Chapter 39

At the border between Qingyang and Lances Province, there is a plain called the Wailing Wilderness. It is said that before the territories of the Tianhua Empire and the Okland Empire expanded to this plain, an ancient and barbaric tribe lived here. They would bury all their enemies and any tribal members who violated the rules alive. What is most shocking is that they did not choose an open area for the burials; instead, they buried them in the areas where they lived.

It is said that after these people were buried, they would not immediately die, and they would still struggle and wail. During the day, everyone would go out hunting, and even when they returned home, there would be various activities. The sunlight also increased their courage, making everything seem normal. However, at night, when everything was silent, the wails of those who were not yet dead underground would be heard. The living people had to endure these nights in such an environment.

Because of their barbarity, the surrounding tribes and ethnic groups did not dare to provoke them, fearing that they would also become part of the wailing. However, due to their barbarity, their civilization was very backward. When the powerful Tianhua and Okland Empires arrived, their fierce killing intent and strong physiques could not make up for their weak weapons and simple armor. Under the two-pronged attack of the Tianhua and Okland forces, this tribe disappeared from the annals of history. Only this Wailing Wilderness, which is said to still wail at night, remains unchanged.

Early one morning, the troops of Qingyang and Lances Province gathered on both sides of the Wailing Wilderness. Both armies were well-equipped and clearly elite, but there was a slight difference. The soldiers of Tianhua were full of spirit and high morale, while the Okland soldiers were silent and showed no excitement, even as they moved forward with a lack of energy.

As the two armies faced each other and gradually closed in, neither side launched an attack, and the archers did not fire arrows. They continued to walk until they were less than a hundred meters apart, then stopped. Although neither side took any action, a solemn and deadly atmosphere permeated the entire wilderness. Under such intense pressure, even the spirits buried in the Wailing Wilderness seemed to dare not make a sound.

Suddenly, the soldiers in the center of the Tianhua army parted to the sides, revealing a path. Several figures on warhorses stood at the end of the path, and behind them were two prison carts. Zhao Zheng, Wen Fang, He Chuan, and other Tianhua generals, along with He Ping, rode their horses along this path, and the prison carts gradually approached the front lines.

The Okland side also reacted. The center of their army also parted to make a path, but compared to the neatness of the Tianhua side, the Okland army seemed like a ragtag group. They made a narrow path, and several figures on warhorses also followed this path to the front of the two armies, but their momentum was much weaker than that of the Tianhua side.

Zhao Zheng led the Tianhua side, while the one leading the Okland side was Trevor, whom He Ping had met in the treasure vault. The two main commanders walked out from their respective armies and stopped when they were less than fifty meters apart. Zhao Zheng and Trevor looked at each other and sighed. In the past, they were good friends who drank and chased women together, but now they met under such circumstances.

"Trevor!"

"Zhao Zheng!"

How long had it been since they called each other by name? Three years? Five years? After the war began and Zhao Zheng's father, Zhao Long, was killed, the two families severed ties. Trevor handled the administration in the rear, while Zhao Zheng led the troops in battle. Although they mentioned each other in conversations with others, they had not met face-to-face since then. Now, seeing each other, both felt a sense of déjà vu.

"Trevor! I believe you already know why I am here," Zhao Zheng said in Okland, breaking free from his memories. "Wolfgang and Brian have committed heinous crimes that cannot be tolerated by heaven or earth. Their crimes in Qingyang are unforgivable. I am here today to publicly try them in front of everyone. Once their crimes are recognized, I will publicly execute them here!"

"Alas! At this point, can I still plead for mercy?" Trevor replied in fluent Tianhua. "No matter what, they are my uncle and cousin. I cannot stand idly by. You know this, yet you still spread this news so widely, clearly forcing me to intervene. I have heard about their actions, and I understand the significance of their trial and execution for Qingyang. However, I must say this: the Lances family is willing to pay a ransom to release them."

Zhao Zheng was unmoved. "Have you finished speaking? If there is nothing else, I will begin the public trial. If you want to forcibly rescue them, I welcome it. I have long wanted to see the current Lances Lord's military prowess!"

"Alas, you..." Trevor was speechless. His military incompetence was well-known. Even if the morale of the two armies was the same, without the three Wolfgang family members, Trevor had no confidence in defeating Zhao Zheng in battle. As he sighed, his gaze shifted slightly, and he noticed He Ping, who was dressed strangely. "This must be Mr. He Ping, I presume. If I am not mistaken, both of them fell into your hands, didn't they?"

He Ping nodded without hiding it. Seeing He Ping's acknowledgment, Zhao Zheng had no objections. Trevor said, "May I have the honor of inviting Mr. He Ping to visit Lances Province? If Mr. He Ping can help me, I will not treat you poorly. With your abilities, you can certainly make a name for yourself in Okland."

At such a time, he was still trying to poach? He Ping looked at this unremarkable, somewhat thin middle-aged man and raised his estimation of him. This statement was interesting. Such a public attempt to poach, even if unsuccessful, could create a rift between Zhao Zheng and He Ping, which would be a significant benefit for Lances Province and the Lances family. However, it was clear that he underestimated He Ping and Zhao Zheng.

He Ping smiled and said, "Mr. Trevor, don't treat me like a child. I know what the noble system in Okland is like. Do you really believe I can make a name for myself there? Besides..." He Ping, adhering to the principle of causing trouble without consequences, took out a magnificent piece of art made of gold and silver, adorned with gems, and showed it to Trevor. "What do you have to offer me so that I am not treated poorly?"

"The Glory of Eternal Night!"

[PS: Third update of the day!]

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