After the operation plan was finalized, Luo Ning led his men halfway around Ring Mountain and arrived directly in front of the Purple Fruit Tribe's stronghold.
Only then did he see two simple watchtowers standing on the southeastern slope of the Purple Fruit Tribe. Two figures moved about atop them, showing slightly greater vigilance than the Green Bamboo Tribe.
According to Walton and Dandy, the Three-Party Alliance had the Gray Earth Tribe as its "head," and it was also located closest to the Black Collar Tribe.
If the latter wanted to attack the Green Bamboo Tribe or the Purple Fruit Tribe, they would have to pass through the Gray Earth Tribe's territory. Otherwise, they could only take a huge detour through the mountains and forests.
Therefore, Luo Ning guessed that the watchtowers were meant to monitor enemies approaching from the southeast—namely, people from the Black Collar Tribe who had circled around.
This also showed that although the Purple Fruit Tribe had fewer people, their awareness of defense was still quite strong.
Unfortunately, they never could have imagined that someone would come from the direction of the Green Bamboo Tribe. When the two sentries atop the watchtowers saw Luo Ning and his men standing before the stronghold gate, they froze, unsure what to do.
The people inside the stronghold also panicked when they saw a group of strangers blocking the entrance. One after another, they scattered in terror, crying out in alarm.
Only the bolder youngsters hid in places they believed were concealed, secretly peeking at the strangers with one eye.
"Everyone, there is no need to panic. I am a guest of your leader."
Presenting himself as a guest, Luo Ning first soothed the panicked tribespeople. Then he said to Walton and Dandy, "All right, it is time for you