Chapter 613 - 366: The Crying Child...

After listening to Rong Taotao’s report on the last battle, the old man nodded, his gaze shifting back and forth between Rong Taotao and Gao Lingwei.

"Xu Fenghua’s son, Gao Qingchen’s daughter." As he spoke, a rare smile appeared on the old man’s face, and his gaze settled on Gao Lingwei. "I heard your father moved back to the Snow Realm. Is he doing well?"

"Sir, my father is doing very well." Gao Lingwei stared straight ahead, looking every bit the soldier. "Although his mobility is somewhat limited, his spirits are high and he’s living well."

"Mm." The old man nodded lightly. "He too was once a fierce general of the Cyan Mountain Army. So many years have passed. Now, it’s time for your generation to step up."

Gao Lingwei stood ramrod straight but did not respond.

The old man turned to Rong Taotao and spoke a rather thought-provoking line, "You can pinpoint your mother’s location."

Rong Taotao’s heart skipped a beat. "Sir, I can! But I only know the general direction. I can only determine the relative distance between the Lotus Petals by comparing the strength of the Multi-petaled Lotus’s aura.

"To pinpoint the exact location of a specific Lotus Petal, I need to go there myself."

The old man seemed to be on a different wavelength from Rong Taotao. "The village of the Bailing Tree Maidens is quite close to the banks of the Dragon River," he said.

With that, he fell into deep thought.

’Is it because they were close that my mom could rush to the battlefield in time to save my life?’ Rong Taotao seemed to understand.

’But why did she only appear briefly before leaving?’

According to Gao Lingwei’s previous description, not long after Xu Fenghua appeared in her Frost Giant form, a truly desolate roar echoed from the north.

When Gao Lingwei had described it, she was at a loss for words, unable to convey such an overwhelmingly powerful and terrifying sound.

But one thing was certain: after that roar sounded, Xu Fenghua left...

’There must be a connection between the two.’

While Rong Taotao was lost in thought, the old man suddenly broached a new subject. "And the other Lotus Petals—you only know their approximate locations as well."

Rong Taotao took a moment to carefully sense his connection before replying, "Yes, sir. One petal is to the south. I’m certain it belongs to Si Huan Nian, a Soul Martial Teacher from Songjiang Soul Martial.

"There are four more petals to the north. Apart from the one by the Dragon River, the other three are all within the Russian Federation.

"The three Lotus Petals are very far apart from each other. One is in the northwest, one in the northeast. These two have been stationary in their respective regions for a while now. Judging by the strength of their auras, their general direction and position haven’t changed much at all.

"As for the last one, it appeared suddenly before nightfall. I speculate that it must have just come out of the Snow Realm Vortex.

"And this Lotus Petal seems to be relatively close to the Dragon River. It’s quite active, changing direction frequently. I think it might be carried by a person or a Soul Beast."

Hearing Rong Taotao’s detailed response, the old man nodded in satisfaction. "You played a crucial role in that skirmish. The Lotus Petal was indispensable."

Rong Taotao hesitated for a moment, then continued, "Yes, sir. I am keenly aware of the significance of the Lotus Petal to our Snow Burning Army, and even to all of Huaxia.

"I also dream that one day, I can use the special abilities of the Lotus within me to acquire more Lotus Petals, making the Snow Realm Soul Beast Army afraid to ever invade."

At these words, the old man’s interest seemed to be piqued. He lifted his gaze to Rong Taotao and said softly, "Dreams."

"Yes, dreams." Rong Taotao pursed his lips, gathering his thoughts. "I have many dreams, and one by one, they’re in the process of coming true..."

At the side, Fu Tiance was completely dumbfounded!

’This kid has clearly never dealt with a real, high-ranking superior! He’s never had to give a formal report in his life!’

’To put it bluntly, this kid was... he was actually just shooting the breeze with the Commander-in-Chief of the Snow Burning Army?’

’This is Hundred Corps Pass, not Songjiang Soul Martial University! The man in front of you is your superior officer, not your life coach! This isn’t the time or place to be talking about your dreams...’

