First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 97
Chapter 97: Preparation
Time passed in the blink of an eye.
The short film project was in its final stages, likely to be completed by Lu Mingyuan and the others during the holiday break. Lian Sheng had also finished her first-ever final exams—an absolutely monumental experience.
Thanks to Liliana's public statement, the match between Lian Sheng and Xia Yanfeng had become a hot topic. Although the parties involved remained silent, it didn't stop the public from speculating and placing bets on the outcome.
All sides were tense, aware of the significant implications behind this competition.
Lian Sheng opened the official website again to check the forum comments.
"What kind of nonsense is this 'Piaoqi Great General'? How can she compare to our Fengfeng?"
"I'm putting it out there right now! Our Fengfeng will definitely win! Down with that so-called general!"
"Fengfeng is brilliant, beautiful, and invincible! What's so great about ancient martial arts? Just a gimmick cooked up by her studio. Fengfeng has never lost!"
"If you're not a Sanyao player, shut the hell up! Can't you control your brain-dead fans?"
"Has Sanyao taken over the world? Our Fengfeng brings so much traffic to Sanyao. Now that Sanyao's official account has spoken, you're the one jumping around."
"Why not just say the entire military is Fengfeng's fanbase? The ambition to become the second Liliana is way too obvious. 'War Goddess on the Princess Throne'—my god, how impressive."
"Who wants to be the second Liliana? Projecting much? Our Fengfeng has always stood on her own reputation!"
"Our Fengfeng comes from three generations of officials—beauty, wealth, status. She wants to rely on her own skills, and you losers still dare to diss her? Who gave you the right?"
Lian Sheng shook her head, logged into Sanyao, and joined the others. She sighed in disappointment. "Disgusting. This is the sixth time I've had to read such filth."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said helplessly, "...Then just don't look?"
"But even if I don't look, it still exists," Lian Sheng replied. "If you have the guts to say it, step forward. I want to remember their ugly faces as motivation."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger: "..."
He leaned sideways and asked mischievously, "How were your exams?"
"Even though I didn't understand any of it," Lian Sheng said with inexplicable confidence, "I think I did very well."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger: "...I'm impressed despite not understanding."
He waved his hand, signaling them to gather. "Now, let me explain the battle arrangements."
All negotiations for the competition had been handled by Hundred Meter Flying Dagger. To avoid disturbing Lian Sheng's exams, he hadn't told her the finalized details. Lian Sheng wasn't worried—someone as experienced as him wouldn't let her suffer any losses.
"First, some good news," Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said, leading the applause. "The legendary 'Iron Lily' Liliana will be commentating our match."
Zhou Shirui and Lian Sheng clapped along, confused. "Why? We hadn't heard. Is she really this free to commentate on a challenge match?"
"This is insider information. It won't be announced officially until the match starts to avoid causing a frenzy," Hundred Meter Flying Dagger explained. "Liliana has absolute recommendation authority in the Sixth Army of the Expeditionary Force. So, understand? This is a golden opportunity for a direct entry into the Sixth Army—especially for a certain student teetering on the edge of failing."
"I told you, I think I did very well this time," Lian Sheng said, turning to Zhou Shirui. "Study hard, junior."
Zhou Shirui: "..."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger kept clapping. "Your boss has already cashed in favors from his next life. Remember this kindness well. No private waivers allowed in this shop. Those who violated shop rules during New Year's, please make up the difference once your conscience kicks in."
Lian Sheng: "Get to the point, boss."
"The point is, Liliana hates opportunists. She likes disciplined, self-restrained soldiers. So in front of her, always stay calm, smart, humorous, and upright." Hundred Meter Flying Dagger suddenly turned serious. "Also, you must win this match."
