Chapter 70: Preparation for War

Li Xian closed his eyes and roughly estimated: “Establish four rifle teams, each with two top snipers led by Foundation Stage members, with the remaining 10 ordinary snipers selected from each team. The remaining teams will have 25 ordinary gunners each, also selected based on merit. 

The remaining 12 top snipers will form a separate team. Mr. Beichen, you will command them personally.”

“Yes!” Bei Chen Yuqing was overjoyed. Having an ace up his sleeve for the first major battle was a great opportunity to achieve something significant.

Xu Ren added at the right moment, “Leave six top snipers to protect the factory.”

Li Xian chuckled; he had gotten overly excited earlier and almost compromised their base.

After making these arrangements, the distribution of 160 gunners was completed, and all capable fighters in the factory were armed to guard it.

There were also 1,000 elite soldiers ready to intercept the troops from the Cai Kingdom on the way.

However, with only one thousand soldiers, plus the 134 gunners, their capability was still insufficient. Xu Ren’s suggestion was straightforward: go borrow troops from the eldest son, Li Liang; they didn’t need too many, just 5,000 would suffice.

Borrowing 5,000 soldiers wouldn’t affect the border defense of Anyang County; they could even arm some disabled soldiers to make up the numbers. The Cai Kingdom wouldn’t attack the Great Xia Kingdom right away; although the current Great Xia was precarious, it still had some backbone, and striking it would still hurt.

Soon, Li Liang arrived. In just a few days, he had unexpectedly advanced to the Golden Core Stage, which was a pleasant surprise—thanks to the two spirit stones from Li Xian.

Li Yulong’s letter to Li Liang and Li Xian contained essentially the same content, except for a few extra reminders for Li Liang to take care of his brother.

Once Li Liang arrived, he naturally participated in the heated discussions, with the consensus being that not a single person from the Cai Kingdom or the Kong family could be allowed to return.

Additionally, Xu Ren explained the opportunity to seize Kaiping County, and both parties conversed smoothly. Everything was progressing well, except for a slight issue regarding the borrowing of troops.

The problem didn’t come from Li Liang but from his strategist, Zou Hui, who proposed a “fair trade”—5,000 elite soldiers were acceptable, but that sniper rifle of yours is quite nice; let’s get a couple to play with.

During this exchange, considering the upcoming battles, Li Xian had no choice but to reveal the terrifying existence of firearms. It goes without saying that Li Liang’s eyes nearly popped out in shock. However, when demonstrating the firearms, he showcased ordinary single-shot rifles.

Yet, when it came to requesting firearms, Li Liang found himself unable to speak; as a strategist, Zou Hui had to plan and seek benefits for his lord.

However, faced with Zou Hui’s “greed,” Xu Ren merely smiled, “Li Xian is the appointed lieutenant of His Majesty.”

This single statement turned Zou Hui’s face red. Yes, while Li Xian hadn’t taken command of the 30,000 soldiers, it must be said that, according to “regulations,” these 30,000 soldiers belonged to Li Xian!

But Xu Ren naturally wouldn’t just refuse outright; after a slight pause, he gestured to Li Liang, saying, “Besides, two guns won’t be enough; assign 10 people for the eldest son to use. 10 people, 10 guns, and 2,000 bullets.

Liu Lei Gang, select 10 ‘excellent’ snipers for the eldest son.”

Li Liang was overjoyed.

Li Xian had a strange expression.

Liu Lei Gang turned and left, quickly selecting 10 “excellent” snipers—choosing 10 from the 160 ordinary gunners.

The 10 gunners lined up to report, all at least at the seventh level of Qi Refinement, indeed quite exceptional. The first one stepped forward proudly, loudly reporting, “Zhang Hongtao, leading Shen Jianfei, Chen Wei, Liu Yongfu, Fan Zide, Chen Feihong, Zhou Yusheng, Meng Xian, Feng Sihai, and Lei Guanzhong, a total of ten, reporting to the eldest son.”

