Upon hearing this, Chen Jinzhu's eyes narrowed sharply, a fierce glint flashing within them.
"Are you out of your mind to challenge me?" he growled. "What's wrong with me calling your Imperial Guards trash? That's what they are—just a bunch of useless garbage!"
"And Zhao Kuanying? I consider him even more worthless!"
Chen Jinzhu spat in anger. His mood, already foul, was further inflamed by the words of the Imperial Guards' leader.
"You dare speak to me like that?" The leader of the Imperial Guards' face reddened with rage.
Chen Jinzhu's fury erupted. "What are you going to do about it? I suggest you think twice before pushing me!"
He released his aura, an overwhelming pressure that stifled everyone around him. The oppressive force made it hard for those present to breathe, and the previously noisy camp fell silent.
The leader of the Forbidden Army, sensing Chen Jinzhu's formidable presence, swallowed his words. Facing a peak martial artist like Chen Jinzhu, who was on the brink of reaching the semi-saint level, he felt utterly helpless.
With a cold snort, the leader of the Forbidden Army tried to defuse the situation and turn away.
Chen Jinzhu's rage flared anew. "Did I give you permission to move?"
He snapped his hand out, a spiritual palm wrapping tightly around the leader's neck. Despite being a fellow martial artist, the Forbidden Army leader was caught off guard and struggled helplessly.
Chen Jinzhu's grip tightened, leaving red marks on the leader's neck as he gasped for air, his face turning an alarming shade of purple.
Around them, the onlookers, including the Imperial Guards, watched in fear and confusion.
"Unbelievable! Chen Jinzhu, how dare you attack us? We are the Royal Guards, directly under the Empress's command!"
"Let him go! He's about to be strangled to death!"
The camp was soon divided. The Imperial Guards, angered and ready to defend their leader, began to surround Chen Jinzhu. However, this was Chen Jinzhu's domain, and he had the upper hand.
"Let's see who dares to make a move!" Chen Jinzhu roared. "I've long been displeased with your Beijing masters!"
Tension crackled in the air.
Eventually, as the Forbidden Army leader neared the point of unconsciousness, Chen Jinzhu released his grip. The leader collapsed to the ground, gasping and trembling, filled with fear and disbelief at Chen Jinzhu's audacity.
Chen Jinzhu sneered. "Consider this a lesson. I won't tolerate anyone barking orders here without my permission!"
The Imperial Guards, clenched fists trembling with rage, dared not act against Chen Jinzhu. They knew better than to provoke him further and planned to report this incident to the Empress later.
Chen Jinzhu's goal of asserting his dominance was achieved. "Now that everything is clear, follow my orders without question! Disobedience will be met with severe consequences!"
As the strongest and most authoritative figure present, Chen Jinzhu felt secure in his position.
Soon, the Dragoon Army arrived, their imposing presence shaking the earth. A sea of white armor advanced, their sheer numbers and power causing palpable fear among the defenders.
"Don't panic! Prepare the arrows and ballistae to face them!" Chen Jinzhu barked, though he himself felt a pang of doubt. The sight of the approaching army had shaken his confidence, but he forced himself to remain composed and ordered his troops to prepare for battle.
The northern camp, a modest fortification compared to Beiyang City's grand walls, looked flimsy in the face of the Dragoon Army's might.
"Dragoon Army, charge!" Yuan Zuozong commanded, leading the assault with the expectation of overwhelming the enemy with sheer force.
On the camp walls, the defenders felt a wave of anxiety as the heavy cavalry bore down on them. The oppressive noise of galloping hooves filled the air.
A captain of the Imperial Army issued hurried orders for the dragon-hunting crossbows and preparations for close combat, though his command led to disaster.
"Who do you think you are, giving orders here?" Chen Jinzhu's rage flared again. "This is my battlefield, and I make the rules!"
He directed his anger at the captain, his violent aura intensifying. The captain, startled, tried to defend his actions, but before he could finish, Chen Jinzhu struck him in the chest with a powerful blow, creating a gaping wound.
"This is my command, and I won't tolerate disobedience!" Chen Jinzhu said darkly, his patience worn thin.
The Imperial Guards, realizing the situation, had to accept their subordinate's fate and continue their preparations as Chen Jinzhu's dominance was firmly established.