Chapter 1213: Chapter 102 Tian Jing Mountain Range_4
At this point, Mulat couldn’t help but feel a wave of fear, and he quickly assented a few times before hurriedly departing. Watching Blood Skull issue commands with an air of regal composure, Ah Dai couldn’t help but secretly admire him. Although his own cultivation level was higher, he knew he fell short in many other aspects.
Blood Skull leapt up and landed on a tall carriage, surveying his troops from the Mercenary Corps. He gathered his energy into his Dantian, and his resonant voice carried far and wide, "Brothers of the Skeleton Mercenary Group, ahead of us lie the Tian Jing Mountains, which we have crossed before. A few years ago, we were here, and over a thousand bandits lost their evil lives to our hands, while we successfully escorted the caravan to their destination. Now, we stand on this land once again. Not far ahead, there may be thousands of bandits waiting for us. My warriors, are you afraid?"
The mercenaries of the Skeleton Mercenary Group bellowed in unison, "Not afraid—where the skeleton goes, no foe stands a chance."
Any frustrations Blood Skull had harbored over the past several days seemed to be unleashed in that moment as he bellowed, "Good, once we pass the Tian Jing Mountains, our mission this time will be essentially successful. Brothers, let’s work hard together. We are not afraid of bleeding, not afraid of sacrifice. We have the most resolute beliefs, and no one can stop our footsteps forward. Lift the weapons in your hands, for they will soon be stained with the blood of our enemies, a testament to our bravery."
Hearing Blood Skull’s words, even Ah Dai felt his blood boil, not to mention the Skeleton mercenaries. Long Spears and sabres were raised high as they shouted loudly.
Pleased with the high spirits of his men, Blood Skull had achieved the effect he wanted. He raised his hand to quieten the troops. His eyes glinted sharply, "Alright, now let me reorganize the formation. Heavy Cavalry Infantry, two hundred on each side, guard the flanks of the caravan, ready with your Wooden Shields to fend off any attacks from the mountains. Archery squad in the middle, any enemy you spot must have their lives ended with your Steel Arrows. This time crossing the mountains, your role is the most critical. As long as you perform normally, I believe we can eradicate any who attempt to stop us. Light Cavalry, also split into two groups of two hundred, positioned at the front and rear, ready to support the Heavy Cavalry Infantry as needed. Brothers of the Assault Team, you will still follow my commands. Wherever the enemy’s main force appears, we will be their death knell. You’ve followed me for years and know what I’m like—those who stand in our way have only one outcome, and that’s death. Good, rest for the next twenty minutes, recover your strength as much as possible, then we will make a one-shot dash across the Tian Jing Mountains."
Xuan Yue whispered to Ah Dai, "Big Brother, Blood Skull’s arrangements are quite sound. No wonder the Skeleton Mercenary Group holds its status today. What should we do?"
Ah Dai responded telepathically, "Let’s play it by ear, Brother. I will be by your side to protect you. Use your Magic to help them as long as it doesn’t harm your own body. I want to see how powerful your sacred Light Magic can be. Hopefully, the bandits will be scared off by the Skeleton Mercenary Group so that we won’t have to fight. I don’t wish to kill."
Xuan Yue said, "Big Brother, you can’t be too soft-hearted though. Killing a villain is like saving countless good people. Which one of these bandits doesn’t have blood on their hands? If we are attacked, you mustn’t show mercy. In fact, the bandits are no threat to us. Even if they’re strong, they can’t stop us if we join forces. We’ll do our best, and if push comes to shove, we can always run."
Ah Dai shook his head, "Brother, since we’ve accepted the mission and taken the deposit, we should give it our all. You can’t have thoughts of quitting halfway through."
The twenty minutes passed quickly, and the mercenaries of the Skeleton Mercenary Group radiated a formidable aura of intent to fight, reaching the pinnacle of their morale.
The caravan, protected by the Mercenary Corps, gradually entered the Tian Jing Mountains. After rounding a small hill, Ah Dai saw a wide road about a hundred meters across leading deep into the mountain range. There were clear signs of chiseling on the surrounding cliffs, obviously man-made. Ah Dai was taken aback, could it be that this road through the Tian Jing Mountains was artificially created?
Riding his black horse, Blood Skull looked at Ah Dai’s surprised face and said indifferently, "Indeed, the Tian Jing Mountains were artificially carved open, consuming countless manpower and resources. The Empire of Tian Jing initially opened this route, mainly to facilitate trade with the Yajin Tribe. If not for this way, one would inevitably have to go around to the Yajin territories, which are grasslands difficult for carriages to cross. But who knew that after this road was opened, it would play right into the hands of the bandits in the mountains, making it easier for them to rob."
Xuan Yue closed her eyes and silently recited a Spell, releasing a scouting magic. Having reached the level of a magical instructor, she could now examine everything within a three-kilometer radius. Less than five miles along the caravan’s route, Xuan Yue suddenly opened her eyes and whispered to Blood Skull, "There are three people on each side of the mountains, probably the bandits’ Scouts. The ones on the left are on the large tree growing out of the mid-slope, and those on the right are behind the dirt mound not far from the base of the mountain. You decide how to handle it."