Li Liang was very pleased—too pleased, in fact—and immediately promised Zhang Hongtao and the others 50 taels of gold.

Zhang Hongtao and the others expressed their thanks on the surface, but inwardly, they thought: This eldest son is so stingy, rewarding ten people with only 50 taels of gold; it’s nowhere near what Young Master Li Xian gives.

In short, Li Liang’s attempt to poach talent had declared failure. Yet, he remained oblivious, still basking in his own satisfaction. After everyone finalized the strategic plan, they dispersed, and everything proceeded according to plan.

As they were leaving, Li Xian gave Li Liang a mysterious large box, pretending to be enigmatic—“Make sure to open it when you’re alone!”

More than two hours later, the 5,000 elite soldiers dispatched by Li Liang arrived, truly elite troops, personally led by one of Li Liang’s three major generals, Wang Jian. Each of the 5,000 soldiers was clad in shining stainless steel armor, dazzling in appearance.

Compared to the front lines, Li Xian’s location was the main battlefield for this fight, so it was natural to send elite soldiers here.

“Lieutenant, Wang Jian has arrived to report,” Wang Jian said respectfully upon seeing Li Xian.

Li Xian looked over; the soldiers stood tall, their eyes filled with sharp determination. “Very good.”

After surveying them, Li Xian directly cast a small spell to rise into the air, addressing the soldiers, “No need for unnecessary words. For every enemy at the Qi Refinement stage you kill, you will be rewarded with one tael of gold; for every enemy at the Foundation Stage, you will receive five taels of gold. There is no upper limit.

Military achievements will still be calculated according to the original standards. Whether you can become a general or command thousands of troops is entirely in your own hands.

Prepare yourselves; we will set out tomorrow morning. Now, line up to collect your personal items.”

Personal items were quite simple; mainly, each soldier was to carry an additional five long knives. In cold weapon combat, weapons often broke, especially since everyone was an elite soldier at least at the seventh level of Qi Refinement.

There were also night lanterns, which could be quite dazzling! Used properly, they could serve as a significant weapon, no less effective than lime powder.

Additionally, each soldier received a piece of paper and a simple charcoal pencil—for writing last wills! This was the first time Li Xian implemented the tradition of “writing a last will before battle.” Those who died would receive compensation of 20 taels of gold; those who were injured would be compensated between 5 to 15 taels of gold, depending on the severity of their injuries. Li Xian’s standards were almost ten times the common standards of the Great Xia Kingdom!

Li Xian’s message was clear—“Follow me, and you’ll have meat to eat!”

Often, a soldier’s loyalty is directly proportional to their income, especially in this chaotic environment where various factions were vying for power.

Once the last wills were written, they were placed in the soldiers’ close-fitting pockets. In reality, this last will could greatly stimulate the soldiers’ will to survive. With this tactic, even Xu Ren expressed admiration.

The last will included Li Xian’s promised rewards and the soldiers’ wishes; this reassured the soldiers and encouraged them to fight even harder. As a result, it would undoubtedly increase their chances of survival—the last will in their pockets would constantly remind them to strive for life.

Preparing for war involves a lot; Li Xian felt uncertain. After wrapping things up here, he planned to head to the mechanical branch, specifically the new district of the mechanical branch—the motor factory.

A few days ago, during the motor trial, they had achieved partial success; the basic structure and components were ready, but there were issues with the energy aspect. Li Xian suggested a temporary solution: water suspension.

When Li Xian arrived at the motor factory, Liu Bin was joyfully shouting and cheering; several new three-wheeled motors were undergoing testing. The motor’s canopy was supported by an iron frame holding several round water barrels, which contained relatively heavy suspension blocks; formations were set up above the suspension blocks.

Upon seeing Li Xian, Liu Bin continued to excitedly shout, “Young Master, we did it! With the water suspension device, we can keep the formation stable. Once the barrels are sealed, one motor will be complete!”

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