NOVEL NEXT Ch. 17
Chapter 17: The Rapid Surge of Imperial Destiny Value
The great doors of the hall slammed shut, sealing off the wailing, pleading ministers outside.
Inside, the candle flames flickered, casting wavering shadows over Jiang Zhaoming and the gathered generals.
The air still carried a lingering killing intent, yet everyone’s gaze instinctively turned toward the silent Black-Armored General.
Qin Wei and Yan Chen exchanged a glance.
They had recognized the standard armor of the Black-Armored Army at first sight, but as for this mysterious Divine Power Realm commander who had suddenly appeared—they knew nothing of him.
Jiang Zhaoming’s eyes flickered slightly, and he sent a voice transmission through divine sense.
Sensing it, Cheng Yaojin took a heavy step forward, his iron boots striking the ground with a ringing clang.
He raised a gauntleted hand and removed the ferocious Taotie mask, revealing a face hardened by years of battle.
“Your servant, Cheng Yaojin, commander of the Black-Armored Army, pays respect to His Highness!”
He dropped to one knee, the heavy black iron armor clashing dully against the stone floor.
The candlelight wavered, glinting off the mottled blade scars on his armor—each a testament of countless battles fought.
“In the early years, this subordinate led Zhang Feng and Zhang Yan in campaigns across the Western Regions. From their words, I learned of His Highness’s benevolence. Thus, I have come leading eight thousand sons of the Black-Armored Army to pledge service!”
His voice boomed through the hall, every word resounding like thunder. “Now that I have seen Your Highness in person, I know the rumors were true! This subordinate swears to lead the Black-Armored Army and fight to the death for Your Highness!”
Jiang Zhaoming burst into hearty laughter, the sound echoing through the vast hall.
“Hahaha! Excellent! I have long heard from Zhang Yan of General Cheng’s valor and renown. Seeing you today, your reputation is well deserved!”
As the laughter faded, Jiang Zhaoming’s expression turned solemn. “Let us speak plainly. General Cheng’s willingness to lead the Black-Armored Army to our side is a great fortune for Anxi Prefecture!”
He descended from the dais and personally helped Cheng Yaojin to his feet. “From this day forth, the Black-Armored Army will be incorporated into the Royal Guard of Anxi Prefecture, retaining the title ‘Black-Armored Army.’ The army shall be under your full command!”
Cheng Yaojin’s eyes gleamed with resolve as he clasped his fists again. “This subordinate will not fail His Highness’s trust!”
At the side, Qin Wei could not help but ask, “Your Highness, the Black-Armored Army has a unique structure. Might we know…”
Jiang Zhaoming smiled faintly. “The Black-Armored Guards are directly under my command—vanguard in war, stationed in Anxi Prefecture in peace.
“The three divisions are named ‘Mo Blade,’ ‘Farshot,’ and ‘Black Armor.’ The commanders of each division shall be appointed upon General Cheng’s recommendation.”
Hearing this, a trace of understanding flashed across Yan Chen’s eyes.
This granted Cheng Yaojin great autonomy—yet also bound him firmly within Anxi Prefecture’s command system.
Cheng Yaojin seemed to grasp the underlying intent and declared earnestly, “The Black-Armored Army swears absolute loyalty to His Highness!”
Outside the hall, the eight thousand iron riders seemed to sense it as well.
They raised their lances skyward, the roar of their armor ringing through the heavens.
After completing the formal integration of the Black-Armored Army, Jiang Zhaoming used a communication talisman to contact Fan Kang in the prefectural city, ordering him to prepare ample grain supplies for transport to Kuqa and Luntai.
The highly mobile Black-Armored Army was, without question, assigned to oversee transport.
Meanwhile, the Luntai Army, the Prefectural City Army, and the remaining Kuqa Army jointly began reconstruction work in Kuqa following the battle.
The losses under Jiang Zhaoming’s command were relatively minor: over a thousand from the Luntai Army, around seven hundred from the Prefectural City Army, and fewer than a hundred from the Black-Armored Army.
The greatest losses, however, fell upon the Kuqa Army.
Their numbers had plummeted from 28,000 to just 16,000.
Though more than half their forces remained, the true blow to their strength went far beyond numbers.
First was the Kuqa Old Traitor—an expert at the mid Divine Power Realm, who could reach the late stage under battle formation support—executed for treason.
