MWC – Chapter 198 The Six-Man Western Region Team

I AM DROPPING THIS NOVEL. IF ANYONE WANTS TO CONTINUE THEY CAN. IF POSSIBLE PLEASE SHARE THE LINK SO I CAN BINGE READ TOO.

On a moonlit hill, Lu Ming, Chong Quanluo, and four White Banner council members lay hidden among the tall grass, watching the distant horizon. Two binoculars were being passed back and forth among them.

At strategic points below and near the hill, camouflaged armed personnel lurked in and out of view.

Unlike the solemn-faced Chong Quanluo and the others, Lu Ming did not look tense. Though he appeared to be watching the ambush zone in the distance, his thoughts were already elsewhere.

Earlier this afternoon, news arrived from Niccolo: the Alliance Council had passed a resolution officially launching the procedure to expel Bate City-State from the City-State Alliance. A one-month observation period was granted, during which an inspection team would be dispatched to Bate. If the city failed to make any changes in that month, it would be formally expelled.

During the observation period, Bate City-State would lose its status and privileges as a member of the Alliance. Its council members would also be barred from attending Alliance sessions.

As soon as the news broke, the army recruited by Bailu City was mobilized. However, their march was deliberately slow—clearly preparing for a nighttime battle.

The valley they were now watching was a critical pass that the Bailu City army had to cross on its way north.

Though Bate and several other smaller allied cities had fought major battles with Bailu here before—and Bailu’s troops were already very familiar with this terrain—Old Catfish still chose this spot for the ambush.

Within the valley, the conscripted militia of Bate City-State had already formed ranks. There were musket platoons, spear-thrower units, skirmish lines, and assault troops.

It was the traditional battle style of the smaller city-state alliance—fewer troops relying on layered formations to control both long- and close-range combat, defending this critical choke point.

Naturally, Bailu had spies within Bate. Chong Quanluo and the four major White Banner families had issued their impassioned call to arms—but that too could not escape Bailu’s intelligence network.

Just two hours ago, Lu Ming had even received a letter from Lord Bailu himself.

The letter was courteous. It said that once the Bate forces were defeated and the army reached the gates of Bate City, Lord Bailu hoped to then negotiate with Mayor Lu over the ownership of the Tianhai Desert.

Clearly, Lord Bailu believed that the mercenaries who came with the East Sea Trade Group would not interfere in the affairs between city-states. After all, from the size of their camp, they numbered only a hundred or two.

In the Eastern world, where human life was highly valued, these mercenaries were hired solely to protect the Trade Group. There was no reason for them to risk their lives defending Bate.

Besides, the Trade Group’s chairman was currently visiting other city-states and had taken most of the mercenaries along.

And the vice mayor from Bate—this Lu fellow—was merely the deputy leader of the Trade Group. He likely had no authority to order the mercenaries to do anything beyond their scope of duty, much less participate in a war.

Still, to avoid any potential complications in attacking Bate, Lord Bailu had cautiously sent Lu Ming that letter.

Thinking of the letter’s contents, Lu Ming shook his head. “Can’t say you’re wrong, Lord Bailu. You’ve thought this through very thoroughly. But unfortunately… I have my own plans. So I’ll have to disappoint you.”

“Master…” a soft voice spoke beside him.

Lu Ming and the others were lying on blankets behind the hill, observing the situation in the valley below.

Beside him, Mrs. Sanjin lay on her side. Ever adaptable, she now wore a set of camouflage fatigues. Her silver hair was tightly bound and covered with a green cap. This eternally youthful beauty carried a different kind of allure in this rugged look.

Lu Ming glanced at her, a questioning look in his eyes.

He had brought Mrs. Sanjin along to serve as his personal interpreter—already thinking ahead to his departure from this region.

Once he left, he planned to appoint a commercial representative to manage affairs here. At the same time, Luo Yi and Luo Er would remain behind.

He had discovered the two women, previously treated as mere background decoration, were actually quite capable. He had simply overlooked them.

After all, over the past year alone, they had been exposed to many situations and people while working with him and Pamela. Their experience had grown significantly.

The two would serve as his personal envoys, able to contact him directly, and cooperate with the stationed commercial representative to manage relations with local tribal groups. At the same time, they would act as a check on that representative.

Mrs. Sanjin could assist Luo Yi and Luo Er. With her help, many local matters would be easier to handle.

Bringing her to the battlefield today was also a calculated move—to leave her with an unforgettable impression, and perhaps suppress any hidden ambitions she might harbor.

