Chapter 2601 Jian Qiu Ping’s Confidence

The Valley of Ares was a place where soldiers from the Black Dragon Army could spar and train. Naturally, when there were disputes among soldiers, they could also swear a death pact before their respective captains and fight in the Valley of Ares.

Usually, the Valley of Ares was very lively. Many Black Dragon Army’s soldiers loved to spar and train here to improve their combat skills, Celestial Techniques, and Divine Abilities. However, the Valley of Ares was even livelier than usual. After all, there would be a duel between Jian Qiu Ping, who just got his title as captain stripped off, and Duan Ling Tian, a newly-appointed Captain of the Black Dragon Army. For this reason, most of the soldiers dropped everything they were doing and rushed to the Valley of Ares.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

For a moment, the sound of wind blowing rang in the air continuously as more and more soldiers from the Black Dragon Army made their way to the Valley of Ares. Like a swarm of locusts, their figures almost blotted out the sky.

Some soldiers who had just arrived could not help but exclaim, “Woah! There are so many people here!”

“Of course. After all, things like this don’t happen every day. It’s only natural that everyone will stop whatever they’re doing and rush here to watch the fight.”

“One of them is our former captain while the one is a newly-appointed captain who just joined us today. I wonder who’s going to be the victor?”

“Although we can’t say for sure who’s going to be the victor, I’m certain Jian Qiu Ping has something up his sleeve. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have conceded so easily to Qin Yun.”

“You’re right. If he weren’t certain of his victory, he wouldn’t have thrown the towel in so easily. Apart from that, Qin Yu was once a centurion under his command. It would be too embarrassing if he loses to Qin Yun.”

“Jian Qiu Ping has always been a person who places great importance on his reputation. He definitely has something up his sleeve.”

“Don’t tell me you still can’t see it? He has calculated that it would be more beneficial for him to forfeit the fight between him and Qin Yun and challenge the newly-appointed captain instead!”

Everyone in the Valley of Ares had their own thoughts about Jian Qiu Ping’s motive. The majority of them were of the opinion that Jian Qiu Ping must be extremely confident he could defeat Duan Ling Tian. Otherwise, he would not have made such decisions. After all, losing a duel to his subordinate was embarrassing enough, let alone surrendering without a fight. He would be an even bigger laughingstock if he lost to Duan Ling Tian. For this reason, many people were certain he would be able to defeat Duan Ling Tian.

When the soldiers under Duan Ling Tian’s command arrived in the Valley of Ares and heard the discussion in their surroundings, they scoffed contemptuously. They did not think Jian Qiu Ping would be able to defeat their captain.

“All of you are dreaming! There’s no way Jian Qiu Ping will be able to defeat our captain!”

“He said he’s going to show us what hell is like after he becomes our captain… Well, he’ll have to defeat Captain Duan first before that can happen.”

Upon hearing this, the soldiers began to discuss among themselves again.

“Oh? So you’re saying Captain Duan is stronger than Jian Qiu Ping?” A Black Dragon Army soldier asked.

“Don’t ask them. It’s only natural they think their captain is stronger.”

Another Black Dragon Army’s soldier chimed in, “They’ve been bragging about how strong their captain is and how he’s not a Violet Moon Heavenly Celestial.”

“Hmm, they might be lying though…”

“We’ll see… The truth will eventually reveal itself if they’re lying. I’d like to see their reactions when their captain is defeated by Jian Qiu Ping.”

“Heavens! This is so exciting!”

“Well, to be honest, I think the odds are in Jian Qiu Ping’s favor. Putting everything aside, he has been a Captain of the Black Dragon Army for years, and he never fights a battle unprepared.”

“Now that you mention it, it does seem like Jian Qiu Ping has a better chance of winning.”

After the discussion, a few of the soldiers from the Black Dragon Army who initially thought Duan Ling Tian had a chance of winning were swayed by the discussion in their surroundings. In the end, the only people who firmly believed Duan Ling Tian would win were his subordinates.

At this moment, someone shouted, “Here comes Centurion Jian Qiu Ping!”

For a moment, everyone in the Valley of Ares began to look around. In the end, their eyes were trained in the east direction and zeroed in on a figure that was descending from the sky.

Jian Qiu Ping was, naturally, in the limelight since he was one of the main characters of today’s battle. None of the centurions present caused such a scene when they arrived. It was only natural since Jian Qiu Ping was still a captain of the Black Dragon Army not too long ago.

Whoosh!

Soon after, Jian Qiu Ping arrived at the platform in the center, which was known as the First Ring, in the Valley of Ares. After he descended, he stood with his hands clasped on his back and closed his eyes as he waited for Duan Ling Tian’s arrival.

“Look how steady Centurion Jian is.”

“Didn’t I say Centurion Jian Qiu Ping will never fight a losing battle. Since he dares to challenge Captain Duan, he must be confident of winning the duel.”

“Well, let’s wait for Captain Duan Ling Tian. I wonder when he will show up…”

The crowds began to anticipate the arrival of Duan Ling Tian.

“Look! It’s Captain Qin Yu!”

After about a quarter of an hour, another uproar broke out in the Valley of Ares. Everyone looked up and saw a strapping young man dressed in black robes. He was the newly appointed captain, Qin Yu.

Qin Yu had an awe-inspiring aura about him that made him stand out from the rest of the soldiers when he wore the Black Dragon Army’s armor. Although his stance was casual, it did not detract from his aura at all.

Currently, there were about 200 centurions in the Valley of Ares. Although they were not as powerful as Jian Qiu Ping, they were Golden Celestials as well. When they showed up in the valley, the crowd was slightly excited by the sight as well.

As soon Jian Qiu Ping heard the commotion from Qin Yu’s arrival, he suddenly opened his eyes and looked at Qin Yu coldly. He asked, “Qin Yu! Are you here to show off?” His expression darkened when he saw Qin Yu. After all, this person had just caused him to lose his position as captain. As a person who placed great importance on his reputation and pride, he was, naturally, unhappy.

“Don’t misunderstand me, Centurion Jian Qiu Ping,” Qin Yu said calmly as he met Jian Qiu Ping’s eyes, “I’m here to see the new Captain of the Black Dragon Army. Naturally, it’ll be best if you can defeat him. I’ll be rooting for you.”

Jian Qiu Ping scoffed and remained silent. He closed his eyes, no longer wanting to look at Qin Yu. However, just a few seconds had passed after he closed his eyes when a commotion broke out again, causing him to open his eyes again.

“Commander Chen!”

“Commander Chen!”

A few of the Black Dragon Army’s soldiers standing at the edge of the Valley of the Ares discovered a group of five men approaching from the distance. A middle-aged man with a curly beard and stocky built stood at the lead.

“Commander Chen!”

Soon after, everyone, including Jian Qiu Ping and Qin Yu, bowed at the middle-aged man as well.

“It has been a long time since I saw such a lively scene.” Chen Xuan Ba stepped into the Valley of Ares first, followed by Duan Ling Tian and another three captains. He laughed as he turned to look at Qin Yu and congratulated him, “Well, I didn’t have a chance to congratulate you earlier! Congratulations!”

“Thank you, Commander Chen,” Qin Yu replied respectfully. Then, he joined the rank of captains standing behind Chen Xuan Ba.

Chen Xuan Ba turned his head slightly and looked at Duan Ling Tian briefly before he said to Qin Yu, “Qin Yu, I’d like you to meet Duan Ling Tian, our new captain.”

“Greetings, Captain Duan Ling Tian. I’m Qin Yu,” Qin Yu greeted Duan Ling Tian.