Chapter 325

“Clack.”

Village Chief Su Yang hurriedly bent down to pick up the fallen chopsticks. It was at that moment everyone finally registered what Lang Ze had said.

Lü Jiang, the village chief of Zhong Lü, was the first to stand. Even the Zhong Lü priest beside him couldn’t stop him:

“City Lord, I once declared that as long as Hei Yao provided my people with solid houses and food to endure the winter, I would be willing to devote my life to Hei Yao.”

“Now that Hei Yao has fulfilled its promises to us in full, it is time for us to repay the city.”
He beat his chest in salute.
“We of Zhonglü Village are ready to dispatch ten squads of ten beastmen each to fight alongside the City Lord!”

“Good!” Lang Ze stood, lifting his wine bowl high.

“Brave warriors of Zhong Lü, I will remember your names.”

Zhong Lü Village had no more than 500 people total. Although only 50 warriors were requested, Lü Jiang offered double that. That showed deep loyalty and resolve.

Seeing Lü Jiang down his wine immediately, the other four village chiefs couldn’t stay seated. They all rose, proclaiming:

“We too will obey the City Lord’s command and march with him!”

Though they voiced that resolve, none dared to increase their numbers like Zhong Lü had—yet their support alone was enough.

Lang Ze did not rise again. He pressed his palm down gently, signaling them to remain seated:

“Xi Zhou and Hu Qiao reported that your autumn hunts were skilled. It’s because of that performance I agreed to let you join the campaign.”

“In this war against Le Li, our warriors must be braver than ever. Any beastman earning merit in battle will receive rewards from the city. But any who disturb discipline or betray secrets—”

His gaze swept across the room.

“—all involved will not be spared.”

“Once you return, be sure to choose only the strongest warriors in your clans. Do not delay or obstruct the great army’s march.”

Sending troops against Le Li was no minor affair. Lang Ze had never expected the warriors from the five villages to be the main force; he only asked for one-tenth of their numbers.

But for Hei Yao to become unified and cohesive, the outlying villages could not be excluded. Therefore, despite their recent allegiance and slower development, Lang Ze insisted on their participation.

His combination of benevolence and authority made those chiefs and priests break out in cold sweat.

“City Lord… what you say—fighting for Hei Yao is an honor for each village. We will wholeheartedly select warriors for the army.”

Seeing they were firmly subdued, Qi Bai smiled and spoke:

“Today is a day for celebration. Let’s hold off on serious matters. Everyone—these are city delicacies prepared just for you. Please enjoy and see if you like them.”

As Qi Bai finished, Lü Jiang grabbed a roasted lamb chop.

“High Priest, I won’t polite—thank you!”

The Zhong Lü priest sighed, shook his head, and also reached for food.

Hei Yao’s food was undeniably excellent. Even with Lang Ze sitting above them and war looming, not a scrap was left on the table.

After the meal, Qi Bai called on Niu Wu to escort the village chiefs and priests to the guesthouse, while Xiong Nuan arranged their accommodation.

The autumn night was crisp and the stars bright. Full of food and wine, the mood was complex—heavy, yet strangely light.

At the rear, the Zhong Lü priest pulled Lü Jiang aside.

“Why didn’t you consult me today before making that decision on your own?”

“We are vassals of Hei Yao now. It’s right we go into battle with them.”

He sighed.

“Hei Yao has no slaves. Did you think we might be used as bait on the battlefield? Even if you agreed, why offer so many? None of the other villages dared lead like that.”

Lü Jiang stopped and looked the priest in the eyes.

“I’ve hunted with Hei Yao’s warriors. They have no slaves because their warriors are strong enough—they don’t need them.”

He paused, speaking earnestly.

“Hei Yao let us live so close to the city, shared hunting grounds, gave us salted meat, stuffed our houses with plants. We won’t find another city like this. Hei Yao is worthy of our loyalty.”

“Winter is coming. Our warriors won’t hunt, and stone towers guard our village now. Leaving half of them behind is more than enough. Everyone should do their utmost.”

The priest waved him off.

“Okay, just keep those thoughts to yourself—don’t say that in front of the other four tribes.”

He closed his eyes and prayed:

“May your choice be right. May you bring our people back safe.”

At the front, Tanquan Village Chief teased:

“Look at you—haven’t seen you in six months and you’ve bulked up!”

Niu Wu grinned.

“Master, at the City Lord’s mansion we always eat well. The others got stronger too.”

Tanquan Chief smiled thoughtfully.

“Seeing you like this puts my mind at ease.”

On the day of the army’s assembly, the five villages brought exactly 240 warriors. Only then did they realize how insignificant their troops were against Hei Yao’s over 7,000-strong army.

Lang Ze stood on a high platform and called out to the assembled warriors.

“Hei Yao is a merciful city. We do not invade other tribes, but we will never allow anyone to covet us.”