"Let me put it this way. Xia Yanfeng's family were merchants three generations ago. After making money, they shifted to politics. Now her brother is active in the political arena, and it seems they've tasted success—now they want to use her fame to infiltrate the military. Of course, to orthodox military officials, this is pure delusion. But there are always bad apples. Just as the surface corruption is about to seep deeper, it's necessary to give them a warning—to make them understand that the Alliance military isn't a place for such underhanded tactics." Hundred Meter Flying Dagger added, "But Xia Yanfeng has fifty million fans. No one can underestimate the power of brain-dead stans."
Zhou Shirui corrected, "Seventy million."
"My god, it's already seventy million? The Alliance really needs to tighten its family planning policies." Hundred Meter Flying Dagger sighed. "Right now, PR teams are hyping up Xia Yanfeng, paving the way for her next move. If they can't be hoisted by their own petard, we'll be the ones crushed. Understood?"
Everyone nodded.
The purpose didn't matter. Their goal had always been the same.
Meanwhile, in Xia Yanfeng's high-end apartment—
She hugged her arms, curled up on the sofa.
"Liliana is also interested in ancient martial arts? That's perfect." Her agent paced the room. "That Lian Sheng is an eyesore, but it doesn't matter. I'll handle it. If you defeat her, it'll kill two birds with one stone."
The agent sat beside her with a light computer, explaining the rules: "Considering their military academy resources could disadvantage us, this match will use randomized selection. Aside from twelve fixed officers, registration will open live before the match. The remaining slots will be filled by lottery from the registrants, then divided into teams."
"I'll mobilize your fans to register en masse. That'll dilute the military academy students and ensure most participants are on our side, giving us an absolute advantage from the start." The agent smiled. "Of course, this is all spontaneous fan behavior—nothing to do with you."
The agent continued, "If we already have overwhelming numbers, you can be gracious and advise fans on the opposing team to enjoy the match and follow their commander's orders. For this, listen to your vice-commander's judgment."
Xia Yanfeng looked up. "Did they agree?"
"Of course they agreed." The agent spread his hands. "They're that arrogant. So, they deserve to lose miserably. No sympathy needed."
"This isn't some obscure online match. Take it seriously." The agent patted her shoulder. "We need a spectacular win. Darling, one more step, and you'll rise even higher. There's no status more respected than a hero's. Your dream is so close—it's almost yours."
Xia Yanfeng pressed her lips together, took a deep breath, and declared firmly, "I will win. Of course I'll win. I'll make everyone proud of me!"
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger had also finished explaining the match format to his team.
"In short, this is the situation. We need to pick twelve officers—still seven short." Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said, "Commander: Lian Sheng. Vice-Commander: little bro. The rest, you choose."
Zhou Shirui was surprised. "Your modeling skills are better than mine. You should be vice-commander."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger looked at him fondly. "Against them? No need. That'd be overkill. Go forth bravely, my excellent young comrade."
Zhou Shirui: "..." Something felt off.
Lian Sheng checked her friends list and noticed Cheng Ze was online, so she sent him an invite.
Cheng Ze replied instantly: "If Liliana's judging, of course we're in. I accept on behalf of the team."
Cheng Ze said emotionally, "You're a true bro, boss! We'll give it our all!"
Lian Sheng: "Then we're still three short."
"Easy." Cheng Ze said. "Just pick from the people you've fought before. This is a rare chance to get face time with the Expeditionary Force and the public—they won't say no."
Lian Sheng stroked her chin, recalling past opponents, then logged off to contact her comrades.
In the end, Lian Sheng's team assembled twelve officers: five from the studio, Zhao Zhuoluo's dormitory quartet, Liu Hao from the Allied Military Academy, Zhang Ce from the First Military Academy, and Ji Fangxiao from Alliance University.
They each rallied their peers on their respective military academy forums. Though they couldn't yet reveal Liliana's involvement, these twelve were influential figures in their schools. They urged their comrades to stay online and ready.
Given the match format and Xia Yanfeng's fanbase size, to prevent an overwhelming numbers disadvantage, they launched a massive online campaign to recruit Sanyao players.
The pre-match hype reached unprecedented levels—rumor had it that sensor equipment sales for the quarter were skyrocketing.
There wasn't much to prepare for this match.
