Thunderous Return
The next morning, the wind and snow subsided slightly.
Lan Ying's agile figure once again blended into the vast snowfield, fulfilling its duty as the wolf king.
Inside the igloo, General Huo, leaning on his cane, tried to move within the limited space.
The broken leg still stung, but the tingling, itchy sensation of bone healing was clearly felt, bringing hope for life.
Tiger's complexion regained some color, and his spirits improved significantly.
The wound on Shen Yan's left arm has scabbed over, and the strength and flexibility of the muscles are recovering at an astonishing rate.
Bean sprouts finally had some free time.
Using collected pure snow blocks, I built an adorable snow wolf named Lan Ying outside the igloo.
Arashi, returning from patrol, sniffed it curiously again and again.
Lan Ying's integration with the local wolf pack is becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Deep within the eyes of the Wolf King with the wide ears, there might still be a wild spark of resentment, but he no longer disobeyed Lan Ying's orders.
The wolf pack became the most solid external barrier for the igloo.
Several groups of Northern Di cavalrymen who attempted to approach and investigate were silently dispersed or completely disappeared into the depths of the snow.
General Huo, leaning on his cane, stood at the narrow doorway of the igloo.
My gaze pierced through the sparse snow and landed on that lone silver figure, sometimes visible, sometimes hidden, surveying its territory.
Inside the igloo are their companions, scarred yet with unwavering resolve.
Outside the igloo, a pack of wolves submits to a greater power.
Ling Zhan's earth-shattering words were like a boulder thrown into a lake, creating ripples that continued to expand.
Ultimately, it transformed into a surging wave.
The idea of "building a city," which had once been vague and existed only in my ideals, was now completely ignited, burning fiercely, becoming incredibly clear, fervent, and urgent! All killing and conquest must eventually end; only assimilation can ensure lasting peace.
Let the wolves of the grasslands learn to nest under the walls.
Let the blood of different races eventually merge into the same ever-flowing river of blood.
Time will eventually prevail over order and procreation.
Days in the igloo fortress.
The pain of healing and the shock and hope brought by Ling Zhan's earth-shattering "city-building strategy" quietly passed by.
General Huo's broken leg was still causing him pain.
But the unyielding spirit that supported him across the battlefield has been rekindled.
He definitely can't wait a hundred days to recover from a broken bone.
Leaning on a hardwood cane that Ling Zhan had carefully carved.
Every movement within the cramped igloo was imbued with an eagerness to return to the battlefield.
Tiger's recovery is even more encouraging.
The young body was revitalized under the nourishment of the elixir, and the arrow wound on his shoulder healed well.
His eyes were clouded with the shadow of the team's annihilation and his father's serious injury.
His ambitions and desire to return to the military had largely dissipated.
Chen Yan's left arm is now fully functional.
His gaze often fell on the busy Ling Zhan, a look of almost unwavering trust set in him.
"We can't wait any longer."
General Huo's voice was resolute and echoed inside the ice house.
"Tiger, send word to Lan Ying, have her select the strongest wolves, the more the better! Ling Zhan, Shen Yan, prepare to return to the camp immediately!"
Tiger perked up: "Yes!"
He immediately let out a distinctive whistle through a small hole in the igloo.
Upon hearing the sound, Lan Ying's silver figure flashed like lightning to the front of the ice house, listening intently for Hu Zi's instructions.
Its eyes flashed with a ghostly light, and then it raised its head and let out a long, drawn-out wolf howl that pierced through the wind and snow.
Soon, the Wolf King with the wide ears arrived with seven or eight of the most robust and enduring snow wolves.
Like gray ghosts, they converged from all directions, crouching low behind Lan Ying, their posture submissive.
"Building a city is not something that can be accomplished in a day. The most urgent task is to return to the camp, purge the traitors from within, and avenge the blood debts of our brothers who died unjustly!"
A fierce glint flashed in General Huo's eyes as he turned to Ling Zhan.
"Madam Ling, there are no horses here. How can we return quickly? The army's camp is at least two days' journey through snow from here."
Ling Zhan had already thought it through thoroughly.
Her gaze swept over the burly pack of wolves outside the house.
I also looked at the sturdy strips of cloth and several spare hardwood support poles that had been dismantled from inside the igloo.
