Chapter 464: A Hidden Force
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
After thinking for a while, Sam and Gerri did not feel enthusiastic about exploring the super relics the last few days.
Poor guys were always the most struggling. However, Sam and Gerri were not poor anymore. Because Zhang Tie had promised to gift two biggest and best jade chips to them. Although they felt shameful about that, they finally accepted Zhang Tie's "reward" under his passionate request.
According to the authentication of Golden Roc Bank, the two pieces of immortal stones were worth more than 40,000 gold coins. Therefore, they sold them to Golden Roc Bank at once. At this moment, with gold checks which were worth over 40,000 gold coins, which was out of their imagination, Sam and Gerri started to hesitate.
These two days, when they wandered with Zhang Tie, they also saw those dead pioneers. Being stimulated by that, they woke up as they realized the potential dangers hidden in this relics.
Sam and Gerri knew their real fighting strength. As they were lower than LV 6, if not had come down together with Zhang Tie, even if they discovered the immortal stones, they would not be able to take the immortal stones out. If they were found having a huge amount of money, any douchebag among the pioneers could eat them up, not to mention any powerhouses. Such things were too common among pioneers.
However, they had already gained more than their expectancy. Therefore, they hesitated.
Even if they discovered the super relics and found the well-preserved vaults in the super relics, were they able to carry one ton of golds out of the cave? Of course not. However, at this moment, they were already carrying gold checks which were worth more than 40,000 gold coins, which would be heavier than one ton of golds, if being placed in front of them.
Actually, they already made a fortune. As long as they didn't want to live too luxuriously, they could live a dignified life in any place of Blackson Human Corridor. Wasn't it what many pioneers strive for their whole lives?
However, if Sam and Gerri insisted on exploring the super relics, they might have encountered potential dangers and had their lives threatened. If so, they might not get any chance to spend the 40,000 gold coins. The most anguished thing was not being able to spend all the money that one had made.
If they returned now, they would miss the chance to excavate the super relics. For pioneers, this was like how a lady killer missed a big beauty and how a fierce, hunter beast missed a grand dinner.
Sam and Gerri struggled between possible anguishes and regret. They didn't want to give it up; however, when pinching the hard gold checks which were sewed in corners of garments, they hesitated once again.
Only after glancing at their looks, Zhang Tie had already known what they were thinking about as he heavily patted on their shoulders.
"We are friends. Therefore, I respect your decisions. If you stick to your former decision, I will try my best to protect you!" Zhang Tie didn't promise to keep them safe. He knew his real fighting strength. Even if he could easily kill a LV 10 powerhouse, he still did not dare to be arrogant. After witnessing his master's power and how star and moon sword sage killed that huge deep-sea monster, Zhang Tie knew that he was just a trivial figure for sure. How dared he ensure others' safety in a spot where even knights and sword sages would attend.
Hearing Zhang Tie's reply, Sam and Gerri made their decision at once. After working with each other for such a long time, they had already known the other's decision only after a glance.
"The achievement has already been out of our imaginations. We were also negotiating about this a couple of days ago, yet we didn't make any decision by then. Now, after hearing your words, we make our final decision!"
"Oh? You've made your decision?"
"Actually, we've got another idea!" Gerri replied with a shameful look.
"Go ahead!" Zhang Tie asked with an interested look.
"If you plan to explore the super relics alone, Sam and I will give up going there in case of bringing you troubles and setting ourselves in dangers. However, if the allied forces followed you there, Sam and I will also go there along with them. As to the information about the super relics, its yours now, you can dispose it at your will!"
"He...he...you two guys are really..." Zhang Tie waved his head with a smile. He had not imagined that Sam and Gerri had such a plan, "he...he...they are really cunning. They directly handed over the disposal right of that information to me. If I lead the allied forces over there, they would stay with so many people. As a result, they would be safe. However, if I prepare to act alone, they would leave right away."
"Peter, what's your plan?" seeing Zhang Tie being not angry, Sam asked.
Zhang Tie touched his chin as O'Laura's and Sabrina's faces flashed across his mind, "I want to take a look over there first, if there's indeed a super relics over there, I will consider the next plan!"
Actually, Zhang Tie didn't feel that he had the obligation to the entire allied forces. Even if there was truly a super relics, Zhang Tie only intended to benefit O'Laura who always wanted to take over the Grey Eagle Tribe and Sabrina who always wanted to dominate her fate. He didn't think that he had to benefit others. Additionally, Zhang Tie was very anxious to enter Castle of Black Iron at this moment. What Heller told him three days ago had almost driven him crazy. If not check inside, he could not even sleep well.
After exchanging glances with each other, Sam and Gerri nodded.
"Let's go back to the camp then!"
...
When Zhang Tie, Sam and Gerri returned to the camp, they saw that most people were already back.
The camp had been enlarged after three days. Almost all the vanguards of the allied forces were gathering inside.
The moment Zhang Tie returned to the camp, he found something abnormal as a great number of people were gathering in a narrow area. It seemed that they were looking at something.
Those people were standing at the roadside; therefore, Zhang Tie took a look over there by the way.
Seeing Zhang Tie walking over there, many people gave a way to him.
It was 20 corpses in the middle of the onlookers. They were laid in a row tidily. Under the green lamp light, those pale faces looked more gloomy.
These days, after sensing the hidden force in the relics, the camp had already delivered an order——all those who went for exploring the relics had to set off in terms of teams. A team was composed of 20 people. Therefore, the corpses lying on the ground implied that nobody of this team survived.
Those onlookers looked extremely furious.
"It must be the pioneers!"
"Summon our men, we will kill all the disgusting mice!"
"Yes, revenge, we want a revenge..."
Although some started to roar but some special figures among the vanguards were not idiots.
"Shut up!" hearing a roar from a head of the wild bear tribe, all the onlookers became silent as they fixed their eyes on Zhang Tie.
"This is really an unfair world. How could someone go out and bring back a huge amount of wealth while someone else lost their lives?" At this moment, the same thought flashed across many people's minds.
With a solemn look, Zhang Tie checked those corpses one after another carefully. Sometimes he squatted as his look grew gloomier.
All the wounds were on their necks. They were as tidy and smooth as red lines drawn by a red pen. The weapon might be a very sharp and fast sword.
"Where did you find these corpses?"
"In a mountain cave in the east of the relics. This team was dispatched over there to check the terrain. However, they didn't come back in time. Therefore we sent men to to look for them but found their corpses in the cave!" A familiar head answered.
"You can contact with your higher authority with your remote sensing crystal, right?"
After being silent for a while, that person nodded.
"You can not manage this thing. If you want to revenge, you'd better contact with your higher authority. They will assign powerhouses down here!" Zhang Tie said in a low voice.
Hearing Zhang Tie's words, all the onlookers slightly changed their looks, "Mr. Peter, do...do you also think so?"
"The killer is a sword master. He killed them all with only one movement. Look, they've not even drawn their weapons out of their sabers even by one inch until death. You can not manage such a powerful enemy!" Zhang Tie waved his head.
"Even you..."
Zhang Tie glanced at him who swallowed his words back at once...
If the team of 20 people walked in a pitch-dark mountain cave, the length of the team would surpass 10 m. Zhang Tie knew that he could not manage so many people in such a short period.
Not knowing why, Zhang Tie suddenly recalled Sabrina.
"Did Sabrina come back?"
"No, we've dispatched people to find her!"
Hearing this, Zhang Tie instantly changed his look as a bad premonition flashed across his mind.
Chapter 465: A Business
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Zhang Tie had searched for Sabrina's cavalry for several hours; yet, he didn't find them. However, as Zhang Tie didn't see any miserable scene which he concerned most, he gradually recovered his composure.
As the old Chinese saying went, "the more concerned you were, the more chaotic it would be." After calming down, Zhang Tie returned to his camp.
There was still a repressive atmosphere in the camp. By then, almost everybody else had returned. They all knew what happened. Nobody had imagined that a vanguard of 20 people could be killed in this way. Therefore, many people felt uncomfortable while roars could be heard everywhere in the camp.
Zhang Tie didn't think that he should shoulder any responsibility towards the allied forces. Therefore, he was not infuriated and much painful for what happened today. In Zhang Tie's eyes, the downfallen vanguard was nothing different than those dead pioneers. All this just reminded him of the hidden force in the underground world.
"Did Sabrina's cavalry come back yet?" Zhang Tie asked a person.
"Yes, they did!"
The moment he heard this news, Zhang Tie instantly paced up towards the tents area of Sabrina and her female cavalries.
At the sight of Sabrina in her purple leather armor, Zhang Tie finally took a sigh of relief. Although Sabrina was fine, over 10 cavalries were injured. Thankfully, they were not heavily injured. Sabrina was binding up wounds for her cavalries.
"What's up?"
"We met some barbarous pioneers. They bullied us. Therefore, we fought them!" Sabrina stood up and walked towards Zhang Tie.
"What about those pioneers?"
"We killed them!" gazing at Zhang Tie's face, Sabrina suddenly burst out laughing and became very enchanting. She moved closer and drew circles on Zhang Tie's chest slightly, "I was told that you hurriedly went to search for me after you saw the dead vanguards."
Sabrina was wearing a verdant bracelet made of immortal stone, which was gifted by Zhang Tie.
When Zhang Tie found her just now, he didn't felt anything special; however, after being mentioned by Sabrina, facing her smile, Zhang Tie felt slightly embarrassed at once like being caught by the teacher when he was dating a girl in the campus, "Erm...I was indeed a bit worried about you. Thank god, you're safe!"
"You're not entirely shameless!" Sabrina was very satisfied with Zhang Tie's answer as she glanced at Zhang Tie with an enchanting look.
Zhang Tie knew that no matter how the love affairs between him and this woman started or how many jokes and flirtation were aroused, even taking advantage of each other, he truly started to fall in love with this "lousy girl". At least, he indeed could not treat her as same as the other members of the allied forces when he knew that she might be in danger. He could not just wait there for the possible worse news with a calm mentality.
By then, the two people who were the most intimate to Zhang Tie in Ice and Snow Wilderness were two women. Realizing this, Zhang Tie asked himself inside, "Am I really that lascivious?"
"Young lady, our vulnerary is not enough. Can we borrow some from the camp of the wild bear tribe?" Zora, one of Sabrina's trusted subordinate walked towards her in a low voice.
