Top-tier Unruly Master-Chapter 1748 - 1785: On the March

Ding Fan heard Ruo Zhong’s words but did not respond. He walked straight out of the tent, followed closely by three Elders. Those Spirit Stones were indeed a significant amount for Ding Fan, but he was not worried. Ruo Zhong’s previous caution had shown Ding Fan that the other party was very concerned, even anxious, about the troops he had loaned out. From the information Ding Fan had gathered earlier, he was quite confident that the other party would remain here, waiting for those soldiers to return.

Moreover, the perimeter of the camp was guarded by Long Ren and others. So even if the other party attempted to flee with the Spirit Stones, Ding Fan would discover it immediately. While Ding Fan couldn’t guarantee much, those Spirit Stones were at least secure.

When Ding Fan and his companions reached outside, several lined-up soldiers were ready and waiting for orders. From the excited expressions on their faces, it was clear that they were thinking about the reward of fifty Spirit Stones per person.

Fifty Spirit Stones constituted an enormous wealth for an ordinary soldier. These soldiers might toil and fight all their lives and still might not acquire such wealth, highlighting the preciousness of the Spirit Stones to them.

Gao Jian, having received leniency from the deputy Ruo Zhong, was also extremely excited. To him, it felt as though he had narrowly escaped from King Yama’s doors.

Gao Jian was determined to make the most of the opportunity. He closely followed Ding Fan and the others, looking at the well-prepared soldiers before him. His heart was filled with vigor. He had no thoughts of deviation; he only had one goal in mind: to excellently complete this mission and first resolve his previous capital charges.

Though Gao Jian was known as a "businessman" within the army, possessing the typical merchant mindset, his talents seemed underutilized in the military. However, he didn’t see it that way. To him, even the most powerful merchants outside would act obediently in front of the most humble soldiers. His business within the army didn’t require fear of such figures, and he would have advantages in wealth and reputation far beyond an ordinary merchant.

Gao Jian possessed unique cleverness. Over the years, he had accumulated considerable wealth within the military. But at this moment, he dared not entertain such thoughts. He understood that his immediate priority was completing this task excellently, first securing his life and position.

If he failed to secure his life and position, his days of profiting in the army would be over.

Even if he hoped to rise again, it would take a long time, and everything would be uncertain. Who could say for sure?

"Master, can we leave now?"

Gao Jian stood respectfully beside Ding Fan, asking with a slight flattering expression.

Now Gao Jian held no grudge against Ding Fan. He knew that his previous misfortunes were courtesy of Ding Fan and his associates. However, he also knew that Ding Fan and his companions were now the God of Wealth for the generals, the most highly regarded people by the generals. He understood that, without their consent, he wouldn’t have been able to assume the leadership of this expedition, thus missing this chance for redemption.

Gao Jian’s previous hatred for Ding Fan had completely transformed into flattery and gratitude.

Ding Fan listened to Gao Jian’s words and observed his attitude toward him. Ding Fan felt more confident about his plan. The fact that Gao Jian was now showing a sycophantic demeanor indicated that he would be more obedient, reducing the risk of his scheme.

Ding Fan then nodded indifferently, turning back to glance at the three Elders behind him, signaling them. Ding Fan then led the way toward the camp gate, followed closely by the three Elders.

Seeing this, Gao Jian immediately shouted to the selected and prepared soldiers:

"All soldiers, hear my command! Set off!"

At Gao Jian’s order, the soldiers formed orderly lines, jogging behind Gao Jian. Gao Jian also quickened his pace to follow behind Ding Fan and his group, maintaining a respectful distance.

This distance allowed Gao Jian to hear Ding Fan’s orders promptly without disturbing him, giving Ding Fan a sense of respect.

Clearly, Gao Jian’s talent for flattering others was incredibly strong, as if he were a born sycophant.

Everything was progressing according to Ding Fan’s plan, seemingly smoothly. The three Elders following Ding Fan were impressed by Ding Fan’s strategy: using a large sum of Spirit Stones to distract both soldiers and generals, luring them into his monetary trap.

However, the three Elders were becoming worried. Although they had successfully led so many soldiers out, seemingly under Ding Fan’s command, it was unclear how the situation would be resolved. They had no idea how to handle these soldiers.

There were over two thousand soldiers, all with cultivation around the Nascent Soul Stage. Though they posed no threat to the Elders, if they fled, the Elders, even with their Divine Sense cultivation, could not guarantee capturing every single one.

