Apocalypse: Master of Soul Beasts

”I don’t blame you for this matter.”

With one sentence, Fang Yuqiong’s escape in the heat of battle was defined.

At the time, Lin Haifeng had also thoroughly examined the battle report presented by the Corpse puppet. Although Fang Yuqiong was at fault, it was not to the level of an unforgivable sin.

After all, Lin Haifeng couldn’t expect every soldier under his command to be willing to sacrifice their lives, even when facing an invincible enemy, charging forward recklessly.

This is not realistic; the fear of death is a common human trait. It’s just that this time the issue fell upon his carefully nurtured grandson, which indeed left Lin Haifeng feeling a bit cold inside.

However, as the saying goes:

Trash is just treasure placed in the wrong spot.

Facts have proven that Fang Yuqiong is not suited for leading troops in combat, nor is he fit to fight desperately on the frontline. Regarding his grandson, the old man was well aware—while Lin Que was a true warrior, Fang Yuqiong was more inclined towards the cunning type, similar to Lin Haifeng himself, albeit a bit green.

It can be said that he still needs cultivation and training...

But who exactly is Lin Haifeng? At this moment, looking at Fang Yuqiong’s silent and embarrassed expression, the old man suddenly had an idea...

Then he spoke.

”Regarding this battle, do you have any thoughts yourself?”

Upon hearing his grandfather’s words, Fang Yuqiong fell silent for a moment, then said hesitantly.

”I feel, I might not be suited for the frontline...”

There is still hope... at least he has self-awareness.

Lin Haifeng made this judgment in his mind, then feigned contemplation briefly before speaking again.

”Yu Qiong, look, there were quite a few witnesses to this incident, after all, quite a few soldiers survived on the eastern defense line. The news of your escape without fighting is surely not going to stay secret. It is said that mistakes must come with consequences, your rank surely cannot be preserved.”

This would be a total demotion—being the highest commander in a frontline war zone, choosing to flee when the situation was at its toughest, not issuing a single effective command throughout—all these were enough to send him to military tribunal.

However, the usual mercy applies; it’s not a crime worthy of death.

This had happened previously in Yanjing too, where the military tribunal’s decision was merely to revoke rank. If you wanted to go to the battlefield, well, be a soldier for life then, forget about promotions or anything of the sort.

In other words, Fang Yuqiong’s path in the military is pretty much destroyed by his own actions...

But as Fang Yuqiong himself stated—he feels he’s not suited for the frontline. Once this was understood, the significance of the so-called rank seemed less important.

Fang Yuqiong swiftly tore off his shoulder insignia, handed over his seal and token, showing no sign of dissatisfaction.

”I’ve made a mistake and must accept the punishment, Grandpa, I request to be transferred to the Death Squad to hone my temperament... please grant it, Grandpa...”

Fang Yuqiong’s tone grew smaller and smaller, because he saw Lin Haifeng’s face with a faint smile.

Lin Haifeng had seen through everything—the young man had no desire to join the Death Squad, nor did he want to wield weapons against the Demon Tribe. These words were merely an attempt to restore his grandfather’s impression of him.

Lin Haifeng chose not to point this out, simply waving his hand and offering his suggestion.

”I don’t think you’re suited for the frontline battlefield... Hmm, how about this? I’ll transfer you to the Staff Department or the Ministry of Internal Affairs, starting from the grassroots, you can learn some things.”

After finishing, Lin Haifeng seemed to have an inspired thought and added:

”Those who accomplish great things don’t wield swords or guns; it’s about strategizing from afar, that is the path more suitable for you.”

While it wasn’t joyful, Fang Yuqiong indeed felt much lighter after hearing these words. The grandfather and grandson thus reached an arrangement, chatted for a while, and Fang Yuqiong got up to leave.

However, just as Fang Yuqiong reached the door, Lin Haifeng sighed deeply.

”Yu Qiong... wait a moment...”

”What’s wrong, Grandpa?”

”There’s something I’ve kept inside for many years, and I’m unsure whether I should tell you.”

Fang Yuqiong was taken aback, then quickly returned to his place, making a posture of listening.

”You know you have an uncle, right?”

”Yes, I know, Big Brother Lin Que’s father, but I heard... he’s been dead for a long time...”

”No... he’s not dead, rather he’s thriving more than ever. Ah, these are grudges of the older generation. Actually, keeping these things inside is quite hard for me too, would you be willing to listen to an old man’s stories?”

”I’d love to...”

”Here’s how it went...”

...

”Bang!”

The door collided with the frame, producing a deafening blast. Under immense force, the conference room door shattered into splinters!

”You dare to slam the door? You useless fool! Get out! Get out!!”

Lin Haifeng’s furious voice echoed from inside, and Fang Yuqiong, who rushed out, had eyes reddened as if having endured indescribable humiliation.

This scene undoubtedly ignited the gossip among the other staff in the command headquarters, as they speculated and pieced together the situation quickly and clearly.

Fang Yuqiong, being the Chief Commanding Officer of the Eastern Defense Area, fled alone ignoring the lives of his subordinates when the battle turned disadvantageous. Though the battle losses weren’t much related to Fang Yuqiong, his actions were indeed improper.

Judging by the circumstance, it seems the grandfather and grandson were at odds, and talks broke down...

Faced with Lin Haifeng’s wrath, none of the staff in the command headquarters dared to provoke his temper, until nearly ten minutes passed, Lin Haifeng emerged from the conference room, face crimson.

”Someone! Get me someone!”

”Commander Lin.”

”Dismissal! Strip Fang Yuqiong of his military position, have him get out! The further he gets, the better!”

”Yes, Commander.”

The trusted aide accepted the order and left.

Dismissal was certain, Fang Yuqiong’s rank was doomed to not survive, but the word ”get out” held greater significance.

After all, this Yanjing was Lin Haifeng’s territory, and despite Fang Yuqiong’s grave errors, it remained Lin Haifeng’s family affair... How would Fang Yuqiong get out?

Getting out of the military system, leaving District 8 Outpost Base, that would count as one manifestation of ”getting out.”

Thus, his latest transfer order was issued an hour later.

All original ranks were stripped, simultaneously appointing Fang Yuqiong as Deputy Director of the Administrative Office of the Ministry of Justice.

It sounds prestigious, but it’s actually just an idle position.

For a while, the freezing of Fang Yuqiong and the conflict between grandfather and grandson spread like wildfire within the influence range of Yanjing.