https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-699-Breaking-the-Yinhuai-Confusion-Array-with-an-Axe/13042168/
Chapter 698: Temporary Retreat
Chapter 698: Temporary Retreat
September 25, 2017
Lu Hai Kang was like a protective big brother. Although he had the intention to recruit these Qin people, if they dared to harm his men, he would not show them any mercy.
At that moment, Lu Hai Kang and Dian Wei unleashed their full power, and the five hundred members of the Black Wind Legion under Lu Hai Kang's command aimed their Cloud-Piercing Crossbows at the thousand-strong Qin force, creating an intense pressure.
Despite the pressure, the thousand Qin soldiers showed no signs of retreat. Although they felt that Meng Qu's mishandling of the situation had largely caused this issue, as members of the Wind Spirit Valley and fellow Qin people, they remained united during this critical moment.
The Qin force then assumed an offensive stance, and the tension between the two sides escalated, with the possibility of an all-out conflict looming over a single disagreement.
"Your constant threats of violence are inappropriate. Even if we were to fight, can't we wait until I've clarified the situation first?" Lu Hai Kang spoke up during the standoff.
Upon hearing this, the Qin soldiers breathed a slight sigh of relief, and their tense postures relaxed a little.
Truthfully, they had no desire to fight Lu Hai Kang.
On one hand, the situation was complex, and on the other, Lu Hai Kang and Dian Wei had demonstrated formidable strength. But most importantly, it was Lu Hai Kang's identity that mattered.
Although they weren't sure if Lu Hai Kang's claim as a governor was genuine, if it turned out to be true, the consequences of engaging in a fight without taking him into custody would be unimaginable.
Therefore, in this matter, they hoped to resolve any misunderstandings peacefully if possible. Of course, if it came to it, they wouldn't back down from Lu Hai Kang.
Lu Hai Kang seemed to understand the thoughts of these Qin soldiers, so he didn't say more. Instead, he shouted across to the Black Wind Legion, separated by the thousands of ambiguous Qin soldiers, "Who's in charge over there? Zhao Nanli? Where did that guy go?"
Lu Hai Kang's voice carried an inner power, not only loud but also subtly intimidating, as if striking a small gong in the hearts of his opponents.
This guy never missed an opportunity to intimidate his adversaries.
After Lu Hai Kang's voice rang out, a young officer from the Black Wind Legion stepped out of the ranks and headed towards Lu Hai Kang.
It's worth noting that at this moment, Lu Hai Kang and the Black Wind Legion were separated by thousands of uncertain Qin soldiers. The officer's bold action, in response to Lu Hai Kang's command, not only demonstrated Lu Hai Kang's authority but also the officer's courage.
The group of Qin soldiers didn't stop the young officer but allowed him to pass through unhindered, reaching Lu Hai Kang's side.
When Lu Hai Kang saw the young officer, a faint smile appeared on his lips. This officer was someone he had been keeping an eye on—a member of the Fire Character Camp named Cheng Jin, whose strength had reached 75, making him one of the few outstanding talents in the camp.
"Your subordinate Cheng Jin, paying respects to the Lord!" Cheng Jin said, kneeling on one knee.
"Rise. Where's Zhao Nanli? Where did that guy go?" Lu Hai Kang asked directly.
"Reporting to the Lord, we encountered some mishaps while searching for Lord Li with General Zhao, and we got separated. Oh, this brave warrior led us to a place, and after we got separated there, we were attacked fiercely when we reached their village." Cheng Jin pointed at Meng Qu, looking puzzled as he spoke.
Lu Hai Kang's expression darkened upon hearing this. Another trusted subordinate had gone missing in the Wind Spirit Valley, causing him to feel agitated.
However, Lu Hai Kang suppressed his agitation and glanced at Meng Qu, whose face was flushed red as he clenched his teeth, trying to hold back his words. Lu Hai Kang then turned to Cheng Jin and asked, "You said your men attacked their village last night. Is that true?"
"Reporting to the Lord, our entire force of a thousand soldiers was at that mysterious place before midnight. After General Zhao and I got separated, my team of less than five hundred soldiers didn't leave that mysterious place until dawn. We were there for almost the entire night, so I can guarantee with my life that it didn't happen!" Cheng Jin replied firmly.
"You're lying! I clearly saw your men, and their equipment was identical to yours. Who else could it be if not your men?" Meng Qu's eyes turned red with anger, his face contorting in rage, as if he wanted to tear Cheng Jin apart.
Lu Hai Kang's demeanor turned domineering, and his powerful aura slammed into Meng Qu.
"Who gave you permission to interrupt?"