As the head of the female cavalries, Sabrina who always showed herself as a dissolute image in front of others, had not imagined that they could encounter such a great danger, either. Therefore, it was possible that they would lack vulnerary. Before coming down, few people of the allied forces could predict that an entire vanguard of the allied forces would be killed. Because women were always scrupulous, Sabrina and her cavalries took some vulnerary and bandages; however, Zhang Tie knew that some female teams took nothing else except for some dried rations and necessary weapons.
"How much do we need?"
"Not too much! About two persons' demand!"
"No need, try this!" after saying this, Zhang Tie took out two vials of all-purpose medicament from his medicament container and gave it to Zora.
The moment he took them out, the green and golden solution and the brilliant individual symbol of manjusaka on the vials instantly attracted the attention of all the female cavalries.
In Ice and Snow Wilderness, variety of medicament were the rarest. As a barren land, Ice and Snow Wilderness lagged behind in all aspects. Its information and traffic were relatively isolated. Few pharmacists would like to develop here. The pharmacists of various tribes in Ice and Snow Wilderness were remarkably dwarfed by those in continents from both population and ability. As a result, even the most common medicament could only be used by the high-ranking government officials of each tribe. As for most commoners and average warriors, they might not be able to use medicament even once in their whole lives. Therefore, at the sight of the two vials of medicament, all the female cavalries looked amazed.
But Sabrina was the most amazed one.
"All-purpose medicament?" Sabrina recognized it right away at the sight of the unique symbol on the vials.
Zhang Tie glanced at her with an amazing look, "You know that?"
"Manager Xu Tao of Golden Roc Bank officially introduced such medicament to us several days ago. You were also there that day. But you left ahead of us. Therefore, you didn't attend the promotion after..." Sabrina explained as she also took out an all-purpose medicament from his medicament container. After putting it together with Zhang Tie's two vials of medicament, she found they were completely the same, "Manager Xu Tao said this medicament was very popular in the outside. The price of each vial was around 30 gold coins. Compared to other kinds of medicament, although it was not very expensive, it could not be bought in the market at all. Even Golden Roc Bank could only obtain a small batch of such kind of medicament. They gifted me one. But how do you have them too?"
Staring at Sabrina's gleaming eyes, Zhang Tie remembered that he truly heard manager Xu Tao boosting some "marvelous medicament" when he left the fury wind-level airship of Golden Roc Bank. However, as he wanted to see O'Laura at that moment, he just left first. He had not imagined that Golden Roc Bank was boosting his all-purpose medicament.
Of course, Zhang Tie could not tell her that he was the producer of all-purpose medicament as it was nothing different than finding himself troubles. After thinking for a short while, Zhang Tie had got the answer. Even Zhang Tie didn't feel like lying to her but he had to be a bit flexible at this moment.
"Do you know Armes, the mercenary empire? I have some influential friends in the Thor Mercenary Regiment. They got a batch of all-purpose medicament when they went to Jinyun City a few days ago. I got some from them!"
"Wuh!" Sabrina didn't doubt Zhang Tie.
Hearing the medicament being so precious, even Sabrina only had one, Zora instantly hesitated as she looked at the two vials of medicament in her hand.
"Young lady, this..."
"It's fine. Take them along with mine. I owe him. I was told that by using this kind of medicament, one would not have scars!" Sabrina generously gave her all-purpose medicament to Zora too.
All the female cavalries were watching Zhang Tie and Sabrina with grateful looks. Through this thing, Zhang Tie felt the intelligence of Sabrina. Although two vials of all-purpose medicament were nothing to Zhang Tie, hearing Sabrina's words, the female cavalries became more grateful and loyal to Sabrina.
"You don't mind it?" Sabrina whispered.
Zhang Tie smiled as he patted Sabrina's butts, "It's a bit chaotic in the underground recently. Many people and other forces were involved. They might not care about your status in the wild bear tribe. Therefore, you'd better not run around. If you're free, go back to the ground. It would be safer over there!"
"Not everybody could discover a pile of immortal stones for free like you. Even if you were wanted, you could still be bailed out by Bluesea Castle Business Group. Who else could be as lucky as you? Even I have to observe others' eyes before making any decision in the wild bear tribe. All the expenditure of my female cavalries was earned by myself. If not the belongings left by my mom, I could never be so free!"
"Actually, it is very easy to make money. You don't have to risk your life here!" Zhang Tie told her.
"What's your plan?"
"Your words reminded me just now. If the all-purpose medicament is so precious in Ice and Snow Wilderness, you can sell all-purpose medicament here!" Zhang Tie straighten out his mind, "I have some relationship with my friends in Thor Mercenary Regiment. I can help you inquire about it. If only I can bring you a batch of all-purpose medicament each year!"
Hearing Zhang Tie's words, Sabrina's eyes brightened up immediately, "Are you sure?"
"Of course!"
"But I was told that it was hard to get all-purpose medicament. I'm afraid that even Thor Mercenary Regiment could not get too many of them!"
"If Thor Mercenary Regiment could get them, it means that the channel of distribution is not completely closed. As long as we can find the sellers and the manufacturers, we will get the all-purpose medicament!"
"Where's O'Laura? You petite lover seems to be needing money very much!" Sabrina rolled her beautiful eyes before asking him.
"How large do you think the market of all-purpose medicament in Ice and Snow Wilderness is?"
"If all-purpose medicament is really as good as described by manager Xu Tao, its demand will exceed with its supply for sure. No matter how many there are, as long as its price is not too high, they will be bought away!" Sabrina replied after considering it for a short while.
"That's it. If so, you and O'Laura will be responsible for this business. I'm sure each one of you can earn 100,000 to 200,000 gold coins a year!" Zhang Tie said confidently.
"If I can make 30,000 to 50,000 gold coins, I would have been satisfied, not to mention 100,000 to 200,000 gold coins. But I'm afraid that your petite lover won't agree!" Sabrina smiled.
"Don't worry about that. I will persuade her! If you've made the decision, you'd better go back in a couple of days!"
"What about you?"
"I might stay for a few more days here!"
"Well, after today's event, my cavalries and I indeed need to take a rest for a couple of days here!"
...
Zhang Tie then left Sabrina and walked towards the tents area of the grey eagle tribe. On the way, he felt that his opinion was very marvelous. Sabrina was tricky but was good at making friends while O'Laura was powerful and ambitious. They complemented with each other on personalities and abilities. It was pretty suitable for them to work together as the agent of all-purpose medicament in Ice and Snow Wilderness.
As O'Laura had a strong self-respect and decisiveness, if he directly gave her gold coins, she might not accept it; however, if he introduced her with a business, Zhang Tie believed that she probably would not refuse it.
At the sight of Zhang Tie, being different than Sabrina's enthusiasm, O'Laura only gave him a cold harrumph before turning around and leaving.
Seeing O'Laura walking towards outside, Zhang Tie hurriedly caught up with her. When they came to a quiet corner outside the camp, Zhang Tie directly grabbed O'Laura's hand.
O'Laura forcefully shook her hand; yet she failed to shake off Zhang Tie's hand; plus Zhang Tie's grinning look, O'Laura could not lose her temper anymore.
"Let go off my hand, you rascal..."
"Are you angry? Tell me who stirred up with you. I will give him a lesson for you!" Zhang Tie pretended to be furious as he rolled up his sleeves.
"Don't pretend anymore. Didn't you head for that bitch just now? Why did you come for me?"
Zhang Tie became stunned for a short while. He had not imagined that O'Laura was jealous about Sabrina. Revealing a smile, Zhang Tie tightly hugged O'Laura. As they had touched each other very closely, O'Laura was not that counteractive to Zhang Tie; instead, she just pushed him twice symbolically.
Zhang Tie then stretched out his hand to pick off O'Laura's mask. O'Laura just resisted him by inclining her head slightly. Zhang Tie finally picked off her mask.
That was a perfect and icy face. Each time Zhang Tie saw her face, he would appreciate it for quite a while. The tender skin, the rising nose, the watery pupils and the stubborn mouth were all like delicate artworks.
Under the shining eyes of Zhang Tie, plus Zhang Tie's weird hands which gradually slid onto her butts, O'Laura's face slightly blushed. She looked pretty like a petite girl, which made Zhang Tie feel dizzy.
No matter how great was O'Laura's fighting strength was, at least, Zhang Tie knew that she was nothing different than those petite girls who fell in love with someone for the first time. Each girl of Rose Association might know men much better than her.
In the past two decades, O'Laura actually locked her in a narrow circle. She didn't have any chance to move freely. Being different from Sabrina, who always wanted to escape from the iron cage of the wild bear tribe, O'Laura always wanted to drill into the iron cage of the grey bear tribe.
Seeing O'Laura's slightly shy look, Zhang Tie started to sympathize her. As his heart changed, his aggressive, shining eyes also turned mild. Under Zhang Tie's warm gazes, O'Laura's stiff body softened at once.
"Are you jealous?"
O'Laura tilted her head, ignoring him.
Zhang Tie smiled, "Have you seen the wounds of the 20 people?"
Hearing Zhang Tie's question, O'Laura turned around, "Yes, it's a powerhouse, a sword powerhouse. At least a 5-star strong fighter or a fighting master above 1 star!"
"Do you have a chance to beat him?"
"No chance. But I can barely escape!" O'Laura put it straightforward, "What about you?"
"No chance in close fight. But I might beat him with javelin; otherwise, I can escape!"
O'Laura thought for a short while before looking at Zhang Tie, "You'd better go back, this is not the right place for you to stay!"
Zhang Tie thought for a second before hugging O'Laura tightly, "This is what I want to tell you!"
"This is a chance!" O'Laura waved her head stubbornly.
"Do you mean the super relics?"
O'Laura was shocked, "You know that?"
"Yes, I know. Those dead vanguards might be dispatched to search for the super relics by the allied forces. I'd be really stupid if I didn't know about the plan of the allied forces until now!" Zhang Tie smiled.
"That's why I have to seize the chance!" O'Laura glanced at Zhang Tie, "I know what you want to say. But, I would not take your money!"
Hearing O'Laura's words, Zhang Tie were forced to swallow his words back. He could only change his expression, "There are many ways to make money. I know you need money very much at the present. But you can make money faster by doing business than seeking for chance here!"
"Business, what business?" hearing that Zhang Tie was going to introduce a business to her, O'Laura became interested in it at once.
"A business of the all-purpose medicament!"
Zhang Tie repeated what he had told Sabrina to O'Laura.
