bullyxtreme Chapter 24 Pre-Battle Mobilization
Chapter 24 Pre-Battle Mobilization
A dilapidated temple outside the village.
Li Sheng led his men to retreat to a dilapidated temple about a mile south of the village.
The temple was small, and it was impossible to tell which deity was enshrined there. The statue was missing half of its head, and the paint on its body had almost completely peeled off.
However, its advantage lies in its concealment; it is surrounded by walls on all sides, making it difficult to be discovered.
"We'll rest here tonight."
Li Sheng arranged for people to take turns on duty.
"Brother Sheng, I'll keep watch tonight."
Liu Wu volunteered.
"Need not."
Li Sheng shook his head.
"I will stand guard tonight."
"Sheng-ge, you're all alone..."
"I said I'd guard it."
Li Sheng's tone left no room for argument.
In light of the potential conflict tomorrow, Li Sheng believed that it was the best arrangement for him to keep watch.
Given his current physical condition, he can easily last two or three days, while they can't compare to him. Resting and conserving their energy is the right choice for them.
"You all should get some rest; tomorrow will likely be a tough battle."
The group looked at each other, and in the end, no one said anything more.
As night deepened, the sound of snoring rose and fell in the dilapidated temple.
Li Sheng sat at the temple entrance, leaning against a pillar, his gaze fixed on the darkness in the distance.
His ears were perked up higher than usual, catching every subtle sound in the night.
The sounds of insects chirping, the wind whistling, and the occasional bark of a dog in the distance.
everything is normal.
He went over his observations from the day in his mind again.
The bandits, numbering around a hundred, were almost all men, and their equipment varied greatly; some carried knives, some spears, and others hoes and carrying poles.
Without a strict organizational structure or unified command, they were, frankly speaking, just a mob.
However, a mob also has its dangers.
They were undisciplined and reckless; when things went their way, they were like wolves and tigers, but when things went their way, they were utterly routed.
The key is to prevent them from gaining an advantage.
As Li Sheng pondered his actions for the next day, the night sky gradually faded away before he knew it.
"Brother Sheng."
Liu Wu's voice came from behind.
Li Sheng turned around and saw that Liu Wu had already gotten up and was stretching his muscles.
Why did you wake up so early?
"I can't sleep."
Liu Wu walked up to him and lowered his voice.
"Brother Sheng, do you think those bandits will really make a move today?"
"meeting."
Li Sheng answered without the slightest hesitation.
"They are starving, so starving they can't survive. The food in the fortified village is their lifeline. Since they didn't make a move yesterday, they will definitely make one today, because the sooner they act, the sooner they can have enough to eat."
Liu Wu remained silent for a moment.
"Then let's..."
"It depends,"
Li Sheng stood up and stretched his somewhat stiff limbs.
"Maybe we can catch them off guard."
Liu Wu nodded.
Suddenly, a sharp scream rang out from afar, followed by a cacophony of footsteps, shouts of battle, and screams, all coming from the north of the village.
Li Sheng's eyes instantly sharpened.
"here we go."
He turned and went into the dilapidated temple, waking up the people who were still sleeping.
"Get up, everyone! Grab your weapons!"
Everyone was instantly awakened from their sleep.
Li Sheng led his men, following the route they had scouted the day before, and quietly made their way to the outskirts of Wangjiawu Fortress.
In less than half an hour, the scene before them had become shocking.
The gates of the fortress have been broken open.
Dozens of bandits, armed with knives and spears, swarmed in.
The guards and tenants inside the fort put up a desperate resistance, but outnumbered, they were quickly scattered.
Some were running away, some were begging for mercy, and some were fighting desperately.
Blood splattered on the walls of the fortified village, a horrifying sight.
Zhang Kuo stood at the entrance of the fortified village, holding a ring-pommel sword in his hand, blood still dripping from the blade.
A smug smile graced his fleshy face as he shouted loudly.
"Search! Grain, money, women—leave nothing behind!"
The bandits cheered and scattered.
Liu Wu squatted down next to Li Sheng and asked, turning his head to the side.
"Brother Sheng, should we make our move?"
"Wait a little longer."
Li Sheng's eyes were fixed on the movements inside the fortified village.
He knew that now was not the time.
These bandits had just breached the fortified village, and their morale and spirits were at their peak.
If we rush in now, even if we win, our side will suffer heavy casualties.
He is waiting.
Once these bandits relax...
Their attention was diverted by the looted food and money.
When they transform from a pack of mad beasts back into individuals.
Inside the fortified village, the screams gradually subsided.
Instead, there were excited shouts, the sounds of rummaging through drawers and cabinets, the sound of porcelain shattering, and... the cries of women.
Liu Wu's expression grew increasingly tense.
The others looked serious, gripping their spears tightly.
Li Sheng's gaze remained calm.
But his breathing was heavier than usual.
His gaze fell on the fortified village, watching the bandits gathered in twos and threes, some dividing up food, some searching for valuables, and a few even starting to grope the women they had captured.
They relaxed.
The time has come!
Li Sheng slowly shrank back, turned around, and half-squatted in front of everyone.
Liu Wu, Zhao Hu, Li Shi, and others gathered around, all twelve pairs of eyes staring at him.
"Listen up, everyone."
Li Sheng's voice was low, but every word was clear.
"There are over a hundred bandits, while we only have twelve. But right now they are busy looting and their attention is scattered, which is the perfect opportunity for us to strike."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across everyone's faces.
"I know what you brothers are thinking. Killing is not an easy task. But I want you to remember two things."
First, behind us lies Dongping Village, home to our elders, wives, and children. These bandits can slaughter this village today, and they can slaughter our village tomorrow. Killing them is to protect our homeland.
Secondly, there's a notice posted at the county gate offering a reward of a certain amount of money for each headheaded enemy. If we kill these bandits, we'll receive both the reward and a commendation. This is an order from the government; we're acting on behalf of Heaven, not as bandits. So, don't feel guilty; kill them if you must, and kill them with a clear conscience!
Upon hearing this, the pent-up frustration in everyone's chest dissipated considerably, replaced by a surge of murderous intent.
Li Sheng turned to look at Liu Wu.
"Awu, you're good at archery. Stay in the rear for a while and find a high place to oversee the battle. Shoot arrows first, and when you run out, come up with your spear and fight alongside us."
Liu Wu nodded emphatically.
"clear."
Li Sheng then looked at the remaining eleven people.
"All of you, follow me and charge. Remember, shout as loudly as you charge. Shout, 'The government troops have arrived! Surrender at once!' Make sure your morale is high. We're wearing the leather armor of county sergeants; the moment they hear the government troops are coming, half of them will panic."
The crowd responded in hushed tones.
Li Sheng picked up the iron halberd that was placed on the ground; the halberd handle gleamed coldly in the morning light.
He asked one last question.
"Do you understand everything?"
"clear!"
The twelve men lowered their voices and shouted with fierce force.