Year 403 of the Dawning Era.
Military Department.
Ji He stood in front of the territorial map of Star City, his gaze sweeping across the land. His eyes finally settled on the front-line supply zone of Star City.
Now, he stood at the pinnacle of power in Star City.
His first step in the reform of Star City would begin with the Military Department.
In the past, Star City's primary military strength had been divided into two parts.
One part consisted of the various major domain combat squads in the front-line supply zone, responsible for exploring, dispersing front-line domain fields, and transporting resources back to Star City.
The other part was the Military Department stationed in Star City, tasked with maintaining internal order, safeguarding the city's security, and acting as the strongest defense if a domain field were to suddenly appear.
This model had been maintained for hundreds of years.
But Ji He believed it was time for reform.
The environment around Star City had worsened, and powerful racial forces had emerged one after another. The expansion of the human race on the front lines had slowed down significantly.
The old combat model was no longer suitable for the current situation.
It was time to integrate the front-line forces, strengthen the military's fighting capabilities, and change the small-scale domain combat squad combat model into a more integrated, combined combat model.
His idea was to merge the front-line domain combat squads into the Military Department.
In the future, the Military Department would open up battlefields and acquire resources through warfare.
Ji He had thoroughly analyzed the pros and cons of this approach.
In the human world, domain forces were increasingly adopting a trend of "the big devours the small," with weaker forces being eliminated at a rapid pace.
In the past, smaller domain forces had dominated, so the domain combat squad model, relying on small teams for its efficiency, convenience, and flexibility, had become the mainstream approach for external combat.
However, future battlefields were moving toward large-scale wars.
Star City was growing stronger by plundering the spiritual resources from domain fields, and many other domain forces were doing the same.
As small-scale battles through the domain combat squad model became increasingly incompatible with the future battlefield, the importance of the Military Department was becoming more evident.
Merging the domain combat squads into the Military Department, in Ji He's view, was absolutely necessary.
Not only would this enhance the military's overall strength, but it would also reform the way the front-line fought.
Shifting from the small-scale domain combat squad model to a combined combat model, which the Military Department excelled at, would allow them to adapt early to future wars between races.
This reform had another advantage.
It would raise Star City's control over the front lines to a new level.
Currently, the domain combat squads were like mercenaries. Aside from being supervised by Star City, the domain combat squads were primarily managed by the Domain combat squad Association.
However, the Domain combat squad Association was not fully under Star City's control.
The Domain combat squad Association was an organization jointly established by five major cities, managing the deployment of domain combat squads from all five cities, and was an entirely independent entity.
Even the Domain combat squad Association's relationship with the domain combat squads leaned more toward cooperation than full control.
To take back the control of the front-line domain combat squads, the Domain combat squad Association was the first hurdle in Ji He's path, and the thoughts of the leaders of the top domain combat squads were another obstacle.
Merging the front-line domain combat squads into the Military Department was not as simple as it seemed.
Ji He already had a clear goal in mind.
Compared to the Domain combat squad Association, which had long arms reaching into the domain combat squads, Ji He placed more importance on the views of the top domain combat squads.
However, directly having the top domain combat squads take the lead in joining the Military Department was not easy. Their high level of autonomy, especially the ten major domain combat squads, made them almost equal to the Military Department.
In history, there had been instances where top domain combat squads clashed with the Military Department. The Dark Star Domain combat squad, stationed in Winterfell City, once had a conflict with the Military Department when a sub-group leader was imprisoned, but fortunately, the situation was eventually suppressed.
To have the Military Department incorporate the top ten domain combat squads would require dismantling their independence.
Ji He did not doubt that if Star City issued a public announcement to integrate the front-line domain combat squads into the Military Department, many domain combat squads would respond positively.
However, there would be two major obstacles.
One was the resistance from the Domain combat squad Association, and the other was the resistance from certain top domain combat squads that were unwilling to join the Military Department.
Ji He had no authority over the supply zones in other cities, but he had already made the decision to firmly control the domain combat squads stationed in Star City's supply zone.
However, pushing for the domain combat squads to join the Military Department too aggressively would only backfire.
He decided to start with the domain combat squad structure in the western supply zone of Star City, gradually integrating the forces of each domain combat squad.
Before doing so, he would not expose his plans.
As for who would be in charge of the integration task, Ji He already had the perfect candidate in mind.
That evening, he went to the Military Department's prison.
In addition to the criminals of the city, there were some special groups being held here.
For instance, Director Hu from the Tiger Soul Research Institute was currently imprisoned here.
