The mist dispersed and settled down slowly, revealing a line of figures clad in crimson armor, standing resolute on the edge of the battlefield. Confusion flickered across the faces of the soldiers as they watched these unexpected arrivals.
Suddenly, one of the crimson figures raised a blood-stained hand. His voice, though raspy and weary, boomed across the battlefield, echoing with a strength that belied his condition.
"FOR SERENE JADE CITY!" he roared, a challenge and a rallying cry in one.
"FOR SERENE JADE CITY!!!" Commander Fang returned the call with his own because these were veterans, they had returned.
Blood dripped from their armor and swords, revealing the silver beneath. The veterans had returned, accompanied by the survivors of Serpent Valley.
The recruits, recognizing their comrades, joined the fervent call! Understanding dawned on everyone: the terror those bovine monsters faced, the source of their demise, were none but their own veterans.
The veterans, who bravely walked into the jaws of beasts, returned unscathed, rescuing every member of Serpent Valley.
"Commander!" Wu Lei removed his helmet and saluted.
"Report!" Commander Fang, despite his elation, kept his helmet on, hiding his bloodied and broken nose.
"Rescue successful, no casualties on our end at all."
"Excellent!" Fang roared, deliberately raising his voice to boost the recruits' morale. "Now, rest. We'll need your help later."
"We're fine, Commander," Wu Lei countered. "I suggest you leave the battlefield to us and... attend to the well-being of Serpent Valley."
Commander Fang nodded, returning the salute. He joined the designated recruits to relieve the veterans and escort the Serpent Valley survivors inside the wall.
He trailed the escort as they returned behind the wall, where volunteers rushed to tend the wounded and provide other necessary aid to the survivors.
Su Jin observed from the top of the wall but the Mayor quickly stepped down to meet the survivors.
"I am Lin Tian," the elder spoke, his voice hoarse but filled with gratitude. "Elder of the Lin Clan of Serpent Valley Fort. Please accept our heartfelt gratitude for saving us." He began to lower himself in a deep kowtow, a gesture of utmost respect.
Commander Fang, ever the stoic leader, removed his helmet and swiftly stopped Elder Lin Tian. "Friend, there's no need for such formalities," he said, his voice gruff but kind. "Serpent Valley Fort has always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Serene Jade City. Consider yourselves home, Elder Lin. Serene Jade City is yours as much as it is ours."
The elder, Lin Tian, looked deeply into Fang's eyes, a mix of relief and gratitude washing over his face. "Thank you, Commander. Your words hold more weight than any ceremony. We are forever in your debt."
"This is Mayor Yi Nang," Commander Fang introduced quickly.
Mayor Yi Nang offered his greetings. "Elder Lin Tian, where is Patriarch Lin?" he inquired promptly, his concern evident.
Elder Lin Tian gestured towards a short figure lying amidst the filth of dried blood and viscera. All eyes turned towards him.
"What happened to Patriarch Lin?" Mayor Yi Nang asked, his concern growing.
"He suffered the fate of a father who has lost his child," Elder Lin Tian replied, his voice choked with emotion.
Everyone understood the meaning but had no words to say, Lin Clan's young master is no more, what a calamity for Lin Clan. Commander Fang gestured at the Mayor and he understood.
"There are no words to express our sorrow for your loss, Elder Lin Tian," Mayor Yi Nang spoke softly, his voice heavy with sympathy. "Lin Clan is a pillar of strength for Serpent Valley and our presence in Bloodmire steppe, and your clan's sacrifice will be remembered by all."
Elder Lin Tian nodded, his eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you, Mayor Yi Nang. Your words bring solace in our time of grief."
Commander Fang stepped forward, his expression solemn yet determined. "We mourn with you, Elder Lin. Please rest and gather your strength, we are still not out of danger yet."
Elder Lin Tian bowed his head in gratitude, "Thank you, Commander Fang. Together, we will overcome this tragedy and emerge stronger than before."
The volunteers quickly escorted all of them to the shelters. Commander Fang's heart was heavy tonight; their fate would have been the same or worse, but due to one person, their fate was different. He looked up at Su Jin, who was still smirking, looking down on everyone as if they were beneath him.
He sighed inwardly and decided to ignore his gut for now. He was about to climb the wall to take charge of the command when Su Jin joined them with his Dark Guard and Wu Yan.
"You are leaving?" Commander Fang asked suspiciously.
"My work is done, all of my products are working fine and optimally as I expected. It's past midnight; I would take a…*YAWN*...long sleep. I hope you all will still be alive until then." Su Jin smiled, his words sounding like a curse as he left.
Seeing him leaving, the Mayor felt fidgety. "I think I should stay close."
Commander Fang nodded in agreement because Su Jin was now the owner of the Earthly Mandate of Serene Jade City. Even if they did not want to acknowledge it openly, he was the principal owner of this city.
Su Jin leisurely strolled through the deathly silent streets of Serene Jade City when he heard the Mayor's call.
"What is it, Mayor? Planning to buy more from me?" Su Jin's tone dripped with sarcasm.
"No, I... Can I join you?" Mayor Yi Nang hesitated, unsure of how to broach the topic.
"Sure, you're more than welcome," Su Jin surprisingly agreed.
As they walked, Mayor Yi Nang noticed they weren't heading towards the Moon Dew Restaurant. "Where are we going?" he asked, curiosity piqued.
"Oh, I thought you were leading us," Su Jin replied innocently.
"Me? Leading? To where?"
"Your office, naturally," Su Jin's words held a subtle implication. Mayor Yi Nang had a hidden worry before he traded the Earthly Mandate with Su Jin - he couldn't shake the worry that a person like Su Jin, holding the Earthly Mandate of Serene Jade City, would quickly display his true colors and try to take over the city into his own hands, abusing his powers.