“The Le Li tribe now dominates Yi di and Hun Rong. Their leader boasts of invading our city, stealing our food, and seizing our children. Warriors of Hei Yao—can you tolerate such a threat?

“No!”
“No!”

“No!”

“They outnumber us several times over. Are you afraid?”

“No!”
“No!”

“No!”

“Very well!”
He raised his bone knife.
“Warriors of Hei Yao—strike first with me! Protect our city. Protect our people!”

“Roar!”
“Roar!”

“Roar!”

“Xiong Han, Lang Zhan, Yun Jing, Niu Shuo, Lang Ji—step forward!”

Together, they called:

“Present!”

“I appoint you Generals of the Five Armies. Each will lead 1,500 warriors. Appoint leaders for every ten, hundred, and thousand men. Whether hunting or fighting—each must fulfill their duty.”

“The army I demand—like birds taking flight, like sharp blades—able to rend the sky, and tear our enemies’ throats!”

Blood roaring with zeal, the warriors shouted in unison:

“Yes!”

The city gates opened. Citizens lined both sides of the road, forming rows that stretched hundreds of meters beyond the walls.

After the army marched out, Ma Ling became the commander of the city’s defenders, aided by Lu Yan and Wei.

Qi Bai spoke to the three:

“If enemies attack, do not engage. Let the beastmen from the five villages take shelter inside. With abundant food, just hold the city—and wait for our army’s return.”

Ma Ling bowed sincerely.

“High Priest, rest assured—no one will breach our gates.”

Lu Yan and Wei smiled:

“We await the army’s victorious return!”

Qi Bai returned their smiles. None welcomed war, but when it comes—it must be faced without fear.

The Silver-Moon Wolves led the vanguard, followed by the war bears, and then a stream of covered wain carts.

The foremost cart, carrying the High Priest, led them all.

Qi Bai opened the window and saw the eager citizens lining the road, and priests performing a blessing dance on the distant ramparts. He waved vigorously to everyone.

The army passed over the Xi River and made its way north across the barren western border toward the junction of Hun Rong and Yi Di.

Lang Ze entered the cart and grasped Qi Bai’s hand warmly:

“It’s so cold—why no hearth?”

Qi Bai shook his head carelessly:

“A hearth’s too much trouble. I’ll just move around later to stay warm.”

It had been one and a half months since leaving Hei Yao. The change between autumn and winter in the North was swift. When they departed, a lingering warmth remained; now each breath showed mist.

Qi Bai pointed to the map:

“Ten more days west, and we’ll cross the North荒 border.”

Lang Ze placed Qi Bai’s hand inside his beast-skin coat and nodded:

“Yes. I’ve ordered the troops to stay alert for nearby tribes.”

If Shu You and Yun Jing’s guesses were right, tribes nearby may have encountered Le Li people.

They were discussing this when a knock sounded on the cart’s wall.

Lang Ze opened the window to see Hu Meng and a few others trailing alongside.

Seeing Lang Ze, Hu Meng swiftly hauled a beastman forward:

“City Lord, we caught this beastman on the path. He claims to be from the E Lian Tribe in North荒.”

The man turned away, disdainful:

“Our tribe has no food. Even if you find us, we’re of no use.”

He held dry blades of grass—winter had barely begun and their food shortage was already dire.

Qi Bai and Lang Ze exchanged glances— Niu Yong’s team had found the right person.

Lang Ze looked at the sky and addressed the nearest soldier:

“Orders—camp here tonight. Let Xiong Han lead a hunting party.”

The soldier growled and sprinted ahead to the front.

Qi Bai told Hu Meng:

“Release this elderly man. We came seeking information—not to capture. Your actions only sow misunderstanding between two tribes.”

Hu Meng released the E Lian man, scratching his cheek:

“I didn’t want to catch him. He ran as soon as he saw us. If we didn’t stop him, he would’ve gotten away.”

Qi Bai meant no reproach and said:

“Bring us fire flint and a venison leg—let that be our apology to the elder.”

“Right away.”

The E Lian elder held the venison leg, ignoring its heat, and bit into it fiercely. After a few bites, he paused and looked at Qi Bai:

“You say this is for me—does that make it mine?”

Qi Bai nodded:

“Of course—and you may do with it as you please.”

The old beastman swallowed and placed the leg into his hide pouch.

“You called me—just to question me?”

“Yes.”

He glanced at Lang Ze and spoke carefully:

“Then give me—uh—two more…”

He caught himself, corrected,

“No—just one more venison leg. Willing to tell you what I know—no lies.”

Qi Bai smiled:

“Very well—bestow another venison leg.”

Hu Meng hesitated but followed the High Priest's order.

The old beastman beamed, his face wrinkling in joy:

“By the Beast God above—I will not tell you a single falsehood.”

Lang Ze asked:

“Why does your tribe lack food? And why did you regard us the way you did?”