Beyond the battle fortress that guarded the pass, the terrain abruptly opened up. A paved highway stretched out in every direction, though at this moment, the roads were filled with dark green military vehicles and soldiers coming and going.
Torch Oil was an important strategic resource and could only be used where it mattered most. To ease the supply pressure at the front, many military vehicles used for commuting and cargo transport still ran on the same steam engines as before. These steam engines were not picky eaters—whether coal or firewood, as long as it was thrown in and lit, with a little water added, the vehicle could get moving. They were remarkably adaptable and easy to repair, and still had their place on the battlefield.
Of course, a small number of Torch Oil-powered vehicles also sped down the roads, leaving all others in the dust. However, those vehicles belonged to senior officers of various units. Zhang Tie encountered two of them along the way, and the people riding in those Torch Oil vehicles were all officers of colonel rank.
The fertile fields by the roadside had already gone to waste. If there had been no war, in July, the fields along the road should have been full of thriving corn or wheat. But now, as Zhang Tie walked along the road and looked into the distance, every field was overgrown with weeds. Quite a few had been turned into training grounds, camps, or temporary field airstrips. Everywhere was a scene of bustling activity. From time to time, planes piloted by air cavalry flew overhead toward Coldwater City, while those field airstrips were the busiest places of all.
Zhang Tie walked alone along the road. Passing vehicles and soldiers would occasionally glance at him before going about their own business.