The mountain forest is sparse, and the waves are turbulent. The wind rushed through the night, with the cries of apes resounding, as faint wails echoed. The kingdom’s exploration fleet anchored at Eight Hundred Town for a day, finally awaiting the chief commander here, who oversees a thousand pike warriors, the military noble Ping.
"May the Chief Divine protect! Honored hereditary noble Huitu, Exploration Captain Chiwaco."
Ping’s war clothes were bloodied, mud clung to his feet, and his face still bore unwashed dust, clearly indicating his hurried arrival. He wore the Eagle Crown of the Prepecha, carried a greatbow at his back, had a bronze axe at his waist, and held a copper spear in his hand. Seeing the two waiting, he slightly bowed, first saluting Puap, then nodding to Chiwaco.
Two years ago, though Puap was exiled, he still retained noble rank — notably higher than the old militia.
"May the Chief Divine protect! Honored military noble Ping. May Your Majesty be blessed, and may the Eastern Expedition proceed smoothly!"
Huitu Puap greeted with a rare pleasant deanor.
The military noble Ping before them was a true Warrior Camp Chief, leading a thousand pike warriors, also responsible for prisoner transport in Eight Hundred Town, controlling the fates of thousands of Telascallan prisoners.
It’s said that during the Southern Expedition, Ping once managed the transport of Tekos people from the mountains, eting with the touring Your Majesty, leaving a favorable impression. This ti, it was Your Majesty who personally appointed him, transferring him from under Ezpan to handle crucial transport matters here... In other words, the opposite party’s future prospects were limitless!
Since the Eastern Expedition began, tens of thousands of Telascallan have been captured. Puap had heard that these prisoners were mainly to be settled in the southern kingdom, Apa and Zicao Counties. Currently, the midpoint Six Hundred Town was managed by Zicao County warriors, whereas the upstream Eight Hundred Town was entrusted to Apa County’s spear legion, naturally reflecting so sort of gaming equilibrium...
"Between the two County Magistrates, Ezpan and Etalik, there might be hidden competition. But Eight Hundred Town is more crucial; holding the primary prisoner disposal rights would an Apa County could allocate more population... Both being Prepecha natives, it would be wise to maintain closeness with Ezpan Legion Commander."
Puap’s mind spun, contemplating the kingdom’s internal dynamics. Through exile and revival, he increasingly gained so intellect, understanding to think diligently.
"May Your Majesty be blessed! Whether Telascallan or Mistek people, they are rely cowardly chickens, how could they contend against the kingdom’s Divine Eagle!"
Ping sincerely prayed for Your Majesty. Then, he wiped the dirt from his face, smiling as he pointed behind him. Behind him were hundreds of equally dusty Prepecha warriors holding long spears, many clutching blood-dripping heads.
"Yesterday, between the northern Cloud Mountain Village and here, a prisoner revolt erupted, with dozens to hundreds of Telascallan escaping, killing and injuring over twenty escorting militia..."
"What, prisoner revolt?"
Upon hearing this, Puap was sowhat startled.
"These prisoners were underfed, lacked weapons, and didn’t have armor—how could they revolt?"
"Hmm. May the Chief Divine protect! For months, the transported prisoners, mostly tribespeople, were very compliant, with no major issues. They feared the na of Your Majesty’s God of Death and dreaded the custody of the large warrior forces, seldom resisting."
Ping answered solemnly.
"However, yesterday’s revolting prisoners were not ordinary tribespeople! They were skilled in battle techniques, organized and led, they were concealed Telascallan noble warriors! Facing these dangerous serpents, a strong counterattack is necessary, thoroughly hunting them down!"
"Concealed noble warriors?"
Upon hearing this, Puap was astonished. He turned and exchanged a glance with the old militia, both contemplating.
"These Telascallan warriors lurked for months; why revolt now?"
"Ha! These serpents always hid, harboring rebellion, unwilling to submit to Your Majesty’s rule. Relying on the so-called Cloud Serpent Bloodline, they had the ability to incite the tribe captives. But now, they’re being transported here, soon to board the ships. Once aboard, sailing downstream a hundred miles a day, heading to the distant west, reaching the kingdom’s heartland...That would an a thousand miles from ho, losing the people and geographical advantage, never having the chance to escape again!"
Saying this, Ping clenched his fist, pounding his sturdy chest.
"Your Majesty sent here, with so many warriors, to uproot these serpent threats early, handling them cleanly!"
"Ah, Your Majesty is wise! You are also a valiant warrior!...Ping Camp Chief, were all the revolting prisoners resolved?"
"Ha, praise the Chief Divine! I led the warriors, chased for a day and night, except for a few fish who jumped into the water to seek death, all others were resolved!"
Ping grinned, genuine joy on his face. Then, he turned around, smiling as he called out to the warriors behind him.
"Co, Prepecha eagles! Erect tall poles in the town center, impale the heads of these rebels at the top! Then gather all warriors, surround and count the number in each small group of captives! I want these Telascallans to know the consequences of rebellion and escape!..."
"Yes! Praise the Chief Divine!"
The pike warriors roared in agreent, scattering imdiately. Ping turned again, bowing sincerely, apologizing to the two exploration captains.
"Not long ago, Your Majesty left a decree, instructing to prepare for the kingdom exploration team’s northbound journey, as the highest priority!... I’ve already dispatched scouts, exploring the upstream waterways. Along the way, the terrain is steep, the water flow swift, requiring mobilization of at least a thousand strong captives to drag against the current along the river..."
"However, a revolt just happened yesterday. Over ten thousand strong captives gathered here, like autumn dry grass, igniting with just a spark... Urgently, I must first manage the captives, etching the Chief Divine’s majesty deep into their bones!...Then I can arrange manpower to tow up stream..."
"So, I ask the two captains to wait a little longer...It shouldn’t take long, half a day will suffice."
Speaking at this point, Ping pursed his lips, a flash of killing intent in his eyes.
"Good! Ping Camp Chief, the exploration team has a hundred warriors, two hundred sailors. If needed, we can assist."
Puap gripped his spear, smiling in response, equally exuding a murderous aura.
"No need, thank you for your kind offer! The Chief Divine witnesses, soon, very soon!"
Soon, hundreds of blood-dripping poles were erected by the Chief Divine’s altar in the town center. And the entire small town’s ten thousand captives were plunged into frantic cries and turmoil. Thousands of armored warriors wielded weapons, driving all captives into the central square, then blocked all pathways. The verdict of death would co swiftly.
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