However, a faint smile graced the old man’s stern face. Keenly aware of Fu Tiance’s frantic expression, the old man raised a hand and made a subtle, calming gesture in his direction.

Fu Tiance immediately snapped to attention, staring straight ahead, no longer daring to try and catch Rong Taotao’s eye or make any other subtle gestures.

The old man looked at Rong Taotao and said softly, "Continue."

Rong Taotao was the very definition of a newborn calf unafraid of a tiger. Despite the old man’s stern expression and top-tier status, his attitude toward Rong Taotao was surprisingly gentle. In fact, Rong Taotao felt less pressure from him than he did from his old principal, Mei Hongyu...

Rong Taotao began to speak, "I have never met Lady Xu Fenghua, but I have been hearing stories about her my whole life.

"So I came to the Snow Realm, got into Songjiang Soul Martial University, and now, I’ve also joined the Snow Burning Army. It took me a year and a half to get from the First Wall to the Third Wall.

"I want to get stronger, faster. As fast as I can. So that one day, I’ll have earned the right to go to the banks of the Dragon River and meet Lady Xu Fenghua.

"Of course, I also hope to obtain more Lotus Petals, to have more leverage to join the Cyan Mountain Army in exploring the Snow Realm Vortex and uncovering its secrets.

"For decades, all the pain and suffering endured by every person and every family in the northern Snow Realm has stemmed from the Snow Realm Vortex on the banks of the Dragon River. I dream of the day I can unravel the vortex’s secrets, perhaps even close off the Snow Realm, once and for all.

"To let this frozen northern land experience the four seasons once more, as it did decades ago."

His speech was coherent and well-articulated, delivered with resounding conviction.

His youth was his shield, as was his status.

To be able to speak so freely before the Commander-in-Chief of the Snow Burning Army already made Rong Taotao an extraordinary figure in the eyes of most people.

And as for Rong Taotao, he had successfully conveyed his deepest desires to this commander who held real power.

If anyone in the world had the authority to send Rong Taotao to the Dragon River, the old man sitting on the sofa before him was certainly one of them.

Three dreams: Xu Fenghua, the Lotus Petals, and the Snow Realm Vortex.

Moreover, when speaking of the Snow Realm Vortex, Rong Taotao had also made a point to mention the Cyan Mountain Army.

Whether his words were naive or just a string of lofty dreams, they had the desired effect.

The old man before him had understood every message conveyed in Rong Taotao’s words.

And as the captain of the Twelfth Squad, Fu Tiance listened with a growing sense of panic. After all, Rong Taotao was his man!

If anything went wrong or if any trouble was stirred up, Fu Tiance would be the one left holding the bag!

Fu Tiance was finally realizing what a damn double-edged sword was!

When it came to catching Poachers, Rong Taotao’s contributions were undeniable. But since Fu Tiance had pulled him into the squad, he had to accept the downsides that came with the perks.

’Rong Taotao was so young, yet he’d dared to hunt down Mi Tu, Feng Zi, and the Red-clothed Merchant with a university teacher in tow. Wasn’t that just his personality showing?’

The old man said nothing, looking at this energetic, young Soul General before him...

After a long while, he dismissed Rong Taotao and Gao Lingwei, keeping Fu Tiance behind alone.

Rong Taotao and Gao Lingwei obeyed and departed, leaving Fu Tiance to despair in silence.

"Take them to the Third Wall, to stand guard at Wan’an Pass." The old man picked up the teacup on the table and took a small sip.

Fu Tiance was stunned. ’The Third Wall?’

’There was a reason Rong Taotao had been sent back to Hundred Corps Pass overnight.’

’It was precisely because Rong Taotao was in grave danger that Lady Xu Fenghua, who was stationed at the Dragon River, rushed over!’

’And it was precisely because Xu Fenghua left her post that the desolate, heaven-shaking roar was heard.’

’Putting it crudely, Lady Xu Fenghua abandoning her post nearly triggered a catastrophe across the entire north!’

’In fact, Lady Xu Fenghua’s actions this time were beyond everyone’s expectations, and they far exceeded people’s understanding of her power.’

