Heading to the military base on the Devil's Borderfield was like a fever dream. The lands were barren, the sky was a crimson red and the air held the unique scent of death.
This world around them was the personification of war and malice itself, so strong and permeated in the air that it seemed to take hold over ones conscience.
Zunjing was aptly reminded of his homelands, of the last ninja war. And he wondered what happened after.
Did Naruto win?
Was he able to protect everyone he cared about?
Questions he would never have answers to, and people he would never see again.
His heart chilled for a moment, before his thoughts changed again.
He had to get stronger.
...
...
"Before we head in, there's a number of things you need to take note of young master", said Qing Wu, the attendant assigned to Xu Zunjing before leaving for the devil's borderfield. Although her cultivation was unknown, his father informed him that she doubled as a bodyguard.
"Is it about the power dynamics of the military?''
Qing Wu was shocked, "How did you know?"
"Im not entirely clueless. while my cultivation knowledge does need touching up, my military knowledge isn't so shallow."
My last life did well in preparing me for a life on the battlefield. But I didn't say that out loud.
"I know basic etiquettes, just tell me who to avoid if need be. And inform me the names and appearances of those in power. Their connections, and achievements in the war."
This will be useful for the future. Should I need approval during battle for any operations, I'd need first to know who to look for.
"Yes young master. First on the list I would say to be mindful of would be the Quadrant General, Shu Weijing. He's known to be very protective of his soldiers. Since we're going to be apart of his base, quadrant 12, it's important that we make sure not to trouble him with trivial matters. His skill in battle, and his tactical understanding makes him a powerhouse on the battlefield, and any distractions can be the key to losing this war.
Second to watch for, would be the sect disciples."
Zunjing had never heard of them, "Sect disciples?"
"Yes, the sect disciples. There are 4 major sects that surround the major regions around the Zhao dynasty. Normally, they do not interfere in 'mortal' matters, and stick to their own businesses, but the Emperor made a 30 year assistance agreement. In exchange to access to our special spirit stone mines, the surrounding sects are to help assist us in this war. Plus, it helps train their disciples in combat, solidifying their cultivation levels.
These disciples, stronger than others at the same cultivation, are very arrogant. But we must tolerate them, for their assistance has been pivotal to pushing back the blood demons for the past 20 years. Soon the agreement will be up, and if we are to hope for it to continue, we must give these disciples face."
Zunjing took a moment to think deeply about this situation.
While it seems like this is a moment of mutual understanding and agreement, it seems as if the disciples hold a good pull here.
"What about Quadrant General Shu Weijing?"
"That's precisely the problem young master, he despises the arrogance of the sect disciples. And often clashes with them for messing with his soldiers. Hence why i said not to get into trouble. If a sect disciple decides to retaliate by not participating in the war, it could cause endless trouble for Shu Weijing. Please keep this in mind, Young Master."
Zunjing nodded, "I understand."
Time passed, and the world seemed to stop as a massive fortress appeared, as big as a city. Heavy with cements and large as the largest of castles, there seemed to be a lingering battle intent formatted into the thick walls.
They had reached military base quadrant 12.
...
...
"I heard that they sent a child to the battlefield this time."
"I heard that he's a once in a million year genius, a possessor of a Dao body!"
"""What?!"""
"If that's true, we have a new person to brag about to those sect geniuses! No more will they look down on us!"
"Don't forget he's a child. Don't put bounties on his head before he has a chance to actually use that talent of his."
"True! We must raise him well, so that he can do the bragging for us!"
"That is absolutely not what i just said!"
"Shush! The General is here!"
Everyone immediately stopped gossiping. Soon, a tall, battle hardened man walked into the hall. He had short black hair, a ruff beard, and a heavy, built stature. His eyes were a stark light brown, and his aura was fierce.
"Kyaaa, General is so handsome!"
"What is wrong with you? Please seek help! That man don't want you! He's mine!"
"Silence!", General Shu Weijing's heavy voice resounded in the hall.
"They're here."
Soon, sirens rang out.
"Announcing! The Qin Clan Reinforcements have come! Announcing, The Reinforcements have arrived!"
The doors to the hall opened, and soon, a preteen walked in with a swarm of soldiers, a pretty assistant by his side.
The kid ahead of them had long white hair that fluttered and flowed like a raging river, pretty blue eyes that were innocent, yet carried a icy hidden sword beneath it. And a delicate figure. He seemed to embody beauty in both the masculine and feminine sense. His pristine white robes, matching his hair and pale white skin, scaled lightly against the floor, like he was floating.
He seemed like an immortal of ice and snow.
He walked up to the general, who stood at the end of the hall, before bowing a full 90 degrees.
"Qin Clan Reinforcements report to Quadrant General Shu Weijing for duty!"
The entire hall was in a daze.
Too beautiful!
Wasn't he too beautiful?!
Were they sure he was a guy?!?
Or even human?!
Even the usual stoic General was stunned into a daze, his eyebrows began to twitch uncontrollably.
This kid...he was gonna be trouble for him!
Why'd they send a model, instead of a warrior?!
What was he supposed to do with that thin body, pose for the enemies?!
He doesn't have an ounce of muscle, is he even useful?
No, this won't do.
The general's eyes shone in a hardened light.