He decisively said, "Sleds! Use wolves to pull the sleds!"
"Wolves pulling sleds?" General Huo and Hu Zi were both taken aback.
In northern Xinjiang, hunters occasionally use domesticated sled dogs, but they also use wild and untamed wolves to carry wounded soldiers on long-distance raids.
Unheard of!
"Lan Ying can command them."
Ling Zhan's tone was resolute.
"Wolves have far greater stamina than dogs, and are much faster, traversing snow as if it were flat ground. With just a sturdy and lightweight sled, led by Lan Ying and with the Wolf King of Hollow Ears bringing up the rear, we can definitely make it! However..."
She looked at General Huo's legs and Hu Zi's shoulder, "The journey was bumpy, your injuries..."
"It's alright!"
General Huo, with boundless pride, declared, "This little jolt is nothing compared to the Di people's swords and arrows! Shen Xiao?"
"Mom, I can do it!" Tiger straightened his chest.
Shen Yan silently drew a dagger from the side: "I'll help you carve the sled."
Without delay, everyone immediately took action.
Shen Yan was in charge of cutting down timber.
Ling Zhan used all the tough strips of cloth and leather ropes he could find to bind and secure the items.
Bean Sprouts carefully collected hay and laid it at the bottom of the sled to cushion the wounded.
Under Ling Zhan's command and Shen Yan's skillful hands, a simple yet exceptionally sturdy sled frame was quickly formed.
Ling Zhan even melted the smooth ice slabs removed from the igloo into water and carefully poured it on the bottom of the hardwood sleds.
The biting cold freezes the ice instantly, forming a layer of ice that is as hard as iron and incredibly smooth.
It greatly reduces friction when gliding on snow.
At the same time, Lan Ying growled, "training" the strongest snow wolves that had been chosen, using a method unique to wolf packs.
Although the wolf king with the gleaming ears had an arrogant look in his eyes.
But under Lan Ying's cold gaze and occasional low growls that showed his teeth, he finally lowered his head.
He accepted the harness that Ling Zhan had temporarily made of tough animal sinew and cloth ropes, which was placed around his neck.
As the wind and snow subsided and the first rays of dawn appeared in the morning.
A scene unfolded in front of the igloo fortress that would leave any veteran of the northern frontier speechless.
A simple yet rugged sled came to a steady stop on the snow.
General Huo sat upright in the center, his back ramrod straight.
The broken leg was carefully secured and padded with bean sprouts, dry grass, and strips of cloth.
Tiger and Bean Sprout stood close to him, one hand on his injured shoulder, their eyes sharp as eagles.
Shen Yan stood guard on one side of the sled, his hand on the knife hilt, scanning his surroundings warily.
Ling Zhan sat in front, acting as the charioteer, his hand tightly gripping the reins connecting the alpha wolf—
Although the reins were more symbolic, the real commands came from Lan Ying beside her.
At the very front, Lan Ying stood tall and proud.
The silver fur shimmered with a metallic sheen in the dim light.
It wasn't harnessed; instead, it was like a born king, leading the way.
Behind it stood the wolf king with the wide ears and seven of the strongest gray wolves.
Wearing a neck harness and animal sinew, his strong, powerful limbs sank deep into the snow, muscles bulging, ready to pounce.
The wolf pack was eerily quiet.
Only heavy breathing condensed into white mist in the cold air.
"Let's go!" General Huo ordered in a deep voice.
Ling Zhan gave the reins a gentle tug and gave a low shout: "Lan Ying, go!"
"Awooo—!"
Lan Ying let out a clear and long wolf howl, which reverberated throughout the surrounding area.
The alpha wolf has moved!
Immediately afterwards, the Wolf King with the wide ears let out a low growl and exerted its strength, while the seven giant wolves behind it started moving at the same time!
boom!
Like an arrow released from a bow, the sled shot off suddenly, pulled by the ferocious pack of wolves!
There was no clatter of horses' hooves, only the dull thud of wolf claws digging through the snow and the howling wind.
The wolf pack was incredibly fast!
They were like gray lightning flashing across the snow!
The sled, pulled by the snow, glided nimbly and swiftly, leaving only long, rolling waves of snow behind it.
Bean Sprout clung tightly to the edge of the sled, his face flushed red with excitement and the cold wind.
