章節 46: Dear Rouguang
The first light of the day was nothing new to the quiet inhabitants of the new world. It had long stood as the beginning of a new day, a start of another hopeful journey after everyone had retired for the night before. This was when the roosters call for the brave who endured their own battles.
Witnessing the first light by the sea was a sensation among some youth. They took inspiration for every sunrise that they see, praying to the gods to bless them as they tread the paths they chose. However, this so-called chosen path was only merciful to a few.
Brother Blue was traveling across the lake that separated Crimson City from the main island. Even though bridges and trains give access to the people, the vast distance between the city and the main island was bound to raise awe.
The squads that once served under General Xu were restless. He gave them forty-eight hours to find leads about Dunzhao. There might be other general ranks among these immortals, but General Xu Rouguang was second to the highest authorities in the Imperial Army, only inferior to the Grand Commander General. They wouldn't take his orders seriously, but Goddess Nuwa had reinstated his position. They had no choice but to obey.
Then again, they were all hopeful. Even though Xu Rouguang had become a notch monstrous than the last, he still wasn't the type to kill his own men. The most they could get was a kick that would last for a lifetime. No crippling, no deaths—only everlasting pain if left untreated.
Once the first light hit their eyes, they all knew it was time to go back to Crimson City to report. With Brother Blue to stand as their shield, the soldiers didn't fear for their lives. It would take them around thirty minutes to cross the waters surrounding Crimson City. Lucky for them, the meeting place was not in the heart of the city. It was at the same bridge where Dunzhao appeared.
While in flight, Brother Blue opted to look at the bullet train that would match their speed. He would occasionally find children who could make out their figures despite the burning light around them. Sometimes, he would see busy people getting about their day and work in the city; sometimes, some crimes done even before daylight strikes. The busy train was peaceful at the moment, and so Brother Blue looked ahead of him instead.
These immortals had heightened senses, their eyes capable of seeing kilometers into the horizon. As if invisible to the world, all of them could spot Xu Rouguang standing atop one of the bridge's peaks. He stood there with a pacified expression, but most of them felt a threatening aura seeping from him.
Upon spotting the group, General Xu hopped down and landed gently in the middle of the bridge's entrance to the city. Within a minute, the immortals began arriving. All of them genuflected to show respect to their once champion.
Brother Blue was the first one to speak: "Report! Dunzhao of the Torn was..."—he paused as he gritted his teeth—"we believed he was taken into the Abyss. Traces of its energy burst under our radar that day. Also, we have reasons to believe that Dunzhao could have been sent by a cult that worship the demonkind of the old world."
"Dunzhao was taken by another who cloaked themselves with a strange energy. Are you saying he was under the control of a cult?" Xu Rouguang knew there was someone who took Dunzhao. He almost killed that person as well. Being a member of a cult was plausible, but what kind of members do they have? Was this what Nuwa meant by 'he wasn't the only one'?
"We have heard of rumors about a group who worshipped the old demons. They were scholars from different times, rendered immortal by their practices." Brother Blue didn't want to sound like they came up empty. Well, those rumors were the best he could present. Two days was too short for suddenly sweeping for information, especially when the matter suddenly presented itself.
Xu Rouguang wasn't unreasonable. If even Botangca came up short, it meant that these people could be next to nothing, too. At least they had this rumor... a cult? He then regarded Brother Blue again. "Radiant East, keep your eyes open. If Dunzhao had comrades, it means they would attack again. They sought Emodao as their comrade; now that they found him unnecessary, they would set to eliminate him for the things he knew about them. Report every contact as much as possible.
"Also, monitor all the demons staying inside Crimson City. I prohibit contact at all circumstances. You only have to be mindful when and where they gather outside the Bloodvein café. Those who would harm them under any situation wouldn't have to live in fear."
The immortals shuddered as they were all placed under the gaze of the deathless general. None of them knew that he was with no memories; however, his leadership skills seemed to be carved on his bones. The same could be said about his ruthlessness.
Wouldn't have to live in fear? Of course, they didn't need to. They would be dead the very moment Xu Rouguang arrived next to them. Let alone fighting him head-on, they wouldn't be able to hide or escape from Xu Rouguang. As soon as he locked onto them, they would be caught. The distance was the only problem with Xu Rouguang's homing skills, but how small was Crimson City compared to the vast lands of the old world?
Soon enough, they were all dismissed. However, Brother Blue stayed behind. Xu Rouguang kept his silence as he stared at the hesitant face Brother Blue was making. A deep breath soon came, and Brother Blue produced a letter from his armor. He walked to his commander and reached out to hand it to him.
The deathless general's eyes shifted from the immortal to the letter looming before him. It was neatly folded in a sturdy blue stationery envelope. It didn't seem to be harmful, but he could only guise his confusion with hostility. Xu Rouguang had always seen other employees leave letters for him and Lai Mingjie. The contents were often about admiration and more intimate requests.
"General Xu, I came to the Postmaster's office here in Crimson City to inform my father about my matters. After receiving my letter, the Postmaster asked me if I could personally deliver this to you," Brother Blue spoke as he saw how Xu Rouguang only stared at the letter... and then at him. He had a feeling that he was getting misunderstood. "He said it came from Severed Glacier."
"R—" Xu Rouguang almost took the letter with both hands and with a smile on his face. However, he was quick to retract his emotions before taking the letter with just one hand. "From Glacier? Why would he give this to me now?"
"He said that since Severed Glacier had died, it was time for you to receive that."
The hidden gleeful glint in Xu Rouguang's eyes vanished, and he couldn't even hide the pain that softened his face. If anything, he even looked like he was crying. Xu Rouguang cast his gaze at the letter and opened it right then and there.
He tore the side and pulled the letter out from the case. It was only one paper, and it felt like it only had a few words in it. Xu Rouguang flipped the folded paper open, revealing an empty page. Then again, his eyes brightened as he channeled his essence into the paper.
"Dear Rouguang..." Old Glacier's voice sounded, but only Xu Rouguang could hear it.
"Radiant East, please leave me."
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