"You want me to go back now?" knowing Zhang Tie's intention, O'Laura's voice also became tender.
"Yes, the faster, the better!"
"What about you?"
"I want to stay here for a few more days. But it won't take me too long!"
"What about that slut? Have you made the same promise to her?" O'Laura gazed at Zhang Tie without a wink.
Zhang Tie had not imagined that O'Laura could respond so fast.
"Yes, I made the same promise to her!" Zhang Tie answered after thinking for a short while. As this thing could never be buried, he put it straightforward, "Actually, she's not like how you imagine!"
O'Laura became silent. This made Zhang Tie worry about that she was going to lose her temper once again by refusing his good willingness.
After a few seconds, O'Laura finally let out a long sigh, "Fine, I agree!"
Hearing her reply, Zhang Tie was even happier than finding a pile of emeralds, "Do you agree?"
"Of course. Why would I give my share to that slut? Humph...humph...that woman cannot wait for me to disagree. I will not satisfy her! If she can do that, I can do it too." O'Laura looked like a disobedient kid at this moment.
With a smile, Zhang Tie found O'Laura's angry look was especially charming; therefore, soon after O'Laura finished her words had Zhang Tie kissed her lips...
After ten minutes, Zhang Tie almost exploded as his face blushed like pomegranate. Panting heavily, O'Laura instantly pushed Zhang Tie away while forcing apart Zhang Tie's weird hands from her plumpy breasts.
"Which one do you prefer, me or that slut?"
At the critical moment, Zhang Tie became puzzled once again. After struggling for two seconds, Zhang Tie spoke frankly.
"I like both!"
Hearing this answer, O'Laura pushed Zhang Tie away once again. After putting on her mask, she directly walked towards the camp..
Seeing O'Laura's back and remembering the ecstasy, Zhang Tie lowered his head with a bitter smile. After that, he put his right hand into the trousers pocket and returned to the camp too.
...
The atmosphere in the camp was very weird today. Nobody was interested in why O'Laura and Zhang Tie came back to the camp one after another.
The moment O'Laura came back to the camp, she had been noticed to attend a meeting. As Zhang Tie was an outsider, he was certainly not qualified to attend the official meetings in the allied forces. He didn't care about that either. Therefore, he just drilled into his own tent and started to cultivate quietly.
No matter what, as long as O'Laura and Sabrina returned to the ground, he would not worry about what could happen in the underground.
Now that it was not as relaxed as journey and was full of unpredictable dangers in the underground, it'd better be managed by men.
Whereas, Zhang Tie didn't know that many things were out of his control!
Chapter 466: An Unexpected Thing
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Only after one night, when Zhang Tie woke up early the next morning and walked out of his tent, he was amazed with what he saw.
Standing beside his tent, Zhang Tie looked at the distance. Under his dark vision, he immediately found too many people on the relics over there. After shifting his dark vision into normal vision, Zhang Tie found that those fluorite lamps over the waists of those pioneers were like flooding fireflies in the summer wild.
After been here for a few days, Zhang Tie had an estimation about the overall population of the pioneers and the other people in the relics. There were about 10,000 people in total in this area, over 3000 of which were vanguards dispatched by the allied forces. However, there were over 20,000 densely moving light spots in front of him.
"How come all of a sudden there are so many people?" a question flashed across Zhang Tie's mind.
However, Zhang Tie's mentality could never be matched by those common youths anymore. Although he felt strange but after glancing at those light spots in the distance, Zhang Tie slightly sighed and left the camp. He started to cleanse up himself at a water source being not far from the camp.
In the underground, of course, water became especially important. Although one could take a month's dried rations down here but one could hardly bring a month's water down here.
The water was dropping from the top of a relics rock cave which was hundreds of meters in height like it was raining. They finally formed a small pond on the ground which covered about 3-5 square meters.
After checking the water quality of this pond and found it was nontoxic, the vanguards of the allied forces occupied this water source first, which could barely afford the daily use of about 3000 people of the vanguards of the allied forces.
When cleansing himself, Zhang Tie suddenly came up with a problem, "If so many people suddenly appear in this relics area, water shortage would be a big problem. Although there are some other similar water sources in the surroundings, they are remarkably not sufficient for so many people. The rest people could only seek for other water sources in farther places..."
Zhang Tie remembered that there was a subterranean stream with abundant water on the way here. However, it was over 40 km away. "It seems that many people need to go to the distance to drink water."
After considering it for a second, Zhang Tie realized that it was not a problem. For these pioneers who dreamed for wealth, it was just a 4-5 hour travel. If not want to die out of thirst, they could spend a couple of days in seeking for the water.
After cleansing up himself, Zhang Tie returned to the camp and found Sam and Gerri were very flurried.
"What's up?"
"A great number of pioneers arrived here last night!" Sam said.
"I know, I've seen them this morning!"
"Do you know why they are here?"
"Why?"
"Gerri and I have inquired about it just now. They are all here for GSC!" Gerri said with an unimaginable look.
"Super relics?" Zhang Tie was stunned. "Shouldn't it only be known to a few people? How come it suddenly became such a popular information? Even common pioneers have known about it. Additionally, so many people swarmed in over night."
"How did they know that?"
"It's said that a team of pioneers carried a great amount of jewelries and valuables out of the entrance on the 3rd day since we came down here, which aroused a huge shock instantly. They declared that they had discovered the GSC in the underground. Hearing that, all the pioneers boiled up and swarmed in. It was said that some teams of pioneers even obtained the accurate map of the super relics from here."
"Just because of this?"
"Sure. At the sight of those wholly new jewelries, many people's eyes turned red. Because only the GSC being covered with the energy of the fragments of the star of god could prevent all the lifeless substances from being deteriorated. Except for this reason, any objects being excavated from this relics would not remain unchanged after 800-900 years!" Gerri confirmed.
Zhang Tie's heart raced as he didn't know what to say. Although one person could maintain his sense but over 10,000 people could barely be sensible at the same time. For those pioneers, as long as they saw someone taking jewelries out of the underground super relics, they would be driven mad for sure. As long as one of them couldn't stand to come down, all the others would followed in at once. This was determined by the feature of this group of people.
Even those pioneers couldn't stand to pour in, wouldn't the greater part of the allied forces above the ground know about the reason? As the allied forces could at least obtain half of the jewelries from the pioneers, they would know it for sure.
Not knowing why, the moment he thought about how they poured in the underground for the super relics, Zhang Tie felt bored.
Gerri and Sam became both disappointed and excited. They were disappointed because their secret about super relics was exposed to the public. They were excited because they would feel much safer if they could follow so many pioneers over there.
Zhang Tie didn't discourage them; instead, after talking with them for a short while, he left.
Zhang Tie wanted to inquire O'Laura about the situation of the allied forces first. Unexpectedly, O'Laura had already left with her female cavalries and Nurdo in the early morning. Therefore, Zhang Tie went for Sabrina.
Only after one night, Sabrina's injured female guardians had been much better. At the sight of Zhang Tie, Sabrina and her female guardians became much more enthusiastic than before.
"It's good to see you. I was going to find you!" Sabrina revealed a smile before Zhang Tie opened his mouth, "I've never imagined that the all-purpose medicament was so effective. Only after one night, Zora's subordinates had almost been cured, leaving no scars at all!"
After witnessing the unusual effect of all-purpose medicament, Sabrina became more excited about the suggestion that Zhang Tie posed yesterday. However, she was not going to talk about that with Zhang Tie right now.
"I'm told that Gangula, my younger brother is going to be here..."
"GSC!" Zhang Tie revealed a smile.
"You also know that?" Sabrina became a bit surprised.
"I learned about it just now. I came to you here for this thing!" Zhang Tie said solemnly, "I want you leave out of here as soon as possible!"
"Why?"
"I don't know why. But I feel very bad about this thing. I will leave out of here as soon as possible. If you want to leave, I can escort you away!"
For Zhang Tie, the value of super relics would decline along with its widening exposure. No matter what were inside the super relics, if over ten thousands of people poured in at the same time, even if there were 10,000 tons of golds in the super relics, each one could share at most 1 ton, which was equal to 40,000 gold coins.
This emergency completely disrupted Zhang Tie's plan. As the value of the super relics declined, Zhang Tie became increasingly more uncomfortable. Therefore, Zhang Tie decided to let Sabrina go back first so as to get rid of this swirl.
Sabrina's smile disappeared as she stared at Zhang Tie seriously. As a smart woman, she understood about Zhang Tie's meaning.
"You mean there might be a problem with this super relics?"
"There's no evidence about the existence of that super relics until now!" Zhang Tie lowered his voice as he stared at Sabrina with his gleaming eyes. It was already very strange for so many people to know about this piece of news since the first batch of vanguards of the allied forces came down!"
"However, it's said that they have obtained a great batch of wholly new jewelries from the underground. Where else could they obtain so many new objects besides the super relics?"
"What if those wholly new jewelries were brought down silently by someone else?" Zhang Tie asked when he recalled the "evidence" of the ham package which was presented to him by Gerri and Sam silently. He was just shocked at that moment but he had not thought more about it. Now, Zhang Tie realized that someone might set a trap over here by fabricating an "evidence". As super relics was not a new term, as long as they were able to carry some objects or fragments of the former super relics over there, nobody could identify them.
Hearing Zhang Tie's words, Sabrina finally changed his face, "You mean it's a plot?"
"I don't know. I only feel that this thing has been out of my expectation and has become valueless!"
"Gangula is coming. I will tell him about this and ask him to take care of himself. Then, we will leave tomorrow, how about that?"
"Fine!" Zhang Tie nodded.
"Do you know that you're fascinating now?" Sabrina said with a tender voice.
"Fascinating?" Zhang Tie scratched his head.
"Yes, a real man, a real leader, who doesn't follow the mass at the critical moment and has his own decision. Such a man is very fascinating!"
Zhang Tie blushed.
...
Only after a day, the atmosphere across the camp had been utterly different than that of yesterday. Even many soldiers in the camp had already known the "existence" of the super relics. Additionally, the arrival of the greater part of the allied forces increased the morale of many soldiers in the camp.
To revenge for the loss of that vanguard or to make a fortune in the super relics, each of the two motives could make most of the commoners spirited and hopeful towards future.
According to those exaggerating words, that super relics became an open treasury to the public. In the treasury, all the valuable objects were displayed in the stores on both sides of the streets, where everyone could make a fortune.
