Otherworld Advance Team
Chapter 1503 - 1496: Seek Another Way Out

Chapter 1503: Chapter 1496: Seek Another Way Out

Returning to their residence with a heavy heart, the Advance Team had all gathered to discuss the forthcoming arrangements. Now that the conflict in West Outer Heaven had been settled, they no longer had to worry about their rear and could consider their next actions.

As soon as Luo’er arrived at their accommodation, he received some not-so-good news. Cheng Ziang reported to him that according to the intelligence he gathered, after a short respite, the Demon Clan’s army would continue to march northward; there was no need for Luo’er to guess their destination.

"It seems war can never truly end," Baiyue sighed after hearing Cheng Ziang’s report, expressing her helplessness with resignation.

"Having fought external enemies, are they turning around to fight their own people now? Have the Demon Clan lost their minds with all this war?" Hu Daoke was quite surprised.

"The Demon Clan needs to maintain a strong military force, but judging by the current situation, it seems difficult for them to support such a large-scale army for a long time," Cheng Ziang analyzed.

"Then why not disband the army and have them farm, or transform them into an agricultural construction corps?" Tangmo suggested, spreading his hands.

"The population for development can be supplemented, after all, West Outer Heaven and Fengyu are now bordering each other; it is entirely possible to recruit Demon Clan people from Fengyu to replenish the workforce," Luo’er analyzed, "But an army experienced in combat is hard to come by in a short time, so I guess the Linglan leader wants to take advantage of the momentum, stabilize the external situation first, then settle internal affairs, and ultimately unify West Outer Heaven."

"That’s a big step to take, aren’t they afraid of overreaching?" Cheng Ziang said with a cold sneer.

"Regardless, our assistance ends here; we have no obligation to help the Demon Clan in their civil war. Since the conflict in West Outer Heaven has ended, our state of emergency with the Demon Clan is over, and we’re back to normal," Luo’er stated.

"What can we do by returning to a normal state?" Hu Daoke asked, puzzled.

"That means we don’t interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. If the Demon Clan resists invasion, we provide help. But if the Demon Clan engages in a civil war, that’s not something we can get involved in. Because taking a side is thankless work that brings nothing but trouble," Luo’er explained.

"So, what are our arrangements going forward?" Tangmo asked with curiosity.

"Of course, we head to Kyushu; haven’t I already mentioned that?" Cheng Ziang proposed.

"Are you out of your mind, Old Cheng? We’ve just fought a battle against Kyushu. Isn’t going there like walking into a trap?" Hu Daoke couldn’t understand.

"You are wrong; it was the Demon Clan who fought against Kyushu, we were just participants. Besides, Kyushu is so vast, and with so many Kyushu people, how many can recognize us?" Cheng Ziang said, shrugging his shoulders dismissively.

"What does Teacher Zhu think?" Luo’er turned to ask Zhuyan Yu.

"You decide," Zhuyan Yu shrugged.

"Teacher Zhu, some matters shouldn’t be taken lightly; you’re not only our leader but also our elder. There are many decisions that still require your input," Luo’er said with a bitter smile.

"You’re even starting to criticize me now, yet you still consider me your leader and elder?" Zhuyan Yu squinted and smiled.

"Teacher Zhu..." Luo’er found himself at a loss for words.

"Alright, enough banter," Zhuyan Yu waved his hand, smiling, "All in all, I am rather in favor of Cheng Ziang’s suggestion. Your previous trip to Aximiya Island brought us a lot of valuable information, and I believe going to Kyushu will yield even more meaningful data. This is a scientific expedition, so we should not halt our progress due to war and be content with simplicity."

"So, that settles it, we will make some preparations and then head east," Luo’er nodded, "I’ll find time to say goodbye to the Linglan leader and then leave West Outer Heaven."

"Do you think she’ll agree?" Tangmo asked with concern.

"Yes," Luo’er nodded, "I will tell her that we plan to go east to Kyushu, all the way to the Imperial Court of Kyushu, to petition them not to send troops to West Outer Heaven anymore, and end the war between Kyushu and West Outer Heaven once and for all."

