Chapter 40: Conflict [Continued Reading Requests!] |
"Taking such great risks to help you worthless trash eliminate abominations, and instead of gratitude, you dare show me these expressions? Do you truly think I have no temper?"
Li Hu's words were far from calm. His aura surged violently, his face twisted in anger as he glared at the crowd with extreme displeasure, clearly having lost his patience.
Yet the word "trash" from his mouth instantly ignited the long-suppressed resentment among the crowd. Shi Qing had already taken two steps forward, ready to retort, but was stopped by Luo Ming standing before him. Seeing Luo Ming's pleading gaze, Shi Qing gritted his teeth and ultimately held back his words.
But Li Hu's fury remained unabated, especially after noticing Shi Qing's movement. He knew full well the man had intended to challenge him. Luo Ming's intervention didn't soften his tone—instead, his words grew even more caustic:
"What? Calling you trash doesn't sit well? Believe me, if we two leave, that Wood Puppet Abomination will slaughter all you worthless fools combined."
While Shi Qing could restrain himself, the leaders of the other four camps couldn't. Hong Gang, Huang Yong, Lu He, and Chen Ying all stepped forward. But just as they prepared to speak, Yang Ning, who had been silently observing, finally intervened.
"Enough, Hu Zi. Stop this!" Though he prevented further conflict, Yang Ning's face also showed clear dissatisfaction as he addressed the crowd. "Leader Luo, you were the one who requested our help, and all of you agreed to cooperate fully. You've seen with your own eyes how formidable that Wood Puppet Abomination is—no need for me to elaborate. If you truly don't need our assistance, say so now, and Li Hu and I will leave immediately."
These words plunged Luo Ming into internal struggle. Not just him—even the other four camp leaders who had considered withdrawing, including the hardest-hit Shi Qing, showed hesitation on their faces. Anger aside, Yang Ning's words delivered a sobering reality check: without these two, they stood no chance against the abomination. If Yang and Li truly left, given the Wood Puppet's murderous nature, all six camps would inevitably face destruction.
"Brother, no matter what you say, these fools won't understand. No kind words can stop those seeking death. Let these idiots perish—let's go home!"
Luo Ming had no choice. The camps at Redwood Ridge were indeed too weak. Isolated from the outside world, if Yang and Li left, they'd be truly helpless against the abomination's attacks.
Noticing their expressions softening slightly, Luo Ming continued: "Forgive my bluntness, but continuing like this is unsustainable. In half a month, four camps have lost twenty-nine Lumberjack Realm fighters combined. Don't laugh, but we're remote backwaters here—only Rogge Camp fares slightly better. The other five camps rely entirely on these fighters for survival. If they all perish, even without abomination attacks, their people will starve or freeze to death."
Yang Ning again stopped Li Hu with a look before speaking gravely after contemplation: "I understand your plight. But you must realize—the abomination's growth rate is unimaginable. Already you're no match for it now. Wait a few more days, and its power will become truly terrifying." Pausing, he met Luo Ming's gaze earnestly: "Believe me—sacrificing these few lives to destroy that Wood Puppet is absolutely worthwhile!"
Li Hu couldn't help interjecting with a cold sneer: "Fools. Sometimes necessary sacrifices are unavoidable. Can't even grasp this basic truth—you call yourselves leaders? Meeting us two is your incredible luck. Were it not for shared humanity, we wouldn't bother helping."
"Honored ones, I acknowledge your superior skills in combating abominations," Shi Qing finally spoke through gritted teeth, "But Boulder Camp has lost all Lumberjack Realm fighters except my brother and me. We truly can't contribute further."
Though Li Hu's points held merit, his constant "trash" and "fools" insults became unbearable. Already suffering heaviest losses with strongest withdrawal intentions, Shi Qing's resolve hardened further under these repeated humiliations. Yet knowing he couldn't afford offending them, he maintained rigid politeness, bowing deeply before addressing Luo Ming:
"Leader Luo, my deepest apologies. We must withdraw. After over half a month away, our camp surely faces food shortages. Any longer, and people will starve."
Luo Ming opened his mouth to object, but seeing only Shi Dong behind Shi Qing, swallowed his words. After checking the moon's position, he said: "Brother Shi, dawn approaches. Return to Rogge Camp first. At tomorrow's dusk, I'll prepare a sack of Crystal Fruits for your journey."
Shi Qing's face showed immediate gratitude. "Many thanks, Leader Luo! Shi Qing is forever indebted!"
Seeing the other four leaders stirring as if to follow Shi Qing, Luo Ming quickly proposed: "Honored ones, four leaders—dawn nears. Let's return to camp to discuss our next steps?"
After exchanging hesitant glances, the four leaders nodded. Meanwhile, Li Hu's expression had darkened dangerously when Shi Qing announced departure—he even stepped forward aggressively before Yang Ning restrained him. Watching Luo Ming actually permit Shi Qing's leave, Yang Ning frowned deeply but remained silent after considering the other leaders.
Motioning for Luo Ming's group to proceed ahead, Yang Ning followed with Li Hu, deep in thought. Once distance grew between them, Li Hu whispered: "These ingrates don't deserve help, brother. Let's leave—call reinforcements. That abomination won't escape."
Yang Ning hesitated before shaking his head: "Bringing others means sharing the spoils. Plus, round-trip would take too long—its strength would grow beyond our capabilities." Sighing as he watched the retreating figures, he added quietly: "We've already severed one of its arms—its power must have diminished. One final attempt. If unsuccessful, we'll summon reinforcements... and let these people fend for themselves."
Comments 3