Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 331 Stealth Assistance: High Priest White Fang Asks the Gods (Part Two)

During the days of waiting, the team from Hanhai was not idle either.

With the support of the FAST telescope, they conducted a preliminary survey of the northwestern hinterland of the Bailu Plain, which had never been explored before. They collected some atmospheric, soil and hydrological data on site using instruments, and captured a large amount of geographical and environmental images using high-resolution camera units.

Until the arrival of the "White Deer Restoration Society" personnel, a long and tortuous journey of relocation followed.

The team followed their contact, traversing rugged mountain paths and dense forests. On several occasions, the members of the Hanhai team were even required to be blindfolded and, accompanied by members of the Restoration Society, enter a closed animal-drawn wagon.

The sound of wheels rolling over gravel, the heavy breathing of the animals pulling the cart, and the faint, brief conversations in the local dialect of the people meeting the driver outside the cart constituted the entire impression of this journey.

They walked and stopped intermittently until the sun began to set and the evening shadows were about to envelop the mountains of Qishan. Finally, they arrived at their destination and were allowed to remove the black cloth covering their faces.

This is a forward base of the "White Deer Restoration Society".

The reason for not going to the rear base is not because the other party distrusts the members of Han Hai Territory, but simply because this is the rule established by the "White Deer Restoration Society" over the past century.

The rear base houses the elderly, women, and children; as the main base, no one is allowed to enter or leave casually.

Most resistance actions and trade activities can only be initiated from forward outposts. If the orcs capture them, it only means that the forward outpost is sacrificed.

Of course, what we see here is more of a medium-sized "refugee camp" than a stronghold. It is clear that it was not built for long. To prevent it from being discovered by the orc air patrols, there are no ground buildings. The main structure is a large cave with some messy vines hanging at the entrance for cover.

A campfire burned in the center of the cave, its flickering flames casting distorted shadows on the rock walls. Groups of "Restoration Society" fighters sat around the fire, whispering among themselves.

There were also some passages and side caves extending to both sides. Hearing that newcomers had arrived, the soldiers next door also stuck their heads out curiously.

Chen Yuanfeng's first impression of these people was that they were thin!

Their clothes were tattered, their faces sallow, and long-term malnutrition made their cheekbones appear high. Their deep-set eyes looked disproportionately large in the firelight. At first glance, they resembled the exploited slaves under orc rule.

However, compared to the numbness of the slaves, a vibrant life force was surging within the cave.

Angus paid special attention to the opponent's equipment level.

Their weapons were a motley collection: broken iron swords with nicks, bone spears made from sharpened leg bones of some unknown creature bound to wooden poles, simple wooden bows with crooked handles, and some simply wooden sticks and forks, which seemed to have been carefully selected and were quite stylish...

The shape resembled several tree branches, which made Angus and Chen Yuanfeng want to pick them up and swing them.

The equipment was neatly arranged on one side of the cave, on a series of earthen steps.

On the top of the earthen platform were several rough wooden frames, with several leather armors hanging stiffly on them. Experienced veterans could tell at a glance that the leather armor was almost entirely made of raw, untanned hide.

It wasn't that the Restoration Society didn't understand tanning techniques. Among the gifts they had previously sent to the Han Hai territory were several perfectly processed, soft, and lustrous furs, demonstrating exquisite craftsmanship.

But Old Cat explained in private that the complete tanning process requires a lot of precious salt and other chemicals, which is too expensive! Any decent-looking material that can be exchanged for money is used to trade for urgently needed supplies, leaving only these rough scraps, which are then barely processed for their own use.

The equipment was indeed crude, but it was arranged in an orderly manner and wiped spotless.

This sense of order, stubbornly maintained even in extreme hardship, creates a stark contrast—like a person dressed in tattered beggar's clothes who has meticulously patched every patch and washed every stain clean.

Before arriving here, although they had heard Old Cat describe the difficult situation of the Restoration Society many times, the people from the Vast Ocean Territory still found it hard to imagine that these professionals, who had theoretically stepped into the threshold of spiritual energy cultivation and should have belonged to the category of "superior people" in the Starry Continent, would actually be reduced to the point of not having enough to eat or wear.

Seeing it with your own eyes is more impactful than any words can describe it.

Just as the two were curiously sizing each other up, a burly, towering man strode forward. A prominent scar on his face stretched from his jaw to his left eye, hidden by a black leather overlay covering his eye socket, adding to his rugged aura.

The burly man's voice was loud and clear, even echoing slightly in the cave. The newcomer was none other than the current leader of the Restoration Society, "Rhino" Moon.

"Old Cat, Snake, you're finally back!"

"My friends from the south, you must have had a long journey!"

Moon opened his arms and gave Old Cat Daryl a big hug, then solemnly gave the Han Hai Squad a chest-thumping salute.

The guests and hosts took their seats and began their conversation.

The reception environment was quite rough. The tables were large mounds of earth, the stools were smaller mounds of earth, and even the teacups served were made of stones that had been found from somewhere, with an irregular indentation carved out in the middle, filled with murky hot water that smelled of grass roots.

