Early the next morning, the gentle sunlight bathed the vast prival forest. The sky was a clear blue, with no wind and no clouds. Flocks of birds frolicked above the dense canopy, while various primates chased each other atop the treetops, creating a lively scene. When they spotted a viper approach, they hurriedly fled. On the ground, herds of herbivores passed by, followed by a few carnivores silently waiting for a chance to strike. The cruel cycle of the ecosystem played out daily in this primal forest.
In a dense forest on a mountain ridge, ten kiloters from Sam Country's base, a fully ard team sat quietly on the ground resting, eating dry rations, and drinking water extracted from grapevines. This water is rich in vitamins and very beneficial for the body. Everyone occasionally exchanged a few quiet words, and it was none other than Luo Zheng and his comrades.
After a night march, the troops stopped here on the ridge to rest. Proceeding further ans increased danger, and Luo Zheng was unwilling to take risks before Sam Country made a decision. Ten kiloters isn't far, so Luo Zheng planned to wait a day before deciding. If no decision was made by night, they could take the opportunity to sneak in for an attack.
"Is the troop resting here for a day?" Hook asked curiously in a low voice.
"Yes, the troops are exhausted and need a break. If the peace talks fail, everyone's spirits will be high for a night raid," Luo Zheng replied, looking at his brothers, who were all weary but still appeared in good spirits. He couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
"Alright." Hook didn't say anything more and picked up a can to eat; it was part of the bounty they had seized.
After a while, Luo Zheng activated the communicator to connect with the outside world. When the satellite signal was established, Lan Xing's excited voice ca through the earpiece: "Brother-in-law, secret communication channel. Sam Country's Punard dispatched a helicopter to contact Chief of Staff Li again. This happened half an hour ago. They expressed further willingness to negotiate, asking where and when to talk. It seems there's a chance."
"Really?" Luo Zheng thought deeply, sensing Punard's increased sincerity, feeling moved internally. Looking at Hook, he said: "Brother, we just received intel; they want to continue talks."
"Really? Then let them co to negotiate," Hook said offhandedly.
"I have a suggestion." Luo Zheng's face turned serious, and he said earnestly.
"What suggestion?" Hook looked at Luo Zheng curiously, and the others also turned their attention to him.
"I propose the two of us go to the enemy base for talks. To seek peace, we must enter the lion's den. This is the best opportunity for you to raise your profile; succeed and your fa will spread far and wide. Fail, and the worst-case scenario is fighting our way out. They wouldn't dare kill us with the hostages at stake. We can always swap hostages. Are you willing to take the gamble?" Luo Zheng proposed with a serious expression.
"Hiss," Hook was unexpectedly taken aback by Luo Zheng's boldness. He realized he had underestimated Luo Zheng's audacity. Without backing down, Hook's blood heated up in excitent, and he resolutely said, "No problem. You're fearless; what should I be afraid of? Life's just a gamble."
"No way, it's too dangerous." Lan Xue looked at Luo Zheng with concern and reminded him: "If they detain you both, everything here will fall apart soon. The risk is too high; I do not agree with this decision."
"Don't worry, nothing will happen. They need peace, and so do we. They ca the first ti; this ti we'll go, demonstrating our earnest desire for peace. If they have ill intentions, we'll just fight our way out. There's nothing to worry about." Luo Zheng reassured, his words filled with courage, eyes shining with intelligence, he smiled at Hook and said: "You might face trouble on this trip, so think it through."
"Trouble or not, the worst that could happen is dying. For the peace of the tribe, death is without regret. It's decided; I'll contact the tribe imdiately to settle things. In case of any mishaps, the tribe needs a successor, right?" Hook said with an indifferent smile, eyes filled with determination.
Lan Xue saw Hook's steadfast resolve and knew it was hard to persuade him otherwise. With a helpless sigh, she glanced at Luo Zheng and reminded him in Mandarin: "You're always so competitive. Be careful; co back alive."
"Relax, with my skills, escaping won't be a problem," Luo Zheng said confidently.
"What's the follow-up plan? Don't tell it's just the two of you going." Lan Xue discontentedly asked.
"Brothers, gather around," Luo Zheng didn't imdiately answer Lan Xue's question but summoned other military leaders instead. Once everyone was gathered, Luo Zheng continued: "Hook and I will go to the enemy base to negotiate, and in doing so, evaluate the enemy's situation. Wei Jian, you'll lead a team five kiloters away for support and prepare for a missile attack when necessary to facilitate our withdrawal. Mountain Eagle, Snow Leopard, Ghost Hand, position yourselves at the forest edge's front gate for support. Scholar, Farr, Gardener, Monk, you'll standby on the flank. Engage the enemy if conflict arises."
"Understood," everyone responded in unison.
Luo Zheng looked at Lan Xue, who was filled with concern, and smiled bitterly as he continued: "If we successfully negotiate, this might be the last ti we help Hook. It fulfills our brotherly bond. If not, doing this will only strengthen our relationship with the Hook Tribe, more of a gain than loss. Worst case scenario, we'll fight our way out. You know my skills, right? Relax, few people can stop ."
"Don't be too overconfident. Just one thing, co out alive, or I'll find you downstairs to settle accounts," Lan Xue scolded, speaking with deep care.
"Yes, I promise to co back alive," Luo Zheng warmly agreed.
"Brother, if necessary, take more Button Bombs with you; they might co in handy. Carrying other weapons might make us look timid. If anything happens, we brothers will fight our way in to support you. Rember, you're not fighting alone; live and die together," Ghost Hand sternly reminded.
"Live and die together!" Snow Leopard and Mountain Eagle echoed solemnly.
"Little brother, don't worry, we're not just here for show," Scholar said seriously.
"Yes, we're also brothers who've lived and died together. Betting our lives is nothing scary," Monk said, and Farr and Gardener joined in agreent.
"What are you guys doing? As if we're facing life and death! I haven't died yet, and maybe we'll be treated well there with good food and drinks after the talks, maybe even stay for a few days," Luo Zheng felt warmth inside, but outwardly pretended to be displeased.
"Right, rember to pack so good stuff to bring back for us, " Ghost Hand said with a bitter smile.
"Sick of eating cold food every day, snag so good liquor to relieve the cravings," Monk said with a laugh.
"You and your indulgence! Alright, less nonsense now. Let's prepare; we're leaving in five minutes." Luo Zheng commanded firmly, glancing at everyone, his gaze falling on Hook. Hook had just finished contacting the tribe and nodded to Luo Zheng, who knowingly smiled and said: "Brother, through the fires and flas, we'll walk through it. If it doesn't work, don't bla for the bad idea."
"Who's good and who's bad, I know in my heart. Brother, no need for polite words, let's go." Hook said, his spirit high, striding confidently toward the base, exuding the aura of one in command.
Note: Recomnded reading for Han Tang Feng Yue's "The All-around Campus Teacher," exclusively on Chuangshi, a uniquely intriguing campus novel worth a look!
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