Chapter 139 Xiaofen's Crisis "Mia, the supplies have been inventoried..."
"Mia, have you finished counting the supplies?"
“The inventory is complete, Mayor,” Mia said, holding the list. “Those that should remain in the Mountain Kingdom have been left behind, and the rest can be loaded onto the trucks for the return trip.”
“Okay,” Lin Yue nodded, “Tell everyone to get ready, we’ll set off back to Blackrock City this afternoon.”
Gray walked over: "Boss, Horn has made all the arrangements. He'll be in charge of transporting civilian supplies between the Dwarf Kingdom and Hope Town from now on."
“Very good,” Lin Yue said with satisfaction, “This time in the South, I’ve finally gotten everything done.”
“Yes,” Gray laughed, “Uncle Stonefist is safe, the peace treaty has been signed, and the trade routes have been reopened. This trip was worthwhile.”
Lin Yue was about to speak when he suddenly felt a tightness in his chest.
That strange feeling welled up in my heart again, as if... I had forgotten something important?
"Lin Yue?" Gray noticed his expression. "What's wrong?"
“I feel like… I’ve forgotten something…” Lin Yue frowned, “Something very important…”
Just then, a commotion arose outside the tent.
What got in here?
It's a cat.
"Black cat! Catch it!"
Lin Yue's heart skipped a beat, and he rushed out of the tent.
A small black cat was seen darting through the camp, as agile as a black lightning bolt. Several soldiers tried to intercept it, but couldn't even catch a glimpse of it.
"Little Black?!" Lin Yue exclaimed in surprise.
Upon hearing Lin Yue's voice, the black cat suddenly turned and pounced on him.
Lin Yue subconsciously opened his arms, and Xiao Hei jumped precisely into his arms, then scurried up his clothes and onto his head.
"Ouch! Stop pulling my hair!" Lin Yue was in pain from its claws.
People gathered around.
"Boss, what's this...?"
"Little Black? Is it really Little Black?" Mia exclaimed in surprise. "How did it get here?"
Lin Yue was both surprised and delighted. Ever since the system transformed into a little black cat, this cat had become extremely aloof, usually ignoring him and never taking the initiative to come to him.
“Little Black,” Lin Yue grabbed it from above his head, held it up in front of him, and grinned mischievously, “Did you miss me? Did you come all this way to find me?”
His small, dark green eyes stared at him, unmoving.
"Tsk tsk tsk, usually so arrogant, but now he's finally..."
[Idiot.]
A voice rang directly in Lin Yue's mind.
Lin Yue was taken aback.
"That stupid wolf has been captured." Little Black's thoughts came through, his tone clearly anxious.
"What?!" Lin Yue's smile vanished instantly. "Who did you say was arrested?"
"[Stupid wolf,]" Little Black repeated, "[It's that gray-white wolf that howls all day long.]"
"Xiao Fen?!" Lin Yue reacted instantly. "Xiao Fen has been arrested?!"
Then he remembered—oh right, Xiao Fen, and Xiao Hei!
Because the journey to the south was long and involved venturing into a conflict zone between dwarves and humans, it wasn't appropriate to bring a large wolf like Xiao Fen along. So, before setting off, he specifically left Xiao Fen in Hope Town to be cared for by Tie Niu and the others.
Xiao Hei stayed to keep Xiao Fen company, partly so they could take care of each other, and partly because Xiao Hei always said it was too lazy to follow her around.
But now Xiao Hei has suddenly appeared here and said that Xiao Fen has been arrested?
"What exactly happened?" Lin Yue asked anxiously. "How did Xiao Fen get arrested? Who arrested her? Where is she now?"
Little Black jumped down from his hands, sat gracefully on the ground, and swept its tail:
That stupid wolf was waiting for you at home, but you didn't come back for a long time.
"Then what?"
"Then it got anxious," Xiao Hei said, his tone clearly disdainful, "thinking you abandoned it. It spends all day wandering around your shabby yard and howls at night. It keeps me from sleeping."
Lin Yue felt a pang of pain in his heart. Xiao Fen…
"The humans tried to reassure it, saying you'd be back soon," Little Black continued, "but that stupid wolf clearly didn't believe them. After waiting a few more days, it decided to go find you itself."
"It ran away by itself?" Lin Yue's eyes widened.
"Yes, it ran into the forest, trying to find you," Little Black stood up. "I thought it was so stupid, it would definitely get lost, so I followed it."
Hearing this, Lin Yue felt a surge of warmth in his heart. Although Xiao Hei kept calling it a "stupid wolf" and "troublesome," it still followed Xiao Fen to protect it.
"Then what?"
"I did have a map to give directions," Xiao Hei's tone turned somewhat annoyed, "but my map only records the places you, you idiot, have been. You took a new route this time; it's not on my map at all."
