Too many female prisoners, a special forces soldier transmigrates and marries wildly.

In the east wing of the prefectural government office, morning light streamed through the windows, casting dappled shadows on the bluestone floor.

Lin Feng had changed out of his blood-stained night clothes and washed the dirt off his face. Doctor Zhou was re-bandaging the wound on his left arm. The fierce battle and chase last night, although it hadn't reopened the wound, had aggravated it considerably, causing a dull ache.

"Mr. Lin, your injury requires rest. You must not fight with anyone again, especially not with your left hand." Physician Zhou carefully applied the prepared wound medicine, wrapped it with clean linen, and gave him instructions.

"Thank you for your help, Physician Zhou." Lin Feng nodded in thanks.

As soon as Physician Zhou left, Yang Dingbian strode in, his face showing signs of travel and excitement.

"Boss Lin, those scum we arrested last night have started talking!" Yang Dingbian plopped down opposite Lin Feng, poured himself a cup of cold tea, gulped it down, wiped his mouth, and said, "Although they were mostly small fry and didn't know much, we managed to piece together a few things from their stories."

"Oh? Tell me quickly." Lin Feng perked up.

"These people are neither guards of the Prince Qi's mansion nor local thugs from Qingzhou," Yang Dingbian said in a low voice.

"They are peripheral members of 'Shadow Hawk.' Some are descendants of spies planted by Di Rong in his early years, while others are outlaws of the martial world who have been coerced and bribed. They are responsible for dirty work that cannot be seen in the light of day, such as guarding secret strongholds, passing messages, and killing to cover their tracks when necessary. Their direct superior is Han Lu! Han Lu is a small leader of 'Shadow Hawk' in Qingzhou, codenamed 'Night Owl,' and is responsible for contacting and coordinating them."

As expected! Han Lu really is a member of "Shadow Hawk"! A cold glint flashed in Lin Feng's eyes: "Do they know more about 'Shadow Hawk'? For example, who is their leader? Where is their stronghold, the 'Underground Palace'? What is their relationship with Xiahou Ying?"

Yang Dingbian shook his head: "Their rank is too low. They only know how to obey orders and never question anything. Some of them have heard of the 'Underground Palace,' which seems to be the most important secret lair of 'Shadow Hawk' in the Qingzhou area. Only core members know its exact location. As for Xiahou Ying, they only know that he is a big shot 'above,' codenamed 'Hawk,' and that his status is higher than Han Lu's, but they don't know the specifics of their relationship. However, someone mentioned that Xiahou Ying doesn't seem to be the highest leader of 'Shadow Hawk.' Above him, there seems to be an even more mysterious 'master' or 'venerable one.'"

"Master? Venerable One?" Lin Feng frowned. Xiahou Ying was already such a troublesome character, and there were even higher-ups behind him? This "Shadow Hawk" organization was even more treacherous than he had imagined.

"What are Lord Feng's plans?" Lin Feng asked.

"Lord Feng already knows about these testimonies, and his expression is quite unpleasant," Yang Dingbian said.

"He has already dispatched more men to secretly search the city with that black fragment, looking for similar markings or clues. In addition, Lord Feng has written again, preparing to send an urgent letter to the court, reporting last night's events and the clues about the 'Shadow Hawk'. This matter involves the Di Rong intelligence organization, and it is no longer something that a single prefecture or county can handle independently."

Lin Feng nodded. Feng Zhen's approach was prudent. Since this matter involved Di Rong's secret intelligence network, its nature had changed. It was no longer a simple case of treason, but a major issue concerning the espionage war between the two countries and the security of the border. It had to be reported to the imperial court and coordinated by a higher level.

"Oh, right, the prisoners also mentioned something else." Yang Dingbian suddenly remembered something, his expression somewhat strange. "They said that Han Lu seems very anxious lately, often muttering to himself, saying things like 'time is running out,' 'the master hasn't found what he wants yet,' and 'the key to Black Wind Valley.'"

"The key to Black Wind Valley?" Lin Feng's heart skipped a beat. "What key?"

"They don't know either. Han Lu was very vague, it seems to be something very important, related to some big plan of 'Shadow Hawk'. Han Lu seems to have been searching for it in secret, but hasn't found it, so he's very anxious," Yang Dingbian said.

The key? The plan? Lin Feng's mind raced. Besides being a secret weapons workshop, could Black Wind Valley hold other secrets? Was it the stolen weapons? Or... something else entirely?

The mysteries seem to be multiplying and becoming increasingly perplexing.

"Captain Yang," Lin Feng pondered, "regarding Black Wind Valley, has Lord Feng sent anyone to investigate? Has any news returned?"

Yang Dingbian shook his head: "Several groups of people have been sent out, but the journey is long and the transmission of information is inconvenient, so there has been no response yet. However, Lord Feng has already used his connections to send out official documents for assistance along the northern border through the postal system, asking local officials to pay attention to suspicious persons and movements in the direction of Black Wind Valley. Hopefully, there will be some results."

That's all we can do. Lin Feng sighed inwardly.

He was currently in Qingzhou, and couldn't possibly help Black Wind Valley, which was hundreds of miles away. He could only hope that Ye Qingli would be blessed with good fortune, and that Chen tide and A Yue would be safe.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Yang Dingbian got up to take his leave, as he had to arrange patrol and interrogation matters.

