Inside the Chief's tent, the atmosphere was solemn.
The core female leaders of the Black Rock Tribe were gathered together.
Wu Liang's gaze swept across their faces one by one before he finally spoke, his voice steady and powerful.
"I have called everyone here for one matter."
He briefly and concisely recounted his need for rubber and the intelligence Akomann had gathered regarding suspected rubber trees discovered in the southern rainforest.
"Therefore, I have decided to personally lead a team to the rainforest south of the Wailing Swamp to locate and secure the rubber production area."
"This operation will also serve as a combat test for our newly formed Rifle Battalion."
"We might encounter the Goblin and Orcs entrenched there, as well as various unknown Magic Beasts."
"Our goal is to bring that area under the control of the Black Rock Tribe and secure a stable source of rubber production."
Hearing about the Goblins and Orcs, the eyes of Akomann and Ignis grew fervent.
For the two of them, nothing was more exciting than fighting powerful enemies.
"I will personally lead this expeditionary force."
Wu Liang continued his deployment.
"Akomann, you will lead a portion of your Black Rock Army and the newly formed Rifle Battalion to join me on this campaign."
"Ignis, half of your Ember elite must also be drawn to go along."
"Yes!"
The two women answered in unison.
"Sa Lan, your Scout Battalion will still be responsible for scouting, reconnaissance, and map drawing."
"Don't worry, Chief, I guarantee the mission will be completed!"
Sa Lan patted her chest and replied crisply.
"Florgloria."
Wu Liang looked toward the steady Quartermaster General.
"You are responsible for organizing a large-scale logistics transport team to ensure the supply of food, ammunition, and all materials for the front-line troops."
"At the same time, select a group of reliable Artisans and clansmen to accompany us. Once we establish a foothold, we must immediately begin constructing a forward operating base and starting rubber extraction."
Florgloria's plump figure leaned slightly forward, her gentle face filled with seriousness.
"Chief, material allocation has already begun. We can depart at any time."
She could always anticipate Wu Liang's needs and arrange everything in an orderly manner.
"Very good."
Wu Liang nodded in satisfaction, his gaze falling upon Wei Xian and Eliza.
"While I am away, Wei Xian and Eliza will jointly oversee the Tribe's daily affairs."
"Wei Xian will stay in the Tribe to assist Eliza. Especially in military matters—you are the expert—you must help her maintain strict control."
Wei Xian nodded. Although she regretted not being able to join the campaign, the mission of guarding the rear was equally important.
"The most important point."
Wu Liang's expression became exceptionally serious.
"Eliza and Wei Xian, you must constantly monitor the movements around Tiee Fortress to the west."
"I am taking away some of the Tribe's elites, so our combat strength will inevitably be somewhat reduced."
"If the roland people show any signs of entering the Great Desolate Mountain to take advantage of our weakness, notify me immediately."
"Understood."
Wei Xian and Eliza solemnly agreed.
After instructing them on all matters, Wu Liang announced the meeting adjourned.
Everyone departed swiftly and resolutely, preparing to head toward the Wailing Swamp.
Night fell, but the lights at Wu Liang's residence remained bright.
With departure imminent, the women came with their own thoughts to bid him their final farewells.
The first to arrive was Eliza.
She walked gracefully, holding the newborn twins, Wu Di and Wu Shuang.
Her eyes were currently filled with the tenderness and reluctance of a wife and mother.
"You must be careful on the road."
She handed their soundly sleeping daughter, Wu Shuang, to Wu Liang, while she held their son, Wu Di, and gently instructed him.
"The southern rainforest is full of unknowns; do not try to be a hero."
Wu Liang held his small, soft daughter, and a feeling of kinship and warmth welled up in his heart.
He lowered his head and kissed his daughter's rosy cheek, then reached out and touched his son's small face.
"Don't worry, I leave the home in your hands."
"You've worked hard managing the Academy affairs and the children."
"It's what I should do."
Eliza nestled into his embrace, feeling the warmth and strength of his chest.
"When you return, Wu Di and Wu Shuang will definitely have grown quite a bit."
The two quietly embraced, enjoying this moment of peaceful intimacy before the storm.
After seeing Eliza off, Wei Xian entered, holding her child.
Unlike Eliza's gentle words, she merely stared intently at Wu Liang with her wild yet charming eyes, as if trying to engrave his appearance onto her heart.
"You absolutely must be careful."
Wei Xian leaned on his shoulder: "Fight quickly, return soon."
"I promise." Wu Liang assured her solemnly.
After seeing off Eliza and Wei Xian, the lights in Wu Liang's tent still had not been extinguished.
He knew that tonight was destined to be a sleepless night.
Sure enough, not long after, the tent flap was gently pulled open, and a faint scent of herbs mixed with a woman's fragrance drifted in.
Alesha walked in, carrying a steaming bowl of soup. She was wearing a simple, elegant white dress.
Moonlight streamed through the gaps in the tent, making her look as if she were glowing.
"Chief, since you are going on a long journey, I brewed some soup for you to soothe your nerves and replenish your energy."
She placed the bowl of soup on the table, her voice still soft, brushing across the heart like a feather.
Wu Liang looked at her. This woman was always so considerate.
He pulled Alesha's hand and had her sit on his lap.
"I'm making you work hard again. The Tribe's medical care rests entirely on you."
Wu Liang's hand stroked her smooth, long hair.
Alesha shook her head and pressed her cheek against Wu Liang's chest, feeling his strong heartbeat.
"It's what I should do."
"It's just... you're going far away, and I feel a little reluctant to part."
Her voice carried a hint of subtle grievance.
Wu Liang's heart softened, and he lowered his head to kiss her forehead.
"I'll be back soon."
He could feel that ever since they became pregnant, these women had become especially reliant on him.
"You must pay attention to safety outside. The southern rainforest has heavy miasma and many Venomous Insects."
"I prepared some insect repellent and antidote powders for you. Have Akomann and the others take them along."
Alesha pulled several exquisite small leather pouches from her bosom and explained the usage of each one.
Listening to her rambling, Wu Liang felt warm inside.
He didn't speak, but simply held her tighter, responding to her concern with action.
After a long moment of intimacy, Alesha reluctantly departed.
No sooner had she left than a petite figure poked her head in and slipped inside.
It was Lolia.
She was holding a small basket woven from rattan, filled with various fresh fruits.
"Liang... can you take me with you?"
Lolia asked timidly, her watery eyes full of reliance, like a fawn about to be abandoned by its owner.
"This trip isn't a picnic; there will be danger. How about I take you once things settle down over there?"
"I'm just going south to handle some business. I'll be back soon."
Wu Liang smiled and beckoned to her.
Lolia immediately hopped over like a little rabbit, put down the basket, and burrowed into Wu Liang's arms.
"Then... then you absolutely must come back early."
Her small face rubbed back and forth against Wu Liang's chest.
Wu Liang pinched her loli face, full of collagen.
"I said, you two, how long are you going to keep listening outside?"