Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Pass at Cloud Mountain

“This wolf is my friend,” Sun Licheng replied. Ever since he had rescued the wolf king last time, he no longer regarded it as a wild beast but as his companion.

“Oh? May I ask which tribe you hail from?” Upon hearing this, Martin studied Sun Licheng and noticed his equipment was far superior to that of the Silvermoon Tribe. His tone became noticeably more respectful.

“This is Lord Sun Licheng, a guest of our tribe. We are mainly assisting him in searching for any special regions nearby,” Vol introduced Sun Licheng to Martin.

“He doesn’t have a tribe of his own?” Martin asked, a trace of confusion in his voice.

“That’s right, he is a warrior,” Vol admitted somewhat awkwardly, yet spoke the truth.

At this, Martin’s demeanor became haughty. On this land, the size of a tribe’s population was a symbol of strength. He had originally thought Sun Licheng came from a powerful tribe, only to find out he was but a wanderer.

“Oh, I see. I’d like to buy this wolf. Name your price,” Martin said, not bothering with any honorifics, his arrogance showing.

“It’s not for sale. This is my companion, and I would never betray my companion!” Sun Licheng’s tone turned cold.

Just then, Martin noticed the mechanical dog behind Sun Licheng. Pointing at it, he said, “I’ll take this puppet dog as well. Name your price.”

“I said, it’s not for sale,” Sun Licheng replied firmly, his expression darkening.

Martin chuckled, turning his face away. At that moment, a burly bear goblin from his retinue stepped forward.

“Hey, little runt. Martin wants to buy this wolf and your puppet dog. Name your price, and don’t be foolish—don’t bring trouble on yourself,” the bear goblin, towering like a small mountain, pointed at Sun Licheng and spoke menacingly.

Facing this threat, Sun Licheng merely sneered in silence, his hand gripping the hilt of his blade, ready to draw at a moment’s notice.

“Enough! Sun Licheng is my guest, a guest of the entire Silvermoon Tribe,” Vol said coldly, stepping in front of Martin, his expression dark.

Though the Silvermoon Tribe was not as powerful as before, there was no reason to let anyone bully their esteemed guest right before their eyes.

Soon, the clink of armor was heard as Silvermoon warriors surrounded the group, their cold gazes fixed on Martin and his men.

“Alright, enough! No need for anger. We’re on the eve of battle. Lord Martin, shouldn’t you be preparing the camp for us?” The leaders of the other two tribes hurried to smooth things over, seeing that Martin was in an awkward position.

“Heh, of course. I’ll report to my father at once and see to everyone’s camp preparations,” Martin said, his expression shifting before returning to normal. With a hearty laugh, he patted Vol on the shoulder as if nothing had happened.

“That’s good. Once the camp’s ready, we can all rest. It’s been a long journey,” another tribal chief chimed in, and Vol’s expression softened.

Martin exchanged a few more pleasantries, then mounted his great elk, gave a shout, and led his men away. Unbeknownst to Vol and the others, Martin’s face was dark and brooding as he left.

“Sigh, Sun Licheng, don’t be angry. Martin is so arrogant because the Star-Moon Tribe is the alliance leader,” Vol explained once Martin was out of earshot.

“I understand. These are times of war, and everything must serve the greater cause,” Sun Licheng consoled Vol, though his heart was steely. He hadn’t even reached the battlefield and had already clashed with an important figure from the Star-Moon Tribe. He would need to be careful.

...

When they reached the Yunshan Pass, Sun Licheng saw it had become a vast military camp. In the valley, countless tents were connected, forming a sea of canvas. The blare of horns sounded unceasingly, and columns of goblin warriors marched in and out, the scene imposing and militaristic.

As they drew nearer, the strength of each goblin tribe was clear: in the number of soldiers and the quality of their arms, one could instantly gauge their power. Though the Silvermoon Tribe’s numbers were few, their weapons and armor were superior, making them stand out as valiant among the ragtag goblin soldiers, drawing admiration and envy.

Overall, Sun Licheng was impressed by the discipline of the goblins. The camp was not the chaotic marketplace he had imagined, but rather well-ordered and quiet—a true army.

On the way to their assigned camp, several tribal chiefs came to greet them, making Sun Licheng realize just how influential the ancient Silvermoon Tribe was in this region.

