The news from the Green Leaf Group had already been relayed to Shen Mu through Bandak.
Via a Kujit Veteran Horse Archer’s swift horse message, the core content of the message was just one line: “Negotiations are proceeding smoothly, led by Zhang Bo, hosted by the Green Leaf Group, outwardly calm and without conflict; the other party has not detected any abnormalities.”
“Excellent.”
Shen Mu’s knuckles lightly tapped the map spread out on the table, his finger gently resting on the outline of the Green Leaf Group’s area on the map, a cold curve appearing at the corner of his lips.
Smooth?
This was part of the plan all along.
“It seems our sincerity is well received,” Shen Mu murmured, as if confirming an already destined script.
The atmosphere in the entire tent grew a few shades heavier.
They were all waiting.
Because this plan was truly going very smoothly; the Green Leaf Group had not detected any abnormalities.
Thanks to Zhang Bo, the spy, having already set the premise, Shen Mu had successfully made the Green Leaf Group believe that this exchange was a peaceful negotiation, and his Deherim had no intention of operating within the Green Leaf Group.
Otherwise, the letter would not have stated that the other party had not discovered any abnormalities.
It should be known that the Kujit Veteran Horse Archer Shen Mu sent this time was a fifth-tier soldier, not only possessing exquisite horsemanship and powerful combat ability, but also remarkably proficient with various weapons, and equally adept at observation.
Kujits are nomadic people; they inherently need to observe the rustling of grass in the wind, as well as the expressions and movements of others.
This is a custom and habit passed down from the Kujit Steppe.
Otherwise, if they couldn’t sense the rustling of grass, they wouldn’t be able to detect rapidly approaching enemies; if they couldn’t judge the expressions and movements of others, they wouldn’t know if the other party was friend or foe.
For the nomadic tribes on the vast, wind-swept Kujit Steppe, lacking these two skills would be like being blind and deaf.
That’s why Shen Mu was so confident in sending the Kujit Veteran Horse Archer as a messenger and escort, effectively using them as his eyes to secretly observe the Green Leaf Group.
“Lord Shen Mu, what should we do next?” Fatis asked by Shen Mu’s side.
“Wait.”
Shen Mu slowly spoke, his face devoid of panic or impatience, only calm: “Now we just need to wait; time is on our side.”
“I understand,” Fatis nodded.
Then they waited together.
Until the sun began to set.
Darkness gradually appeared on the horizon.
As 6:00 PM arrived precisely in the Blue Star World, the death spirit rules instantly re-reversed, and the death spirit rules emerged.
“It’s time to act,” Shen Mu said slowly at this moment, holding a cup of honeyed water in his hand. After drinking it in one gulp, he casually tossed the ordinary glass cup aside, turning to Fatis beside him and ordering, “It’s time.”
“Understood, Respected Lord Shen Mu.”
Without a word, Fatis clenched his right fist and heavily struck the chest plate of his chainmail on his left chest.
A dull thud echoed like a war drum rolling between stone walls.
He strode out of the makeshift command tent, the twilight glow outlining his tall and powerful figure.
“Holy Tree Knight Order!” Fatis’s low, penetrating voice exploded over the camp, overriding the faint distant clamor, “Prepare—move out!”
The order was like a fuse igniting.
In an instant, a solemn and murderous aura rose from a corner of the camp.
Dozens of Holy Tree Knights, clad in fine armor and surrounded by faint, shimmering Mithril light, their eyes gleaming sharply.
They uniformly pulled on their warhorse reins, calming their restless mounts, while skillfully checking the shields by their saddles and the knight’s longswords hanging at their waists.
Every rustle of armor, every slight sound of a weapon being drawn from its scabbard, condensed into terrifying power.
They shouted no slogans, but that suffocating eagerness for battle, like a tiger about to pounce on its prey, caused the temperature of the entire camp to plummet.
Including the hundreds of Holy Tree Cavalry behind these Holy Tree Knights, who at this moment lit the simple torches they had prepared, quickly gathering behind their respective Holy Tree Knights, each with an eager, excited look in their eyes.
Looking at the surrounding darkness, their faces showed no fear, but rather grew even more excited.
The Holy Tree Knight Order’s operation swiftly unfolded under Fatis’s command.
Under the shroud of night, the desolate land and the chilling air under the death spirit rules permeated with unease, but the knights showed no fear; torches flickered in their hands, reflecting the Mithril light on their armor.
They moved like silent hunters in the night, having wrapped their horses’ hooves in coarse cloth before departure—a meticulous arrangement by Fatis to ensure silent movement.
