Hong Zhentian stood ramrod straight, his voice booming, his expression solemn.
"Now, please welcome our award presenter."
Fang Xian, seeing this, also stood up.
He looked towards the door, where a figure slowly walked in.
The man was tall and imposing, with thick, black hair, exuding energy and an air of authority.
His gaze was firm and profound, his every gesture radiating confidence and composure.
The newcomer was none other than the Commander.
Upon seeing him, the entire hall erupted in cheers.
Excitement and the clicking of camera shutters filled the air; the entire venue was ignited.
Fang Xian, equally incredulous, couldn't believe the Commander was here.
The Commander, with a gentle smile, waved to the crowd.
He walked to the stage and warmly shook hands with the contestants.
The contestants of the "Genius Competition" were all 20-year-old youths, and they were all thrilled to see the Commander take the initiative to shake their hands.
Everyone bowed slightly, extended both hands, and nervously shook hands with the commander.
When it was Fang Xian's turn, he also bowed slightly and shook the commander's large hands.
"Hello, Commander."
The commander's face was full of warm smiles, and his voice was gentle.
"Seeing is believing, Fang Xian is indeed a handsome young man."
"Thank you for the compliment, Commander."
The commander didn't linger, shaking hands with each of the contestants behind him.
After the greetings, the commander sat in the seat on the stage that Ning Feng had vacated.
He brought the microphone closer, a warm smile on his face, preparing to speak.
The stage and the audience fell silent.
"Comrades, friends, today is the press conference for the 'Genius Competition,' and also a celebration."
"At the same time, it's also a significant awards ceremony."
"First of all, on behalf of the nation, I extend my warmest congratulations to the children who won the 'Genius Competition'!"
The commander then led them in applause.
Everyone raised their hands and applauded, cheering them on.
The contestants were thrilled to receive personal congratulations from the Commander-in-Chief, clapping enthusiastically.
The applause subsided, and the Commander-in-Chief continued speaking.
"Originally, I planned to hold this award ceremony in Beijing."
"However, the recent national situation is somewhat serious, and I simply couldn't get away."
"It just so happens that the summit is being held in Shanghai today, so I decided to hold the ceremony here."
"I hope Fang Xian doesn't mind."
The Commander-in-Chief finished speaking and looked kindly at Fang Xian.
Cameras and video cameras immediately focused on Fang Xian, snapping away.
Only then did they realize that the Commander-in-Chief's presence here was entirely because of Fang Xian.
Fang Xian quickly waved his hand, hurriedly saying, "It's alright, it's alright, I don't mind."
He hadn't expected the second thing the elders mentioned would be the Commander-in-Chief personally presenting the award; it was truly a show of sincerity.
The Commander-in-Chief smiled, turned to the audience, and continued speaking.
"Here, I would like to present an award to Fang Xian for his outstanding contributions to the nation and its people."
"On behalf of the nation, I extend my warmest congratulations to Fang Xian, recipient of the 'Dragon God Medal'!"
"I pay my highest respects!"
These words caused a stir throughout the hall.
Countless lights focused on Fang Xian, and thunderous applause erupted.
It should be noted that the "Dragon God Medal" has been awarded to fewer than ten people in history.
Those who receive such a medal are invariably extraordinary geniuses, legendary figures who have achieved remarkable feats.
For a 20-year-old like Fang Xian to receive it is obvious even to the most naive.
Fang Xian is certainly not merely the legendary awakened SP talent, a key player in the "Genius Tournament," or the boy who slaughtered Michael, the strongest knight in the United States.
Given the nature of our society, what is revealed is only the tip of the iceberg; Fang Xian must have made many other outstanding contributions unknown to the public.
Combined with the video of him instantly defeating a group of top-tier experts, Fang Xian's strength is simply unparalleled among awakened individuals.
Therefore, Fang Xian truly deserves the "Dragon God Medal."
Several award presenters, dressed in elegant gowns, walked gracefully in.
They carried exquisite trays, each bearing a gleaming medal, certificate, and trophy.
At Ning Feng's urging, the other contestants descended from the platform.
Fang Xian slowly rose, quickly straightened his clothes, and solemnly looked at the commander.
The commander smiled warmly and walked steadily towards Fang Xian.
He picked up his medal and slowly threaded the pin through Fang Xian's clothes on his left breast.
"Thank you for your contributions to the country."
Fang Xian's expression was solemn, his eyes resolute.
"Revitalizing the nation is our inescapable duty."
...
"Damn Fang Xian!"
If only he had known this would happen, he should have killed Fang Xian at all costs.
But it's too late for regrets now.
"Arthur, how is 'Project Awakening the Gods' progressing?"
General Michael Arthur took a deep drag on his cigarette, his face filled with worry.
"Mr. President, the situation is not optimistic."
"The altar is still short of the necessary offerings."
The president clenched his fists, his nails digging into his flesh with anger.
"Have Raphael expedite the process; the current situation is very unfavorable for us."
"Yes, Mr. President. The 'Awakening of Gods' will be successful in about ten days."
"Excellent! Then, you must kill that damned...
—Fang Xian!"