Chapter 405: Zong and Zi Disagree

Xu Ma's rank was simply too low.

He was only bronze level.

This was the Ice Sculpture Kingdom, though not on par with the Sheng Ming Empire, it far surpassed Snake Rat Island and Two Eyes Island.

Nearly every major town within the kingdom had gold level guards stationed, and crucial trade ports like Snow Bird Harbor had more than one gold level figure at the pinnacle of power.

Cold Wind Valley was considered wilderness territory, but those who operated there were naturally formidable.

Bronze level was the lowest possible transcendent.

A bronze level like Xu Ma might hold minor status on Snake Rat Island or serve some purpose on Two Eyes Island, but in the Ice Sculpture Kingdom, he was utterly insignificant.

The same applied to Tripleblade.

Tripleblade was iron level. At this level, he held a fairly solid position on Snake Rat Island.

But with the addition of Chi Lai and Men Shi, Tripleblade's importance diminished significantly.

Now in Snow Bird Harbor, someone of his rank simply couldn't become the overt leader of a mercenary company's sub-unit. He had to retreat into the background, ceding the positions of leader and deputy leader to Men Shi and Chi Lai.

Silver level individuals like the dragonman youngster and Zong Ge, however, fit quite well.

Should they advance further to gold level, it would greatly hinder their future operations.

Globally, gold level signified an extraordinary core force. In this world where one individual could match an entire army, gold level commanded far greater respect than silver level.

Operating abroad with gold level strength would attract intense scrutiny, suspicion, apprehension, and heightened vigilance, along with targeted surveillance.

Snow Bird Harbor City Lord had previously collaborated with the dragonman youngster to eliminate the Bayonet Gang precisely because the youngster wasn't gold level.  Had he been of equal standing, the Snow Bird Harbor City Lord would never have felt such ease.

Zong Ge did not blame Xu Ma for failing to detect the ambush as it was entirely reasonable.

The Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps' journey to the Ice Sculpture Kingdom and entry into the royal capital had been meticulously planned, with ample preparations made.

On the surface, Xu Ma, a bronze level scout, served as the reconnaissance lead.

In truth, the primary reconnaissance force consisted of scouting alchemy puppets.

After Bu Quan, Zhong Yong, and several other silver level individuals joined the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps, they hastily produced several scouting puppets alongside their alchemy preparations.

These puppets were vastly superior to those previously crafted by Zi Di.

Zi Di's alchemy skills were far inferior to theirs.

Additionally, Bu Quan had gifted all four of her alchemy workshops to the dragonman youngster, so the tools at their disposal were far superior to those Zi Di had used.

The blueprints for these alchemy puppets all came from the War Merchant, guaranteeing top quality.

Zi Di had even coated the sole silver level alchemy puppet she'd rushed to complete with the Deceptive Disguise spell and Anti-investigation and Prophecy spell.

After Zong Ge, Zi Di, and their group departed Snow Bird Harbor, Zi Di dispersed all the reconnaissance puppets under her command to scout the surrounding area. During rest stops along the way, she recalled them to replenish their magic power crystals before sending them out again.

The silver level reconnaissance puppet model, named the Stealth Breaker, boasted longer endurance and significantly superior reconnaissance capabilities compared to other scouting puppets. This time, it was precisely this puppet that detected the ambush.

Zi Di elaborated to Zong Ge: “There are two ambushers, one silver level and one gold level.”

“The gold level is a fighter, while the silver level is a magician.”

Zong Ge's expression grew stern as he fell deep in thought.

Though only two ambushers, their ranks were far too high.

A gold level could command an entire city. Why would such a powerful individual hide here, engaging in petty banditry? What could their purpose be?

As for the silver level... they might prove even more troublesome than the gold level. Magicians possessed far too many devious methods!

"While Cold Wind Valley does have trade routes, it's not a major thoroughfare. The valley itself isn't large, it's difficult to hide in, and no bandits maintain a permanent presence here. What are these two ambushing here for?" Zi Di voiced her opinion.

“They likely aren't targeting us specifically.”

“To be safe, we could take a detour.”

Zong Ge remained silent. He stared at the valley exit before slowly shaking his head.

“The exit is right before us. To detour, we'd have to turn back, leave Cold Wind Valley first, then make a wide loop around it. That would waste too much time.”

