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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 19 Major Ogi
"This image depicts a battle? What is that flying creature?" A wary expression appeared on Hong Shanling's face, as if he feared the shadowy figures in the mist might leap out at any moment.
Elder showed no surprise, but his expression darkened, and his eyes became somber. "That is the Vermilion Bird, but it lost back then."
Yuan Gao began to inquire, "The Vermilion Bird? Is there really such a creature in this world? When did this happen?"
Suddenly, the red mist within the Garden trembled, forming a horizontal crack as if a fissure had appeared out of nowhere. Several figures moved within the crack, and one person stepped out. Ji Zichen's heart raced. "It's him!"
The first person to emerge from the crack was the same man Ji Zichen had seen in the Watchtower's illusion. He had a rugged face, a bushy beard, and wore a yellow cloak that shimmered with hues of yellow and red.
Xia Zhou had already discussed with Ji Zichen that this was from a battle a thousand years ago, yet now this man reappeared before Ji Zichen. His eyes still burned with the fervor of battle. The soldiers behind him looked serious as they followed him out. Xiang San jumped back in fright, stumbling a few steps.
This Divine General spotted Elder among the crowd. Ji Zichen could only speculate about this man's identity since he did not know who he was. Elder was much thinner than this Divine General. The Divine General glanced at Elder before shifting his gaze away; Elder's frail figure clearly did not catch his interest.
The Divine General's gaze finally landed on Hong Shanling, who was the largest among them but still could not compare to the Divine General. It seemed that the Divine General took an interest in the robust Hong Shanling, fixing his intimidating gaze upon him without speaking.
Hong Shanling found himself directly in the path of the Divine General. Seeing that Hong Shanling did not step aside, the Divine General shot him a cold glare and shouted, "If you don't want to die, get out of my way! Move aside!"
Having faced many life-and-death situations and having killed numerous people himself, no one considered Hong Shanling a coward. However, under the pressure of the Divine General's intimidation, Hong Shanling felt a slight tremor in his heart. He certainly heard what the Divine General said and glanced at Elder for guidance, but Elder remained silent; he dared not make any sudden moves.
Hong Shanling did not wish to be ridiculed at such a critical moment. Suddenly, the Divine General's cloak fluttered as if stirred by an unseen wind. The Divine General glanced at his cloak as if signaling it to calm down. Remarkably, it obediently settled down. Ji Zichen couldn't help but exclaim, "His cloak seems alive?"
Elder looked at this Divine General and sighed heavily. "Major Ogi, you are leaving, but do you know where you are going?"
Major Ogi was initially surprised; he never expected this old man to recognize him. However, he was soon overwhelmed by another question, his heart racing as he thought, "Where am I supposed to go? Yes, where am I supposed to go?"
Major Ogi couldn't recall what his destination was. Anxiously, he muttered, "What... what is happening to me? Why can't I remember what I should be doing?"
The Elder sighed heavily, a deep sense of helplessness in his voice. "You are already dead. Of course, you won't remember your mission from when you were alive."
Major Ogi's anger flared! He glared at the Elder and spoke in a cold, slightly mocking tone, "What a joke! I am..."
The Elder interrupted, "Who are you?"
Major Ogi furrowed his brow. "I am... I am..."
It was as if Major Ogi had lost his memory. Yet despite this confusion, his presence still sent shivers down the spines of the soldiers nearby.
Turning to glance at the soldiers behind him, Major Ogi was taken aback by their appearance. The soldiers' faces began to decay gradually; their skin took on a paper-like pallor, and each soldier wore a strange smile. It was clear that the soldiers behind him were all corpses.
It seemed that whether divine or mortal, everyone ultimately became mere bones after death.
The sight of the soldiers caused everyone present to instinctively take a few steps back, except for the Elder. Major Ogi quickly regained his composure and asked with a slight tremor in his voice, "Who are you? What have you done to me?"
At that moment, Ji Zichen fully understood what was happening, as similar events had occurred with Shaoyuan.
The Elder appeared awkward and forced a smile at Major Ogi's question. He replied briefly, "You do not know me; we are not from the same era. But I know many things about you. However, that is no longer important because you have been dead for a thousand years."
Major Ogi's face tightened. "Impossible! If I were dead, how could I be here!"
Elder replied, "You are indeed dead; this is merely your Wraith. We summoned you. But rest assured, you won that war."
Major Ogi appeared utterly confused. "War? What war did I win?" The Elder's words shocked Major Ogi. He remembered being a Major General, but everything about the war and beyond was a blank.
Elder's eyes sparkled with a strange light. "Although you are dead now, we summoned you because I need your help."
Major Ogi asked, "Help? What do you need help with?"
Elder gestured towards the Six Yao Lantern Formation. "Take your soldiers back into the rift. Do not resist or hold onto any attachments; you have already won."