Lin Yue suddenly realized. That's right, the system's map was gradually unlocked based on his activity range. The route from Hope Town to Blackrock City was recorded, but the route from Blackrock City to the Southern Mountain Kingdom was a first for him, so it wasn't on the map.
So you got lost?
"It's not that we're lost, it's that we need to constantly explore and correct our route," Xiao Hei corrected, clearly unwilling to admit that he was lost. "Besides, that stupid wolf is too big to get close to human settlements. We can only gather information from a distance by observing passing caravans and pedestrians."
"So how did you find us?"
[Scientific method,] Little Black proudly raised its head, [observing the positions of the sun and stars to determine direction, gathering intelligence to analyze the route, and gradually making corrections...]
“Speak like a human,” Lin Yue rolled his eyes.
"We've been taking wrong turns and correcting ourselves along the way," Xiao Hei said irritably. "Do you know how many wrong turns we've made?"
Lin Yue wanted to laugh, but couldn't: "Then how was Xiao Fen arrested?"
Xiao Hei's expression turned serious: "About five days ago, we were traveling through the forest. That night, I sensed a group of people moving about in the distance."
"A group of people?" Lin Yue became alert. "Who are they?"
"I don't know," Xiao Hei said, "but they followed us all day. However, they always kept their distance and didn't get close."
"We were exhausted from traveling that day, especially that stupid wolf, it was dead tired," Xiao Hei continued. "That night we found a hollow under a rock wall to rest. I was initially on guard, but then..."
It paused, a hint of annoyance appearing in its voice for the first time: "Suddenly, a smell wafted in from the entrance in the rock wall. I immediately became alert, but that stupid wolf…"
"What's wrong with Xiaofen?"
"It didn't move at all," Xiao Hei said. "It's usually very alert when it sleeps; it'll wake up at the slightest sound. But that day, no matter how much I nudged it, it wouldn't wake up."
"Drugs,"
"That's what I thought too," Xiao Hei nodded. "I knew something was wrong then, but there wasn't time to analyze it. Several burly men rushed into the rock face."
"And then?" Everyone tensed up.
"I had no choice but to run away," Xiao Hei said, his voice filled with obvious resentment. "I'm too small; I can't fight them."
“You did the right thing,” Lin Yue said. “And then what?”
"I hid in the distance and saw them scoop Xiaofen up in a net and carry her away," Xiao Hei said. "I followed them all the way and saw them take Xiaofen to a wooden house and lock her inside."
"Did they hurt Xiaofen?" This was Lin Yue's biggest concern.
"No," Xiao Hei shook his head, "at least when I left, that stupid wolf was still alive. They seem to have just locked it up; they didn't seem to harm it."
Lin Yue breathed a slight sigh of relief.
"After confirming that Xiaofen was temporarily safe, I immediately set off to find you," Xiao Hei said. "Fortunately, that place isn't too far from here. And the closer I get to you, the better I can sense your location."
"So you came straight here," Lin Yue understood.
"Yes," Xiao Hei nodded, "I sensed you were in this camp, so I rushed in."
After listening, Lin Yue took a deep breath.
Throughout the entire process, everyone noticed that Lin Yue remained silent, his expression constantly shifting from a smile to shock, and then to worry.
"Mayor!" Mia finally couldn't hold back any longer, "What's wrong with you?"
Lin Yue then came to his senses and looked at everyone. His expression was grave: "Xiao Fen is in trouble."
"What?!" Everyone was shocked.
“Xiao Fen has been kidnapped,” Lin Yue said briefly.
"What happened?" Gray immediately pressed. "Who arrested him? Where?"
“This…” Lin Yue stammered, unsure how to explain.
Fei Ye, being observant, noticed something was amiss: "Boss, how did you know?"
“I…” Lin Yue glanced at Xiao Hei, his mind racing.
Little Black's green eyes looked at him: [Made by myself]
"It was the elf who told me," Lin Yue said, forcing a smile. "Just now... just now an elven messenger passed by and saw Little Black. He recognized it as the one following me. Then the elf said that a few days ago he saw a gray wolf being captured in the forest, and he also saw Little Black nearby..."
This reason sounds weak, but it's not entirely unreasonable.
“Elves?” Gray frowned. “When did this happen?”
"Just now, before Xiao Hei ran into the camp," Lin Yue continued to fabricate, "that elf was very alert. He didn't enter the camp; he just relayed a message to me from afar and left."
Feiye was still somewhat doubtful: "But we're all in the camp, why haven't we seen any elves?"
"You're all busy packing, and you know how well elves can hide..."
That's true. Elves are skilled at hiding; they're almost invisible in the forest.
"What about Little Black?" Mia asked. "Where did it come from?"