“Besides, how can you be certain they aren't ambushing here specifically for us?”

Zi Di frowned slightly: "The Bayonet Gang has been wiped out. The Snow Bird Harbor City Lord is our ally, and we've secured cooperation with the Li Jian Clan. Thanks to the commander, the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps is renowned throughout the entire kingdom. Even if someone were to cause trouble for us, they'd likely be targeting ‘you’, the commander."

“After all, you defeated a gold level opponent as a silver level commander. For fame and fortune, you're bound to attract many challengers.”

"But this ambush here clearly isn't about friendly sparring or challenges, it's far more malicious. We're new here. We don't have enemies like this."

The survivors knew they were outsiders and had always strived to atone for their past. Especially Zi Di, who had endured the tragedy of the Wisteria Merchant Alliance's collapse, thus prioritizing the mercenary group's external relations. Thanks to her efforts, the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps maintained relatively smooth external relations.

After forming an alliance with the Li Jian Clan, their external standing had improved considerably.

Zong Ge glanced at Zi Di before shifting his gaze back to the valley exit.

He spoke calmly, “My thoughts are quite the opposite of yours, Magician Yao Ma.”

"Your analysis is sound. But that doesn't mean these two ambushers aren't our enemies. We have no evidence to prove otherwise."

"Often, we make enemies without even realizing it. Many reasons enemies give for targeting us are laughable. Enemies lurking in the shadows might remain invisible to you."

“I can't recall when we offended an unknown gold level fighter or an unknown silver level magician.”

“But it's entirely possible these two ambushed us precisely for that reason!”

"Our route was classified, yet our movements were easily tracked. With only two of them, both transcendents, not a large force, relocating is effortless. Setting up an ambush ahead of us would be no trouble at all."

"Retracing our steps and bypassing the valley is pure evasion. If these two are targeting us specifically, even if we take a detour, they'll strike again. This time we were lucky to spot them—what about next time? They'll be more cautious, hide deeper, and our disadvantage will grow."

“If they weren't targeting us, wouldn't detouring just waste our time?”

“Therefore, what we should do is verify.”

Zi Di: “How do you propose to verify?”

“Use the Anti-investigation and Prophecy spell and Deceptive Disguise spell to augment those alchemy puppets. Dress them up to look like our group and have them leave the valley.” Zong Ge suggested.

Zi Di shook her head immediately, “Impossible.”

She continued telepathically, “We only have 63 pearl bubbles. Empowering that many alchemy puppets would consume too much.”

“We don't know when the commander will return, nor how long this trip to the capital will take.”

“We must conserve them as much as possible, saving more pearls for unforeseen emergencies.”

Zong Ge frowned. "Supplies are meant to be used. If we don't arm ourselves to the fullest, a major battle could wipe us out, and all those supplies would become enemy spoils!"

"How many pearls would enchanting those alchemy puppets even use? At most, three."

Zi Di merely shook her head, her stance unwavering.

Once Zi Di refused, Zong Ge found himself at a loss.

After all, he wasn't a magician.

Among the survivors, only two possessed magic abilities. With Cang Xu having left the group, Zi Di was the sole one capable of manipulating the Deceptive Disguise Formation to perform enchantments.

Faced with this reality, Zong Ge could only concede, his tone growing colder: “If you're unwilling to part with them, then enchant me instead.”

“Let me lead the assault, strike first to gain the advantage!”

In that moment, Zong Ge displayed the true bearing of a formidable commander.

As an exceptional military leader, if he discovered ambush troops ahead while marching his forces, and remained uncertain of their intentions, what course of action would he take?

There was no need for deliberation.

Lead the charge immediately and eliminate all potential threats!

Zong Ge would never gamble on whether the ambush was accidental or malicious. An ambush ahead, even unintentional, posed a threat.

Eliminate the threat outright!

Zi Di gasped in shock, staring at Zong Ge in disbelief, “Are you mad?”

To her, it was utterly unnecessary.

Taking a detour could easily avoid this risk. Even if it delayed them, they could pay exorbitant teleportation fees to save time and make up for the lost distance.

Why risk life and limb when money could solve the problem?

Money could be earned again if lost, but what good was wealth without life?

