At dusk, Luo Zheng stood coldly at the window of the wooden cabin, watching the sunset. The evening glow filled the sky with a crimson hue, extraordinarily beautiful. The sky was windless and cloudless, with only a few large birds squawking occasionally as they swept over the valley, quickly disappearing from sight. On the broad valley square, captives were tied to stakes, motionless, while dozens of guards kept a close, vigilant watch on the surroundings, wary of any rescue attempts.
The area around the valley had been quiet all day, as if the enemy had suddenly vanished. This calm before the storm was suffocating, and Luo Zheng felt as if a heavy stone was lodged in his heart, making even breathing difficult. His sharp gaze swept past the prisoners and onto a more distant wooden cabin, where the arms dealer who had co for negotiations was being held under house arrest.
Tomorrow was the day set for the hostage exchange, and tonight was when the dostic reinforcents were expected to arrive. Luo Zheng hoped there would be no changes before the exchange. With a frown as fierce as a tiger, he stared ahead in deep thought. Not long after, Lan Xue approached quietly and said in a low voice, "The Hook Tribe's ard forces have already moved. Except for the reserves, everyone else has been sent out to patrol, expanding the search range to ten kiloters beyond."
"Let's hope nothing else goes wrong," Luo Zheng replied in a low voice, his grave expression unchanging as he stood motionless at the window, gazing ahead. After a brief pause, he continued, "Is everyone else in position?"
"Everyone's in position and acting strictly according to plan. We've done what we can; the rest is up to fate, so you don't need to worry too much. However, I have a feeling the enemy is lurking around, waiting for the mont after the hostage exchange. I don't think they'll act before then, as angering us wouldn't benefit them," Lan Xue comforted softly.
"Let's hope so, but this is also a tricky situation. We don't know how many enemies there are. Last ti, the coalition had internal strife, with everyone wanting to seize the activation device. This ti, it's different; they've co for honor and rescue, and internally, they'll surely be very united. Such enemies are truly formidable," Luo Zheng spoke in a low tone.
Lan Xue understood that Luo Zheng's concerns were valid, but lacking sufficient intelligence, they could only adapt as circumstances unfold. At that mont, Luo Zheng suddenly continued, "Forget it. Whatever happens, happens. We've made all the necessary preparations. We'll fight. Even if it's a tiger, I'll break a few of its teeth."
"That's the Luo Zheng I know," Lan Xue laughed. "You can't lose your edge from just one defeat by the invaders."
"Let's forget about that. Lan Xing," Luo Zheng suddenly called through the earpiece.
"Here," Lan Xue's voice replied through the earpiece.
"Any changes in support?" Luo Zheng inquired.
"Everything's already set. Don't worry; it was confird ten minutes ago," Lan Xing replied.
"That's good," Luo Zheng relaxed, his gaze toward the distance becoming sharper, exuding a faint aura of killing intent. Turning to Lan Xue, he said, "The reserves and valley security are now your responsibility. Also, notify Hook to prepare for transporting materials."
"Alright, I'm on it," Lan Xue responded, turning to leave.
Luo Zheng touched his chest, where his ribs still faintly ached from his significant injury that would need three days of rest. Thinking about how he had blinded an opponent in one eye brought him so comfort. Unable to personally execute military duties, Luo Zheng could only remotely command from within the cabin.
After dinner, as night gradually descended, the enemy still hadn't moved, allowing Luo Zheng a sigh of relief. Watching the encroaching darkness, he pondered that the enemy was truly waiting for an opportunity this ti. Fine by him; once the reinforcents and weapons arrive, who can say who will win or lose? With this thought, Luo Zheng felt much more at ease.
In the deep of night, Lan Xue and Hook entered together. Luo Zheng checked the watch, noting there was still an hour until the appointed ti, and nodded aningfully. The two promptly exited. Soon, the valley beca lively as the tribe's people erged from their hos, pushing wooden carts and carrying bamboo baskets of all sizes. Young and old, n and won all mobilized, bearing torches as they headed toward the back mountain.
The tribe's ard forces needed to patrol the surrounding area to prevent the enemy from launching a surprise attack at a crucial mont, leaving the task of transporting materials entirely to the tribe's people. Although they didn't know what they were doing, Hook's influence was substantial. At his command, everyone ca out to help, torches illuminating the entire valley.
Through the window, Luo Zheng watched the lights outside, feeling at ease as he waited. Once the group reached the back mountain, Lan Xue gave an order, and they imdiately lit several bonfires arranged in a pentagram—this was the agreed-upon space signal. The crowd dispersed, standing silently as they cleared the open space.
As preparations continued, about an hour elapsed, and a light appeared in the dark sky, accompanied by a roaring sound. The light grew larger, drawing nearer, revealing the silhouette of a large passenger aircraft. Its speed was not very fast, evidently under human control, maintaining about a thousand ters above the ground.
Soon, the aircraft descended significantly. Many large wooden crates dropped from the cargo hold, with parachutes quickly unfurling above them. Seeing this, the entire tribe understood what was happening and began discussing it joyfully. Hook was also thrilled, as these materials would further elevate his prestige and status, significantly boosting combat power, and he couldn't help but feel more respectful towards Luo Zheng and the others.
Lan Xue watched as nurous large wooden boxes descended, noting that there were dozens. Following the crates, people parachuted down, their white parachutes starkly visible against the night sky, filling the view. She couldn't help but smile, finally breathing a sigh of relief. With this batch of supplies and two hundred Special Forces, the subsequent battles would be easier fought.
There were many resources scattered broad. Lan Xue told Hook, "Have everyone spread out more, keeping a close watch on the supplies. Once they land, open the boxes and bring them back quickly. With such a grand setup, the enemy has definitely seen it too. Our ti is limited."
"Okay," Hook replied excitedly, calling for a few trusted aides to give instructions. These individuals gleefully dispersed to relay the orders. Soon, everyone spread out, eyes fixed on the descending supplies and personnel, pointing and discussing joyously.
After a while, all the supplies landed. Everyone rushed to open the crates, taking out weapons and ammunition, with each carrying so to the valley tribe. Lacking appropriate tools, manpower was necessary to transport them. The landed teams quickly gathered, and before they fully assembled, Scholar, Gardener, Farr, and Monk excitedly ran over. Upon seeing Lan Xue, they saluted imdiately, aware of her identity before their arrival.
Before Lan Xue could return the salute and greet them, Shadow, leading a dozen individuals, charged over, standing in front with a solemn expression while facing Lan Xue. With others present, Shadow found it difficult to speak, though filled with curiosity. Understanding the situation, Lan Xue handed over a tal box containing the activation device. Receiving it, Shadow solemnly commanded in a low voice, "Brothers, salute."
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