Section 088: Thunder Dragon’s Plan

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In the game "Rise of the Empire," the friend function had been disabled for "twelve hours due to war" until just recently when it was restored. Almost immediately, Thunder Dragon sent a message, revealing his urgency.

Thunder Dragon: Lord Li, do you remember what I mentioned last night about the internal affairs of the Allied Tribes? I think I should tell you more now.

Li Zhan: Oh? What is it?

Thunder Dragon: I don’t know if you are aware, but our Allied Tribes are essentially defunct. There is already division within.

Li Zhan was certainly aware of this. Before the Flame-Huang Tribe was attacked, Wind Walker had confided in him about this in the friend chat channel. Li Zhan had thought about informing Thunder Dragon but never found the right moment. Then, True Beloved led an assault, and Li Zhan had been busy with the counterattack ever since, leaving this matter unspoken.

Yet, facing Thunder Dragon’s "reminder," Li Zhan found himself intrigued. He wondered how Thunder Dragon had come to know this and thought that gathering information from multiple angles might reveal some hidden truths. So, he feigned ignorance and replied to Thunder Dragon:

Li Zhan: Really? There’s such a thing? Lord Thunder Dragon, how did you find out?

Thunder Dragon read Li Zhan’s reply with a hint of pride. “Heh, finally, I, Thunder Dragon, have a step ahead of you.”

Feeling pleased, Thunder Dragon continued:

Thunder Dragon: I have a good brother named Flowerpot who told me. His tribe, Flower Tribe, is nearby. Since he’s not very skilled at managing the Allied Tribes, he often comes to me for advice. While sharing my personal experience, I also give him some resources. Over time, we’ve grown quite close. After we conquered the Black Fiend Tribe, Deaf Madman used his iron mine advantage to gather a group of chieftains around him. He even tried to recruit Flowerpot. Flowerpot rejected him and confided this to me.

Li Zhan: Oh, so that’s how it is. Thanks for the heads-up, Lord Thunder Dragon. But I suppose you have more in mind than just sharing this inside information? Is there a plan?

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Thunder Dragon read Li Zhan’s response and shook his head inwardly. “No wonder Li Zhan is so sharp; he’s already reading my mind. The gap between us is still quite large.”

Thunder Dragon: You’re right, Lord Li. I do have a plan. Here’s what I’m thinking: The Allied Tribes are already fractured. Deaf Madman and his group are secretly preparing to strike us. We might be ambushed at any moment as they try to seize the initiative. Besides you and me, we have the stronger tribes of Crooked Radish, Wind Walker, and Wind Bell. The other four—Flowerpot, Wooden Fish, Still Still, and the rest—are quite weak. The saying goes, “Capture the ringleader.” If Deaf Madman launches a surprise attack, the primary targets will surely be either your tribe or mine. Our two tribes are only about ten miles apart, and by water, it takes just over half an hour to travel. Therefore, I think we should strengthen our communication so that if either tribe is attacked, even with the friend function disabled, we can still send an emergency call for help.

Thunder Dragon had spent an entire day analyzing, comparing, and speculating before reaching this conclusion. After reviewing it with three trusted lieutenants to ensure no oversight, he sent it to Li Zhan. Then, he waited anxiously, eager to know whether Li Zhan would dismiss it as nonsense or recognize it as a timely and accurate insight, as that would influence his next steps.

Li Zhan was quite surprised. He hadn’t expected the seemingly rough Thunder Dragon to be so meticulous in his strategic thinking. After reading the message, Li Zhan nodded slightly, fully agreeing with Thunder Dragon’s perspective.

Li Zhan: Your analysis, Lord Thunder Dragon, is very accurate and reasonable. But I wonder if you have any good idea on how our tribes could still quickly send emergency messages to each other after being attacked?

Upon reading Li Zhan’s reply, Thunder Dragon laughed out loud, filled with the satisfaction of having his idea appreciated by such a worthy example. After calming down, he answered:

Thunder Dragon: I have carrier pigeons. A few days ago, in Danyang County, I took a quest from an old NPC and learned this skill, receiving three pigeons as part of the reward. They’re now trained, and can navigate even at night. If you’re interested, I can have a brother send one to you later.

Li Zhan: Really? Heh, that’s quite a good idea. With such kindness from Lord Thunder Dragon, how could I refuse? Send it over.

Thunder Dragon: Good. I’ll have someone deliver it right away. Also, barring unexpected setbacks, my tribe should advance to the Feudal Era in three days. Once upgraded, I’ll immediately arm my troops. I noticed your soldiers are already wearing new uniforms and leather armor, greatly enhancing defense. I’d like to buy some from you. Do you have any in stock?

Li Zhan: The leather armor is ready, but the uniforms are still just militia garb. The swordsmen’s uniforms haven’t been designed yet.

Thunder Dragon: Oh, then I’ll wait until the swordsmen’s uniforms are ready before buying. Also, please save me some leather armor.

Li Zhan: Sure, no problem.

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Thunder Dragon: I also want to buy some villager clothing to take back. Now that I have gold, it’s necessary to boost the villagers’ defense. Are the villager clothes only available in blue?

Li Zhan: Currently, all the clothes being produced are blue because we need to quickly supply over 150 new villagers. But I can still make red clothes now, and in a few days, when yellow dye arrives, I’ll be able to produce yellow ones too.

Thunder Dragon: Very well, I’ll pre-order a batch of red clothes. Once your blue clothes are sufficient, start producing for me. Is two hundred pieces okay?

Li Zhan: No problem. The blue clothes should be ready by nightfall today. Tomorrow, I’ll start producing the red ones for you.

…

They chatted a while longer before closing the friend function and attending to their own affairs.

Meanwhile, the villagers had finished preparing the meal and were eating. Li Zhan glanced around. Most villagers were sitting in small groups near wooden houses, eating and chatting. The newly arrived 150-plus villagers seemed a bit shy, but the old villagers warmly welcomed them, continuously filling their bowls and sharing dishes. Gradually, the newcomers grew familiar and occasionally exchanged words with the veterans, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

As for the twenty temporarily hired villagers, perhaps accustomed to an uncertain daily life, they ate ravenously. Their eyes fixed on their bowls as they shoveled food in, grabbing refills before finishing, as if afraid they wouldn’t get enough. The old villagers of Flame-Huang Village chuckled quietly at the sight, and Li Zhan watched with a wry smile, shaking his head.