Chapter 507: Chapter 507

"Heavens, they’re really setting off." One early morning, many representatives from various territories witnessed a group of soldiers marching out from the town gate. The vast troop formation was quite a sight to behold.

For such a predominantly rural border area, the ability to muster such a substantial army was a feat not just anyone could achieve.

"Look at the size of that army, there must be at least five hundred soldiers. Mountain Town is indeed formidable."

With Shaliya’s design, both the soldiers and the logistics team started off together. The regular military forces were essentially stationed on the outskirts, creating the appearance of an actual army. The ones in the middle were ordinary people dressed in armor, indistinguishable from true soldiers unless examined closely.

The ones further inside had armor that was cleverly camouflaged. If one looked closely, however, the difference would be obvious.

Shaliya had disguised three hundred soldiers, but these representatives were not familiar with such tactics and misestimated them to be five hundred. Others also began to agree and the number was generally accepted.

When Du You found out later, he wasn’t sure what comment to make.

Five hundred soldiers - with the production capacity of his Giant Rock Fortress, it would take a full five months to gather the same number.

Shaliya was planning to increase the diversity of the troops at the Giant Rock Fortress, but due to being too busy, the preparations had yet to be made. Of course, some specially purchased slaves had already been sent to the territory.

The mighty army marched forth, and within its midst were three figures distinctly different from the rest. If one were to lift up their helmets, they would discover the high respect these soldiers had for these three individuals.

That’s right, it was Du You and both Lin Yucha and Lin Yushi. All three were clad in tin can-like armors. Although the armor was indeed defensively strong, it was more of a burden for them. As a Spellcaster, this type of armor not only lacked benefits but due to the armor blocking elemental forces, it could weaken the power of his spells.

If a regular Mage were to wear this kind of tin armor, the weakening effect would be even more severe.

Being a Spellcaster, Du You’s weakening was slightly less severe.

Lin Yucha and Lin Yushi suffered even more. Being Archers, they required high agility. The armor hindered their archery skills. Thankfully, its weight was not much of an issue for them. Otherwise, the journey would certainly have been exhausting.

"Master, those people following us have disappeared. Can we take this thing off now?"

Even the usually good-tempered Lin Yucha also began to complain, but Du You steadfastly refused her. "No, we have not yet entered into a dangerous area. Even though most of the pursuers have stopped, there must still be some secretly trailing us. Don’t you think I’m also uncomfortable?"

"But, Master, it’s really hindering our abilities." This time it was Lin Yushi complaining.

"Soon, we’re almost there. Once we reach our destination, those who have been following us will surely retreat to a safe distance."

"So, what’s our objective? There are three tribes of Sandpeople." Lin Yucha asked.

Du You looked at the map: "Our target is this one." Du You pointed to the largest tribe, also the only one with a population of over ten thousand. One could say it was exceedingly dangerous.

"Why do we choose this one? If we annihilate this tribe, wouldn’t the other two be put on alert? If they decide to run away, we won’t be able to chase them."

Du You said seriously, "We chose this place mostly because of its terrain."

Initially, Du You intended to start small by wiping out the two smaller tribes first, leaving the bigger one to last. Although the main tribe would be cautious, they wouldn’t worry too much because of the vast difference in strength.

However, if they destroyed the largest tribe first, it was uncertain what the remaining two would do.

But when Du You scrutinized the locations of the three tribes, he immediately decided to modify the invasion sequence. The source of this content ɪs 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝✶𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮✶𝓷𝓮𝓽

"Look here, the largest Sand People Tribe may dwell at the foot of the mountain, but their main population resides within the mountain valley. It’s an easily defensible location. There are also many human slaves outside. Their hierarchy is very distinct. The stronger you are and the higher your status, the deeper you reside in the valley. All of these people, they all live together."

Du You continued, "And most crucially, this largest tribe cultivates Sand Snakes as their primary life form, which means they have no aerial forces due to their aversion to Sand Sculptures. We can seize this opportunity to strike them all at once."

Thinking this, Du You immediately said, "Select a few intelligent ones to infiltrate the outer slave group and try to persuade them." Du You immediately issued the order.

Because the Heavily Armed Warriors moved slowly, the army marched for two full days before reaching their destination. The people who had secretly followed them the whole time indeed disappeared. With Du You’s Spiritual Perception, he could ascertain the presence of these followers just by making a few rounds outside. Originally, Du You planned to deal with these followers as well.

But since these people had left, he let them be.

By dusk, someone finally checked in with Du You. His soldiers were trained citizens of his territory, absolutely loyal.

"Lord, we have already contacted some leaders among the slaves. They have said that as long as we launch the attack, they will blockade the valley entrance so the Sand People can’t get out."

"So, have they agreed to my plan?" Du You continued.

"They have agreed. As long as we can really annihilate the Sand People, they will continue to block the valley entrance and act normally. They will maintain this act until we have eliminated the other two Sand People Tribes. However, they proposed a condition: after the battle ends, they wish to join our territory."

"Hmph, they sure know how to choose. Fine, I agree, but they can only settle on the outskirts of town."

Du You wasn’t about to let outsiders into his central town. Since Shaliya had driven all the slaves away, Du You wouldn’t allow outsiders to freely distrupt the peace.

That place was his forbidden zone, his developmental foundation in this world.

"Since they’ve agreed, then tomorrow, no, tonight, we will launch our attack. You go back and discuss the specific action plan with them. Let us handle the front of the mountain valley."

The messenger nodded quickly to acknowledge the order, then swiftly disappeared. Time passed by minute by minute, soon the night fell. Both parties had secretly contacted each other and began preparations, while the Sand People gradually returned to their tribes.