Global Deities: Rising as Wood Elves' God

The newly arrived Vice Admiral Li Taoyun’s gaze was so intense it felt tangible as it fell upon each and every cadet.

When his eyes landed on Zhang Yi, who stood at the very front, a flicker of almost imperceptible admiration crossed his face.

"Attention!"

"At ease."

The new arrival, Vice Admiral Li Taoyun, issued the commands. The cadets from the Yanhuang Federation adjusted their stances once more.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Vice Admiral Li Taoyun, Supreme Commander of the First Expeditionary Corps, Third War Zone, of the Yanhuang Federation Military."

"Perhaps some of you have already noticed that this award ceremony is different from those in the past."

"And that you have questions in your minds."

"In that case, allow me to tell you the purpose of my visit."

Vice Admiral Li Taoyun paused for effect.

"Today, I have come here on behalf of the High Command of the Yanhuang Federation Military to present awards for the outstanding contributions you—cadets from all across the Yanhuang Federation—made during the third-round exchange competition of the University Alliance Training Camp, and to bestow upon you the honor you have earned!"

Upon hearing this, the faces of all the Yanhuang Federation cadets lit up with excitement. But even in their excitement, they held their breath, listening intently for what Vice Admiral Li Taoyun would say next.

"First, I will confer upon you your military ranks!"

Vice Admiral Li Taoyun accepted a file from his adjutant. He began to read:

"By order of the High Command of the Yanhuang Federation Military, and upon review and approval by the Military Department, the following cadets are to be granted military ranks!"

"Zhang Yi!"

As the other cadets from the Yanhuang Federation watched with envy, Zhang Yi stepped out of line. Vice Admiral Li Taoyun looked down from the stage at Zhang Yi, his expression full of admiration. He announced in a booming voice:

"Cadet Zhang Yi has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance throughout the assessment period at the University Alliance Training Camp."

"He placed first individually in both the first and second rounds of the University Alliance Training Camp assessments."

"In the third-round exchange competition, he led the Yanhuang Federation team to win the grand championship, while also setting a new all-time record for Points!"

"Furthermore, he also won the individual Points championship!"

Vice Admiral Li Taoyun paused here, letting the achievements sink in before speaking the next line.

"After evaluation by the Yanhuang Federation Military and the University Alliance Training Camp Assessment Committee, and with the approval of the Military Department, Cadet Zhang Yi is hereby granted the rank of—Lieutenant!"

"The rank of Lieutenant?!"

Suppressed gasps of shock erupted from the Yanhuang Federation cadets standing behind Zhang Yi! By convention, the highest rank awarded to outstanding graduates of the University Alliance Training Camp was only Second Lieutenant. Moreover, outstanding cadets in previous years were typically only granted the rank of Sergeant First Class. Granting Zhang Yi the rank of Lieutenant was completely unprecedented!

It wasn’t just the other Yanhuang Federation cadets who gasped in shock. Zhang Yi, who had become intimately familiar with the rules after joining the University Alliance Training Camp, was also stunned.

Based on the mission he completed in the second round, he should have only been made a Sergeant First Class. How did it suddenly jump to Lieutenant? There’s still the rank of Second Lieutenant between Sergeant First Class and Lieutenant!

However, this was no time for Zhang Yi to be lost in thought. Seeing that Vice Admiral Li Taoyun had already picked up the uniform and insignia, Zhang Yi instinctively walked forward until he stood before him. Vice Admiral Li Taoyun personally picked up the uniform and handed it to Zhang Yi.

After Zhang Yi had put on the uniform, Vice Admiral Li Taoyun then personally pinned the silver Lieutenant’s shoulder insignia onto it. He then clapped him on the shoulder and said encouragingly, "Lieutenant Zhang Yi, I hope you will continue your diligent efforts and make even greater contributions to the Yanhuang Federation and the Blue Star Federation!"

"Sir! I will not fail my duty!"

Still caught up in his excitement, Zhang Yi replied automatically before snapping to attention and saluting. It wasn’t until he stepped down and the next cadets were called up that he finally came back to his senses.

"Cadet Lan Miao, granted the rank of Second Lieutenant!"

Lan Miao stepped forward. It was perfectly reasonable for him to be awarded the rank of Second Lieutenant. After all, the Yanhuang Federation had discovered three Inner Earth Worlds. In the smallest of these, a world with over 80% ocean coverage, it was Lan Miao who had led the Ocean Academy team in hunting marine Giant Beasts. In the Inner Earth World where they clashed with the White Eagle Federation cadets, it was also Lan Miao and his Ocean Academy team who hunted Giant Beasts in the aquatic zones.

If Zhang Yi alone contributed one-tenth of the Yanhuang Federation team’s total Points, then Lan Miao and his Ocean Academy team contributed one-fifth. Therefore, it was perfectly logical for Lan Miao to be awarded the rank of Second Lieutenant.

"Cadet Gu Yun, granted the rank of Second Lieutenant!"

Gu Yun stepped forward with a steady composure. In all three rounds of the University Alliance Training Camp assessments, Gu Yun had consistently ranked among the best, placing in the top three each time. Not only were his Points high, but during the third-round exchange competition, his team command skills were second only to Zhang Yi’s. Despite this, he still followed Zhang Yi’s lead, meticulously carrying out every one of his orders. Awarding him the rank of Second Lieutenant was also well-deserved.

"Cadet Hong Tianyi, granted the rank of Sergeant First Class!"

Hearing Vice Admiral Li Taoyun’s announcement, Hong Tianyi was so excited his hands began to tremble. He knew that a considerable portion of his achievements had been gained by riding on Zhang Yi’s coattails. Still, receiving official recognition from the Yanhuang Federation Military was a thrilling moment.

"Cadet Lu Mei, granted the rank of Sergeant First Class!"

At this, Lu Mei stepped forward gracefully. However, Zhang Yi, who knew her well, could detect a hint of panic in the slight unevenness of her stride.