Chapter 38: Before the Battle (Requesting Votes for Release, First Update)

Half a day later, Wang Liang and the three from the Reckless Ghost group left the City God Temple with peculiar expressions on their faces.

They had already agreed with the City God to commence battle at noon the following day, and all they needed to do was arrive at the designated location by dawn. Yet Wang Liang couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t quite right. Along his journey, it seemed as though everyone was giving way for him, and things were proceeding far too smoothly. This left him uneasy, for he firmly believed that no one helped others without reason. Such unconditional assistance must either be repayment for past deeds or preparation for future demands.

Though he did not know what the City God of Lu was planning, Wang Liang’s heart was troubled. After all, he was no longer alone; he now led a team of dozens. In truth, Wang Liang was unaware that, as he departed, the leaders of several major factions in Yanggu County had gathered for a small meeting.

Once the guests were seated in the back hall, Lord Lu addressed Hua Dian, commander of the garrison troops, saying, “General Hua, everything depends on you this time.”

“Rest assured, it’s my duty,” Hua Dian replied politely, despite being a military man. He understood well enough what was expected of him.

At that moment, Lord Lu continued, “General Hua, when the battle breaks out, please pay special attention to our friend with many talents. I fear his youth might get the better of him, leading him to act rashly and break earlier promises.”

“That’s right. He takes things for granted. He actually thinks he can challenge the Four Heavenly Kings and the Demon Tiger with just a hundred men. Even if his family gave him more troops, that’s not how it’s done.” Recalling Wang Liang’s previous behavior, Hua Dian shook his head.

As a general, what Hua Dian dreaded most was not civil officials, but privileged second-generation types like Wang Liang. These people, lacking real skill yet fond of showing off, dragged their family retainers along and imagined themselves invincible. If they stayed out of harm’s way, it was one thing; but if they got into trouble, generals like Hua Dian had to risk life and limb to rescue them. If saving them led to losses or failed missions, the generals would be blamed. Hua Dian most despised people like Wang Liang, but they had no choice; their expertise lay in cleaning up after the likes of Wang Liang.

“General Hua, you needn’t worry too much. Our talented friend may be bold, but he has some ability. I suspect he’ll handle Yinxun and Mountain Whale among the Four Heavenly Kings without issue. After those two, his strength will be depleted, and he’ll likely withdraw from further fights.”

“At that point, the rest of the battle will depend on your command,” Lord Lu added.

Hua Dian nodded in agreement, then turned to General Yu. “General Yu, the first two battles will rely on you.”

General Yu’s voice rumbled, “Don’t worry, I know what to do.”

Their strategy was clear: first, lure the ghost soldiers and the mountain patrol attack team out of Demon Ridge’s Jingyang Hill. That way, they could eliminate two of the Four Heavenly Kings below the hill. As for Old Black the Bear and the Ghost Infantry Commander, those two would never leave the mountain, so they’d have to fight their way in. The Dragon King Temple’s water troops couldn’t stay away from water for long, so they would be the main force in the first two battles and abstain from the later ones.

With General Yu’s assurance, Hua Dian felt more at ease and asked about logistics and supplies. After all, their patchwork forces numbered seven or eight thousand, with claims to the outside world that they had over ten thousand. Proper logistics were essential.

Each team brought its own weapons and gear, but food and medicine had to be provided. Moreover, this was not a battle to be finished in a single day. According to Hua Dian’s calculations, assembly would begin at dawn, the march would start in the morning, and the first wave would be fought at noon. If they managed a second wave before dusk, it would be a feat. They had no intention of fighting at night in Demon Ridge, so would camp outside for a night and advance on Jingyang Hill at dawn the next day.

If all went well, they would confront the Demon Tiger at noon the second day, right when the sun was at its strongest. If not, pushing through could take even longer. Whatever the case, food and drink would be crucial to morale. If mishandled, morale could collapse in no time.

Thus, Hua Dian was particularly concerned about logistics and made numerous strict demands. With the decision to go to war, the magistrate of Yanggu County had no intention of blocking Hua Dian and agreed to most of his requests. He promised that early the next morning, meals would be prepared at the designated spot, ready for the troops to gather.

While they discussed these matters, the leaders of the small factions and gangs who had left gathered to talk about Wang Liang.

“Did you all see? That’s the big shot.”

“We saw. Didn’t you notice the City God and the others are piling all the credit on him?”

“That’s right. I heard he came from the ridge, had a bit too much to drink and flashed his wealth, got targeted by the Demon Tiger, fought his way out, and escaped here. I heard this whole siege of Jingyang Hill was his idea. He’s out for revenge.”

“Really? I heard differently—that he’s the second prince of the Dragon King, here to get the Demon Tiger’s inner core, aiming for a union of dragon and tiger.”

“You’re all mistaken. You underestimate the Dragon King. Didn’t you notice the famous figures from Yanggu County following him? The Dragon King started planning this years ago to claim a Mountain God’s seat.”

“You’re joking. What would the Dragon King want with a Mountain God’s position?”

“You don’t understand. It’s about the Five Elements and the art of harnessing the luck of the Dragon Vein. I guarantee you, that’s what’s happening. Just watch.”

Though rumors grew increasingly wild, one thing was clear: the City God and his circle were elevating Wang Liang. So the small faction leaders resolved that in tomorrow’s battle, they’d stay in the rear, wave their flags, and not steal Wang Liang’s thunder. After all, what good would it do to steal the spotlight? Surviving to share the spoils was far sweeter.

Why rush forward to die when fighting the lesser enemies was so much safer? Fighting minor foes was safe, earned merit, and still brought rewards in the end. With such benefits, why challenge the boss? No matter how great the rewards, if you died, you got nothing.