$30 million in U.S. dollars, which equates to approximately 200 million Yan Guo currency, was deemed a modest fortune. Despite the chaos of war, financial scarcity was not an issue for them. Abundant oil resources within their territory had ushered in great wealth, leading to excessive bounties offered by leaders like Alfred, reaching an impressive $30 million.
The top-ranking leader of the Rhodes Armed Forces, the No. 1 leader, had an even more tremendous reward on his head, amounting to $350 million. However, the whereabouts of these influential Rhodes figures remained shrouded in secrecy, making it relatively easier to obtain a certain bounty.
This particular aspect of the situation was a driving force behind Rayong's cooperation with the YM government. As long as the intelligence agencies of YM were not too proficient, they could always unearth some clues regarding the armed forces of Rhodes.
Liu Yong presented his third condition, addressing Prime Minister Hassan.
"Mr. Prime Minister, our ships frequently navigate the Middle East, crossing the Suez Canal from the Red Sea to Europe. We require a port in the Middle East," Liu Yong stated.
Hassan acknowledged, "Mr. Liu, this is your third condition."
"Yes, indeed, this is my third condition. Your western port city of Dasha seems suitable. I desire to construct a port there for our ships to dock and resupply," Liu Yong proposed.
Hassan promptly shook his head, firmly declaring, "That's unacceptable. It is the most crucial port in the western part of our country. It cannot be relinquished to you. However, if it's solely for docking and resupply purposes, I can agree. But constructing a port there is absolutely out of the question."
It became evident that Hassan possessed a strong sense of territoriality, allowing him to discern Liu Yong's true intentions.
Liu Yong had taken a liking to Dasha. The prospect of establishing his own port there was enticing. Nonetheless, Hassan's unwavering stance left no room for negotiation. He merely consented to docking Global Shipping Group's vessels in Dasha.
Liu Yong could only muster a wry smile. Without expanding the port, vessels exceeding a capacity of 100,000 tons would be unable to dock, and most of Global Shipping Group's ships surpassed that threshold.
Acknowledging Hassan's unwavering position, Liu Yong chose not to press the matter further, planning to revisit the topic when a more opportune moment arose.
Besides not acceding to Liu Yong's third request, Hassan displayed great hospitality. Liu Yong received a warm welcome, with arrangements made for him to visit the residence of Weiguoshi the following day.
Meanwhile, within the ranks of the Rod Armed Forces, their third-ranking leader, Dagger, learned about Alfred's assassination, fueling his intense anger.
Dagger was responsible for the day-to-day affairs of the entire Rhodes armed forces. As for the elusive No. 1 and No. 2 leaders, they operated from the shadows, commanding from a distance, making it exceedingly difficult to catch a glimpse of their true identities.
Global Shipping Group!
They were the culprits!
Dagger gritted his teeth!
Almost 200 individuals, including Alfred, had been eliminated!
Dagger's face contorted with fury as he fiercely addressed his subordinates, "We must avenge this atrocity, and the Global Shipping Group will pay the price."
One of the high-ranking members concurred, "Boss, we can target the vessels of the Global Shipping Group, seize their ships with our armed forces, and hold them for ransom. Alternatively, we can slaughter everyone on board and destroy their ships."
The proposed course of action was genuinely ruthless, characterized by extreme cruelty.
Typical, yet brutal.
Dagger approved, "This suggestion is excellent. Proceed with it, but plan meticulously before taking action to ensure success."
The next day, accompanied by General Said, Liu Yong embarked on a journey in several off-road vehicles, eventually arriving at the military base.
The surroundings were a barren desert adorned with low shrubs and sandy gravel.
In this desolate landscape stood a sprawling military base, preceded by a heavily guarded checkpoint located approximately seven to eight kilometres away.
Upon entering the military base, one would encounter various structures, including barracks, weaponry, and equipment such as tanks, armoured vehicles, and armed helicopters.
In addition, anti-aircraft weapons and warning radars were also present. The prospect of launching an aerial assault or a missile-based sneak attack appeared slim, as such endeavours would be promptly intercepted.
Taking in the sights, Liu Yong felt content with what he saw.
Said guided Liu Yong to a training base, complete with all necessary facilities, including barracks and a three-story building. In terms of hardware, this training base was considered top-notch within the military base.
Liu Yong found it somewhat surprising that Hassan had provided such an excellent training base.
"General Said, was this not originally the training base for a division under the Weiguoshi?" Liu Yong inquired.
A group of individuals approached. Seeing their arrival, Said pointed towards them and explained, "Indeed, it used to serve as their training base, but now it belongs to you."
The leader among them appeared disgruntled, immediately expressing his discontent, "General, I fail to comprehend why this place is now under someone else's control. Why must we make room for others?"
Said clarified, "This is the Prime Minister's decision, and you must unconditionally comply."
Observing Liu Yong, the leader loudly exclaimed, "Is it because of him?"
Said responded, "Attar, Mr. Liu is the Prime Minister's guest, and his people will be stationed and trained here."
Finally, Liu Yong discovered the leader's name—Attar.
Attar seemed highly agitated. Even after learning that Liu Yong was Hassan's guest, he continued, "This is a training base for the strong, and only the strong deserve a place here. I wish to compete with you."
Liu Yong chuckled. There were still individuals who desired to challenge him. He pondered what they intended to compete in—marksmanship or combat skills.
Said reproached Attar sharply, "Attar, this is the Prime Minister's guest. You must accord him due respect."
Liu Yong raised his hand, maintaining a relaxed demeanour. "General, since they wish to compete, let us engage in a sparring session."
Afterwards, he queried, "What shall we compete in, and with whom shall I compete?"
Attar promptly responded, "I will compete with you in combat."
Liu Yong glanced at Attar and said, "You are not my match. All of you may come at me."
What!
Attar's face flushed crimson as if he had been deeply insulted.
He held the position of chief combat instructor in the Weiguoshi Division. Throughout the division, it was rumored that he was second to none—no one dared to claim superiority over him.
The soldiers accompanying him were even more elite, belonging to a particular unit within the Weiguoshi Division. Judging by their appearance, they had likely undergone numerous battles, earning the status of formidable fighters.
To demand that they all attack simultaneously was preposterous.
Suddenly, an intense surge of anger gripped them as they glared at Liu Yong with eyes brimming with fury.
Undeterred, Liu Yong calmly stated, "If you do not come at me together, you won't stand a chance against me. Even if you do come together, I doubt you will last three minutes."
Such audacity!
To be disparaged so blatantly.
Attar's anger erupted as he retorted, "Very well, I will make you understand our might. Remember, if you get injured, don't blame us for going all out."
Liu Yong glanced at the group consisting of approximately twenty individuals and asked for clarification, "Shall we do it here?"
Attar replied, "Let us proceed to the training ground over there; a dedicated fighting platform awaits us."
Observing Liu Yong's intended direction, Said grew anxious and hastily interjected, "Mr. Liu, it might be better to engage in one-on-one combat, merely for the purpose of exchanging techniques."
...
The sourc𝗲 of this content is free(w)ebnov(𝒆)l