CHAPTER 1919: CHAPTER 1912: INITIATING CONTACT

Based on the intelligence gathered, this army is called the Western United Army Corps, and its supreme commander is known as the Grand Commander, named Oklo Laf Fiorent. From the name alone, one can tell that he is a royal noble of Odelanqi.

Like Gudelv, Oklo Laf has a name that carries a strong Northern Aud flavor. Although they are a minority in Odelanqi, the influence of the Northern Aud people cannot be underestimated.

Oklo Laf is not a mediocre talent. He has systematically undergone Earth’s military training and mastered modern combat systems. So he understands clearly what it means to attack Lipei with a hundred thousand men.

He wouldn’t engage in mutually destructive actions, nor does he have an interest in strenuous efforts that yield no reward.

Thus, upon reaching the border, Oklo Laf smartly began to garrison instead of immediately launching an attack into Lipei territory.

The scouting reports informed him that Lipei had already implemented a scorched-earth policy, and there wasn’t a scrap to be found within Lipei territory. Invading would be a pure waste of time and yield nothing.

Seeing Oklo Laf making such a move, Luo’er immediately understood his intentions and began discussing with the Staff Department about sending an envoy to express condolences, negotiate between the sides, and ideally avoid major conflict.

As soon as the proposal was made, Cheng Ziang stood up without hesitation, expressing his willingness to personally make contact.

Luo’er was somewhat dissatisfied with this because Cheng Ziang was already a Chief and constantly wanted to be on an assignment. If everyone were like this, who would handle things at home?

So he initially vetoed Cheng Ziang’s proposal and intended to find someone else more suitable.

However, Cheng Ziang was obviously not planning to give up and spoke up again: "Everyone here, only three of us are from the same batch. Among us, only I and the Commander have actively communicated and exchanged with major foreign leaders before."

"The Commander is at the central hub and naturally cannot go easily, making it quite clear that I am more suited for this task, right?"

"This kind of task should be handled by a specialized diplomatic department," Luo’er stated flatly.

"Commander," Cheng Ziang spoke sincerely, without directly addressing Luo’er by name, "the target of this mission is an army of a hundred thousand, and communication will be with military personnel. I do not believe the diplomatic department can handle these people. They might manage to deal with politicians but not necessarily military personnel..."

"As for me, I am a military officer with diplomatic experience, so nobody else should be more suitable than me, right?"

Cheng Ziang’s words left all the officers present speechless and without a retort.

As a graduate of Haiya Academy and Vice Captain of the First Vanguard Team, indeed, no one is more experienced than he is, even if there were, they are mostly unsuitable for assignments.

"You’re the Chief, if you leave, who will lead the staff work?" Luo’er looked at him and asked.

"Hehe," Cheng Ziang chuckled, spreading his hands. "There are so many staff members and officers present, why favor only me?"

"As they say, ’three adjutants could rival Zhuge Liang.’ The collective wisdom is surely stronger than mine alone, isn’t it?"

Cheng Ziang’s words silenced Luo’er again, who then sighed softly.

He bent his index finger against his upper lip, gently tapping the table with his other hand, frowning in contemplation.

After a long silence, he finally asked leisurely, "Are you confident?"

"In which aspect do you refer?" Cheng Ziang asked.

"A peaceful resolution."

"Hehe," Cheng Ziang laughed again, shaking his head, "Although this Grand Commander is a distant relative of King Gudelv, he ultimately must follow the King’s orders. If he could personally direct the whereabouts of these hundred thousand men, then I would be fully confident of a peaceful resolution. But the issue is..."

As he spoke, he shrugged his shoulders and opened his hands slowly, indicating helplessness.

"Alright then," Luo’er nodded, agreeing with his request while adding, "I’ll inform logistics to prepare some gifts for you. Don’t go empty-handed."

"I know."

Cheng Ziang nodded in response.

After a round of preparation, Cheng Ziang took a team of a thousand men and a hundred carts of goods, moving grandly out of Lipei’s main city towards the Aud army’s camp.

