Chapter 046: General Xiao

After the square-faced middle-aged officer finished speaking, he paused, awaiting further instructions.

"Continue and briefly explain how Lin Yan and Li Gang came to know each other, as well as the circumstances of their alliance," one of the elders in the conference room said. After a low exchange of opinions among the elders, this particular elder, having received the others’ assent, turned his gaze to the officer and issued the directive.

"Yes, sir," the officer replied, switching the image on the digital projector. The individual photos of the two were replaced by a picture showing them dining and chatting together. Below the photo, lines of text appeared.

Glancing at the explanation screen on his console, the officer continued, "Our archives contain no record of these two knowing each other beforehand. Clearly, their acquaintance was never documented—an oversight on the part of our intelligence department.

"However, based on the content of their conversations, we can deduce that they met at an internet café several years ago. Strangely, though they have known each other for so long and should be quite familiar, their conversations reveal a lack of deep understanding. It seems even Li Gang only just learned Lin Yan’s name."

"This cannot be blamed entirely on the intelligence department," an elder with a thin face and sharp features interjected when the officer paused. His tone was sharp but his pace measured, and it was the first time he had spoken during the meeting. "Given our nation’s vast population, it’s perfectly normal for there to be omissions. Over the past decade, our intelligence department has done its utmost to gather comprehensive details on all individuals within the age range designated by the gods for the Chosen, but gaps are inevitable. I’ve reviewed Li Gang’s profile myself—it's already quite thorough. We can't expect to record every trivial detail of his life; that’s simply impossible."

The elders, who had all looked displeased at the earlier mention of missing key intelligence on how Lin Yan and Li Gang met, now seemed mollified by his words, many nodding in agreement.

This was not unique to their nation. Over the decade, all countries had collected data on everyone within the Chosen age range, even focusing efforts on individuals from other nations. Such preparation is always wise, and the results had proven them right. Of the ten thousand participants in the Decade of Life and Death Hunt, intelligence existed on over ninety percent, and basic profiles existed for the rest.

The elder seated at the center glanced at his neighbor, who immediately understood and said, "Continue."

"Yes, sir," the square-faced officer snapped to attention and replied loudly.

He continued, "The alliance between Lin Yan and Li Gang was proposed by Lin Yan during their dinner together, and Li Gang agreed without hesitation. This is also quite puzzling. According to Li Gang’s profile, he is an introverted, withdrawn person—someone who keeps to himself. His immediate agreement doesn't align with this characterization."

"Xiao Zhu, if I remember correctly, you were personally trained by me, weren’t you?" At this point, an elderly man in military uniform, adorned with numerous medals, spoke. His voice was strong and commanding. Though his face showed the signs of age, he exuded vitality and a silent, imposing authority.

"Yes, General Xiao. I’m surprised you still remember me," the officer replied, his previously unflinching face lighting up with emotion for the first time.

"Every soldier I’ve trained, I remember by name. Even if the world forgets them, or their names are missing from the martyrs’ monument, I will always remember," the old general said simply but firmly.

"Private Zhu Yinglong, reporting! Awaiting orders, sir!" The officer stepped forward, standing straight and saluting with fervor, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

His booming voice startled several elders in suits or tunics who were not from the military, and they turned to look.

General Xiao surveyed the room, pride evident in his eyes, as if to say, "These are the men I’ve trained."

He then rose, stood as straight as a rod, and asked forcefully, "Zhu, you are a major general now. Why do you still call yourself a private?"

"Sir, in your presence, I will always be Private Zhu Yinglong," came the loud reply.

General Xiao’s eyes softened slightly. "Major General Zhu Yinglong, you still have duties to perform. Focus on your work and return to your post."

"Yes, sir!" Zhu Yinglong snapped another crisp salute and returned to the podium.

This sudden display left the non-military elders at a loss for words, exchanging glances.

General Xiao retook his seat, a faint smile on his face. "Earlier, Major General Zhu Yinglong pointed out something odd about Li Gang. Based on the intelligence we have and his life story, he does seem to be an introvert, even reclusive. However, I have a different perspective."

The sharp-featured elder asked pointedly, "I wonder, General Xiao, what is your view of this man?"

General Xiao looked at him and smiled. "Elder Wang, don’t take offense. You handle the most work among us, sorting and analyzing vast amounts of intelligence daily. It’s only natural that some details may be overlooked."

Elder Wang’s face relaxed, and he said no more.

General Xiao continued, "I’ve only just skimmed Li Gang’s detailed profile, but I already like this young man very much. Leaving aside his performance at the start of the game or the remarkable increase in his basic stats, his values are sound. I’ve studied him closely: his true drive began on the day the Tenth God issued the rewards, and his motivation was to earn the reward that would resurrect all those erased by the gods.

"That alone puts him ahead of most of the Chosen. Some people seem dull and unremarkable, like withered cucumbers destined for mediocrity, but given the right opportunity, or once they resolve to act, they become as spirited as celery revived in water.

"If he had joined the military, he would have been an outstanding scout, the kind of soldier who would take a bullet for his comrades without hesitation."

General Xiao offered high praise for Li Gang, and the elders murmured among themselves, their appraisal of him rising substantially. They all knew that General Xiao wielded immense influence in the army and had a remarkable eye for talent. Soldiers under his command were all exceptional, making their mark unless they had fallen or retired due to injury.

Many in the room had previously dismissed Li Gang, thinking him merely lucky to have met Lin Yan and formed an alliance, thus entering their circle of notice. After General Xiao’s assessment, however, they began to regard the young man with newfound respect—as an individual, not just as Lin Yan’s partner.

After speaking, General Xiao surveyed the room, seeing the elders’ reactions, and let out a quiet sigh of relief. In truth, his words were not solely based on his insight into Li Gang’s character—much had to do with Lin Yan. Her father, Lin Hua, was once one of his soldiers. He had been fond of Lin Hua and had helped him secure a spot on the lunar mission. He had even wanted to secure a place for Lin Yan as well, regarding her as dearly as his own granddaughter.

Now, watching the live feed on his screen of Lin Yan and Li Gang lying on the rooftop, gazing at the stars, he thought, "If Lin Yan has chosen him, then this old man will endorse him too."

He glanced at the elders around him, noting their stunned expressions at his words, and allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. After all, on this lonely lunar base, such moments were a simple pleasure for him.