After more than two months, Tang Wen "returned to work" and appeared in the General's Mansion conference hall.
On the table, four large pieces of cowhide were pieced together to form a massive map.
"Three weeks ago, on the way back from transporting grain from Peach Blossom Spring, our convoy was attacked by a group of Superior Exotic Beasts—Black Cloud Leopards, Giant Ant Swarms, and Earth-Walking Beasts. According to the recollections of the escaped commanders and guards, there were also several beasts they had never seen before. Our grain transport team lost three people, their bodies completely gone, over ten were injured, and thirty thousand pounds of grain went missing!"
The meeting room erupted in angry curses.
Exotic Beasts possess their own kind of intelligence.
When they run out of food, they can band together to rob humans.
General Zhao ignored the commotion and continued:
"Fifteen days ago, Swamp Poison Dart Frogs and Hopping Frogs began leaving the hardening swamps and made their way to the lakeside. Many Scavengers and refugees were poisoned to death. Examination of the bodies revealed their stomachs were filled with frog eggs!"
The swamps were also running out of food. As the swamps lost moisture, many fish, shrimp, and loaches likely died on a large scale, forcing these swamp beasts to venture out in search of food.
Tang Wen silently assessed the situation.
General Zhao: "To the north, according to our sentry observation posts and reports from the Silver Wolf Pack, a Superior Exotic Beast Clan known as War Bears has begun attempting to invade the Silver Wolves' territory.
These War Bears are entirely snow-white, formidable in combat, and have long occupied the icy mountain regions of the northern forests—a vast area. This means there must be a King-level presence among them!
The southern wilderness is no different. Further south of the Sand Wolf Pack's territory, a group of Giant Alligator Turtles of unknown strength has migrated in. Our sentries didn't dare get close, but it's certain that there are Superior Exotic Beasts among them. Otherwise, the Sand Wolves wouldn't be so wary…"
Crises were erupting all around the camp.
Today's meeting was unusually well-attended.
Aside from Zhou Bing and the Queen, all the generals and commanders were present.
This included Old General Xia and Old General Zhang, who typically stayed out of external affairs, as well as the Commander of the Guards and the Commander of the merchant convoy.
After General Zhao finished speaking, the room fell silent.
Everyone was silently calculating the strength of both sides. No one spoke, waiting for the generals to make a decision.
General Zhou also remained silent, instead looking toward Old Xia.
The latter was holding a tobacco pouch, stuffing it with slender strands of tobacco and mint leaves. Only after completing this task did he speak in a leisurely tone: "Do you know why our camp built an underground palace?"
No one answered, and Old Xia didn't need an answer. He continued in a nostalgic voice:
"In my lifetime, I've experienced many disasters, big and small. The first was an earthquake. Back then, I was a Martial Apprentice. To protect my mother, I used my arm to block a falling roof beam, and it broke.
In the summer when I was twenty, the lake flooded. At that time, our camp's Foxtail millet fields were all in that area, and we lost the entire harvest. Many people died of starvation or illness. That's why, now, our main grain-growing area is at the foot of the mountains, terraced.
Originally, our livestock area was by the swamp, heavily guarded. Then, we encountered a swamp beast uprising. By morning, not even a pig's hair remained…
I'm telling you all this because, of all the disasters I've experienced, beast calamities are the most terrifying. Faced with a Superior Exotic Beast horde, there's nowhere to run!
The underground palace was dug out to protect against beast calamities.
To be precise, it's a last resort for us to hide in when all else fails."
Those mutated beasts would eat others until they were full, then leave.
That's how we survived.
The room was silent, only the sound of voices echoing.
Old Xia reached out and rubbed the tobacco pouch, sparks ignited, and the scent of tobacco leaves wafted out.
"Don't harbor any illusions! We have no choice. Fighting our way out is the only path! Coincidentally, many newcomers have joined the camp. Let them lead the charge.
Also, these people are not allowed to enter the inner city!
Especially near the palace, the underground vault, the granary, and the ice cellar!
