Chapter 377: Chapter 187 Lu Sheng, Unauthorized Mining, Humiliation_2
"Everyone collected around four to five hundred pounds each, they must have brought tools, probably not worse than our Great Xiaâs Chewing Teeth Chisel."
"They likely came after nightfall last night, as soon as we left, they came with their people. Seeing no one at the station, they scouted around and found the iron ore, then immediately started stealing it. These guys are really cunning!"
...
"Stop talking for now, two of you go and see which one they are mining!"
Yue Feng directly interrupted the discussion and instructed two people to check the iron ore. He then looked up in the direction Lu Sheng left, his face slightly darkening.
Although the other side seemed polite just now, he wasnât so naive.
Politeness stems from strength. To put it bluntly, itâs because they werenât confident in taking down him and the sixteen others. Otherwise, from the reaction when they discovered the Cold Beast Meat and the act of stealing iron ore, tonight wouldnât have been so relaxed.
"Theyâve already stolen iron ore, yet theyâre asking to continue trading with our Great Xia, do they think we are all blind?"
A casual remark from Li Yuankun made Yue Fengâs expression change.
"Stalling for time."
The opponent is trying to stall for time!
Yue Feng suddenly realized the opponentâs intent, his face immediately turning grave. He looked up and said, "Yuankun, take two people with you, escort those two injured back, and report to Lord Minister at the base immediately, explain the situation here, and have him bring reinforcements as soon as possible!"
Upon hearing the phrase "stalling for time," everyone else also reacted.
"Alright, Iâm heading back now."
Li Yuankun nodded immediately, selected two people, and walked towards the injured individuals.
Soon, the two who went to check the iron ore returned.
"Captain, they were stealing from the No.2 mine, which is closest to the valley entrance. They even marked the entrance. It seems they really plan on occupying it long-term."
Upon hearing the news brought back by the two, Yue Fengâs brow furrowed deeper.
This Lu Sheng clearly doesnât seem as straightforward as he appears.
"Everyone comes with me to guard the No.2 mine. Unless Iâm wrong, Lu Sheng will bring people over soon."
Yue Feng took the remaining fourteen people and headed toward the No.2 iron mine.
On the eastern side of Jing Valley, there are two iron mines, one located to the south, the other near the northern passage. With Mirror Immortal merging, these two iron mines naturally became assets of Great Xia, each given a number.
"The southern iron mine in the valley is almost depleted. These two iron mines are very important to the camp and must not suffer any mishap. Hopefully, the Minister can bring reinforcements quickly."
The exact location of the Hive Station and its distance from Jing Valley, Yue Feng didnât know. If they brought people over before Xia Chuan, relying only on these fifteen individuals to hold them off would be wishful thinking.
Itâs not that weâre afraid. Based on Yuwen Daoâs previous words, we can gauge the overall strength of the Hive Camp is, at most, similar to the previous Mirror Immortal Camp. Now, Great Xia certainly wouldnât be afraid.
The issue is, if they truly forcefully occupies the iron ore, for Great Xia to take it back will definitely result in severe casualties.
Problems that can be avoided should naturally be avoided with all efforts.
Yue Feng and his people stay here to establish a rationale, asserting Great Xiaâs sovereignty over these two iron mines.
The question is, will they take advantage of the small number of our people and act rashly.
Yue Fengâs heart sank slightly as he turned to observe the other fourteen individuals. He found most of them looking apprehensive. After pondering for a moment, he whispered, "You can hide off to the side, Iâll stay here alone."
It just requires claiming sovereignty; thereâs no need for so many people.
If, as he predicted, a large group comes over, fifteen people truly wouldnât be effective anyway. It might be better for him to stay alone.
"Captain, Iâm not afraid. Who knows how many people theyâll bring, but weâre stronger together than you are alone."
"Exactly, Jing Valley is our Great Xiaâs territory, these two iron mines are ours too. Letting them steal some is one thing, wanting to take it all, no way thatâs happening."
"Weâre a team, we advance and retreat together. Wouldnât other teams laugh at us if we hid and let our captain face it alone?"
"Defending territory is not only the captainâs duty, we all bear that responsibility."
"Lord Minister and the leaders wonât treat us poorly after knowing what weâre doing."
"Yes, weâre not leaving. Weâll guard here with the captain."
...
With everyone chiming in, they quickly dispelled their inner fears, replacing them with a firm resolve to defend Great Xiaâs territory.
Seeing everyoneâs determined expressions, a touch of emotion appeared on Yue Fengâs face.
They must understand clearly how dangerous it is to stay behind.
Yet, even with that understanding, they unwaveringly stayed.
It should be noted, most members of the Mountain River Team joined the camp only this month. In such a short time, expecting them to have developed a strong sense of belonging to Great Xia is unrealistic.
It can be said, what motivated their choice was the past half month or so of shoulder-to-shoulder hunting experiences that have accustomed them to advancing and retreating together, sharing life and death.
"No wonder when I formed the team, Lord Minister said that all teams in the Hunting Department would become the absolute core strength of the camp in the future, and we captains would inherently become the backbone of Great Xia!"
At this moment, Yue Feng recalled what Xia Chuan had said before, his heart slightly solemn, realizing that his choice would influence these people below him, a stronger sense of responsibility naturally arose from his heart.