“How many people are here?” Sun Licheng asked during a lull, as Vol was greeting other chiefs.

“There are about four thousand now. Once everyone arrives, it should be close to six thousand,” Vol replied.

“So many?” Sun Licheng was incredulous.

“Yes, I’ve participated in several battles—numbers are always around this many,” Vol affirmed.

“If the goblins muster this many, the goblins’ enemies must have a similar number. Thirteen thousand on both sides—this is a large-scale battle, even by Earth’s standards. In this primitive society, it’s a true test of strength. The resources and lives it will consume!” Sun Licheng couldn’t help but marvel.

Though Martin had clashed with the Silvermoon Tribe, the campsite allocated to them was excellent: flat ground beside a stream with easy access to water. Sun Licheng had to admit, the Star-Moon Tribe was indeed a competent alliance leader—at least when it came to important matters.

Meanwhile, in the command tent of the Star-Moon Tribe, a large-headed bear goblin sat in the seat of honor—Adolph Star-Moon, the tribe’s chieftain. His head was so large he was nicknamed “Big Head Bear,” and his ever-smiling eyes gave him the air of a kindly uncle.

“Father, the Silvermoon Tribe has changed greatly. Though they brought fewer than two hundred, their equipment is excellent—everyone has armor, and they carry many metal weapons,” Martin was reporting. Unlike his father, Martin was not a bear goblin, but he was brimming with energy, his words clear and forceful.

“Oh really? I’ll have to take a closer look,” Adolph replied with interest, toying with his wine cup, his eyes gleaming despite his genial expression.

Early the next morning, Vol went to the Star-Moon command tent for a military meeting. He returned at noon, seething with anger.

“They wanted to conscript you, but I refused. The Star-Moon Tribe may be the alliance leader, but they can’t dictate Silvermoon’s internal affairs. Still, Sun Licheng, you must be careful. The old man of the Star-Moon Tribe is not to be underestimated,” Vol said, clapping Sun Licheng’s shoulder before storming off.

Watching Vol’s retreating figure, Sun Licheng fell into thought. Once he had idolized the swordsmen and wanderers of the novels he read, longing to become one of them. But now that he had crossed into another world, he realized all that was nonsense. Unless one transmigrated as a god, only the strength of a team truly mattered. Here, without an organization, you were looked down on and marginalized. Come to think of it, wasn’t it the same back on Earth?

He remembered a dream he’d had since arriving—so vivid it felt real—in which he led a band of hopelessly inept underlings, yet with these very misfits, he ultimately triumphed over his foes.

“Ruthless, loyal, many brothers—that’s how it’s done! Brother Haonan didn’t lie to me!” Sun Licheng shook his head and chuckled inwardly. It was time to gather his own strength.

...

Inside the Silvermoon Tribe’s main tent, Luther glared at Vol, who sat in the chief’s seat.

“Chief, why did you refuse to let them conscript Sun Licheng?” asked Luther.

“Why? Because the Silvermoon Tribe has dignity. We are not the Star-Moon Tribe’s lackeys, and I won’t betray our guest,” Vol replied coldly.

“But that will offend the Star-Moon Tribe. When we go to battle, they’ll surely send us to the front!” Luther protested.

“So what? I have my principles. At least I won’t betray a friend. Even if we join the battle, it should be with Sun Licheng’s consent. We cannot decide for him. Besides, we came here for war. Are you afraid?” Vol replied, his gaze locked on Luther, a cold smile curling at his lips.

“I—I'm not afraid! I just think we shouldn’t risk everyone’s safety for Sun Licheng,” Luther insisted, though his eyes darted away.

“That’s enough. I am the chief—my word is law. Remember, you are a warrior. Focus on the battle and leave the rest to me,” Vol dismissed him with a wave.

Luther wanted to protest but held his tongue. He stomped his foot and left the tent.

The night passed quietly. At dawn, the Star-Moon Tribe convened the first war council in their command tent, attended by all tribes of the Moon Alliance.

“Now, I will assign the battle order,” said the tall Adolph with a genial smile, standing before a rough map that looked like a child’s doodle.

“For the first formation, the Silvermoon Tribe. You will take the vanguard.”