With two trusted subordinates now missing in the Wind Spirit Valley, Lu Hai Kang's mood was at its lowest. His tone reflected his absolute authority.
Lu Hai Kang's domineering tone caused the Qin soldiers to frown, but this wasn't the time for petty arguments, so no one spoke up.
Lu Hai Kang took a deep breath to calm himself down and then turned his gaze towards Meng Chao, the leader of this group of Qin soldiers. "I trust my subordinates. If they say they didn't do it, then they didn't. There might be some misunderstanding here."
"I want to believe you, but your explanation is hard for me to accept." Meng Chao shook his head in response.
"Whether you believe it or not is one thing, but when something happens, it must be resolved. All I can say is that this wasn't done by my people. I hope you investigate it clearly on your side first. After all, battle isn't a pleasant thing. It involves bloodshed and tears. It's best to avoid meaningless fights if possible." Lu HaiKong spoke with restrained patience.
Lu HaiKong's words sounded somewhat ridiculous. If it weren't for their covetousness towards these people, why would Lu HaiKong be so patient at this critical moment? He wouldn't waste his time like this if it were anyone else; he would have taken action long ago.
Although Lu HaiKong was patient, his tone and impatience were evident, and his intention was clear.
In this situation, Lu HaiKong was indirectly saying, "Either believe me or we fight."
Meng Chao stared deeply at Lu HaiKong and remained silent for a while before finally speaking.
"This concerns the lives of over a hundred of our people. I can't easily trust you."
"So, you want to fight? You better think this through. Once we start, it won't just be about the lives of a hundred people. Are you willing to let so many die over a misunderstanding?" Lu HaiKong replied coldly.
"We Qin people aren't afraid to die, but we also don't want to fight meaningless battles. Since you say it wasn't your people, I hope you can prove your innocence!" Meng Chao shook his head.
"How can we prove it? Do you want us to help you find the real culprit?" Lu HaiKong asked.
"That's not necessary. I just hope you cooperate. If we find the murderer, I want you to hand him over to us honestly!" Meng Chao said firmly.
In the 1619 version of the book, it is written without error!
Lu HaiKong hesitated for a moment, glanced at Cheng Jin, and then nodded, "Alright!"
"That's good! Meng Qu, bring out your people and those who fought against the murderers. I want to examine them carefully. Bring out everyone who was in your village last night!"
Meng Chao spoke to Lu HaiKong word for word, as if he was interrogating a criminal.
Lu HaiKong narrowed his eyes. After roaming the world for several years, he had never experienced such a humiliating situation.
However, for the sake of controlling this group of Qin people, Lu HaiKong held back his anger and waved his hand generously, allowing them to proceed.
In this situation, Meng Qu led several dozen red-eyed young men into Lu HaiKong's Black Wind Legion. Their faces were filled with hatred and vengeance as they carefully scrutinized every member of Lu HaiKong's Black Wind Legion.
As they examined the Black Wind Legion, the mental state of the several thousand Qin people was tense.
Although Lu HaiKong had agreed to hand over the people, once a culprit was found among them, it wasn't certain if Lu HaiKong would keep his promise. Therefore, they were prepared for battle at any moment.
This group of Qin people was quite interesting. They were very united but not to the point of blindly supporting their own.
Regarding this matter, they were unwilling to engage in a bloody conflict with Lu HaiKong or provoke a Han encirclement and suppression. However, they also didn't want their people to die in vain.
Lu HaiKong actually admired this group of Qin people; otherwise, he wouldn't have been so cooperative.
Unlike the Qin people, Lu HaiKong's side had no sense of tension.
His five hundred men had just arrived and couldn't have committed the crime. As for Cheng Jin's people, Lu HaiKong believed that he wouldn't deceive him, and his people definitely wouldn't have done it.
It was precisely because there was no culprit that Lu HaiKong had the confidence to let Meng Qu investigate.
Although it was somewhat humiliating, clearing their suspicion was a good thing for Lu HaiKong.
Meng Qu, along with several dozen people from his village, entered the formation of the Black Wind Legion with anger and murderous intent. After thirty minutes, they came out dejected.
Their expressions clearly indicated the outcome. It was evident that there was no culprit among the two groups of the Black Wind Legion.
This situation, while not entirely proving Lu HaiKong's innocence, at least cleared their suspicion.
In this situation, Meng Chao and Meng Qu apologized to Lu HaiKong, and the several thousand Qin people turned and left.
Of course, they wouldn't just leave like that. For the sake of security, they left behind people to monitor Lu HaiKong's group, as they still posed a potential threat in Wind Spirit Valley.
(End of Chapter)
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