Blackstone Valley, located northeast of the royal court, is a vast valley rich in water and grass, teeming with wild animals, and a traditional meeting place and hunting ground for the various tribes of the Jie people. Three days later, at dawn, a larger procession than before departed from the royal court in a grand procession, banners waving and the sound of horses' hooves shaking the heavens and the earth.

Dressed in a dark hunting outfit, Helian Jue rode at the head of the procession on his magnificent black horse, like the alpha wolf leading a pack. Su Nian still rode in the reinforced carriage, but her position was right behind Helian Jue's royal carriage, the symbolic meaning of which was self-evident.

Along the way, tribal groups from all sides continuously joined the journey. Some tribal chiefs led elite cavalry, fierce and brave; others brought generous tributes, their attitudes respectful; still others brought only a small number of followers, their eyes filled with scrutiny and aloofness. Su Nian silently observed these diverse faces through the carriage window, memorizing their expressions, attire, and interactions with Helian Jue.

She noticed that several tribal chiefs, when bowing to Helian Jue, would subtly glance at her carriage, their eyes carrying undisguised inquiry, contempt, and even a hint of hidden hostility. Helian Jue's "restlessness" was likely hidden behind these gazes.

'Looks like this hunt is a trap,' Su Nian thought to herself, subconsciously touching a small packet of powder and several specially made, slender silver hairpins (which 088 had redeemed with points) hidden in her sleeve. 'Luckily, I was prepared.'

[Host, rest assured! With this system here, we can monitor the surrounding energy fluctuations and malicious gazes at any time! Although we can't take direct action, our early warning function is top-notch!] 088 assured with a pat on its chest (if it had one).

It was afternoon when we arrived at Blackrock Valley. A huge camp had already been set up, surrounding the most magnificent royal tent in the center, like stars around the moon. The air was filled with the aroma of roasting meat, the pungent smell of horses, and a restless excitement.

That evening, a grand bonfire feast was held in the open space in front of the royal tent. A huge bonfire blazed brightly, illuminating the night sky. Tribal leaders, generals, and other prominent figures gathered together, eating large chunks of meat and drinking from large bowls, creating a seemingly lively and boisterous atmosphere.

As a "Counselor of the Royal Court," Su Nian was placed in a prominent position below Helian Jue. She wore a riding and archery uniform bestowed upon her by Helian Jue, which was still plain in color but extremely exquisite in terms of material and workmanship. Her long hair was simply tied up, and she wore no makeup. In this environment full of rugged masculinity, she seemed out of place, yet impossible to ignore.

She could feel that almost everyone's gaze was focused on her, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Curiosity, scrutiny, jealousy, disdain... like countless invisible needles.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively and relaxed.

Ulolan, a fat, burly chieftain from the Blackwater tribe, staggered to his feet, holding a huge wine bowl. He looked towards Helian Jue and chuckled gruffly, "Your Majesty! How can such a grand occasion be without some entertainment? Just drinking and eating meat would be far too boring!"

Helian Jue, holding his silver cup, didn't even lift his eyelids, and said calmly, "How would you like to add to the festivities?"

Urolan chuckled, turning his gaze to Su Nian with undisguised intimacy: "I've long heard that this Councilor Su by the King's side comes from the cultured and refined land of Nanxia. He must be a talented singer and dancer, right? How about we uncouth folks have a dance performance for everyone?"

The moment these words were spoken, the scene fell silent. Many people looked at Su Nian with expressions of anticipation, as if watching a good show. To have a woman who had been appointed as an advisor by the king perform a dance in public was tantamount to an insult and a provocation, intended to suppress her arrogance and test Helian Jue's bottom line.

Su Nian's fingers tightened slightly around the wine glass, but her expression remained unchanged.

Helian Jue slowly raised his eyes, his gaze falling coldly on Ulolan, before he could speak.

Another voice rang out; it was Modo, the old chieftain of the White Mountain tribe. He stroked his white beard, his tone seemingly gentle yet carrying a hidden barb: "Chief Ulolan, you are mistaken. Councilor Su is a trusted confidant of the King, handling state affairs in a way that is quite different from that of an ordinary dancer. However… I have heard that the Southern Xia people value etiquette and rules above all else. Since Councilor Su enjoys the King's trust, he must be familiar with the customs of the Jie tribe. What are your thoughts on this ancient tradition of the Black Stone Valley Alliance?"

He steered the conversation away from song and dance to the more sensitive topics of "rules" and "traditions," which was also a form of harassment targeting Su Nian's outsider status.

The atmosphere at the scene became even more subtle.

All eyes were on Su Nian, awaiting her reaction. Was it shame and indignation? Was it bewilderment? Or...?

Su Nian put down her wine glass and slowly stood up. Her posture was upright, her eyes calm as still water. She glanced at Ulolan and Modo, finally looking at Helian Jue, giving a slight curtsy. Her voice was clear and steady, without trembling in the slightest despite the surrounding pressure.

"Your Majesty, I appreciate Chief Uloran's hospitality. However, I am foolish and have no knowledge of song and dance, and I fear I may offend the eyes of you esteemed guests. As for what Chief Mordo mentioned about the Blackstone Valley tradition..."