After leaving the temporary camp, the contingent advanced along the predetermined route towards the Green Leaf Group, the darkness along the way seeming to echo the whispers of the death spirit rules.
But the Holy Tree Knights were well-trained; the halos of their torches only illuminated a narrow area in front of them, avoiding startling potential threats.
Of course, even if they did startle them, what then?
The combat power of these Holy Tree Knights was already enough to ensure that Shen Mu and they could move freely in the darkness.
They had no fear of the Undead Monsters in the darkness and gray mist!
When they were about one li from the outskirts of the Green Leaf Group, Fatis issued a new command: everyone dismount and proceed on foot, leading their horses.
His low command pierced the night: “Hold the reins, lighten your steps—do not let our presence alarm the eyes behind the city walls.”
The knights obeyed, uniformly dismounting and gently leading their mounts.
The cloth-wrapped hooves landed on the soft soil, making only a faint rustling sound; the soldiers held their breath, moving like ghosts through the night.
Visibility in the darkness was limited, but Fatis, relying on experience, guided the direction, and the contingent slowly passed through apartment buildings and residential houses, the atmosphere oppressive and somber.
The surrounding silence should have been filled with the roars of Undead Monsters, yet aside from some faint distant wails, it was unusually calm, as if the monsters ignored the movements of this force—this itself was a sign of Shen Mu’s plan.
Before long, the outline of the Green Leaf Group’s city walls appeared in the night, the towering tree walls appearing eerie and skeletal under the death spirit rules.
Fatis signaled the contingent to stop, and just as he was about to deploy a reconnaissance, a familiar rustling sound came from the shadows ahead—Lezalit and Bestour’s forces had arrived at the rendezvous point as agreed.
The two emerged from the darkness, followed by their cavalry groups.
A cluster of Swadian Heavy Lancers.
A cluster of Kujit Heavy Horse Archers.
They also lit torches, arrayed like a dark barrier.
Lezalit advanced first, his armor reflecting harsh lines under the torchlight, his voice carrying a hint of urgent reporting: “Lord Fatis, we arrived on time. The march here was surprisingly smooth, with very few Undead Monsters—only a few scattered wanderers, easily dealt with by the Khergit Mounted Archers.”
Bestour followed closely, nodding, a proud expression on his face.
As the representative of the Kujit, he habitually scanned his surroundings, like a vigilant hawk on the steppe: “Indeed, as Lord Shen Mu told us before, the monsters seem to have been weakened, and this area below the city is almost clear.”
Fatis listened quietly, a hint of Shen Mu’s cold calculation flashing in his eyes.
He was not surprised by this.
Because after he slaughtered the previous Undead Legion, the death spirit rules in this area had been severely weakened.
Therefore, both the quantity and quality of the Undead Monsters had reached an exaggeratedly low level.
Now, he looked at the tree walls before him, ready to act.
This was a battle…
To completely destroy the Green Leaf Group!
However, while Shen Mu outside was preparing for slaughter, inside the Green Leaf Group, the banquet atmosphere reached its peak at this very moment.
The long wooden table was covered with a clean, naturally fragrant linen cloth, piled high with delicacies.
Tender, golden-glistening roasted whole deer bellies were stuffed with mushrooms and berries; large platters of steamed fish, garnished with emerald green herbs, exuded a scent of mixed sea breeze and forest; specially roasted poultry wings presented an enticing caramel color; various fresh fruits were carved into exquisite shapes, steeped in sauces containing faint spirit world rules and emitting a soft glow; freshly squeezed fruit juices from wooden barrels emanated a rich fruity aroma, and there were also large jars of sweet, low-alcohol yet exceptionally intoxicating wildflower mead.
This opulent banquet was enough to demonstrate the Green Leaf Group’s utmost hospitality.
Zhang Bo and Sun Zhiru, along with the eleven negotiation experts, enjoyed the feast, their faces showing obvious satisfaction and relaxation.
Yang Di and Zhang Song, as hosts, smiled as they raised their glasses for toasts, the atmosphere so harmonious it was as if the minor disputes at the negotiation table that afternoon had never occurred.
"Manager Zhang, Assistant Manager Sun, and all the experts," Yang Di raised his glass again, his voice loud and sincere, "This afternoon's exchange has been frank, in-depth, and fruitful. Although we each have our positions, it's all for a better future for both of us. Especially after hearing Mr. Zhang Bo's heartfelt words, I, Yang Di," he paused, his gaze fixed on Zhang Bo, with a sense of relieved approval, "feel a great weight has been lifted from my mind."
