Chapter 398: Response

"Commander Meng Zhang, no matter which faction you belong to, I, Qiao Shefei, and the Purple Abyss Team will swear to follow you unto death!"

He muttered to himself, his eyes flashing with the light of firm belief.

Those loyal to Qiao Shefei, or rather the Purple Abyss Team, have always been Meng Zhang's.

As for whom Meng Zhang serves, that actually isn't important.

Whoever Meng Zhang belongs to, they naturally belong to that person as well!

Therefore, upon realizing that these tomb skeletons of the Taiping Sect were consciously busy with Meng Zhang's grand undertaking,

Qiao Shefei immediately thought of a way to notify Meng Zhang.

Waiting for Meng Zhang's decision from the rear.

At this moment, Meng Zhang in the rear, after receiving a heap of intelligence from within the Taiping Sect, quickly skimmed through it.

His gaze lingered for a moment on the message added by Balu, a glint of sharpness flashing in his eyes.

Knowing this was a message sent by Qiao Shefei and the others, he couldn't help but secretly praise Balu's cleverness.

"Excellent, Balu, to actually come up with such a brilliant scheme!"

"It seems we need to adjust our strategy quickly."

After a moment, Meng Zhang chuckled lightly and passed the intelligence to those beside him, such as the Ox Demon King.

The corner of his mouth curled into an elusive smile, this smile carrying a hint of playfulness and deep meaning.

He raised his head and scanned his officers; those battle-hardened warriors couldn't help but feel solemn respect under his gaze.

Meng Zhang's gaze finally fell upon the Ox Demon King, the Yellow Turban Army's chief commander, who had always been his most capable aide and confidant.

"It seems we still underestimated these tomb skeletons, the rats in the gutter."

Meng Zhang spoke slowly, his voice soft yet exuding an undeniable authority.

The officers heard this and their hearts jolted.

They knew that the commander's phrase "tomb skeletons" referred to the hidden black hands behind the Taiping Sect.

Those hiding behind the Taiping Sect have been secretly manipulating the situation, attempting to use the Yellow Turban Army as their pawn.

However, those who can still stand in this tent now can be considered Meng Zhang's steadfast supporters.

As long as Meng Zhang hasn't openly declared his allegiance to the Da Qian dynasty,

if it's merely internal power struggles and profit-seeking within the Taiping Sect,

they naturally stand firmly on Meng Zhang's side.

"Commander, those old immortals of the Taiping Sect are indeed cunning and vicious."

"Commander, rest assured; no matter what schemes they have, we swear to follow you unto death, fearing no one!"

A burly officer stepped forward first to voice his stance, his voice like a great bell, shaking the heart.

"Yes, commander! Our Yellow Turban Army, since its founding, has been destined to be enemies of those nobles and schemers."

"Now that those rats of the Taiping Sect want to use us, let us show them how formidable our Yellow Turban Army is!"

Another officer also stood up, his eyes flashing with a fierce light.

"The Taiping Sect and the Yellow Turban Army have never been the same thing!"

The officers echoed in unison, their voices merging into a mighty wave that reverberated within the tent.

"Those behind-the-scenes black hands of the Taiping Sect, since they want to use us, we might as well turn their plot against them."

"However, we need a stronger force as our backing."

Meng Zhang lightly tapped the table and continued speaking.

"The loyalty and bravery of you all, Commander Meng Zhang, I keep in my heart."

His voice was calm and firm.

"The Taiping Sect's conspiracies, we have long seen through."

"They intend to use the Yellow Turban Army, but we already have a countermeasure."

"You all go back and prepare, just wait and see."

"Niu Mo, stay behind."

Having said this, he paused, his gaze sweeping over the officers again, lingering especially on the Ox Demon King for a moment.

The Ox Demon King understood, gave a slight nod, indicating his support for the commander's decision.

Night fell, the stars shining brightly.

Meng Zhang and the Ox Demon King conferred in the tent for a long time, finally settling on the plan.

Decided to, at the right moment, deliver a lethal blow to the Taiping Sect's elite forces.

"Commander, this risk is extremely great; should we reconsider repeatedly?"

Although the Ox Demon King supported Meng Zhang's decision, he still couldn't help but worry.

If our identities as double-crossers were exposed at this time,

the loss would be enormous.

Over this long period, the reputation we have painstakingly built within the Yellow Turban Army

could be destroyed in an instant.

At the very least, the Yellow Turban troops under their command would certainly have their morale shattered.

What does that mean?

We have fought the Da Qian dynasty to the death for so long.

And you tell me that several of our Yellow Turban Army's leaders have always been people of the Da Qian dynasty?

Who could bear that?

"Niu Mo, when did you become so cautious?"

Risk and opportunity coexist; since we've come this far, we cannot afford any retreat.

This is the crucial step for our Yellow Turban Army to break through the blockade of the Taiping Sect.

As for the consequences…

He paused, a glint of sharpness flashing in his eyes.

That naturally falls under our control.

Meng Zhang smiled faintly, shook his head, and said.

Hearing Meng Zhang say that, Niu Mowang's worries eased considerably.

All this time, he has also come to know well this commander-in-chief's wisdom and tactics.

At least in terms of intellect, even ten of me tied together couldn't match Meng Zhang.

Therefore, since Meng Zhang has decided.

Then I just need to follow orders; worrying about anything else is useless.

Meanwhile, inside the Cangzhou Army's main camp, lights blazed and figures moved to and fro.

Su Ye sat quietly in the central grand tent, holding a secret letter, his brows furrowed.

The letters: one from his intelligence organization Luo Wang under his command, the other sent by Meng Zhang.

The letters said that the Taiping Sect, surprisingly, did not send its elite troops to the front line, but intended to use this force to deliver a deadly blow when the Cangzhou Army and the Yellow Turban Army were locked in fierce battle and exhausted.

The ruthlessness of this plot also made Su Ye feel a surge of surprise.

Looks like those people aren't all just wine sacks and rice bags.

He set down the letter, took a deep breath, and immediately ordered Xu Chu outside the tent to summon Guo Jia and Xun You.

Moments later, Guo Jia and Xun You arrived together.

Seeing Su Ye's abnormal expression, the two already understood.

It must be another message from the Yellow Turban commander-in-chief, Meng Zhang.

"Feng Xiao, Gong Da, you two take a look."

Su Ye handed the two letters to them.

Guo Jia and Xun You received the letters and read them carefully.

Moments later, the two exchanged a glance, both showing solemn expressions.

"The Taiping Sect's plan is indeed sound."

"First, use those pawns to wear down our strength, then employ the elite troops to launch a surprise attack when we are exhausted; if this succeeds, our army will suffer heavy losses."

"I, Jia, never expected that even Weichi Wudi would be treated as a pawn."

"These people truly don't recognize even their own kin."

Guo Jia spoke first, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement.

(End of chapter)