But Ji He's target this time was not Director Hu.
Following the military soldiers, Ji He finally arrived at a cell.
The cell was made of special metal, and all the spiritual energy inside had been completely drained. The side facing the corridor had thick, explosion-proof transparent glass.
When the guard left, Ji He pressed a button on the wall.
The light inside the cell flickered and then illuminated.
There, sitting against the wall, was a haggard middle-aged man. His hair was messy, and his face was pale.
Their gazes met, and Ji He smiled and said:
"Captain Li."
The man known as Captain Li slowly raised his head, revealing eyes filled with killing intent.
He looked like a caged tiger, exuding a rebellious and untamed aura.
The man was named Li Zhan, the leader of the "Wings of Death," one of the top ten domain combat squads.
Ji He had carefully reviewed historical records about him.
In Ji He's eyes, Li Zhan was exceptionally talented, but also full of ambition.
Li Zhan's rise occurred long before Ji He was born. At that time, Li Zhan was considered one of the top ten outstanding graduates in the history of Dawning Academy.
Having graduated from the combat department, Li Zhan was once a legend.
After graduation, Li Zhan was chosen by one of the oldest and most prestigious of the top ten domain combat squads, the "Smash the Domain Dog Head" domain combat squad, and started his journey as a new recruit in a top-tier domain combat squad.
After three years of training on the front lines, Li Zhan took the initiative to leave the "Smash the Domain Dog Head" domain combat squad and established the "Wings of Death" domain combat squad.
In the years that followed, the "Wings of Death" rose rapidly.
Looking at the development of domain combat squads, aside from the "Dawn" domain combat squad, which now belongs to Winterfell City's Dawn Military Department and has an overwhelmingly fast growth rate, the development of the "Wings of Death" ranks among the top five in human history, even within the top three.
But Li Zhan's flaw was his ambition.
Once, Li Zhan had used his ambition and drive to bring the "Wings of Death" to the historical status of the top ten domain combat squads.
But after becoming the leader of one of the top ten domain combat squads, Li Zhan had new goals.
He wanted to integrate the front-line forces, making them fully independent and no longer under the control of the city's upper echelons or the Domain combat squad Association.
Li Zhan had never betrayed humanity; his initial intention was to give the front-line domain combat squads greater autonomy so they could fully control their battle strategies. He also hoped to expand the "Wings of Death" into a force comparable to the Military Department.
His idea was undoubtedly aimed at breaking the then-existing structure of the front-line system.
Because of this, Li Zhan took the path of opposing the city and the Domain combat squad Association, ultimately becoming a prisoner.
A rising star thus dimmed, and after a joint trial by the Domain combat squad Association, the Joint Military Department, and the city's high-ranking officials, it was decided that Li Zhan would be sent back to his homeland, Star City, to be imprisoned in the Military Department's prison.
The sword returned to its sheath, and with the passing of time, Li Zhan gradually faded from public view.
Now, Li Zhan appeared to be in his forties, but in reality, he was over one hundred years old.
The "Wings of Death" domain combat squad he founded was still one of the top domain combat squads, but it was no longer as glorious as it had been when Li Zhan was leading it.
In Ji He's eyes, this sheathed sword was now ready to be unsheathed.
Li Zhan was the best pawn in Ji He's eyes. His ideas aligned perfectly with Ji He's. Ji He wanted to use Li Zhan to integrate the domain combat squads in Star City's western supply zone and then have the Military Department take over.
"Who are you?"
Li Zhan's cold, hoarse voice rang out.
"Ji He, a member of the Star City Supreme Council."
"What do you want with me?"
"I've always believed you were right in the past. Your idea of integrating the front-line forces was just ahead of its time, and your methods were too radical. The battlefield of the future will see domain forces fighting by race. The domain combat squad model, with its scattered operations, can't form an effective resistance against strong races."
As Ji He explained the situation on the front lines, Li Zhan's eyes flickered with change.
What Ji He said echoed his own past thoughts.
Each word Ji He spoke struck a chord with him, and for the first time in a long while, he felt as if he had found a confidant.
"Captain Li, the future demands new reforms to adapt to this new era. I need your help."
"Even if you are a member of the Star City Supreme Council, you can't get me out of here."
At this point, Li Zhan was clearly moved, but despite Ji He's invitation, he couldn't help but sigh.
