Green Wolf Valley lay fifty li from Black Wind Town.
The terrain was treacherous, with steep mountain walls on both sides and a narrow path running through the middle. It was easy to defend and difficult to attack.
At the valley entrance stood a tall wall built from massive stones, with a firing slit every three steps.
Behind the wall were three successive layers of defensive fortifications.
The first layer consisted of trenches and chevaux-de-frise, the second of arrow towers, and only the third contained the actual barracks and the entrance to the mine.
The arrow towers were connected by wooden corridors, allowing the defenders to move swiftly between them.
This was a true military stronghold.
Atop the wall at the valley entrance stood a burly middle-aged man with his hands clasped behind his back, his dark gaze fixed on the distance.
He wore a suit of refined steel armor, a long saber hanging at his waist. His features were resolute, and a deep scar ran down the left side of his face from his brow bone to his chin.
Zhao Jun, a collateral descendant of the Zhao family, a Tier 3 early-stage military general.
He had guarded Green Wolf Valley for three years without ever making a mistake.
"General," a personal guard ran over and lowered his voice.
"The scouts report that a large force has been spotted in the northern forest. They're heading this way.
"At least... two thousand men."
Zhao Jun frowned.
Two thousand men?
Within Guangnan Commandery, there were only a handful of forces capable of mobilizing two thousand troops.
The Lingnan Jiedushi Mansion, or... Black Wind Stronghold?
In a deep voice, he said, "Pass the order. Put the entire army on alert. Send someone to the County City to report this."
The personal guard acknowledged