Real Mount and Blade Game

The news from Green Leaf Group has been forwarded to Shen Mu through Bandak.

The core content of the message was just one line of text sent by a senior Kugit archer on Pegasus: "The negotiations are going smoothly. Zhang Bo is in charge and the Green Leaf Group is hosting them. On the surface, it is calm and there is no conflict. The other party has not noticed anything unusual."

"That's great."

Shen Mu tapped lightly on the map spread out on the table with his knuckles, especially placing his fingers lightly on the outline of the Green Leaf Group area on the map, and a cold arc appeared at the corners of his lips.

smoothly?

This in itself is part of the plan.

"It seems that they appreciate our sincerity." Shen Mu whispered, as if confirming a long-determined script.

The atmosphere in the entire tent became a little more solemn.

They are all waiting.

Because the plan went so smoothly this time, the Green Leaf Group did not notice anything unusual.

After the spy Zhang Bo's preconceived idea, Shen Mu had successfully made the Green Leaf Group determine that this exchange itself was a peace negotiation, and his Dehrim had never thought of running the Green Leaf Group at all.

Otherwise, the letter would not have said that the other party did not notice anything unusual.

You should know that the senior Kugit cavalry archer sent by Shen Mu this time is a fifth-level soldier. Not only is he an excellent knight and has strong combat capability, he can also use various weapons very well. At the same time, he is not inferior in observation at all.

The Kugits are a nomadic people, and they need to observe every little movement and the expressions and actions of others.

These are customs and habits left over from the Kugit prairie.

Otherwise, if you don't notice any movement, you won't be able to detect an enemy rushing towards you quickly. If you can't judge the other party's expression and movements, you won't know whether the other party is an enemy or a friend.

For the nomadic tribes on the vast Kugit grasslands, who come and go as fast as the wind, without these two skills they would be like blind and deaf.

That was why Shen Mu was so confident in sending out the experienced Kugit archers as messengers and guards. In fact, he was also letting them secretly observe the Green Leaf Group and become Shen Mu's spies.

"Lord Shen Mu, what should we do next?" Fatis asked beside Shen Mu.

"wait."

Shen Mu spoke slowly. There was not much panic or impatience on his face, but only calmness: "Now we just need to wait. Time is on our side."

"I understand." Fatis nodded.

Then they waited together.

Until the sun sets.

Darkness gradually appeared on the horizon.

At night in the Blue Star World, with the arrival of 6:00 on time, the rules were reversed again in an instant, and the rules of the dead appeared.

"It's time to act." Shen Mu always spoke slowly at this time. He held a glass of water with honey in his hand. After drinking it all, he threw the ordinary glass cup aside and turned to Fatis beside him and ordered: "It's time."

"Understood, respected Lord Shen Mu."

Without words, Fatis clenched his right fist and hit it hard on the breastplate of the left chain mail.

The dull echo rolled like a war drum among the stone walls.

He strode out of the makeshift command tent, his tall and powerful figure outlined in the dim light of dusk.

"The Knights of the Holy Tree!" Fatis's deep and penetrating voice exploded over the camp, drowning out the faint noise in the distance, "Ready - to go!"

The order is like the fuse that lights the fuse.

In an instant, a solemn and murderous atmosphere rose from a corner of the camp.

Dozens of Holy Tree Knights, wearing fine armor and surrounded by a faint mithril light, had gleaming eyes.

They pulled the reins of their war horses in unison to calm their restless mounts, while skillfully checking the shields beside the saddles and the knights' swords hanging at their waists.

Every friction of the armor and every slight sound of the weapon being pulled out of the scabbard contained terrifying power.

They did not shout slogans, but the suffocating desire for battle, like a tiger about to pounce on its prey, caused the temperature of the entire camp to drop sharply.

Including the hundreds of Holy Tree Cavalrymen behind these Holy Tree Knights, at this time they lit the simple torches they had prepared long ago, and quickly gathered behind their own Holy Tree Knights, each of them with excitement in their eyes, eager to try.

Looking at the darkness around them, there was no fear on their faces. Instead, they became more excited.

The actions of the Holy Tree Knights were quickly carried out under Fatis's orders.

In the wilderness shrouded in night, the cold air under the rule of the undead was filled with uneasiness, but the knights showed no fear at all. The torches danced in their hands, reflecting the mithril light on their armor.

They were like silent hunters in the night, and had wrapped their horses' hooves with coarse cloth long before setting off - this was a careful arrangement by Fatis to ensure a silent march.

