Chapter 719: The Detour
Chapter 719: The Detour
After Councillor Pei finished speaking, he stood quietly to the side, offering no suggestions. This time, they were merely providing the necessary intelligence, and it was up to Chen Chuan to decide what to do next.
Chen Chuan stared at the map for a while before speaking, "Do we have any intelligence on the inside of that camp over there?"
Councillor Pei shook his head, "The garrison has conducted several reconnaissance missions in the area, but they've been intercepted at a distance, resulting in significant casualties. However, they haven't given up and are still making efforts as of today. If there's any news, I'll inform Supervisor Chen immediately."
Chen Chuan nodded, "I think I understand the situation. Let's head back."
"Alright," Councillor Pei said, then added, "I'll show Supervisor Chen a few more things."
As the two stepped outside, Councillor Pei glanced at the corridor and said, "The nights in the convergence zone are always challenging. The former imperial court took advantage of this and launched attacks on us, which is why we've been so passive."
Chen Chuan looked outside, and as he entered the combat room, it was daytime. But in an instant, it seemed, the outside world plunged into darkness.
Surviving in the convergence zone at night was another challenge he had to face. Fortunately, having inherited some of Chen Bitong's memories and experiences, he had made thorough preparations.
Councillor Pei led Chen Chuan out of the main building. Under the glow of searchlights, they crossed an open area and reached the airship landing site behind the fort. Two small airships were parked there, and Councillor Pei said, "This is the Crane Ship. Tomorrow at 5 a.m., it will transport a group of people to the camp. Supervisor Chen, if you want to go there, you can board these two airships."
Chen Chuan made a decisive statement, "I'll depart tomorrow."
"Good," Councillor Pei said, "Considering the vastness of that unknown area, Supervisor Chen, we've prepared some transportation for you. Over here..."
Chen Chuan followed him to one side, and turning the corner, they saw a stable with several tall and powerful horses. The stable had been sprinkled with some sort of liquid, eliminating any unpleasant odors.
Councillor Pei approached one of the horses, took its reins, and patted its neck, "These are the dragon nose horses we've trained and bred ourselves. Although we don't have the special breeding methods of the former imperial court, these horses have gentle temperaments and abundant stamina."
"The best part is that these horses, being bred in the convergence zone, can survive in the wild at night, just like the local creatures. You can ride them without worry."
Chen Chuan examined the horses; they were all about two meters tall at the shoulder, well-muscled, and agile. Impressed, he nodded.
Councillor Pei pointed to a few other horses, "Considering that you'll be carrying things, Supervisor Chen, we've also prepared two pack horses for you. They can carry everything you need, even if they're a bit slower."
Chen Chuan could tell at a glance that these pack horses had exceptional endurance, and their slower speed wasn't an issue. To him, these horses were merely a means of transportation. If they were to race, even the dragon nose horses wouldn't be fast enough.
"Thank you for your thorough consideration, Councillor Pei," Chen Chuan said.
Councillor Pei waved his hand, "These are minor matters. Those fighting on the front lines risk their lives. I hope these preparations will be of help to Supervisor Chen."
"These are very useful," Chen Chuan said sincerely. He walked up to one of the horses and patted it. The horse obediently lowered its head and stood still.
Councillor Pei said, "Then I'll arrange for the horses to be brought to the airship. The Crane Ship will depart at 5 a.m. tomorrow, Supervisor Chen. Get some rest." After saying this, he saluted Chen Chuan and headed towards the airship landing site.
Chen Chuan didn't stay outside for long. After familiarizing himself with the horses, he returned to his temporary quarters in the garrison.
He first took a shower and then made a hot drink, sitting in a soft chair. He activated the boundary token and pulled up a map from it.
This was Chen Bitong's map, showing scattered red, green, and gray dots in and around the unknown area. Most of these represented settlements of the local natives, with red indicating unfriendly, green indicating friendly, and gray indicating uncertain attitudes, depending on the specific circumstances.
On the map, there were also several curved lines—paths that Chen Bitong had explored and deemed passable.
Of course, the term 'passable' applied only to someone of Chen Bitong's level. The convergence zone was teeming with unpredictable dangers and unknown creatures. No ordinary third-limit fighter could guarantee safe passage through that area.
Chen Chuan's gaze shifted to the current camp of the Linax Federation, which, according to Chen Bitong's map, should have been a large settlement of natives. It seemed that these two forces had either killed or driven out the locals, taking over the area.