Based on such an exaggerating description, that super relics became as charming as a naked beauty who was lying on bed and waiting for a lot of men to sleep with her.
Only after walking around the camp had Zhang Tie gotten some versions of maps from those pioneers.
Compared to others' ecstasy, Zhang Tie grew gloomier. For some reason, watching at the constant light spots at the entrance of the relics in the distance, Zhang Tie only thought about those mice being induced into the cage by the aroma of cheese and fleshes.
The only thing that made Zhang Tie comfortable today was that nobody followed him up.
After having no achievements for consecutive three days, Zhang Tie's halos had gradually faded away. Additionally, the news of the existence of the super relics was exposed. Therefore, all the guys who dreamed to make a fortune behind him finally lost their interests.
Even though his status as a wanted circular had been revoked before he entered this relics, Zhang Tie felt free just now.
After circling around the camp, Zhang Tie was sure that nobody was following him. Therefore, he ran away in the distance...
After half an hour, Zhang Tie had been over 40 km away from the camp and arrived in a wild underground cave at the border of the relics. Zhang Tie put down the cover of his fluorite lamp to die out the lamp. He then made some twists and finally arrived at a secret place. After taking a deep breath, he entered the Castle of Black Iron.
"Welcome back, Castle Lord..."
Heller's familiar voice sounded once again. Having not heard his voice for so long time, Zhang Tie felt warm at once.
After staying too long in the underground. When he entered Castle of Black Iron, Zhang Tie narrowed his eyes. After being adapted to the brightness in Castle of Black Iron for a few seconds, he nodded towards Heller before striding towards the small tree...
Chapter 467: Fruits
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Since meeting O'Laura, Zhang Tie had not entered Castle of Black Iron for over 20 days. The moment he entered, Zhang Tie caught sight of the fruits over the small tree. Immediately, Zhang Tie felt happy inside.
Three iron-body fruits.
Nine huge wolf seven-strength fruits
Four leakless fruits, three of which had been ripe.
Zhang Tie knew that his real fighting strength would increase sharply for sure after eating the 16 fruits. Gazing at those fruits, Zhang Tie started to drool.
Besides, there were a lot of trouble-reappearance fruits over the small tree, most of which were obtained by hunting huge wolves and some other living beings. After eating these trouble-reappearance fruits, Zhang Tie could have more trouble-reappearance situations and living beings to choose, which indicated a higher soft power.
Beside the altar under the small tree, Heller watched Zhang Tie circling around the small tree with pounding heart.
"Fruit of Redemption——appreciation from sandscale fish" was still hanging over there. As the redemptive effect of a single living being could be accumulated, which, after reaching a certain degree, would show up. Zhang Tie checked it and found that his cold-resistance and water flow-sensitiveness could be further increased by 107% with this redemption fruit. After eating it, undoubtedly, Zhang Tie's ability and response in water could increase remarkably.
There was indeed a new fruit.
The new fruit was familiar. It reminded Zhang Tie of the redemption fruit——appreciation from earthworms. But this fruit looked like two earthworms twisted with each other. It was like a golden fried dough twist.
With his eyes on it, Zhang Tie stretched out his hand and touched it.
Fruit of advancement——medium recovery body! As it's not ripe yet. You can not eat it.
——The energy of this fruit comes from the appreciation of the released earthworms. It's the extension of the fruit of redemption.
——In the early stage of its growth, this fruit could bring a good luck to Castle Lord. （grey[1]）
——You have to release 160000000 earthworms so as to update your preliminary recovery body to medium recovery body.
——The progress of the medium recovery body is :2158069/160000000.
This instantly reminded Zhang Tie of Hanna. He knew that Hanna's family had started to fulfill their promise by setting free earthworms in the nearby villages. There was a time when Zhang Tie thought that Hanna's family had already forgotten about this or didn't care about this thing at all. It was really out of his imagination that they still remembered it. Therefore, Zhang Tie felt pretty good.
Although it required them to set free 160 million earthworms so as to update preliminary recovery body to medium recovery body but Hanna's family had only released over 2 million earthworms by now, which was still far away from the ultimate target. However, Zhang Tie had been very satisfied with this. As it was a long-term plan, as long as Hanna's family stuck to that appointment, they would make the fruit ripe sooner or later.
What made Zhang Tie truly amazed was that this fruit could bring him good luck in the early stage of its growth. It was really out of Zhang Tie's imagination that even his luck could be improved by this fruit.
The color of that line of words turned grey, which indicated that it had already passed its early stage of growth.
After realizing that the pile of immortal stones that he excavated several days ago might be influenced by this fruit, Zhang Tie's face turned strange.
"Is...this real, Heller?"
Seeing Heller standing aside, Zhang Tie didn't even know how to ask.
"It's real. One of the side effects of this fruit in its early stage of growth is to bring good luck to you. Actually, this is a benefit from releasing living beings!"
"By setting free living beings I can be lucky?" Zhang Tie goggled.
"Castle Lord, you should know that in the far ancient times, setting free living beings was actually the full contents and core of the secret knowledge cultivation of some powerful and mysterious sects. Its function even became deified in some people's eyes!"
Zhang Tie was shocked by Heller's words, "It's treated as the full contents and core of the secret knowledge cultivation of the entire sect. That's too powerful!"
"You mean even commoners could become lucky by setting free a lot of animals?"
"Of course!"
"Why?"
"Because all the animals have their spirits. Materially, the energy of appreciation formed by setting free animals is a powerful bliss, which could increase the frequency and energy level of one's soul and awareness and cause resonance and attraction between human and beautiful things. Benefited by this, you could make many correct and positive decisions. Actually, this had been clarified in the mysterious and profound eastern Chinese cultures, such as the old Chinese saying, "Luck brings wisdom!"
After thinking for a short while, Zhang Tie found that it was real. When he excavated the small building, he became pretty clear-minded. Even in the urban ruins, he could faintly identify that the location of the short building was the "waistband fengshui". Being driven by this whim, he attempted and truly made a fortune.
After the secret was exposed, Zhang Tie deepened his understanding about the effect of setting free animals. Zhang Tie asked Heller another question, "Whether would I become lucky for a period after the appearance of each new fruit of advancement?"
"Yes. Your good luck would have different duration due to the different levels and functions of fruits of advancement. This fruit of advancement brought you about 17 days of good luck. You would have 25 days of good luck when the fruit of advancement could finally help you advance to senior recovery body from medium recovery body. As to other fruits of advancement, you would have different duration of good luck, which ranged from 3-5 days to even a month!" Heller stared at Zhang Tie with a solemn look, "As long as Castle Lord sticks to set free an increasing number of animals, I believe that Castle Lord would be in such a special situation for a few days in each year."
Touching his nose, Zhang Tie felt a bit strange. "Women would be in that unrivaled situation for a few days in each month. Will I enter such a special situation for a few days in each year? Damn it! That's weird!"
Zhang Tie then watched the small tree swaying its body, causing rustles. Meanwhile, he rubbed his hands in an excited way. The problem facing him was so many fruits to eat.
It would take him at least 1 week to completely digest the nine huge wolf seven-strength fruits. However, given the situation here, he did not have enough time to eat up all the fruits. He had to leave out of here together with O'Laura and Sabrina as soon as possible. If he stayed here for a longer time, it would more troublesome.
Therefore, Zhang Tie fixed his eyes on the three ripe leakless fruits. After thinking for a short while, he picked off one of them. After that, he sat under the small tree with crossed legs and put that leakless fruit in his mouth.
Having not eaten leakless fruit for a long time, the moment he broke it, the familiar sweet taste instantly slid into his esophagus. The effect of leakless fruit spread in Zhang Tie's chest at once...
After several hours, the 18th surging point on Zhang Tie's spine turned deep blue.
Zhang Tie stood up and moved his limbs for a while. He then picked off another leakless fruit.
...
The fire dragon formed by the energy of leakless fruit boomed the purple surging point into pieces. After numerous purple light spots disappeared, a bright sparkle gradually appeared in the darkness and finally became a raging flame...
After lighting the 18th surging point, Zhang Tie felt relaxed all over while some burdens were relieved. At the same time, the energy in his muscles and bones, Qi and blood also increased. His fighting strength grew higher like the mercury being heated in thermometer.
This feeling was very great.
The remained energy of the 2nd leakless fruit charged towards the 19th surging point on Zhang Tie's spine. Before the exhaustion of this energy, the 19th surging point on Zhang Tie's spine had already turned orange.
Zhang Tie then picked himself up and moved his limbs once again. Meanwhile, he revealed a big smile. After that, he picked off the 3rd leakless fruit...
After eating the 3rd leakless fruit, the 19th surging point on his spine finally became blue.
Closely after the three leakless fruits, Zhang Tie ate a fruit of redemption which could improve his cold-resistance and water flow-sensitiveness. After the fruit of redemption, Zhang Tie ate an iron-body fruit.
Now, it took Zhang Tie more efforts to obtain a new iron-body fruit. It was a surprise for him to gain three iron-body fruits because of the bone-exploding needles.
After eating the latest iron-body fruit, Zhang Tie seemingly heard the sound of crashing metals and stones from his bones all over.
After eating five fruits, Zhang Tie's fighting strength increased sharply. He then exited Castle of Black Iron at once.
When Zhang Tie reappeared in the remote place of that dark cave, only after walking a few steps, he felt that the ground was shaking sharply while a boom drifted from the underground world...
Chapter 468: The Cage Was Closed
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Along with the earthquake, dust and stones started to fall down from the top of the gloomy cave. Zhang Tie instantly turned to the fluorite lamp by opening its shade and ran out of the cave.
It was a huge underground space outside the cave which included the entire relics. The earthquake waves also reached outside there, making many people flurried.
"Is that an earthquake?" Zhang Tie became confused. Meanwhile, he had a bad premonition about the earthquake and the boom.
Zhang Tie immediately ran towards the camp of the allied forces.
Only after running for less than 20 km, another earthquake and boom happened. This time, Zhang Tie was sure that it was not a real earthquake, because its direction was different from the former one. The former one seemingly came from the underground; whereas, this time, it was definitely closer. It seemed to be coming from a place in the underground tunnel leading to the relics.
This was a faintly familiar sound to Zhang Tie.
After reflection in the relatively closed underground space, the boom could be heard across the entire relics.