So far, she had performed well—translating his words and relaying those of Chong Quanluo and the others. She had otherwise remained silent.

Lu Ming didn’t expect her to speak up now.

“I… I think a snake crawled into my pant leg…” Mrs. Sanjin whispered. Her pretty face didn’t show fear, only mild distress.

Huh? Lu Ming blinked and frowned. “Didn’t you tie your pant legs?” Then, realizing he might be too harsh, he added, “I’ll have someone come help—”

Mrs. Sanjin quickly shook her head. “No, I just wanted to ask if I could move a little… to pull the snake out.”

Huh? Lu Ming was stunned again.

“Master, it… it’s almost at my knee…” Her lovely face finally showed a bit of panic.

“Then—then pull it out!” Lu Ming said, speechless. He now remembered that he had earlier told her to stay still, as a battle might break out at any moment.

Before his words had fully landed, Mrs. Sanjin suddenly arched her upper body in an almost acrobatic motion, bending until her head touched her feet. With one hand, she reached into her pant leg and pulled out a green grass snake, which she then flung far away.

Lu Ming stared, dumbfounded. That waist… wasn’t that a bit too flexible?

He realized he had underestimated the Westerners. They had their own unique skills. This Mrs. Sanjin definitely had something special.

She lay back down gracefully, and when she saw Lu Ming still staring at her in shock, her beautiful eyes sparkled with a smile.

“Master, it’s called soft-body arts. Good for longevity and eternal youth.”

Lu Ming nodded. “Impressive!”

In a daze, it seemed as if a thousand-year-old beautiful snake spirit was coquettishly wagging her tail right in front of him.

At that moment, suddenly from afar came a burst of shouts.

---

February 19, Imperial Year 951, the Battle of Red Eagle Valley in the Western Region was destined to be recorded in history—as it marked the first time helicopters were involved in human warfare.

As the musket ranks of Bailu City advanced slowly, with their muskets and cannons pushing the skirmishers forward, the assault troops gripping their gleaming greatswords poised to launch a deadly final attack on the faltering Bate City defenses, two massive machines gradually rose into the sky. In the night, the continuous streams of fire from their heavy machine guns wove together into a dazzling fireworks display.

Almost instantly, the Bailu City army was routed across the entire front.

---

At dawn, in the pale morning light filtering into the valley, the young soldiers of Bate City-State were already cleaning up the battlefield.

On the hilltop, Chong Quanluo and the others remained deeply shaken, watching from afar and savoring the scenes they had just witnessed.

Mrs. Sanjin stood beside Lu Ming, her pretty face equally full of indescribable shock.

“All right, let’s go!” Lu Ming raised his voice slightly.

Only then did everyone come back to their senses. They all felt there was so much to say, wanting excitedly to discuss what had happened, yet strangely at a loss for words.

Following Lu Ming down from the hill was Chong Quanluo, who involuntarily fell several steps behind.

Lu Ming looked back and smiled at Luo Yi, the “Hawkeye”: “Old Hawk, hurry up and take Papaya back. Otherwise, I might not want to give her back to you!”

Hawkeye Luo gave a forced smile: “No rush, no rush. During this time, let her serve you. It’s her good fortune.”

Others looked at Hawkeye Luo with envy.

Although local customs included ideas like “grudge against wife snatching,” when it came to nobles and dignitaries of vastly different status, having one’s wife serve a powerful figure was actually considered an honor for the family.

Lu Ming’s nonsense about being reluctant to return Papaya seemed genuine, but inside he felt helpless. These customs were really strange.

Papaya had been at his Wolong Fortress for several days now. If he didn’t even touch her and just sent her back to Hawkeye Luo, the news would probably turn her into a laughingstock.

He could only put up with it and take the blame for everything.

Hawkeye Luo smiled again: “Besides, Master, Papaya is now completely infatuated with you. She probably no longer wants to return to our tribe. Master, can’t you just keep her?”

Lu Ming sensed that it wasn’t true love for him, but that Hawkeye Luo had been too decisive that day. Papaya had lost all hope and was thoroughly disappointed in him.

“You two will have to sort out your relationship yourselves,” Lu Ming was about to say, but when he turned, he saw Mrs. Sanjin translating, walking by with a somewhat teasing smile.

Lu Ming frowned. “What are you smiling at?”

Nearby, Popolo was clearly startled. Though he couldn’t understand what the noble and his own ancestor were saying, the tone seemed unfriendly.

It seemed his ancestor was not as favored by the noble as Papaya was.

