By the time Li Chen finished his patrol and returned to camp, Military Supervisor Wang was already waiting at the gate, his expression shifting uncertainly.
He had intended to steel himself and deliver a harsh reprimand, but the moment Li Chen's indifferent gaze swept over him, an inexplicable chill struck his heart. The rebuke on his lips went straight back down his throat. Forcing his face into an official expression, he took a deep breath and said with utmost seriousness:
"Commandant Cheng, about today's incident..." He paused, feeling that Li Chen's gaze seemed to have grown a shade colder, and immediately changed tack. "...You handled today's incident well! You maintained order within the pass! Your shift is over now, so get some proper rest. The follow-up... I will handle the follow-up arrangements appropriately!"
Only then did Li Chen give a slight nod and walk straight past him.
The soldiers nearby, who had been straining their ears to eavesdrop, were all dumbstruck!
This newly arrived Commandant Cheng had cowed Military Supervisor Wang with a single look? And made him change his tune on the spot to praise how well he had handled things?
Back in the barracks, Feng Shuo came scampering over, admiration written all over his face. "Brother Cheng! Badass! Absolutely badass! Yesterday you beat up the Chu Lineage from the Imperial Capital, and today you thrashed the Khan's nephew! Who in all of Cold Iron Pass doesn't know you're a real man now? Nobody but you deserves to be Cold Iron Pass's number one!"
Batu, meanwhile, was so worried that he kept scratching his head. He came from the Northern Tribes and knew perfectly well how fiercely the new Khan, Huyan Lan, protected his own. They were truly in deep trouble now.
Li Chen patted Feng Shuo on the