The news of the troop withdrawal spread, and many soldiers who had been desperately resting and healing in their tents stumbled out in a daze.
Only when several lieutenants loudly and repeatedly announced did a semblance of life begin to emerge on their numb faces, followed by an outpouring of mournful wails and sobs.
Many soldiers held their heads and wept bitterly, while others ran straight to the mass graves, found their former comrades-in-arms, laughed and cried, and then scooped up a handful of the yellow earth in front of the graves to hide in their armor to take home.
"Reporting to the commander!"
"The entire Bloodsha Army of the Red Character Camp, which numbered one hundred thousand, is now down to nine thousand six hundred and twenty-three, all have regrouped!"
"Awaiting your orders!!"
A middle-aged lieutenant, a collateral member of the Li Family, came before Li Hongzhuang, his voice hoarse but resolute as he spoke.
His eyes, however, were already moist.
