Zhang Yu followed the soldier through layer after layer of stringent inspections before finally arriving inside a constructed edifice deep within the mountain's belly, an amalgamation of metal and flesh.
This was the main camp of the garrison. From outside, its entire form resembled an enlarged pangolin, covered in smooth, tightly fitted metal scales.
The soldier stepped forward to announce him, and Zhang Yu was invited inside.
Once inside, Zhang Yu swept his gaze around and saw that quite a few people had already gathered in the broad inner hall. Aside from Camp Commander Tang, there was Academy Commissioner Feng, who was responsible for this Academy training expedition, as well as the dozen or so Military Prefecture soldiers who had accompanied them here. They were all seated within. Clearly, something unexpected had happened.
After exchanging greetings with everyone, he took a seat among them.
Camp Commander Tang said, "Now that everyone is here, I will give a rough account of the situation."
He took out an official document and laid it on the desk before him. "Two days ago, word came from the farthest garrison camp to the northwest. It said that a small squad of enemies of unknown origin was suspected of heading toward our position, apparently intending to enter the Azure Yang Upper Continent through here.
"We suspect they are Taibo Monsters. Every so often in the past, these monsters would attempt to bypass the northern battlefield and send small squads around from the northwest. We have fought them many times. But this time is somewhat different."
He signaled to his deputy, who then rose and said, "This time, the situation is rather serious. The people dispatched by the three camps ahead to intercept and investigate have all vanished without a trace."
He walked to the front and