying pounces.

Song Changming took out several large chunks of bloody demon beast meat from his Qiankun Bag, immediately tempting the two dogs to spin in place, creating a whirlwind.

"Eat, eat more." Song Changming placed the demon beast meat down, giving the dogs a good rub on the head.

"Was the trip smooth?" Song Ping’an asked from the side.

"Haha, very smooth." Song Changming smiled.

To him, the trip was not only smooth, but there were unexpected surprises.

The greatest opportunity was obtaining the Witch Refining Technique and many Witch Seals from the Witch God Stone Fragment.

"What about the two brothers of yours?" Song Ping’an asked, noticing Song Changming’s return alone.

When he was young and adopted by the Song Family, he often heard about the eldest and second sons of the Song Family from Father Song and Song’s Mother.

Even his name was inspired by those two deceased individuals, carrying, to some extent, the longing of Father Song and Song’s Mother for their two sons.

In the Song Family, the death of Song Changping and Song Chang’an was an unforgettable pain.

Now that the deceased had come back to life, how could he not want to see them?

"They won’t be coming here for the time being." Song Changming said without divulging more about his two brothers’ whereabouts.

"You’ll see them eventually."

"Alright, Young Master." Song Ping’an nodded and did not ask further.

The next day, Song Changming resumed his usual military duties.

During the three months he was away, there were actually no major events in the military. Since returning from the Spirit Crystal Vein, his 41st Flag Army had been recuperating, and the soldiers’ days were relatively leisurely, mainly focused on cultivation.

No major tasks were temporarily issued either.

This was typical.

The Cuiqi Army, as the main force under Prince Cui, rarely deployed elsewhere unless in times of war or important missions like guarding the Spirit Crystal Vein previously.

In peacetime, with fewer opportunities to earn military merits, the surplus energy naturally shifted to internal competition.

To gain superior recognition and seize a chance to stand out, various military competitions frequently occurred.

Many leaders emerged through these military competitions, eventually obtaining promotion opportunities.

Even Song Changming sometimes couldn’t avoid such military competitions.

In October, the military camp.

"This month, there’s an important martial competition in the military. The Banner Master himself will attend, so don’t let me down." Xing Tiexin, hands behind his back, instructed his four deputy generals.

The entire Fanqi Army had ten commanders.

In such important military competitions, observed by the Banner Master, competition naturally occurred among the commanders.

Usually, commanders don’t participate directly in martial competitions. Their competition is based on the quality of strong officers under them.

Strong officers and capable soldiers among their ranks would enhance a commander’s reputation in the competition, proving their ability in management and talent recognition, thus showcasing excellent leadership qualities.

"I won’t disappoint the General’s expectations." Fu Yuan was the first to express.

Song Changming, of course, agreed as well.

Zhao Linxin and Tang Qicheng exchanged a glance and also committed afterward.

As noble family scions, although they didn’t get along with Xing Tiexin, they wouldn’t act foolishly to trip him in such settings.

After all, the competition’s results were equally important to them, making a good impression on the Banner Master was crucial.

"Go, call all the centurions." Xing Tiexin gestured.

Besides the four deputy generals, he needed to continue mobilizing the centurions under his command.

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