Suddenly, Major Ogi and the soldiers behind him transformed into countless fragments and were drawn into the rift. The rift closed again, and the red mist enveloped the Six Yao Lantern Formation. However, this time the mist did not hover in the air; it pressed down towards the formation, gradually being absorbed by it.
A wave of yellow energy surged unexpectedly from the Six Yao Lantern Formation, knocking everyone to the ground except for Elder and Hong Shanling. The two gasped for breath, seemingly shaken by the impact.
The energy blew down half of two standing medium-sized tents, but they had not completely collapsed. The yellow light curtain within the Six Yao Lantern Formation flickered, contracted, and finally vanished.
Everything returned to normal. If it weren't for the partially collapsed tents, it would seem as if Major Ogi and his companions had never existed.
At that moment, Elder's legs gave way, and he began to fall backward. Hong Shanling rushed forward to support him. Elder, weak and leaning on Hong Shanling, looked dazed; his eyes closed tightly as a trickle of blood flowed from the corner of his mouth.
As Elder slightly opened his eyes again, a smile appeared on his face. "It worked; the Six Yao Lantern Formation has absorbed everything."
Ji Zichen hid behind a large rock, having witnessed the entire situation unfold without missing a single detail. Yet, she still couldn't grasp the meaning of what was happening before her. She didn't understand why the Six Yao Lantern Formation was absorbing the fallen Wraiths of the divine clan.
What were they trying to accomplish? The more unclear it became to Ji Zichen, the more uneasy she felt.
Some soldiers were busy propping up the tents that had collapsed. The Elder said, "Don't worry about these tents anymore; this place is no longer our concern. Hong Shanling, tell them to tidy up a bit. We are returning to the main camp."
Hong Shanling nodded and called over the soldiers, instructing them to follow the Elder's orders.
At that moment, Ji Zichen quietly slipped away, distancing herself from the scene. As dusk settled in, after the Elder had rested and regained his strength, he emerged from his tent and headed toward Ling Xuan's tent. He walked in without regard for anyone around him.
The Elder's footsteps stirred up thick dust beneath him as he entered the tent. The guards outside stood rigidly, neither reporting nor stopping him.
"Ling Xuan," the Elder's tone was cold and commanding as he spoke, "I need to talk to you."
Ling Xuan emerged from the inner chamber, which was separated by a screen. She did not seem displeased by the Elder's tone; instead, she smiled and asked, "What’s so urgent?"
The Elder took a seat and said, "How is the progress with the other Six Yao Lantern Formations?"
Ling Xuan replied gently, "Elder, your lantern formation is the most difficult one. Since you've prepared ahead of time, I believe the others will be ready in a few days."
The Elder's expression turned serious as he stated, "We have already transported back the Six Yao Lantern Formation. You'd better keep a close watch this time; if there’s another fire incident, I fear even the Western King won't spare you."
Ling Xuan bore an undeniable responsibility for the fire in the camp, even though she wasn't the one who started it. She slowly moved beside the Elder and laughed lightly, "I won't let such a thing happen again."
The Elder snorted softly, his eyes flashing with intensity. "It’s best to keep it that way; otherwise, your arrogance will lead to a miserable end."
Ling Xuan smiled lightly. "Elder, did you come just to remind me of this matter?"
Although there was no particular expression on Ling Xuan's face, and she appeared indifferent, her palms were already slick with cold sweat. The Elder's status was higher than hers, but her sweating was not solely due to the fact that he was her superior.
The Elder understood Ling Xuan's temperament well. If they were to get angry, it would be a stalemate. He sighed lightly. "I’m just here to ensure that this matter goes smoothly. You’re doing well; the rest of the Six Yao Lantern Formation is nearly complete. I think you’d better keep a close watch on the exit. It would be quite a joke if we couldn’t get out when the time comes."
Ling Xuan smiled charmingly. "Don’t worry, Elder. I’m quite concerned about my own life too. I don’t want to be trapped in such a desolate place for a lifetime."
The Elder pondered for a moment before asking, "Is that person Ji Zichen?"
Ling Xuan was taken aback, her bright eyes narrowing slightly. "Elder, you really pay attention to everything; you’ve only just returned and already know so much."
The Elder pretended not to hear Ling Xuan's insinuation and said, "If it were anyone else, how would you treat them like an honored guest? I must remind you that Ji Zichen is like oil in a hot pan; be careful not to get burned."
Ling Xuan smiled faintly. "Thank you for your concern, Elder. The incident at Corner Lodge was my mistake. Although the Western King does not pursue it further, I will not forget my error."
The Elder spoke solemnly. "I don’t oppose your desire to make amends, but you must know where to draw the line. The most important thing this time is the Six Yao Lantern Formation, not Divine Dawn."
Ling Xuan chuckled lightly. "I understand; I will handle it appropriately."
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