After leaving the temporary camp, the team advanced towards the Green Leaf Group along the predetermined route. The darkness along the way seemed to respond to the whispers of the undead rules.

But the Holy Tree Knights were well-trained, and the light from their torches only illuminated a small area in front of them to avoid disturbing potential threats.

Of course, what if they disturbed me?
Now the combat effectiveness of these Holy Tree Knights is sufficient to ensure that Shen Mu and them can move freely in the darkness.

Not afraid of the darkness and the undead monsters in the gray fog!

When they were about a mile away from the outskirts of the Green Leaf Group, Fatis issued a new order: everyone dismounted and led the troops forward.

His low command penetrated the night: "Hold the reins, and walk lightly - don't let our presence alarm the eyes behind the city wall."

The knights did as they were told, dismounted in unison, and led their mounts gently.

The cloth-wrapped hooves landed on the soft soil, making only a slight rustling sound; the soldiers held their breath and sneaked in the night like ghosts.

The vision was limited in the darkness, but Fatis guided the direction based on his experience. The team slowly passed through apartment buildings and residential buildings. The atmosphere was depressing and solemn.

The dead silence around them should have been filled with the roars of undead monsters, but apart from some faint whimpering in the distance, it was unusually quiet, as if the monsters turned a blind eye to the actions of this troop - this in itself was a sign of Shen Mu's plan.

Soon, the outline of the Green Leaf Group's wall appeared in the night, and the towering tree wall looked eerie under the rules of the undead.

Fatis signaled the team to stop, and when he was about to deploy reconnaissance, a familiar rustling sound came from the shadows ahead - the troops of Resarit and Bestur had arrived at the meeting point as agreed.

The two men emerged from the darkness, followed by their cavalry group.

A group of Swadian heavy lancers.

A cluster of Khergit heavy-armored horse archers.

They also lit torches and lined up like a dark barrier.

Resarit took the lead and stepped forward. His armor reflected cold and hard lines under the torchlight. His voice was filled with a hint of hasty reporting: "Lord Fatis, we arrived on time. The march was surprisingly smooth. There were very few undead monsters - only a few wanderers, who were easily dealt with by the Khergit archers."

Bestul nodded immediately after, a smug look on his face.

As a representative of the Kugit people, he habitually glanced around, like a vigilant hawk on the grassland: "Indeed, what Lord Shen Mu said before is the same as what we said. The monsters seem to have been weakened, and the area under the city is almost clear."

Fatis listened quietly, with a hint of cold and thoughtfulness in his eyes.

He wasn't surprised.

After he slaughtered all the undead army before, the undead rules in this area were severely weakened.

Therefore, the number and quality of undead monsters have reached an exaggeratedly low level.

Now, he was looking at the tree wall in front of him, ready to take action.

This is a...

The battle to completely destroy the Green Leaf Group! It was just that Shen Mu outside was preparing for the killing, while in the Green Leaf Group, the banquet atmosphere reached its peak at this moment.

The long wooden table was covered with white linen with a natural plant scent, and was piled high with delicacies.

The tender, golden roasted whole venison is filled with mushrooms and berries; the large plate of steamed fish is dotted with green herbs, exuding a mixture of sea breeze and forest scents; the bird wings roasted with a special technique present an attractive caramel color; various fresh fruits and vegetables are carved into exquisite shapes and dipped in a sauce that contains faint spiritual rules and has a soft glow; the freshly squeezed juice taken from the wooden barrel exudes a rich fruity aroma, and there are large jars of sweet, low-proof but extremely intoxicating honey wine.

This sumptuous dinner is enough to demonstrate Green Leaf Group’s highest sincerity in hospitality.

Zhang Bo, Sun Zhiru and eleven other negotiation experts enjoyed the food with obvious satisfaction and relaxation on their faces.

As the hosts, Yang Di and Zhang Song raised their glasses to toast with smiles on their faces. The atmosphere was so harmonious that it seemed as if the minor disputes at the negotiation table in the afternoon had never happened.

"Manager Zhang, Deputy Manager Sun, and all the experts," Yang Di raised his glass again, his voice loud and sincere, "This afternoon's communication was candid, in-depth, and fruitful. Although we have our own positions, it is all for a better future for each other. Especially after listening to Mr. Zhang Bo's heartfelt words, I, Yang Di," he paused, looking at Zhang Bo with a relieved approval, "feel relieved for the most part."