"That plan sounds unreliable just by hearing it; the Linglan leader isn’t a fool, do you really think she will believe what you say?" Cheng Ziang expressed his doubt.

"If it were someone else, she definitely wouldn’t believe it, but if it’s me, I’m sure she would consider it." Luo’er said with confidence.

"Where does your confidence come from?" Cheng Ziang shrugged his shoulders and asked.

"Don’t forget," Baiyue reminded, "Luo’er was once the Propaganda Minister of the Demon Clan. It was under his propaganda that the demons were able to unite and launch an attack on Kyushu."

"Oh, so it’s all about talking big." Realization dawned on Cheng Ziang as he nodded his head.

"Don’t underestimate the power of talking big. Luo’er’s talking big is very strong." Tangmo stated, not to be outdone.

"I’m just clarifying the conclusion based on facts, not some ’talking big,’ this term..." Luo’er revealed a bitter smile.

"But I heard that you lost an argument with Zisu?" Cheng Ziang suddenly remembered something and stared at him as he asked.

"Ah, it’s like talking to chickens and ducks – with different standpoints and not enough substantial arguments, it’s easy to get refuted." Luo’er explained.

"So maybe we’ve overestimated the ideological awareness of the feudal army." Cheng Ziang shook his head and sighed.

"It’s not just about the feudal army. During the first and second World Wars on Earth, how many armies could truly be civilized? The concept of a people’s army isn’t something that can be realized just by talking about it." Baiyue said coldly.

"Anyway, I will go and explain the situation to the Linglan leader and ask her to allow us to leave the West Outer Heaven." Luo’er waved his hand, interrupting them.

"Why do we need her permission to leave? If we want to go, we just go." Hu Daoke asked, puzzled.

"No matter what, we can’t ruin our relationship with the Demon Clan. After all, when the sky fleet comes, the first civilization they encounter will be the Demon Clan. If we all get chased away, how will the sky fleet find us?" Luo’er explained.

"Living under someone else’s roof requires acting accordingly, not always turning the tables." Cheng Ziang said, shrugging his shoulders in resignation.

"It feels so suffocating." Hu Daoke sighed.

Luo’er looked at Zhuyan Yu, who had been silent all along, and took the initiative to ask, "Does Teacher Zhu have any thoughts?"

"I am thinking," Zhuyan Yu wasn’t angry at having her thoughts interrupted by Luo’er, but looked at him and said, "I might not be suitable for long journeys, after all, my body can’t take it."

"So, does Teacher Zhu mean you want to stay here?" Zhuyan Yu’s words surprised everyone.

"Anyway, this place is also our stronghold, isn’t it," Zhuyan Yu smiled and said, "I have read all the reports written by the Advance Team, so I know how tough your days of adventure have been. Besides being tough, you will encounter many dangers. So I think, if I were to follow you all, perhaps you would have a lot of concerns."

"Don’t say that, Teacher Zhu," Luo’er earnestly said, "It’s not you following us, but rather we are a collective, inseparable. Please never think that way; we will not abandon any companion."

"It’s because I care about you all that I don’t want to cause you trouble," Zhuyan Yu couldn’t help shaking Luo’er’s head with her hand, smiling as she said, "Although I am a military officer, I am just a technical officer, unlike you guys who have trained hard for so many years. If I go with you, I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep up with your pace."

"So, does Teacher Zhu mean..." Cheng Ziang hesitated to ask.

"I will stay behind. Just let Taran stay with me, and you can go east on your own." Zhuyan Yu stated, pulling the bewildered Taran next to her.

"Is that okay?" Luo’er and the others looked at each other, and then turned back to ask.

"Of course, it’s okay. Taran and I are non-combatants; following you would only hold you back. The risks of this journey are unknown, and your caution with us in tow is inevitable. Moreover, speaking of which, if we all leave the West Outer Heaven, when the sky fleet arrives, who will guide them to find us? Rely on the Demon Clan?" Zhuyan Yu’s reasoning was very sufficient.