Before this, Lipei’s Advance Team had already begun communication with the Aud army command to express their intentions. Oklo Laf was quite willing to engage with Lipei and granted their request.

Under the protection of a thousand men, the convoy took two days to reach the border of Lipei’s jurisdiction and formally make contact with the Aud army.

At the same time, Luo’er prepared for the worst. He ordered reconnaissance aircraft to be airborne and ready at any moment, while Lipei’s elite defense forces advanced fifty kilometers forward, hiding in the woods and villages in case of unforeseen events.

To ensure Cheng Ziang’s safety, Luo’er even entrusted him with Fulajie’er, hoping she could protect Cheng Ziang should any unexpected events arise.

Once all preparations were complete, Cheng Ziang officially set off for the Aud army camp to engage with the commanders.

He ordered the supplies to be stacked on a clearing a kilometer away from the Aud camp and commanded everyone to retreat back within Lipei’s jurisdiction, taking only two attendants with him.

Oklo Laf ordered his soldiers to be fully armed, lined up at the entrance to form a long corridor.

The soldiers were clad in camouflage uniforms, wearing polymer helmets, and carrying automatic rifles on their shoulders, standing tall with their gaze constantly following Cheng Ziang.

Cheng Ziang walked between the two rows without the slightest disturbance, while his two followers were visibly terrified, trembling as they walked.

Cheng Ziang, experienced with storms and stresses, was completely indifferent to such intimidation.

It seemed as though he had foreseen this, wearing a lavish and exquisite military dress uniform, holding white gloves, leather boots, and a wide-brimmed hat, the emblem on the brim gleaming brightly.

When he entered Oklo Laf’s sight, the Grand Commander, who had been full of pride, felt a slight shock in his heart and even blinked in disbelief.

Cheng Ziang was the son of Princess Lin and Yalunte, and Princess Lin was King Gudelv’s sister. Therefore, Oklo Laf saw this startling scene. The Lipei representative before him bore almost the exact same demeanor as His Majesty the King.

The straight and well-fitted military uniform heightened his presence, so much so that as he walked toward Oklo Laf, the Grand Commander felt as if he was witnessing the King himself, startling him into panic.

"Greetings, Grand Commander," Cheng Ziang walked up to Oklo Laf, removing his hat and respectfully saluting.

"Oh, oh, welcome, Mister...," Oklo Laf realized his gaffe, quickly gathering himself, responding with slight stammering.

"I am Cheng Ziang, a representative of Lipei’s defense forces. Just call me Mr. Cheng," Cheng Ziang replied politely.

"Hello, Mr. Cheng..."

Perhaps due to psychological reasons, Oklo Laf appeared more reserved than before, entirely devoid of prior arrogance.

The more he observed Cheng Ziang, the more something felt off. This Lipei representative not only resembled the King but also seemed to have traits characteristic of Snow Elves—a feature unique to northern Aud people.

Looking like the King... Northern Aud...

Oklo Laf couldn’t allow himself to think further, regaining composure and responding solemnly with a deep breath, "I am Oklo Laf Fiorent, the Grand Commander of this army. I convey the King’s greetings to you, Mr. Cheng..."

"I also extend Lipei’s highest regards to you, Grand Commander," Cheng Ziang responded with a smile.

After some pleasantries, Oklo Laf officially invited Cheng Ziang and his entourage into the tent for a banquet in their honor.

Once everyone was seated, Cheng Ziang stood up voluntarily, smiling as he said, "We did not come empty-handed; outside the camp, we’ve brought some small gifts for everyone. Please kindly accept them."

"That is very kind but unnecessary."

Though Oklo Laf said this, his expression was one of joy, his mouth turning up uncontrollably.

"Just a token of goodwill. You have traveled from afar, and for us in Lipei not to show appreciation would be inappropriate. If you have any requests, please feel free to ask, and I will do my utmost to fulfill them," Cheng Ziang replied, waving his hand.

His offer was genuine rather than perfunctory. If Oklo Laf so desired, they could provide all necessary industrial products to this army.