"Captain Li, the world has changed drastically during the years you've been imprisoned. First, Future City was destroyed, and our connections with Old Day City and Victory City are being gradually severed. The main routes between cities are mostly covered by domain fields, and the influence of the Domain combat squad Association in Star City is weakening. As for the internal pressure within Star City, you don't need to worry. I can handle it."
Under Ji He's persuasion, Li Zhan's eyes shifted continually.
"Captain Li, you were once a legend. I believe you can rise again in this new era."
This time, Li Zhan's gaze grew firm. Looking at Ji He, he nodded and said, "I never expected that, after being half-buried in the ground, I would find someone who understands me. Since that's the case, I have nothing left to hesitate about."
When the prison door opened, Ji He extended his right hand, shaking hands with Li Zhan.
Ji He spoke at this moment:
"Captain Li, I'll arrange for three outstanding, exceptional newcomers to assist you. The future of the front lines is in your hands."
"Good."
...
End of 403, Dawning Era.
Li Zhan was released from prison and, with three elite soldiers arranged by Ji He, headed to the front lines.
In early 404, under Ji He's arrangement, Li Zhan rejoined the "Wings of Death" domain combat squad, the one he had founded, and by the end of the year, he took back leadership of the domain combat squad.
The plan to integrate the domain combat squads was now underway.
Li Zhan worked hard on the front lines, while Ji He coordinated and provided comprehensive support from behind.
When the Domain combat squad Association inquired, Ji He used the pre-arranged excuses to calm them down and keep their concerns at bay.
During this time, Li Zhan did not disappoint him and began expanding the "Wings of Death" domain combat squad.
To increase the influence of the "Wings of Death," Ji He took the initiative to arrange most of the combat-oriented students who graduated from Dawning and Star City that year into the "Wings of Death."
As time passed, in 407 of the Dawning Era.
That year, under Li Zhan's management and Ji He's support, the "Wings of Death" grew rapidly, advancing to become the number one domain combat squad in Star City's western supply zone by integrating new recruits and absorbing smaller domain combat squads.
After four years of cooperation, Li Zhan regarded Ji He as his confidant and trusted him completely.
But in Ji He's eyes, Li Zhan's achievements were still far from enough; they did not meet the targets Ji He had set.
While the smaller domain combat squads in Star City's western supply zone had been absorbed into the "Wings of Death," the influence of the "Wings of Death" on the top-tier domain combat squads was still limited. It was impossible for them to swallow these top domain combat squads.
Ji He had already thought of the next step for Li Zhan.
Declare war on the Holy Shield Domain Field.
The Holy Shield Domain Field was a powerful force located west of Star City's supply zone, in a standoff with the front lines for over ten years, but humanity had never taken action against this domain force.
This time, Ji He decided to use Li Zhan's war against the Holy Shield Domain Field as a starting point to establish a United Domain combat squad.
Since it was a United Domain combat squad, it naturally required a commander-in-chief.
This plan had been carefully crafted by Ji He for a long time.
Li Zhan, who commanded the strongest front-line domain combat squad, was undoubtedly the best candidate for the position of commander-in-chief of the United Domain combat squad.
In the following years, with Ji He's support, Li Zhan became the commander-in-chief of the United Domain combat squad, leading the various domain combat squads on the front lines.
For the war against the Holy Shield Domain Field, Ji He intentionally had Li Zhan slow down the progress.
This period was, in Ji He's eyes, the best time for Li Zhan to solidify his control over the front lines.
During this time, Li Zhan gradually dismantled the top-tier domain combat squads, assigning them to various subgroups and eventually integrating them into the Death God's Wing Domain combat squad.
A united front-line army, comparable to the Military Department, was slowly taking shape.
During the fight against the Holy Shield Domain Field, Li Zhan deepened his control over the United Domain combat squad. He deliberately started to train the front-line soldiers in a legion format, improving their overall coordination and combat abilities, in line with Ji He's vision.
At this point, Li Zhan's overall combat strength was comparable to the former Dawn Domain combat squad.
In fact, he could now almost rival the Military Department by himself.
This was also Li Zhan's long-held dream.
In 412 of the Dawning Era, the United Domain combat squad successfully dispersed the Holy Shield Domain Field, with only a few members of the Holy Shield race managing to escape and become wandering forces.
However, Li Zhan did not disband the United Domain combat squad.
At Ji He's invitation, Li Zhan returned to Star City to attend a victory celebration.
The entire city was lively, immersed in the joy of victory. Everyone eagerly anticipated the massive influx of resources from the Holy Shield Domain Field, hoping for a new period of rapid development for Star City.
Li Zhan made frequent appearances in the news, becoming a hero in the eyes of the people once again.