When the 2nd boom arrived, Zhang Tie's face changed as he slightly changed his running direction. He didn't run towards the camp anymore; instead, he rushed towards the tunnel where it originated.
"Ah, what's up?"
"I heard two booms!"
"One was over there!"
On the way, Zhang Tie encountered some pioneers who were flurried and vacant. Some smart guys also ran towards the origin of the second boom.
At this moment, without using his rapid moving skill, Zhang Tie's running speed had surpassed 80 km/h, which was much faster than that of a wild wolf. As a result, the fluorite lamp over his waist became a flying green ray in the darkness.
With a wind, those pioneers had seen Zhang Tie rushing ahead of them, leaving behind a gradually disappearing green light ray.
At such a speed, Zhang Tie soon rushed out of the relics and entered an underground tunnel.
After entering the tunnel for a few kilometers, Zhang Tie caught sight of the pile of scattered stones and conical stalactites which fell down from the top of the tunnel. After going deeper for a few more kilometers, Zhang Tie saw injured people in the tunnel.
A poor pioneer's leg was pressed by a huge stone. Lying on the roadside, he was wailing. Zhang Tie stopped and forcefully pushed the 1-ton stone aside.
The poor pioneer was at his 30s or 40s. His injured leg had been badly mutilated, which might have been crippled. When the huge stone was pushed away, he screeched loudly once again.
"What happened..." Zhang Tie put a hand on his shoulder and asked him loudly.
"Thanks...I don't know what happened. After...after a loud sound, I panicked. Then, the stone rolled down here and hit me..."
Only after saying only few words, the pioneer felt exhausted. Having not figured out the reason, Zhang Tie further rushed ahead.
The deeper he entered, the more scattered stones and wounded people Zhang Tie saw. At least dozens of people were killed by those huge stones.
Zhang Tie stopped at a place which was only dozens of meters in width. According to his memory, this place was like the waist of a gourd.
The tunnel ahead disappeared, precisely, completely collapsed. What was in front of Zhang Tie was a 50-60 m high slope which was composed of huge stones, which were as large as house or millstone.
Zhang Tie felt icy in heart.
In a split second, Zhang Tie figured out what happened and why he felt the second boom was familiar, "the tunnel accessing to the relics has been destroyed by bomb."
"It's an alchemist's bomb, a powerful alchemist's bomb!"
After the mice entered the cage, someone closed the cage using an alchemist's bomb.
"But what about the first louder sound from a farther distance?"
Gazing at the collapsed underground tunnel, something chaotic flashed across his mind.
At this moment, Zhang Tie heard a sound from behind. He turned around and saw Roslav and Waajid rushing towards him at a speed which was faster than that of his.
At the sight of the scene in front of them, Roslav and Waajid changed their faces completely while standing on Zhang Tie's side.
"What's up?" Roslav, who was as strong as a huge bear opened his mouth first.
Although he didn't say Zhang Tie, remarkably, he was asking Zhang Tie who was the only one standing here.
"I don't know. I came here soon after the boom. It seems that it was destroyed by a powerful alchemist's bomb!"
Roslav and Waajid exchanged glances with each other with great amazement. Although they came from the most powerful tribe in Ice and Snow Wilderness, they had not seen an alchemist's bomb. They heard about it before; however, they had never imagined that they could encounter one. An alchemist's bomb was rarely seen in other places, not to mention in Ice and Snow Wilderness.
"Peter, how do you know it's caused by an alchemist's bomb?" Waajid, who was slightly well-balanced in figure, asked.
"Because I've seen the power of an alchemist's bomb before. Given that boom and its destructive power, I really cannot think of a second possibility!" Zhang Tie answered in a low voice.
Watching the collapsed tunnel, Roslav and Waajid also became silent. They were analyzing how worse the current situation was.
"Ah? How can that be...f*ck!"
A flurried sound drifted from behind. It was from Gangula.
Gangula, who looked blue, hurriedly led a lot of people here who was familiar to Zhang Tie. At the sight of this, all their faces froze, including that of Gangula.
"Now that Gangula was here, the greater part of the allied forces might have been attracted here by the illusory super relics." Zhang Tie sighed inside.
"Childe Gangula!" Zhang Tie turned around and greeted him.
"Ah, Peter, you're also here. What happened?"
Realizing that Gangula was still confused, Zhang Tie repeated what he told Roslav and Waajid. After that, watching the newcomers, Zhang Tie stood aside silently.
The moment they heard the "alchemist's bomb", those guys behind Gangula drew cold breath. Staring at the collapsed tunnel, they became despaired.
"Is this a plot? How come this tunnel was exploded the moment we arrived here?"
"Ah, sh*t, Can we go back?"
Some smart guys behind Gangula had guessed something. Hearing this question, many more people's faces turned pale.
Zhang Tie gazed at Gangula silently. Zhang Tie wanted to see how Gangula would manage it, as the leader of the allied forces.
Gangula didn't say anything. Panting heavily, he glared at the collapsed tunnel ahead. His face turned blue first, then slowly turned snowwhite, finally blushed. It seemed that he was gradually recovering his composure although his eyes looked more furious.
"Sh*t up!" after Gangula's roar, all the others following him here became quiet.
"Filking, take you men and occupy all the drinkable water sources near the ruins. If the pioneers dare to stop you, kill them all! Attention! Prevent them from destroying and polluting the water sources." an icy order was delivered.
Receiving this order, a subordinate behind Gangula moved one step forward as he punched onto his own chest armor. Soon after that, he turned around and left.
"Luca, take a team of elites and figure out the first boom!"
Another person left rapidly.
"Jyoba, find the prospecting team of Golden Roc Bank."
Another person left.
After delivering three orders consecutively, Gangula gazed at those heads of each tribe as he uttered a colder voice, "From now on, besides keeping three day's supplies for the soldiers, all the tribes should submit the rest rations. The allied forces will be responsible for distributing rations!"
Hearing Gangula's last order, those other heads of tribes started to discuss.
"Who doesn't agree?" Gangula glared at them all with his bloody eyes. Hearing this, Gangula's subordinates put their hands on the sword handles.
The turmoil quieted down at once. Nobody dared to disagree with him.
Hearing Gangula's crazy orders in such a short period, Zhang Tie finally understood why this guy's nickname was "mad dog"...
Chapter 469: A Hopeless Situation
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
The moment the troop of the allied forces started to occupy the water sources nearby the relics, the chaos in the underground space started to spread like the ripples in pond. Whether those tens of thousands of pioneers who swarmed in like hornets or a few powerful individuals, nobody could resist the power of the allied forces which was like a bulldozer.
There were also powerhouses in the allied forces.
Given the types of organizations of most countries and armies in this age, the fighting strength of first-class military officers were generally in consistent with their positions. After two holy wars between humans and demons, for the sake of the guidance and co-ordinance in joint operations, most human countries' military establishments appeared to be similar on type of organization and hierarchy.
In the average troop establishment of most countries in the continent, there was a similar red line, which, although being not absolute, was referential.
A LV 6 fighter could be the leader of a platoon of about 30 soldiers and be awarded with the rank of second lieutenant.
A LV 7 fighter could be the commander of a company of about 100 soldiers or 3 platoons and be awarded with the rank of first lieutenant.
A LV 8 fighter could be the commander of a battalion of about 300-500 soldiers and be awarded with the rank of captain. For example, when Zhang Tie was in the Iron-Blood Camp of the 39th Division of Iron-Horn Army of Norman Empire, although Reinhardt, the commander of Iron-Blood Camp was a LV 8 fighter, because of the special establishment of Iron-Blood Camp and the great power of iron-blood fist, he had already been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel which was rarely seen across the Blackson Humans Corridor.
A LV 9 fighter could be the colonel of 1000-2000 soldiers and be awarded with the rank of major. Concretely, although the difference of establishments between the armies of different countries and regions, any LV 9 fighter was qualified to be the middle-ranking military officer of any army in any place in this age.
A LV 10 strong fighter could be the commander of a brigade of 5000-10000 soldiers and be awarded with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
A LV 11 fighting master could be the commander of a regiment of at least 20000 soldiers and be awarded with the rank of colonel.
A LV 12 great fighting master could be the head of an army of 80,000 to 100,000 soldiers and be awarded with the rank of a brigadier general or a major general. Those at this level entered the high-ranking general officers officially.
Above the army was an army group which was composed of hundreds of thousands of soldiers. As the real terrifying organ of violence and the pillar of humans against demons, the army group was able to destroy cities and countries. Additionally, according to the regulation of the "Great Brilliance Charter" of humans, although a LV 12 great fighting master could be the head of an army, the core of an army group had to be a knight, instead of the pure accumulation of low-level soldiers in quantity.
Only knights were qualified to establish fighting units like army groups and be the leader of army groups. Although fighting spirit, fighting demon and fighting general below knight were not qualified to establish an army group but they could take important positions in the army group.
Certainly, even the army groups centered by knights were divided into different types. In different countries, the army groups were classified by different levels and ranks. However, the division standards of army groups in most countries were divided into four levels according to the division standards of Chinese army groups; common army group, class B army group, class A army group and forbidden army group. The names of the four levels might be different in other countries. In some countries, it was divided into; class C army group, class B army group, class A army group and class S army group. Some countries divided it into; black iron army group, bronze army group, silver army group and gold army group. Although being different in names, they were basically same in division standards.
A common LV 6 fighter could be a platoon leader in a common army group; however, if he was in a class B army group, he could only be a monitor. Almost all the platoon leaders in class B army group were monitored by LV 7 fighters. It would be stricter in class A army group.
It was said that in the forbidden army group, the lowest limit to be platoon leader was LV 9 fighter. Even common soldiers in forbidden army group were LV 7 fighters. Given its fighting strength, a forbidden army group could easily crack down more than three class A army groups.
Such a forbidden army group was absolutely a legendary existence. There was not even one forbidden army group in Blackson Humans Corridor at all. It was said that such army groups only existed in Eastern Continent. In Blackson Humans Corridor, a country with class B army group was already a powerful one. As to the alleged class A army groups in a couple of countries, they were just some class B army groups being mixed with some regiments at most according to the standards of class A army groups. Such troops had been brand troops across Blackson Humans Corridor and the pride of a few countries.
Zhang Tie could never touch such knowledge when he was in Blackhot City. He learned some when he was in Hidden Dragon Palace. The Iron-Horn Army Group of Norman Empire which was the most powerful force in Andaman Alliance was a black iron army group. The brilliance feathers of Sun Dynasty was also a black iron army group. Iron-Blood Camp was a special force under a division of an army group, which was actually a mixed unit.
