When it comes to Lanling’s killing techniques, what is the strongest?
Of course, it is the bow and arrow!
Because of his powerful spiritual force, his archery can completely be called a hundred shots, a hundred hits.
Therefore, when it comes to arrows, the more the better.
Dina prepared eight bundles of arrows for him, then carved Lanling’s name onto every arrow shaft, and made obvious marks on the arrow feathers.
This way, when harvesting heads, there would be no mistakes in keeping count.
The barbaric world is very savage and backward, but there is one point that is very important, and that is honour.
Stealing heads is not unheard of, but it is rare. Once discovered, there is no place for the offender to stay.
So on the battlefield, as long as a fatal wound on the dead is found with an arrow lodged in it, no one will cut away that head.
Fortunately, Lanling is a deputy centurion, and he also has a horse to ride.
The warhorses of the barbaric world are also much taller and more savage than those of the human kingdoms. Carrying eight bundles of arrows is not particularly strenuous.
After all preparations were complete, Lanling was to report for duty in the army.
At this time, the little girl was feeding roasted beans to the griffin cub.
“Ga ga… catch…” Then her small hand threw, and a bean flew out.
The griffin cub opened its tender beak, desperately trying to catch it. But it was too small, and Ya Ya was too mischievous, often throwing very far, so it often could not catch it.
However, when it could not catch it, it would waddle over and pick up the roasted bean from the ground with its beak to eat it.
The two little creatures played with endless delight. The little girl was still too young to know anything of parting.
Lanling picked her up and fiercely kissed her small face.
The little girl giggled, dodging her small face, then continued to play with the little griffin.
“I will protect Ya Ya.” Dina said: “On the battlefield, you must also be careful yourself.”
Lanling nodded.
Then, leading this warhorse, carrying eight bundles of arrows, he headed toward his own military camp!
…
Lanling was assigned to the cavalry unit, considered the strongest unit of the foreign army, but also the most dangerous one.
Because on the battlefield, this cavalry unit had to do everything, charging at the front, scouting enemy intelligence, and so on.
Lanling’s superior was called Lei Tong, a demon warrior!
In the demon world, it is also very unfair. Some races can break through to demon warrior with ease, such as the tiger clan, leopard clan, and wolf clan.
And Lei Tong was a leopard clan warrior, possessing boundless strength.
At this time, this cavalry unit of over a hundred men had already completed assembly, standing neatly upon the ground.
Although nutrition was somewhat lacking, this was after all the strongest unit of the foreign army. Every single person appeared exceptionally brave and robust.
“This is the new deputy centurion of our cavalry unit, Lanling.” Lei Tong introduced Lanling.
Immediately, the warriors of the cavalry unit below cast gazes of distrust.
However, they did not show it, nor did they speak it out loud.
Now, almost everyone in the foreign army knew that Lanling was Suo Mo’s nephew, and that he had also brought a very adorable daughter.
The brothers of the foreign army worshipped Suo Mo with extreme fervour, so they naturally felt closeness toward his nephew as well.
And in these short few days, the little girl, bringing the little griffin, had played through the entire foreign army camp. Her cuteness had captivated the vast majority of people.
So the brothers of the foreign army held no hostility toward Lanling, but they were filled with distrust.
After all, everyone had seen Lanling being driven by Dina with a whip every day, doing the most basic strength and speed training.
In the army, weighted running is the most basic exercise, training the most fundamental stamina.
Next, there is archery training, war knife training, greatsword training, and actual combat drills.
Yet Lanling had only undergone a dozen or so days of weighted training before directly entering the army as a deputy centurion.
Honestly speaking, on this point, everyone was unconvinced. Not to mention he had no battlefield killing experience, he had not even completed the full set of actual combat training.
But no one would say it out loud, because of their worship and fervour for Suo Mo, so they would absolutely not question any of his decisions.
They felt that since Suo Mo had no children, it was normal for him to cultivate his nephew.
But as for Lanling, they were not very pleased in their hearts, feeling that he would surely ruin Lord Suo Mo’s reputation. More importantly, this would destroy the foreign army’s most important spiritual core, fairness and justice.
Based on this reason, when Lei Tong introduced Lanling, the brothers of the cavalry unit below appeared very cold.
