Chapter 81: Parting Ways, Each Forging Their Own Future

The campfire burned out.

Only a pile of dark red ash remained, occasionally spitting a few sparks that were instantly extinguished in the dawn's faint light.

The desolate village survived a heart-pounding night.

As the morning light streamed through the broken window lattice, dispelling the darkness and chill inside.

Both groups had finished packing up.

After fighting side by side against the enemy last night and that heart-to-heart night talk.

The relationship between the two sides had already undergone a subtle change.

Although they still kept a certain distance, when their eyes met there was less of the initial scrutiny and wariness.

They gained a measure of openness from having shared life-and-death together, along with a faint, hard-to-detect sense of parting.

"Rongxiong's" troop was clearly well-trained.

Packing their baggage, readying horse tack, their movements swift and silent, they soon finished forming up outside.

Chen Wen's side also moved quickly, silently tidying their personal belongings.

"Chen brother!"

"Rongxiong" spoke first.

He had changed into a darker, more sharp-looking riding outfit today, which made his stature appear tall and straight, his bearing extraordinary.

He walked up to Chen Wen, a gentle smile on his face.

But deep in his eyes lay a hint of solemnity.

"There is no banquet in the world that does not end."

"We still have pressing matters on this journey; we must head northeast, so we likely must part ways here, brothers."

Chen Wen had long anticipated this, and he cupped his fists:

"Rongxiong, your affairs are pressing; there's no need to worry."

"To have traveled a stretch with you and conversed freely is already a blessing."

"Rongxiong" nodded, his gaze sweeping over Chen Wen and the five attendants behind him, whose inner energy was restrained and whose movements followed a certain order.

The intention to recruit him in his heart grew stronger.

He pondered a moment, then produced something from his bosom.

It was a jade pendant about the size of half a palm.

Its texture was warm and smooth, not top-grade jade, but the carving was simple and ancient.

On it was carved a complex pattern resembling a banner or a tally, exuding an inward sense of authority.

"Chen brother!"

He handed the jade pendant to Chen Wen, his expression sincere.

"Although we met by chance like drifting weeds, we felt an instant kinship, and we even fought side by side against the enemy."

"I, Rong, am a few years your elder, so I presume to call myself your elder brother."

"This item may not be worth much, but it is a personal token I carry."

"Brother, as you are heading to Chan Prefecture, unfamiliar with the people and place, if you encounter difficulties, you may take this to the Universal Trade Depot within Chan Prefecture City."

"Seek out a shopkeeper surnamed Zheng. Upon seeing the jade pendant, he will treat it as seeing me and will surely do his utmost to help."

This is undoubtedly a weighty favor and a veiled invitation.

Chen Wen understood clearly that this "Rongxiong" was no ordinary figure in Chan Prefecture.

This jade pendant and the "Universal Trade Depot" were likely no small matter.

He did not immediately take it, but instead looked into "Rongxiong's" eyes and spoke seriously:

"Rongxiong's kindness, Chen Wen is deeply grateful."

"But this item must be precious, little brother—"

"Hey!"

"Rongxiong" waved a hand to cut him off, his tone allowing no refusal.

"A precious sword is given to a hero, rouge and powder to a beauty."

"Only in the hands of someone like Chen brother can this object fulfill its purpose."

"Could it be that you look down on this modest gesture of an elder brother?"

He deliberately put on a stern face, yet his eyes held a smile.

Having come to this point, further refusal would seem affected.

Chen Wen received the jade pendant with both hands; it felt cool to the touch, and he could sense the sincerity within.

He carefully placed the jade pendant inside his close-fitting bosom, then cupped his fists respectfully:

"Since it is so, I, the younger brother, humbly accept."

"Rongxiong's affection and righteousness, Chen Wen keeps in mind."

"Should the opportunity arise in the future, I will surely repay it."

Seeing Chen Wen accept the jade pendant.

"Rongxiong" broke into a relieved smile, as if he had completed an important matter.

He patted Chen Wen on the shoulder and said softly:

"Take care, brother."

"Chan Prefecture… is a fine place."

"Perhaps there will be a chance for brothers to show their mettle."

These words were almost an explicit hint.

Chen Wen's heart stirred, and he went along with the situation, saying:

"Not hiding it from you, Brother Rong, I am heading to Chan Prefecture this time precisely because I have heard that the Military Commissioner of Chan Prefecture, Commissioner Chai, governs the army with strictness and treats the worthy with humility."

"I intend to go there to offer my service, seek a future, and also contribute modestly to this troubled age."

He proactively revealed his intention, which was both an honest response to Brother Rong and a probe.

"Commissioner Chai?"

Upon hearing this, Brother Rong's eyes flashed with an extremely complex and inscrutable expression.

There was surprise, there was realization, and moreover a profound meaning hard to put into words.

He gave Chen Wen a deep look, and the smile at the corners of his mouth seemed to deepen slightly.

He nodded and said, "Commissioner Chai... truly a dragon among men, a pillar of the Imperial Court."

"Chen Brother, having such aspirations is excellent! Excellent!"

"With your talent, Brother, you will surely encounter a wise lord and shine brilliantly!"

He did not further comment on Chai Rong, but the affirmation in his tone made Chen Wen all the more convinced.

Even if this Brother Rong is not a close aide of Chai Rong,

he must still have considerable understanding and approval of Chai Rong and his forces.

"It's getting late; let us set off now."

Brother Rong swung onto his horse, his movements agile.

His subordinates also mounted in unison, the formation orderly.

Chen Wen and his retinue also mounted one after another.

"Brother Rong, may you have smooth winds on your journey!"

"Chen Brother, your future is as bright as brocade! I hope to see you again soon in Chan Prefecture."

Both parties clasped hands in farewell in the morning light, then turned their horses; one group headed northeast, the other southwest, embarking on different roads.

The sound of hooves rose at the desolate village entrance, gradually fading away, finally disappearing at the end of the winding ancient road.

Chen Wen rode on, unable to resist glancing back at the troop that had vanished behind the hills.

He also touched the jade pendant in his bosom, still warm with the other's body heat.

This mysterious Brother Rong, bearing and insight both extraordinary, his gift of jade carries deep significance.

This journey to Chan Prefecture seems destined to be anything but ordinary.

He gathered his spirit, his gaze turned to the southwest, where Chan Prefecture lies.

It is also the next stop in his search for the answer to 'order'.

Sunlight fell upon the road ahead, stretching their shadows long; the new journey had officially begun.