Long Tao glanced towards the man who just gave him the precious weapon. It was the real deal. It was a genuine grade 3 weapon that is sought after by cultivators. It was not a common occurrence.
There was no free meal in the world and hence, this gift came with a certain price on Long Tao's behalf. Long Tao wanted to know what that price is before making any rash decision.
" Many thanks for the elder's favor, but I couldn't comprehend the reason behind this favor."
The Man looked at Long Tao with lots of interest now. Generally, when handed over such precious things, people tend to lose their composure. But not only is the boy calm, but he is trying to scourge the reason behind the act.
It signified the mental capability of the lad. He was a seed worth nurturing." I have seen your prowess, and I am impressed by it. The sword is a reward on behalf of the general, who is not present at the moment."
"It is a price served to gain your loyalty to the military." Long Tao didn't take it into the heart. It was clearly not a reason for this familiarity, but since he was being provided such free lunch for his compliance, why would he not agree.
He bowed and saluted the elder, thanking him for the present. The elder signaled him to come over for a private conversation and both of them proceeded towards a solitary room.
............................................................
The guy took out a slip from his ring and handed it over to Long Tao." This is your appointment letter. You are to follow the orders mentioned in the slip. It is an onetime use only and will tell you about the location of the regiment you are going to join."
"Report ASAP. Since I have seen your power, I will grant you the rank of vice-captain of a small group and will be working under a captain. The rest details, shall be left for your joining the military."
"I would be careful if I were you. "The elder said in a low tone.
"A briefer description of those words will be highly appreciated."
"Let's not put a facade boy. Both of us know that the situation of yours was caused by the Bai family. They were the ones who caused your supposed death due to the vengeance between your families."
"But now you have returned, stronger than ever, winning the second rank in the gathering. One of your friends crippled their descendent. For all they believe, you are also a threat to them."
"At the same time, your fight with the 3rd prince leading to his defeat. All of this puts you in a targeted position. I would like you to be on your guards. You are the most tangible target due to your allotment in the north-eastern region."
"So, make your move wisely. You will understand the true meaning of my warning once you successfully report for duty. I have a lot of expectations from you boy.". The elder didn't wait for Long Tao's reply and left the room. Long Tao was left thinking.
..................................................................
In a small courtyard-
A couple could be seen sitting together. It was Long Shen and Si Zhenyue, Long Tao's parents.
"I have failed your expectations. I couldn't defeat my brother and was not able to bring him back." Long Mengchen said with a lowered head.
Both of them were perplexed by the news and somewhat sad. But soon both of them walked towards Long Mengchen, held her hands" You don't need to be sorry my child. It was our fault that had led to this situation. We failed to understand the misery our son had gone through all those years."
"The embarrassment that he had gone through all those years while still having a smile on his face when he confronted us. It takes a toll on you. I failed to understand that." Long Shen was crying.
" Maybe your brother did that for all of us. He knew that his father was not in a position of taking revenge for him, so he just made it seem like the life of his was ok. He had faith in his parents that even if he was a cripple, we would not stop our love for him."
"But I alienated him more and more. I was so engrossed in my duties that I left my son alone to bare for his difficulties. He still sustained through the process. But when the assassination happened and he was nearly killed, he had at least expected me to show some emotion and take revenge for him."
"But I was not able to do anything."
...................................................................
Long Mengchen's heart bled as she saw her father like this. But she knew he was telling the truth. The hatred her elder brother had was not because he was not avenged, but because nobody even tried to do it.
"I think I could tell why he said those words back in the assembly.". Si Zhenyue was holding the hands of Long Mengchen now." Promise me you are not going to leave, me too."
"She will have to leave with us, madame."
Two silhouettes came into view of the couple. They were the servants of Long Mengchen who guarded her.
"Did I ask you to show your face here." The aura changed as Long Mengchen looked at them with cold eyes. Both of them bowed and said:
" We are sorry young mistress but we are ordered to take you back with us.".
Long Mengchen spoke: "Dogs are not allowed to bark orders at me. Fuck off and tell the council, I am not going." The martial general was feeling nervous. He knew the position of the young lady within the clan. She was not something they could actively provoke.
But just then an aura of oppressiveness blurted out of the other guy:
" This dog has been ordered to take you back, whether you like it or not. Also, my leash is not yet in your hands."
...............................................................
Long Mengchen looked at him and said" I may not have it now, but I will in the future, and at that time I will not only behead you but torture the whole lineage of yours to absolute death."
"It wouldn't matter whose favor you have in the clan, if anyone shows their support to you, they will be killed and wiped out too." The martial general was sweating profusely now.
"Orders are meant to be followed. Please come with us."
Long Shen suddenly rose and held Long Mengchen's hand:
" No need to blame those who are not responsible for the situation, my child. You should go."
Long Mengchen looked at them, sighed, and said:" Can I ask you for something?".
Long Shen looked at her. This was the first time their daughter demanded something from them in all these years.
" As long as it is within my capacity, I will grant it.". Long Mengchen held both their hands and pleaded " Come with me. At least don't leave this child of yours alone."
........................................................................
Long Tao was currently in the Crimson world realm planning his next move: the clones which were about to proceed towards respective forces and start their training.
The objective was simple. Resource gathering, and enhancing the power. That is why Long Tao made 7 avatars of his join the forces. Because he needed to build the base for his force and in the long run, he planned to take over all these forces.
He already knew that this country was a backward region and he will not be staying here much longer. Soon 7 figures appeared in the room after which they set out in different directions. The Plan of domination was on now.
................................................
In the city of Tamar resided the first check post of the North-eastern region.
The guard was lying in position monitoring the overall situation around. Within the counter a man was standing verifying his identification:
" Long Tao it says here. Are you the new recruit who won the gathering in the royal capital and asked for the position in the north-eastern army." The guard asked.
Long Tao nodded his head.
" You are to stay within the quarters for now and will be relayed the further message about your reporting."