Lord: Starting with Summoning the Regular Army of Earth

Chapter 113 I've Seen a Wider World

After the battle plan was finalized, Matthew, Wu Ronghui, Eleanor, and others followed Sharna outside the tent.

In stark contrast to the somber and heavy atmosphere when we first arrived, the area is now filled with an almost festive spirit.

Several bonfires blazed brightly, casting a rosy glow on the tired yet excited faces of the people.

The meat broth and wheat porridge bubbling in the large pot emitted a rustic yet enticing aroma.

The children no longer hid, but chased and played around the bonfire, letting out long-lost and genuine laughter.

The women used wooden spoons to distribute the food, their faces bearing relieved smiles.

Even the wounded soldiers, missing limbs and leaning against the rock wall, no longer had numb despair in their eyes, but instead stared brightly at the flames, as if new life was pulsating within them.

This scene suddenly reminded Matthew of Ember Ridge from back then.

Life is like wild grass; as long as the sun shines, it can burst forth with surging vitality and enthusiasm to greet the sunshine and hope.

"What's this?" Wu Ronghui was somewhat surprised. Why were they celebrating before even winning the battle?

"This is prepared for you, and it is also the way we White River Valley treat our guests!" Sharna walked to Matthew's side, and looking at the scene in front of her, her always straight shoulders and back seemed to relax a little.

The firelight danced in her pale golden eyes, reflecting a hint of moisture.

"They've been suppressing their emotions for too long, and they've lost too much. But your arrival—Baron Matthew—" She looked at Matthew, her gaze no longer sharp as before, but instead gentler like Anzi's. Her voice was slightly choked, yet filled with genuine emotion: "The hope you bring us is like the sun rising in the long, dark night."

"So this is something to celebrate, something we should give up our last reserves for our friends and for hope."

Sharna's heartfelt words touched Matthew deeply.

The infectious atmosphere around him reminded him of the simple and honest people of Ashstone Ridge, those lives that had become vibrant because of him.

At that moment, he felt that his trip had gained a special meaning.

"Come, my friends! White River Valley may have no fine wine, but it has hot soup, songs, and an unwavering friendship. Tonight, let us forget our enemies for a moment, and celebrate only our covenant and tomorrow!"

Sharna took Matthew and Eleanor's hands and led them toward the largest pile of embers.

The tribespeople along the way made way for her, looking at her and Matthew and the others with reverence, gratitude and curiosity.

Several gray-haired elders stood up shakily, bowed to Matthew with their hands on their chests, their eyes filled with turbid tears.

The young warriors pounded their chests and let out deep roars, a salute from the barbarian warriors.

The food was quickly distributed.

The meat broth and wheat porridge in the wooden bowl wasn't exactly delicious, and it was even a bit gritty, but every bite carried a simple warmth and sincerity.

Sharna picked up a leather flask, uncorked it, tilted her head back, and took a large, hearty gulp. She then handed it to Matthew, her eyes gleaming: "Our own homemade crème brûlée, very astringent, but strong enough. To our allies!"

Without hesitation, Matthew took the wine flask and took a swig as well.

A sour, icy liquid, sharp as a knife, slid down his throat, then turned into a fire that burned in his chest and abdomen, causing him to cough twice.

But what surged up immediately was a very peculiar, burning feeling, as if connected to this land and these people by blood.

"A toast to our allies!" he declared loudly, handing the wine flask to Eleanor beside him. Eleanor also took a large gulp, her fair cheeks instantly flushing red. Although she had drunk from it before, she was still choked by the strong flavor and coughed a few times.

The firelight flickered, and someone started it all—an ancient, desolate yet powerful song resounded among the crowd.

At first, it was just a few old men murmuring, but then more and more voices joined in, warriors tapping their shields with the hilts of their swords, and women clapping their hands.

There were no musical instruments, only the sound of the wind, singing, the crackling of the campfire, and a rhythm as deep as the pulse of the earth.

The song tells of the glory of the ancestors, the vastness of the grasslands, and the hardships of migration, and also subtly contains the sorrow of losing the homeland and the desire to reclaim everything.

Eleanor sat quietly to one side, the firelight dancing on her delicate face. Her eyes held a complex mix of emotions, moved by the primal life force and thrilled to witness this battle of fate.

Sharna and Matthew sat side by side on a flat, large rock, looking at everything before them.

Under the influence of the strong liquor, the awkwardness between the two dissipated considerably.

Sharna's cheeks were flushed with a healthy blush. She turned her head to look at Matthew's profile, illuminated by the firelight, and suddenly asked softly, "Sir Matthew, I can sense—you and your warriors are very different. And it's not just because of the weapons."

In your gaze upon us, there was pity, there was resolve, but not a trace of fear, not even when faced with the legend of Pazu. You were like—like people who had seen a wider world.

Matthew felt a slight tremor in his heart, knowing it was the shaman's keen intuition.

He nodded, neither denying nor fully confessing, but simply smiled and said, "Your intuition is correct. We have indeed seen a wider world and the most brilliant and ancient civilizations."