However, they wouldn't have set up just one camp. Even around the garrison fort, there would be dense guard posts, trenches, and permanent fortifications.
It was reasonable to assume that outside the camp, there would be a series of defensive works and small garrisons. If one were to follow that road deeper into the area, they would likely have to fight through each of these defensive works. And by the time they reached the camp, the enemy would already be prepared.
So, he planned to take a detour this time, bypassing the main route and approaching the camp from the rear, a weaker area, to launch a surprise attack. By taking down this camp, he would effectively cut off the supply line and retreat route of the squad that had ventured into the unknown territory, making it easier to deal with them subsequently.
With his plan in mind, he finished his hot drink, got up, and went to the adjacent practice room to meditate and regulate his breathing.
After resting for a night, it was 4:30 am the next day.
Chen Chuan freshened up, grabbed the Xue Lady Sword, called for Chao Ming, and carried a box as they walked out.
Councillor Pei was already waiting at the airship docking point. When Chen Chuan approached, Councillor Pei extended a hand for a handshake.
"Thank you," Chen Chuan said after the handshake.
Councillor Pei stepped back and saluted.
Chen Chuan returned the salute and proceeded towards the airship via the ascending ramp. Inside, he saw two teams of twelve soldiers, each with visible implanted weaponry. These two teams were headed to the forward camp for reinforcement, and there were four more teams on another airship.
Chen Chuan was dressed casually, not in his supervisor's uniform, so the soldiers remained seated and quiet when they saw him. He chose a quiet spot, sat down, and leaned the Xue Lady Sword against the wall.
After a while, two airships took off from the fort, one after the other, their propellers spinning as they soared into the distant sky.
Chen Chuan sat with his eyes closed, regulating his breath, while Chao Ming perched obediently nearby.
One of the squad members glanced at Chen Chuan, nudged his dozing comrade with his foot, and whispered, "That's the fighter, right?"
"Definitely," the other member replied.
Another soldier glanced at the Xue Lady Sword and whispered, "Such a long sword, not many can wield it."
A while later, the first soldier spoke again, "I heard the fighting up front is intense. The former imperial court has deployed many samurai. Isn't one reinforcement a bit too few?"
"That's not our concern. Let's rest while we can. Once we get there, there won't be much chance," the squad member replied.
Silence returned to the cabin.
Hours passed, and Chen Chuan suddenly opened his eyes. He tapped the boundary token, which displayed their current location on a map based on the terrain. The passage he intended to take was not far ahead.
Chen Chuan sent a message and coordinates to the pilot.
After a while, two crew members approached and forcefully opened the rear cabin door, allowing a gust of cold, moist air to rush in, startling everyone inside.
What's happening? Chen Chuan stood up, sword in hand, and patted Chao Ming's head. Chao Ming immediately took flight, and Chen Chuan picked up the box and moved to the rear platform without railings.
The airship slowed down and descended. Chen Chuan pushed the box towards the ground, then leaped after it.
The soldiers in the cabin were startled; they were at least 200 meters above the ground. Is he serious? Chen Chuan fell, his gaze fixed on the ground below, the red scarf fluttering behind him, his expression calm.
He had intended to brace for impact, but as he neared the ground, a force transmitted through the fluttering red scarf, lightening his body. When his feet touched down, he felt surprisingly little impact.
Looking at the scarf, he said, "Hongfu, thank you."
He turned towards Chao Ming's direction. Chao Ming had found the box he had thrown down, checked the surroundings, and, seeing no unexpected situations, deemed it safe. He walked to the box, grabbed the strap, and lifted it from the muddy ground.
Chen Chuan turned back, signaled the airship, which slowly descended and opened the lower cabin door. The three horses, suspended by a flatbed pulley system, were slowly lowered.
Once on the ground, Chen Chuan walked over, untied the safety ropes from the horses, and let them down. He signaled the airship again, and the cabin door closed as the airship slowly ascended.
Chen Chuan turned back, took out the items from the box, and hung them on the backs of the two packhorses.
After finishing, he mounted the black dragon-nosed horse, glanced at the distant turbulent river and dense forest, and heard a chirp in the sky. Chao Ming had already flown ahead.
He reined in the horse, and it immediately galloped forward.
(End of Chapter)
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