Then came the numerous Kuqa Army officers, either his loyal supporters or executed by Jiang Zhaoming’s decree.
As a result, the number of Blood Refining Realm soldiers within the Kuqa Army dropped from over 1,800 to just 600—losing more than half.
The Kuqa Army, long under the old traitor’s control, had his influence deeply rooted within it.
They would indeed require a thorough reorganization.
As for appointing a new Kuqa General, Jiang Zhaoming had no suitable candidate for now, so he temporarily placed Qin Wei in charge.
Once the Kuqa Army’s situation was settled, the next matter was the appointment of numerous officials in Kuqa County.
This, too, gave Jiang Zhaoming a headache.
All senior officials of Kuqa County had been executed, leaving a vast administrative vacuum.
For the time being, he had no choice but to let the army handle governance, while entrusting Fan Kang with selecting new civil officers.
After completing these appointments, Jiang Zhaoming worked straight through until late at night.
When he finally climbed to the city walls and saw Kuqa County gradually returning to order, he felt deeply satisfied.
He had always held firm to one belief: ‘in office, fulfill your duty; in your post, bear your responsibility.’
In his previous life as a firefighter, he had lived by this creed.
In this life, as an enfeoffed Prince, he bore it even more.
Arriving at the former residence of the Kuqa Old Traitor, he saw that the sign reading “General’s Manor” had already been removed, and the courtyard cleaned.
The old traitor’s vast hoard of gold, silver, and jewels—as well as the spiritual treasures he had amassed—had all been confiscated and piled in the courtyard, guarded by elite Prefectural City soldiers.
Upon seeing Jiang Zhaoming enter, the guards immediately stepped forward to salute.
He waved them off, instructing them to maintain their watch, and proceeded alone into a neatly arranged room.
It was the last day of October. He took out the dragon-patterned jade pendant and infused it with his blood energy.
Soon, it displayed the record of his Imperial Destiny Value changes for the month.
【Recaptured Luntai County and the Luntai Army — Gained 30 Imperial Destiny Points, to be recorded on next month’s Dragon Ranking】
【Resolved Luntai County’s food supply issue — Gained 9 Imperial Destiny Points, to be recorded next month】
【Gained allegiance of Black-Armored Army Commander Cheng Yaojin and subordinates — Gained 80 Imperial Destiny Points, to be recorded next month】
【Recaptured Kuqa County — Gained 94 Imperial Destiny Points, to be recorded next month】
【Executed Kuqa traitor Di Long — Gained 20 Imperial Destiny Points, to be recorded next month】
【Executed 897 Kuqa rebel officials — Gained 14 Imperial Destiny Points, to be recorded next month】
【Jiang Zhaoming, Age: 21, Title: Prince of Anxi Prefecture, Imperial Destiny Value: 37 (+330). Total gain this month: 330 Imperial Destiny Points】
After carefully reviewing the sources of his gains, Jiang Zhaoming noticed a discrepancy.
The Imperial Destiny Value obtained from reclaiming Luntai County was only 30, while Kuqa County yielded as much as 128.
“Perhaps it’s related to the difficulty of recovery…”
He stroked his chin thoughtfully, when suddenly the Dragon Ranking before him quivered—the time for its monthly refresh had arrived.
He halted his musings and turned his attention to the list’s shifting contents.
From top to bottom, there was little major change, especially among the higher ranks.
Except for one entry—his own.
【1. Jiang Zhaoding, Age: 369, Title: Prince of Huaijiang Prefecture, Imperial Destiny Value: 8002 (Previous Month: 7868; Slain one Huaijiang Flood Dragon +134)
2. Jiang Zhaoqian, Age: 297, Title: Prince of Dayan Prefecture, Imperial Destiny Value: 7974 (Previous Month: 7994; Blackstone County raided by Jin Army -20)
3. Jiang Zhaohua, Age: 401, Title: Prince of Xuanhai Prefecture, Imperial Destiny Value: 7827 (Previous Month: 7772; Slain one Great Ocean Navy Fleet +53)
…
74. Jiang Zhaoming, Age: 21, Title: Prince of Anxi Prefecture, Imperial Destiny Value: 367 (Previous Month: 37; This month’s gains from reclaiming two counties +330)
…】