The decisions made by Ji He and Li Zhan were proven to be correct. In the face of powerful domain forces, integrating the front-line forces for battle was the only way to adapt to the increasingly harsh future.
Five days later.
Li Zhan, at Ji He's invitation, arrived at the Star City Administrative Headquarters, to Ji He's office.
That evening, Li Zhan and Ji He shared a drink, engaging in a pleasant conversation.
At this point, Li Zhan felt both gratitude and trust toward Ji He.
Having come this far, Ji He was both his mentor and his benefactor, the one who had pulled him out of the dark, bottomless prison. So, he never once suspected that there was anything wrong with the wine he drank.
Ji He had added a madness factor extracted from Tian Shu's blood into the wine.
Years ago, in an attempt to help Tian Shu resolve his uncontrollable madness, Star City had conducted research on Tian Shu's body, preserving his blood.
After that night, Li Zhan returned to the front lines, but soon after, his condition began to worsen.
He started losing control, often becoming delirious.
The front-line medical system was clearly unable to resolve the issue of Li Zhan's madness.
As a result, Ji He used this as an excuse to bring Li Zhan back to Star City.
At this point, it was clear that Li Zhan was no longer fit to command the United Domain combat squad.
The three original followers of Li Zhan, who had now become the commanders of the three main subgroups of the United Domain combat squad, stepped forward to manage the group in Li Zhan's place.
Every step of this was carefully planned by Ji He.
Li Zhan's value in Ji He's eyes had been exhausted, and from now on, he would only serve as an obstacle to the Military Department's assimilation of the United Domain combat squad.
Ji He knew exactly what Li Zhan was thinking.
Li Zhan, full of ambition, wanted to create an independent front-line army that could stand alongside the Military Department.
This was not a result Ji He wished to see.
So, from the very beginning, Ji He had been using Li Zhan, planting seeds with his abilities, letting Li Zhan nurture them, and now the seeds had bloomed, ready for harvest.
The three elite warriors who had followed Li Zhan all those years ago were Ji He's contingency plan.
Now that Li Zhan had lost control of the United Domain combat squad, these warriors would cooperate with the Military Department to gradually transfer control, integrating the domain combat squad system into the Military Department, making it part of the military structure.
In Ji He's eyes, the Military Department was the only force fit for the future battlefield.
As for Li Zhan's future, he would return to the prison that was rightfully his. In Ji He's eyes, Li Zhan had already completed his historical mission.
...
One day, when Ji He arrived at the Military Department's dungeon and appeared before Li Zhan again, he could see through the glass that Li Zhan now looked dispirited. He was curled up in the corner of his cell, no longer carrying the proud aura he had when he defeated the Holy Shield Domain Field.
Li Zhan seemed to sense something and slowly lifted his head to look at Ji He. His eyes showed no sadness or loss, only a sneer.
"Ji He, you've hidden it so deep. Now I understand what you truly want. You've been using me all along. How foolish I was to see you as a confidant."
"Reform always comes with sacrifice."
"So, I've become the sacrifice for your push to reform Star City's system, haven't I?"
Faced with Li Zhan's accusation, Ji He didn't respond. After staring at Li Zhan for a long moment, he spoke:
"Now, the outside world believes you're receiving secret treatment in Star City, but your influence on the front line is too great. I can't let you go free... If there's anything you need while staying here, just ask, and I will fulfill it."
"Are you pitying me?"
"No, I'm just using this method to make up for the guilt I feel inside."
Ji He spoke openly, without hiding his thoughts.
"What do you plan to do next?"
"Dissect the front-line domain combat squad system and integrate it into the Military Department, then reform the Military Department, turning it into Star City's sharp sword for external warfare."
"Of course, I see now. It's a pity that I only figured out your intentions now. I've lost completely."
As Li Zhan spoke, his eyes flashed, and his emotions became somewhat unstable.
Ji He didn't respond. He simply bowed deeply to Li Zhan, then turned and walked away.
Seeing Ji He leave, Li Zhan took a few steps forward, pressing his face against the transparent glass, his eyes red as he shouted at Ji He's departing figure:
"Ji He, is the path you've chosen truly the right one?"
"History will provide the answer."
Ji He answered without turning around.
"History will provide the answer, huh? You're more determined than I thought. If I'm not mistaken, you've already secretly taken control of the entire Star City. Even I'm starting to believe you can succeed. Hahaha."
Staring in the direction Ji He had gone, Li Zhan let out a hysterical laugh.