Chapter 40: Contradiction [Continue to ask for follow-up!]

Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Contradiction [Continue to ask for follow-up!]

"Taking such great risks to help you worthless lot deal with the monster, you are neither grateful nor ashamed to show such expressions. Do you really think I have no temper?"

Li Hu’s words were not spoken calmly. His aura was agitated, his face furious, as he stared at the crowd, showing extreme displeasure, clearly genuinely angry.

However, the word "worthless" from his mouth instantly ignited the dissatisfaction that the crowd had been suppressing for many days.

Shi Qing had already taken two steps forward, ready to retort, but was held back by Luo Ming in front of him.

Looking at Luo Ming’s slightly pleading eyes, Shi Qing gritted his teeth and finally held back without speaking.

But Li Hu’s emotions had not yet calmed. Especially seeing Shi Qing’s movement, how could he not know that this person was planning to refute him? Luo Ming’s obstruction did not make him relent; instead, he spoke more harshly:

"What, calling you worthless, and you’re not convinced? Do you believe that if the two of us leave, and that Wood Puppet Monster comes, you worthless lot combined wouldn’t be its match?"

Shi Qing could endure, but the other four camp leaders could not.

Hong Gang, Huang Yong, Lu He, and Chen Ying all stood up.

But just as they were about to speak, Yang Ning, who had been watching coldly, spoke up.

"Enough, Hu Zi, stop talking!"

Although he took the initiative to interrupt Li Hu and prevent a clash between the two groups, Yang Ning also showed a strong displeasure on his face when looking at the crowd.

"Leader Luo, it was you who proactively asked us to help before, and all of you agreed to fully cooperate. You’ve all seen with your own eyes how formidable that Wood Puppet Monster is. I won’t say more. If you really don’t need our help now, just say it, and Li Hu and I will leave at once!"

Hearing Yang Ning’s words, Luo Ming’s heart immediately fell into turmoil.

Not just him, even the other four camp leaders, who had already decided to withdraw, including Shi Qing, who suffered the most losses, all showed hesitant expressions.

Anger is one thing, but Yang Ning’s words realistically slapped them in the face.

Without these two people, they truly weren’t a match for the Wood Puppet Monster.

If Yang and Li were to leave, given the killing nature of the Wood Puppet Monster, the six camps would no doubt face destruction in the end.

"Brother, no matter what you say, they won’t understand. Kind words can’t persuade a dying ghost. Let these fools fend for themselves, let’s go back!"

"Honorable sirs, please calm your anger."

Seeing Li Hu pulling Yang Ning to leave, Luo Ming hurriedly stepped forward, bowing in apology, speaking self-deprecatingly: "In recent days, our camps have lost many Logging Realm fighters, the leaders are anxious, and I ask for your understanding, honorable sirs."

Luo Ming was helpless too. The camps around Redwood Ridge were indeed too weak.

In addition, being cut off from the outside world, if Yang and Li leave, they would truly be isolated with no assistance, and when the Deceitful Monster comes, no one could stop it.

Seeing that Yang and Li’s expressions were not as resolute as before, Luo Ming continued:

"Forgive my bluntness, but carrying on like this is not a solution. In the past half month, the combined four camps have lost twenty-nine Logging Realm fighters.

It’s no secret, and I won’t fear your laughter, but apart from Rogel Camp, which is in better condition, everyone in the other five camps relies on those Logging Realm fighters to survive.

If they all fall here, even if their respective camp members aren’t killed by the Deceitful Monster, they might starve or freeze to death."

Yang Ning once again signaled Li Hu, who wanted to speak, to hold his tongue. After briefly pondering, he spoke in a somber tone: "I understand your difficulties, but I must clearly tell you, the speed at which the Deceitful Monster gains strength is hard for you to imagine. Right now, you’re completely no match for it, and it’s hard to predict how strong it will become if we delay any longer."

Pausing here, he looked up to meet Luo Ming’s eyes, continuing earnestly:

"Believe me, to eliminate that Wood Puppet Monster, sacrificing a small number of people is entirely worth it!"

Li Hu couldn’t hold back either, speaking with a cold smile:

"Fools, sometimes necessary sacrifices are unavoidable. If you can’t even comprehend this simple truth, how do you fit to be leaders? You should count yourself lucky to have encountered us; if not for being fellow humans, we wouldn’t bother to help."

"Honorable sirs, I admit, you have great skills and strength, and are truly indispensable in dealing with the monster, but our Da Shi Camp has lost all our Logging Realm fighters, leaving only my brother and me. We simply can’t contribute any manpower or assistance."

Even though Li Hu’s words made sense, repeatedly calling them worthless and fools had finally pushed Shi Qing to the point of no return.

Originally, Da Shi Camp suffered the greatest losses, and he was most intent on withdrawing. Li Hu’s repeated disrespect and mockery only fueled his intent to leave.

Even so, Shi Qing knew the two of them weren’t to be offended, so although his tone was stiff, he dared not show any displeasure on his face. Instead, he respectfully bowed to the two before turning to Luo Ming:

"Leader Luo, I am truly sorry, but we must withdraw. We’ve been out for over half a month, and the camp is probably running out of food. If we don’t return soon, people will starve."

Luo Ming opened his mouth to persuade them to stay, but seeing only the solitary Shi Dong behind Shi Qing, he held back, simply looking up at the position of the moon before speaking:

"Brother Shi, dawn is near. Let’s return to Rogel Camp first. Tomorrow night, I’ll pack a bag of Crystal Fruit for you to take with you."

Hearing this, Shi Qing immediately displayed a look of gratitude.

"Thank you, Leader Luo. I am deeply grateful!"

Seeing the other four leaders eager to follow Shi Qing, Luo Ming quickly spoke up: "Honorable sirs, leaders, dawn is nearly breaking. Let’s return to the camp first and discuss the rest together?"

The four leaders exchanged glances, hesitating for a moment before nodding.

On the other side, as soon as Shi Qing mentioned leaving, Li Hu’s expression turned grim, and he even took a step forward, seemingly ready to act if Yang Ning hadn’t stopped him.

Seeing Luo Ming truly agreeing to let Shi Qing leave, Yang Ning’s brow furrowed sharply a few times but after glancing at the other four leaders and thinking it over, he refrained from speaking.

Signaling Luo Ming and the others to go first, Yang Ning followed with Li Hu in tow, deep in thought.

When the others had walked some distance away, Li Hu turned to Yang Ning and spoke quietly: "These fools don’t know what’s good for them. Brother, we should leave and go back to get some helpers. That monster won’t escape."

A flash of hesitation crossed Yang Ning’s face, but he eventually shook his head:

"If we bring more people, that monster won’t be ours anymore, and it would take too long for a round trip. Its power will surely get stronger, and by then we might not be able to handle it."

After saying this, Yang Ning looked at the people ahead, stayed silent for a moment, then sighed and continued:

"That monster has already lost a hand to us, its strength should have diminished quite a bit. Let’s try one last time. If it doesn’t work, we’ll go back for reinforcements. These people... we’ll just let them fend for themselves!"