In this age, the reason that Chinese were powerful, respectable and were called gold race was that only Chinese were able to establish the gold army groups. In the former two holy wars between humans and demons, Chinese gold army groups had made meritorious deeds to humans and became well known around the planet.
As tens of thousands of people were dispatched by the wild bear tribe, which already reached the scale of division, there must be many powerhouses like fighting masters and great fighting masters. Plus the bear-killing fighters who had unique ability to increase their fighting strength sharply, only after a few hours, the water sources nearby the relics had been taken over by the allied forces.
At the beginning, many pioneers were confused why the allied forces started to occupy the water sources nearby the relics. However, after ten more hours, they finally understood their current situation. Therefore, everybody became flurried. The turmoil broke out naturally.
After 50,000-60,000 people poured in, the water sources nearby the relics could not afford so many people at all. When the underground tunnel was smooth, this contradiction was not obvious. As long as they spent some time and walked dozens of miles, they would be able to get enough water. However, after the tunnel collapsed, the road back to the ground was blocked. What was more, the largest water source supply was cut off.
Even if they took enough dried rations but did not get enough drinking water, they could not stand too long underground, either.
In over ten hours, the allied forces intensified their camp under the order of Gangula. They built a defense line around the camp. As a result, some water sources being occupied by the allied forces became the military forbidden zones. Any outsider being less than 100 m away from the water sources without consent would be killed!
Therefore, those pioneers who dreamed to make a fortune in the super relics instantly felt a great danger.
Zhang Tie caught sight of the prospecting team of Golden Roc Bank, half of which had lost. Most of the remaining team members were injured and looked bad.
O'Laura and Nurdo also came back with only 2/3 of their guards. O'Laura also saw Zhang Tie. However, before talking to him, O'Laura had been pulled away by Gangula's subordinate.
...
Sitting on the top of a ruined 5-storey building in the relics beside the camp, Zhang Tie was looking at the distance quietly.
At a place near a water source within Zhang Tie's vision, over 2000 soldiers of the allied forces were intensifying the defense over there. Meanwhile, those pioneers wandering in the neighborhood were glaring at those soldiers.
At this moment, the pioneers were a bit rational. None of them would like to drink water at the risk of their own lives. However, this was just the first day since their water sources had been taken over by the allied forces. Three days later, when most of the pioneers would run out of their own drinking water, Zhang Tie didn't know whether they would just look aside like today.
Hearing the footsteps from behind, Zhang Tie knew it was O'Laura without even turning around. Seeing Zhang Tie sitting on the ground while swinging his legs in the air, O'Laura became hesitated for a couple of seconds before sitting on Zhang Tie's side. Like Zhang Tie, she also suspended her feet in the air.
"It looks worse than my imagination!" Zhang Tie turned around and looked at O'Laura. O'Laura picked off her mask, allowing Zhang Tie to glance at her icy and delicate side face with unscrupulous eyes.
"You've not attended the conference, but how do you know that?" O'Laura asked calmly.
"Hehe, it's evident. if not going to tell me your last words, how could you just sit on the ground casually? When you walked towards here, you became a bit hesitated before sitting down. I guess that you might be thinking about your last words at that moment. Don't cover it anymore, am I right?"
"You b*stard!" O'Laura swore in a low voice before letting out a long sigh.
"Go ahead, what's going on there?"
"There's no star of god, no super relics. It's just a trap!"
"I'm afraid many people have realized it!"
"The first boom was also caused by an alchemist's bomb. Its explosive equivalent was especially large. We've confirmed that all the knights who wanted to grab the pieces of the star of god have been killed. According to our earlier investigation, there were four knights being involved with this trap, one from Ice and Snow Wilderness, the other three from outside, including Samaranth, the star and moon sword sage!"
Although birds died in pursuit of food, after hearing so many god-like powerhouses were gone at the same time, Zhang Tie was also shocked. Any knight was influential enough to threaten the safety of a region. Zhang Tie had not imagined that four of them were killed at the same time. Such a great loss was barely seen in one place in one day even at the most fierce period of the former two holy wars between humans and demons.
Recalling how Samaranth, the star and moon sword sage killed the huge deep-sea monster, Zhang Tie felt very pitiful inside. Previously, Donder told Zhang Tie that no matter how high your fighting skills were, you would still be afraid of kitchen knives. At the beginning, Zhang Tie treated it as a joke; however, at this moment, he realized that it was not a joke at all. Alchemist's bomb was like a kitchen knife. After a pile of alchemist' bombs were detonated, even knights would be killed.
Zhang Tie thought that the first alchemist's bomb was at least 100 times more powerful than that he met in Blapei. Facing such a terrifying power, even steel and iron would be melted down.
"Do you know who did this?"
"Gangula doubted that it was done by Three Eyes Association!"
"Three Eyes Association? Three Eyes Association again?" Zhang Tie also realized that no other organizations could do this, except for Three Eyes Association. This trap seemingly targeted at the knights in humans since the beginning. The pioneers and the allied forces being trapped here were just a "plus". No matter what, for those b*stards of the Three Eyes Association, they could do whatever they could to weaken human's fighting strength and make human world more chaotic before the 3rd holy war.
What a shrewd trap! Nobody could imagine that there was such a trap behind the new relics. Although knights were confident that they could solve all the problems and plots; however, they had not imagined that what waited for them were not the pieces of star of god, but a death trap caused by alchemist's bombs.
Zhang Tie remembered the animal tide above the ground, which was full of plots and artificial traces. After considering it for a white, Zhang Tie instantly realized that the function of the animal tide was to attract the attention of the public. When those tribes across the Ice and Snow Wilderness and those who were alert about the plots of Three Eyes Association transferred their eyes to the outside, few of them could imagine that the trump card of Three Eyes Association was down here.
Noticing that Zhang Tie became silent, O'Laura thought that Zhang Tie was digesting her words. Therefore, she didn't disturb him; instead, she just looked at the fluorite lamplight in the distance as she muttered.
"In the conference, we've already strictly deduced the current situation. The water supply from the water sources occupied by the allied forces could only afford about 30,000 people's daily use at most. However, our allied forces include 37000 people in total, which meant that 7000 of the the allied forces could not get enough water after 3 days, not to mention the pioneers."
"There are over 20,000 pioneers nearby the relics. Three days later, if so many pioneers don't want to be thirsty to death, they have to fight the allied forces for the limited water sources. However, the terrain of this relics is not convenient for the allied forces to spread. Therefore, the allied forces had to fight to death so as to clean all the pioneers. Even if we're the winner, the allied forces would also have to suffer a great loss. We will lose at least 10,000 soldiers!"
"The fierce battle will last over one week. After that, the dead bodies will cover each corner of this relics. As it's in the underground being surrounded with stones. The environment is relatively closed. Therefore the corpses could be hardly dealt with. The allied forces could deal with a batch of corpses by burying them beneath the relics or throwing them into the caves being far away from here. However, a lot of corpses could not be cleaned. As a result, they would decay very soon and probably cause diseases and plagues over here. The survivors would also be polluted."
"Now that there is no plague or disease, the dried rations could only afford us one month at the most. Even though there are sufficient water sources, everybody would be starved to death in the end!"
"Through the confirmation of the prospecting team of Golden Roc Bank, there's only one tunnel leading to the outside. However, it would require 40,000 people to work at least 2 months to break it through. Even though we could contact with the outside and ask for their relief, it would require 40,000 people to work in here for at least 45 days. In the current situation, this is impossible. Nobody could organize a project of 40,000 here. Even if the allied forces join hands with pioneers, we could not stand 45 days, either..." O'Laura then stopped for a second, before reaching the conclusion calmly and gloomily, "Therefore, we probably die here in 45 days!"
Chapter 470: My Brothers
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
At this moment, Zhang Tie held O'Laura's hand tightly as he stared at her with a solemn look, "I won't let you die here!"
O'Laura just revealed a smile as she purely took Zhang Tie's words as a comfort, "I know that but if not because of me, you might not be here. It's my fault!"
"Don't be silly. I chose to come down here. It's nothing to do with anybody else!"
"Although you're a bit bad, you're cute sometimes!" O'Laura looked at the distance, "Can I lean on your shoulder?"
Zhang Tie nodded. O'Laura then leaned her head on Zhang Tie's shoulder in a tender way.
They looked at the distance silently.
"Do you know what I was thinking about when I knew that I was going to die here in one month?"
O'Laura whispered in Zhang Tie's ear like how lovers usually did. However, the contents was very cruel.
"What are you thinking about?"
"I started to feel afraid of death. I realized the value of life for the first time. After that, I realized that I was very stupid. Actually, the problem in the grey eagle tribe was very simple, but I made it complicated. You're right. If only I can suppress Ollier, Juventus and their supporters and let them pledge allegiance to me by chopping off the heads of those who don't agree with me."
It was really out of Zhang Tie's imagination that O'Laura's mentality could change so much at this moment. But it was not bad, at least for the grey eagle tribe. Zhang Tie was sure that as long as senior Merkel agreed to chop off one or two heads, the rest would succumb to her for sure. As O'Laura was not brave enough to be that cruel previously, those people didn't follow her orders.
Now, O'Laura became really mature.
Distress made people mature.
Remembering about Gangula's crazy eyes and his sharp decisions, Zhang Tie's heart raced suddenly. He then asked O'Laura, "Gangula is not going to just wait for death. What's his plan?"
Hearing this question, O'Laura's face turned pale instantly. She waved her head firmly and said decisively, "I bet you don't want to know that crazy dog's plan. I prefer to die than living like how he arranged!"
Zhang Tie closed his eyes. A few seconds later, he opened his eyes, "Did he plan to kill people? He planned to kill all the pioneers and collect all their dried rations in 3 days. Meanwhile, he planned to consume some soldiers of the allied forces through fighting pioneers. As a result, the remained supplies would be available to the survivors for a longer time. At least, the allied forces would not lack water supply in a short period."
O'Laura nodded in a solemn way. Although Zhang Tie had not attended the conference of the management of the allied forces, he could speculate the contents. Therefore, O'Laura became more admirable about Zhang Tie.
"That's it! Gangula even planned to carry out hierarchical allotment system and isolation system for sick and wounded people. Once soldiers of the allied forces were injured or affected with diseases, they would soon die because of insufficient supply and treatment!"