Mrs. Sanjin sighed softly: “Master is truly merciful. I, Sanjin, am now planning to return and thank the Three Dragon Gods for their grace. This blessing has allowed me to survive my remaining years and become Master’s servant.”

Lu Ming glanced at her and then returned to speak with Chong Quanluo.

---

Returning to Wolong Fortress by afternoon, the place was lively until late at night when Chong Quanluo and the others finally left.

During this time, many natives from Bate City and even farther villages came to Wolong Fortress to thank Lu Ming, the “Messenger of the Three Dragon Gods,” for saving them from destruction.

These locals understood better than anyone the terrible fate they would have faced if the city had fallen.

Because the City-State Alliance was deeply biased against their tribe, they were isolated and had no allies in this battle.

Many locals—including women, the elderly, and children—had rushed from all directions to join the fight.

Yet unexpectedly, and without their direct involvement, a divine miracle from above shattered the brutal invaders.

All of this was because at Wolong Fortress, the Messenger of the Three Dragon Gods had arrived.

They came with their families and brought many local specialty gifts to pay respects to the Messenger.

Lu Ming, accompanied by Chong Quanluo and the White Banner council members, received wave after wave of villagers who worshiped him as a deity.

It was clear that Chong Quanluo and others fanned the flames, taking the opportunity to promote Lu Ming as the Messenger of the Three Dragon Gods.

According to legend, the previous Messenger of the Three Dragon Gods had been the sage Babbit.

And now, Lu Ming had become the new sage in the eyes of the natives.

The New Codex naturally became the new holy scripture of this new sage.

Chong Quanluo and others pushed this narrative partly to abolish the Babbit Code and partly to prevent the locals’ faith from collapsing, which would cause chaos.

---

After a chaotic day, late at night, peace finally returned.

After having his late-night snack, Lu Ming went down one floor, intending to go out onto the grassy slope to admire the moon and quietly collect his thoughts, pondering the next move.

The crushing defeat at Bailu City had dashed their hopes of competing with him for sovereignty over the Tianhai Desert.

No matter how powerful Fira Petroleum was, their room to maneuver in the contest over ownership of the oil fields was shrinking fast.

Next, it all depended on Labi Fira. He had been given the opportunity. If under the current circumstances he still couldn’t secure a chance to negotiate cooperation over the Tianhai oil field with Lu Ming, it would show he was mediocre at best. His donation of three hundred thousand was probably just a frivolous gesture without deeper meaning. Such a person had no right to become Lu Ming’s partner.

While thinking this over, Lu Ming reached the first floor and stepped outside, where he could faintly see a corner of the jade-like moon.

The moon here was much brighter than in Donghai.

Because Donghai had two satellite towns dominated by heavy industry, remnants of the fog city era, although they were enclaves, they somewhat affected the air quality in Donghai and Beiguan. The night sky in Beiguan was nowhere near as brilliant as in the Western Regions.

As Lu Ming was lost in thought, Luo Er hurriedly came up beside him. “Master, here are the gift lists from Jingji Luo and Dajun Luo.” She handed over two large red papers.

Lu Ming smiled as he took them, but as he glanced at the lists, his smile froze, a bit helpless. This wave of the Luo family’s gift-giving was setting a strange precedent—now, besides material gifts, they had to send people as well. Apparently, they thought he had a taste for such things.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted four figures emerging from the main servants’ quarters, varying in height.

The first on the left was a beautiful silver-haired woman in a white dress — Sanjin Po.

The second was a young beautiful woman in red clothes and pants — Papaya.

The third looked like a handsome young man from the Western Regions, dressed entirely in local black battle robes, almost like black cloth wrapped from neck to feet, wearing chest, hip, knee, and elbow armor, with strapped black battle boots. His arms and thighs showed strong muscles, a row of short knives at his waist, short black hair, and a refined, handsome appearance.

Dajun Luo’s most beloved and bravest granddaughter, Xue Ya, was also the most skilled marksman with a rifle in the clan. She was seventeen this year.

Dajun Luo offered a fifty-man spear-throwing suicide squad from the Tiger Guard, along with his granddaughter Xue Ya.

Seeing Lu Ming’s gaze, Xue Ya bit her lip and turned her head away — obviously a hundred times unwilling.

She somewhat understood the inside story behind the so-called “Messenger of the Three Dragon Gods” and therefore did not worship him as blindly as the local commoners did.

The fourth was a little sprout of a girl, looking like a young beauty — Fu Que’er, granddaughter of Jingji Luo, only seven years old.

Jingji Luo offered ten thousand acres of land, a thousand serfs, and this granddaughter.

