Chapter 82: The Nine Provinces! They Have Helped Us!

Chu Xiao lowered his gaze in silent contemplation, pondering ways to provide aid. Sending reinforcements was a possibility, but if the soldiers were discovered by the Underworld King's forces, it would be perilous. If assistance were attempted through special means, the Red Hackers might fend off the invasion for a time, but the risks were immense—one misstep could backfire, perhaps even alter the course of operations, creating chaos rather than relief.

The safest method now was reinforcing with soldiers.

Chu Xiao carefully mapped out the four nations in his mind. Ouqiang was under attack, and the closest to Jiuzhou was Beisha, which bordered Ouqiang. The United States was separated from both Jiuzhou and Ouqiang by the sea. The Underworld King's machines had landed from the Atlantic, launching attacks from Ouqiang's west and south. That meant the north and east were relatively secure; after all, the Underworld King sought to concentrate his forces against Ouqiang, not expand his front.

Moreover, Beisha and Ouqiang shared a border, making Beisha the perfect breach point for supporting Ouqiang.

Excitement surged in Chu Xiao’s heart, and he sprang to his feet.

“There’s a way! We can use Beisha as a breakthrough! Beisha connects land with Jiuzhou and Ouqiang—it’s the safest route. If we send reinforcements from there, we can reach Ouqiang!”

“Commander, what do you think?” Chu Xiao had decided, but still sought the commander’s opinion.

The commander had considered this, but sending soldiers was fraught with danger.

“It’s hard for me to send our soldiers into such peril,” the commander said.

Chu Xiao’s eyes blazed with fervor. “No! We’re not going into battle, but delivering resources—medical supplies, machinery, food. That alone can help Ouqiang! Of course, manpower support for Ouqiang is entirely voluntary.”

“The four great nations are one now. If any one of us falls, the other three will inevitably suffer! Commander, I understand your concern, but you’ve seen President Oulis’ resolve. In this disaster, I believe President Oulis, like us, longs for unity to stand against the Underworld King together!”

The commander’s lips moved, then he sighed. “Very well. But you must ensure our soldiers’ safety.”

“The rest is up to you.”

The commander understood these truths, but harbored reservations toward Ouqiang and compassion for his own people. He didn't want anyone else to sacrifice their lives.

“As you command! You are wise, Commander!” Chu Xiao immediately began preparations.

First, he contacted Chief Church of Beisha to discuss the matter.

Church agreed, even offering troops to escort Jiuzhou’s army in support of Ouqiang.

Chu Xiao entrusted city affairs to Ji Kai Cheng, leaving the remainder to himself.

“All soldiers, listen up! Our ally Ouqiang is suffering under the Underworld King’s devastation! Remember, the Underworld King is the enemy of us all! If Ouqiang falls, Jiuzhou may well be his next target!”

No matter what, this mission is voluntary! Whoever is willing to join me in supporting Ouqiang, step forward!

His voice echoed, and silence swept the hall.

No one volunteered—after all, it wasn’t their country, and their fate would be uncertain. Who would willingly risk their life in a foreign land?

“I am willing!” A clear female voice rang out.

Everyone turned toward the source.

Chu Xiao was surprised to see it was Wang Lulu, and was about to refuse her offer. But Wang Lulu gave him no chance, raising her voice, “If a woman like me dares, why should you men be afraid?”

“Besides, our route passes through Beisha, and the main task is transporting supplies. If fighting breaks out, that’s the duty of soldiers!” She turned to Chu Xiao, “General Chu, I volunteer as medical staff to support Ouqiang!”

Chu Xiao met Wang Lulu’s sparkling eyes. Once, he had looked at her just so, but today he saw something new within.

“Good!” Chu Xiao did not refuse.

As a Jiuzhou citizen, even his beloved should fight alongside him.

Soon, more volunteered.

“I’ll go! It’s a chance to see a foreign country!”

“I’m in! Maybe I’ll meet some foreign beauties!”

“My bones are itching—I haven’t blown up any machines in a while. Count me in!”

...

The crowd eagerly signed up.

Chu Xiao quickly sent people to register volunteers, gathered supplies, and headed to Beisha in vehicles traveling at 200 kilometers per hour.

Church welcomed them, dispatching ten thousand troops for escort.

At Ouqiang’s border, the battle still raged.

For now, Ouqiang and the Underworld King were locked in a stalemate, but President Oulis knew Ouqiang could not hold out much longer.

If the Underworld King persisted for just one more hour, Ouqiang would fall.

As he pondered countermeasures, Ouqiang’s defenses were breached.

“It’s over! We’ve been breached!” someone shouted.

That cry sent the soldiers into chaos.

“What? We’ve been breached?”

“How could this happen?”

“What do we do? Should we flee?”

...

Oulis, clutching the wound on his shoulder, stood up.

“Everyone, quiet!” Oulis fired a shot skyward.

Instantly, silence fell.

“Civilians at the rear have not finished evacuating! We must fight for their last chance at survival!”

“If we fall, our land will be claimed by the Underworld King—Ouqiang will vanish!”

“At this moment, the only ones who can save us and our loved ones are ourselves!”

“Everyone, take up arms and fight with me! Defend our homeland—until the last breath!”

With his words, the panic faded from the soldiers’ faces, replaced by unprecedented resolve.

“We swear to defend our homeland!”

“Never retreat!”

With a furious shout, the thunder of gunfire resumed.

Countless men fell, and countless warriors rose in their place.

Ouqiang would not be defeated so easily! Humanity, though as small as ants, united could topple trees and overcome the Underworld King!

Oulis was shot again.

The force of the bullet knocked him to the ground, blood gushing from his right arm and shoulder, forming a small stream.

Everyone was still fighting! I cannot give up! Oulis clung to his final conviction.