Iron Wall's Lonely City

After several days of anxious trekking, when their sight finally pierced through the mountains, the massive black city that loomed over the northern wilderness came into view. Everyone let out a long sigh of relief, only to be immediately awestruck by its grand and somber aura.

Iron Wall City. True to its name.

The city walls towered, constructed entirely from enormous blocks of black basalt. Having endured countless winds, rains, and battles, the walls were covered in the scars of past conflicts.

Above the battlements, banners fluttered, and armored soldiers stood in ranks, exuding an air of grim determination.

The official road leading to the city gates was sparsely populated. Most travelers were hurried soldiers or laborers transporting supplies, their faces etched with the ruggedness and vigilance characteristic of border regions.

Security was extremely tight. Squads of soldiers repeatedly checked identification documents, conducting thorough searches of any suspicious individuals or items.

Chen Qing's group, however, was exceptionally conspicuous. Dressed in Central Plains attire and accompanied by a wolf.

Their appearance immediately triggered a high level of alert. Instantly, dozens of archers took up advantageous positions, their arrows aimed at the group, particularly at the Wolf King.

The gate commander, a captain with a scar across his face, his hand resting on his sword hilt, barked sternly, "Halt! State your identities! What's with that wolf?!"

The atmosphere instantly tensed. Yan Yunxi instinctively moved closer to Chen Qing.

Liu Meng struggled forward, pulling out the token of the Zhenyuan Escort Agency and Yan Tieshan's personal letter. He announced loudly, "We are from the Zhenyuan Escort Agency in Yan Jing, and we have urgent matters to discuss with General Li Chongshan! These are our credentials! This giant wolf is... is the companion of this Young Hero Chen. It's intelligent and harmless!"

The captain examined the token and letter, his expression softening slightly, but his vigilance did not wane. He gave Chen Qing, whose presence was profound, and the giant wolf, which even made him feel a tremor of unease, a few extra glances. "Wait here!" He dispatched someone to quickly enter the city to report.

After a full half-hour, a horse galloped out from the city, granting them passage and assigning a special escort to lead them in.

The scene within the city mirrored its rugged exterior. The streets were wide, the houses sturdy and practical, with little ornamentation. Pedestrians mostly hurried along, and patrolling soldiers were a common sight.

They were constantly prepared to defend against external threats.

Finally, in the heavily guarded general's mansion's war room, they met the commander of the northern border army, the old General Li Chongshan.

General Li was around sixty years old, his temples streaked with gray. His face was deeply lined by the wind and sand of the frontier, yet his posture was ramrod straight. His eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, and his mere presence commanded respect.

He meticulously examined the credentials, especially the half jade pendant that served as proof. His gaze finally settled on the several chests of "You Lan Stone" that had miraculously survived their ordeal and finally arrived.

When he heard Liu Meng and Yan Yunxi's account of the fierce battles along the way, the deaths of several escorts, and the potential involvement of the "Shadow Kill Tower" and the Third Prince, the old general's face grew exceedingly grave. He slammed his fist onto the table, emitting a dull "thud."

"Xuanyuan Yi! How dare he!" His voice was low, laced with thunderous rage. "For his own selfish desires, colluding with foreign enemies, plundering military supplies, and harming loyal subjects! He... he deserves to die!"

He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and turned his gaze to Chen Qing, clasping his hands in a respectful bow. "Young Hero Chen, your great kindness is beyond words! If not for your righteous intervention and unparalleled bravery, this shipment of ore would never have arrived, and Niece Yunxi and Escort Leader Liu would likely have perished... My entire border army owes you a tremendous debt of gratitude! Please accept my bow!"

Chen Qing sidestepped, supporting him. "General, you are too kind. I merely intervened when I saw injustice and acted within my capabilities."

General Li straightened up, observing Chen Qing's calm, unruffled gaze, and felt even more astonished.

He held a high position and was a seasoned veteran of many battles, possessing an extraordinary aura. It was no small feat for an ordinary young person to remain composed in his presence, yet this young man appeared completely at ease, as if he were naturally accustomed to authority.

And then there was the giant wolf, quietly lying outside the hall, yet causing all the warhorses to whinny uneasily... This young man was clearly no ordinary individual.

During the banquet, General Li revealed that this "You Lan Stone" was discovered by Yan Tieshan by chance deep within the Falling Star Mountain Range. After secret trials by artisans, it was found that when added in small quantities to steel, the resulting weapons could achieve over seventy percent greater sharpness and toughness, and armor's defensive capabilities would also be significantly enhanced.

The original plan was to secretly transport it to forge a batch of divine weapons to counter the impending southward advance of the Northern Barbarians' elite cavalry, thereby strengthening the border defenses. However, word had somehow leaked to the Third Prince, leading to this catastrophic disaster.

Chen Qing pondered for a moment before speaking, "General Li, the energy of this ore... is quite peculiar, unlike ordinary iron or stone. Prolonged exposure and hammering by common artisans could be harmful to the body, leading to chronic illness at best, or a shortened lifespan at worst. When melting or forging, proper protection is necessary, or it would be best to have individuals with profound inner energy and robust Blood Essence operate it."

General Li's expression turned solemn upon hearing this. "Thank you for the warning, Young Hero! This matter concerns the lives of my soldiers. I will certainly bear it in mind and make proper arrangements!" His estimation of Chen Qing's insight increased further.

After the banquet, General Li personally arranged for them to rest in a secluded courtyard. He dispatched the best military doctors to treat Liu Meng and the injured, and provided a large supply of medicinal herbs.

Standing in the courtyard, Chen Qing could feel the tense pulse of this military stronghold.

The Third Prince's conspiracy loomed like a dark cloud, and the arrival of the "You Lan Stone" was a dawn of hope, but it might also invite a more violent storm. He stroked the increasingly thick fur on the Wolf King's neck.

The night wind howled, carrying the unique scent of the wilderness. Chen Qing's expression was calm, but his heart churned. He had a premonition that a greater storm was quietly brewing, and he was already caught in its vortex.

"A Ning," Chen Qing called out softly.

A Ning looked up, observing him with curiosity.

"Do you like this place?" Chen Qing's gaze swept past the majestic city walls, looking towards the vaster expanse to the north.

"I, I like it," A Ning replied, following his gaze into the distance, her voice soft.

"Why?" Chen Qing asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone. "It's so desolate here."

"Because..." A Ning lowered her head, her voice growing even fainter, "Because Brother is here."

Chen Qing paused for a moment, then a smile bloomed on his lips, his eyes softening with tenderness. He reached out and gently ruffled A Ning's hair.

"However, the atmosphere here is too grim and not suitable for living. Let's leave tomorrow," he said.

"Okay!" A Ning looked up, her eyes instantly lighting up.

"This girl," Chen Qing ruffled her head again. "Let's go, time to eat!"

Watching Chen Qing leave, A Ning quickly followed on her little feet.

This was the first peaceful night they had experienced in a long time.