Zhang Song immediately chimed in, "Indeed, young... Mr. Zhang Bo has always upheld the belief of considering the bigger picture and seeking common ground while reserving differences. His suggestions are truly for the long-term future of our Green Leaf Group. This drink is both to thank Respected Lord Shen Mu of Deherim for his broad mind and to toast Mr. Zhang Bo's sincere heart!"
He specifically emphasized the words "sincere heart," while his peripheral vision noted Zhang Bo's reaction.
Zhang Bo was in the midst of bringing a piece of venison to his mouth. His movement imperceptibly paused for a fraction of a second, then a perfectly appropriate smile of contentment appeared on his face as he raised his glass in response: "General Manager Yang and Manager Zhang flatter me. Our common goal is peace and the future, and I have only fulfilled my duty to communicate. Lord Shen Mu's sincerity is indeed clearly evident."
He drained the amber-like mead in his glass, using the alcohol to mask the heavy complexity and the last shred of hope in his heart.
Yang Di and Zhang Song exchanged a look that only they understood; the last trace of doubt deep within that look seemed to genuinely vanish.
Yang Di gently clapped his hands.
Soon, the side door of the banquet hall was pushed open, and a fragrant breeze wafted in. A dozen graceful young women elegantly entered.
They were broadly divided into two types.
One type consisted of Blue Star Humans, all of whom were exceptionally beautiful with bright eyes and white teeth. Their demeanor exuded the gentleness of good upbringing, and they wore modified, light formal dresses that both showed off their figures and maintained their dignity.
The other type were Wood Elves; they possessed a natural spiritual charm and exquisite features that humans could not match. Their skin was fair or had a healthy, light green glow, their long hair cascaded like a waterfall, and their eyes were as clear as a forest spring.
They wore light, traditional Wood Elf attire, revealing slender yet strong, smoothly contoured limbs. Their footsteps were silent and elegant, as if they could walk on the wind.
"Hahahahaha." Yang Di laughed heartily, "You have traveled far and toiled for the future of our Bali River Street. This small banquet is merely to express our gratitude. These are all women from within our Green Leaf Group who are skilled in song and dance and proficient in music. If you gentlemen feel lonely on your journey, you may have them accompany you to relieve your fatigue and add some elegance to the banquet."
Sun Zhiru and several young negotiation experts' eyes lit up. Although they tried to maintain their composure, the smiles on their faces were noticeably more eager.
Zhang Bo's heart tightened slightly, but his face showed gratitude: "General Manager Yang is too kind. We are truly undeserving of such hospitality."
The sounds of strings and flutes resumed in the hall, adding a touch of enchantment.
The Wood Elf women began to dance gracefully to the music, their movements light and ethereal, like forest spirits; the Blue Star women attended nearby, pouring wine and serving dishes, speaking softly.
The atmosphere of the banquet was pushed to a climax by this "unexpected gift." Amidst clinking glasses, hosts and guests alike enjoyed themselves.
However, just as the scene seemed harmonious, an abrupt change occurred.
The captain of the twenty Kujit Veteran Horse Archers, who had been standing silently behind Zhang Bo and the others, guarding like statues, suddenly stepped forward, his gaze under his faceplate sharply directed at Zhang Bo and Sun Zhiru.
His movement broke the rhythm of the banquet and drew the attention of several negotiation experts who were enjoying the song and dance.
"Manager Zhang! Assistant Manager Sun!" The Kujit Captain's voice was deep, with the characteristic crispness and assertiveness of a steppe cavalryman, clearly cutting through the music, "It's getting late. We must leave immediately and return to Lord Bandak to report today's situation!"
This sudden demand was like cold water poured into a boiling oil pot.
Zhang Bo and Sun Zhiru were both stunned.
Zhang Bo quickly reacted, a touch of well-placed surprise on his face: "Captain? Why the rush to return? This banquet is so lavish, and it's already night..." He pointed to the darkness outside the window, completely enveloped by death spirit rules, reminding him, "It's not safe outside."
The Kujit Captain's right hand still instinctively rested on the hilt of his curved saber—this habitual defensive gesture was always present—and he interrupted firmly: "Precisely because it's night, there's no time to delay! Deherim's military orders are like mountains! All dispatched scouts and escort troops are strictly forbidden from spending the night in non-designated locations after completing their missions! Military intelligence is urgent and must be reported to the direct superior at the first opportunity!"