Looking at these four, Lu Ming was speechless — grandmother, young woman, maiden, and sprout.

He glanced at Luo Er and pointed at Fu Que’er. “I’ll accept all these gifts, but this sprout, have someone send her back immediately.” She must not stay overnight, or her reputation would be ruined for life. She’s still young and foolish now, but when she grows up and sees the wide world, she’ll hate me for it.

Then he looked at Xue Ya. “You’re the same. Go home.” He frowned at Papaya. “Are you really going to stay here?”

Papaya lowered her head and dared not speak.

Xue Ya bit her teeth and glared fiercely at Lu Ming.

Lu Ming shook his head, the mood to admire the moon gone, and went straight upstairs.

Back on the third floor, he could only sit at his desk staring at the starry sky outside the window. Lu Ming scratched his head. One careless step and arriving in the Western Regions, he feared he would gain a reputation for debauchery. It was one thing for a man to be lustful, but debauchery was not a good look. Looking at himself — like collecting stamps, he liked all kinds: old, middle-aged, young, and little…

This…

If he went back, Pan Mila would tear him apart, even grounding him from playing with Bisi.

She might even run away from home with Bisi — could that be possible?

To be honest, right now, in his heart, there were four close family members — Han Zhubi, Pan Mila, and Bisi — or rather, three family members.

Oh, and Annie too. The entanglement of past and present lives was hard to let go.

And somehow, though he was still under twenty, since coming to this world he felt mentally old, no longer caring about love and romance. Family was the most important. Otherwise, no matter how beautiful a woman was, she was just something to play with.

His family was just those few.

Walking the path of power, maybe caring about love and romance was really childish.

While lost in these random thoughts, Luo Er gently knocked on the door. After Lu Ming responded, she pushed it open.

“Have they all left?” Lu Ming asked, then said, “You and Luo Yi will stay here as my personal representatives. Do you think Sanjin Po will be helpful to you? If not, just send her away.”

Luo Er timidly, in a small voice, said, “Master, I…” Suddenly, she knelt down, bowing her head to the ground. “Master, I want to relay a few words from Fu Que’er. Please punish me!”

Lu Ming was stunned. “What did that little sprout say?”

Luo Er whispered, “She… she hopes Master will keep her because if Master sends her back, next year her grandfather Jingji Luo will marry her off in Qingshan City. Their two clans have been intermarrying for generations. She’s supposed to marry the current lord of Qingshan City, a marriage arranged long ago. But she said that because Master came, she finally has a chance to escape marrying that disgusting old man…”

“She said she’s willing to serve Master like a beast of burden. She could tell from your eyes that you see her as a child, not as anything else. So if Master is willing to keep her, she’s willing to work in the kitchen as a helper, chopping vegetables. She said she’s very good at cooking…”

Lu Ming frowned. According to local customs and the Parbit’s sacred teachings, girls could marry at eight years old — an absurdity he had encountered in some regions in his previous life.

The new code had raised the marriage age to sixteen, but it would take time to change deeply ingrained traditions. Besides, noble families often had arranged marriages long before.

It seemed that little sprout was clever — she had seized the opportunity to come here herself.

Lu Ming shook his head.

“I’ve relayed Fu Que’er’s message. Master, please punish me!” Luo Er’s body trembled lightly, uncertain how her master would react. “Please decide how to deal with Fu Que’er…”

Lu Ming nodded. “I’ll punish you later. Go and send the sprout away.”

“Yes!” Luo Er agreed, got up, and backed out without hesitation. The little girl looked too pitiful; she helped convey the message, but how the master decided was fate — no room for doubt.

As Luo Er reached the door, Lu Ming nodded. “Hmm, if she wants to stay, let her stay. You’re off the hook.” He was just testing her reaction.

He then asked, “That tomboy and Papaya, they still refuse to leave?”

Luo Er whispered, “Should we tie them up and send them away?”

Lu Ming waved his hand. “Forget it, this place is a big inn and refuge. Let them be. You and Luo Yi will go and tell them you persuaded me to keep them. Let them owe you favors and serve you well later.”

Helpless, he said, “I have three scoundrels in Donghai — the three greats of the Lu clan. Here in the Western Regions, you six. That almost makes a ‘Jiangnan’… no, a ‘Western Regions Six Oddities.’ You and Luo Yi are the masters, and those four will assist you in your ‘pilgrimage.’”

Luo Er couldn’t tell from his tone whether he was angry or pleased, but she timidly agreed and cautiously retreated.