“The elf said that Xiao Hei and Xiao Fen came out to find me together,” Lin Yue said, looking at Xiao Hei in his arms. “Xiao Hei should be able to testify, right, Xiao Hei?”
Little Black glared at Lin Yue, then reluctantly opened its mouth: "Meow~"
A perfectly meowed cat testified for Lin Yue.
[Idiot, I have to play along with your act.]
"Where is Xiaofen now?" Gray asked the crucial question.
“The elf said that there is a wooden house in the forest about two days’ journey to the south,” Lin Yue said, “and Xiao Fen is locked up there.”
"Who arrested her?" Ah Hu had also come over at some point, and his face turned ashen when he heard about Xiao Fen's situation.
“The elf said…” Lin Yue recalled the message Xiao Hei had given him, “that it was a group of very tall humans wearing animal skins. They used a drug and a large net to capture Xiao Fen.”
"A tall human wearing animal skins? Sounds like... a hunter? Or a merchant who sells magical beasts?"
“Very likely,” Fei Ye nodded, “these people specialize in capturing powerful magical beasts and then selling them to nobles or arenas.”
"Damn it!" Ah Hu slammed his fist on a nearby wooden stake. "How dare you touch our Xiao Fen!"
"Boss, we have to save it right now!"
“I know,” Lin Yue nodded, looking at Gray, “Gray, you make the arrangements.”
“Understood,” Gray replied immediately, “I’ll arrange it right away.”
"Mia, notify the main force to return to Blackrock City as planned. Ah Hu!"
"arrive!"
“You’ll lead the team to escort the main force back,” Gray said.
"Huh?" Ah Hu exclaimed anxiously, "Captain Gray, I need to go save Xiao Fen too!"
“No,” Gray said calmly. “The main force needs escorts, and this operation requires speed and stealth. Too many people would be inconvenient.”
“But…” Ah Hu wanted to argue.
“No buts,” Gray said firmly.
Ah Hu looked at Lin Yue, his eyes filled with "Boss, please put in a good word for me."
Lin Yue glanced at Gray, whose face was serious and left no room for negotiation.
Lin Yue could only give Ah Hu a helpless look.
"Captain Gray..." Ah Hu wanted to try one more time.
“Ah Tiger,” Gray’s tone softened, “it’s not that I don’t want you to go, but the main force needs you more. Those supplies and payments must be safely delivered back to Blackrock City. You are one of the people I trust most, and this task can only be entrusted to you.”
After hearing that, Ah Hu couldn't insist any further. He sighed, "Alright... but boss, you guys have to save Xiao Fen!"
"Don't worry," Lin Yue patted his shoulder, "I will definitely bring it back."
Gray continued his instructions: "Flying Leaf!"
“Yes,” Fei Ye walked over.
“You’ll be coming with us,” Gray said. “We might need your archery skills.”
"no problem."
“Also pick five of the best blue-vested fighters,” Gray continued, “they need to be fast and strong in combat.”
"clear!"
Half a day later, the main force that had returned to Blackrock City had been fully arranged.
The team to rescue Xiao Fen has been formed: Lin Yue, Gray, Fei Ye, five elite blue-vested soldiers, and Xiao Hei as their guide.
"Departure time?" Fei Ye asked.
“Now,” Lin Yue said, “the sooner the better. Every second Xiao Fen waits increases the danger.”
"etc."
A familiar voice came from the camp entrance.
Everyone turned their heads and saw Shi Quan carrying a huge bag on his back, striding towards them.
"Uncle Stone Fist?" Lin Yue asked in surprise, "What brings you here?"
"When Ah Hu went to the city to say goodbye to Xiao Shan, he told Teacher Xiao Shan, and Teacher Xiao Shan told me about it," Shi Quan walked up to Lin Yue, "Xiao Fen was arrested?"
"Yes……"
“Then I’ll go with you,” Shi Quan said firmly, putting down his baggage.
"But..." Lin Yue hesitated, "This time there might be danger..."
“It’s precisely because there’s danger that I’m going,” Stone Fist interrupted him. “I’ve watched Little Fen grow up. We’ve lived together since she was a little wolf cub.”
He looked at Lin Yue with sincere eyes: "Besides, it was captured this time because it was looking for you. In the end, it was because you came to the south to find me that it rushed out in a hurry. I have a responsibility to save it."
Hearing this, Lin Yue felt a surge of warmth in his heart.
But at the same time, a strange image popped into my mind—
Shi Quan is imprisoned → Lin Yue goes to rescue him → Xiao Fen comes to find him → Xiao Fen is arrested → Shi Quan says he wants to go with her...
Isn't this just like the Calabash Brothers saving their grandfather?!
Is Gray going to get captured next, and then Mia says she'll go rescue him, and then...?
No, no, no nesting dolls!