O'Laura's voice sounded very sorrowful, "Gangula thought that nobody else knew about his next plan. But actually, everybody knew that after exterminating those pioneers and eliminating those sick and wounded people of the allied forces, Gangula would definitely abandon or sweep all the other small and medium-sized tribes except for the wild bear tribe so as to gain enough supplies and allow the rest people to live longer. Right because of this reason, the conference finally ended with a turmoil. All the other tribes could only join hands with each other so as to negotiate with Gangula!"
Through O'Laura, Zhang Tie knew what happened in the conference. At this critical moment, the small and medium-sized tribes of the allied forces didn't yield much; instead, they proposed to dispatch their own soldiers to fight according to the overall proportion of each tribe in the allied forces, to share supplies fairly and take over two water sources from the wild bear tribe. However, all these proposals were vetoed by Gangula.
If it was in the outside, those small and medium-sized tribes would never dare to propose such requests to Gangula at all. However, at this critical moment, they had to oppose. Although the wild bear tribe was powerful in fighting strength, as long as the wild bear tribe fought the other small and medium-sized tribes, they would force them to stand on side of the pioneers. If so, even the wild bear tribe and Gangula could not stand it.
Zhang Tie realized that the allied forces had started to split from inside. In order to survive, each person was making their full efforts.
"Setton is coming. I'm afraid he's here for me. I have to go now!"
Setton walked towards this building as he raised his face towards them. He had just converged with O'Laura with the soldiers of the grey eagle tribe. It was really out of his imagination that they were in dilemma right away. Zhang Tie found Setton was a bit solemn and sad.
O'Laura slightly kissed Zhang Tie's cheek. After that, she put on her mask before flying away from the roof of the building and leaving with Setton.
Seeing O'Laura off, Zhang Tie remained still. At this moment, Zhang Tie became very vacant, which might be involved with the life or death of himself or tens of thousands of people here.
After 17 years of life experience, Zhang Tie had never been so perplexed before.
Whether he would just wait until the last moment with only a few people whom he was concerned about or stand out bravely and lead these people out of this trap facing a great risk...
Zhang Tie didn't know what to do!
He then asked Heller.
"Castle Lord, Castle of Black Iron could provide water for tens of thousands of people. The fleshes inside could also be available to them for over 3 months. Such an important decision could only be made by Castle Lord out of sincerity. I will support you no matter what decision you make!"
Heller's answer made Zhang Tie more confused. Zhang Tie didn't know what was deep in his mind.
"Why don't I know what is deep in my mind?"
"How come?"
Zhang Tie just considered about that question while sitting on the top of the ruined building. He gradually forgot himself...
...
In this state, Zhang Tie completely forgot about the existence of time. Not knowing how long had passed, one day or two days, Zhang Tie felt many people walking under the building and heard noises drifting from afar. O'Laura came to his side once again. After staring at him for a short while, she told him a message in a sad and ironical tone.
"Gangula has already reached a secret agreement with all the other heads of small and medium-sized tribes. As long as the heads of the other tribes support him, he could ensure that some major figures in each tribe would survive to the end. According to Gangula's plan, about 200-300 people of the allied forces could survive for more than 3 months until the tunnel is broken through from outside!"
Hearing this news, Zhang Tie felt his back, which was lashed in Heavens Cold City, burning.
There was one sentence that could be used to describe Gangula's plan——Smaller figures had to die first so as to survive big figures. Therefore, all the big figures agreed.
"Tomorrow, the allied forces would start the massacre until the last pioneer is killed! In order to safeguard the soldiers of the grey eagle tribe, I will attend the battle with my soldiers at the risk of our lives!"
After saying this, O'Laura left.
Zhang Tie felt a heartache.
"Is that my heart?"
Zhang Tie became confused...
...
O'Laura left. After a while, Sabrina and two of her guardians arrived in front of this building.
"Young lady. What's wrong with Peter? I was told that since he had known that everybody would be trapped here, Peter had been scared too much and kept hiding here like an idiot!"
"Sh*t up!"
Zhang Tie heard the footsteps of Sabrina and her guardians. Although they were still below the building, their whisper had drifted to Zhang Tie's ears.
Not knowing why, Zhang Tie realized that his auditory sense became much sharper than before.
After coming to the front of Zhang Tie, Sabrina squatted and slightly touched the sluggish face of Zhang Tie who was staring at the distance without moving his eyes. She then let out a sigh and said in a tender voice, "My little man. You don't have to worry about that. We can still keep touch with outside. The relief of the wild bear tribe and the other tribes would arrive in a few days. We only need to wait for 3 months here. I'm sure they will get us out of here. As long as I can get out of here, I will take you out for sure!"
After saying this, Sabrina slightly kissed Zhang Tie's lips. She then left while her guardians left some water and food to him.
Smelling the food on his side, Zhang Tie realized that he was a bit hungry. Without reaching out his hand to take those food, he just sent an order in his mind; instantly, the sweat solution of all-purpose medicament appeared in Zhang Tie's mouth. Zhang Tie swallowed it right away.
...
Not knowing how long had passed, Sam and Gerri appeared in front of Zhang Tie.
"Peter, Sam and I are here to say goodbye to you. After a discussion, we've made the final decision. At this moment, we should go back to the team of pioneers. No matter what, nobody could leave out of here or stick to the day until the tunnel was broken through. If we have to die, Sam and I prefer to die as pioneers, which would be more respectful!" Gerri said.
"We are told that the pioneers have been gathered by some individual powerhouses. Yesterday, the action of the allied forces have not gained any effects; instead, two water sources of ours were grabbed away by the allied forces. Each party suffered a loss. O'Laura had promised to send us to the safe place. No matter what, you're our friend forever!" Sam said.
Sam and Gerri then left when Zhang Tie was moved once again.
They reminded Zhang Tie of his former friends in the wild wolf valley. Like those small figures in wild valley, Sam and Gerri were both born in average or poor families, who had no reliance at all. Each step he moved forward, he had to ooze sweat, bleed or drop tears. They were young, sincere and happy. Of course, they also had courage.
A series of pictures reappeared in Zhang Tie's mind.
...
In the deep and twisting underground tunnel, he was forging ahead quietly with a group of people while holding torches. That was a plot about Great Bless Skill. It was nothing but a joke. However, each one behind him were determined to create a new world.
...
Zhang Tie drew out of his dagger and cut open his own hand, followed by all the others. They sprayed the fresh blood into the stone pit.
...
"This is the blood of brothers. Before the completion of the sacred Great Bless Skill, how can you dry up?"
"Ah, no..."
"Use mine, use my blood..."
"What the hell..."
...
Those who walk in the dark. Your faces are covered with dust; you totter while your hands are tainted with filth. You walk in the dark, dirty land; however the brilliance and flame in your heart could never die out, which instead would finally become torches in the dark and brighten the road for your brothers so that they can clearly see the difficulties and obstacles on the road. Those who take the torches, your torches are the best bless to this world. It is a bless of light which will brighten the road towards the ultimate sacred door. Hearing this, all the teenagers ahead of the team dropped off their tears.
...
Silly Potter, who had been the torch-holder, looked sacred, "I'd like to sacrifice for all of you!"
...
Hallan Wood jumped out of the team, "I'd like to sacrifice myself!"
Jack Jones jumped out, "I'd like to sacrifice myself!"
Dili Gandhi also jumped out, "I'd like to sacrifice myself!"
Francis Franca, the son of an average gardener jumped out, "I'd like to sacrifice myself!"
...
Zhang Tie almost forgot the frivolous things and jokes that he had made. Until this moment, Zhang Tie realized that all the details that he had experienced with his brothers were deeply imprinted in his bones and soul, including mixing fresh blood with each other, their voices and expressions, which could never be erased or forgotten at all.
Zhang Tie dropped off his tears naturally.
"My brothers, who'd like to cut open their palms by daggers, walk in the dark with torches and topple over this world with me, are you all ready?"
"I'm sorry, I almost have made you disappointed."
...
After a long time, the enshrouding bloody brilliance of iron-blood battle Qi gradually appeared on Zhang Tie, which shot up to the sky like bloody waves and banners flying against the wind.
Standing on the top of the building, Zhang Tie looked in the distance, "Those brave guys, you sacrifice yourself to your brothers. How virtuous you are! This is the purest love...your names will be carved on the sacred arch door forever. If you can treat your brothers as yourself, you have already reached the supreme level. Although time will end, oceans will dry, high mountains will fall but your names will never fade away. Sacrifice is eternal. Finally, all of us will gather in the sacred eternal territory. Each of fulfillment that you have made for your brothers will come back for you. Your brothers will not abandon you and let you wander alone. You know that brilliance is right in your body. All the opportunities that you've created will be together with you like how you stay with the almighty god."
Soon after the voice in his mind, the rising huge centipede battle-Qi totem was torn into pieces in the fierce, rolling battle-Qi banner by his powerful spirit and superb willingness. Another thing started to swim in Zhang Tie's chest, which included trust, fearlessness, decisiveness, piety, grief, small figures' unyielding yells, teenagers' surging fresh blood and the lofty self sublimation for the brothers to sacrifice themselves.
Because of the sublimation, everything became lofty.
Being unable to sustain Zhang Tie's superb willingness, the huge centipede battle-Qi totem was finally shattered...
Among the pieces of the battle-Qi totem, a light spot started to brighten up in Zhang Tie's chest like a torch in the dark...
A wholly new, rare totem slowly rose from Zhang Tie's back and shot into the sky. Fresh blood drops sprayed all over the sky endlessly like a curtain in the sky. It was more like a doomsday flame which was descended by gods so as to judge everything like that in myths and legends. With a glance, everybody's heart pounded...
A sacred totem——Bloody and Fiery Curtain appeared in front of public for the first time.
In the distance, the soldiers of the allied forces were fighting pioneers along with ground-breaking roars...
Chapter 471: The God's Manifestation (I)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
One hour before the bloody and fiery curtain, everything was developing towards that merciless track along the fixed cruel trace. In such a dilemma, everybody was exerting their full effort.
...
Sharba was holding tightly his short sword and following the other pioneers with stiff and tense footsteps onto the battle field.
The handle of his short sword was wrapped with a rough cloth strip. At this moment, the cloth strip had been soaked by Sharba's sweat. Therefore, it felt smooth in hand.
