In the dense woods, a group of people were escorting a group of prisoners forward. Among them, a burly person lowered his voice and said to soone beside him, "Ghost Hand, can you guess what big move Little Brother is up to this ti? I'm anxious to find out. The endless gloom of the Dark Prison, they say no one can co out alive. We've set a precedent. Interesting."
This group of people is none other than the captured soldiers of the Fourth Squadron. The burly one is Snow Leopard. Ghost Hand glanced at Snow Leopard, annoyed, and scolded, "Have you gone crazy being locked up? We're all in prison. How would I know what Little Brother is up to? But it must be sothing big. Just look around, there must be over two thousand people."
"Look at the tents here, the troops are more than two thousand easily." Snow Leopard said cautiously, looking around and then shouted louder, "Uncle Lan, we'll soon et our captain. Don't worry, with them around, we won't die."
"I've seen it all today, knowing what kind of missions you guys are executing. Just forget it, you've been doing this for long enough. If you were going to die, you would have already done so. Not dying now ans even the heavens don't want you. Worrying is useless." The one called Uncle Lan, who is Lan Xue's father Lan Bo, said.
"Ah, that's right. Our country is so big, there ought to be a few daredevils like us. But don't worry, our Captain is fortunate and blessed. The brothers will watch out for her, and won't let her suffer. Moreover, with Little Brother around, who dares bully the Captain? That's a death wish." Snow Leopard said with a grin.
The group engaged in quiet conversation, slowly moving forward, unconsciously arriving at the canyon's entrance. As everyone saw the nearly hundred tied-up prisoners in the open ground, they imdiately smiled knowingly. Snow Leopard laughed heartily, "I told you, exchanging hostages is a good idea. So many people exchanging for us, seems like our lives are quite valuable."
"Stop the nonsense, that's Little Brother giving us face, tying up so many people as a cushion for us. If Sam Country doesn't release us, having these many people cushioning for the brothers is worth it." Ghost Hand replied annoyed.
The group stopped at the wide trench after the officer signaled them to halt and shouted, "We've brought the people, now release yours."
"Eh? Where are our people hidden? Let see." Snow Leopard said excitedly in a low voice.
"You? Definitely won't find them. What a huge trench, this trench is like a natural barrier, how many death tolls would it take for the enemy to fill it? Without filling, don't even think about charging through. Nice idea, a simple trench is as good as a thousand troops." Ghost Hand comnted excitedly, not taking himself as a prisoner at all.
If the officer understood Ghost Hand and Snow Leopard, he would die of anger. At this mont, Luo Zheng saw Ghost Hand and others being escorted up from behind the trench, all accounted for. Although they looked weary with haggard faces, their injuries weren't very apparent, making him exceedingly happy. As long as the brothers are alright, it's manageable. Their bodies can be slowly recuperated later. He rose, ordering through the earpiece, "Everyone be advised, do not shoot until my order."
"I'll go with you." Lan Xue also stood and said firmly, not allowing for any argunt, her eyes locked onto her father in the earlier stand.
Luo Zheng gave Lan Xue a puzzled look, then followed her gaze to Lan Bo, sowhat understanding, and said, "Alright, let's go, let's bring the brothers back."
The two jumped onto the trench and walked forward. Luo Zheng's eyes sparkled with excitent, finally having a chance to rescue the brothers, he shouted excitedly, "Are the brothers all fine?"
"Just fine, there's food, shelter, private rooms, no sun exposure—a life like gods." Ghost Hand, seeing Luo Zheng and Lan Xue walking over, also got excited and responded joyfully.
Everyone laughed at Ghost Hand's words, sweeping away any displeasure. They all looked at Luo Zheng and Lan Xue, excited, having always believed they could rescue them, not expecting it to happen so quickly in this manner. Passion surged; this is the military spirit.
"Anyone still hurt and not fully healed? If one is hurt, I'll compensate with ten lives." Luo Zheng asked with concern, glancing over each brother.
Everyone felt warmth in their hearts at Luo Zheng's words, their eyes burning with fervor. With such a commander, dying in battle is worth it. Snow Leopard shouted excitedly, "Minor injuries, they even specially arranged treatnt before coming here, all are fine now. I wondered why these bastards were so kind; turns out, it's all about Little Brother's usual dominance. Forget the thanks, let's proceed with the exchange. Did my weapon and gear co through? This ti, I want a slaughter."
"Nothing of yours is missing." Hearing this, Luo Zheng relaxed completely. He looked at the officer, stopped by the trench and said, "Release your prisoners. Release half first, then we'll release half, alternating until everyone is exchanged."
"No problem, as you say." The officer agreed, faintly sensing nurous people watching him, making any careless move prone to deadly consequences. He wished to hurry the exchange and return, murmuring instructions to those beside him, then the escorting team moved.
Luo Zheng, seeing no tricks from the opponents, fully relaxed. Beside him, Lan Xue whispered, "Pity, with so many prisoners, it's the best security assurance. Once they're handed over, the enemy will likely attack."
"Yeah, no choice, there are plenty of enemies. More or fewer of these don't make a difference to us. Trust is essential, even on the battlefield. We've committed, so let's hand them over." Luo Zheng said calmly.
"I understand, if we don't hand over the prisoners, the enemy will unite fiercely, boosting their morale, making it disadvantageous for us. Breaking trust causes ineffective threats in future missions and could disrupt our morale. As long as we rescue our brothers, what's the harm with a few prisoners?" Lan Xue said approvingly.
Luo Zheng saw half of the brothers being separated out, with people undoing their handcuffs and shackles, then picked up the nearby makeshift bridge, laid it over the trench. The bridge was two roughly six-ter logs bound together forming a simple bridge, enabling people to cross the trench.
Soon enough, half the brothers were escorted over, each crossing the bridge swiftly to Luo Zheng and Lan Xue. Luo Zheng checked each brother, gave them a hug, and said a few reassuring words. They were comrades who shared life and death, after all. Lan Xue also stepped forward to comfort, respecting gender differences and avoiding hugs, tidying their clothes, checking wounds, soothing them with a woman's tenderness.
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