Half an hour later, the battle ended, and the open mountains and fields returned to calm. The chasing Basto ard forces all ca back, each one beaming with joy. They had won the battle, killed old foes, and captured quite a bit. Everyone was thrilled, and the looks they gave Luo Zheng were filled with more gratitude. Seeing that no captives were brought over, Luo Zheng guessed that they had all been killed and sighed helplessly.
At this ti, Bar ca over excitedly, smiling brightly at Luo Zheng and said, "Everything has been handled properly. We captured more than a hundred people and quite a lot of dicine. I'll take everything back and have your people help treat them. They'll make good slaves in the future. This battle was fought well."
"Take them back? Are you sure you want to split your forces?" Luo Zheng reminded.
"This?" Bar regretted bringing too few people. If he had more people, splitting forces wouldn't be a problem. But there were only a hundred, unless he sent everyone to escort the captives and spoils back. But Luo Zheng definitely wouldn't agree. Bar thought for a mont and tentatively said, "We can go back overnight and arrive by tomorrow morning, then co back here and arrive by tomorrow night. Does that work for you?"
"If you want to go, go. I'm not tagging along. What's the point of running back and forth? Can't you bring people here? Travel overnight and you can get here by early morning. Then you can arrange for people to escort the spoils back. Your troops have been running continuously for a whole day. Are you sure everyone can still keep going?" Luo Zheng asked disgruntledly.
"This?" Bar laughed awkwardly, realizing he had overlooked the issue of the team's stamina. Everyone had undergone a day of intense marching and simply couldn't have the energy to run back overnight. However, bringing the team here would an declaring open war with the Hariri.
Luo Zheng naturally understood the reasoning and didn't urge Bar, patiently waiting. Decisions like these must be made themselves if there's to be harmony in the future. Bar's face turned complex with deep thought, as it concerned the tribe's fate and could not be taken lightly. At this mont, Madela suddenly said softly, "Even if you take the spoils back and choose not to participate in this war, are you sure the Hariri won't find out the truth later? Don't forget, your place has many people involved, and there's constant caravan traffic. Even if we say nothing, leaks are inevitable. Unless you withdraw from the battlefield now and take nothing."
Madela's expression shifted, hesitantly glancing at Badra without imdiately responding. Luo Zheng inwardly criticized. This guy is not only greedy but also indecisive, not a good leader. No wonder the Basto Tribe hasn't developed well; their poverty is inseparable from Bar's issues.
Luo Zheng gave Madela an approving nod and smile. There was one thing Luo Zheng knew Madela didn't say: that even if they withdrew now and took nothing, Hariri would still uncover the truth. As an elite Special Forces warrior, Madela naturally understood that the pursuit just now couldn't have annihilated all enemies. If one slipped through, this matter couldn't be concealed. But since Luo Zheng didn't ntion it, Madela didn't bring it up either.
Bar deliberated for a few minutes, then suddenly exhaled deeply, as if making a significant decision and letting go of a ntal burden. Looking at Luo Zheng, he said, "Since we've co this far, there's no turning back. A lion on the prairie can only beco strong by moving forward. I'll notify the troops to co over imdiately."
"That's the right decision. Don't worry, join in dealing with Hariri, and I guarantee you'll swallow the Hariri Tribe. Your tribe will expand more than twice, becoming the largest tribe in the eastern region. Then you can sweep and unify all the nearby tribes, becoming the greatest warlord in the east." Luo Zheng patted Bar's shoulder, laughing. He subtly gained a leadership position. With Bar's ard support, the future battles would be easier.
"As long as we annex the Hariri Tribe, you'll be the most honored guest of our tribe. In the future, whatever you need, just say the word, no matter the cost. After this battle is over, I'll celebrate by slaughtering sheep for you." Bar committed sincerely to Luo Zheng.
However, such a promise was insignificant to Luo Zheng. People like Bar, who are inherently greedy and indecisive, can't be friends—only temporary allies. They can't compare to Hook, who's righteous, knows when to advance or retreat, understands the bigger picture, and possesses the aura of a heroic leader. Bar is way below Hook in comparison.
Of course, these thoughts couldn't be spoken aloud. Instead, Luo Zheng comforted, "Great, I'll wait for your hospitality. anwhile, let's discuss serious matters. The troops will camp here for the night. Arrange dark sentries in every direction, all of them. Ten n in each direction, two every kiloter forward, split left and right, cross-distributed, defenses start a kiloter out. Arrange people to guard the captives, and the rest quickly clean up the battlefield and sleep."
"No problem, I'll arrange it imdiately." Bar readily agreed and left to make arrangents.
Ghost Hand watched Bar leave, gave Luo Zheng a thumbs up, and jokingly said in Huaxia, "Bro, well done, cornering that bastard and making him follow orders. Impressive, I have to admire you. With their help, things will be smoother ahead. What are your next plans?"
"At this point, they should've reached their positions. Let's contact and check in." Luo Zheng said softly, looking at Madela and asking concernedly, "Are you alright after the charge just now?"
"I'm fine, don't worry about . This battle was beautifully executed." Madela responded with gratitude, giving a thumbs up to Ghost Hand, showcasing admiration.
Seeing Ghost Hand and Madela talking, Luo Zheng walked aside, opened the signal device, and soon connected to the satellite phone. Through the earpiece ca Lan Xing's surprised inquiry, "Brother-in-law, are you all okay? My sister and the others have reached the valley where Hariri is, the sa place you went last ti. Everyone is in position, observing the enemy. They just asked about your situation."
"Yes, we just raided the enemy camp at the cave location and took it. We're preparing to rest here overnight. Bar's troops are exhausted, not fit for further marching or combat. Let speak to your sister. I'll ask about her situation." Luo Zheng hurriedly explained.
"Hold on, I'll connect you right away." Lan Xing quickly replied.
Soon, a surprised voice ca through the earpiece, "Is that you?" The voice carried a hint of excitent and expectation, as well as a touch of worry.
Recognizing the voice, warmth filled Luo Zheng's heart, and he said joyfully, "It's , we just took down the enemy camp at the cave location. What's happening on your side?"
"No wonder. The enemy gathered five hundred troops and left just now. I thought sothing had happened. They might be going to support your side of the battle. Should we attack the enemy camp now?" Lan Xue said excitedly.
"Five hundred?" Luo Zheng furrowed his brows, pondering.
Note: The old wolf is calling for monthly votes, anyone willing? Hehe!
User Comments
0 comments from readers