Chapter 132: Rescuing a God?

It was still early, but to avoid drawing unnecessary attention, Zhang Desen and his group began their entry into the city using carriages prepared for them by Manager He Youcai.

Zhang Desen, Li Longfang, and Zhao Chengming occupied the lead carriage, while the remaining attendants followed in two other vehicles. As they reached the gates of Hezhou City, the guards recognized the carriages of the Liu Trading Firm and allowed them passage without incident.

Zhang Desen was somewhat surprised by this, not expecting the Liu Trading Firm to command such authority. Noticing his confusion, Zhao Chengming explained, "Brother Desen, ever since you led the coalition of guards from our two estates to defeat the eight-hundred-thousand-strong Liao Ancient Kingdom army, our reputations have spread far and wide. Whether among the military of the Great Xing Kingdom or the common folk, hardly anyone dares to speak ill of our houses."

Li Longfang added, "That’s right, Captain. According to reports from the Western Capital, General Feng Yucai has been spreading the word that the victory was entirely thanks to you and our coalition. As for his capture of Wang Gu, he claims you intentionally yielded the credit to him."

Zhang Desen was taken aback. "General Feng is certainly outspoken. Why would he be so eager to push away his own credit?"

Zhao Chengming replied, "That’s just the kind of man General Feng is. When he admires someone, he speaks of them often and at length. Besides, if you hadn't voluntarily stepped aside, Wang Gu would never have escaped your grasp, and the General would have had nothing to do."

Zhang Desen shook his head. "Well, General Feng is a veteran of great merit, so let’s give him his due. We must not grow arrogant; don't forget that the Gomar people are still a threat to this planet, and many troubles await us. We must never lower our guard."

Li Longfang and Zhao Chengming immediately replied in unison, "Yes, Captain!"

The carriages rolled forward, and they reached the Liu Trading Firm’s city location without further incident. Since it was early, the crowds of local power-brokers had not yet gathered—they were far too comfortable to rise with the sun. This gave Zhang Desen’s group the advantage of time to organize.

"Captain," Zhao Chengming suggested, "let’s head inside now and prepare before they arrive."

"Agreed," said Zhang Desen. "Let's go."

They proceeded according to their plan, heading into a luxurious tea room arranged by He Youcai. It was located on the second floor and was remarkably discreet. To an outsider, its existence was unknown, yet from within, one could observe everyone entering the venue. It also provided direct access to a private conference suite, making it perfectly suited for their needs. Zhang Desen was quite satisfied with the arrangement.

Soon, the guests began to arrive in waves—the representatives of the various influential families. As Zhang Desen watched them enter the auction hall, Zhao Chengming approached him. "Brother Desen, the Master has sent a telegram. He says he will soon dispatch our only transport plane to deliver new Hanyang-style rifles and ammunition. They will be transported to the storage facility outside the city. He also added that if any of these families dare to threaten us, we are authorized to engage them."

Zhang Desen acknowledged, "Understood."

He then pondered for a moment and asked, "What about the guards at the Hezhou branch? They aren't fully equipped with the Hanyang rifles yet. Does the Master intend to arm them as well?"

"Of course," Zhao Chengming replied. "The Master said he will have the C-46 make several trips to bring in more ammunition, with the goal of equipping all the branch guards with these weapons. He also hopes you can take this opportunity to train them while you are here."

Zhang Desen nodded. "Leave the training to those comrades with combat experience. You go and assign the tasks; we have big moves to make shortly."

"Understood, I will use the communicator to order our people at the storage facility to begin training immediately," Zhao Chengming said before heading off.

At that moment, Li Longfang approached. "Captain, the Prime Minister sent a telegram, and I’ve been meaning to mention it."

Zhang Desen smiled. "Haha, it hasn't been long since we recovered those wireless telegraphs left behind by the ancient civilization, and we’re already putting them to good use. Excellent. What did my father say?"

Li Longfang replied, "The Prime Minister warns that we must remain vigilant against retaliation from the Liao Ancient Kingdom. Although we defeated them, their population and strength are vast. They will likely strike back soon, especially now that their commander, Wang Gu, has been released."

Zhang Desen frowned in thought. "I’ve never looked into the specifics of their strength, other than knowing their cavalry is formidable and they are a nomadic culture. What is their population?"

"The Liao Ancient Kingdom consists of nomadic tribes," Li Longfang explained. "Like other steppe peoples, they live in the saddle from birth, and their cavalry tactics are superb. Their total population is sixty million. While the loss of eight hundred thousand men was a heavy blow, it wasn't enough to cripple them."

Zhang Desen chuckled. "I hadn't realized that. No matter—we shall handle whatever comes our way."

Li Longfang continued, "Captain, their young and middle-aged population is disproportionately large—about fifty-five million."

Zhang Desen was stunned. "Don't tell me they cast out their elderly."

"It is exactly that," Li Longfang replied. "Due to their harsh living environment, those who are older or frail are often unable to survive, or they are assigned to 'glorious' duties."

Li Longfang took a breath, his expression pained. "They believe their gods created all things, so the elderly are offered as sacrifices. Their god is the God of Ganduo—the Gomar people from the direction of Sirius. They don't understand that these are merely extraterrestrials. As for what happens to those sacrificed to the Gomar, no one knows. Based on what I've gathered, I suspect they are used for experiments."

Zhang Desen sighed. "If that is the case, our recent destruction of the Gomar starship 'Bingliang' may mean the Ganduo tribe no longer exists. The Saurian Olmec Empire and the Galaxy Empire will likely show them no mercy. Those of the Ganduo not currently in the Ulangumu region won't last long. What will become of them?"

Li Longfang said, "That is a difficult question, but I believe we should focus on our own defenses for now."

Zhang Desen agreed. "True. But if those idiots from the Liao Ancient Kingdom still wish to trouble us, then we shall not hesitate to use all necessary means."

Li Longfang asked, "Does that mean we will use surgical nuclear strikes to counter their retaliation?"

"Oh, no," Zhang Desen replied. "The aftereffects of nuclear strikes are too severe. If a nuke detonates on the ground, the area becomes uninhabitable for centuries. The strike we performed on the Gomar in Ulangumu was an airburst to minimize radiation, but even then, it's unpredictable."

Li Longfang asked, "Is it really necessary to worry about radiation on Liao soil?"

Zhang Desen looked at him sternly. "You must think long-term. The Liao Kingdom lacks the technology to know that their land holds vast treasures. If one day we wish to utilize those resources, having a radioactive wasteland here and there would be quite inconvenient, wouldn't it?"

Li Longfang stood at attention and replied, "Yes, I understand."

As they continued to observe the power-brokers entering the hall, they planned their next steps.

...

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the Ulangumu region, beyond the blockade established by the Saurian Galaxy Empire, the front-line command center was busy. Commander Jilong Konde was organizing a team of investigators, ensuring they were properly suited in protective gear before entering the Ulangumu region for reconnaissance.

Suddenly, his adjutant, Li Ger, rushed in. "Report, Commander! Our eastern blockade has been attacked by the human army of the Liao Ancient Kingdom. A fierce battle is underway."

Jilong Konde paused, then smiled with disdain. "Is that so? Are these primitive humans attempting to save their gods?"