Before going to the battle field, Sharba drank up all of his drinking water.
Since this tunnel completely collapsed along with a terrifying earthquake last week, all the pioneers were sent in a terrifying and despairing situation.
Sharba was only 18 years old. Like how it was described in the popular story among many pioneers, because his father was a pioneer, he was then a pioneer. He didn't know whom his mom was. Since he was sensible, he joined the team of pioneers along with his father and wandered around the world.
His dad passed away two years ago. Before death, his dad's last wish was to see Sharba to settle down in a human city, find an average job, marry a woman and live like commoners...
He did not understand his dad's wish until last week. Although he understood it now but it was impossible for him to live it up this dream because Sharba knew that he was going to die. Even though he could survive today, he would die tomorrow.
The despairing mood had been spreading among the pioneers for one week. This relics was like a cage and a graveyard in the dark which was going to bury all the pioneers here.
Facing such powerful and well-trained army of the allied forces, only after 2 days of confusion, all the pioneers had realized that none of them could leave this graveyard...
The abyss-like despair made the pioneers suffocated. Therefore, they were driven mad for the last time.
One week ago, none of the pioneers could imagine about the outcome to fight the allied forces; but now, the pioneers not only fought the allied forces, but also launched a counterattack towards the allied forces and occupied two water sources.
At this moment, a coarse hand fell on Sharba's shoulder and slightly patted him.
"Sharba, just follow me; take it easy; we will be free after today..." said uncle Milan, the 50-year odd head of the small team of pioneers. In the past few days, uncle Milan's lips had cracked due to thirst. The brilliance in his eyes also faded away. He was now full of despair and frustration.
"Will...we die?" a hoarse voice sounded. Another partner in the team asked, who was 2 years elder than Sharba.
Uncle Milan smiled in a frustrated and weak manner, "In the legend of pioneers, such a relics is a place being cursed. Before Catastrophe, this place had already swallowed numerous spiritual beings and fresh blood. Now the tragedy started once again. Because those who come here to disturb the dead spiritual beings, all of them have to accompany these dead spiritual beings at the cost of their lives..."
"I...I don't want to die..." someone started to wail in a low voice.
"Don't worry, we're together with you. It will be okay for a short while. If we win, we can live some more days..." uncle Milan comforted himself, which was more like a hopeless sigh.
The pioneers moved in the battle field one team after another. They had no fixed formations; instead, they just followed their familiar person and their head towards the death place.
If they joined the battle several days later, they would be too weak to fight. Therefore, no matter what, they had to solve the battle today. On the battle field, to be killed might be better than being thirsty and starved to death.
...
"This is a hopeless battle which is nothing about the sense of honor!" In a place being far away from the battle field, watching tens of thousands of pioneers gathering 1 km away from the allied forces like how moth charged towards flames, Roslav let out a sigh, "No morale exist in the two armies at all. No party will win the battle. They are all killing people for their own survival. I won't join such a battle!"
"What a pity!" Waajid also sighed as he turned around, looking at the camp of the allied forces over 5 km away and waved his head, "Previously, I thought that person might be the one we need, I've not imagined..."
"Not all the 17-18 year old teenagers could sustain the stress from the coming death and despair. Many geniuses finally could not grow up. Because they could not bear the huge stress. Even some soldiers in the allied forces could not bear that stress and would be driven mad!"
"Perhaps we have put too much unrealistic hopes on him. That's why we can barely accept the fact now!"
"Hopefully, he would recover his composure!"
"No matter what, we have to take our huge bear warriors back safe and sound. Their lives and missions belonged to our lord. They should not die here for no reason!" Waajid turned around and glanced at that team of the huge bear warriors behind him.
Roslav nodded in a solemn look.
...
"Pass my order, all the supplies and booty of each soldier in the fight don't have to be submitted!" Gangula's voice sounded in the main tent of the allied forces.
Hearing this order, all the heads and officials of other tribes in the main tent became thrilled. Many people ran out to pass the latest order to their own soldiers of each tribe.
Before the war, Gangula caught sight of the bear-killing hammer hanging over a weapon stand, he then instantly remembered Zhang Tie's handsome movements on waving that terrifying battle hammer. So he asked, "Where's Peter, what is he doing?"
"He's still sitting on that short building!" Nurdo replied in a calm voice.
"Oh!" Gangula peered at Sabrina who looked calm and O'Laura in mask who held her fist tightly when she heard about this question. After that, he revealed a smile, "Alright, remember to send some food to him after winning the war and bring a doctor to him. Don't let him be starved to death. No matter what, he's our guest!"
Hearing this, some heads of small and medium-sized tribes hurriedly responded with a sneer like having heard a joke from Gangula.
O'Laura responded with a cold harrumph as she turned around and walked out of the tent.
"What are you laughing at?" Gangula looked at those guys who mocked just now and asked icily with bloody eyes. Hearing this, those guys' sneers ceased at once like chicks whose necks were clutched.
...
A place far away from the battle field and close to the camp of the allied forces was not influenced by the tense atmosphere of the coming war in the distance. If this relics was a huge graveyard, that place would be the graveyard of the graveyard.
This was the wounded soldiers division of the allied forces, a more despairing place.
Not knowing how long had he slept. Maxim slowly woke up and gradually picked himself up from the rough bed on the ground. Feeling scorching in his throat, he took out his notebook and pen from his portable bag.
As a trivial logistical secretary in the small tribe of the allied forces, he was injured when he joined the action of the allied forces three days ago. After that, he was sent here for death like many other wounded soldiers after a simple treatment.
He was truly here for death. When they were sent here, their supplies was reduced by 2/3 at once.
After holding the notebook and the pen, Maxim instantly felt hopeful. After dozens of years, his professional habit had already become his instincts and joys of life. As long as he held his notebook and pen and could write words, he would feel as safe and stable as a snail who carried its shell once again.
Maxim moved his body hardly. Finally, he found a corner being close to a fluorite lamp in the circled yard and was going to write something. Right then, a sneer drifted in his ears.
A soldier who was weakly leaning on the ground mocked Maxim at the sight of what he was doing at this moment.
"You're really diligent, ha. Are you writing your will? If you have time, you'd better check whether Sher on your side is still alive. If he's dead, call people here to carry him away right now; otherwise, those who are alive would die soon..."
Seeing a lot of wounded soldiers turning around and looking at him, Maxim kindly put down his notebook as he struggled to pick himself up from the ground and came to the side of a wounded soldier who was lying not far from him. He started to check the wounded soldier carefully.
Sher's lips had been covered with a layer of paste; thankfully, they were still quivering. Maxim lowered his body and drew his ears close to Sher's mouth. He heard a faint voice, "Water...water..."
There was a military flume in the yard; however, it was already dried inside and was covered with dust. A huge cheap average-looking tin water bottle was dropped on its side after being excavated out of the relics by a pioneer for the wounded soldiers. After struggling towards the flume, Maxim forcefully took up that water bottle and turned the bottle upside down. After a few seconds, a small water drop finally formed and suspended at the mouth of the water bottle.
"Sher wants water; however there's no water here..."
Everybody became silent when the despairing and frustrating atmosphere started to spread from that dried flume and the mouth of the water bottle. Even that wounded soldier who spoke with irony to Maxim also lowered his eyes...
After putting down the bottle in a frustrated manner, Maxim didn't say anything; instead, he struggled back to the corner. Sitting on the ground, he opened his notebook and wanted to write something on it; finally, he only left a paragraph on the paper.
——October 7th, 890th year of Black Iron Calendar. The shadow of death covers the wounded soldiers camp. This is the 5th day since we lacked water. I don't know how long can I survive...Nobody knows how many days can they survive whether they are in the wounded soldiers camp or not. In this place which could only be brightened by fluorite lamps, each one is breathing despair and fear about death...I know that I'm not pious, neither do I have any belief. However, at this moment, I would exert my full efforts to pray piously. If God really exists in the world, please save these people who are struggling here with despair and fear; please let the humble and mortal people see the manifestation of the God and bathe the honor of the God. Wish our mortals' awe to the God could make us not that humble and fearful anymore.
The boom of the battle drums in the distance disrupted Maxim's moods. He stopped his pen, raising his head, he looked at the distance. He knew that many people would die there today. This relatively open wounded soldiers camp might be a crowded flesh and blood market by tomorrow...
...
Half an hour later...
The boom of battle drums and battle calls between the allied forces and the pioneers drifted from that battle field. Having determined to fight to death, those pioneers burst out great potential and were twining with the allied forces. As a result, the battle field was separated into hundreds or thousands smaller battle fields by the terrain of the relics...
Out of the battle field, Roslav, who had been watching the battle situation suddenly felt his heart pounding. He turned around and was stunned by what he saw in the direction of camp of the allied forces.
Several miles away, a huge, eccentric battle-Qi totem slowly appeared above the horizon like a burning banner. It was rising, which brightened the greater part of the sky like a sun in the dark underground.
"What's that?" after feeling that huge glow from his back, Waajid looked around and was stunned by what he saw.
Even those who were fighting on the battle fields noticed the glow and the burning bloody curtain which brightened the entire space. Facing such an eccentric and rare scene, everybody became shocked and didn't know what happened...
After receiving the notice, Gangula also walked out of his tent. He looked at the distance when an amazed look flashed across his eyes...
At the sight of this weird scene nearby their camp, all the heads of small and medium-sized tribes widely opened their mouths...
O'Laura looked around and found the place where the bloody and fiery curtain rose. "It seems...seems to be rising from where Peter was." O'Laura instantly darted towards there.
"That seems to come from where Peter was!" Sabrina muttered as Gangula's eyebrows kept jumping...
Being influenced by such a weird scene, the battle calls gradually disappeared. All the soldiers and pioneers looked around and watched that eccentric scene in the distance.
...
"Maxim, what's up? Is it burning outside?"
"Ah, that must be a big fire..."
"Impossible. There are no firewoods. How come it burns so heavily?" a wounded soldier asked restlessly while lying on the ground and watching the rising glow from the camp on his side. Those who could hardly move still struggled towards here to see what was happening.
At this moment, Maxim had long been flurried at the sight of the figure in the glow in the distance. He saw battle-Qi totem before; however, he could never connect the current scene with those battle-Qi totem he saw before. That felt like a sun rising from his side.
In Maxim's amazement, that figure slowly walked towards the wounded soldiers camp. Each of his step was full of a sacred sense and made Maxim's heart race..