At first light, Zhang Yang stood by the stream with a willow twig, poking it around in his mouth. Then he took a mouthful of water, gargled several times, and finally spat it out with a ptoo.
Not far away stood three somewhat worn tents. Wisps of green smoke still curled from the fire in the middle. About ten paces beyond the tents, thirty chevaux-de-frise had been buried in the ground. Bound together with wooden poles, they neatly sealed off this camp beside the stream.
Inside the camp, two warhorses, one hunting horse, and two nags leisurely ate fodder. Beside them stood a four-wheeled wagon loaded with supplies, including concentrated feed for the horses, food for Zhang Yang and the others, and more.
This was the entire foundation of the Blazing Fire Mercenary Group.
As the saying went, a new group brought a new atmosphere. After Zhang Yang had formally defeated Tonks and qualified to become the mercenary group's captain, he ignored Tonks's many suggestions and objections. He no longer recruited mercenaries in the tavern, nor stayed there drinking himself senseless and chatting up young women.
He directly bought a four-wheeled wagon, two nags, three tents, some repair tools, food, an iron pot, fodder, seasonings, and various other supplies. That very day, he left Sallion.
All of it cost only 300 Silver Denars.
Tonks naturally grumbled incessantly, but what he said did not count.
"Captain, you're up!"
Kalli emerged from the tent as well and very consciously began preparing breakfast.
Only after Zhang Yang had washed himself with the chilly stream water did Tonks grumble his way out.
"Theo, you're a flagellant."
"Haha, Tonks, if you're unhappy, come spar with me."
Zhang Yang laughed loudly, drew a two-handed wooden sword from the wagon, and fluidly performed several attacking and defensive