Chapter 720: The Dark Sentinel 31

For sentinels, losing their guide was almost equivalent to losing half their existence. Unless they were considered exceptionally valuable, the higher authorities would rarely assign them a new guide. As for guides, even though they could theoretically be matched with another sentinel after losing their partner, it was an experience most found unbearable.

The bond between a sentinel and a guide was not something that could be replaced.

It was built through constant companionship, shared battles, and deep mutual understanding. That level of trust, once formed, could not simply be transferred to someone else. Even if a new pairing was forced, it would never truly feel the same.

That was why, once bonded, a sentinel and a guide were considered partners for life.

Only death could separate them.

On their way back, Tang Wan and Lu Tong happened to encounter Ellivis and Zheng Wenjun, who had just returned from the battlefield. Behind them were several other sentinel-guide pairs, some of whom were visibly injured.

One of the guides, upon seeing Tang Wan, immediately brightened with excitement and hurried forward.

“Admiral Tang! Admiral Lu! You’re back!”

Tang Wan paused slightly, then gave a small, polite smile. “You’re injured? Have you been treated?”

“Yes, yes! Wenjun treated me,” the man replied quickly, glancing gratefully at Zheng Wenjun. “He’s a double S-level guide.”

Tang Wan followed his gaze briefly, her expression calm and unreadable. “I see. It’s good that you’re alright. Admiral Lu and I have just returned, so we’ll be heading back to rest. Take care.”

“Yes, Admiral Tang! Goodbye!”

The group quickly saluted.

Ellivis and Zheng Wenjun had no choice but to do the same.

After Tang Wan and Lu Tong walked away, Ellivis’s gaze lingered, his brows drawing together slightly.

“What did you just call her?” he asked the injured guide.

“Admiral Tang,” the man replied without hesitation, his tone almost proud. “That’s what everyone calls her. Even the generals address her that way.”

Ellivis’s expression darkened slightly.

He had no issue with Lu Tong holding the rank of admiral. After all, Lu Tong’s reputation was built on countless battles and victories. But Tang Wan…?

When they had been in the White Tower, she had been ranked at the very bottom, No. 5251.

How had she suddenly become an admiral?

Was it because of Lu Tong?

Was she simply benefiting from his status?

Before he could think further, another guide nearby spoke up, his tone filled with admiration.

“Admiral Tang should also be a double S-level guide. A few days ago, many of us were severely injured. If she hadn’t arrived in time to stabilize our mental states, we wouldn’t have survived.”

Ellivis and Zheng Wenjun both froze.

A double S-level guide?

When had that happened?

Why hadn’t they heard anything about it?

The only thing they had known before arriving was that Tang Wan and Lu Tong were a pair with perfect compatibility. But now, it felt as though something had shifted without them realizing it.

A faint sense of discomfort crept into Ellivis’s mind.

It was as if the recognition and achievements he had expected… had already been taken by someone else.

Meanwhile, Tang Wan walked ahead, her expression calm, but her thoughts were anything but.

In the original course of events, Ellivis had relied heavily on Zheng Wenjun’s abilities. Each time others were on the verge of collapse, he would push Zheng Wenjun forward to rescue them, gradually building a network of loyalty and gratitude within the army.

Step by step, they had risen to prominence.

As for Lu Tong…

His downfall had not been purely accidental.

At its core, it had been a matter of competition.

With Lu Tong gone, Ellivis would have more opportunities, more recognition, and greater benefits.

That was the real reason.

Tang Wan’s eyes darkened slightly.

This time, things would not unfold the same way.