Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1326: Heading to the Rebel Camp
Previously on Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies...
The culinary efforts of Lodan left an indelible mark on the souls of all present. A strange, crimson hue began to suffuse the eyes of the devoted followers, as though their very essences were submerged within that steaming cauldron of meat soup.
Yang Xinxin, positioned beside Zhang Yi’s left flank, couldn't suppress a quiet sigh upon witnessing this spectacle.
“What troubles you?” Zhang Yi inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Yang Xinxin responded, “I’ve studied history. This scene brings to mind Yuan Chonghuan from the late Ming Dynasty.”
“After failing to secure the borders then, he was subjected to a thousand cuts by Emperor Chongzhen. As he met his end, the common folk surrounding him were reportedly cheering and celebrating.”
“It makes one ponder how all history is, in essence, modern history. Experiencing this firsthand truly reveals the shocking nature of such events.”
Zhang Yi drew a deep breath, choosing not to elaborate further on the subject.
In times of upheaval, human lives have consistently been valued as lowly as blades of grass.Once Lodan finished preparing the sky burials for all the members of the resistance army, each of the tens of thousands of onlookers was presented with a bowl of the rich meat soup.
They held their bowls with profound reverence, greedily consuming the hearty broth in large, swift swallows.
As the piping hot liquid traversed their throats, the savory, unctuous sensation brought moisture to their eyes.
A deep well of gratitude filled their hearts – for the monks of Sangha Monastery, for the Lord of the Charnel Ground, and for the great chieftains of the Western regions.
The weight of their veneration only intensified with each passing moment.
Consequently, having finished their servings, they prostrated themselves upon the earth, performing kowtows to express their profound thanks to Sangha Monastery.
Only Zhang Yi and his small contingent remained apart, creating a bubble of personal space from the surrounding atmosphere.
For this soul-stirring aroma, a revered delicacy to the others, induced a feeling of queasiness and the urge to retch within them.
Following the conclusion of the meat soup distribution, Zhang Yi received a communication from Liang Yue.
She indicated that they had successfully relocated their people to a safe distance.
Zhang Yi surveyed his surroundings briefly before instructing her, “Await my signal.”
As the solemn ceremony drew to a close, Deji summoned the leaders of the three prominent families. It appeared a council was to convene to deliberate on the day’s proceedings.
Zhang Yi addressed Pagyi Gesang, stating, “We have witnessed the main event. Our next step is simply to await the opening of the Demon Kingdom Gate. Given the biting cold, we shall take our leave now.”
The Prayer Festival was scheduled to span three full days, replete with a variety of intricate rituals throughout.
Pagyi Gesang, holding a significant position within the esoteric sect, could not depart.
He replied, “Very well. Please travel safely on your return journey. Rest and recuperate thoroughly over these coming days. Should you require anything, do not hesitate to inform us.”
Zhang Yi gave a nod and promptly guided his group away from Sangha Monastery.
Without delay, after establishing a sufficient distance, Zhang Yi conjured a spatial portal, dispatching the others back to the Pagyi Family residence.
“Wait here for a short while. I shall return shortly.”
With these words, Zhang Yi activated the Dimensional Gate and teleported directly to the coordinates provided by Liang Yue.
...
Meanwhile, Liang Yue and Mu Yan found themselves within one of the encampments belonging to the rebel forces.
Here, they observed the starkly challenging living conditions endured by the resistance fighters.
In comparison to the serf encampments governed by the chieftain families, the circumstances here were hardly better.
Each individual was compelled to toil for their sustenance, contributing their labor toward the collective effort.
The sole distinction was that here, they were afforded the dignity of human existence. No one subjected them to physical abuse.
Should an injury occur, medical attention was provided, rather than facing the fate of being slaughtered like livestock.
Upon Bamo’s arrival, she was met with a warm reception from all quarters.
The members of the resistance army swarmed around Bamo, their gazes reflecting the most genuine admiration.
As the second-highest-ranking individual in the resistance, Bamo was considered a beacon of hope, a savior, for the majority of those present.
Being an Epsilon, the movements of the Snow Mountain Divine Eagle could easily draw the attention of the Lord of the Charnel Ground. Therefore, Bamo typically led the majority of the daily operations.
“Sister Bamo, it is such a relief that you are safe!”
Several young women, tears streaming unchecked, embraced Bamo tightly, sobbing with emotion.
Bamo regarded them with maternal tenderness, gently caressing their hair.
“Many comrades made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure my rescue.”
Her voice carried a distinct note of sorrow as she spoke.
A somber mood descended upon everyone present. This particular operation had exacted a toll of at least a hundred lives, including many of the resistance army’s most capable fighters.
Shortly thereafter, Bamo lifted her head, her expression resolute and unwavering, devoid of any hint of self-doubt or hesitation.
“However, I shall carry their convictions forward and persist in dismantling the tyrannical rule of the chieftains! I will ensure that the radiance of peace illuminates the entirety of the Snowy Plateau Region!”
Bamo's sole survival held greater worth than a thousand members of the resistance army.
Although unspoken, this truth resonated deeply within everyone.
Humanity inherently lacks equality; individuals possessing superior abilities have consistently carried more significant weight within any organization.
Bamo was not one for pretense, she would not utter sentiments like, "So many comrades sacrificed themselves for me, I truly ought to perish."
Instead, she would redouble her efforts, maximizing her own utility and shouldering the burden of her fallen comrades as well.
Only through such actions would the sacrifices of those comrades not be in vain.
Gazing upon the resistance army members, whose attire was worn but whose eyes gleamed with hope, Liang Yue and Jingwei felt a profound sense of admiration bloom within them.
An exceptionally gifted individual such as Bamo, had she desired, could have commanded preferential treatment from any faction across the Southwest Region.
She could have effortlessly acquired all she yearned for, yet she deliberately chose the most arduous path, driven by the righteousness she held in her heart.
The spirit of "Though ten thousand may oppose me, I shall proceed" was truly deserving of commendation.
Liang Yue approached Bamo, extending her right hand. "We were in such a rush earlier that introductions were set aside. My designation is..."
Just as the name was about to be uttered, Mu Yan gently tugged at Liang Yue's garment from behind.
A reminder of Zhang Yi's earlier directives surfaced in Liang Yue's mind, prompting her to alter her statement, "You may address me as B."
Bamo clasped Liang Yue's hand, her gaze sincere. "My deepest gratitude for your assistance, Miss B!"
After a brief consultation, Liang Yue and Mu Yan allocated some of their provisions to the group.
These consisted of basic necessities: sustenance, apparel, and fuel.
These supplies were part of their emergency reserves. While not abundant, for the beleaguered resistance army, they represented invaluable resources.
The assembled individuals were visibly thrilled, their gazes fixed upon the two women with expressions brimming with respect.
"Bamo, Drolma, it is time we addressed our pending matter,"
Mu Yan interjected, approaching the pair.
Bamo inclined her head. "On our journey here, Drolma conveyed the details. Since you have rendered assistance as agreed, we shall honor our end of the bargain."
"Would it be amenable to summon him here?"
Mu Yan directed the question towards the resistance members present in the encampment.
Bamo gave her assent. "Indeed. You have successfully garnered our trust."
For the resistance forces, the paramount concern was the preservation of their superhuman cadres; they were the future seeds. As long as they endured, the flame of resistance would never be extinguished.
The aid provided by Zhang Yi and his companions in facilitating their escape from the formidable chieftains of the West and the Sangha Monastery served as the ultimate testament to their sincerity, fully warranting the trust placed in them.
