Chapter 39: Claiming the Reward
Meanwhile, Lu Yuan was unleashing a slaughter in the Wasteland. Once his cavalry unit of several dozen men was in formation, their charge across the Wasteland looked like that of a giant crane when viewed from above. Its beak was incomparably sharp, and wherever it passed, the enemies ahead were crushed effortlessly.
Its wings, like celestial blades, reaped the lives of the Northern Barbarian Warriors scattered on the flanks.
The battle was not long. In just an hour, all enemies had been eliminated. The ground was littered with scattered corpses and severed limbs, their blood soaking the withered grass.
Ownerless warhorses stamped the ground, aimlessly nibbling at the tender leaves churned up from the earth.
"Clean up the battlefield."
At Lu Yuan’s command, everyone dismounted and began to gather the spoils.
Although their own side had suffered losses—three dead and over a dozen wounded—everyone’s eyes still gleamed with excitement.
After all, what war is fought without death? They were men of the border, long accustomed to such things. Besides, these losses were minimal for what was a great victory.
Moreover, with triple the military merit and silver rewards, they’d have enough to live a wealthy life for some time upon their return.
That wasn’t even counting the Northern Barbarians’ equipment, all of which could be sold for cash.
Lu Yuan’s harvest was, as usual, the greatest. Setting aside everything else, just the head of Manyan Hun was worth thirty merit points. For killing a Tendon Refining expert who was also a Centurion, there was an additional ten merit points, and all of that would then be tripled.
It was a considerable sum.
As for his other kills, his men brought the heads over one by one.
Old Huang squatted on the ground, taking inventory.
After a moment, he grinned and reported, "My Lord, your haul includes twenty-three heads, ten sets of Refined Copper Armor, thirteen sets of leather armor, twenty-three warhorses, and thirty-five assorted weapons.
Also, the silver found on their bodies amounts to four hundred and thirty taels."
This was a massive haul, to say the least.
Of the twenty-three kills, ten were at the Entry Level. At nine merit points each, that was a significant sum on its own.
And that was without even mentioning the silver.
Lu Yuan nodded, pulled out a human head, and tossed it to Old Huang. He also took out more than thirty taels of silver.
"Take these. Turn them in yourself when we get back."
Old Huang accepted without hesitation. He had acted as their guide, and Lu Yuan had promised him a reward, but this was far more than agreed upon.
"Thank you, my Lord."
"You earned it. No need for pleasantries among our own."
Lu Yuan waved his hand dismissively.
Just then, Zhou He came over. He had clearly reaped a good harvest as well. He looked at Lu Yuan and said, "It really is more satisfying to fight with you. What’s the plan now?"
"What else?" Lu Yuan said. "We’re loaded down with spoils, so we’ll head back. The mission’s complete, after all."
’This time, I’ve obtained a lot of resources. Most importantly, once I get back, I can make Zhou Hongling fulfill her promise. I’ll go to the Military Preparation Warehouse, pick out some Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, and focus on my breakthrough. Then, I’ll truly be a Centurion, on par with Zhang Zhe.’
Zhou He nodded. "Right. With these spoils, we can head back, exchange them for Cultivation Resources to improve our strength, and then we can head out again."
He then turned and ordered his men to set up camp and prepare a meal.
A short while later, plumes of cooking smoke rose into the air. The men gathered and ate what could be considered a sumptuous meal.
Afterward, they began to pack up the spoils for the journey back.
This place was not very far from Icefield City.
Moreover, their party was large; most Northern Barbarian Scouts would actively avoid them.
Thus, on the morning of the third day, they entered the city without a hitch.
As they rode through the streets, the wounds on the heads in their cloth sacks had stopped dripping blood, but the crimson-stained bags and the string of captured warhorses trailing behind them told the whole story.
When they arrived outside the Merit Tower, they naturally caused another commotion.
A large crowd gathered around, watching the Quartermaster take inventory of the spoils from Lu Yuan and his men.
"Lord Lu, it has been confirmed that you ambushed the Elite Cavalry of the Manyan Tribe. With the triple merit multiplier, your total comes to one hundred fifty-three points. The silver reward, plus the value of these spoils, amounts to one thousand five hundred and sixty taels of silver."
