CHAPTER 81: CHAPTER 81: BUILD HIGH WALLS

"I know everyone is very tired now, having stayed up all night, feeling very sleepy. The reason I’ve gathered everyone here at noon is that I have a few matters to arrange, matters that concern your lives and safety." Chen Mo scanned everyone’s faces, his expression serious.

Upon hearing this, the villagers, who had been enveloped in drowsiness, immediately perked up, pricking their ears. Their lives were at stake; how could they not pay attention?

"Firstly, although we have achieved a preliminary victory by killing the official soldiers who ventured out of the city this time, don’t think that the government won’t dare to come just because of this. That would be a huge mistake."

Chen Mo said loudly, "There are still thousands of well-equipped Defense Army troops in the city. If they come out to encircle and suppress us, it will be very difficult for us to handle."

Although it’s better to report good news than bad in the current situation, Chen Mo lacks money and food at the moment. To prevent them from relaxing and coming apart as a team, he must keep them on their toes and help them understand that they are not yet out of danger.

Only in this way can Chen Mo lead them better.

After all, if you want to survive, you must listen to me, and you cannot merely pretend to comply.

"To relieve you all from any worries, I plan to form a Patrol Team. The patrol members will be temporarily made up of the young and strong from Fu Ze Village and Wang Family Manor. The captain of the Patrol Team will be Zhang River." Chen Mo pointed at Zhang River.

Zhang River immediately stepped forward, making himself visible in front of everyone, stretching his neck a bit longer, secretly delighted to have become an official, though he put on a solemn expression and couldn’t help but look at Han Wu.

"Immortal Master Chen, what use is this Patrol Team?" asked a member of the Wang Family Manor.

"Of course, it concerns our security. I plan to set up a post on Little Gaoshan, ten miles outside the county town, where patrol members will take turns standing guard day and night. Once they see official soldiers leaving the city, they will report back to the village immediately. Additionally, patrolling the villages, maintaining public order, and protecting the communities are also responsibilities of the Patrol Team," said Chen Mo.

Hearing this, the young and strong from Fu Ze Village and Wang Family Manor inexplicably felt a bit excited. Having toiled in the fields for half their lives, surrounded daily by the ground, they could now do work similar to governmental officials.

For a moment, they all felt a new sense of mission.

With no money or food, to motivate them, Chen Mo added, "Those who perform excellently, as confirmed by Zhang River and approved by me, may be taught Sword Technique by Zhang River. This Sword Technique is something I personally taught Zhang River, meant only for Martial Artists."

With these words, everyone became extremely excited.

They were all farmers scrounging for food in the fields, unused to seeing anything significant. After hearing Chen Mo mention the Sword Technique, they thought it must be something very powerful. Some even regarded this Sword Technique as an Immortal Technique, believing that after learning it, they could kill from a distance with a single slash like Chen Mo.

Even Han Wu was tempted and eager to try it.

Of course, Chen Mo noticed Han Wu and said, "The same goes for you guys. From tomorrow, you and your men will be called the Fishing Team, and Han Wu, you will be the captain. Tomorrow I will personally teach you the Sword Technique, which you can then teach to the outstanding members of your team."

"Thank you, Immortal Master Chen." Han Wu immediately thanked him.

"Immortal Master Chen, what about us?" Unable to restrain themselves, the remaining villagers asked.

"The remaining people, follow my orders directly. Starting tomorrow, explore the mountain forests and begin building fortifications at the passes. This way, if there are too many official soldiers coming out of the city, after the post alerts us, we can take our families and escape into the mountains." Chen Mo said.

As Chen Mo finished speaking, those in the Patrol Team and Fishing Team suddenly felt a bit less enthusiastic, after all, Han Wu and Zhang River couldn’t compare to Chen Mo.

"Wang Ping," said Chen Mo.

"I... am here."

"You will organize the Patrol Team, Fishing Team, and those who follow my direct orders into a registry for reference," said Chen Mo.

"Understood."

After explaining everything, Chen Mo felt a bit parched, pursed his lips, looked around at everyone, and finally said:

"I hope everyone works hard and avoids slacking because you will only harm yourselves. If the official soldiers attack, I can simply retreat to the mountains, completely ignoring you. And as for you, even if the government kindly spares you, you will revert to your former state: starving, paying endless taxes, and suffering ceaselessly."

Everyone nodded one after another.

"Alright, Zhang River and Han Wu, stay behind."

Chen Mo waved his hand, "Everyone else can disperse, rest if you need to, or go about your business."

The villagers dispersed in small groups, but a few dozen stood still. All these people were from Qingtian County.

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow, "What’s your concern?"

These villagers exchanged glances and stutteringly said, "Immortal Master Chen, when will you help bring our... our families over?"

As soon as they finished speaking, Han Wu also looked at Chen Mo.

Among these 812 people, most were from Pingting County, but there were also some from Qingtian County, worried about their families at home.

In response, Chen Mo fell silent.

Traveling from Fu Ze Village to Qingtian County covered a distance, and if they set off now, night would fall before they arrived.

The Pingting County government office moved out this morning to arrest people; Qingtian County wouldn’t be far behind. By the time they arrived, their families might already have been captured by the Qingtian County government.

The worst scenario could have them walking into a trap.

Deep down, Chen Mo had already considered giving up, but having barely united them for now, saying so directly might unsettle the people.

Observing them, after pondering for some time, he said, "Tonight, I will have Han Wu lead you back to check on your homes. If your families have been captured by the government, there’s nothing I can do. If no one is there, bring them over, and I will offer protection."

They were somewhat prepared, but hearing Chen Mo’s heartfelt words still gave them some comfort.

Han Wu, in particular, had mentally prepared for losing his family when returning from Impatiens Road to attack officials along with Han San.

Chen Mo kept Han Wu back mainly to advise him on handling affairs at Dadong Lake, even giving him a target for daily fish hauls to strive for, regardless of whether he could meet the goal, just to approach it as closely as possible.

After all, Dadong Lake was currently their main source of food.

Later, Chen Mo also pulled Han Wu aside and said, "When you return to Qingtian County tonight, if you discover stronger young men returning from Impatiens Road like you, try to recruit them to our side."

To strengthen his forces, Chen Mo needs a substantial population base for support.

Qingtian County detained a thousand conscripted men, and counting Han Wu and others, there were only about a hundred under Chen Mo.

If he could bring the remaining strong men and their families over, it would be very promising.