If discovered, kill them on sight."
"Understood!"
General Zhao responded, scanning everyone in the room with a serious gaze.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Old Xia's voice showed no sign of softening: "What General Zhao just mentioned isn't the full extent of the danger."
Huh?
There's more?
Everyone's expressions changed.
Tang Wen frowned inwardly: There's never a moment of peace, not even a few days of tranquility!
"That Tyrant Bear must be dealt with."
No one responded, and the generals furrowed their brows.
The Tyrant Bear's abilities are earth-related, with extremely high defense. It is solitary and has no pack. Just thinking about it gives one a headache.
Old General Xia: "Black Mountain Camp has its favorite nectar. We can bribe it to turn against us!"
"But its skin is thick and tough, and it's a king-level combatant. We can't kill it; we'll only provoke it!"
"We don't need to kill it. We just need to ensure it doesn't ally with Black Mountain!" Old Xia frowned.
"..."
Before everyone could finish discussing, Old General Xia waved his hand:
"Don't worry about the Tyrant Bear, Commanders!"
Then, he signaled General Zhou to assign tasks.
"...Commander Wu, Commander Li, you take the marksmen and experienced fishermen to deal with the monsters in the swamp... Tang Wen, Qian Dong."
"Here."
"You lead a group to follow the Sand Wolf Pack south and investigate the situation with those Alligator Turtles."
"Understood!"
After assigning the tasks, General Zhou's voice was firm: "Prepare immediately and set out separately."
"Yes!"
Tang Wen and Qian Dong left the general's residence.
The latter couldn't hide his excitement: "Being a guard every day, finally, we get to go out and explore! Give me half a day, and I'll gather the men."
Tang Wen nodded: "Alright, once you're ready, come find me at my place."
Qian Dong left first, while Tang Wen returned to the palace, took the Wuzhui Horse, and went home to prepare provisions.
Although the camp would also provide supplies, the taste couldn't compare to home.
Two days later, in the wilderness, a group of people rode through the wind and sand.
"Howl!"
"It's the Sand Wolves! Lord Commanders, we've joined up with them. But what do we do next?"
The one reporting was a member of the Guards. He didn't have much experience in missions and was at a loss.
Qian Dong was also clueless and looked at Tang Wen.
The latter nudged his legs, and the Wuzhui Horse stepped forward gracefully, moving ahead of the group.
"Where are those Alligator Turtles? How many are there?"
"Howl!"
A wolf howl.
Tang Wen nodded, turning back: "They're still far away. Even the Sand Wolves need half a day to reach them. It's getting late; let's rest first. They'll lead us to a safe place."
Qian Dong was astonished, touching his ear: "You can't be fooling me. You understand that too?"
"Don't worry!" Tang Wen, who initially wanted to retort, saw the guards equally amazed and chose gentler words.
"Alright."
"Good! Trust me, no one understands mutated beasts better than I do."
To strengthen his argument, Tang Wen pointed to the large Blood Raven soaring in the sky.
"Alright, let's keep moving," Qian Dong took a deep breath.
Wuzhui truly led the way as the vanguard.
Arriving at a valley, the wind and sand gradually subsided.
Everyone looked into the valley, where the Sand Wolves were herding grazing animals, and expressions of surprise appeared on their faces.
After washing up and tidying, it was time for dinner.
The team members responsible for cooking were about to take dried meat, mushrooms, and flatbreads from the donkey to prepare the meal.
Suddenly, they saw three Sand Wolves driving two large rams towards them.
"Howl!"
"Thanks for the hospitality, don't leave, stay and eat with us!"
"Howl."
"No need to be polite, we not only have salt but also chili peppers."
Tang Wen seemed to be talking to himself.
But the three wolves actually stayed.
Qian Dong and the other guards fell into deep self-doubt:
"Is there a difference in these wolf howls?"
"Seems like there is, but also seems like there isn't."
"Get lost! If you didn't understand, just say you didn't understand."
"Hehe, I didn't hear any difference!"
(End of Chapter)