His gaze swept over Yang Di and Zhang Song, who looked astonished, "Mr. Yang! Mr. Zhang! It's not that we don't appreciate your hospitality; military regulations are strict and cannot be violated! Please allow us to leave immediately!"
His tone was decisive, leaving no room for negotiation, as if this were not a request but a notification.
The song and dance at the banquet had long since stopped. All the women looked on with surprise and uncertainty at this scene.
The joyful atmosphere was completely gone, replaced by a stagnant awkwardness and an undercurrent of suspicion.
Yang Di's smile completely froze, his eyes instantly becoming sharp and gloomy, piercing the Kujit Veteran Horse Archer captain like needles.
The doubts he had previously dismissed were almost instantly rekindled.
At this late hour, when these negotiation experts clearly intended to stay overnight, a powerful escort force adamantly demanded to leave?
Was this truly due to military regulations, or was it a signal with ulterior motives?
Zhang Song's heart also sank abruptly. He looked at Zhang Bo.
Zhang Bo's face showed confusion and a hint of helplessness at the forced disruption of the banquet. He even actively tried to smooth things over, saying to Yang Di, "General Manager Yang, military orders are indeed like that... Lord Bandak governs the army very strictly, especially disliking delays in intelligence transmission..."
Sun Zhiru and the other negotiation experts, however, were somewhat displeased at this moment.
This captain was too ungracious! Although military orders were military orders, such a firm attitude, almost disrespecting the host, especially after such warm hospitality...
Yang Di's chest rose and fell slightly, an internal storm furiously swirling.
Forcibly detain these twenty fully armed, clearly highly alert elite cavalrymen?
Not to mention whether it could be done without loss, this would immediately expose his distrust and even hostility. The negotiations would instantly break down, and all pretenses of peace would be for naught!
Moreover, the reason for the other party's firm demand to leave—strictly adhering to military regulations—was upright and beyond reproach!
The fierce and resolute aura of the Kujit people also clearly conveyed the implicit message of "forcibly obstructing us means war."
He forced himself to squeeze out a last trace of a "reasonable" smile, but the smile looked particularly strained: "So that's how it is... Military orders cannot be defied; I understand. General Bandak's military governance is indeed well-deserved."
He slowly put down his wine glass, his voice containing a suppressed calm, "Since that is the case, I dare not force you to stay. Please... be very careful on your way. The night road is not peaceful."
The words "be careful on your way" were spoken with deep meaning, his gaze like a knife scraping across the Kujit Veteran Horse Archer captain's cold faceplate.
"Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Yang!" The Kujit Captain seemed completely oblivious to the hidden meaning, or simply didn't care.
He nodded slightly, his movements swift and decisive, without any pretense: "Manager Zhang, Assistant Manager Sun, we subordinates have escort duties and must return to camp early! Please ensure your safety. Subsequent contact will be handled by a cavalry squad for liaison and transmission! Farewell!"
With that, he didn't wait for Zhang Bo to respond again, and abruptly waved his hand.
"Shua--!"
A unified sound rang out. The other nineteen Khergit Mounted Archers turned simultaneously, their movements swift as lightning, without the slightest disorder, as if they had practiced countless times.
They followed their captain closely, ignoring the unfinished banquet in the hall and the gloomy gaze of the hosts. Like a pack of wolves disappearing into the shadows, they walked out with hurried, heavy footsteps. The grating sound of heavy armor was particularly harsh in the now silent banquet hall.
The large doors opened with a crash, then slammed shut.
The footsteps of the twenty Khergit Mounted Archers quickly vanished into the deep night.
The warm banquet hall, filled with the aroma of food and the laughter of beautiful women, seemed to instantly have all its vitality and warmth drained away, leaving only deathly silence and suffocating awkwardness.
Outside the hall, candlelight flickered in the deep night sky of the Wood Elf Village.
Inside the hall, the "satisfaction" and "relaxation" on Yang Di and Zhang Song's faces had long since vanished without a trace, replaced by a cold scrutiny and an unspeakable solemnity.
Sun Zhiru and the other negotiation experts exchanged glances. Although displeased, they also felt a hint of unease.
Zhang Bo picked up the wine glass in front of him and took a gulp of the cold mead, his fingers trembling almost imperceptibly.
He felt Yang Di and Zhang Song's gazes, as substantial as physical objects, on his back, making him feel as if he had thorns in his side.
He knew that the banquet was not over, and the real test had just begun.
The departure of the Kujit people was like lighting an incredibly conspicuous torch in the dark night, completely exposing their group's "apprehension" within the Green Leaf Group. (End of this chapter)