As they followed Ding Fan’s footsteps deeper into the mountains, their minds were preoccupied with this dilemma. Nonetheless, Ding Fan’s calm and slightly smug expression puzzled them. They realized that if even one soldier managed to escape and report back, not only would their temporary plan collapse, but their original plans would also likely be thwarted.

The Elders couldn’t voice their concerns to Ding Fan, given the close proximity. Even if they communicated through Divine Sense, their expressions would be visible to the soldiers, especially the leader Gao Jian. The three Elders unanimously disliked Gao Jian.

After all, the three elders could see that this person was obviously a slippery character; bringing along such a person, it’s easy for things to happen that are outside of the plan.

However, what Ding Fan thought was quite similar to the three elders, naturally knowing that guy was not a pushover, so Ding Fan believed it was best to deal with him as soon as possible, which is why Ding Fan agreed to Ruo Zhong’s suggestion to let him command troops and assist himself.

The three elders didn’t say much for a while. Ding Fan occasionally noticed a worried expression on the faces of these three elders but didn’t say much either. Ding Fan still felt somewhat confident in his heart.

At this moment, Gao Jian and Ding Fan kept a subtle distance, following closely, with two teams of soldiers in tow, each of them full of energy. Clearly, for these soldiers, eliminating bandits was an extremely easy task—a mere appetizer compared to those large-scale battles of attacking cities or conquering nations.

And most importantly for them, not only was eliminating bandits extremely easy, but they could earn Spirit Stones as well, and it was fifty pieces per person. Such a large number of Spirit Stones made them very excited, considering their monthly stipend was only a few Gold Coins.

These fifty Spirit Stones were something they’d likely never save up in decades. The soldiers were incredibly happy and proud that they had the opportunity to eliminate bandits this time... Walking on the road, it seemed as if they could already see fifty Spirit Stones waving at them from afar...

In no time, under Ding Fan’s lead, the group entered a bamboo grove, and not far ahead was a gorge.

At this moment, Gao Jian suddenly felt something was amiss, eyes constantly darting around, pondering for a while, causing his brows to furrow slightly. His impression of this location wasn’t too unfamiliar; he seemed to recall there was no talk of bandits around here. But he wasn’t quite certain.

After all, when he was supposed to be patrolling earlier, he hardly took it seriously; there were many places around the military camp he hadn’t bothered with. But this place was quite coincidental for him; he was sure he had once come here with a patrol squad, but the specific situation here was something he was unclear about, as at the time, he was only focused on figuring out how to please the general and collect more Gold Coins.

Gao Jian couldn’t help but glance ahead at Ding Fan and others who hadn’t noticed him, then paused his steps, walked to a soldier’s side, and quietly asked:

"Are there bandits around here?"

The soldier heard Gao Jian’s words and couldn’t help but freeze, clearly not expecting the squad leader to ask him this question, knowing these matters are reported to him daily. The soldier momentarily suppressed his incredulity and respectfully replied to Gao Jian:

"Captain, bandits indeed often appear ahead." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"Oh..."

Gao Jian responded, his heart somewhat relieved, knowing he might have been overthinking. He then ignored the soldier’s expression and resumed the previous distance walking carefully behind Ding Fan. At this moment, he wanted to say something more to Ding Fan, hoping to please him.

But he hesitated not to speak recklessly. After all, he wasn’t proficient in such military actions, even though he was a genuine squad leader, the greatest existence in the army besides the general and strategist. In theory, any military action should be very familiar and mastered by a squad leader.

Yet, Gao Jian at this time didn’t feel any shame in his way.

"Everyone, be cautious. Ahead is where bandits often appear."

Ding Fan suddenly stopped walking and said to the people behind him.

What Ding Fan said was indeed true; bandits often appeared ahead, a place where they frequently gathered, but at this moment, those bandits had already been wiped out, effortlessly, by Ding Fan and others who had previously passed through here.

"All soldiers, be on alert!"

Gao Jian lowered his voice and shouted to the soldiers behind him, then nervously looked at Ding Fan, hoping for some recognition or even a reward, since he had always been most interested in Ding Fan’s Spirit Stones.

At this time, Ding Fan naturally had no desire to care about Gao Jian’s merchant mindset, as he watched the soldiers behind him enter battle readiness and nodded in satisfaction at everyone, after which they began to advance slowly. After a while, Ding Fan once again said to the group:

"Everyone hold position, wait for my signal."

"Yes!"

Upon hearing Ding Fan’s words, Gao Jian immediately responded. He felt delighted; he didn’t expect Ding Fan to go scouting by himself without even a soldier. It was simply more of an amateur than him!