575 Night Raid on Qianzhou
With power and rhythm, his body rose and fell, keeping him about three feet off the ground, his feet never touching the ground, as he moved quickly in the shadows. The night was dark and the wind was high, and he moved silently.
The remaining 600 soldiers, always ready for battle, never leaving their weapons and shields, never removing their armor, eating only until they were 80% full, closing the camp to sleep, each in their own position, forming a defensive formation.
Long-term training and collaboration have resulted in a level of tacit understanding and teamwork that is now highly refined, and they are taking turns to rest.
"I'll set off for Qianzhou around Qingming Festival." My only thought was to leave as soon as the time came.
Yansha Prefecture, Yansha Prefecture, its name is just as its name suggests.
A land ruled by scorching sun and yellow sand, where the sky is high and bright at night.
The air was filled with the chill of sand, making even breathing feel icy.
There are few high mountains and not many shrubs; instead, there is an endless expanse that inspires awe.
However, this seemingly desolate land actually contains abundant resources.
The underground of Yansha Prefecture is rich in precious minerals and energy resources. Many agents clash and vie for resources and control in this region.
The lives of the local people are also full of challenges and hardships.
Extreme climate conditions, scarce water resources, and ongoing conflicts and struggles.
Inside the makeshift shed, the young men, exhausted from a day's work, were already fast asleep, their breathing mingling with heavy, thunderous snores echoing in the quiet night.
The environment inside the shed was very rudimentary, with the walls made of rough wooden planks.
The roof was covered with a thick layer of straw mats to shield it from the scorching sun during the day and the cold wind at night.
The ground was covered with some dry grass and tattered cotton quilts, which were the men's only beds.
If it gets cold, huddle together; otherwise, life and death are left to fate.
After mining for three years, you can leave with a hundred taels of silver.
Their bodies were already exhausted. They had been deceived or captured, and were not well-fed or clothed. They had little strength to escape, let alone resist.
Three years, a hundred miles of silver – that was the only belief that motivated them.
Whether it's real or not, I'm currently immersed in a dream, perhaps seeking a moment of peace and warmth within it.
Outside, all was quiet, with only two overseers eating peanuts and cautiously watching their surroundings.
A grinning constable wrapped in an old cotton-padded coat complained softly, "Really, it's so cold, and we still have Brother Ying here, and he doesn't even raise his wages."
If one or two run away, I'll have to wait and take their place myself.
Brother Eagle, Brother Eagle, do you have any connections? Take some brothers to work in that mansion; it's too tough here.
I haven't smelled a woman's scent for almost a month.
As he spoke, he secretly took out a gourd of wine and handed it to Brother Eagle in front of him.
Eagle wasn't very big, but he exuded an undeniable power, and his blood and qi were extraordinary.
Bronze-colored, his muscles seemed to contain immense destructive power; he once cleaved a fleeing mine slave in two with a single stroke.
It stained the ground red; it was fierce, decisive, and ruthless, never dragging its feet.
He is deeply favored by his superiors and highly regarded, but it's unclear why he's still here.
Eagle Brother casually took the gourd of wine, opened it, and took a small sip.
Looking at his subordinates' obsequious manner, he felt a sense of satisfaction.
Having finally climbed up from the bottom, he gazed intently at the person before him, who groveled and fawned over him as if he were the only savior in his life.
Whether it was flattery or envy, their eyes were filled with awe and longing for power.
Although he knew in his heart that if he were to fall on hard times, the person in front of him would not hesitate to kick him while he was down, or even worse, perhaps even take his life.
However, at this moment, a sense of pride welled up in my heart.
Power is a wonderful thing. Even though I have to guard it with these lower-class people, I still receive a subsidy.
You get paid for the night shift, and you also get contribution points, which are things that even silver can't really buy.
Of course, this applies when there isn't much silver. If there is enough, it naturally falls outside this range.
With money, you can not only enjoy all kinds of delicacies and beautiful women, but you can even get close to extraordinary people.
Once he has exchanged for a cultivation technique that allows him to cultivate true qi, he will naturally be able to rise to the top in one step, thanks to his extraordinary talent.
When the time comes, won't you still get what you want obediently?
Thinking of the young lady who had met the head of the hall some time ago, he felt restless.
If I can cultivate to become a Martial King, would I still need her?
He threw away his complicated thoughts.
He smiled faintly, said nothing, and simply gestured with his eyes.
"Yes, yes, Brother Eagle, I misspoke, I misrepresented myself."
He lowered his head, not daring to look Eagle in the eye, afraid that any small movement he made would anger this fierce boss.
He couldn't withstand a single blow from Brother Eagle, and before he knew it, his back was soaked with sweat.
Eagle Brother slowly began, "The rewards are never lenient once the best ore is mined."
He quickly nodded in agreement, his face revealing an expression of excitement and anticipation that he made no attempt to hide.
The prospect of immense wealth, from which he could also reap rewards, was something he had always dreamed of.
He quickly reassured him, "Don't worry, Brother Eagle, I will keep a close watch on the ore and ensure its safety."
"Brother Eagle, why don't you go and rest early? I can look after this place."
With a hint of disdain, he said indifferently, 'These fools, still thinking they'll go home with money and marry wives after three years, how naive!'
His eyes were soft, his tone contemptuous, as if he were looking at a dead man.
The words had barely left his mouth!
Eagle's eyes were like knives, and his voice was as cold and hard as iron: "Little Gu, you must keep a close eye on these ores recently. If there is any mishap, you will not be let off lightly."
They were also instructed to intensify mining efforts, adding an extra hour each day.
The biting chill seemed to travel through the wind, each word carrying its own piercing cold.
Xiao Gu shuddered and exclaimed, "Add another hour, and it'll be eight hours. They're probably going to rebel."
Before I knew it, my face had turned pale, and fine beads of sweat appeared on my forehead.
The surrounding air seemed to freeze, so quiet that only Xiao Gu's rapid breathing could be heard.
He knew in his heart that Brother Ying was ruthless and showed no mercy to his subordinates.
But nowadays, making miners work for eight consecutive hours is beyond their limits, and it's hard to guarantee that some won't become dissatisfied and take risks.
They will be the ones in the most danger at that time.
Failing to complete the mission is dangerous, but escaping is also dangerous...
Eagle's eyes narrowed, like a raptor staring at its prey, cold and sharp, fierce and ruthless, with an irresistible command in them.
The ruthless man said, "This is an order from above. Mining immediately, mine as much as you can."
As for whether they live or die, some damage is acceptable; you understand.
Eagle's every word seemed to carry frost, devoid of any human warmth, only indifference towards the short-lived lives of these ghosts.
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