Zhang Song immediately joined in, "Yes, Mr. Zhang Bo has always upheld the belief of considering the overall situation and seeking common ground while reserving differences. The suggestions he put forward are indeed for the long-term future of our Green Leaf Group. This glass of wine is not only to thank Lord Deherim Shenmu for his broad-mindedness, but also to pay tribute to Mr. Zhang Bo's sincerity!"

He deliberately emphasized the four words "sincere heart", but his eyes were paying attention to Zhang Bo's reaction.

Zhang Bo was putting a piece of venison into his mouth. Hearing this, his movements paused for a few tenths of a second. Then, a proper smile of satisfaction appeared on his face. He raised his glass in response, "Boss Yang and Manager Zhang, thank you for your compliments. Our common goal is peace and a better future. I just did my job of communication. Lord Shen Mu's sincerity is indeed obvious."

He drank the amber-colored nectar in the cup, using the alcohol to conceal the heavy complexity and the last bit of luck in his heart.

Yang Di and Zhang Song exchanged a look that only they could understand, and the last bit of doubt in the depths of their eyes seemed to have truly disappeared.

Yang Di clapped his hands lightly.

Soon, the door on the side of the banquet hall was pushed open, and a fragrant breeze blew in. A dozen graceful young women walked in.

They can be roughly divided into two categories.

One category is humans from Blue Star, all of whom have very beautiful looks, bright eyes and white teeth, and behave with the gentleness of a well-educated person. They wear modified light dresses that show off their figure while maintaining dignity.

The other type is the wood elves, who have a natural aura and delicate facial features that are difficult for humans to achieve, with fair skin or a healthy light green sheen, long hair like waterfalls, and eyes as clear as spring water in the forest.

They wore light traditional costumes of the Wood Elves, revealing their slender yet powerful hands and feet with flowing lines. Their steps were silent and graceful, as if they could walk on the wind.

"Hahaha." Yang Di laughed heartily: "You all have come from afar and worked hard for the future of our Balihe Street. This small banquet is just to express our gratitude. These are the women in our Green Leaf Group who are good at singing, dancing and music. The gentlemen may feel lonely on the journey, so you can let them accompany you to relieve your fatigue and add some elegance to the banquet."

Sun Zhiru and several young negotiation experts' eyes lit up. Although they tried hard to maintain their composure, the smiles on their faces became noticeably more enthusiastic.

Zhang Bo felt a little nervous, but showed gratitude on his face: "Boss Yang is too polite. We are so grateful for your kindness."

The sounds of stringed instruments resumed in the hall, adding a touch of beauty.

The Wood Elf woman began to dance to the music, her movements light and graceful, like a forest elf; the Blue Star woman served by her side, adding wine and serving food, speaking softly.

The atmosphere of the banquet was pushed to a climax by this "unexpected gift", and both the guests and the hosts were enjoying themselves as they toasted each other.

However, at this seemingly harmonious moment, something strange happened.

The captain of the twenty experienced Kugit archers who had been standing silently behind Zhang Bo and others, guarding like a statue, suddenly took a step forward and cast a sharp look under his mask at Zhang Bo and Sun Zhiru.

His movements disrupted the rhythm of the banquet and also drew the attention of several negotiation experts who were watching the singing and dancing.

"Chief Steward Zhang! Deputy Chief Steward Sun!" Captain Kugit's voice was deep and clear, with the unique decisiveness and unquestionableness of the grassland cavalry, and it clearly penetrated the sound of stringed instruments. "It's getting late, we must leave immediately and return to Lord Bandak to report today's situation!"

This sudden request was like pouring ice water into a boiling oil pan.

Zhang Bo and Sun Zhiru were both stunned.

Zhang Bo reacted quickly, with a hint of surprise on his face: "Captain? Why are you in such a hurry to go back? There is such a sumptuous banquet now, and it is already night..." He pointed to the darkness outside the window that was completely shrouded by the rules of the dead and reminded: "It's not safe outside."

Captain Kugit's right hand was still subconsciously on the handle of the scimitar at his waist - this habitual alert posture always existed - and he interrupted with a tough attitude: "Because it is night, there is no time to delay! Dehrim's military order is as firm as a mountain! All dispatched scouts and escort troops are strictly prohibited from staying overnight in non-designated locations after completing their missions! Military information is urgent and must be reported to the direct superior immediately!"

He glanced at Yang Di and Zhang Song, who were looking stunned. "Mr. Yang! Mr. Zhang! It's not that we don't appreciate your kindness, but military regulations are strict and cannot be violated! Please let us go immediately!"