In the barbaric world, martial might is supreme. If you have no strength, everyone looks down on you.
Lei Tong had no intention of introducing the squad leaders below to Lanling, so Lanling could not help but ask: “Lord Lei Tong, which squad should I lead?”
The entire cavalry unit of over a hundred men was divided into ten groups, each group with a decurion.
Every three groups formed a squad, with a dedicated squad leader. And a deputy centurion would typically lead a squad, over thirty riders.
Lei Tong said: “Every one of our squad leaders is at full strength. For now, follow by my side. Do not run around on the battlefield. As for military merit, as long as you are willing, we will not make things difficult for you.”
Lei Tong’s meaning was very clear. He would let Lanling come to gild himself with glory, and would not let him lead a single soldier.
On the battlefield, he would also keep him by his side at all times, under his protection.
As for military achievements, as long as Lanling’s skin was thick enough, Lei Tong would share a portion of his own head count with Lanling, so as not to make him lose face.
He truly had good intentions. If not for his worship and reverence for Suo Mo, he would probably have driven Lanling away long ago.
However, purely from outward appearance, Lanling did indeed look somewhat fragile.
Which of the brothers present in the cavalry unit was not covered in scars? Which was not thick-skinned and tough? Which was not robust and fierce?
And only Lanling, his skin smoother than jade, whiter than milk, more beautiful than a woman, not a single callus on his hands.
Even Du Yan was a demon descendant, yet he still had scars on his body.
Although his face was handsome, it was full of weather-beaten colour. When he spread his hands, his knuckles were thick and coarse, covered in calluses.
And Lanling’s entire body, not even a small scar. His skin could be broken with a puff of air.
A person like this going onto the battlefield to kill? Who would believe it?
He must have come to gild himself with glory!
“Remember, after arriving on the battlefield, follow by my side at all times.” Lei Tong said in a low voice: “Do not run far. That will cause the brothers to have to run to protect you. If you drag the brothers’ legs down, even if you are the great chief’s nephew, I will not let you off. If any brother dies in vain protecting you, I will definitely break your legs.”
Lanling nodded, not refuting him.
This Lei Tong is not bad. He can be used as a trusted confidant in the future.
As for being looked down upon, that can only be settled with true skill on the battlefield. In the barbaric world, strength determines everything.
…
Returning from the mobilisation meeting!
Du Yan, the second leader of the foreign army, was still in a state of excitement. In the competition for the chief’s daughter, Nini An, he was at a disadvantage.
Because he was in the foreign army, his status was humble. His two other rivals were each more outstanding than the last.
Ju Qiu, honoured as the captain of the griffin riders, his martial arts second only to Du Yan, and also the nephew of the chief’s wife.
Yang Gu, the leader of the tribal cavalry, in command of two thousand riders, and also the son of a tribal elder.
Now it was good. Chief Konstantin had actually said, whoever achieved the greatest merit, he would give his daughter to in marriage.
With this, Du Yan, with the highest martial arts, naturally occupied the upper hand.
“Adoptive father, there is something I do not know whether I should say?” Du Yan suddenly said.
Suo Mo said: “Since you have already opened your mouth, you intend to say it.”
Du Yan said: “I feel that your promoting Lanling to deputy centurion of the cavalry unit is wrong!”
“How is it wrong?” Suo Mo said.
Du Yan said: “He has not spent a single day on the battlefield, has not fought a single battle. Most crucially, he has only received a dozen or so days of weighted running training. The subsequent sword training and actual combat training, he has not experienced at all. He is completely a novice. And the cavalry unit is the strongest unit. For you to make him a deputy centurion like this, the brothers are unconvinced in their hearts.”
Suo Mo said: “Has anyone told you that they are unconvinced in their hearts?”
Du Yan said: “No, the brothers do not speak it, but they are unconvinced in their hearts. You are overdrawing your dignity. Moreover, you still plan to let him onto the battlefield. He cannot kill enemies. On the contrary, you will have to send many brothers to protect him. He will become a burden. He will drag everyone down.”
Suo Mo said: “Do not speak too early. Wait until the battlefield. Let everything be spoken with military merit.”
Du Yan said: “Adoptive father, I know your meaning. You want to let him gild himself with glory on the battlefield. And the cavalry unit will share the head count credit with him at that time. But have you thought about it? This will destroy the foundation of our foreign army, fairness, justice!”