Now Zong Ge not only refused to avoid the risk but actually wanted to provoke trouble? This was utterly absurd!

Zong Ge shook his head, utterly disappointed in Zi Di, “Miss merchant, do not fear hardship or challenge.”

"If they set this ambush for us, they are undoubtedly our enemies. Now that they don't know they've been exposed, I can use the Deceptive Disguise spell to launch a surprise attack. It'll give us a huge advantage and catch them off guard."

"If they aren't our enemies, after my surprise attack, they won't fight us to the death. They'll most likely retreat voluntarily. Because they haven't found their target, and now they've been exposed."

Zi Di cut him off: "You said it yourself, it's only probable. So, it's also possible they'll fly into a rage and fight you with everything they've got. After all, you disrupted their plans. And you're only a silver level, not the commander. How could you possibly fight them?"

"I don't understand. What benefit would we gain from this? We'd likely just make enemies for no reason!"

Zong Ge sneered coldly: "The benefit is obvious! No one will dare to ambush us on our path again. Even if they do, they'll be far more cautious."

“That's the benefit?!” Zi Di glared at Zong Ge. "Once a battle breaks out, maybe you and I could escape, but the others? They'll all die!"

Zong Ge snorted coldly, “Miss Zi Di, did you think our journey to the capital would be smooth sailing?”

“The Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps is already renowned throughout the kingdom. Who knows how many are waiting for a chance to engage me in a heroic duel?”

“Only by demonstrating our strength can we inspire fear and eliminate many troubles before they arise.”

“A commander must look to the future!”

Zi Di snapped impatiently, “All I know is you're courting trouble right now, big trouble!”

“You have a point. We must demonstrate our strength and clear some obstacles early.”

“But facing a gold level fighter and a silver level magician teaming up, do we have the strength for that?”

“We can fight,” Zong Ge mused. "Even if we lack strength, we must appear sufficiently formidable. In this foreign land, we are outsiders, yet our reputation precedes us."

"Only by demonstrating sufficient resolve can we make others realize that even if they defeat us, they'll pay a heavy price. They'll think twice, and we'll reduce our enemies significantly."

Zi Di sneered coldly: "Your resolve will likely cost us heavy casualties. If the commander were here, he'd never recklessly sacrifice subordinates like pawns."

Zong Ge frowned. "Therefore, I believe our commander was overly sentimental. Sacrifice is often unavoidable. Sometimes we must even sacrifice proactively to secure a better tactical position."

“If you truly care for those pearls, then only have the reconnaissance puppets disguise themselves as us two to lead these men out of the valley.”

"If we trigger an ambush, it confirms they're enemies, then we can engage then. If not, we can keep moving and avoid conflict."

Hearing Zong Ge dismiss her beloved, Zi Di instantly felt resistance.

Then, as Zong Ge “coldly” proposed using other mercenaries as bait, a chill gripped her heart.

Her anger flared: “Tripleblade isn't here, and the two squads you trained so hard are left behind in Snow Bird Harbor. Does that mean you can sacrifice others at will?”

Zong Ge drew a deep breath, his own temper simmering.

He never liked verbal negotiations and was never good at this sort of interaction.

He suppressed his rage and made one final attempt at communication: "You misunderstand me. Even if Tripleblade were here, I'd make the same decision. Those two squads aren't irreplaceable. Not even myself! As long as the sacrifice holds value...

“Enough!” Zi Di snapped, her voice low and furious, “I absolutely refuse to accept your plan. It's utterly foolish! We turn back immediately!”

Zong Ge closed his eyes, then opened them.

He glanced down at Zi Di before barking an order: “Hold your positions! Full alert!”

Then he turned and walked away.

Zi Di froze for a moment before calling out to stop him.

But Zong Ge had no intention of wasting words. He broke into a run, reaching the final stretch of the valley.

Xu Ma and the others were bewildered: "Why did the commander argue with Magician Yao Ma? Did the commander just storm off in anger?"

But the next moment, the ambushers struck without warning.

They charged at Zong Ge, their intent to kill palpable.

A blinding radiance of magic enveloped the valley's exit.

Within the piercing light, a figure cloaked in gold battle qi charged straight toward Zong Ge.

Zi Di's heart sank instantly.

It was clear these two were targeting the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps!