Reconnaissance

"Thank fucking god I was there to save these kids. The general would have skinned me alive otherwise," sweat trickled down the side of his face just thinking about what would have happened if he had messed this mission up.

"Wait, if the General knew her father was coming here, or even just her, he wouldn't have sent me alone. There would at least be one of the bigger armies here," he thought to himself, confused.

"Did the General Li know your guys were coming?" he asked with a frown.

She shook her head, "No, Father knew there probably would be leaks along the way so he only told the general that someone from the royal family was coming over and that he should keep an eye on the caravan."

"Aha, no wonder. I'm pretty sure he would have even come himself if he knew her father was coming," Hao Xuan thought inwardly.

"Alright. You've eaten and healed. I'm going to go probe around the area, maybe find out the bandits exact location and then we can leave. We have to regroup with my subordinates and then we can make a plan to get your dad out."

"Yes," she obediently nodded in response although it was obvious she wanted to jump into action right that second.

Hao Xuan once again left to search for the bandit camp. It was about 7 a.m and the sun had barely come out but below the tree line, it was still completely dark.

He slowly made his way to the caravan ruins and from there looked for any footprints to follow. Unfortunately, it had already been almost 2 days since the caravan was ambushed and the rain had washed away all evidence.

"Hmm?" he finally noticed the new crater that was filled with water. "This wasn't here last night," he looked around and found three other small holes. With a bit more 'investigation', he found four sets of footprints that had left deep impressions in the ground. They were formed when the four Jia soldiers fell down the night before and were about half a foot deep. There were less noticeable because of the water that had filled them up during the rain.

"So, that way then?" The footprints were facing south, meaning they came from somewhere north.

"It can't be that easy to hide more than 400 people. And they should have stayed close enough to send reinforcements," he figured and slowly starting moving back into the jungle.

"A rat just entered the trap," a being imprisoned in chains with its head completely covered in bandages spoke with a muffled voice. It was in a large tent with no furniture other than a chair.

"How far?" asked a hooded figure sitting on the chair in front of it.

"Three miles. Coming in from the south-east."

"Just one?"

"Yes."

"Good. You'll be set free once we have what we are looking for. This is your home, it would be a shame if you died without even knowing why. Keep cooperating and it will be over quick," the hooded figure said once again and left.

The four Jia soldiers were standing outside. As soon as they saw the hooded figure come out of the tent they bowed their heads, "Your Highness!"

"How many times have I told you not to address me like that? I am but a shadow, treat me as such," the figure spoke nonchalantly but the soldiers felt an invisible pressure, "He's angry," they thought.

"Apologies, boss," they bowed once again.

"It's fine. What news do you have?" he waved his hand and the pressure disappeared.

The leader of the four looked back at one of the three behind him and nodded. He walked out and took a knee in front of the hooded figure.

"Boss, I ran into an elite Mei soldier last night. About 80 miles south-west," he lifted his own hood and where his arms should have been were just stumps.

The hooded figure moved close and examined the injuries, "Just one?"

"Yes. But there were at least half a dozen more somewhere close by."

"Realms?"

"All weaker than the man I fought. He was a mid-stage spirit realm expert."

"What makes you think he was a soldier?" the figure finally asked looking up. His were eyes completely golden in color, almost sparkling.

"He said he had killed many Jia soldiers before," the soldier didn't make eye contact and quickly lowered his head and starting sweating.

"Mhm. Anything else?"

"Yes, he said he was looking for someone else as well." The figure frowned.

"Who?"

"I don't know, but whoever it is, it's not someone from the caravan," he replied respectfully.

"Oho, so the Mei has lost someone as well? Are they hunting or looking to protect?" the figure mumbled to himself. the soldiers just stood in silence, waiting for orders.

"Well, It doesn't matter. We have a guest, go get them and bring 'em to me. South-east," he gestured with his head and turned around and walked towards another tent in the distance.

"Sorry for disturbing you," the figure said as he entered the tent. There was a middle-aged man tied up at back. He had many wounds and was still bleeding from most of them. There was a formation under him which was rotating continuously.

The figure sat down in a chair in front of the formation and lowered his hood. It was a young man that looked to be about 19 years old. He had light brown skin and had what slightly resembled a beard in its very early stage. Along with his golden eye color, he looked much older than his actual age.

"I thought it was just a rumor but who knew. Tell me, do you not desire the throne for yourself? Why serve someone like him?" the middle-aged man asked while lifting his head with some effort.

"General Shu, I've always admired you. There aren't enough men like you in this world. Everyone is out to fill their own pockets," the teenager said with a sigh and shook his head.