Chapter 112: Military Hunting: Star Dou Great Forest.
Time flies in the army. In the blink of an eye, the harsh winter has quietly retreated, and the warm footsteps of spring have gently arrived.
As the temperature steadily rises, the ice and snow begin to melt, and the gurgling mountain streams begin to stir, playing the melody of spring and breaking the winter's silence.
On the earth, all things come to life. Long-dormant plants are breaking through the soil, and tender green shoots tremble gently in the breeze, as if excitedly announcing the grand return of spring.
The Star Dou Great Forest, this mysterious and dangerous territory, is gradually returning to life after a long winter of dormancy.
However, for the soul beasts of the forest, this spring is full of hunger and danger.
During the winter when food was scarce, many soul beasts, like ordinary animals, relied on their own reserves to survive the cold. Now, they are hungry and urgently need to find food to replenish their energy.
Of course, not all soul beasts are like this. The higher the level of the soul beast, the less likely it is to starve. Most of the soul beasts that spend the winter like ordinary animals are low-level soul beasts.
At the same time, this time of year is a critical period for hunting between the Tiandou Empire and the Xingluo Empire
. Hunting operations are not only for obtaining precious soul beast resources and improving the overall strength of the army, but also a severe test of the military power of both countries.
On the other hand, hunting operations are not held every year. Whether the operation will take place depends on the severity of the winter snow. The heavier the snow, the more likely it is to be hunted.
Last winter, the snow was heavy.
The Tiandou Empire deployed three large camps, each with at least 50,000 men. These camps were located in the north, northeast, and northwest of the Xingdou Great Forest, respectively. The Xingluo Empire was responsible for the south.
Liu Feng's Third Camp was firmly stationed in the northeast of the Xingdou Great Forest.
This day was a particularly significant one for the soldiers of the Third Camp.
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Marquis Song Yao personally organized and directed this hunting operation.
This was the first time Liu Feng had met this renowned marquis since joining the military. As
the first rays of sunlight filtered into the camp, the rapid beating of war drums suddenly rang out, shattering the tranquility of the camp.
Liu Feng was instantly awakened from his sleep, quickly stood up, deftly gathered his equipment, and hurried to the training grounds with the surging crowd.
The parade grounds were already a scene of bustling activity.
Soldiers quickly formed into neat square formations according to their respective organizational units, quietly awaiting orders.
As everyone waited in anticipation, a tall, imposing figure emerged with steady steps.
It was Marquis Song Yao.
He wore black armor meticulously engraved with intricate golden patterns. These patterns shone brightly in the sunlight, highlighting the marquis's noble status and supreme majesty.
The shoulders of his armor were adorned with a pair of lifelike golden lion heads, ready to unleash a deafening roar at any moment, a formidable sight.
The Marquis wore a wide black belt around his waist, from which hung an incredibly sharp sword.
A large ruby, like a drop of frozen blood, emanated a mysterious and dangerous aura.
Marquis Song Yao's face was sharply defined, like a meticulously crafted sculpture.
His eyebrows were thick and long, slightly raised, naturally revealing an innate heroic air.
His eyes were deep and intense, like cold stars twinkling in the night sky, their piercing gaze seemingly able to see through all disguises and conspiracies.
Beneath his high nose bridge were firmly defined lips, now tightly pursed, revealing the decisiveness and resoluteness of his character.
His hair was neatly tied back, with a few striking strands of white streaking through, lending him a sense of maturity and composure that came with years of experience.
"Soldiers!" Marquis Song Yao's voice was deep and resonant, carrying a power that pierced the hearts of the people, and it echoed for a long time throughout the parade grounds.
"Today, we are about to step into the Star Dou Great Forest and begin the hunting operation that happens only once every few years. This is not only a battle with soul beasts,
but also a sacred moment for us to fight for the honor of the empire!"
"Loyalty!!!"
Upon hearing this, the blood in the soldiers' hearts instantly ignited. They raised their weapons high and shouted in unison: "Fight for the empire!
"Fight for honor!"
The passionate shouts were like surging waves, one after another, shaking the surrounding air slightly.
Marquis Song Yao nodded with satisfaction.
He continued, "This hunting mission is arduous, and we must go all out. The food and fodder have been transported to the designated location, and the equipment will be distributed to you one by one. Remember, our goal is to obtain more soul beast resources and contribute to the prosperity of the empire!"
With the order from the marquis, the soldiers moved quickly and went to the equipment collection area in an orderly manner.
Liu Feng followed the doctor and shuttled through the bustling crowd.
The equipment collection area was filled with a variety of weapons and armor, a dazzling array of things.
Sharp spears flashed with cold light, tough shields were thick and solid, lightweight bows and arrows were exquisitely shaped with sharp arrowheads, and sturdy armor was heavy and majestic. Wearing it on the body seemed to cover the soldiers with an indestructible protective film.
Liu Feng didn't request light armor; he already had armor, and his Chilling Iron Plate armor provided more than enough defense. He simply chose a spear that was handy.
As he donned the armor, though it felt a bit heavy, an unprecedented sense of security welled up within him.
Holding the spear in his hand, he could clearly feel the power transmitted from it, as if he had established a mysterious connection with the weapon.
After receiving their equipment, the soldiers quickly assembled, each squad following the established organization, quickly forming a neat, uniform square formation.
Officers mounted tall, sturdy warhorses patrolled the squares, carefully checking the soldiers' equipment and ensuring they were in good condition.
Their eyes shone with concern and seriousness, not missing a single detail.
"First Squad, ready!"
"Second Squad, ready!" "First Battalion, ready! " "Fifth Battalion, ready!"
Firm and powerful reports echoed one after another, and Marquis Song Yao listened with a satisfied smile. He mounted a tall, majestic black steed, which exuded a wild aura, its hooves pawing the ground as if eager to rush to the battlefield. The Marquis arrived in front of the square, straightened his back, and with a resolute gaze, he scanned each soldier. Then, he shouted, "Move!" With the Marquis's command, the soldiers marched in a steady, powerful gait, towards the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest. The entire column was a mighty force, like a giant iron dragon, slithering across the earth, with no end in sight. Within the ranks, flags fluttered in the wind. Embroidered with the emblem of the Heaven Dou Empire, the brightly colored banners seemed to announce their resolve and mission to the world. Throughout the march, Marquis Song Yao remained vigilant, issuing numerous directives.
His voice, transmitted swiftly and accurately by the messenger, reached every soldier.
The soldiers followed orders strictly, maintaining good order and tight formation.
"Speed up the march! Keep pace!"
"Maintain distance to avoid confusion!"
"A suspicious situation has been detected ahead. Everyone, be vigilant and ready to fight at any time!"
Under the Marquis's precise command, the team advanced swiftly and orderly.
Liu Feng followed the team, feeling both nervous and excited.
Along the way, they passed vast fields and quiet villages.
Villagers emerged from their homes and lined the road, observing this large and majestic procession.
As they drew closer to the Star Dou Great Forest, the tension in the air grew thicker.
The soldiers' expressions grew more serious, their weapons tightly gripped, their eyes revealing a firm and resolute look.