After speaking, he counted out a stack of silver notes and handed them to Lu Yuan.
Many onlookers’ eyes burned with envy at the sight.
It was an amount of silver that many Garrison Soldiers stationed on the Northern Border couldn’t hope to save in several generations, yet Lu Yuan had earned it in just a few days.
"A capable man will never lack for money, no matter where he is. Everyone says the Northern Border is bitter and harsh, but look at Lu Yuan. In such a short time, he’s earned what would take others several lifetimes to accumulate."
"Heh, you don’t have to tell me. Our Icefield Fortress has someone like Lu Yuan. I can’t imagine how many people in other fortresses are jealous."
...
The sounds of discussion rose continuously from the crowd.
The Northern Border was different from other places. Though Lu Yuan’s rewards were immense, no one was truly envious. He had earned every bit of it with his own blade and spear. Besides, having such a formidable figure in their own fortress was a source of pride.
It gave everyone else more confidence when they went out. Most importantly, his presence might one day save their lives.
After all, protecting the fortress was everyone’s duty. If the Northern Barbarians ever launched a full-scale assault, it was always better to have more experts on their side.
At that moment, Zhou Hongling, who had returned to the Captain’s Mansion the day before, received news of Lu Yuan’s return.
Sitting at her desk, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Just a moment ago, she had received news that the elite team sent out by Yellow Sand City had encountered the Iron Kites. They were routed upon first contact, with only the leading Centurion and a handful of men managing to escape.
’I was just about to press for news of Lu Yuan’s whereabouts again, and here he is.’
After pondering for a moment, she looked up at the guard outside and said, "Go to the Merit Tower and have Lu Yuan come see me."
’Since he’s back and has completed his last mission, then of course I have to fulfill my promise.’
"Yes, My Lady."
The Guard acknowledged and withdrew.
Not a moment later, Lu Yuan arrived in the main hall, fully clad in his helmet and armor, still carrying the thick stench of blood.
But Zhou Hongling didn’t show any disgust. Instead, a smile appeared on her face as she said with satisfaction, "I didn’t expect you to complete this mission so smoothly. I was just about to send someone to find you and tell you to return as soon as possible."
Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow. "My Lady, has something happened?"
Only then did Zhou Hongling’s expression turn serious. "Something has happened. A full-strength unit of the Iron Kites has appeared nearby. The elites sent out from Huangsha Fortress have already been routed. Yun Mo from Huqiu Fortress is also being urgently recalled to form a new team and head out.
Since you’ve returned, rest for two days first. Go to the Military Preparation Warehouse in a bit and pick out a Cultivation Resource. This is what I promised you."
"My Lady, I request permission to leave the city again to kill the Iron Kites," Lu Yuan said resolutely.
’My military merit is already substantial, over five hundred points. If I can kill this Iron Kite unit, I’ll likely be close to having enough merit to become a Thousand Men Commander.’
"You are still at the Bone Forging stage. There’s no need to rush to prove yourself. A full-strength unit of Iron Kites is different from last time, so you can’t take this risk lightly," Zhou Hongling said.
’Lu Yuan is a talent I intend to nurture. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, I don’t want to send him on such a dangerous mission. If he didn’t come back, I’d be devastated. So, I’ll send someone else to test the waters first. Even if this mission fails, it’s not as important as Lu Yuan.’
After hearing Zhou Hongling’s words, Lu Yuan, though he wanted to insist, held his tongue. ’She’s right,’ he thought. ’There’s no rush. It won’t be too late to ask for this assignment after I break through to Tendon Refining.’
Therefore, he immediately said, "Thank you for your consideration, My Lady."
"You are one of my people, so of course I will look out for you. There will be no shortage of opportunities to earn merit. The situation outside the city is still unclear, so just wait and see for now. Go pick your Cultivation Resource. If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can come and ask me," Zhou Hongling said in a kind tone.
"Yes, My Lady," Lu Yuan replied, then withdrew.
He was very much looking forward to going to the Military Preparation Warehouse to choose his reward.
After all, his breakthrough to Tendon Refining depended on it.