Beast Taming: Slaughter Atlas-Chapter 466 - 412: Combat Mission

Chu Chen once again took Zhang Yuyan into his arms and gently comforted her, "It’s okay, I’ve got everything under control."

At this moment, Zhang Yuyan seemed like a helpless child, leaning against Chu Chen’s shoulder and softly responded, "Mm."

At her age, she should have been enjoying her youth on a university campus, but this world forced her to the frontline that resembled a meat grinder.

At this time, the voice of the trusted aides at the door was heard again.

"Report to the Grand Commander, Bai Pianjiang invites you to the tent for a discussion."

Upon hearing this, Chu Chen sighed helplessly and said, "Yu Yan, let me accompany you."

Zhang Yuyan hesitantly replied upon hearing this, "That might not be appropriate."

"It’s fine, I also want to see what kind of person Yan Xiang is," Chu Chen said coldly.

Both Chu Chen and Zhang Yuyan walked out of the tent together, their demeanor appearing impeccable.

However, it was ultimately difficult to escape the discerning eyes of the veterans.

"Hey, Old Zhang, do you think our Grand Commander and that kid have something going on?"

"Hmph, don’t drag me into your suicidal thoughts, the matters of the Grand Commander are not for you to speculate about."

"Don’t be so serious, I’m just curious, our Grand Commander doesn’t have it easy either, such a pretty young girl getting sent here to suffer."

"Sigh! Who says otherwise, I really don’t know what her family was thinking."

Chu Chen and Zhang Yuyan passed through several military camps and finally stopped in front of a large tent.

"Once inside, be cautious with your words, lest you become a target," Zhang Yuyan solemnly reminded.

"Understood," he replied, and then adjusted the style and color of his combat suit to look indistinguishable from Zhang Yuyan’s trusted aides’ uniform.

Upon entering the tent, they found that five or six Grand Commanders had already arrived.

After making eye contact with a few, Zhang Yuyan found a corner to sit down.

Chu Chen immediately stood behind Zhang Yuyan, using most of his body to shield her, making it difficult to notice his presence without a detailed look.

Soon, all ten Grand Commanders under Bai Lei’s command arrived.

Chu Chen quietly asked, "Which one is Yan Xiang?"

"The second seat on the left side."

Hearing this, Chu Chen immediately directed his gaze to the spot Zhang Yuyan mentioned.

Seated there was a thin middle-aged man.

At that moment, he was chatting with several people beside him, his face plastered with a smile, appearing quite enthusiastic, though his smile seemed somewhat fake, as if wearing a mask, creating a discordant feeling.

His eyes lacked genuine warmth and joy, instead subtly conveying coldness and scheming.

Upon observing this, Chu Chen understood what kind of person he was; this guy was a typical treacherous villain, fond of plotting behind the scenes.

While Chu Chen scrutinized Yan Xiang, a burly middle-aged man strode into the tent.

Upon seeing the man, everyone stood and saluted, "Greetings, Lord Pianjiang."

The middle-aged man waved at them and said, "Sit down, all of you. I’ve called you here today to discuss an important matter; lately, the Star Beast troops have been active in our defensive area, the scale is significant, around over ten thousand of them. I’d like to hear your thoughts."

Nobody showed surprise at his words, as such occurrences were common, something they were already accustomed to.

They didn’t hold back and shared their thoughts openly.

"I believe these more than ten thousand Star Beasts might be bait, we need to investigate thoroughly and confirm there are no ambushes before taking action."

"Just half a month ago, there was a major battle, so the Star Beast side likely wouldn’t initiate large-scale warfare consecutively, we can strike directly and catch them off guard."

People debated these two viewpoints vigorously.

Bai Lei raised his hand to calm everyone, "Alright, generally speaking, the Star Beast side has never initiated back-to-back large-scale warfare. I think we can catch them by surprise and take them all down. If anyone has opinions, speak freely."

Everyone shook their heads. Bai Lei had already made his decision; asking was only a gesture of respect for his subordinates’ feelings.

In such a scenario, naturally, no one dared to offend and risk his wrath.

Seeing no opposition, Bai Lei continued solemnly, "Who is willing to take up this battle?"

As soon as Bai Lei finished speaking, Yan Xiang promptly responded, "Reporting to Lord Pianjiang, we are fairly confident about this battle, how about letting Commander Zhang take the lead? She lacks command experience, this would be a perfect opportunity for her to gain practice."

Bai Lei nodded at his words, commenting, "Indeed, a rare opportunity. Commander Zhang, are you willing?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuyan couldn’t help but frown. Yan Xiang was clearly malicious, knowing she lacked command experience, yet suggesting her to lead. Moreover, her forces were weak, leading would surely result in heavy losses.

Chu Chen whispered, "Agree with him, and have Yan Xiang assist us."

Zhang Yuyan was momentarily taken aback by this suggestion, but after some thought, she chose to trust Chu Chen.

"Reporting to the Lord, this is an excellent opportunity, I am naturally willing. However, my command experience is limited, and my forces are weak, I’m worried I might jeopardize the military situation..."

Before Zhang Yuyan could finish her sentence, Bai Lei showed signs of displeasure.

Nevertheless, Zhang Yuyan’s subsequent words made his expression soften considerably.

"If Commander Yan assists us, we’ll surely win this battle."

Yan Xiang’s face turned noticeably sour upon hearing this, not expecting to be dragged into this. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Before he could refuse, Bai Lei responded with a laugh, "That’s an excellent suggestion, given that it was Commander Yan’s proposal, I’m sure he won’t decline."

Yan Xiang let out a bitter smile but agreed without hesitation.

"It would be my pleasure to assist Commander Zhang."

Bai Lei nodded in satisfaction, "Very well. Since surprise is key, the sooner we attack, the better. I think tonight would be perfect, any objections?"

The crowd shook their heads unanimously.

"Very well, then it’s settled for midnight tonight."

After the meeting concluded, Yan Xiang and the others departed one after another.

As Zhang Yuyan was about to leave, Bai Lei called out seriously, "Commander Zhang, please wait a moment."

"Is there something else you need, my Lord?"

"I don’t quite understand. Yan Xiang clearly intends to target you, why did you want him to assist you?"

Zhang Yuyan instinctively glanced at Chu Chen upon hearing this.

Bai Lei observed this and stated seriously, "Was it the idea of this trusted aide?"

Zhang Yuyan quickly explained, "No, I naturally have my reasons. He keeps provoking me, I can’t always avoid him. One must deal with a thief eventually."

Bai Lei nodded, "I don’t care what methods you employ, but remember this is a military camp, our enemy is the Star Beast, I don’t wish to see you fighting amongst yourselves, nor do I want to witness the Old Commander disappointed."

Zhang Yuyan nodded heavily, "I understand. If there’s nothing else, my Lord, I’ll go and arrange the battle tasks."

"Go ahead," Bai Lei said sternly.