blogombal Chapter 116 Arrival at the Military Camp
Chapter 116 Arrival at the Military Camp
Inside the tent, Brigitte had carefully laid out a soft blanket. Huo Yutong silently took off her shoes and curled up to lie down on it.
"...Sister Biling, I..." Yutong said softly.
"Yutong, get some rest first. Everything will be alright once we settle down in Xingluo City," Biji said softly.
With Title Douluo Xuanzi guarding the night, safety was naturally assured.
"Little Yutong, your sisters will always be with you." Ziji turned to the side and gave her a warm and firm hug.
Huo Yutong lay peacefully between her two older sisters, gradually drifting off to sleep, a faint, affectionate smile still lingering on her lips.
The next morning, after a quick wash and some dry rations, the group set off again.
As they were approaching a sensitive border area, the no-fly zone was in effect, so everyone put away their flight soul tools and hiked through the dense forest.
During the journey, Dai Yueheng spoke more than usual, his words filled with reverence.
"We are about to enter the Western Army Group's defense zone," he said as he walked. "This army group is known for its unparalleled discipline, the best in the Empire."
And this is because my father—Duke Dai Hao of the White Tiger—is also the Imperial Marshal and Legion Commander.
His voice unconsciously carried a hint of pride: "My father, in governing the army, placed the first importance on 'discipline' and 'benevolence'."
In terms of military discipline, orders are strictly enforced, rewards and punishments are clearly defined, and there is absolutely no favoritism.
Once, a trusted general whom he had personally promoted violated military regulations. His father personally ordered that the matter be dealt with according to the law, tears streaming down his face, yet his resolve remained unchanged. From then on, the entire army was in awe.
"And the so-called 'benevolence' is not about condoning," Dai Yueheng continued. "He often ate and slept with the soldiers and understood their hardships."
He never skimped on military rations or pay, and personally oversaw and ensured the compensation for wounded and disabled soldiers.
He said that the benevolence of generals is the source of soldiers' courage to die for their cause.
This is why the entire Western Army Group not only held him in awe, but also genuinely supported him.
Heir of the God of War, Duke of the White Tiger, Marshal of the Empire, God of War of the Star Luo, White Tiger Douluo... These weighty titles all belong to that man far away on the frontier.
"My father was stationed on the frontier for many years, and due to the urgency of the war, he rarely returned home." Dai Yueheng's tone softened slightly, but became even more profound. "Since I can remember, the number of days I spent with him can be counted on one hand."
But each time he returned, what he taught me most was not the methods of Soul Master cultivation, but the way of being a general and a person.
He is the person I admire most in my life, a true hero.
As Ma Xiaotao, Xixi, and the others listened, their faces couldn't help but show expressions of admiration and longing.
A commander with exceptional strength, who loves his soldiers like his own children and is dedicated to defending the border, is enough to earn the respect of any Soul Master.
However, Huo Yutong, who was walking in the group, gradually turned pale.
With each additional word of praise for Dai Hao she heard, it felt as if a stone was pressing down on her chest, making it hard to breathe.
Those words about "strictness," "benevolence," and "heroism" were like tiny needles, piercing the most hidden corner of her heart.
She couldn't help but recall her mother's cautious demeanor in the mansion, the cold stares and indifference she received, and her own "superfluous" childhood.
He was strict in disciplining his troops and loved his soldiers like his own children... so why was he so indifferent to the people in his household?
She lowered her head, trying hard not to let her emotions show, but her fingertips had already quietly dug into her palms.
"Yutong, are you alright?" Biji and Ziji keenly noticed the subtle change in the girl's breathing beside them. Ziji turned slightly to the side and said in a voice that only the three of them could hear, "I'll carry you for the rest of the way."
Huo Yutong paused for a moment, then looked up and saw the clear concern in Biji and Ziji's eyes.
She knew she wasn't in good shape and might slow everyone down.
After a slight hesitation, she nodded gently: "...Thank you, sister."
Nestled against Zi Ji's warm and comforting back, Huo Yutong gently rested her face on her shoulder.
Murasaki's steps were steady and swift, keeping up with the group effortlessly, which also shielded her from some of the distracting gazes and thoughts.
Led by Dai Yueheng, the group arrived at a hillside with a relatively open view.
He took out a specially made signal flare from his storage soul tool and pulled the fuse.
"Whoosh—Bang!"
A bright white light shot into the sky, blooming into a tiger-head-shaped firework that lingered for a long time.
"This is a signal to contact my father's men. Someone will come to meet us shortly," Dai Yueheng explained.
Everyone's faces were filled with anticipation and curiosity. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the sound of neat and light footsteps came from the forest to the side.
A ten-person team quickly approached, moving with perfect coordination and without making a sound, until they were completely detected when they got close.
They were dressed in standard light armor, with sharp eyes, clean and efficient movements, and strict discipline. Even from this brief contact and their marching posture, one could glimpse the extraordinary quality of this army.
The leader was a middle-aged military officer with a sharp, capable-looking face and piercing eyes; his shoulder insignia indicated that he was of high rank.
Upon seeing Dai Yueheng, he immediately clasped his hands in a respectful yet humble manner, saying, "Young Master. The Marshal has received the signal and has specially ordered Du Ming to come and greet you."
"Uncle Du, thank you for your hard work." Dai Yueheng was obviously familiar with him, and nodded in return. Then she introduced him to everyone, "This is Du Ming, Uncle Du, one of my father's personal guard captains, and also one of his most trusted and capable lieutenants."
"Distinguished guests, please follow me." Du Ming said succinctly, stepping aside to lead the way.
His squad quickly dispersed, maintaining a vigilant and protective formation. The entire process was orderly and without any disorder.
The group followed Du Ming and trekked through the forest for a while longer.
Suddenly, a well-planned, orderly, and solemn military camp appeared before them.
The camp's fences were sturdy and neat, and the tents were arranged in a straight line, in an orderly manner.
The patrolling soldiers, clad in armor and armed with weapons, moved with steady steps and sharp eyes. Upon seeing Du Ming and his men approaching, they saluted from afar before continuing their patrol, with no one glancing or lingering out of curiosity.
The ground was clean, and the objects were neatly arranged. Although it was a border area, there was no sense of disorder, and a solemn and disciplined military atmosphere was palpable.
Xuanzi nodded secretly, and Wang Yan, Ma Xiaotao and other Shrek teachers and students also showed their admiration. Such military discipline was indeed well-deserved.
Biji, Ziji, and Huo Yutong, who was perched on Ziji's back, silently followed at the back of the group.
"Please wait here while I go and inform the Marshal." Du Ming led everyone to a clean open space outside the central command tent, clasped his hands in a fist salute again, and then turned and strode towards the largest and most imposing tent.
The wait was short. Soon, Du Ming reappeared, turned and lifted the tent flap, and announced loudly, "The Marshal invites you all."