Chapter 40

The reputation of the Death Battalion was poor, but on the battlefield, it was renowned. For those in Anyang County who knew them, the Death Battalion was a presence that was both loved and hated. Normally, they were ruffians, bullies, and people to be avoided; when they were seen on the road, everyone would take a detour. But at this moment, having such an army stationed outside the city gave everyone a sense of reliance and a basis for support.

It wasn't that Jian Dao was particularly eloquent. When he walked among the people and loudly called for help to build defensive positions, the countless people waiting outside the city silently stood up and headed towards Maor Mountain. The sheer number of people left Jian Dao speechless.

With many hands, the work was swift. In just three days, the small Maor Mountain was completely transformed. The trees from the summit to the halfway point were cut down, leaving only a ring of trees at the base, making the mountain look bald. Earth walls sprang up, and countless tree trunks were arranged as obstacles on the mountain paths. Multiple layers of defenses were set up from the halfway point to the summit.

They even helped the Death Battalion dig two wells on the mountain. For an army defending the mountain, water was a major issue. Although these two wells were not enough for a force of two thousand, they at least ensured that the soldiers wouldn't die of thirst.

The food supply was sufficient. The grain provided by Cheng Pingzhi was enough to sustain them for over a month. If they could hold out that long, the large weapons like crossbows and catapults, which were too numerous for such a small mountain, could be stored as reserves to replace damaged ones.

The abundant supplies slightly improved the Death Battalion's perception of Cheng Pingzhi.

"Fellow countrymen," standing on a high point, Zhang Xiaomao shouted with all his might, "We appreciate your willingness to join us and help defend, but as you can see, Maor Mountain is not large enough to accommodate too many people. War is not about having more people; at least not on Maor Mountain. We are enough. You are not soldiers, and defending the country is not your duty. Thank you for helping us build the defensive positions. Before the Western Qin forces arrive, please go into the city. It's safer there."

After completing the defensive positions on Maor Mountain, facing the enthusiastic crowd demanding to join the army, Zhang Xiaomao could only patiently persuade them. How could he let them join the Death Battalion? That would be harming them.

Cheng Pingzhi was right about one thing: the Death Battalion and the Western Qin forces had a blood feud. In every battle against the Western Qin over the years, they were always the first to charge. When the Western Qin forces reached Anyang, seeing the Death Battalion isolated outside the city, they would surely rush to devour them. Keeping them there would be a death sentence.

"Jian Dao, give each of the locals who helped ten taels of silver so they can go into the city for safety. We still have plenty of silver, which is of no use to us and would only be a burden," Zhang Xiaomao shouted.

The people, holding the silver, left Maor Mountain, looking back every few steps as they headed towards Anyang. Soon, the once bustling Maor Mountain became quiet, leaving only the two thousand soldiers of the Death Battalion, gathered around their military flag, standing on the mountain, calmly awaiting the enemy.

Without hope, without reliance, and without expectations, what remained was only calm. The Death Battalion, experienced in fighting the Western Qin, knew the strength of their enemy. Even the ragged Western Qin border troops, resembling a beggar army, had formidable combat power and fought without regard for their lives. With only two thousand men, the Death Battalion faced an invading force of hundreds of thousands. They couldn't even think of a direct confrontation; the enemy could drown them with just their saliva.

On Maor Mountain, snores echoed. They were exhausted from the past few days. After the people left, they each took charge, setting up various small traps in front of the defensive positions. Don't underestimate these seemingly insignificant traps; they were all deadly.

Zhang Xiaomao, who came from the Death Battalion, was very familiar with its command structure and the characteristics of each unit. The Wild Dogs' unit was still at the front, known for their fierce fighting, just like their commander, who was a mad dog. Jian Dao, who was cunning and could seize opportunities, could spot and exploit any weakness in the enemy. He was positioned behind the Wild Dogs, ready to strike at any moment. The Monk was at the summit, the last line of defense.

"Wild Dogs insisted on going to the front to personally command his men, so two soldiers carried him there," Shuchang said, shaking his head. "What can he do at the front? He can only bark."

"Wild Dogs is doing the right thing. He has led this unit for years. Even if he can't fight, his presence gives his men peace of mind," Zhang Xiaomao sat down. "Is Wild Dogs' injury serious?"

"If it weren't for this damned war, he would recover in a few months," Shuchang chuckled. "But now?"

"It's all the same!" Zhang Xiaomao interrupted him. "Doctor Shu, you should leave while you still can. As long as you're not on our defensive positions, you can save your life. You are a soldier, but not part of the Death Battalion. Go into the city, and no one will harm you."

Shuchang stared at Zhang Xiaomao for a while, then suddenly slapped him hard. "Monk, did he say I'm not part of the Death Battalion?"

The Monk, lying in a star shape, giggled, "Xiaomao, who dares say Doctor Shu is not part of our Death Battalion? Ask any of our soldiers. Doctor Shu is the second-in-command after Qin Lao, and everyone respects him!"

"You left early, Zhang Xiaomao, and I'm too lazy to argue with you. Otherwise, it wouldn't just be one slap. Doctor Shu isn't just good at saving lives; he can kill just as quickly," Shuchang huffed.

"Good, well said, go to sleep!" Zhang Xiaomao laughed and stood up. "You made me feel uneasy. I need to stay away from you to avoid any unexpected trouble."

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