Late at night.
The cold northern wind piled thick clouds together, obscuring the cold moon and twinkling stars that should have been visible in the sky. As light snowflakes drifted down to the ground, people below suddenly realized that heavy snow was approaching.
The water on the Dan Shui River rippled, revealing silver scales under the cold light. It resembled a long dragon clad in armor, winding its way toward the southern horizon.
With the appearance of a group of humans dressed in black tight-fitting clothing, the once peaceful west bank of the Dan River was disrupted, now filled with sounds beyond just flowing water.
Thanks to the snowfall, it would be even colder otherwise! Even so, the breath that escaped from their mouths instantly turned to frost. Wang Jian turned back to wave at Li Xin, knowing that everyone involved in this operation was present. Since they were going to swim across, weapons and supplies needed waterproof packaging. After confirming that the leather bags were securely tied, he said to Luzi, "General! Everything is ready; give the order!"
Luzi nodded, looking at the emerging shape of what would become the Special Forces Unit with satisfaction. The reason for organizing this reconnaissance team was primarily to restart a lost plan. If initially it was about considering the formation of the Prosperity Record's Special Forces Unit, now it had upgraded to establishing special operations troops for the army. This represented a qualitative leap and could even change future combat forms.
"Brothers! People say that a good craftsman does not show his raw materials, but I still want to bring out this raw jade for everyone to see. Our mission has two objectives: the first is to locate the Zhao Army's catapult positions; the second, which is my personal idea, is to use our actions this time to verify whether we can organize a Special Forces unit for the army!"
"Special Forces!?"
This was the first time everyone had heard this new term. Whether a new type of troop could ultimately grow and thrive depended crucially on its founders and experimenters. If successful, all participants would become founders of this new military branch. They exchanged glances and suddenly understood. If this unit were eventually established, their names would be recorded in history.
Seeing that the members of the Special Forces Unit understood his words, Luzi explained further: "The so-called Special Forces are soldiers serving unique forms of warfare. The composition of this army will naturally be a perfect combination of experts among experts and elites among elites. Striking swiftly and lethally without being noticed is key. If we achieve remarkable success in this operation, I will directly apply to the king!"
This was essentially a pre-war mobilization; as the leader of the action team, Luzi needed to ensure that participants understood what they were doing. Giving everyone hope was far more practical than blindly hacking away at enemies.
After all, this was preliminary practical research; data collected after real combat would be particularly important. Participants would also consciously record and summarize their experiences because they had been informed in advance.
As these reports gradually come together, all the data will be refined. Further supplementation and modifications through practical experience will adjust the coordination methods of the Special Forces Unit to their optimal state. Of course, achieving this in one go is clearly impossible; it will require a significant amount of time and extensive practical experience. Once fully formed, this unit will become the enemy's nightmare!
Xiao Yu'er looked at the thickness of the ice forming along the shore and calculated that it was time to set off. He took out a medicinal soup from the large pack behind the burly Chang Yu and filled several half-cut bamboo tubes. He reminded everyone, "Essentials before entering the water—one cup per person!"
Among the dozen or so people present, except for Luzi and Meng Wu, everyone had already tasted it. Just thinking about that flavor made them want to find a place to vomit up yesterday's meal. However, they all acknowledged its effectiveness in warding off the cold.
Snow continued to fall lightly from the sky, making a rustling sound against their tight-fitting clothes, reminding everyone of the low temperatures. At this temperature, if they entered the water without some medicinal soup to support them, they would freeze before reaching the other side!
Let's do it! Better to feel nauseous than to freeze to death! Chang Yu and Changsheng no longer hesitated and were the first to lift their bamboo tubes as a demonstration. They exchanged pained expressions before tilting their heads back and downing the contents.
Seeing their fellow Brothers rushing to drink, Luzi and Meng Wu felt inexplicably puzzled. Noticing that Li Xin wasn’t joining in, they hurriedly asked, "What are we drinking?"
Li Xin, who was engaged in an internal struggle, glanced at the two curious ones and replied irritably, "Meng Po Soup!"
"What!? What is that?"
Luzi recalled what Meng Po Soup was from his time in the Chu Region; wasn't that supposed to be consumed before crossing the Bridge of Helplessness?
Seeing their expressions, Li Xin suddenly realized he had an opportunity for mischief! He stepped closer to Xiao Yu'er and said, "Innkeeper! Two cups of drinks, please! Just put it on Boss Lü's tab!" After receiving two bamboo tubes, he turned back and handed them to the two while explaining, "The taste of Meng Po Soup is truly legendary! It's an essential remedy for warming up and staying fit during outdoor activities!"
After finishing his advertisement for this miraculous medicine, Li Xin carefully instructed them on how to take it. "You must drink this in one gulp to see its miraculous effects! Once you truly experience it, you won't have to worry about anything else!"
It sounded more like an advertisement for poison; however, seeing that everyone else was fine reassured them. Luzi looked at Meng Wu, and then they clinked their bamboo cups together. They both tilted their heads back and drank it all down, smacking their lips and exclaiming about its fragrant taste.
Li Xin, who was just planning to watch the excitement, couldn't figure out whether the two people across from him were deliberately acting, leaving him puzzled. He quickly turned to Xiao Yu'er and Keeper to ask for a cup, gritting his teeth and taking a sip. As the floral fragrance filled his mouth, he suddenly burst into tears. "Good medicine is always bitter, yet it can save lives. Poison tastes sweet but can lead to eternal damnation! We might as well prepare for our last rites..."
Xiao Yu'er rushed over and snatched the cups from their hands. Seeing Li Xin repeat what he had heard that day at the so-called Bridge of Helplessness, she couldn't help but laugh. She quickly covered her mouth and looked around to ensure she hadn't startled the Sentinel on the other side. Once reassured, she explained, "The taste of medicine can be adjusted; don't speak nonsense if you don't understand! This is meant for my family’s Lu Gongzi, so of course, we have to consider the flavor."
Truly, only women and scoundrels are difficult to deal with! They had already forgotten about the matchmaker before even entering!
Li Xin sighed heavily and glanced at Wang Jian. "You tell me! Ah! We are at least family members, right? Our king hasn't issued an Edict to make Xiao Yu'er a noble lady yet, and all that's on your mind is your son!"
Xiao Yu'er's background was extremely simple and clear; aside from her medical skills, everything else was like a blank sheet of paper. Moreover, she bore no burden of an Official Position, so there was no need to keep her identity secret. However, this was only limited to those present who were considered family. If nothing unexpected happened, King Qin's Edict would arrive soon. At that time, it would be legitimate and known throughout the land, making secrecy unnecessary.
Comment 0 Comment Count