They all returned to their tents, their faces etched with weariness and sorrow.

Xiao Xie's death weighed heavily on everyone's hearts, but the fact that his superiors granted him a special honor for his sacrifice and awarded him a second-class merit ceremonies brought them some solace.

When they returned to the manor, Xiao Xie's body had already decomposed, and they only retrieved his personal sword as a cenotaph.

Looking at that pile of cold objects, I felt a pang of emotion.

A vibrant life vanished in the flames of war, leaving behind only these insignificant things.

I can't help but think about how many people, like Xiao Xie, lost their lives in this war, and who will remember them?

What would happen if I died on the battlefield?

Will anyone grieve for me?

Having experienced this war, I feel that human life is utterly worthless.

There are countless zombies like that.

The soldiers say it's about protecting their homeland, but in reality, dying on this battlefield is meaningless.

They have all become victims of certain countries' desire to profit from them.

And what can we survivors gain from this?

It may be a momentary glory and sense of accomplishment, but how long can it last?

It's unclear whether the mastermind escaped or died in the bombing.

We searched for his trail on the battlefield, but to no avail.

I don't feel hatred for this war, after all, it was my own choice, and I also gained a lot from it.

I learned how to protect myself and how to remain calm and decisive on the battlefield.

However, this war also cost me a lot; I lost my reverence for life.

I always feel that something is subtly changing my thinking.

I feel like I'm not the same person I was six months ago.

Six months ago, I would have felt very sorry for Xiao Xie, but now, I feel no emotion at all.

Maybe I'm going to die too...

After the rectification, the master reported everything here to the association's superiors.

Upon learning the news, the association decided to hold a celebration ceremony for everyone.

It's actually quite ironic when you think about it.

What exactly is the credit that we're celebrating?

I don't know what's wrong with me. I feel so angry and resentful. It's like there's a huge rock pressing on my heart, making it hard for me to breathe.

With everything settled, the group flew back to Shanghai.

This is also my first time visiting the headquarters of the Shanghai Taoist Association.

Looking up, the building is the entire field of vision.

However, the side wall of the building reads "Shanghai Foreign Trade Complex Building," seemingly an attempt to conceal its true nature.

After entering the building, the group took the elevator to the top floor.

The top floor is a spacious area, a huge office.

"Oh? You're here. That's perfect. The association is going to hold a celebration banquet for you later, so you should get ready." A woman in a light blue cheongsam said from her seat.

There were three people sitting in the office.

One was the woman in the cheongsam who had just spoken, and two elderly men were sitting next to her.

One of the elderly men had gray hair and an air of otherworldly wisdom, giving the impression of a hermit sage.

Another elderly man was sitting in a wheelchair with a white blanket covering his legs and his hands on either side of the wheelchair armrests.

The master bowed slightly to the three people seated: "Chairman Fang, Elder Qiu, Elder He."

"I think we should skip the celebration banquet this time... We have no face to celebrate after Xiao Xie's death."

Chairman Fang stood up and stepped out from behind the table:

"There's no need to blame yourself. We have a complete picture of your entire battle."

As Chairman Fang finished speaking, he glanced at Jiang Huai-ren beside him, simply staring without saying a word.

Jiang Huai-ren narrowed his eyes slightly as he scrutinized Chairman Fang in front of him.

Finally, Chairman Fang avoided Jiang Huai Ren's gaze and said to everyone, "The association already knows about Xiao Xie's matter."

"From the day they enter the Taoist sect, the mission each person bears has already been determined."

“Our profession is to safeguard the life and death of the people. As you all know, along the way, many fellow practitioners have left us.”

"But we're still standing here!"

"Not only should we hold a celebration banquet, but we should also hold it beautifully!"

At this moment, Old Qiu spoke up, "Yes, Xiao Ma, this celebration banquet is not only for you, but also a consolation to Xiao Xie's soul in the afterlife."

"Moreover, you played a crucial role on the battlefield this time!"

"The Kyoto Association headquarters is also satisfied with your operation this time."

"You have minimized the losses this time. You have not only relieved China's siege, but also allowed China to rightfully wield its sharp edge!"

Master bowed his head: "Elder Qiu, you flatter me. I really don't deserve such praise!"

Old Qiu smiled kindly and said, "Ah, you're so modest, but excessive modesty is actually a bad thing."

After saying that, he turned his gaze toward Qiu Yun and Qiu Yu.

"Xiaoyun and Xiaoyu, did you cause any trouble for Master Ma this time?"

Master replied with a smile, "Elder Qiu, what are you saying? Xiao Yun and Xiao Yu performed very well in this battle."

"Especially Xiaoyun, she continued to fight even after being injured. For a girl to be so brave, the association can be said to have a successor."

"Besides, I've watched Xiaoyun and Xiaoyu grow up. How could you not know these two children? How could they possibly cause any trouble?"

Qiu Yun lowered his head somewhat embarrassed when his master praised him like that.

Old Qiu nodded. "It's good that I didn't cause you any trouble. My grandson and granddaughter are still too young."

"He is not experienced enough in his actions and needs more practice in the future."

"I think your new disciple is quite good. He's intelligent and strategic. You've really struck gold."

Just then, Chairman Fang walked up to me.

"Hello, your name is Chen Xi, right?"

When I saw Chairman Fang come over to greet me, I also politely performed a Taoist salute.

Seeing how I handled it, my master smiled and nodded, as if I hadn't embarrassed him.

Chairman Fang then continued:

"I am the branch president of the Shanghai Taoist Association, and my surname is Fang."

"We were just talking about you here."

I was a little confused as to why such an important person would talk about me.

But Chairman Fang continued:

"You did a good job this time. I heard from Elder Qiu that you were the one who proposed this infiltration plan. It was a good idea. You saved the lives of those soldiers on the battlefield without even realizing it."

“After tomorrow, your authority in the association will be increased accordingly.”

"Keep up the good work. I have high hopes for you and look forward to the day you stand out from the crowd."

I was somewhat bewildered. In my view, I had only offered what I considered reasonable suggestions, but had not made any crucial decisions.

But since Chairman Fang has said so, I naturally can't refuse, otherwise it would seem too fake.

"Thank you, Chairman Fang, for your high expectations. I will continue to work hard."