Returning from their tribal reconnaissance, Lu Hao and Jack immediately launched into a shopping spree at the market the next day, acquiring key equipment like anchor hook launchers, grappling hooks, smoke grenades, paragliders, small aircraft, and so on.
The two then took care of some miscellaneous tasks.
For example, Lu Hao went to the market to buy a large, ornate sword as compensation for the natives.
The natives didn't understand the significance of the Holy Spirit Sword, only finding it majestic, so they used it as a decorative piece for their deity.
In terms of appearance, modern, flashy replicas of swords far surpassed most ancient swords.
This time, they learned from the previous experience of snatching the treasure from the tribe. They wouldn't bring salt and sugar, avoiding the risk of provoking the natives' jealousy and pursuit again.
To be honest, the native tribe wasn't that terrifying, especially since Lu Hao possessed a machine gun, making dealing with them a breeze.
However, he wasn't a mass murderer.
The natives hadn't wronged him, so he wouldn't take their lives.
Moreover, they were the ones in the wrong, acting like thieves, and using a machine gun to shoot them would make them robbers.
It wouldn't fit their style.
Jack wouldn't allow it either.
If Lu Hao dared to use a machine gun to slaughter the natives, Jack would immediately turn against him.
Besides, obtaining a sword from an unsuspecting native tribe wasn't difficult, and its value wasn't high.
Lu Hao wouldn't be that insane.
"Lu Hao, this pistol is yours."
Jack returned the pocket pistol Lu Hao had given him for self-defense in the desert. He was still uncomfortable using such a thing.
Moreover, after their desert expedition, he agreed with Lu Hao's theory that "having a gun and not using it versus being able to use a gun are two different things."
In critical moments, even a pistol, without firing a shot, could save their lives.
Lu Hao took back his pistol with a smile. It was clear that the pistol was more convenient than the light machine gun during this expedition.
They had procured all their equipment and stuffed it into the SUV.
They would rest for another night, recharge their batteries, and head up the mountain to retrieve the Holy Spirit Sword tomorrow.
Early the next morning, they rose as planned.
Then, they drove their SUV at full speed, traversing the bumpy paths until they reached the foot of the mountain where the native tribe resided. They parked the car and proceeded to climb the mountain, each carrying their equipment. Jack assembled the small aircraft at the halfway point, covering it with leaves and grass to avoid detection.
Meanwhile, Lu Hao placed his paraglider on the other side, keeping it away from Jack's aircraft to prevent a collision during their escape.
After concealing their escape devices, they drove the SUV back to the foot of the neighboring mountain, just in case the natives discovered it.
"Lu Hao, this is our meeting point. You'll pilot the paraglider, and I'll fly the small aircraft. We'll land and rendezvous nearby."
Jack reiterated the plan, choosing the rendezvous point near the SUV. This location was separated from the native tribe by a mountain. With their gliding and flying speeds, they could land and escape by car before the natives caught up.
Lu Hao gave an "OK" gesture with his hand.
With some basic equipment, the two headed towards the native tribe.
The people of this tribe lived in the mountains with limited contact with the outside world. They lived in peace, adhering to their own primitive way of life.
Years of tranquility had made them oblivious to the intrusion of outsiders.
Lu Hao and Jack stealthily infiltrated the tribe's sacred site, their tools in hand. They suddenly heard chanting, like hymns, coming from within.
"Hm! ?"
They exchanged glances, realizing something was amiss. They used grappling hooks to climb a high wall and landed on a platform, observing the sacred site.
The tribe's high priest stood on a platform in front of the deity, holding a staff, chanting incomprehensible incantations.
Below, people carried a terrified native bound to a woven rattan stretcher. They brought him forward with reverence and placed him on the platform, like the chickens, ducks, and geese offered as sacrifices on the altar during incense offerings, dedicated to the gods for consumption.
"Damn it, we've stumbled upon their sacrifice day. No wonder we didn't see anyone on the way."
Jack's face darkened. They had planned to sneak into the village, discreetly and quietly, but they had unexpectedly run into the tribal sacrifice. With so many people present, their plan to steal the treasure without anyone noticing was shattered.
"Come back tomorrow! ?"
Lu Hao leaned against the wall, weighing a military knife in his hand.
"No need. It should be alright."
Jack surveyed the surroundings. He didn't want to delay another day. The aircraft and paraglider were already hidden. Who knew what problems might arise with a day's delay?
They were now in a situation where they had to act.
"I'll take the sword while they're bowing. You cover me."
"OK!"
They quickly exchanged a few words and formulated a simple combat plan.
Jack watched as the natives bowed reverently to the deity under the high priest's guidance. He immediately unhooked the anchor hook launcher from his back, a weapon resembling a spear.
"Jack, give me a fixed point. I'll help you shoot."
Lu Hao volunteered. He was mainly worried that Jack might miss his shot, forcing them to abandon the mission and escape early.
"You can do it! ?"
Jack looked at Lu Hao with suspicion. Although he knew Lu Hao was a good shot, he never associated Lu Hao with sharpshooters.
After all, Lu Hao had never fully displayed his shooting skills. He had simply relied on a machine gun to go "rat-a-tat-tat" in the desert expedition.
Whether it was wiping out the sand bandits or storming the native tribe, it was all the same.
"Jack, are you expecting me to tell you I'm a sharpshooter?"
Lu Hao took the anchor hook launcher, smiling. "I'm not bragging, but in terms of shooting, ten of you wouldn't match me."
"Really! ?"
Seeing Lu Hao so confident, Jack felt a surge of trust. Since meeting Lu Hao, Lu Hao had never done anything without certainty.
If Lu Hao dared to volunteer, he must have a reason.
Could it be that this guy is really a sharpshooter！？
He chose to believe Lu Hao's words.
This was the trust between partners.
Jack donned his equipment and, glancing at the bowing natives, pointed at the deity's shoulder. "Shoot the anchor hook onto the deity's shoulder while they're kneeling."
Shoo~
Before he finished speaking, Lu Hao had already pulled the trigger. The anchor hook flew towards the deity's shoulder with unerring accuracy under Jack's watchful eyes.
"You little rascal, you've got some skills. No wonder you love guns!!"
Jack gave Lu Hao a thumbs-up. Lu Hao had already confirmed that the anchor hook was firmly secured. He tied the rope to a stone pillar and chuckled. "Jack, it's your turn to shine."
"Watch me!"
Jack took two pieces of chewing gum from his pocket, popped them in his mouth, and chewed. Then, he grabbed the pulley on the steel cable, leaped from the high wall, and slid smoothly toward the deity, his target: the Holy Spirit Sword.