Angus frowned, adopted a half-hearted stance, appearing to be sitting steadily, but in reality, his trousers didn't even touch the earthen stool, and he didn't even touch the teacup. Chen Yuanfeng, on the other hand, sat down without a care in the world.

“Chief Moon, is it? We have indeed wasted a lot of time getting here, so I won’t beat around the bush.”

He held out two fingers.

"Two things. First, the support that Han Hai Territory promised you, you choose a place, and we'll deliver it to you!"

"Secondly, I need to meet with the 'White Fang' high priest, and I need to speak with him alone."

This straightforward and direct approach slightly surprised Rhino Moon. A glint of light flashed in his single eye. He didn't answer immediately, but instead turned his head and whispered a few words to the old cat Daryl who had come closer.

A moment later, Moon turned around and replied solemnly:
"Thank you for your support, Lord Han Hai. You gave us a large sum of money last time, and this time you promised so many supplies. If they can be delivered, they will save many of our Restoration Society members, young and old!"

"Our Restoration Society is destitute and has nothing to offer in return. We will certainly try our best to meet your request. I will arrange for someone to invite Mr. White Fang right away!"

"Old Yu, go answer it!"

Rhino Mun loudly gave orders to his men, but behind the backs of the members of the Vast Ocean Territory, out of sight of them, the big man quietly made a concealed hand gesture.

The man called "Old Fish" jumped to his feet and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Boss! Uncle White Teeth is our benefactor! He's saved so many brothers' lives! These outsiders..."

Old Fish pointed at Chen Yuanfeng and Angus without any politeness, "They've been in contact with those lackeys of the Mist Moon Temple! They even have a Mist Moon Temple on their own territory! Who knows what they're up to? What if they're pretending to be kind and offering help, but actually want to sell Uncle White Fang's information to the Mist Moon Temple for a reward?"

"Nonsense!"

No sooner had Moon spoken than several more Restoration Society fighters stood up.

"Yes, Uncle White Fang's bounty is a huge fiefdom and thousands of Misty Moon gold coins. Who knows what they're thinking!"

"What support? I could believe a little, but how are they going to get so many supplies? The orcs are heading south, and the checks outside are so strict. How are they going to get them in? Fly in?"

"I'm afraid this is just empty talk to fool us, just to get information from Uncle White Teeth."

It was clear that "White Fang" was highly respected here, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense. The eyes of the Restoration Society warriors around them changed, and some of the big men even stood up and quietly approached the weapon rack.

Moon's brows furrowed deeper and deeper as he rebuked them repeatedly. After finally calming the uproar, he explained to Angus, whose face was ashen, and Chen Yuanfeng, who seemed lost in thought, "Old Mr. White Fang has indeed saved many people here. He has saved the lives of many brothers. Everyone respects him very much!"

"How about this? I'll send someone to deliver a message to the old gentleman and see what he thinks. If he's willing to come see you, then we brothers will have nothing to say. It's just... it might be a bit of a hassle for you guys to wait a few more days."

Moon changed the subject casually, adding, "Perfect timing. We can also make arrangements in advance regarding the routes the supplies you promised to take and how many people are needed to receive them. After all, there are just too many orc patrols outside right now."

Angus stood up angrily, but Chen Yuanfeng gently pulled him back. The young Hanhai officer brushed the mud off his trousers and asked, "Chief Moon, can I understand this to mean that once the promised supplies have been delivered, you will arrange for us to meet this Mr. 'White Fang'?"

Moon's face showed a slightly embarrassed expression. "Friends, you can't say that... Old Mr. 'White Fang' is our benefactor, we have no right to make arrangements for him. However..."

"The old gentleman has always treated the children in the village like his own children; he has the softest heart. If there really were a batch of life-saving grain, I think... both morally and logically, the old gentleman would be willing to thank you in person..."

That's a beautifully said statement. I knew it! Someone who can survive in a place like this can't be just a simple warrior.

"Understood." Chen Yuanfeng nodded, a smile even appearing on his face.

"Chief Moon, let's hurry up. It's getting dark now, and the orc patrol should have gone back by now. I'll deliver the supplies to your camp, is that alright?"

Moon nodded instinctively and replied, "Ah? Oh, of course, it would be best if it could be delivered here..."

He kept talking, but the leader of the Restoration Society experienced a brief mental breakdown.

What does it mean that it just got dark?
Could it be...

Now?

Chen Yuanfeng nodded to the communications officer, who then removed the antenna from the communicator.

"Vast ocean, vast ocean, I am the peregrine falcon!"

"Based on my current location, please immediately execute the 'Snow Charcoal' plan and airdrop supplies. Authorization code: 734759!"

Please confirm!

A few minutes later, the entire camp was alerted.

When Angus said somewhat resentfully, "Go outside and collect the supplies!", although all the members of the Restoration Society could not believe what he said, they still took a chance and walked out of the cave together, surrounding the relatively flat open space on the side of the mountain.

Head held high, eyes wide open, staring at the dark night sky.

The vast ocean didn't keep them waiting too long.

