Black Wind Valley lay in the river valley region upstream of the Laoha River. Rolling hills rose on both sides, while the valley floor was broad and level. A swift stream ran through the gorge, splitting the valley into eastern and western halves.
At the mouth of the valley stood a natural Mountain Pass, with sheer rock walls on either side. Only a few riders could pass abreast, making it the sole route into the valley.
Inside the valley, the water and grass were abundant. Several hundred great oxhide tents stood scattered about, with animal pelts drying outside and piles of grain and fodder heaped nearby. Hundreds of warhorses grazed leisurely on the meadows along the valley walls. This was the encampment of the remnants of the Donghu Black Wolf Tribe.
Unlike the perilous forests and steep mountains of Eagle Nest Gorge, Black Wind Valley's open terrain was better suited for cavalry raids. As one of Donghu's core tribes, the Black Wolf Tribe's Wolf Riders were famed for their ferocity and courage, especially their charges.
At this moment, atop the watchtower at the valley entrance, a squad of Donghu Wolf Riders lounged beneath a sunshade and gazed into the distance. Bronze scimitars hung casually at their waists, their faces full of arrogance and slackness.
"Shegan Chanyu led an army of one hundred and fifty thousand and stormed straight into Pinggang City in one stroke. By my reckoning, Pinggang City should be completely ours by now!"
A Donghu soldier spat on the ground, his tone brimming with proud satisfaction. "The messenger said that after the city fell, the main force began tallying the Yan army's provisions and wealth. Before long, they'll return to the grasslands with the spoils!"
Another soldier's eyes lit up at once. Rubbing his hands, he laughed. "Really?