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墨書 Inktalez
After some discussion, it was decided to abandon the current camp and move to a mountain less than a mile away. This location was steep and easy to defend, with only an abandoned dilapidated temple halfway up the slope. Directly in front of the temple was a narrow stone path; as long as they secured the throat of this path, they could hold out until nightfall. The reason they had not considered taking refuge in the temple earlier was that this location was essentially a dead end. The only path up the mountain was built on a gentler slope, while the other three sides were sheer cliffs. If they chose this place, once they went up, there would be no way to come back down. Unless they found a way to break through the current encirclement, they would starve to death on the mountain.
In fact, there was another mountain nearby that could provide a secure position while waiting for rescue, and behind that mountain was a small path left by herbal gatherers. If things became unbearable, they could use this path to retreat. The problem was that it was too far away. Optimistically estimating, even if they set off now, reaching the mountain before evening would be fortunate. This assumption relied on everything going smoothly during their journey; any delay would mean spending the night on the mountain. The Night Road was already hard to find, let alone in the mountains. Therefore, there was no need for further discussion; it was directly dismissed.
Food was not an issue since there were supplies within the camp that included food items. The key problem was the water source! This liquid, which could cause immediate discomfort if not consumed for a day, would become a serious problem if supplies ran out! Li Xin turned to look at the current defensive commander, Luzi, who nodded slightly to indicate that this part was manageable.
That settled it!
Since there were no issues, immediate action was necessary. Li Xin stood up and walked out of the Main Tent, informing everyone to hurry and pack their weapons and food supplies. They should take as much as they could carry; after all, they might need to hold out until tomorrow evening.
In truth, this did not need to be said; everyone already understood. Aside from those left on watch duty, everyone else packed their belongings into large bundles. Even if heavy, it would only be for a short while; once they reached the mountain, it would be easier to move. Running out of food was no joke; that could truly lead to starvation. The pressing issue now was the three Wounded who could not move on their own. Light injuries were manageable; as long as it wasn't leg injuries, one could grit their teeth and make it to the top. Of course, carrying weight would be impossible.
The three Wounded knew that accompanying the group would slow down everyone's movement speed significantly; if caught by Wei Wujie's light infantry, it would lead to total annihilation of their forces. They grasped Li Xin's arm desperately, insisting on staying behind to cover the main force's retreat and firmly opposing joining the advance.
Their arguing soon caught the attention of several people outside; glancing at each other, they simply dropped their backpacks. They insisted on being carried away with them, clearly stating that they had agreed to die together!
Seeing that he couldn't break free from their grip, Li Xin felt troubled. The problem was indeed as the three had said: accompanying them would slow down the main force's progress! But whether lying down or standing up here, they were all brothers. How could he disregard their oath? Even if it meant death, did they say they'd die together just for fun? Faced with life-and-death choices at this moment, how could he leave them alone to face death?
Upon receiving news of the commotion, Luzi hurried over and saw several people arguing; his expression immediately darkened. "Shut up! I'm still alive; who are you to decide who goes and who stays?" He pointed at five people who had discarded their backpacks. "You lot! Who told you to drop your packs?"
"My lord! This... we can't..."
One person started explaining that they would never abandon their brothers. Before he could finish speaking, a middle-aged man beside him silenced him with a look. With someone of higher rank present, following orders was paramount! There was no room for him to speak out!
As soon as Luzi entered the tent, the entire environment was instantly under his control. He turned to look at the three heavily wounded individuals who had volunteered to stay behind for cover and sighed heavily. He walked over, crouched down to check their injuries, and nodded at everyone, saying, "This is the law of the battlefield; there are no personal feelings involved. Sacrifice is not frightening because it is worthwhile!"
"My lord! I am willing to stay!" The reckless person who had just spoken sensed the underlying meaning in Luzi's words and bowed respectfully. "Please agree!"
The remaining four brothers exchanged glances and then bowed to volunteer as well.
Seeing this bond forged through blood and fire, Luzi stood up and nodded. He walked over and patted the shoulders of the five men, saying, "Why is sacrifice worthwhile? Because we can sacrifice ourselves without abandoning our brothers! Go! Find one more person to bring back three stretchers; take as much supplies as you can carry. In any case, we can't just carry people; laziness is not acceptable!"
"Understood!"
Hearing that he actually agreed to another option, the five men couldn't help but smile. They raised their right hands, fingers together, and placed them flat on their chests, giving this respected officer a standard military salute.
Once they left, Li Xin grabbed Luzi's arm and stepped out of the tent. "My lord! What you're doing will cause big problems!"
Luzi nonchalantly nodded. "But there's still half a head's worth of time; what are you afraid of?"
Li Xin looked up at the sky once again shrouded in heavy fog and sighed heavily. "Sigh! What you said is all theoretical; we are mainly worried about your safety! How about this: you take Chuchu and leave while we stay behind."
Luzi looked up and down at this future general standing opposite him. "So you didn't say that back in the tent, did you?!"
What time is it to be talking about this! Li Xin stomped his foot in frustration. "If you are also left here, we will never be able to redeem ourselves even if we die!"
Luzi simply smiled and shook his head without saying anything further. Then he left Li Xin behind and turned to hum a little tune while checking what Chuchu was cooking. If nothing else, it was best to seize the time to eat! What did the old folks say? Oh right! Eat while it's hot! We still have a journey ahead!
It felt a bit cooler when the fog was present earlier, even though I was damp; it was still bearable. Now, under the glaring sun, sweat suddenly broke out. The lull in the slaughter made the surrounding air gentle again, and the cicadas began to chirp, reminding those hiding behind the trees that it was still a hot day.
"Report! Something bad has happened!"
With a loud shout, the person woke Wei Wujie, who was dreaming of Zhou Gong. What’s going on during the day!? He sat up from his rattan chair and said unhappily, "What’s the panic about this time? Did Luzi run away?"
Right on target!
The reporter quickly nodded in affirmation; it was indeed this matter.
Confirming this answer, Wei Wujie stretched comfortably. After moving his waist a bit, he said, "Alright! You can go now; I already know!" After speaking, he noticed that the reporter had no intention of leaving. He waved his hand outward, indicating that there was really no need to panic. Go on!
Seeing that his master appeared to be calm and collected, the reporter understood that everything was under control. He cupped his hands in salute and turned to leave.
Wei Wujie looked outside at the greenery with his hands tucked into his pockets and couldn't help but shake his head with a smile. Not taking a nap on such a hot day is simply madness! The gatekeeper Yang Huaide had already promised him that upon seeing Luzi, he would immediately capture him! After all, it's just a bird in a cage; even if you escape, where can you go!?
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