Saving System: Calm Down, My Fleeing Host!

Chapter 271 - 263: Joining the 132th Regiment

Everyone’s eyes fixed on the absent-minded Cheng Xiaoxiao—was she too happy to react?

Returning to her thoughts, several captains were at that moment in a tavern hall, gathered around a table, formulating a battle plan.

Fang Zheng, thinking Sister Xiao doubted his intentions, said seriously, "Fang is just suitable for leading troops in battle, not for strategizing and commanding, so taking the head of the opposing leader was just a gesture of goodwill to express my sincerity in wanting to join the 132th Regiment."

"Ahem!" Cheng Xiaoxiao knew they misunderstood.

She didn’t explain, just spoke lightly, "I believe your sincerity to join, but whether to accept you is another matter."

Cheng Xiaoxiao was being mysterious, causing Fang Zheng to look anxious.

"Not Sister Xiao, we truly wish to join your team." Lu Jingtian spoke up first.

"I know, every team has its rules. Even if you want to join, you need to follow the same process as Niu Lizheng did."

Lu Jingtian: "No, not Sister Xiao. We were originally on the same team, facing life and death together. Why talk about joining?"

Cheng Xiaoxiao looked at the two pitiably, like two huskies about to be abandoned by their owner, and pursed her lips, "It’s because I pitied you that I let you tag along, but I never acknowledged you as members of the 132th Regiment."

The two exchanged a glance, Lu Jingtian cast a questioning look at Fang Zheng, who scratched his head in frustration. Back then, with Jingtian in dire straits, he was focused on caring for his friend and traveling, never considering this issue. It was all so natural afterward that it seemed like no one from the 132th Regiment ever said they were part of it.

They were careless, so careless! Why didn’t he consider this back then?

Right, at that fork in the road, they almost parted ways, and Old Li chose to stick with Sister Xiao unwaveringly. It was after joining the team the two succeeded in joining, but they had nothing to do with it.

He shook his head helplessly at his friend.

Lu Jingtian was shocked—so they had been assuming all along?

Later, as more brothers gathered, he didn’t want to owe the sister anything, so he actively left the team, using his own grain to support them until a new team formed, led by him and Fang Zheng.

If he’d known today, he’d never have left Sister Xiao’s team back then. What a blunder!

The two glared at each other, seemingly blaming each other for not stopping it before.

Lu Jingtian could only awkwardly try to ease the situation, "Well, Sister Xiao, we’re so familiar now, there’s no need for this unfamiliarity."

"As they say, no rules mean no bounds, even brothers keep clear accounts!" Cheng Xiaoxiao showed no mercy, spreading her hands.

"But..." Lu Jingtian wanted to say more but was stopped by Fang Zheng, who caught the teasing tone in Sister Xiao’s voice, "Go ahead, what’s the shortcut?"

They didn’t have enough food to feed everyone for a month, so they needed a quick resolution.

"Brother Fang is straightforward; there is indeed something I need help with."

"Sister Xiao, just say the word. Brother Fang will do his utmost to get it done." Fang Zheng looked death-defying.

Upon hearing this, Lu Jingtian also perked up, "Our men are brave and skilled in battle. If Sister Xiao needs us, just say the word."

Cheng Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows, knowing their food would only last half a month. They were just looking for an excuse to help out, these two really...

The other captains remained collectively silent for a while; this situation was too bizarre.

Since when did the 132th Regiment become so coveted, with so many conditions for joining?

Niu Lizheng, who completely agreed, nodded repeatedly. Yes, they too went through this process to apply for joining.

"This matter carries some risk, possibly life-threatening. You should consider it carefully!"

Fang Zheng was indifferent. With either natural disasters or man-made calamities, and in the freezing cold with no grain to buy, they could freeze or starve to death at any moment. Taking some risks was nothing, and he nodded firmly.

"Alright, complete this task, and those who survive can join the 132th Regiment early."

On the surface, she couldn’t be too biased, especially with Niu Lizheng watching.

"Brother Lu, your matter can be discussed privately!" Han Xifeng interrupted their conversation.

Lin Yiqiu also chimed in, "Since the leadership has fallen to Miss Cheng, we’ll accept the result."

No one expected the leadership position to eventually fall to the young girl. Though they were dissatisfied, they couldn’t argue. Her sword techniques and movement skills were evident to all. Being able to slay a grandmaster in a short time, her strength was beyond question, so they were willing to take a step back.

Moreover, now that Fang Zheng and Lu Jingtian wanted to join the 132th Regiment, a fallout would yield no benefit.

"Thank you, brothers, for the opportunity, I won’t be modest."

Their current situation was perilous; once the enemy reacted, they would not let them off.

If the enemy cared about the roughly two hundred soldiers’ lives, they might buy some time. If they abandoned them and attacked directly, their thousand-plus men were not enough to fend off the enemy.

On the surface, they appeared calm, but inside they were anxious and uneasy. They had essentially walked into the wolf’s den, seizing food from the wolves’ jaws. Either they bit off a piece of meat, or they were devoured.

Cheng Xiaoxiao took out a freshly drawn map and spread it on the table.

It immediately caught everyone’s attention, eyes widening in disbelief at the lifelike drawing. Carefully touching and examining it, "This drawing is too realistic. How did you do it, Sister Xiao?" Lu Jingtian was both amazed and curious.

Han Xifeng and Lin Yiqiu exchanged a glance and quietly suppressed their surprise. The more they interacted, the more extraordinary the girl became. Not to mention her sources of information before, such a precise layout map was not something just anyone could produce.

From the brand-new, fine paper, two things were apparent: the paper was expensive and not something typical people could own, and it was a recent work.

As a woman of humble origins, where did Miss Cheng learn such expert drawing skills? They had never heard of it. She also possessed excellent martial arts, a military-like team, and an innovative management style, all exuding an air of mystery.

For a moment, the two had many thoughts. They had been scheming and competing for years, confident in seeing through a naive junior easily, yet found themselves baffled by a little girl, their curiosity piqued.

"It’s just a minor skill; I’m capable of much more." Cheng Xiaoxiao raised an eyebrow, hinting at her capabilities.

That’s the effect she wanted. Without the skills, she wouldn’t be involved in porcelain work. If she couldn’t win their confidence entirely, she might as well lie low and be a salted fish.

"This is a rough layout map of Yuan Yang City. As for exactly how many troops are stationed in various places, it still can’t be confirmed for now, only estimates are known."