"Huh? That's a woman—and she's Candidate No. 001? She was the first to sign up for the Martial Examination! Who is she?"
"Look, her info's coming up. Her name is Shen Luoyan."
"Shen Luoyan… never heard of her. But she certainly lives up to her name—beauty that sinks fish and geese. Still, there's something commanding about her. With that aura, she can't be just a pretty face. To dare step forward here means she must have real skill."
"Her opponent seems tough too—Guan Hai. Supposedly from the Yellow Turbans. Pretty strong. Good character too. His leadership is untested, but his courage is proven. This match might be very interesting."
From the omnipresent sky-view, the other candidates watched closely.
For many, this was their first Martial Examination. Everything happening now was precedent—they were eager to learn, hoping to glean insights and avoid chaos in their own turns.
Not many had heard of Shen Luoyan, but Guan Hai was more well-known.
Among those floating in the King's Realm, several of Great Yi's famed generals observed as well.
Guan Yu, upon seeing Guan Hai, nodded slightly."Guan Hai's valor is no less than Hua Xiong's, maybe even greater. His talent isn't lacking either. If he's had good opportunities over the years, he's likely grown quite strong. His leadership's not bad. I'm curious to see how far he'll go."
Indeed, Guan Hai had once been a commander of the Yellow Turbans, known for his strength and capability.
Still, it would all come down to this match.
"Look! They're choosing troop types!"
As Shen Luoyan and Guan Hai entered the battlefield, both began selecting their units—each was allotted one million troops.
Shen Luoyan was the Red side, and Guan Hai the Blue.
All troops were Great Yi's standardized units, with balanced parameters. Each candidate had full freedom to choose any mix—whether one million cavalry or a carefully balanced army. No one could interfere.
"Interesting… Shen Luoyan is going full defense. Is she planning to win by countering?"
She had chosen:
250,000 Sword & Shield Infantry
250,000 Spear & Shield Infantry
250,000 Heavy Shield Infantry
250,000 Crossbowmen
Not a single cavalry unit.
This extreme composition caught many off guard.
Meanwhile, Guan Hai's army was more conventional and aggressive:
300,000 Mounted Archers
300,000 Lancer Cavalry
200,000 Crossbowmen
200,000 Spearmen
Having noted that the three main roads connecting the crystal bases were flat and ideal for cavalry charges, he planned to crush his opponent in a single assault—pure brute force. A swift and decisive victory.
One defended.
One attacked.
A clash of extremes.
And since Shen Luoyan was a female cultivator, everyone was eager to see if she truly had what it took—or was just a pretty face trying to play general.
The battle began.
Shen Luoyan's command skills quickly stunned the audience. She was composed, experienced, and decisive.
On the three main roads, she dispatched:
Sword & Shield Infantry to the top road
Spear & Shield Infantry to the center
Heavy Shield Infantry to the bottom
They moved to occupy the neutral zone along the Tongtian River, where neither side had defense towers—just open, contested ground.
No road could be left undefended, or the enemy could storm straight into the crystal base. Whether through active offense or tight defense, every path had to be held.
From above, observers watched every move unfold in accelerated time.
"Incredible! Shen Luoyan is combining orthodox and unorthodox tactics. Using proper formations while exploiting surprise—she's brilliant!"
"Each road has ten shield walls. Even if cavalry smashes through the first and second, they hit the third and get stuck. Once cavalry loses momentum, they're dead in the water. Her lines are like iron walls—unshakable!"
"Now look! She's led her Crossbow Corps across the wild terrain, flanking toward Guan Hai's crystal base. Her main forces are holding him in check, while her flanking troops strike where he's weakest."
"Classic distraction and surprise. Like luring a tiger from the mountain. A textbook move—executed flawlessly. Guan Hai's base is under-defended. Shen Luoyan's sudden assault might decide the battle!"
All watching were amazed.
Her strategy and command rivaled the best of men. She had proven herself beyond any doubt.
Even though Guan Hai was undeniably brave—and showed immense personal combat strength when they finally clashed—it wasn't enough.
His crystal base was destroyed.
He lost.
Those who watched grew visibly grim.
Who says women are inferior to men?
Many reflected honestly—they themselves might have lost just as badly. Facing her, they'd stand at most a 30% chance of winning.
She wasn't just a beauty.She was a formidable tactician.
"Fascinating," Yi Tianxing murmured, also observing the match.
"She must be the one I heard about. Her ability is no less than any man's. Looks like we'll have another female general in our ranks."
He wasn't watching alone—many of his consorts were present as well, though hidden in the void.
They observed everything with clear eyes and sharp minds.
"With Hua Mulan, Mu Guiying, and now Shen Luoyan,"Zhao Ziyan teased,"Brother, you may want to start a specialized army composed of female generals.
I saw more women among the candidates too—they might be exceptional as well."
She was genuinely delighted.
As a woman herself, she felt a natural affinity for female warriors who could shine on the battlefield—not needing to hide behind men.
"Let's keep watching," Yi Tianxing nodded."If we truly gain a few more, I see no issue forming a dedicated female corps.
Who says women are inferior to men?
Great Yi does not discriminate—we offer an equal stage.
Whether someone rises or falls depends entirely on their ability.
As for the unit's name—Immortal Thorn Legion.
Women in war are like thorns. If they are not strong, they'll be wounded.
But if they survive the thorns—they become thorns themselves.
Not just beautiful, but dangerous. Those who touch them will bleed.
May this spirit—'who says women are inferior'—live on, eternal and undying."
"Immortal Thorn Legion? I like the name,"said Hua Mulan."My Hundred Flowers Legion could join it. If we gather enough sisters, I believe we'll rival any other corps.
Shen Luoyan can be the first recruit."
A spark lit her eyes.
"My Divine Crow Legion is willing to merge into the Immortal Thorn Legion as well,"Mu Guiying added, clearly interested.
Previously, only she and Hua Mulan were prominent women in the military. The thought of having more like-minded sisters inspired them deeply.
They would prove, once and for all,
Women were not weaker than men.
"Good. Then your two legions shall form the backbone of the Immortal Thorn Legion,"Yi Tianxing agreed, smiling.
This would be a blooming flower amidst the legions of Great Yi—a unit of unmatched brilliance.