Chen Mo genuinely wanted to help the "White Deer Restoration Army," so the Hanhai Army arranged this support according to the highest standards, striving to deliver the support as quickly as possible.

The first batch of aid supplies was carried by a Type 6 drone. When Chen Yuanfeng and Angus arrived at this forward base, it had already taken off from the airport in the Xuan Shui Swamp, crossed half of the Bai Lu Plain, and arrived at this forward base. At this moment, it was hovering silently at an altitude of 10,000 meters, based on the precise positioning provided by the "Sky Eye".

The "Sky Eye" system scanned the surrounding environment repeatedly to confirm its safety. The Jiutianliu UAV adopted a method of lowering its altitude and airdropping at close range to make the landing point of the supplies as accurate as possible.

A deep, unfamiliar hum came from the sky, a metallic, rhythmic, and powerful vibration.

The soldiers in the camp widened their eyes and held their breath.

The sound grew louder and louder as it approached from afar, becoming clearer and clearer, as if a colossal beast were swooping down from the sky!

A huge, blurry shadow appeared in the night sky. It was not lit, and its presence could only be vaguely felt for a moment when it blocked part of the starlight.

At a certain altitude, Jiutianliu opened its belly compartment, dropping a series of small black dots like laying eggs, then pulled up its nose and flew away.

Drones can be used for airdrops, eliminating the need for ground-based fires or light markers.

The wooden airdrop crates, loaded with swirling, twirling leaves, formed an evenly spaced line and floated down with remarkable elegance. The first crate even landed less than a meter from Angus's feet, kicking up a little dust.

The members of the Restoration Society were unaware of the technical aspects involved; they were simply amazed by this "miracle" of something falling from the sky with a mere stretch of their hand!
Angus bent down, picked up the wooden box that weighed over two hundred kilograms, casually removed the swirling leaf from its top, and with a flick of his hand, the heavy box traced an arc before landing with a muffled thud at the cave entrance.

With just the right amount of force, the wooden shell cracked open under the tremendous impact, and a dozen or so coarse cloth bags rolled out from inside.

Mu En involuntarily took a step back, still somewhat incredulous at what was happening before him, and then he heard the words of the young human officer.

"Chief Moon, let's hurry up and inspect the goods!"

Moon nodded somewhat stiffly. The lean man next to him, known as Old Fish, stepped forward and slashed open the cloth bag with a short knife.

Illuminated by the flickering campfire inside the cave, the dazzling white, glistening, and plump grains poured out like a flood bursting its banks.

That's the hulled rice from the vast sea!

The first plane airdropped 90% of the cargo of grain and 10% of the cargo of medicine to Han Hai.

In Lord Chen Mo's words, these people are too difficult. They always evoke some special memories for me. Even if they turn their backs on me after taking my things, I still hope they can live a long time.

Old Fish stared blankly at the flowing rice waterfall, then suddenly pounced on the ground, scooped up a handful, brought it to his eyes, greedily inhaled the unfamiliar aroma, and then shoved a large mouthful into his mouth, chewing frantically.

When she turned around, her face was already covered in tears.

In the "White Deer Restoration Society," after finishing one meal, no one knew where the next meal would come from. In everyone's home, there was a long list of names of people who died from orcs, from hunger, from the cold, and from plague.

More than two hundred years later, they once again received support from human forces outside the mountains.

Old Fish's cheeks bulged slightly, his facial muscles twisted with difficulty and force, his hands kept slapping the rice on the ground, and he made incoherent, urgent sobs, tears streaming down his face like a stream.

Chen Yuanfeng suddenly felt as if he had been punched hard in the chest.

Looking at the soldier who had been fierce just moments before but was now acting like a fool, excited to the point of near madness, he vaguely remembered a long, long time ago when he himself had experienced a similar scene, as if he had gone mad upon seeing grain.

Those memories seem so distant now, as if from another world.

The soldiers crowded around and knelt in a circle beside the boxes that Angus had thrown at them one after another. Even Moon, the leader who was both tough and generous, shrewd and cunning, knelt down, buried his forehead in the rice sack, and wept uncontrollably.

After everything was packed up, the representatives of Hanhai were welcomed back to the cave by everyone, who treated them like royalty.

Old Fish, the first soldier to inspect the airdrop, was severely punished.

He shouldn't have slashed that bag.

It is important to know that for a long time afterward, these clothes, which were made from rice bags dropped from the Han Hai Ling airdrop, became a symbol of honor in the various camps of the Restoration Society. Only the bravest and most decorated soldiers in the camp, as well as those respected elders who had dedicated their lives to the cause of resistance, were qualified to wear them.

Whenever they inadvertently reveal the three large characters "Hanhaimi" on their backs, they always attract a large number of envious glances.

Only Old Fish had a mournful face, and on his inner shirt was a long, serrated thread that looked like a giant centipede.

What made him even more devastated was that the centipede-like stitching was so crudely done that it had tangled a corner of the character, making it a unique "Hanhai Rice" character with a missing stroke.

That casual slash became a source of amusement for him for most of his life...

(End of this chapter)