"Lin Yue?" Gray noticed the strange expression on Lin Yue's face. "What are you thinking about?"
"N-nothing," Lin Yue quickly shook his head, banishing the absurd thought from his mind. "Uncle Stone Fist, I appreciate your kindness, but this operation might be very dangerous..."
“I am a dwarf warrior,” Stonefist patted his chest armor. “Danger? What storms haven’t I weathered?”
“Moreover,” he added, “I was originally going to Blackrock City anyway. As a peace ambassador, I was going there with a few young dwarves to establish diplomatic relations. Since it’s on the same route, I might as well set off with you first.”
Gray looked at Stone Fist, then at Lin Yue, and whispered, "Boss, Uncle Stone Fist is a very strong fighter. Having one more person means more security."
“And he’s very familiar with this area,” Fei Ye added, “which might be helpful.”
Lin Yue thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright, then I'll have to trouble Uncle Stone Fist."
“What trouble?” Stone Fist grinned.
The team was finally finalized: Lin Yue, Gray, Fei Ye, Shi Quan, five people in blue vests, and Xiao Hei.
“Let’s set off then,” Lin Yue said, looking at Xiao Hei. “Xiao Hei, lead the way.”
Little Black jumped onto Lin Yue's shoulder and pointed in a direction with its tail: "Go that way."
"Wait," Mia ran over and handed Lin Yue a package. "Boss, this contains dry food, water, and some medicine."
"Thanks."
"We must save Xiaofen," Mia said, her eyes reddening. "I'm still waiting for her to come back and eat the meat I cook."
"Don't worry," Lin Yue smiled, "I'll be back soon."
The team set off.
Standing at the camp entrance, Ah Hu watched their departing figures and shouted, "Boss, you must come back safely!"
Lin Yue turned around and waved.
After leaving the camp, the team began to move forward at a faster pace.
Xiao Hei perched on Lin Yue's shoulder, occasionally patting his shoulder with its tail, indicating direction through telepathy.
[To the left.]
Lin Yue turned to the left.
There's a stream ahead; go around it on the right.
Lin Yue led his team on a detour.
[Beware of the steep slope ahead.]
Lin Yue reminded everyone to be careful.
The others were somewhat surprised to see that Lin Yue always seemed to be able to choose the right route.
“Boss,” Gray asked as they walked, “how do you know which way to go?”
“Xiao Hei told me,” Lin Yue could only continue using this reason, “It can point with its tail.”
Everyone looked at the little black cat on Lin Yue's shoulder. The black cat sat elegantly, occasionally patting itself with its tail, as if it were indeed pointing the way.
"How far is that wooden house from here?" Stone Fist asked.
"The elf mentioned before that it would take about two days to travel. If we don't rest, we might be able to get there even faster."
“Two days…” Gray calculated, “Then we must hurry.”
The group continued forward, moving swiftly through the forest.
Lin Yue would occasionally look down at Xiao Hei on his shoulder, asking for directions telepathically. Xiao Hei would then point with its tail or gently pat his shoulder.
To others, it looked like a clever cat leading the way.
But only Lin Yue knew that this cat was more accurate than any guide.
As the sun sets, the sky gradually darkens.
"Are we traveling tonight?" a man in a blue vest asked.
Gray glanced at the sky: "Let's hurry, but we need to rest by nightfall. If we don't rest at all, we won't be able to fight tomorrow."
"clear."
Xiao Hei transmitted a thought to Lin Yue: "There's a suitable place to rest up ahead."
“There’s an open area not far ahead,” Lin Yue said. “We can take a short rest there.”
"How did you know?" Fei Ye asked in surprise.
“Xiao Hei,” Lin Yue pointed to the cat on his shoulder, “it walked this road when it came. I just asked it, and it nodded that if it continues in that direction, there will be a place to rest.”
Little Black meowed in agreement.
No one doubted it anymore.
Night fell, and moonlight bathed the forest. The group lit torches and continued their journey.
Lin Yue walked in the middle of the group, communicating with Xiao Hei through telepathy.
"Those people locked Xiaofen in the wooden hut," Lin Yue asked in his mind, "was there any guard?"
"Yes," Xiao Hei replied, "When I left, there were two people guarding outside the cabin."
"Only two?"
I saw at least two. But there might be other people inside.
Lin Yue memorized this information, intending to tell Gray and the others about the plan later. However, Xiao Fen's image kept flashing through his mind.
When we first found her, Xiao Fen was very thin and small. In just one year, she grew from a little wolf cub into a majestic wolf. She is loyal and brave, although sometimes a little silly.
This time, it ran out to search alone because it was worried about itself...
At this moment, this continent has gained a heartbroken alien and a heartbroken native wolf, who are howling sadly at the bright moon through a wooden plank.
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