After several days of anxious trekking, they finally crossed the mountains. When the enormous black city looming over the northern wasteland came into view, everyone let out a long breath of relief, only to be struck by its magnificent, murderous grandeur.
Iron Wall City. The name fit it perfectly.
Its towering walls were built entirely of massive blocks of black basalt. They had weathered countless storms and battles, and their surface was scarred with the marks of combat.
Banners snapped atop the battlements, where ranks of armored soldiers stood in formation, radiating a murderous air.
The official road leading to the city gate was sparsely traveled. Most passersby were soldiers hurrying along or laborers hauling supplies, each face weathered and wary in the way of those who lived on the frontier.
Inspections were exceptionally strict. Teams of soldiers repeatedly checked identification papers and thoroughly searched anyone or anything they deemed suspicious.
Chen Qing's group stood out like a sore thumb: people dressed in Central Plains garb, accompanied by an alpha wolf.
The moment they appeared, they set everyone on high alert. In an instant, dozens of crossbowmen took up advantageous positions and aimed their bolts at the group, especially at the Wolf King.
The officer guarding the gate, a lieutenant with a scar across his face, gripped the hilt of his saber and barked, "Stop right there! State your identities! What's the story with that wolf?!"
The air grew tense in an instant. Yan Yunxi instinctively edged closer to Chen Qing.
Liu Meng struggled forward, producing the Zhenyuan Escort Agency's token and Yan Tieshan's handwritten letter. He called out, "We're from the Zhenyuan Escort Agency in Yanjing, and we have urgent business with General Li Chongshan! Here's our proof! This giant wolf is... is Young Hero Chen's companion. It understands people and won't hurt anyone!"
The lieutenant examined the token and letter. His expression eased somewhat, but the wariness in his gaze remained. He took a few extra looks at Chen Qing, whose presence was deep and imposing, and at the giant wolf, which made even him feel a chill. "Wait here!" He sent a man hurrying into the city to report.
They waited nearly half an hour before a horse galloped out from the city with orders to let them pass. An escort was assigned to guide them inside.
The city within matched its rugged exterior. The streets were broad, and the buildings sturdy and practical, with little ornamentation. Most people hurried about, and soldiers on patrol could be seen everywhere.
They were always ready to defend against foreign enemies.
At last, in the heavily guarded council chamber of the general's residence, they met Li Chongshan, the veteran commander of the northern border forces.
General Li was about sixty, his temples flecked with gray. The frontier winds and sand had etched wrinkles into his face, but his back was ramrod straight, and his eyes were sharp as an eagle's. He stood there, radiating authority without needing to raise his voice.
He carefully examined the proof, especially the half-jade pendant serving as their token. At last, his gaze settled on the few chests of You Lan Stone that had finally arrived after enduring disaster after disaster.
After hearing Liu Meng and Yan Yunxi's account—the brutal battles along the way, the escorts who had lost their lives, and the possible involvement of Shadow Kill Tower and the Third Prince—the old general's expression turned grave. He slammed his fist onto the table with a dull thud.
"Xuanyuan Yi! How dare he!" His voice was low, but filled with thunderous fury. "For his own selfish ends, he colluded with foreign enemies, plundered military supplies, and slaughtered loyal subjects! This is simply... simply unforgivable!"
He drew a deep breath and forced down his rage. Then he turned to Chen Qing, clasped his hands, and bowed solemnly. "Young Hero Chen, words cannot express my gratitude! Had you not so valiantly come to our aid, there's no way this batch of ore would have made it here. My niece Yunxi and Escort Chief Liu might have... The entire border army owes you a debt beyond measure! Please accept this bow from me!"
Chen Qing stepped aside and supported him. "You're too kind, General. When I see injustice and am able to help, I should do so."
General Li straightened and studied Chen Qing's calm, unruffled gaze, his surprise deepening.
He held a high position and was a veteran of many battles, his presence extraordinary. Most young people could barely manage to stay calm before him, but this young man seemed entirely at ease, as if born to command.
And then there was the giant wolf lying quietly outside the chamber, whose presence had every warhorse nervously whinnying... This young man was no ordinary person.
As they dined, General Li revealed that Yan Tieshan had found the You Lan Stone deep in the Falling Star Mountain Range by pure chance. After craftsmen secretly tested it, they discovered that adding a small amount to steel could improve the sharpness and toughness of weapons by more than seventy percent, while also greatly strengthening armor.
They had intended to bring it here in secret and forge a batch of divine weapons to counter the elite cavalry the Northern Barbarians were preparing to send south, bolstering the border defenses. But somehow, the news had reached the Third Prince, bringing this calamity down upon them.
Chen Qing pondered for a moment, then said, "General Li, the energy in this ore... is quite unusual. It isn't like ordinary iron or stone.
"If ordinary craftsmen handle and work it for long periods, it may harm their health. At best, they could grow weak and frequently fall ill; at worst, it could shorten their lives. They'll need to take precautions during smelting and forging, or else the work should be done by someone with deep inner strength and abundant vitality."
General Li stiffened at his words and replied gravely, "Thank you for the warning, Young Hero! This concerns the lives of our soldiers. I'll keep it firmly in mind and make the proper arrangements!" He thought even more highly of Chen Qing's insight.
After the banquet, General Li personally arranged for the group to rest in a quiet courtyard. He sent the best military doctors to treat Liu Meng and the wounded, and provided them with a generous supply of medicinal herbs.
Standing in the courtyard, Chen Qing could feel the tense pulse of this military stronghold.
The Third Prince's scheme hung over them like a dark cloud. The arrival of the You Lan Stone was a ray of dawn, but it could also bring an even fiercer storm. He stroked the increasingly thick fur around the Wolf King's neck.
The night wind howled, carrying the distinct scent of the wasteland. Chen Qing's expression was calm, but his thoughts churned. He had a faint sense that a greater storm was quietly gathering, and that he was already caught in its vortex.
"A Ning," Chen Qing called softly.
A Ning raised her head and looked at him curiously.
"Do you like this place?" Chen Qing looked past the towering city walls toward the boundless lands to the north.
"I... I do." A Ning followed his gaze into the distance, her voice soft.
"Why?" Chen Qing asked, curious. "It's so desolate here."
"Because..." A Ning lowered her head, her voice growing even fainter. "Because you're here, big brother."
Chen Qing paused, then the corners of his mouth lifted, warmth blooming in his eyes. He reached out and gently ruffled A Ning's hair.
"But it's too grim and full of bloodshed here. It's not a good place to live. Let's leave tomorrow," he said.
"Okay!" A Ning looked up, her eyes lighting up at once.
"Honestly, you little rascal." Chen Qing ruffled her hair again. "Come on, let's eat!"
As Chen Qing walked away, A Ning hurried after him on her little feet.
It was the first peaceful night they had enjoyed in quite some time.
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