Speaking to the point of agitation, Du Yan’s voice could not help but rise somewhat.
Suo Mo suddenly turned his head and said: “Yan’er, why are you looking at me like this?”
Du Yan, being looked at by his adoptive father’s gaze like this, could not help but feel somewhat fearful, yet he said firmly: “Adoptive father, I know your thoughts. You want to let your blood nephew inherit the foreign army. Although I am an adopted son, I am after all an outsider. But adoptive father, you are too impatient. You will destroy the foreign army like this.”
Suo Mo said: “Is this what you yourself thought, or what the chief said?”
These words were spoken by Nini An. She had already said them many times, and without a doubt, there must be Konstantin’s meaning behind this.
Du Yan said: “What difference does this make? Who cannot see your thoughts?”
Suo Mo looked at Du Yan and said: “Second child, you have followed me for over twenty years. You began wandering with me when you were six years old. When the eldest died, you became Dina and Lanling’s eldest brother. I hope you remember this point. Also, if what you just said is what you yourself thought, then I can still forgive you. If you only had this thought because you heard someone else say it, then you disappoint me too much.”
After speaking, Suo Mo quickened his pace, heading toward the foreign army camp.
Du Yan’s gaze flickered between light and shadow, gritting his teeth as he said: “I will definitely not let anyone destroy the foreign army. No one can. I am the foreign army’s best leader.”
…
After Suo Mo returned to the foreign army camp.
The eight hundred foreign army soldiers going on campaign had all assembled completely!
Lei Tong found Suo Mu, wanting to speak yet hesitating.
“What words? Speak!” Suo Mo said.
Lei Tong said: “Great chief, how about Lanling not go on campaign this time? This battle is too crucial, and there will also be danger. I am afraid I truly cannot spare the attention to protect him.”
Suo Mo said: “Do you feel that he will become a burden to you on the battlefield?”
Lei Tong bit his teeth, nodded, then he said again: “There is one more thing. I do not know whether I should say it?”
“Speak.” Suo Mo said.
Lei Tong said: “Do you want to gild Lanling with glory, want to cultivate him as your heir? If it is like this, the brothers are all unconvinced in their hearts. Lord Du Yan is so outstanding. By doing this, you will chill his heart, and also make the brothers uneasy.”
Suo Mo said: “He is wholeheartedly thinking of marrying the chief’s daughter. What do you think of this?”
Lei Tong said: “The heart that loves beauty, everyone has it. The chief’s daughter is so beautiful. Men all like her.”
Suo Mo said: “He previously had a marriage contract with Dina. Yet he was wholeheartedly thinking of marrying the chief’s daughter, so he broke the engagement with Dina. Does this count as a betrayal of the foreign army?”
Lei Tong said: “He said marrying Miss Nini An was also for the sake of our foreign army, to raise our status, to let us survive better.”
Suo Mo said: “Do you know what the consequences of that would be? The foreign army would be completely swallowed up.”
Lei Tong said: “But, did we not originally also want to integrate into the Chimera tribe? Is this not good?”
Suo Mo said: “When we are united in heart, our foreign army is a whole. The other people of the tribe can despise us, can bully us, but we are still independent and free, possessing human dignity, not slaves. And once swallowed up, do you know what the consequences will be? The entire foreign army will be completely split apart. Many people, in order to curry favour with those above, will climb up by stepping on the heads of their brothers, just like Ge Lu. The entire foreign army will be completely shattered. And can the vast majority of the Chimera tribe tolerate the foreign army? When we are united in heart, they will curse and humiliate us, but they will not dare to raise their hands to kill. And once we are swallowed up, all the foreign army will either be killed or become slaves in other people’s homes. The entire foreign army will immediately vanish into smoke. Do you understand?”
One had to say, on this point, Suo Mo’s vision was extremely wise and clear-headed.
With the current xenophobic thinking of the entire tribe, if the foreign army maintained independence and integrity, they could still survive.
And once swallowed up, it was basically a dead end. Only ruthless, despicable, shameless scum like Ge Lu could live well by selling out their colleagues.
The remaining foreign army would either become slaves or be bullied to death by the people of the Chimera tribe.