For maps, they had the living atlas—Hundred Meter Flying Dagger.
As for strategy rehearsals? Pointless. With such a mixed bag of skill levels and unclear loyalties, no amount of preparation would help.
At 9:00 AM on February 1st, registration opened for two hours. Sanyao would broadcast it live on their official site.
The commentators appeared to rally the crowd and hype the atmosphere.
"Today's match has captured everyone's attention—a challenge from national sweetheart Xia Yanfeng to the rising star of ancient martial arts. Broadcast live by Sanyao. I'm sure everyone's excited!"
"Let me introduce myself. I'm today's commentator, Stroke of Brilliance. Alongside me is a heavyweight co-commentator. Partnering with her is both an honor and a nerve-wracking experience." Stroke of Brilliance announced, "Let's give a warm welcome to the legend of the Expeditionary Force—Colonel Liliana!"
The live chat froze momentarily.
Then Liliana's iconic voice came through: "I hope everyone participates enthusiastically. I look forward to an exciting match."
The moment she spoke, comments exploded, flooding the screen. The video even lagged briefly—and this was Sanyao's supposedly flawless server.
Countless users screamed Liliana's name, desperate for her attention.
"Liliana? That Liliana?"
"There aren't two Colonel Lilianas in this world! At least not living ones!"
"Unbelievable! Liliana! Is she back from the border? They actually got Liliana?"
"This is probably the peak of the entire match! What's left to watch after this?"
"Sign up, sign up! Chance to get noticed—quick, register!"
"Any age restrictions? If not, I'm going all in!"
Liliana's appearance, with just a few words, caused registrations to skyrocket.
Xia Yanfeng and her agent sat in the lounge, watching the numbers climb.
"Tch." Her agent frowned. "Underestimated her influence. That old woman. No wonder they agreed so easily—they'd already planned this."
Xia Yanfeng bit her lip. "Why is Liliana commentating this match? Is she targeting me?"
"Darling, it doesn't matter. This is good for us. You can use this to boost your military profile. Look at the speculation online about your connection to Liliana. Win this match, and I promise—no marketing could top this." Her agent reassured her, "I've already arranged teammates for you. It'll be fine."
Xia Yanfeng glanced away. She was afraid of Liliana—that woman's gaze was terrifying.
The agent said, "No matter what, Liliana's just a commentator this time. She won't blatantly favor the other side—public image matters. Just do what you always do, and you'll win. It's just a game."
"Relax, darling." The agent exhaled. "You can do this. Don't disappoint Mr. Xia."
Xia Yanfeng's lips trembled as she shrank back.
Stroke of Brilliance kept chatting with Liliana. Even if she only uttered two words or just breathed, the crowd went wild.
He was too excited himself—his voice pitched higher, tones slightly unsteady.
Stroke of Brilliance asked, "Colonel Liliana, what are your thoughts on this match? Who do you think will win?"
Liliana replied, "I look forward to our military's rising star joining our ranks to strengthen our forces. I also deeply appreciate her contributions to the Alliance."
Everyone assumed she meant Xia Yanfeng. The chat flooded with "Go Fengfeng!" and "Thank you for your support!"
Liliana paused, then continued, "Lian Sheng and her military academy friends. Thank them for selflessly promoting ancient martial arts. I await their victory."
The chat froze again, then erupted in "???" and "LOL."
The awkwardness was palpable.
Stroke of Brilliance tried to save face for Xia Yanfeng: "I heard Miss Xia Yanfeng is also interested in joining the military. She's been encouraging youth to learn about military affairs. What are your thoughts on her?"
Liliana: "Oh? An entertainment soldier? That's not under my jurisdiction."
Stroke of Brilliance laughed awkwardly. "Haha, you on the front lines might not know, but Miss Xia Yanfeng is quite skilled in Sanyao combat. Though she started late, she's led her team to many victories."
Liliana's tone was lukewarm, clearly uninterested. "Then by all means, let me see it."
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beat em up beat em up beat em up~
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