Chapter 003: A Difficult Task
However, after gaining an understanding, Xie Xing did not have much resistance. After all, he was no longer the original Xie Xi. Upon hearing about the military organization here, Xie Xing initially thought this was a period around the Sui and Tang dynasties, but later realized that this was not Earth at all, but a place called the Nine Deities Continent
Xie Xing is no longer a novice; he understands that the combination through messengers is limited to a small scope, while a large-scale combination certainly requires the sound of drums
However, the reality quickly made Xie Xing abandon the idea of secretly fleeing the army, as escaping from the military here would not only implicate family or relatives, but would also lead to a nationwide manhunt. Even fleeing to a neighboring country would not exempt one from being pursued, unless one could escape a distance of tens of thousands of miles, making it impossible for others to find you
After two days, Xie Xing learned that the leader of their fire team was Wang Hu. However, their fire team now only had six members left, and the team he belonged to had only thirty-one members. It seemed that the soldiers in this team were all the worst of the bunch, but Xie Xing had not yet figured out the reason for this.
Today, I have called you all here because our team has received a mission. Our army has been in conflict with the army of the Liujin Kingdom for several months, and now we need to send someone to break through and seek assistance. I have worked hard to secure this task, and if we succeed, it will be a significant achievement. Not to mention the possibility of being granted titles and positions, but even returning home as a wealthy man is still an option. After finishing his statement, Niu Manshan glanced at the soldiers present and then cautiously looked at the middle-aged officer behind him.
This sand table is provided for our reference, and we only have half a day before it must be returned. Please take a careful look at the terrain here, so that when the time comes, you will know the route for the breakout. Niu Manshan was quite surprised to see everyone focused on the sand table, feeling a sense of satisfaction in his heart
However, when Xie Xing arrived at the assembly point with Wang Hu and the others, he almost burst out laughing. This was not an army; it was a refugee camp. Niu Manshan was a tall and robust man, but his face was filled with a sinister expression, clearly someone who had killed many. However, behind Niu Manshan stood a middle-aged officer. From his uniform, Xie Xing could tell that he was at least of the rank of a major, but he was unclear about his specific position.
Indeed, it was not only Xie Xing who understood this point; many others immediately fell silent, as seeking help outside would be tantamount to seeking death. However, everyone knew that the person beside Niu Manshan was not ordinary, and no one dared to say anything.
Or it can be said that these family disciples are meant to join the military, at the very least to serve as a minor leader in the rear; individuals like Xie Xi, who charge at the front lines, are truly one of a kind
Only disciples from families like Xie Xi, who hold no status and are even schemed against, would enlist in the military. Generally, even if a disciple from a prominent family is not doing well, they would have servants to take their place in military service.
In terms of background, Xie Xi's is the most favorable, as he hails from a small family. Wang Hu's father was a servant of the Wang family from Xucheng, and Wang Hu enlisted in the army on behalf of the Wang family. On the other hand, Ding Qiu completely comes from a little-known village, Dingjia Village.
Seeing that everyone present was silent, Niu Manshan felt that he should say something. He cleared his throat a couple of times and said, "Of course, we are not unprepared for going out; the higher-ups will not send us to our deaths. Instead, there are precise routes available for reference. You all come in with me first."
Without saying anything else, just by looking at the densely packed encampments behind, Xie Xing knew that the stationed troops here numbered at least 100,000.
However, Xie Xing currently knows nothing about the Nine Divine Continent, and he dares not escape so far. If he accidentally runs into a cannibal tribe similar to those in Africa, he would regret it too late. Moreover, with his small stature, where could he possibly run to? Furthermore, his political standing seems to be quite respectable, and this time he was merely framed by those in his family who look down on him. Although he feels no sense of belonging to the family, subconsciously, Xie Xing does not want to harm his cousin, who has treated him well.
Despite the increasing anxiety that Xie Xing felt here, he still did not dare to escape recklessly. After all, he was unfamiliar with the terrain, and even if he wanted to flee, he would not know which direction to take. Xie Xing was no fool; such a rash escape would be too detrimental for him. It seemed that he could only wait for the right opportunity to leave, preferably taking along Ding Qiu and Wang Hu, who could be considered friends.
However, for Xie Xing, there is no sense of belonging to the Zheyun Kingdom. He only wishes to leave the army as soon as possible and, with his talents, make a small fortune somewhere in this Nine Divine Continent, becoming a wealthy man is certainly not out of reach.
The Nine Deity Continent sounds quite strange, but according to Xie Xing's thoughts, it should merely be a planet where humans exist, similar to Earth. At least the people here do not know, which is why it is called the Nine Deity Continent
Xie Xing's arrow wound is not very serious. Additionally, Xie Xing has boiled all his bandages in hot water and then dressed the wound with medication, so he has gradually improved over the past few days. At this point, he certainly has no reason to stay in the camp and study.
The team leader is a man in his thirties with a scruffy beard, named Niu Manshan. Xie Xing has met him once; he is a fearless individual. However, he is not very considerate towards others, possibly because of his own fearlessness, as he shows no concern or inquiry when one of his subordinates dies
Xie Xing gazed at the sand table, and that unsettling premonition seemed to gradually become clearer
Through conversations with Wang Hu and others, Xie Xing learned that the Nine Divine Continent is actually very chaotic. Although there are countless countries, large and small, it is a place where the weak are preyed upon by the strong. However, it is clear that Wang Hu and Ding Qiu have limited knowledge of this situation. Therefore, if Xie Xing manages to escape from the army, his next step will be to regain his former strong physique. Nevertheless, he believes that with his previous skills in the military, he should have no problem ensuring his own safety in the Nine Divine Continent
As for the remaining soldiers, either they are over the age of forty or, like Xie Xing, they resemble thin monkeys. In contrast, someone with a tall stature like Wang Hu is already considered exceptional.
Niu Manshan looked at the soldiers who were swaying unsteadily and seemed somewhat dissatisfied, yet for some reason, he did not express any words of discontent.
To put it in a phrase often heard from Xie Xing, this group of people in the army is merely cannon fodder. Just a few days ago, Xie Xing even doubted whether he was being set up to go to the battlefield.
Xie Xing was thinking that at this moment, the sand table had already been set up. It seems that the people here are quite intelligent
The middle-aged officer nodded and added, "If one is a slave, they can even use this to free themselves and become a commoner. Although the task is difficult, it is not without opportunity. Compared to the impending great battle, this task seems trivial. Perhaps through this mission, you can rise to prominence in one fell swoop; you must seize this opportunity well"
Niu Manshan entered the tent while speaking
Just like the Earth was originally unknown to others and was not called Earth, it was only later that it was named a sphere. Now that he understands that this is not Earth, Xie Xing feels relieved, no wonder there are many things he has never heard of
Xie Xing and the others could only follow silently inside. To Xie Xing's surprise, he not only saw a large topographic map but also a massive sand table. Xie Xing noticed that the officer was the last to enter.
"Wang Huochang, gather your fire people and bring them all to the main camp for assembly." A messenger hurriedly ran to Wang Hu and, after delivering the message, immediately left.
... ...
Xie Xing felt a sudden jolt in his heart; he sensed a hint of conspiracy. Asking these people to break through and seek help, isn't that akin to seeking death? Has the leader up top lost his mind? Even if they were to break through to seek assistance, they should be looking for elite soldiers, not this group of people.