vstars Chapter 645 Deeply Trapped in a Private Army Camp
Chapter 645 Deeply Trapped in a Private Army Camp
"What should we do? They look like they've come with ill intentions, and they outnumber us. We don't even have a decent weapon. How are we supposed to fight?"
The burly, strong man was the first to consider retreating. The key issue was that the Fifth Prince hadn't provided enough funds for the group's activities, and they had already spent most of it on travel, lodging, and food.
Ouyang Jue had brought some silver with him, but he didn't flaunt his wealth in front of these people along the way.
After all, money can be a powerful motivator. If these people were greedy, they might not even let go of the smallest piece of meat on his leg.
So the whole way, I just ate dry rations with everyone and didn't spend a single penny of my own money.
It's not that I'm a miser, but if a dozen or so people share my few hundred taels of silver, it really won't last long.
If these people eat and drink to their hearts' content, his wallet will be empty in no time.
It's often said that you don't feel bad about eating other people's food, but you feel bad about eating your own flesh, and that's certainly true.
Hmph, fine, I'll just eat flatbread.
"Avoid direct confrontation; our business is more important."
Ouyang Jue was getting a headache from the noise of the dozen or so people in front of him. The other group had only left not long ago, and these people dared to speak so arrogantly. They really didn't know what the word "death" meant.
"Serious business? Sigh, they also have a treasure map. Even if we can dig it up, can we take it with us?"
They were planning to dig something up, then bring a truck in to haul it away. Now, even if they find something, someone else will snatch it away!
The more they thought about it, the more disheartened they became, so they threw down their hoes, picks, and shovels and started to give up.
"Gurgle~" Someone's belly started drumming first, and then one after another, the sound spread from person to person.
Just as everyone was thinking of taking out their rations, they suddenly heard the sound of horses' hooves in the distance.
Everyone was shocked; it was too late to hide again.
Running wouldn't be fast enough; how could a person outrun a horse?
In the blink of an eye, dozens of tall horses appeared in front of Ouyang Jue and his group.
The men regretted it; why had they thrown down their hoes and picks? Now they had nothing to defend themselves.
"Take them all!"
The newcomers didn't waste any words; whether you were a noble young master or a tomb raider, they all tied you up.
Shouting for help in this deep mountain forest is useless; it will only attract more of the enemy's men.
Therefore, no one is wasting their effort; by obediently surrendering, they might even be able to get a meal.
Sigh~ I should have been quicker when I took out the pancake, or even just taken a bite first?
Ouyang Jue was tightly bound, and although he harbored resentment, he dared not shout and could only endure it for the time being.
The fact that these people didn't kill them immediately means there's still room for maneuver. Let's see what their purpose is.
If they want to use this group of people, then I should be considered one of the more valuable ones among them, right?
He secretly observed the group of people and saw that the leader was a cold-looking man with sharp eyes and an aura of authority.
However, the man's full face could not be seen because all of them were hiding their faces, wearing half-masks.
Without time to look or think, the dozen or so people were tied together and pulled forward.
Upon arrival at their destination, everyone had their feet chained and were then left aside, ignored by everyone.
"What do you mean? Give me a straight answer: kill me or torture me!"
Shh! What are you talking about?
"Why do you have to remind people? You should be grateful you can still breathe and talk! Can't you smell the strong stench of blood in this place?"
"I can smell it~ This place looks like a lot of dead people."
After these words were spoken, no one else uttered a word.
Inside the large tent, the man with half his face covered put down his sword and took out a blueprint from his robes.
When he saw a certain spot, his eyes narrowed involuntarily.
"Master, what should we do with those people?"
"Let's starve ourselves for three days, and then we'll talk about it."
"Yes!"
"Wait a minute, search them. If they have any paper or parchment with writing or pictures on it, confiscate it."
"Yes!"
Soon, everyone's clothes were roughly searched, and they were almost stripped naked.
When he found Ouyang Jue, his heart jumped into his throat.
Just as the man was about to grope him, he shouted for him to stop.
"I know what you're looking for. Don't take off my clothes, I'll just give them to you."
Although his feet were chained, his hands could still move, even though they were tied together with hemp rope.
With great difficulty, Ouyang Jue took out the treasure map from his pocket and handed it directly to the visitor.
No one dared to object to his actions, since the treasure map originally belonged to Ouyang Jue.
However, if it were them, they would obediently offer it up with both hands.
After all, a wise man doesn't suffer a loss he can avoid.
The man took the map and, as expected, didn't make things difficult for Ouyang Jue, who was able to keep his coarse cloth outfit.
"Master, we've found a picture!"
The person in charge of the body search presented the picture to the cold-faced man.
The man took the blueprint and carefully compared it with the one in his hand.
"Bring in the person who has this map."
The man gave the order, and Ouyang Jue was quickly brought into the main tent.
"Where did you get this picture?" the man asked coldly.
Ouyang Jue took a deep breath and forced a smile, saying, "It was given to me by the Fifth Prince."
Ouyang Jue told a lie that was neither too big nor too small: it was indeed given by the Fifth Prince.
However, the Fifth Prince was the one who gave him the picture, and he just flipped through it.
Upon hearing this, a strange look flashed in the man's eyes, and he fell into deep thought.
The atmosphere inside the tent was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe. Ouyang Jue didn't dare to look up, keeping his head down and waiting for the man's next move.
"Are you working for the Fifth Prince?"
Although it is a question, the tone is affirmative.
Ouyang Jue didn't know whether to answer yes or no; it might be a choice between life and death.
"Ok?"
"I am not one of the Fifth Prince's men, but I have a cooperative relationship with him."
"I am skilled at finding treasure, and the Fifth Prince recognized this talent, which is why he sent me with his entourage south in search of treasure."
"Oh? You're good at treasure hunting? You know feng shui, geomancy, and other geomantic techniques?"
"Yes, I know a little about this place, which is why I entered this mountain and disturbed Your Majesty's peace."
"Your Majesty? Hahahaha!"
The stern-faced man chuckled, as if the title was quite amusing.
"Uh, I misspoke."
“You seem to be somewhat useful, unlike those brutes.”
Ouyang Jue was overjoyed; his life was spared... halfway?
“Any useful person will not be wasted. You go with him and get a small tent. Don’t think about the Fifth Prince anymore!”
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Jue secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
He happily followed the people who were about to search him, at least he wouldn't have to sleep under the open sky today.
As for others? He has no obligation to care about that!
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"