Wu Liang suddenly spoke toward the tent entrance.
The curtain was suddenly lifted, and Suina and Annia walked in, one after the other.
Suina still had her usual fiery demeanor, her tight leather armor perfectly outlining her explosive figure.
She put her hands on her hips and glared at Wu Liang:
"We didn't come here to flirt with you!"
"I'm here to ask you, have you finally decided on the next upgrade plan for the Precision Workshop?"
"If you leave, who am I supposed to ask if I run into problems?"
Wu Liang looked at the workaholic woman, finding it slightly amusing.
"I've already written the plan; it's in that leather scroll on the table."
"Take it back and read it yourself. It's written very clearly. If you really can't figure it out, just wait until I return."
Suina snorted, walked over without hesitation, picked up the leather scroll, and started reading it.
Annia, meanwhile, seemed preoccupied.
She was wearing a light blue dress, and her long golden hair sparkled under the lamplight.
"Still worried about your father?"
Wu Liang asked.
Annia bit her lip, nodded, and then shook her head.
"I... I'm just... worried about you, Wu Liang. Please be careful."
Wu Liang nodded.
"My trip south this time is to find resources that will make us stronger."
"Only if we are strong enough can we protect the people we care about in future wars, including your father. Do you understand?"
Annia looked into Wu Liang's deep eyes and nodded.
"I understand. I will... I will manage the Magic Academy well and cultivate the best mages for you."
Wu Liang nodded in satisfaction. Although this blonde girl was a bit naive, she wasn't completely clueless.
After seeing off the women who were staying behind, the only people left in the tent were those about to depart with him.
Sa Lan was the first to enter. She spread a newly drawn map on the table, pointing to a green area on it and saying:
"Leader, this is all the information we currently have regarding the rainforest south of the Wailing Swamp. It is very limited."
"My people have already infiltrated the area, but the rainforest is vast, the terrain is complex, and messages are slow to return."
Wu Liang nodded, looking at the map, his gaze becoming focused.
"I'll rely on you this time. The Scout Battalion is our eyes and ears; you must ensure the safety of the main force."
"Don't worry, Leader!"
Sa Lan patted her chest, looking confident.
After Sa Lan left, two tall and fiery figures walked in.
It was Akomann and Ignis.
Both of them were wearing tight leather armor suitable for combat; one was heroic and valiant, and the other was fierce as fire.
"Leader, the troops have assembled and are ready to depart at any moment!"
Akomann's voice was crisp and decisive.
"So are my Ember!"
Ignis added.
Wu Liang looked at the two women, who were brimming with fighting spirit, and nodded in satisfaction.
"Rest well tonight. We depart early tomorrow morning."
Wu Liang said.
However, neither of them showed any intention of leaving.
Akomann walked forward, her long legs straight and slender.
She stared intently at Wu Liang, her eyes burning with heat.
"Leader, before we set off on the campaign, shouldn't you give us warriors who are heading to the battlefield a little... reward?"
Ignis also crossed her arms, leaned against a tent pole, and wore a slightly provocative smile.
"That's right. If we die on the battlefield, it would be a huge loss."
Wu Liang looked at them and suddenly smiled.
He stood up, his tall figure illuminated by the lamplight, exuding a sense of oppression.
He grabbed Akomann and lifted her around the waist, heading toward the back of the tent.
"Since you two have so much energy, you won't be sleeping tonight."
The bonfires outside the tent gradually extinguished, and the night grew deeper.
But inside the Leader's tent, it was a night of pre-war frenzy that only subsided when the first hint of dawn appeared in the sky.
The next morning.
A vast convoy, marching grandly under the morning sun, departed the Black Rock Tribe.
The great army left the Black Rock Tribe and traveled south.
After passing through the familiar hunting grounds and crossing the edge of the Wailing Swamp—the Tribe's natural barrier—the scene before them suddenly changed.
The air became hot, humid, and sticky, as if water could be wrung out of it.
Towering trees blotted out the sky, their massive crowns layered one upon another, cutting the sunlight into countless dappled spots.
Thick vines coiled around the trunks like giant pythons, and the ground was covered in a thick layer of rotting leaves; stepping on it felt soft and slippery.
Strange and exotic flowers and plants, never before seen, bloomed in the forest, their colors unnaturally vibrant.
The air was filled with a strange smell, a mix of soil, humus, and unknown vegetation.
"This wretched place is so muggy and hot!"
Ignis tugged at the collar of her leather armor, fine beads of sweat already forming on her forehead.
Even her fiery red hair seemed to wilt in the humid air.
"Everyone, keep your spirits up!"
Akomann, riding a tall Horned Horse, shouted loudly to the soldiers behind her.
"The scouts have confirmed that this area is full of venomous insects and fierce beasts. Do not let your Guard down at any time!"
Wu Liang rode his warhorse in the middle of the column, looking at the unfamiliar surroundings, yet feeling completely calm inside.
This kind of unknown and challenge was exactly what he longed for.
At the very front of the column was the Scout Battalion led by Sa Lan.
They moved through the forest like ghosts, their agile figures appearing and disappearing, scouting the path ahead for the main force and eliminating potential dangers.
In the center of the column was the newly established Rifle Battalion.
Three hundred strictly trained soldiers carried brand new black rock type 1 rifles on their shoulders.
They formed neat ranks, with full, gleaming yellow bullet pouches hanging from their waists.
Akomann's Black Rock Army and the elites of Ignis's Ember Fire Legion guarded the flanks and rear of the Rifle Battalion.
These experienced veterans were the backbone of the entire force. They held spears and Battle Axes, vigilantly scanning the surrounding dense forest.
At the very back of the column was the Logistics Transport Team, meticulously organized by Florgloria.
Hundreds of tribespeople pushed wheelbarrows or drove Pack Animals, the carts loaded with food, ammunition, tents, and various tools.
A team composed of Artisans also traveled with them. They planned to establish a Forward Base immediately after finding the rubber production area.
"Leader, Sa Lan sent back word that there is a river five li ahead, and we can set up camp there to rest."
A messenger rode up to Wu Liang and reported loudly.
"Send the order: full speed ahead! We will set up camp by the river before dark!"
Wu Liang issued the command.
Water sources are crucial for spending the night in the rainforest.
At dusk, the main force finally reached the riverbank.
The soldiers immediately sprang into action—some cutting wood, some standing Guard, and others setting up tents.
Soon, a temporary camp sprang up on the open ground by the river.
Bonfires were lit, driving away the humidity and insects in the forest, and providing warmth and a sense of security.
Wu Liang's tent was pitched in the very center of the camp.
Soon after he sat down, Sa Lan walked in, covered in moisture. She had clearly just washed herself in the river.
"Leader, we caught a live one."
A trace of excitement was visible on Sa Lan's face.
As soon as she finished speaking, two scouts dragged in a small, struggling green creature.
The creature was less than a meter tall.
It had pointed ears, a large nose, and green skin covered in wrinkles.
Its small, darting eyes, currently facing the rare sight of humans, were filled with cunning and fear.
"A Goblin?"