But no matter what, the collective of the foreign army would certainly no longer exist.
Only, the vast majority of people could not think so far ahead. They were usually looked down upon, treated as second-class citizens. So they thought that if they could thoroughly integrate into the Chimera tribe, that would be the best outcome.
And Du Yan seized upon this point, often spreading this viewpoint in the army.
Moreover, there were facts to support it. When Du Yan temporarily took over the foreign army, everyone’s grain and meat had increased by thirty percent. It was evident that letting Du Yan take charge of the foreign army in the future would be very good.
…
Suo Mo did not blame Lei Tong. He would blame Du Yan, but he would not blame Lei Tong, because Lei Tong had no bad intentions.
Even, he felt that Du Yan also had no bad intentions. He simply was not mature enough in his thinking.
But no matter what, he knew the foreign army faced a tremendous crisis.
A crisis caused by the heir. If this crisis was not resolved, it could lead to the complete splitting apart of the foreign army.
Wanting to eliminate this crisis was very simple. Publicly announce Du Yan as the heir of the foreign army. This way, everyone’s hearts would be settled.
But, in Suo Mo’s view, Du Yan’s thinking was dangerous, completely capable of causing the foreign army to disintegrate. A portion of people would die without a burial place, and another portion would become slaves. Only a small number of people, stepping on the corpses of their foreign army brothers, would sit in high positions in the Chimera tribe.
Of course, Lanling’s thinking was even more dangerous. His ambition was greater.
He wanted to lead the foreign army to break away and establish their own tribe. This was even more a road of nine deaths and one life. But one had to say, this was a magnificent road, a road that made one’s blood boil.
Suo Mo did not approve, and he feared this road. But he greatly admired it.
He found Lanling and said: “Little Ling, now the foreign army is facing a crisis, a crisis that could lead to splitting apart.”
“I know.” Lanling said: “The struggle for the heir. All the brothers see Du Yan as the foreign army’s next chief.”
“Your thinking is very crazy, very risky.” Suo Mo said: “But… at least it has great dignity, filled with idealism! There are some things I will not do, but I will not stop you from doing them. But there is one precondition. You must become strong yourself.”
“Yes.” Lanling said.
Suo Mo said: “I am willing to give the foreign army to you, but you must rely on yourself to conquer all the brothers.”
“Yes.” Lanling said.
Suo Mo patted his shoulder again.
His words were very casual, yet they directly established Lanling’s position as heir of the foreign army.
From this point of view, Suo Mo was decisive, without any indecision.
Even knowing that Lanling might lead the foreign army toward a road of destruction, but at least it would be with dignity.
That saying was good. I myself will not do it, and I dare not do it, but I will not stop you from doing it!
So, the upcoming great battle became extremely important, becoming Lanling’s stage.
He had to conquer the brothers of the foreign army on the battlefield, letting them begin to accept in their hearts the notion that Lanling would become the heir to the great chief of the foreign army.
In terms of prestige, he had to gradually achieve a balance of power with Du Yan!
“Also, immediately after the great battle, you will marry Dina. No refusal allowed!” Suo Mo said with absolute decisiveness, then directly left.
…
“This battle will determine the fate of our tribe, determine the fate of us all!”
“If we defeat the Wild Horse tribe, we will develop and grow, becoming the largest tribe within several hundred li. And if we are defeated, then our Chimera tribe will await being devoured, being destroyed!”
“Depart, destroy the Wild Horse tribe!”
With Konstantin’s great roar, eight thousand tribal troops marched mightily toward the battlefield a hundred and fifty li away!
One thousand five hundred cavalry, over six thousand infantry!
Because the Chimera tribe initiated the war, the Wild Horse tribe had already set up camp on the battlefield, awaiting the attack of the Chimera tribe’s great army.
After a day and a night!
The eight thousand great army arrived at the battlefield!
The Wild Horse tribe’s ten thousand great army had already set up camp!
A great battle was about to erupt.
This was the first great battle Lanling experienced after coming to the barbaric world.
This was also Lanling’s stage!
He was about to open a magnificent performance.
He was going to conquer the brothers of the foreign army, letting them see that Lanling was the best heir to the great chief.
Lanling was their best leader!
Military merit is everything. Head count is everything!