Matthew wasn't exaggerating; if you were to bring out China's five thousand years of history and culture, even this world with its extraordinary powers would pale in comparison.

"If one day, I mean if you're willing, someday in the future, could you tell me about the world you've seen, and—civilization?" Sharna looked at Matthew with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to explore.

"Of course, there's plenty of time, there will definitely be opportunities in the future." Matthew didn't mind letting Chinese civilization invade the other world.

Having received Matthew's promise, Sharna nodded happily. Her gaze returned to the crowd dancing around the campfire, and to the few Ember Ridge warriors who were clumsily trying to learn to dance from their tribe. She chuckled, a pure and bright smile that belonged to a girl her age.

"Look at them—but they learn very quickly."

"Haha, no need to praise them, they really have no talent for dancing." Matthew covered his face; the dance moves of those regular guys were indeed unbearable to watch.

"Come on, Baron Matthew, let's dance." Sharna grabbed Matthew's hand and forcibly pulled him into the group, where they danced to the rhythm of the distinctive dance.

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, a clearing was set up at the edge of the camp.

Wu Ronghui and several of the remaining warriors from Jinshiling became instructors.

Dozens of carefully selected White River Valley hunters and warriors listened and watched intently.

From the foot-operated cocking of the steel-arm crossbow, three-point aiming, and crossbow maintenance, to the grenade pull ring, throwing posture, and dodging actions, and then to how to use the terrain in conjunction with the firepower coverage of the explosive charge launcher—every detail was repeatedly explained and demonstrated.

The warriors of White River Valley displayed astonishing learning and adaptability; they were already the best hunters and survival experts, possessing an almost innate intuition for the use of power and the grasp of timing.

Meanwhile, Matthew, Eleanor, and the other members of Emberstone Ridge, escorted by fifty elite cavalrymen personally selected by Sharna, embarked on their journey back to Emberstone Ridge.

Furthermore, Sharna selected the one hundred strongest horses from the tribe and had Matthew take them back to Emberstone Ridge for the subsequent transport of weapons and ammunition.

Sharna escorted them all the way to the entrance of the Stone Forest Cliff, and they agreed on a return time.

"Be careful on your journey. My eagle will guide you from the sky." Sharna's gaze seemed to pierce through the clouds, communicating with her companions high above. "Greyback will keep an eye on your group. If it spots a large contingent of Titans' cavalry, it will warn you. My people will also lead you along the most secluded paths to ensure your safe return."

"Thank you, Sharna," Matthew said solemnly.

With eagle-eye high-altitude reconnaissance and a guide familiar with the terrain, the safety and speed of the return journey will be greatly improved.

"I'll be here waiting for you to come back, Baron Matthew," Sharna said in a deep voice, her eyes filled with anticipation.

"I will return in seven days at most with sufficient weapons." Matthew mounted his horse, took one last look at the female shaman leader who looked exceptionally tall and resolute in the morning light, nodded, and pulled on the reins. "Let's go!"

The team set off again, but this time, there was a silent watcher in the sky.

Occasionally, a high-pitched eagle cry would come from the highest clouds, as the grey-backed eagle would report that the front was safe or point the way.

The ten White River Valley cavalrymen on the ground moved like fish through the rugged terrain, avoiding possible lookout points and choosing the most effortless and fastest routes.

Two days later, the dusty but safe journey finally brought the gray-black outline of the city wall of Jinshi Ridge into view.

It had only been a few days since he left, but it felt like an eternity to Matthew.

The changes within the territory are indeed happening rapidly, and the foundations for the first batch of standard houses have been completed.

Weapon production increased several times over during the few days he was away, and the flood control project also progressed quite smoothly.

However, after returning to his territory, Matthew immediately summoned all core members, including Sun Zhengwu, Will, Zhang Hongjian, Cui Hongyuan, and Wang Qinian, to inform them of the alliance with White River Valley and the battle plan against the Giant God Tribe.

The meeting room was filled with excitement, which was followed by efficient execution.

All military production in Jinshiling was tilted towards this.

The blacksmith's shop was filled with the clanging of metal all night long as he worked to produce crossbow bolts and machine parts.

The gunpowder workshop operates at full speed under strict safety procedures, preparing granulated black powder and assembling projectiles.

Evelyn worked tirelessly day and night to optimize the stability and power of the "Eagle-borne Bomb".

Zhang Hongjian and others were responsible for the final inspection and testing of all the equipment.

Sun Zhengwu's side also began simulation training. This time, a total of one hundred soldiers went to support Baihe Valley: including forty of the most elite human summoned unit soldiers, covering crossbowmen, demolitionists, scouts, and engineers.

And sixty goblin units, mainly responsible for commando, harassment, mine laying and auxiliary operations.

The main fighting force was, of course, the three thousand elite troops of White River Valley, while the soldiers of Emberstone Ridge were mainly for support and functional roles.

The four days passed in the blink of an eye due to the extremely efficient operation.

At dawn on the fifth day, a transport convoy consisting of twenty extended and reinforced carriages and one hundred fine horses, led by Sun Zhengwu and Matthew, slowly drove out of the Jinshi Ridge city gate.

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