We hadn't set off yet because Ada and Gui Lichy's agreed meeting point was right here.
As the appointed time was fast approaching, Ada subconsciously licked his lips, a hint of cruelty flashing across his face.
Gui Lichy, if you dare not show up, you little punk!
I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. While such an act of breaking an appointment might not carry a severe punishment in the outside world, in this savage tribe, it was the greatest provocation to the leader's authority.
I believed that if Gui Lichy dared to arrive even a minute past the appointed time, Ada would lead his men to capture Gui Lichy and hang him publicly to maintain the prestige of Hu Tu.
The time, equivalent to a piece of pork, passed in an instant. To my disappointment, Gui Lichy hadn't broken his promise. He arrived with his men at the clearing right at the last minute, precisely on time.
Gui Lichy was fully armed. The hand with a missing thumb was bandaged, making it unnoticeable.
His subordinates were much quieter than our men, standing behind Gui Lichy without a word. It felt as if an invisible line divided us, a clear separation.
The warriors of the Du'an tribe, who had been scattered around resting, instinctively gathered behind Ada and me upon seeing Gui Lichy's arrival.
"Gui Lichy, why are you so late? Are you provoking the Great King?"
Although Ada had always been the leader of the warriors, having followed Hu Tu for so long, he had learned some skills in political maneuvering through constant exposure.
Seeing Gui Lichy arrive, and before he could even speak, a heavy accusation was immediately leveled against him.
If Gui Lichy couldn't answer well, Ada could still attack him right then and there.
"Ada, we are going to fight against the traitors in the Land of the Godforsaken. I myself don't mind going alone, but some of my subordinates have families. They were a little late saying goodbye to their loved ones."
Gui Lichy replied calmly and unhurriedly, even proactively lowering his head to appease Ada.
"If this delays our departure, I am willing to bear all the responsibility. Please punish me, Ada."
This kid Gui Lichy's IQ has grown in two days! He even managed to turn Ada's words back on him, using moral coercion. It had that authentic feel.
Now, this statement put Ada in a difficult position. If he were to punish Gui Lichy for such a reason, it would surely hurt the hearts of all the warriors. But if he didn't punish Gui Lichy, it would embolden him.
At this moment, someone needed to give Ada an exit. I cleared my throat and spoke up, under the watchful, silent gaze of Gui Lichy's subordinates.
"Hahahaha, we are all brothers of the Du'an tribe. There's no need to make things so tense. Saying goodbye to one's family is only natural. If possible, I would also wish to bid farewell to my parents. But..."
As I said this, my eyes welled up, and the hand holding the beast bone trembled slightly.
Seeing my tearful performance, the surrounding Du'an warriors empathized, and a wave of sadness permeated the air.
Sensing that the atmosphere was sufficiently charged, I took a deep breath, reined in my emotions, and raised the beast bone in my left hand high.
"My brothers of the Du'an tribe, the reason we are setting off on this journey is to protect our loved ones from any harm. King Hu Tu trusts me and has made me your leader. You are my brothers. As long as I have breath in me, I will not abandon you. We will definitely return home together!"
"We will live and die with Ba Du!"
"We swear to defend the honor of Du'an!"
Under my proclamation, the surrounding Du'an warriors accepted my words and pledged their allegiance. Even a few of Gui Lichy's subordinates subconsciously wanted to join in.
Seeing that I had complete control of the situation, I looked at Gui Lichy, who remained with his head bowed, with a smirk.
"Gui Lichy, get up. We need to set off. What, are you not even listening to your leader's words?"
This was originally a carefully planned move by Gui Lichy to challenge Ada and me, a power play to undermine us. However, with my tearful performance just now, it was completely defused.
Back in the company, I had learned a principle: when you are dealing with an idiot, never follow his rhythm. Otherwise, he will drag you down to his level and defeat you with his extensive experience in dealing with idiots.
Gui Lichy's use of the reason of his subordinates saying goodbye to their families to challenge Ada and me was a form of moral coercion. But since I had no morals, he could do nothing to me.
The momentum had shifted. Gui Lichy's lips twitched, and he slowly raised his head, looking at the beast bone in my hand with venom mixed in his eyes.
"Yes..."
"Hahahaha!"
I burst into laughter. This first round, I had won!
"Everyone prepare, let's move out!"