Strongest Soldier King

In the valley, a fire burns within the dense forest using smokeless dry wood. The flames are obscured by thick foliage, making the campfire invisible unless one is very close. Around the fire sit about a dozen people dressed like locals. One of them rises, sees Luo Zheng and the others, and his face changes drastically. He quickly readies a bow and arrow while shouting something. Everyone by the campfire stands up, scatters into the surrounding area seeking tree cover, grasping guns in their hands with large bows slung on their backs.

Luo Zheng and the others are startled, raising their guns in response while the person who brought them hurriedly gestures to explain something. A robust man emerges from behind a large tree and joyfully shouts, "Is it really old friends visiting?" His words are in not-so-fluent but understandable international language.

The voice sounds familiar, and Luo Zheng responds uncertainly with the international language, "Is that Hook?"

"Hahaha, indeed it's old friends, that's wonderful." The robust man is overjoyed and yells a few phrases in the local dialect, causing the men hiding in the woods to rush out excitedly.

"It really is you." Luo Zheng approaches and indeed sees Hook, smiling unconsciously, surveying him up and down and saying, "Wow, you've changed a lot, your body is stronger. By the way, this place isn't your land, why did you come here?"

"We were chasing a jaguar and ended up here, didn't expect to meet you." Hook says happily, pointing to a large, dead jaguar lying beside the campfire, and gesturing for everyone to sit down and talk.

Luo Zheng picks up a piece of broken wood to sit comfortably, glances at Mountain Eagle, who understands and instructs Zhou Gang and the others to spread out for vigilance. Luo Zheng smiles at Hook and says, "I truly didn't expect to run into you all."

"Indeed, why are you here? Is it a mission?" Hook asks in surprise, knowing well someone like Luo Zheng wouldn't come without purpose.

"Yes," Luo Zheng admits openly.

Luo Zheng's honesty increases Hook's fondness, who pats his chest and says, "No matter what you need us for, just say so. We only have a few people here, not enough manpower. Give me five days; I can gather a thousand people. Thanks to you, I've unified several tribes into a tribal management system, I'm the tribal chief."

"Congratulations." Luo Zheng says politely, pondering for a moment before asking, "Do you know the river over that way?"

"Yes, on the other side of the river is an armed foreign group that's been there for more than a decade, very formidable. We've had an agreement with them not to hunt across the river, and they don't come over either. So, you're here for them?" Hook asks in amazement.

"Yes, they stole our things." Luo Zheng admits candidly.

"I see." Hook ponders, seemingly making a major decision, then says seriously, "Give me five days; I'll rally all armed forces, a thousand men. You call the shots, and we'll take them down."

"No, we don't need you to engage." Luo Zheng knows Bloodsucker's strength, Hook's men going up would just be futile, so he declines without hesitation.

"You look down on us?" Hook's expression changes, asking discontentedly, "We're not what we used to be; our combat ability has doubled from half a year ago. Not as strong as you, but capable. As old friends, now that you know, not helping would dishonor my ancestors."

"Don't get excited, I mean not to confront them directly. We don't need many people; I need entry to that rock cave. Does anyone know other paths besides the cave entrance?" Luo Zheng quickly explains.

"Oh?" Hook mutters and discusses with those around him in a language Luo Zheng and the others don't understand. Soon, Hook turns to Luo Zheng and says, "When they settled there, we were only around ten years old, never been there, don't know. But Lang Sen says his father went there, who's our best hunter, been to many places. We'll call him."

"Really? Great, please do." Luo Zheng is delighted and readily agrees.

Hook immediately tells Lang Sen, who happily agrees and rushes off, quickly disappearing into the woods. Hook has everyone bring out jerky, roast it, and share it to eat while reminiscing about the past. The scene is harmonious; meeting old friends far from home is indeed joyful.

In the conversation, Luo Zheng learns Lang Sen needs five days for a round trip. Within this time, a lot could happen. Fortunately, Lan Xing starts up the tracking device. After a while, suddenly faint explosion sounds are heard from afar, too weak to be thunder under the bright sun.

Luo Zheng's brows slightly furrow, considering it may be Helmet Head and Bloodsucker battling. With Helmet Head around, enough to trouble Bloodsucker, Lan Xue suddenly whispers in Huaxia language, "We can't just wait here for five days; need to find a way. Five days is too long, anything could happen. If Helmet Head beats us to it, we'll be in trouble."

"Yes, five days is too long. Do you have a plan?" Luo Zheng asks worriedly.

"Cross the river, ambush around Bloodsucker's base, so if anything happens, we can respond." Lan Xue says.

"Alright." Luo Zheng considers and agrees, looking to Hook and speaking in the international language, "Old friend, we're planning to cross the river and maneuver with the enemy. How about we meet here in five days?"

"No way, we're coming with you; more hands more help, more firepower in battle. We can hunt for food, manage logistics." Hook insists, seeing Luo Zheng still wanting to persuade, he resolutely continues, "Let's settle it, definitely not holding you back. They're elite soldiers I chose, familiar with the jungle, won't be burdens. Fighting with you is exhilarating, gives us a chance to learn."

At this point, Luo Zheng can't say more, only agrees. Everyone packs up and heads towards Bloodsucker's location. On the way, Cheng He can't help but quietly ask Luo Zheng, "Are they reliable?"

"At least in my heart, they're more reliable than you." Luo Zheng retorts without courtesy.

"Uh?" Cheng He chokes up, smiles wryly, and continues, "Got it, their help does increase our chances."

"Yes, but I don't want them joining a battle that should be ours." Luo Zheng smiles bitterly.

"The benevolent are invincible; your virtue earns their friendship. They'll fight for you to the death, luckier than me, never worrying about betrayal. Former comrades sacrificing lives aren't as reliable as friends met afar. Indeed, my life is a failure." Cheng He smiles wryly.