Lord: Starting with Summoning the Regular Army of Earth

On the west side of Jinshi Ridge, in the forest of the Misty Mountains, the air is filled with the rich scent of grass and trees and the damp smell of earth.

The canopies of the towering ancient trees almost completely blocked out the sky, with only scattered patches of sunlight filtering through the gaps.

The surroundings were unusually quiet, with only the occasional chirping of unknown insects and the faint sound of crunching on dry branches underfoot.

The ten-man reconnaissance team, led by Lei Hu, blended perfectly into the lush jungle like ten green shadows.

"Tiger Team, you said we're goblins too. If we could find a way to infiltrate the goblin tribe and take down their leader, wouldn't that solve the problem? Without a leader, they'd be no threat."

"Yes, Wang Xun's idea is pretty good."

"No, not at least not right now. We're too human-like, and the goblin tribe probably has its own unique way of identifying us. We shouldn't act rashly before we've thoroughly figured out their habits and background."

"Team Leader Lei is right. Besides, we don't even have a decent weapon on us. Let's not take any risks. Let's figure out the enemy thoroughly first."

"Well, come to think of it, not having a weapon to defend yourself feels like you're not wearing pants at all."

"We really weren't wearing pants."

"You're lucky to have a fur skirt, what do you need a bicycle for?"

"Alright, enough talk. Now keep silent, spread out in a fan shape, and take turns providing cover!" Lei Hu immediately gave the order.

The team members acted swiftly, their movements agile and their steps light, and they began their reconnaissance mission.

Upon arriving here, they truly experienced the natural advantages of goblins' bodies. Not only were their senses acute and their skin color extremely effective at concealing their presence, but their short stature and unique physical structure also allowed them to move freely through the dense jungle and easily slip through the bushes.

Entering this place immediately gave me a feeling of being in my element.

After traveling about a kilometer, He Rui, who was in charge of reconnaissance ahead, suddenly gave a signal that he had spotted something.

Lei Hu quickly went over and saw He Rui squatting down, carefully examining the ground, as if he had discovered something.

"Tiger Team, there are fresh footprints here. Three-toed, messy, and quite a few of them. They're goblins. There's also droppings. It seems this is an area they frequent."

Lei Hu also observed carefully and found that the footprints were indeed clear and the feces were still relatively fresh.

"Looks like we've found the right place. Everyone, perk up, we're about to venture into the lion's den."

The team continued to penetrate deeper into the mountains.

They constantly used the large tree roots and rocks as cover, making almost no noise while moving.

Shortly after, Sun Xiaochuan, on the far right, seemed to have noticed something and immediately raised his fist, signaling to stop.

Everyone instantly ducked and disappeared into the shadows.

Sun Xiaochuan pointed to his ear, then pointed to the bottom of a hillside ahead.

Lei Hu listened intently, and a faint, sharp, noisy roar and the sound of metal clashing drifted on the wind.

"Something's up. Approach slowly and take up high ground to observe!" Lei Hu ordered.

Using the terrain, the team climbed the hillside silently, like true ghosts, and hid behind the dense bushes to look down.

The sight below made everyone hold their breath.

It was a small valley where a chaotic and primal battle was taking place.

About thirty "wild goblins" were fighting each other, most of them carrying weapons that were clearly made by humans, such as swords and axes.

But the fighting was completely haphazard, relying entirely on instinct.

The cause of their fight was likely the recently deceased forest sheep nearby.

"Hey, so this really is goblin infighting." Wang Xun grinned, revealing sharp teeth. "Fighting like this over some food?"

But He Rui observed more closely: "Judging from their size and the decorations on their bodies, they should be two different tribes. The dark green-skinned ones look stronger and have slightly better weapons. The gray-skinned ones are more numerous, but they are thinner."

Lei Hu's sharp eyes quickly analyzed: "A total of 34 goblins. Their combat strength is utterly insignificant."

He touched his empty waist and sighed, "Damn it, if I had a military dagger, I'd lead you guys down there and wipe them out without leaving a single one alive."

"Yes, it's such a waste to give them such good weapons. They haven't been able to use them at all. It's such a waste."

"Those hand axes and daggers look like legitimate blacksmithing work; they must have been good stuff they robbed from Elmstone Ridge or caravans before."

"Brothers, do you remember the words on the wall of the old unit's honor room? 'No guns, no cannons, the enemy made them for us.' Back then, didn't our forefathers also grow stronger step by step by relying on captured weapons?"

These words were like a ray of light, awakening a certain power of inheritance within everyone's hearts.

Lei Hu's eyes lit up, and the group exchanged glances, all understanding each other's thoughts.

Although their leader had told them not to fight the enemy, the saying goes, "A general in the field may disobey the emperor's orders." At this moment, these guys had long forgotten Sun Zhengwu's words and were only thinking about how to get some handy weapons.

The group's gaze returned to the chaotic battle below the valley, their eyes now fixed on the enemy with the predatory glint of hunters eyeing their prey: "Let them fight. Once they're both badly wounded, we'll find an opportunity to pick off a few of the injured and isolated ones, and borrow their equipment!"

Wang Xun also got excited: "Alright, Captain!"

Before long, the battle below was decided.

With the leader of the gray-green goblin faction killed, the remaining dozen or so wounded goblins began to flee in disarray to the other side of the valley.

The dark green goblins did not continue the pursuit, but instead roared in victory.

"The opportunity has arrived!" Lei Hu's eyes flashed with a sharp light. "Xiao Chuan, Xiao Bei, you two stay here and keep an eye on the Sheng Fang. Make sure you follow them and find their lair. Safety first, concealment is paramount! The rest of you, follow me. Target: the wounded and isolated ones. Move quickly, ruthlessly, and quietly!"

"Understood!" Sun Xiaochuan and another scout replied in low voices.

His gaze was fixed on the dark green goblin that was sorting through its spoils in the valley.

Lei Hu waved his hand, and led Wang Xun, He Rui, and seven other team members, like cheetahs poised to pounce, silently gliding down the hillside and quickly chasing after the direction in which the gray-green goblins had fled.

By this time, the fleeing goblins were terrified and were desperately running towards their supposedly safe lair.

They were very scattered, especially the more seriously injured members, who were left far behind and staggered forward.

With their superb tracking skills and discipline, the Thunder Tiger Squad quickly caught up with the first group of stragglers at the edge of a dense thicket.

One of them had a broken spear stuck in his leg, another had a bloody and mangled shoulder, and another was clutching his bleeding abdomen.

"Target: three wounded soldiers. Wang Xun and He Rui, take care of the one with the short sword and wooden spear. I'll deal with the one in the middle who's unarmed. The rest of you, keep watch around to prevent any other fleeing soldiers from returning. Be clean and avoid drawing blood or leaving obvious signs of a struggle!" Lei Hu quickly issued the orders, his gestures crisp and efficient.