Chapter 10: People Who Take Different Paths_3

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It turned out that the talented Cocoon Breakers indeed had privileges; they took a fast-track channel for routine medical checkups. With the new age's information technology and medical testing conveniences, the whole process took about half an hour, scrutinizing the brothers from head to toe.

He Sai's condition was diagnosed as kidney deficiency.

Lu Bu'er was found to be malnourished.

As for cancer, it was not detected at all, which was quite strange.

The next agenda was a tour of the military base facilities: the headquarters, the supply depot, the livestock farm, the parking lot, the helipad, the airstrip.

In the military district, many soldiers were coming and going; in the dormitory buildings, clothes were seen hanging out to dry, even women's lingerie stiffened by the cold wind on display.

Along the way, they encountered quite a few pretty female soldiers.

He Sai's eyes were practically glued to them.

Lu Bu'er said in dismay, "Look at you, no ambition at all!"

The female soldiers smiled subtly upon seeing the newcomers.

"Brought over separately, they seem to be two high-grade talents. Shh, see the injuries on them, could they be Cocoon Breakers, people from five hundred years ago?"

"Just don't end up crying for your mommy and daddy later."

"One of them is quite handsome though, hee hee."

The female soldiers giggled and ran off.

Lu Bu'er, hearing their words, had a bad feeling.

"Is this going to be our dorm?"

He Sai asked curiously.

The priests laughed, "No, after a brief training period, you will be sent directly to the front lines; that's where you will be living."

The brothers were taken aback, "Directly to the front lines?"

The priests explained, "You two are high-grade talents returned from the Land of the Departed. You've experienced battles with the Specter Fiends but still need to adapt to the harsh conditions at the front. We do not provide overly superior conditions for high-grade talents; that would only erode your fighting spirit and hinder your awakening. The so-called front line is the edge of the Land of the Departed, which needs to be guarded by military forces due to the frequent appearances of Specter Fiends. This is also why the new world requires military garrisons."

They paused, "Whether it's the President or the head of the military, including those from families with a long history or their descendants, everyone with the qualifications for evolution must start from the front lines. This is the starting point for everything. They have all been through it, just like you, the same starting conditions."

He Sai didn't quite understand.

"So, the military base is the starting point for everything?"

Lu Bu'er pondered for a moment, "Everyone starts from here."

The priests continued, "Do you remember what the old Priest said? Only anger and despair can truly awaken you. But rest assured, once you head to the front-line battlefield, if there's an emergency, an instructor will step in to ensure your safety."

Lu Bu'er and He Sai exchanged glances, both understanding.

"From now on, you will be stationed here, you will live here. When facing a disaster of life, you fight. When facing the invasion of heretics, you fight. You are tasked with guarding the borders of the Land of the Departed, bearing the sacred mission of protecting the human world."

The priests said with a smile, "Next, prepare for new recruit training."

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Qingmu drove his car through the hustling streets, his years as a Cocoon Breaker had accustomed him to the new world's changes. In this city, the ordinary and the Transcendent were separated by a thin line, and any seemingly average passerby might possess evolved powers. Calmness often concealed surging undercurrents.

On the sidewalk, traffic was bustling, and vendors were selling snacks.

The traffic lights on the street changed, and a scent of fried sauce noodles wafted over from a restaurant across the way.

Qingmu crossed through the quiet park, where a young couple on the swings distanced themselves at the sight of his attire. Nearby, schools had just let out, and students in uniforms went their separate ways.

Their lives were peaceful and beautiful.

It was as if a chasm separated them from the world of the Evolvers.

He traveled from the old district by the Fourth Ring, through the busy areas of the Third Ring, to the economic zones of the Second Ring, and finally arrived at the most core and bustling area within the First Ring.

Not until Qingmu reached a black building resembling a steel fortress did he get through the heavily guarded gates and traverse the dim underground tunnel, pausing in front of an iron door.

Before he could even knock, the person inside asked:

"I heard that this time you encountered heretics from the Corpse Eating Sect?"

The voice was old yet forceful.

Qingmu respectfully replied, "Yes, my lord. We were lucky this time, as they happened to be the same heretics who escaped last time, and all characteristics matched."

The voice behind the door asked again, "Did you kill them all?"

Qingmu once more answered, "Not one was spared. The Cocoon Breakers we brought back have also undergone memory cleansing to ensure the matter does not get out."

After a brief silence, the elder spoke again, "The soil you all brought back has been tested and indeed is contaminated. But have you ever considered that what they really wanted to contaminate was the Tree of Life in the Land of the Departed!"

Qingmu was stunned, realizing he might have made a mistake.

"Wanting to contaminate the great Tree of Life is not a simple ritual. Those heretics may seem weak but are in possession of terrible forbidden artifacts!"

The elder, barely containing his anger, inquired, "I ask you, where is it? You've done well in keeping things secretive, but you managed to lose the most important thing! You deserve death!"

Qingmu's throat bobbed, and cold sweat poured down.

He had been careless, thinking that killing those people was sufficient.

He hadn't anticipated that those seemingly weak individuals were in possession of forbidden artifacts!

With a thump, an immense pressure descended upon him, forcing him to his knees.

"Originally, with your Merit Points, you could have exchanged for a bottle of Divine Tree's marrow."

The old man rasped, "But now, I want you to retrieve that thing. Immediately, right now, go and get it back. While the Cocoon Breakers' memories have been washed, it's not impossible that they inadvertently took something. Otherwise... you should know the consequences."

This time, Qingmu lost his usual playful and mocking demeanor.

In his somewhat weathered eyes was nothing but fear.

"But two individuals have already entered the military department."

Qingmu whispered, "And I've already transferred out, it's not easy for me to go in for interrogation."

The elder stated indifferently, "I have a way to get you in there. As long as you don't overdo it, no matter what happens, I will cover for you. After all, you also know what consequences befall us if the Corpse Eating Sect's actions become known..."