’Although she is a member of the Snow Burning Army, due to her extremely special circumstances, it’s almost impossible for people to communicate with her.’

’Before, the Snow Burning Army didn’t know the extent of Lady Xu Fenghua’s current abilities, and Fu Tiance had indeed taken Rong Taotao on a mission outside the Third Wall.’

’But after this incident, Rong Taotao shouldn’t go to the Third Wall area anymore, and he absolutely shouldn’t be allowed beyond the Third Wall’s gates.’

’Rong Taotao can’t be in even the slightest mortal danger again. At least... not within Lady Xu Fenghua’s jurisdiction.’

’Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable!’

’But the old commander still wanted Rong Taotao to be stationed at the Third Wall?’

The old man put down his teacup and continued, "Xiaorong and Xiaogao will be temporarily transferred from the Twelfth Squad and assigned to the Wan’an Pass City Wall Guard Army..."

It was well known that the closer one was to the Snow Realm Vortex, the denser the Soul Power, and the faster one’s cultivation speed. Even with his Lotus Petal providing a foundation, Rong Taotao couldn’t escape this rule.

Key individuals deserved special cultivation. That was only natural.

The old man’s hand, holding the teacup, paused slightly. A moment later, he added, "Assign them to the City Wall Guard Army—the Cyan Mountain Army."

Fu Tiance: "..."

’So, I’m not the only one in this world who spoils Rong Taotao...’

"You will personally escort the two of them there and handle the personnel transfer with the current captain of the Cyan Mountain Army.

"Relay to the Cyan Mountain Army that they should make good use of Xiaogao’s Frost Night Xuerong. This blizzard is severe. If they discover any Soul Beasts of strategic value, they can assemble their forces and venture out of the pass to capture them.

"At the same time, have Xiaorong closely monitor the movements of the other Lotus Petals. Any changes are to be reported immediately."

Fu Tiance: "..."

’Man, I thought Rong Taotao shouldn’t even go to the Third Wall, but the old commander is even letting them go outside the pass?’

"Yes..." Fu Tiance responded, his voice laced with hesitation.

"Hm?"

Fu Tiance immediately snapped to attention, his voice crisp and clear. "Yes, sir!"

In truth, the old man had his own judgment regarding Fu Tiance’s concerns. The upper echelons of the Snow Burning Army were more or less in agreement: since Xu Fenghua had come once, that Soul Beast Army would most likely not dare to return. The old man simply didn’t bother to explain this to Fu Tiance.

He continued his orders: "After the personnel transfer is complete, have the captain of the Cyan Mountain Army contact me."

Fu Tiance: "Yes, sir!"

’It’s called the Cyan Mountain Army, yet its highest commander is just a "captain."

’Just as I thought. Its former glory was long gone. Its ranks had been all but decimated, with only the unit’s designation left.’

"Alright, go." the old man said, placing his teacup on the table. He stood up, walked to the north-facing window, and stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

’Xiaorong said a new Lotus Petal appeared before nightfall, coming from the Snow Realm Vortex. It’s not far from the Dragon River, it’s very active, and it’s not with the Soul Beast Army...’

’So... could it be you?’

...

Rong Taotao and Gao Lingwei were unaware of what had transpired in the room.

At this moment, the two of them were braving the wind and snow, walking through Hundred Corps Pass on their way to the Twelfth Squad’s headquarters.

Rong Taotao’s emotions were complicated. "Will Captain Fu get chewed out?" he asked. "Was it a bit rash of me to say so much to Commander He just now?"

Hearing this, Gao Lingwei smiled and gently took his hand. "It’s good that you let it all out."

’Uh... was that really me "letting it all out"?’

’I don’t think so. It was just a kid talking about his goals and dreams.’

’But if it does count, then I’m pretty badass. The target of my "venting" was the Commander-in-Chief of the Snow Burning Army...’

’It’s actually kind of thrilling to think about~’

As he thought about this, Rong Taotao and Gao Lingwei returned to the Twelfth Squad headquarters and went back to the Pig office.

At this moment, Rong Taotao still didn’t know that he would likely be leaving this office very soon.

His "rash words" from just now were already having an effect.

As it turns out, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.