After listening, the Vermilion Bird Emperor did not immediately make a decision but rather took a detailed account of the situation on the Demon Sea Battlefield.

"Ming Master, who do you believe made the wiser decision?" The Vermilion Bird Emperor was still uncertain and hesitant to make a judgment.

On one side was his own Divine General, while the other was a young disciple from the Ten Thousand Sword Sect. Favoring either side was not ideal.

Behind the Vermilion Bird Emperor stood a middle-aged scholar, with a flowing, elegant beard, exuding an air of exceptional talent and remarkable wisdom.

"If we must comprehensively evaluate, each has their own merits. However, if I had to choose, I would definitely stand on Chu Feng’s side." The middle-aged scholar lightly stroked his fine beard, a faint smile on his face.

"Oh! Tell me your reasons!" The Vermilion Bird Emperor believed that the Ming Master had his rationale for this choice.

"When two armies clash, and the enemy’s supreme commander is dead, the likelihood of an ambush is nearly zero. Even if, in the worst case, an ambush exists, it can be easily handled. Pursuing the victory could severely damage the enemy’s vital forces, potentially even counterattacking their camps, leading to a decisive victory. Merely defending within the city gates might secure temporary peace, but the enemy could quickly regroup and launch another attack on the Demon Sea Pass with another main commander."

"Therefore, I believe Chu Feng’s decision is wiser. He is courageous and resourceful, with a long-term vision. As for Divine General Ling Feng and the others, they only focus on immediate interests, which significantly pales in comparison to Chu Feng."

The Ming Master provided a detailed explanation.

The analysis was exceptionally thorough.

"The opportunity was missed this time, but it must not be missed again." The Vermilion Bird Emperor obtained the answer from the Ming Master.

His expression immediately turned serious, and he commanded the decree eunuch, "Chu Feng, the disciple of the Ten Thousand Sword Sect, has slain enemy generals and made unparalleled military contributions for the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Country. Reward him with five thousand spirit stones and bestow upon him an Emperor’s Sword. When necessary, he is authorized to independently command military forces."

The reward of five thousand spirit stones was an astronomical wealth.

Equivalent to fifty million taels of silver.

As for the Emperor’s Sword, it is even more prestigious. It can act in place of the Emperor to punish, allowing its bearer to execute generals or supervise the military, and wield the Emperor’s authority.

The Vermilion Bird Emperor was indeed a decisive person.

When in doubt, avoid using them; when used, trust them completely.

He directly bestowed upon Chu Feng the power to independently command military forces.

Since Chu Feng was neither a subject nor a military general of the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Country, granting him the Commander’s Seal was inappropriate. It might also incite criticism from other generals and ministers.

The best course of action was to bestow the Emperor’s Sword.

This was definitely a perfect and mutually beneficial solution.

Not only could it perfectly circumvent many rules and taboos, but it would also help Chu Feng mobilize the army when necessary to heavily damage the enemy. With the Emperor’s Sword, Chu Feng became a Special Envoy.

Representing the Emperor to oversee the army.

"Your Majesty, the reward for Chu Feng has been drafted. Should we proceed with the previously drafted reward for Divine General Ling Feng?" The decree drafter eunuch asked softly.

"Due to his conservatism, an excellent opportunity to destroy the enemy was missed without reason. Reward Divine General Ling Feng with only one thousand spirit stones!"

The Vermilion Bird Emperor made a decisive call.

It is said that the emperor’s will is hard to predict, and this was certainly true. Not long ago, he greatly appreciated Divine General Ling Feng, but now there was a tinge of blame.

No monarch wishes to have mediocre and incompetent generals under their command.

Granting Chu Feng five thousand spirit stones while Divine General Ling Feng only received one thousand clearly had an element of admonishment.

Wisdom sparkled in the eyes of the Ming Master, yet he said nothing.

...

On the Demon Sea Pass battlefield, Chu Feng was in the barracks with his two lovely wives, enjoying a blissful, sweet time.

It’s just that Han Xiaoying remained conservative, insisting that Chu Feng marry her before consummating the union.

The ultimate consequence was that Chu Feng was left living like a monk.

Even the beauty Han Shuang was left with nothing more than longing looks from Chu Feng, due to Han Xiaoying’s presence.

There was no other way; Chu Feng could only plan to quickly avenge himself by eliminating Panlong Heavenly Emperor, so he could then marry Han Xiaoying.

In the blink of an eye, eight days had passed, and the Vermilion Bird Emperor’s Holy Decree finally arrived.

"Holy Decree has arrived!" The Imperial Decree Eunuch announced shrilly.

Divine General Ling Feng, Elder Feng Zhenqing, Chu Feng, and others all came out of the barracks to receive the Holy Decree.

Elder Feng Zhenqing glanced at Chu Feng, coldly mocking, "Chu Feng, the Holy Decree has arrived; the matter you disputed with me last time must have reached a conclusion. I bet the Vermilion Bird Emperor will certainly support my and Divine General Ling Feng’s opinion. The fact that the Demon Sea Pass remains stable proves our decision was correct!"

Divine General Ling Feng didn’t speak but clearly had an air of expectation.

Having defeated the enemy twice, he guessed that the Vermilion Bird Emperor would award him upon the issuance of the Holy Decree.

The distinction between a subject and a free individual became evident during the reading of the decree.

Chu Feng and others stood, but Divine General Ling Feng and the others needed to kneel to hear the decree.

"By the will of Heaven, the Emperor orders: Chu Feng, disciple of the Ten Thousand Sword Sect, has repeatedly achieved military success, slaying enemy Divine Generals and the Ninth Imperial Uncle, with distinguished merit! Reward him with five thousand spirit stones and bestow an Emperor’s Sword, so he may oversee the army on behalf of the Emperor, exercising the right to deploy troops when necessary!"

Everyone’s hearts were involuntarily shaken.

The Vermilion Bird Emperor actually bestowed an Emperor’s Sword upon Chu Feng; such a reward was exceedingly generous.

It also demonstrated the Vermilion Bird Emperor’s high regard and trust in Chu Feng.

"No rush; if that Chu kid gets such a substantial reward, ours will surely be better." Elder Feng Zhenqing spoke with confidence.

Divine General Ling Feng felt somewhat reassured, looking expectantly at the decree eunuch.

"First-class Divine General Ling Feng, credited for defending the pass, rewarded with one thousand spirit stones! Thus ordered!"

Hearing the Holy Decree, Divine General Ling Feng’s heart sank.

He hadn’t expected that his reward, compared to Chu Feng’s, would be several times less.

Being part of the court, he understood why; the Vermilion Bird Emperor’s decision was clearly a sign of dissatisfaction with his conservative defense.

"I, a subject, humbly thank the Emperor’s grace!" Divine General Ling Feng felt a tinge of dismay, recognizing the Emperor’s brilliance.

The Vermilion Bird Emperor comprehended who contributed more, who less, and who excelled, clear as day. To achieve a higher position and status in the future, learning from Chu Feng was essential.

Having an enterprising spirit was vital.

Continuing to heed Elder Feng Zhenqing’s conservative opinions would lead to stagnation.

"That’s it? Where’s my reward? How come there’s nothing?" Elder Feng Zhenqing had been smug, imagining that his reward would be no less than Chu Feng’s five thousand spirit stones plus an Emperor’s Sword.

But after the decree was read, there was nothing for him at all.

"This one only reads the Holy Decree; the verdict of rewards and punishments is made by the Vermilion Bird Emperor in consultation with Cabinet Ministers. Elder Feng, if there’s no reward, perhaps introspection is needed."

The decree eunuch replied blandly.

The words left Elder Feng speechless.