The giant python was slammed hard into the ground, a deep gash nearly splitting its head clean across.
Only then did the searing pain, resonating from his very soul, jolt Xue Jiu back to consciousness. His eyes flashed with a mix of shock and fury, the glow of his ninth soul ring flaring as his full-body battle armor turned into crystalline gray.
'Still trying to turn the tables?'
"Boom—"
A colossal figure descended from above. The watching Blood Gods all stood frozen in disbelief.
A massive dragon claw stomped down on the python's skull.
Crushed—utterly crushed.
Xue Jiu's body shattered into golden fragments of light, dissolving soundlessly into the air.
Even after returning to the real world, Xue Jiu's muscles twitched involuntarily. The pain of dying was not something one could simply brush off. Gu You, by contrast, seemed to fare much better—his eyes were glowing, barely able to contain his exhilaration.
The eight Blood Gods stood silently nearby, unable to say a word.
There was no doubt—this battle had left a deep impression on them all.
And it ended too quickly. No contest. Just pure, overwhelming domination.
Xue Er walked up beside Xue Jiu and said calmly, "Not bad." With those words, he turned and left.
Xue Jiu's scalp tingled. That tone? That expression? He was doomed. He had clearly pissed off his father. This month would probably be nothing short of hell.
Xue Ba shot him a cold glare.
Xue Liu grinned and clapped Gu You on the shoulder. "Well done. From now on, you're Xue Jiu."
Yes—by defeating Xue Jiu in combat, Gu You officially replaced him, rising from reserve to become a full-fledged Blood God.
Xue Yi gave a slight smile. "You're the youngest Blood God in the history of the Blood God Battalion."
Xue Jiu let out a bitter laugh. "You brat... you've really screwed me over. This coming month is going to be unbearable."
Gu You looked at Xue Jiu, unsure how to respond. Offering comfort now, as the victor, just felt... inappropriate.
Xue Ba chuckled. "He brought it on himself. Still, Gu You, you've truly surprised us all."
A new win was added to Gu You's record, making him undefeated in every match he'd entered in the Star Dou Battle Network so far.
Logging out, he returned to his dorm.
After stepping outside and breathing in the fresh air, he decided to ask around about the Sixth Mecha Corps.
He hadn't expected to be shocked by what he learned.
The Sixth Mecha Corps was known as a legendary hero unit. Reportedly, three hundred years ago, during a Deep Abyss Tide battle, they had slain three mature Charm Empresses.
Their glory had carried forward ever since.
After Gu You submitted a request to have his own corps, Long Tianwu transferred him from the Blood Division and back into the Blood God Battalion.
Stretching a bit, Gu You took the elevator up to the main operations office of the Blood God Battalion.
Inside were Xue Yi and Xue San. The others weren't present.
"Senior," Gu You greeted as he approached Xue Yi.
Xue San was holding a tray, covered with a red cloth.
Xue Yi beckoned him closer and unveiled the tray.
Resting atop it was a Blood God ring and two epaulets.
The ring was a golden-red hue, still bearing the rose emblem, though now even more dazzling. The two epaulets bore golden stars—glinting major general stars—embellished with golden silk trim. A single star. Major general rank.
'What...?'
Xue Yi handed him the ring. "You can upload your personal info into the new Blood God ring. As one of the nine Blood Gods, you'll be granted certain privileges. Xue San will explain how to use them shortly. But remember—our privileges exist to help us fight the Abyss, not for personal gain."
While speaking, Xue Yi removed the old colonel insignia from Gu You's shoulders and replaced them with the glittering golden stars of a general.
Xue San smiled warmly. "You are now the youngest Blood God in the battalion's history. And the youngest major general in the Federation. Congratulations—Blood Nine."
Gu You looked down at the heavy stars on his shoulders and smiled. "Wearing this... I almost don't dare step outside."
"Haha! You little rascal!"
Xue Yi added, "Since you defeated Blood Nine yesterday and fully displayed your current strength, I think your original assignment is too easy. The mission has changed. In the Star Dou Battle Network's All-Federation Challenge, you must win the Soul Master Tournament, and place top three in the Mecha Tournament. If not, I'll confine you to barracks for a full year."
This "confinement" was not punishment in the usual sense—it was training. Xue Yi wanted Gu You to grow into a true leader of the Blood Gods.
Even if Gu You exceeded all expectations, he still planned to make the young man earn it.
Gu You nodded.
With that, Xue Yi left.
Xue San, still smiling, said, "He sets the bar high because he believes in you. We all do. Work hard, and we know you'll make it."
"Yes, Senior."
Xue San chuckled. "Honestly, you should take a walk. You're young. Don't you want to show off that general's star to your friends? There are only a dozen or so major generals in the entire battalion. You're now on equal footing with the deputy corps commander. Don't worry, no one will be jealous—they've all benefited from your actions. According to the Corps Commander and Xue Yi, the entire battalion now knows that the recent Life Tide was your doing. You're the center of attention, and everyone is grateful."
"Now then, let me explain our Blood God privileges. If you think you might lose your seat in a month, you'd better make use of them while you can. First, we get a seventy percent discount when using merits to purchase any corps resources. Second, as a Blood God, you can command any unit at or below corps level. Xue Yi can even act in the Corps Commander's stead..."
Gu You perked up. 'Commanding an entire corps unit at will? That sounds fun.'
While Xue San explained the privileges, Gu You finished transferring his data to the new Blood God ring.
Just as he was about to head back to his dorm to continue training, the Blood God ring vibrated slightly. His first message since upgrading to Blood God status.
The sender: Long Yuxue.
"What is it?"
Long Yuxue replied, "Are you busy right now? Got a job for you. The Ironblood Corps commander wants to meet you. He needs help forging a special metal."
Ironblood Corps commander? Gu You had heard of him—he was a legend within the Blood God Battalion.
(End of Chapter)
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