Volume Two Expedition! Chapter Sixty-Five Gathering

When Liu Cong returned to the villa, Liu Qingqing had already finished her breakfast. She wore a white dress and bent down to inhale the fragrance of the flowers in the garden. As if she had caught a whiff of something wonderful, a blissful smile blossomed on her face.

Liu Cong paused, standing quietly by her side, not wishing to disturb her.

Liu Qingqing sniffed every flower in the garden one by one, finally returning to a white blossom that looked rather ordinary compared to the others. She stroked its greenish buds lovingly, two or three lazy white petals drooping on either side.

After a while, Liu Qingqing finally noticed Liu Cong standing nearby. She smiled and took his hand, leading him to the white flowers.

“Brother Liu, smell these flowers.”

Liu Cong obediently bent down and inhaled their scent, praising, “They smell wonderful!”

It was as if she had received a certain validation; Liu Qingqing giggled with delight. “I’ve smelled them all, but although this one is the least conspicuous, it’s the most fragrant. So lovely!”

“Because it's an orchid,” Liu Cong said with a smile.

“So this is an orchid! It's my first time seeing one. No wonder it felt so special at first glance.”

“It is special. In our country, flower lovers have always adored orchids. Tao Yuanming resigned from office to cultivate chrysanthemums and orchids, leaving behind beautiful verses: ‘The secluded orchid grows in the front yard, holding its fragrance for the fresh breeze. When the breeze arrives, it stands apart from the mugwort crowd.’ The patriotic poet Qu Yuan often compared his integrity to the purity of orchids, mentioning them repeatedly in his writings and leaving many famous lines. Later, orchids became symbols of gentlemen, virtuous people, and beautiful women.”

Liu Qingqing’s eyes sparkled as she watched the pure white orchid in bloom, growing ever more fond of it. She ran inside, returning with a small watering can and began to water it.

“Orchid, you must grow strong. I’m waiting to see you in full bloom!”

Leaning close to the orchid, her fair skin bore a resemblance to the flower—truly, the girl outshone the blossom. Liu Cong remembered Su Shi’s famous line: “Spring orchids are like beautiful women, who offer themselves shyly without being plucked.”

“Alright, don’t water it too much, you might drown it,” Liu Cong cautioned.

Liu Qingqing stuck out her tongue, carried the watering can back into the house, and Liu Cong followed.

Upon entering, Liu Cong pulled Liu Qingqing onto the sofa. After carefully choosing his words, he said, “Qingqing, we might have to be apart for a little while.”

Liu Qingqing was startled. “Why?”

“I need to go to Japan. There are many people waiting for me to rescue them.”

“Can’t you take me with you? We could go together,” Liu Qingqing said.

Liu Cong shook his head. “The situation there is complicated and dangerous. It’s better for you to stay here. I’ll manage better alone.”

Liu Qingqing felt disappointed, but she knew she might only be a burden if she went. “Then I won't go. Please take care of yourself. I’ll wait for you to come back.”

Liu Cong pulled her into his arms and smiled. “It’s really not such a big deal. I fly so fast—if I can’t win, I can always run! Besides, nothing too formidable has appeared over there. I’ll be fine. Maybe I’ll only be gone a few days.”

Liu Qingqing hugged him tightly, forcing a smile. “When are you leaving?”

“Today. I’ll depart this afternoon.”

Liu Qingqing lifted her head, gazing at him with watery eyes. “There’s enough time then.”

“Hm? For what...”

Liu Qingqing silenced him with a kiss, her soft hands slipping under Liu Cong’s shirt, gently caressing the smooth skin of his back.

Stirred by her gentle touch, Liu Cong could no longer restrain himself. He embraced Liu Qingqing and carried her into the bedroom.

Spring orchids are like beautiful women, who offer themselves shyly without being plucked. Their fragrance lingers in the wind and dew, hidden deep among the mugwort.

