socalfunplaces Chapter 117 Duke White Tiger
Chapter 117 Duke White Tiger
The group entered the main tent one by one. The interior was simply yet grandly furnished, with a large table in the center and a detailed military map hanging behind it.
At this moment, everyone's attention was involuntarily drawn to the figure standing before the desk.
He was tall and imposing, dressed in a crisp military uniform of the Star Luo Empire. He was none other than the Marshal of the Western Army Group of the Star Luo Empire, Duke of the White Tiger—Dai Hao.
"Father!" Dai Yueheng stepped forward, her voice filled with suppressed excitement.
Dai Hao's gaze first fell on his son, revealing a gentle smile: "You're back. You must have had a long journey."
Immediately, he turned his gaze to Xuanzi, took a few steps forward, clasped his hands in a salute, his attitude respectful yet retaining the demeanor of a regional commander: "Elder Xuan, it's been a long time, you still have the same charm."
"I apologize for not being able to properly welcome you and all the talented people from Shrek Academy this time."
Xuanzi chuckled: "Your Grace is too kind. It's the academy's duty; there's no need to talk about labor. Your military camp is quite impressive."
"Elder Xuan, you flatter me. It was merely the soldiers fighting bravely and fulfilling their duties," Dai Hao said modestly. His gaze then gently swept over Wang Yan, Ma Xiaotao, Ling Luochen, and the other Shrek Academy students and teachers. When he saw the two unfamiliar "teachers," Bi Ji and Zi Ji, he politely nodded in greeting.
Finally, his gaze lingered briefly on Huo Yutong, who was perched on Zi Ji's back, her face pale and weary. He didn't ask any further questions, but simply said with concern, "You've all had a long journey; you must be tired. Du Ming."
"exist!"
"Make arrangements immediately to prepare several clean and tidy tents so that Elder Xuan and all the distinguished guests can rest for a while."
In addition, instruct the cooks to prepare a sumptuous welcome feast, using the best ingredients from our army, but not too extravagantly; it should be quick and hot.
"Have someone prepare more hot water." Dai Hao gave meticulous and thoughtful instructions.
"Yes, Marshal!" Du Ming accepted the order and left.
Dai Hao then said to everyone, "The border region is harsh and the conditions are simple, unlike the academy and the capital."
I have already had some arrangements made. Please settle in and wash away the dust of your journey. We will continue our conversation later. Yueheng, in your father's name, please take good care of your teachers and classmates.
"Yes, Father!" Dai Yueheng replied.
Throughout, Huo Yutong kept her head slightly lowered, her gaze hidden on Zi Ji's shoulder, never truly lifting to meet the eyes of her blood father for a moment.
The group was led to a secluded campsite where several tents had already been set up.
After everyone settled down, they all gathered around Huo Yutong and Biji Ziji's tent, their concerned gazes peeking through the gap in the curtain.
"Yutong, you don't look well. We have a physician in the army. Shall I send someone to take a look?" Dai Yueheng's voice rang out from outside the tent.
"No need, thank you, Senior Dai," Huo Yutong replied immediately, her voice a little hurried. She steadied her breathing and tried to calm her tone. "I'm just a little tired, I'll be fine after a rest."
Seeing that she was conscious but slightly depressed, the others were somewhat relieved. After giving her a few words of advice, they dispersed, leaving the space to them.
The tent fell silent, with only the two of them breathing softly.
Huo Yutong sat on the blanket with her knees drawn up to her chest, burying her face in her arms and slightly curling her shoulders, as if trying to hide herself.
Those praises about "strict military discipline" and "treating soldiers like his own children" now feel like a cold tide, repeatedly washing over the hidden wound in her heart.
Why is it that the "benevolence" and "strictness" alone cannot shine into the darkest corner of the Duke's mansion?
"Yu Tong." Bi Ji's gentle voice rang out. She sat down next to Huo Yu Tong and gently cupped the girl's cheeks in her hands.
A cool, damp sensation touched her palm. Brigitte's fingertips brushed away the silently sliding teardrop, her touch as gentle as caressing a fragile morning dew. "Don't be afraid, we're all here, all on your side."
Almost simultaneously, warm ripples also spread within the sea of spirit.
"Little Yutong, with your sister here, no one can bully you!" Tianmeng's voice rang out first.
Electrolux's thoughts gently swept over him: "Child, remember, your worth needs no one else to define it. Your master will protect his disciple."
"Yutong, if you're sad, don't hold it in," Hyotei said.
"Wolves, protect our friends." Crescent Moon's thought was simple and resolute.
The voices of my companions, along with the warm touch of Sister Brigitte on my cheek, converged into a warm current that broke through my defenses.
Huo Yutong, who had been holding back her emotions, suddenly relaxed and could no longer hold back her tears.
She didn't make a sound, but buried her face deeply in Brigitte's arms, her shoulders trembling silently.
Brigitte didn't speak, but simply hugged her tighter, gently stroking her back with one hand, letting her tears soak her clothes.
Inside the tent, a warm and affectionate atmosphere prevailed, while outside on the open ground, a completely different scene unfolded.
A long table and benches had been set up, with Dai Hao and Xuan Zi sitting in the middle, and the Shrek Academy members sitting on either side.
"Elder Xuan, gentlemen, it is forbidden to drink alcohol in the army."
Dai Hao then offered a toast to Elder Xuan with water instead of wine, wishing Shrek Academy a resounding victory in this operation! Dai Hao stood up, his voice booming, and raised the rough earthenware bowl filled with water.
"Good! Thank you for your kind words!" Xuanzi laughed and raised his bowl as well.
The two men tilted their heads back and drank the water in their bowls in one gulp, displaying their hearty and generous nature.
Everyone raised their bowls and drank together, the atmosphere solemn yet stirring.
Dinner was authentic military fare: a large bowl of potato and meat stew with a rich broth, and steaming golden egg drop soup... a small mountain of hearty wheat buns and crispy potstickers, simple yet filling.
During the meal, Dai Hao and Xuan Zi occasionally spoke in hushed tones. Xuan Zi mostly inquired about border defenses, while Dai Hao gave brief answers. The atmosphere was fairly harmonious.
Ma Xiaotao, Beibei, and the others ate quietly, their gazes occasionally sweeping over Duke Baihu in the commander's seat, a mixture of curiosity and respect in their eyes.
After the meal, the soldiers cleaned up efficiently. Du Ming stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Elder Xuan, gentlemen, please follow me. I have prepared the intelligence."
The group moved to a more spacious military tent next to them, where a detailed topographical map of the Mingdou Mountains was laid out on the central wooden platform.
Du Ming approached the map, his expression turning serious, and began to introduce: "The target is the 'Hand of Death' bandit group, which roams the Mingdou Mountains year-round, and has about three hundred members."
Their leader calls himself the "Messenger of Death," and his cultivation level is estimated to be at the Soul King level.
"Their hideout is roughly in this area—" He circled a complex mountainous region on the map with his finger.
"Because my Western Army Group is stationed here, they dare not approach the border villages and towns, and can only hide deep in the mountains," Du Ming added.