His tone was firm and left no room for maneuver, as if this was not a request but a notice.

The singing and dancing at the banquet had already stopped, and all the women were looking at the scene in surprise and doubt.

The joyful atmosphere disappeared, replaced by a stagnant awkwardness and undercurrent of suspicion.

The smile on Yang Di's face froze completely, his eyes instantly became sharp and gloomy, piercing the captain of the Kugit veteran cavalry archers like a needle.

The doubts he had put aside before were almost instantly raised again.

At this point in the night, these negotiation experts were clearly planning to stay overnight, but a powerful escort force insisted on leaving?

Is this really a military regulation, or a signal of ulterior motives?

Zhang Song's heart sank suddenly and he looked at Zhang Bo.

Zhang Bo had a look of confusion and a hint of helplessness at being forced to interrupt the banquet. He even took the initiative to speak to Yang Di, as if to help him out: "General Yang, the military order is indeed like this... Lord Bandak is very strict in his military discipline, and he is particularly averse to delays in the transmission of intelligence..."

Sun Zhiru and other negotiation experts were somewhat unhappy at this moment.

This captain is really ungrateful! Although it is a military order, such a tough attitude that barely gives face to the host, and after such a warm hospitality...

Yang Di's chest rose and fell slightly, and the storm in his heart was swirling violently.

Forcibly detain these twenty elite cavalrymen who are fully armed and obviously in a state of high alert?

Not to mention whether it can be done without loss, this will immediately expose his distrust and even hostility, the negotiations will break down in an instant, and all the pretense of peace will be in vain!
Moreover, the other party's reason for insisting on leaving and strictly abiding by military regulations can be said to be aboveboard and beyond reproach!

The fierce and resolute aura of the Kugit people also clearly conveys the underlying message of "war if forced to stop us."

He forced himself to squeeze out the last trace of a "reasonable" smile, but the smile seemed particularly forced: "I see... Military orders cannot be disobeyed. I understand that General Bandak is a good commander of the army and his reputation is well-deserved."

He slowly put down his wine glass, his voice filled with suppressed calmness, "In that case, I dare not force you to stay. Please...be careful on the road, the road is not safe at night."

The four words "be careful on the road" were spoken with profound meaning, and his gaze cut through the cold visor of the captain of the senior Kugit cavalry archers like a knife.

"Thank you Mr. Yang for your understanding!" Captain Kugit seemed to have completely failed to hear the subtext, or simply didn't care.

He nodded slightly, his movements were crisp and clear, without any politeness: "Chief Steward Zhang, Deputy Chief Steward Sun, I and others have escort duties to perform, and must return to the camp in advance! Everyone, please be sure to pay attention to safety, and the cavalry team will be there to pick up and relay the follow-up contact! Goodbye!"

After saying that, he waved his hand violently without even waiting for Zhang Bo to respond again.

"Shh-!"

A uniform sound rang out, and the other 19 Kugit horse archers turned at the same time. Their movements were as fast as lightning and without any confusion, as if they had rehearsed it countless times.

They followed the captain closely, ignoring the banquet which had not yet ended in the hall and the gloomy eyes of the host, and walked out with hurried and heavy steps like wolves thrown into the shadows. The friction sound of their heavy armor was particularly harsh in the silent banquet hall.

The door opened with a bang and then slammed shut.

The footsteps of twenty Kugit horse archers quickly disappeared into the dark night.

The banquet hall, which was warm and filled with the aroma of food and the laughter of beautiful women, seemed to have been drained of all its vitality and warmth in an instant, leaving only deathly silence and suffocating awkwardness.

Outside the hall, candles flickered in the dark night of the wood elf village.

Inside the hall, the "satisfaction" and "relaxation" on Yang Di and Zhang Song's faces had long since disappeared without a trace, replaced by a cold scrutiny and indescribable solemnity.

Sun Zhiru and several other negotiation experts looked at each other. Although they were unhappy, they also felt a little uneasy.

Zhang Bo picked up the wine glass in front of him and took a sip of the cold honey wine in a disguised manner, his fingers trembling slightly without being noticed.

He felt the real gazes of Yang Di and Zhang Song falling on his back, as if a thorn in his back.

He knew that the banquet was not over yet and the real test had just begun.

The departure of the Kugits was like lighting an extremely eye-catching torch in the dark night, completely exposing their "fear" within the Green Leaf Group. (End of this chapter)