"The Yao Clan? Ling Xue!

"

She was worried for her, this enemy turned friend. Although the clan themselves were in a questionable relationship with her, she could not ignore such news.

Ming Yue's face turned to one of surprise as she looked at Zi Jing.

He was quiet and his face dark.

The others were silent, looking to him for a response.

"Let's return first. All of you need some rest after this ordeal, which includes you and you.

"

He gazed at Ya Lang and Ming Yue before walking off, leading everyone back to the camp. It was quiet, very quiet. No one spoke during the entire trip. What could they say? Their victory in the south was eclipsed by the defeat in the north.

By the time they returned, it was night and the camp was silent. There were a few patrols marching about but most were asleep.

"Alright, spend the next few days recovering. I will send another group to retrieve the lizard corpses. You are dismissed.

"

As everyone scattered apart, Zi Jing walked up to the two Jadewood Sect disciples.

"You two need to come with me. We have to discuss with your senior sister about what happened.

"

The pair looked at each other, overcome with shame and embarrassment. They nodded to followed him to the Commander's tent. There, Yu Zhen was busy looking at a pile of documents, she looked up to see Zi Jing before seeing the two behind him.

"Ah, so there you two are. There's going to be a lot to explain

", she told them.

Jian Yi entered soon after, immediately looking at them.

"Yu Qiu, Ting Hua, where were you two? Everyone looked all over the camp! What happened?

"

She gave them both a stern look before turning to Commander Zi Jing.

"I apologize for any trouble they may have caused.

"

She quickly lowered her head, asking for forgiveness. However, Zi Jing wasn't going to be so merciful.

"Trouble? These two thought it'd be fun to follow us on the mission! Do you have any idea how much danger they were in? No, do you know how idiotic it was to follow us?!

"

After shouting at her, he glared at the two disciples, who stood there silently, fully acknowledging their mistake.

"After what my men told me, I couldn't believe it. You two, led by that little fox, all the way to the bunker. If Ming Yue was not there, neither of you would be standing here. Instead, you'd be inside the stomachs of those Vore Demons! Is that how you want your life to end? Both of you may just be disciples but neither of you are children! This isn't home anymore, this is a war. If you think of this as an adventure then you're better off getting out of here.

"

After lecturing them, he sighed and then faced Jian Yi.

"Take them back and discipline them properly, you may leave

", he said.

The trio was quiet as they turned and left the camp.

Zi Jing watched them go before looking around for a seat. Finding one, he dropped down and leaned his head over. Every bit of exhaustion and stress revealed themselves as this genius slouched, massaging the bridge of his nose.

"Hah, it really is one thing after another. We win on one end only to lose in another

", he muttered.

Yu Zhen looked at him before standing up, stepping away from the various files on the war table.

"I take it the operation was a success

", she asked.

He straightened himself up to face her and nodded.

"We or rather, Ming Yue was able to kill them all. We've also dealt with their pets too, so we'll need to deal with that. For now, I'd say that we're safe but with what has happened up north, I'm not so sure.

"

Yu Zhen looked down at the ground, crossing her arms and leaning against the war table.

"There isn't much we can offer, not when we're stretched this thinly. Gao Ri and Nie Xia will send aid to Du Xiu and the North Fort. As for us, we have to focus on setting a foothold here. Not to mention, we have other experts

", she replied.

"You mean those Jadewood Sect Disciples or Ming Yue?

" he asked.

"Both.

"

Zi Jing raised a brow before standing up and walking towards the war table. He placed both hands on the edge of it, studying the map.

"I don't know how but Kong Zhi and the Hundun Clan are in an alliance. However shaky it may be, they are cooperating with each other. While they may be attacking the north, there is no guarantee that they won't target us. As for those two, those disciples would be helpful in defending but retaliation? I don't know.

"

"And Ming Yue?

"

He revealed a complicated expression when Yu Zhen mentioned her name.

"After hearing the news, she was definitely bothered by it. More than likely, she may leave for the North

", he replied back to her but spoke with a sense of doubt.

"Are you sure?

"

Yu Zhen looked at him seriously but he merely stared at the table.

"I don't know, I really just don't know. We just have to wait and see

", he answered, shaking his head.

Her eyes lingered on him for a while longer before looking away.

"Can't say I'm surprised... To see you so flustered especially in regards to her

", she commented.

There was a small silence between them before Zi Jing broke out in a chuckle. Not one of joy but rather helplessness, ridiculing himself.

"What can I say? She is one of the few to have piqued my interest. Hasn't she piqued yours?

" he asked.

"I can't say she hasn't.

"

"Exactly, seeing her accomplishments makes me want to find out just how high she will reach. The Sky Realm? Heaven Realm? Immortal? Anyone would feel their heart crack if they see a rising star snuffed out, especially someone like her. Besides, she's going to find herself at a forked road in due time.

"

Yu Zhen gave him another look, this time with a smile as well.

"You just really want to see that sword, don't you?

"

She pointed out, referring to Drifting Sky.

He gave her a look before turning to leave.

"I wouldn't lie if I said I wasn't but I'm tired, being chased around by some lizards and demons for a day was not the best experience. We can... pick this up tomorrow, make plans, and see what we can do.

"

Exiting the tent, Yu Zhen was alone once more and she went back to looking through her documents. The expression on her face was both grim and serious as she worked late into the night.

By the time she was finished, the sun was about to rise.

She rubbed her temples before leaning back on her chair.

"This is just the beginning, isn't it?

" she muttered to herself,

Outside the tent, there was one other person who had yet to sleep. Seated by the lakeshore and staring at the peeking sun, Ming Yue sat there after washing herself. She just stared blankly in front of her, lost in her thoughts.

"Their Idol of Chaos led a force of demons and destroyed the Yao Clan...

"

"...destroyed the Yao Clan...

"

"...the Yao Clan...

"

Commander Du Xiu's words echoed in her mind as she thought back to her time there. From Ling Xue to the Red Eyed Moon, the bloodlust that trial pulled out of her, and the words the Lunar Executioner left her, it all came like a stream, a constant stream of memories.

"Should I head back to help to stay here?

" she thought.

"I am needed here but the north... No, even if I head there it will take months to get to the North Fort. Not to mention, my sword... It's still in the lake with Yin Bing.

"

She was stuck at a crossroads.

Was it the one Zi Jing spoke of before or was he referring to something else?