After a long while, the sounds from the bedroom faded. Liu Cong stroked the girl’s smooth skin, still longing for more, and together they drifted into a deep sleep.

Near noon, Liu Cong opened his eyes. Liu Qingqing was still sleeping sweetly in his arms, her delicate cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. He gently kissed her forehead and quietly dressed himself.

——

Liu Cong arrived at the city hall to find its surroundings, usually quiet, now filled with police. Groups of officers ran into the hall in formation. Compared to these hurried figures, his relaxed pace made him seem out of place.

Inside the hall, five rows of soldiers stood in formation. Some faces were familiar—they had crossed paths with Liu Cong outside. All were strong and sturdy, but shared a common trait: sharp eyes.

Standing like pine trees, their gazes were piercing, all focused on Liu Cong, the stranger among them. If it had been anyone else standing here, their legs might have buckled with fear.

Liu Cong was unaffected, strolling past the crowd and taking the elevator to the top floor.

Li Yu sat in his office, reading a document. He heard a knock and said, “Come in!”

The secretary opened the door and entered, followed by Liu Cong. She announced, “Commander, Mr. Liu has arrived.”

Li Yu looked up, set aside the document, and smiled. “Perfect timing. Everyone is here. We were waiting for you.”

Liu Cong was puzzled. “Who’s here?”

---

“When you came up, didn’t you see the people downstairs? Those are all elite soldiers, specially selected for your mission.”

“You want me to take them? But I can’t fly with ordinary people,” Liu Cong frowned slightly.

Li Yu stood up, patted his shoulder, and said, “Let’s talk as we walk. I know you can fly, and it’s easier for you alone. But there are many wounded over there, and supplies are extremely scarce. We need to deliver medicines. Once there, they won’t follow you; instead, they’ll stay with Masao Nakamura. After evacuating the residents, they’ll supervise the process.”

Only then did Liu Cong realize the scope of the issue—there were tens of thousands of people over there. Bringing them all to China would not be easy, so he voiced his concern.

Li Yu sighed. “Total evacuation is impossible. We’ll do as much as we can. Once you arrive, discuss with Masao Nakamura and see what can be done.”

Liu Cong nodded. He was no god; his abilities limited. He would have to wait and see how things unfolded over there—this was not a decision for him alone.

Downstairs, the five rows of soldiers stood as before, but now a man in an officer’s uniform stood at the front. Upon seeing Li Yu and Zhang Chu, he hurried forward.

“Commander, I am Zhao Tian, captain of the War God Battalion. The team is assembled and awaiting orders!”

Li Yu patted Zhao Tian’s shoulder encouragingly. “Very good. You’re the chief commander for this operation, but remember—this mission is all about rescue, not combat. Understood?”

Zhao Tian looked at Liu Cong with fervor. “Rest assured, Commander. With the War God leading us, we will accomplish our task.”

The five rows of soldiers, still standing at attention, now cast curious glances at Liu Cong. They hadn’t expected the man who passed before them was the famed War God. They all knew the mission was dangerous and difficult, but most had volunteered to join for Liu Cong’s reputation. This War God Battalion would become his subordinates.

Who wouldn’t want to follow a Chinese Sword Immortal as their leader?

“Alright, take them to the planes. The supplies should be ready. When you return, I’ll personally award you,” Li Yu said with a smile.

Zhao Tian glanced at Liu Cong once more before leading the team away at a run.

“You’re letting them go just like that? I thought you’d give a rousing speech!” Liu Cong joked.

Li Yu laughed and sighed. “Everything that needed saying has been said. This team was formed days ago, all volunteers to follow you. Words mean less than the rewards they’ll receive upon their return.”

Li Yu accompanied Liu Cong to the airport. The once empty tarmac now held five huge transport planes, larger than those Liu Cong had flown on before. Beside the planes, figures moved to and fro, forklifts shuttling supplies to the aircraft, like ants tirelessly carrying food, all busily at work.