Hook didn't know what Luo Zheng was planning, but he understood it wasn't the ti to question or discuss. He also knew Luo Zheng wouldn't harm him. Ti was pressing as the enemy could attack at any mont. He quickly agreed, "Understood, I'll start preparing. Is there anything else you need to do?"
"Arrange for the troops retreating from the north to escort the POWs, everyone else should take all the supplies and equipnt and leave. Split into five groups heading west. You're familiar with the route, so decide how to proceed. The troops in the west will be responsible for reception, rearguard, and covering the retreat. I estimate the enemy will cease operations once they occupy the valley, though small groups may pursue. Once west, find secluded spots and remain hidden. No military actions during this period. Secretly train the tribe's ard forces," Luo Zheng instructed hurriedly.
"Understood, anything else?" Hook replied.
Everyone looked at Luo Zheng, eyes filled with fervent battle intent and curiosity, waiting for their orders. Luo Zheng glanced at Captain Li, took a deep breath to calm himself, and continued, "Though we haven't had ti to count, our losses among our own brothers might be considerable. All injured personnel should retreat west with the main forces. Brother Li, take your troops and advisers and retreat together."
"Should I stay behind?" Captain Li asked in a deep voice.
"No, your tasks are twofold: First, protect the injured and advisers; second, train Hook Tribe's ard forces to quickly gain combat effectiveness, especially newcors from other tribes who have just joined. Hook, have your n listen to the command," Luo Zheng said hastily, then added, "If possible, arrange for the seriously injured brothers to return ho secretly from the west and take Uncle Lan with you."
"Understood." Captain Li understood the importance and quickly agreed, and Hook also agreed promptly.
"Shadow, Snow Fox, and Drunkard have already headed to the enemy base. The enemy's main force's departure is the best ti for a raid, with high odds of success. We'll find a way to bypass to the enemy's rear, and since the enemy occupies here, they won't leave. We'll sever their logistics and support Shadow's retreat. Ghost Hand, Snow Leopard, Mountain Eagle, Wei Jian, take your troops with . Gardener, Monk, Farr, you three take your teams to support Scholar. Rember to leave the injured. Once you rendezvous with Scholar, quickly regroup with us. Rember, do not bring the injured. Our mission might last a few days; bring sufficient rations and ammunition," Luo Zheng coldly instructed.
"Yes." Everyone looked at Luo Zheng with firm eyes, inspired by his calm deanor.
"The enemy's approach is fierce but not terrifying. We've only lost a valley but killed many enemies, which is a victory. Don't forget to explain this to the tribes; morale must not be lost. We've fought here once; we can fight here a second ti, a third ti. I will always be with you," Luo Zheng said while looking at Hook.
Hook nodded gratefully, "Don't worry, I understand."
"Everyone, prepare yourselves. We depart in five minutes," Luo Zheng ordered coldly.
"Yes." Everyone responded in unison, turning and hurriedly leaving the command post.
Luo Zheng looked at Lan Xue; she understood Luo Zheng wanted her to retreat with the main forces. She nodded without hesitation and looked at Captain Li, "Brother, I'm entrusting my dad to you."
"Hmm, you two be careful. I'll take care of Hook's main force. Little brother, I understand your intentions, rest assured the main force won't scatter, and I'll do my best to enhance their combat power, don't worry," Captain Li assured as he looked at Luo Zheng.
"Alright." Luo Zheng saw that Captain Li understood his intentions and nodded gratefully, "Thank you. We will maneuver to fight behind enemy lines; this process may be long or short, too many variables to say. Stay in contact if anything happens."
"Understood." Captain Li quickly agreed.
Luo Zheng looked at the advisers standing behind Captain Li, who maintained silence, awaiting orders. Luo Zheng apologetically said, "You've just arrived and now have to dodge around. Sorry for the trouble; please overco the difficulties. Everything is for the country; take care and survive well."
"Everything for the country." Everyone responded in unison, faces resolute, their gazes towards Luo Zheng filled with fervor and admiration. Amid the chaotic circumstances, Luo Zheng decisively stabilized morale and deployed orderly, calming everyone down, demonstrating a calm that the advisers found unattainable, earning their respect and enhancing their comprehension of Luo Zheng.
"You all should prepare too," Luo Zheng said solemnly, exchanged a look with Lan Xue, and everyone rushed out of the command post to prepare in their rooms.
Luo Zheng returned to his room, packed all supplies and equipnt, ensuring nothing was left behind, then proceeded with them out of the room, seeing Lan Xue accompanying Lan Bo. He quickly approached, apologetically saying, "Uncle Lan, sorry for the trouble."
"I'm fine, I understood the situation already, and won't stay behind to add to your chaos. You two be careful. Kid, as a man, take care of Xue Er," Lan Bo sternly addressed Luo Zheng.
"Don't worry, unless I die," Luo Zheng replied earnestly.
"You two have weathered many storms together. I believe you're a man; I'm leaving." Lan Bo smiled satisfactorily, seeing Captain Li signaling, hurriedly ran over.
Luo Zheng glanced apologetically at Lan Xue; she deeply looked at her father before speaking to Luo Zheng, "It's not your fault, ti is pressing, we need to go."
Luo Zheng faintly heard gunfire, knowing the enemy was advancing. Realizing they didn't bombard the valley, estimating the enemy wanted to occupy the area as a camp, he pondered whether to leave the wooden huts for the enemy or burn them. Luo Zheng decided to leave them; these huts were the Hook Tribe's hos, can't burn them, at least not by themselves, as it might affect unity.
"Let's go." Luo Zheng saw Hook's n assembling in the plaza, with other brothers ready, quickly agreeing and jogging ahead towards the plaza. Standing in front of the formation, he noticed each brother's somber face while gunfire approached. Luo Zheng's face turned stern as he shouted, "Brothers, the enemy is about to attack, but it's no big deal. We'll co back and fight. Now, follow my orders, maneuver behind the enemy, and kick their butts."
"Kick their butts." Everyone roared in anger, morale soaring.
Luo Zheng saw Captain Li and Hook's troops retreating quickly and orderly, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He then shouted, "Gardener, Farr, Monk, go support Scholar. Mountain Eagle Team leads the way, Ghost Hand left, Snow Leopard right, Hook, Wei Jian, take your n and follow behind; let's go!"
"Yes." Everyone sprang into action, swiftly heading west. East, south, and north were full of enemies; to maneuver behind enemy lines, they had to head west first and then bypass.
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