Chapter 262: 262, Lead the team out of difficulties

After Tang Wan Yi and the others left, Ren Xiaosu turned to face all the members of the private army and said, “There’s no need to spout hollow platitudes just because I’ve lucked into being the captain of Iron Battalion Two. Some of you may know my capabilities—I’m the best at surviving in this wilderness. Follow me, and none of you will starve, nor will you die inexplicably at the hands of plants!”

All faces turned pale. Was Ren Xiaosu boasting so boldly right after taking office? They all knew he’d once been an ordinary soldier, and now his leap was too great for them to accept.

Of course, no one dared to challenge him outright. The memory of Ren Xiaosu dragging someone through the snow was still fresh in their minds, and they all had an impression of him: he was a ruthless man.

Ruthless as he was, however, his words were not trusted.

They had been hungry for days, and the threat of thorny vines loomed outside. Some felt that Ren Xiaosu becoming captain now was no different from courting suffering.

Someone from the reinforced company couldn’t help but ask coldly, “Since you say so, we’ve been starving for days—how do you plan to find food for us? If you can lead us out alive and secure provisions, we’ll believe you.”

These men from the reinforced company had been Liu Taiyu’s trusted aides; suddenly having a new leader would naturally unsettle them.

But whoever leads must lead, as long as their strength suffices.

Another voice chimed in, “Exactly! We’re too afraid to move forward—what if we encounter those plants again?”

Upon hearing this, Ren Xiaosu spoke with fiery passion, “If I dare promise you all, I’ll surely lead you out. Here’s how: I’ll go ahead, and you follow behind. As long as I don’t meet misfortune, you in the rear won’t either, right?”

They fell silent at this. Was Ren Xiaosu volunteering to blaze a trail? Some were suddenly moved—they hadn’t expected him to be so resolute!

If the path ahead truly harbored fearsome plants, Ren Xiaosu, walking ahead, would be the first to suffer. Had Liu Taiyu been awake, he might have ordered others to scout at the cost of their lives, never acting as Ren did, leading by example!

Though none believed such a good man could exist on this wasteland, wasn’t he standing right before them?

Ren Xiaosu spoke with righteous fervor, “Hurry and pack your gear and tents—we’ll set off in an hour. I’ll lead, and you follow! I’ll take you to find food!”

The private army consisted of refugees with little education. History had proven that the less cultured people were, the less likely they were to question those around them, especially when in a group—they were prone to blind obedience.

They never imagined the plants were actually Ren Xiaosu’s pets…

Others venturing forward might indeed meet trouble, but Ren Xiaosu was absolutely safe.

After the team departed, Ren Xiaosu guided them northward, avoiding all thorny vines. Some vines suddenly erupted from the snow, snarling and clawing at him, yet Ren Xiaosu stood just beyond their reach.

To the soldiers, it seemed as if divine intervention aided him!

Someone behind shouted a warning, and Ren Xiaosu turned, his face etched with pity, saying, “What’s a little sacrifice from me to secure your survival?”

Ren Xiaosu felt quite grand, leading this private army out of the trap he’d set!

Someone behind him was already tearful: “Thank you, Captain!”

“Thank you, Captain!”

Ren Xiaosu pressed on, counting the thanks coins as he walked. Hmm, another few thanks coins harvested. Dozens shouted their gratitude, but only a handful were sincere.

Someone in the reinforced company whispered, “He’s got some skill, and it’s nice to follow a decent commander in these times.”

The company commander said calmly, “Let’s see how it goes. Getting us out is one thing, but if he can secure food too, then I’ll acknowledge him.”

In truth, Ren Xiaosu had no intention of winning their loyalty. Whether they believed him or not mattered not—it was reaching the rendezvous point with Tang Zhou that counted.

These people, insincere in their thanks, had once helped him scheme to infiltrate the forward base for meals, only to be sold out within minutes. Chen Wudi, ever eager to aid others, was branded a fool.

Ren Xiaosu felt no pity for them, nor did he intend to become true comrades.

By now, they had left the thorny vine cultivation zone. Ren Xiaosu turned back and said, “Those thorns likely grow only in small patches. We needn’t fear them now.”

Relieved, some said, “Shall we rest?”

As they spoke, several prepared to sit directly on the snow—this was the private army’s laziness.

But Ren Xiaosu continued, “We can’t rest yet. I promised to find food, and we must first overcome the immediate peril! Besides, I’ve thought of a plan!”

At the mention of food, all stirred with excitement. Even the reinforced company’s rations had run out a day prior; everyone was starving, their eyes glinting with gold.

Ren Xiaosu ventured into the mountains. Before he’d taken two steps, he spotted a tree hollow high up. He climbed the tree and reached in.

All wondered what he was doing, only to see a squirrel scrambling out as he withdrew his hand, while he clutched a handful of pine nuts and unfamiliar dried fruits!

Ren Xiaosu smiled, “Search for such tree hollows—we can at least fill our bellies first. If you find caves or rock fissures, alert me; that’s where our supper awaits!”

“What’s in the caves?” someone asked curiously.

Ren Xiaosu leaped down from the tree, popping a pine nut into his mouth as he replied, “In winter, snakes store enough fat to hibernate. During this time, they pose no threat to humans, and they especially love to cluster together. Find a cave, and you’ll likely find a nest of snakes—we’ll roast them tonight!”

The southwest region teemed with venomous snakes and insects, and Ren Xiaosu had always been vigilant upon entering the wilderness.

Yet in hibernation, most snakes became delicacies, and they particularly favored communal sleeping—not only to huddle for warmth but also to minimize moisture loss.

Snakes that hibernate alone face a one-in-three chance of surviving winter.

Thus, in winter, bold refugees venture into the mountains seeking snake nests. Find one, and it’s a windfall—the entire winter becomes easier.

Ren Xiaosu was the boldest of them all.

…

Only two chapters today—apologies. Several books have been censored, and I need to spend much time editing. If I finish quickly, I’ll add a third chapter tonight.

Try to get it done before noon. Apologies, apologies.