The wind and snow lashed at our faces, and the scenery flew by.
The scattered wolf pack members patrolling along the way witnessed this spectacular scene.
They all stopped and let out a low howl of awe.
General Huo and Hu Zi are sitting on a sled.
Feeling this unprecedented speed, the pent-up frustration in my chest seemed to be swept away by this wild speed.
Only the flames of revenge remain burning fiercely.
Northern Frontier Camp, Black Stone Fortress.
The atmosphere was as oppressive as the deathly stillness before a blizzard.
General Huo has been "missing" for nearly a month, and his deputy, Wang Ben, has temporarily taken over military duties.
Although General Huo's remaining forces tried their best to maintain order, rumors were rampant in the army, and morale was low.
The Ministry of Works' reports urging for military spending and criticizing extravagance flooded the capital, adding to the gloom.
Some strange glances began to linger in the shadows.
"Report—!!!"
The shrill sound of the order tore through the dullness of the camp.
A sentry stumbled and crawled into the central command tent, his face ashen and his voice distorted with shock.
"General... General! Outside the camp! Wolves! So many wolves! And... and sleds! General Huo! It's General Huo back! And the captain of the elite team! They... they were pulled back by the wolf pack!"
"What?!"
Lieutenant Wang Ben suddenly stood up, knocking over the chair behind him.
The generals inside the tent were instantly in an uproar, incredulous.
When Wang Ben and the others rushed out of the camp gate.
When they climbed the arrow tower and looked out, they saw a scene they would never forget.
At the edge of the vast snowfield, a surging wave of snow, like a white tidal wave, was sweeping towards the camp at a terrifying speed!
Ahead of the snow waves, a proud silver lightning bolt led the way—Lan Ying!
After that, the Wolf King with the wide ears and the seven giant wolves, their muscles bulging, ran wildly, their heavy breathing seemingly audible from a great distance.
Following the wolf pack, a simple sled cut through the wind and snow, moving as if riding the wind!
On the sled, General Huo sat down with his cane, his beard and hair standing on end, like a war god returning home!
Although Shen Xiao, who was standing next to him, had a slightly pale face, his eyes were surprisingly bright!
Beside the sled, Shen Yan stood guard with his sword at his side, exuding a fierce aura!
At the very front, Ling Zhan held the reins, his expression calm, a striking contrast to the silver-headed wolf!
"Open the camp gates! Open the camp gates now!"
Wang Ben's voice trembled with excitement, almost as if he were shouting.
The heavy camp gates were flung open with a loud crash.
The wolf pack slowed down in unison at Lan Ying's low growl.
The sled, propelled by immense inertia, carved a long track through the snow inside the camp gate—
It came to a steady stop in front of the dark mass of soldiers who had rushed over upon hearing the news.
In an instant, the entire camp fell silent.
Everyone was stunned by this incredible, yet incredibly shocking, way of returning to camp.
All eyes were fixed on the familiar and majestic figure on the sled.
With the help of Wang Ben and his personal guards, General Huo slowly stepped off the sled.
He walked on one leg, leaning on a cane.
But every step he took was exceptionally steady, and his gaze, like a cold blade, slowly swept across the face of every general and every soldier present.
Wherever that gaze fell, some people were moved to tears, while others lowered their heads in shame.
Some people's eyes flickered, and they subconsciously shrank back—
The quartermaster and the centurion in charge of reconnaissance at the front line, who were standing in the back row, turned deathly pale instantly.
"This commander is back."
General Huo's voice was not loud, but it clearly drowned out the howling of the wind and snow.
He carried an aura of authority and unquestionable power, and also contained suppressed anger to the extreme.
"Shen Xiao's squad, escorting supplies, was ambushed by an elite force several times their size and was completely wiped out! How did the enemy know the route, the time, and the escort strength so clearly?!"
His voice suddenly rose, booming like thunder: "There's a traitor in the camp! If we don't eliminate this traitor, the blood of my soldiers in the Northern Frontier will have been shed in vain!"
He slammed his cane heavily on the ground, making a dull thud.
His gaze was like lightning, piercing straight at the lieutenant.
"Wang Ben! I order you to immediately seal off the entire camp! Anyone who has had contact with documents regarding the grain transport route or knows the whereabouts of Shen Xiao's squad within the past two months, regardless of rank, shall be arrested and interrogated severely! I will personally oversee the interrogations!"