She paused, her gaze shifting to Mo Duo, her tone neither humble nor arrogant: "Although I come from Nanxia, ​​I am well aware of the principle of adapting to local customs. The Black Stone Valley Alliance aims to demonstrate military strength, coordinate various tribes, and discuss important matters together; this is the cornerstone of the Jie tribe's prosperity. Your Majesty's civil and military achievements, and your diligent governance, are precisely for the sake of making our Jie tribe even more prosperous and ensuring that the traditions of Black Stone Valley can be passed down for a longer time. I am unworthy, but Your Majesty trusts me greatly. I can only do my utmost to assist Your Majesty, consolidate this foundation, and thus repay Your Majesty's kindness, as well as the expectations of the leaders for the royal court."

Instead of directly answering questions about the specifics of tradition (because she didn't really know much about it), she cleverly elevated the topic, emphasizing Helian Jue's rule and the strength of the Jie people, and positioning herself as an "assistant." This not only avoided being challenged but also made her stance clear and subtly praised Helian Jue.

These words were reasonable and well-founded, neither humble nor arrogant. They not only maintained their own dignity but also gave Helian Jue enough face, and even subtly warned those with ill intentions.

For a moment, the room fell silent. Many who had been waiting to see a fool of her now showed expressions of astonishment. They hadn't expected this seemingly delicate woman from Nanxia to be so sharp in her words and so tactful in her responses.

Helian Jue looked at Su Nian, a fleeting, almost imperceptible hint of admiration flashing in his deep eyes. The corners of his mouth curved upwards almost imperceptibly before returning to their icy state.

He raised his glass, his gaze sweeping over Ulolan and Modo. His voice was not loud, but it carried an invisible pressure: "What Councilor Su said is exactly what I mean. The tradition of Blackrock Valley lies in working together, not in creating trouble out of nothing. This glass is a toast to the future of my Jie tribe."

He drank the wine in his glass in one gulp.

The king had already made his stance clear, and no one dared to say another word. Ulolan and Modo turned pale and sat down awkwardly, not daring to utter a sound. After a period of undercurrents, the atmosphere at the banquet seemed to have returned to Helian Jue's control.

The hunt officially began the following day.

As horns blared, warriors from various tribes surged forth like a flood, roaring into the vast hunting grounds. Their hooves pounded the morning dew, and the sound of arrows piercing the air filled the air.

Helian Jue took the lead, his archery skills unparalleled. His black figure was like the Grim Reaper, and wherever he passed, beasts fell to the ground. He would occasionally turn his head, his gaze sweeping over Su Nian, who was being protected by his guards in a safe area and was intently observing the situation in the hunting ground.

Su Nian did not participate in the hunt; her attention was focused more on observing the performance of the various tribes. She saw that some tribal warriors were indeed brave, but undisciplined; others were well-equipped and coordinated perfectly; and still others seemed to be going through the motions, detached from the realities.

She took out a charcoal pencil and paper and quickly sketched the general terrain of the hunting grounds, marking down any noteworthy groups and individuals she observed.

Around noon, the team rested in a clearing in the woods and enjoyed the game they had hunted.

Just then, a scout rode up with a grave report: "Your Majesty! A large pack of wolves has been spotted to the northeast, moving towards the camp! The number... is probably several hundred!"

A pack of wolves?!

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed. The wolves of Blackstone Valley were exceptionally ferocious, and such a large-scale operation was extremely rare. If they were to attack the camp, the consequences would be unimaginable!

The tribal leaders immediately began to discuss the matter, with some advocating an immediate retreat and avoidance, while others were eager to take this opportunity to display their bravery.

Helian Jue stood up, his sharp eyes looking towards the northeast, showing no sign of panic.

"A pack of wolves?" he sneered. "Perfect timing."

He mounted his horse, surveyed the crowd, and his voice rang out like the clang of metal: "All troops, listen to my command! Form a circular defensive formation with my royal banner as the center! Archers in front, spearmen next! I want to see whether the teeth of these beasts are sharper, or the blades of my Jie warriors are harder!"

His orders were decisive and clear, instantly stabilizing the morale of the troops. Under his command, the various tribes quickly began to deploy their defenses.

Surrounded by guards, Su Nian ascended a makeshift watchtower in the center of the camp. Watching the soldiers moving rapidly and forming ranks below, and seeing the grey figures appearing faintly on the distant horizon like a surging tide, her heart began to beat faster.

Helian Ze stood at the front of the battle line, the black royal banner fluttering behind him. He drew his scimitar from his waist, its gleaming blade reflecting a blinding light in the sunlight.

Just as the wolf pack entered the range of the arrows, he suddenly swung his knife forward!

"Release the arrows!"

However, at this critical moment, something unexpected happened!

A cold arrow, seemingly from nowhere, shot out with a piercing whistle. It wasn't aimed at the wolf pack, but rather at Su Nian on the watchtower!

"Watch out!" cried the guards protecting her.

Su Nian felt a gust of evil wind rush towards her, and the shadow of death instantly loomed over her!

(End of Chapter 114)