His voice was like a cold wind blowing from hell.
"Give those brothers who died unjustly an explanation, a blood debt repaid in blood!"
"Your subordinate obeys!"
Wang Ben was already fired up, clasped his fists and roared, his eyes revealing murderous intent.
As soon as the order was given, the entire Blackrock Fortress camp instantly went from deathly silent to boiling over.
The soldiers acted swiftly, blocking off the passage and checking people.
An atmosphere of chilling dread filled the air.
Shen Yan coldly watched all of this, his hand never leaving the hilt of his knife.
Ling Zhan calmed the slightly agitated wolf pack after the harnesses were removed, especially the wolf king with the wide ears.
Lan Ying sat quietly beside Hu Zi, her silver eyes scanning the surrounding crowd warily.
The invisible pressure made some people with ulterior motives feel suffocated.
General Huo, leaning on a cane, was surrounded by his personal guards.
He walked step by step toward the central command tent, his back as heavy and resolute as a mountain.
A thousand miles away, at the Cining Palace.
The Dowager Consort Huo's fingers remained steady as she manipulated the prayer beads.
But the news brought back by her personal eunuch caused a chill to set in her expression.
"Your Highness, at the morning court session this day, Minister Jiang of the Ministry of Works, along with several censors from the side of Consort Jiang, suddenly launched an attack."
The eunuch's voice was extremely low, filled with anxiety.
"They stopped mentioning General Huo and instead focused their attention on 'Shen Yan, the head of Shenji Workshop'! They said that as a master craftsman registered with the court, he had abandoned his post and was acting suspiciously. He disappeared just as the war in the northern frontier was at a stalemate and General Huo was in danger, raising many doubts! They petitioned His Majesty to immediately issue an edict to seal off Shenji Workshop, arrest and interrogate the core managers of the Shen family, and launch a nationwide manhunt for Shen Yan! The reason given was... fearing that he was colluding with the enemy or absconding with important military blueprints!"
The Dowager Consort Huo paused almost imperceptibly in the fingers that were twirling the prayer beads.
Jiang... such a quick reaction! Such a vicious plan!
Seeing that the Huo family was temporarily intimidated by the gold-inlaid jade ruyi, they immediately changed their focus.
A direct look at Shen Yan, this "outsider," and the potential variables!
Seize the sunken record!
Not only can it strike at any potential support the Huo family, but it can also disrupt the situation and fish in troubled waters!
"Your Majesty... what is your opinion?" The Dowager Consort's voice was devoid of emotion.
"Your Majesty... seems somewhat swayed. After all, Shen Yan's disappearance is a fact, and the skills he possessed were indeed extraordinary. The people on Consort Jiang's side even hinted... hinted that Shen Yan's appearance and demeanor were somewhat related to... that person from back then..."
"snort!"
The Dowager Empress Huo finally let out a clear, cold snort, a glint of cold light flashing in her eyes.
"A connection? Are they trying to say that Shen Yan is a remnant of the previous dynasty? What a huge accusation!"
She put down her prayer beads and slowly stood up.
"It seems some people haven't grasped the significance of the ruyi scepter I gave His Majesty. Go, prepare the carriage."
"Your Highness, what are you doing...?"
"Go to the Imperial Study."
The Dowager Empress straightened her plain sleeves, her tone calm yet carrying an undeniable authority.
"His Majesty is young and easily misled by the words of treacherous officials. I must remind him that in this capital, in this deep palace, certain 'connections'—knowing too much or speaking too frankly—can backfire. How much of the people's livelihood and military supplies does the Chenji Workshop involve? Investigate it? If we shake its foundations, who will be responsible for the weapons and armor of the soldiers in the northern frontier, and the livelihoods of the people in the rear? The Jiang family?"
She paused, a cold smile curving her lips.
"By the way, could you ask Consort Jiang for me if the white jade Guanyin statue in her palace that was recently chipped has been repaired by a skilled craftsman? If not, I do know a craftsman surnamed Shen whose skills are... truly divine."
The implication was clear: I may not be unaware of the Jiang family's weaknesses!
The eunuch was shocked and quickly replied, "Yes! This servant will go and prepare immediately!"
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