Lin Feng remained alone in the room, gazing at the rising sun outside the window, but felt no warmth in his heart.

There was a gentle knock on the door.

"Master Lin, Lord Feng invites you to the study for a talk." A guard's voice came from outside the door.

Lin Feng collected his thoughts, straightened his clothes, and followed his personal guard to Feng Zhen's study.

Inside the study, Feng Zhen stood with his hands behind his back by the window, gazing at the scenery in the courtyard, his brow furrowed, seemingly deep in thought. Hearing footsteps, he turned around and gestured for Lin Feng to sit down.

"Lin San, how are your injuries?" Feng Zhen asked, his tone gentler than usual.

"Thank you for your concern, sir. I'm fine now and just need to rest," Lin Feng replied.

"Hmm, that's good." Feng Zhen nodded, sat down behind his desk, and unconsciously stroked a memorial he had just written. "Yang Dingbian has already given me a detailed report on last night's events. Han Lu is a member of 'Shadow Hawk,' and before he died, he revealed information about the 'underground palace' and the 'key.' This matter... is no small thing."

He paused, then looked at Lin Feng, his gaze deep: "Lin San, what's your opinion on this matter? What exactly is the 'Shadow Hawk' trying to do?"

Lin Feng pondered for a moment, then said, "King Qi is plotting a rebellion, colluding with the Di Rong, and harboring treacherous intentions. Xiahou Ying is a high-ranking member of the Di Rong's 'Shadow Hawk' organization, cooperating with King Qi for mutual benefit. 'Shadow Hawk' is a Di Rong intelligence network operating within the Great Zhou territory, with a tightly hierarchical structure and unclear objectives. Han Lu is a minor leader of 'Shadow Hawk' in Qingzhou, responsible for specific tasks. The attack on Black Wind Valley was carried out by 'Shadow Hawk' in collusion with the Northern Extremists; the target appears to be weapons, but there may be other motives. Han Lu's search for the 'Key to Black Wind Valley' may be related to some major plan of 'Shadow Hawk.'"

"The 'Shadow Hawk' has operated in Qingzhou for many years, so they must have an extremely secretive core base used for command, concealment, and even certain clandestine activities. This base is very likely the 'underground palace' that Han Lu mentioned. And the 'key to Black Wind Valley' might be the key to unlocking a mechanism in the 'underground palace' or obtaining some important item."

"If this conjecture is correct, then the true objective of 'Shadow Hawks' is probably not just as simple as disrupting Qingzhou and cooperating with the Prince of Qi in his rebellion. They may have a deeper, more terrifying purpose. And this purpose is very likely closely related to the safety of the northern border, the Di and Rong tribes, and even the entire Great Zhou..."

After listening, Feng Zhen remained silent for a long time, his expression growing increasingly solemn.

"Your speculation is not without merit," Feng Zhen said slowly. "If that's the case, then the ambitions of 'Shadow Hawk' are probably far greater. The Prince of Qi's rebellion may just be one part of their plan, or even a pretext to attract the court's attention. Their real target may be elsewhere."

He stood up, walked to the map of the Great Zhou Dynasty hanging on the wall, and his gaze fell on the long border line where the northern border met the Di and Rong tribes.

"The Northern Frontier... Black Wind Valley... Armory..." Feng Zhen muttered to himself, "'Shadow Hawk' colludes with the Northern Frontier's internal demons to plunder armaments. Their purpose is probably not just to arm the Di Rong cavalry. Perhaps they want to create enough chaos, or... to create conditions for some more important operation."

Lin Feng's heart skipped a beat: "Does the master mean... they might be planning a large-scale border conflict, or even... an invasion?"

"It might not be a direct invasion." Feng Zhen shook his head. "Although the Di Rong Zuo Xian Wang tribe is brave, it won't be easy for them to break through the Zhenbei Pass defense line head-on. Unless... they have an inside man who can open the gate or create a huge loophole in the defense line."

An inside man? Lin Feng recalled Mo Sangeng's confession, which mentioned that the Prince of Qi had planted a trusted general at Zhenbei Pass to pass on defense maps. Could it be...?

"The attack on Black Wind Valley and the theft of weapons may have been aimed at weakening our army's defensive capabilities in a certain area, or at acquiring a weapon or technology that could counter our army's defenses," Feng Zhen continued to analyze. "And that 'key to Black Wind Valley' may be the key to unlocking a secret weapons arsenal or obtaining blueprints for a key technology."

This speculation sent a chill down Lin Feng's spine. If the "Shadow Hawk's" goal was truly to acquire weapons or technologies that could alter the balance of power on the battlefield, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"My lord, we must find the 'underground palace' as soon as possible to stop the 'Shadow Hawk's' plan!" Lin Feng said in a deep voice.

"How could I not want to?" Feng Zhen smiled bitterly, "But where is the 'underground palace'? There are too few clues. Han Lu is dead, and the meaning of the black fragments is unclear. With only these, it's like looking for a needle in a haystack."

"Perhaps... we can start with Xiahou Ying." A cold glint flashed in Lin Feng's eyes. "He's a high-ranking member of 'Shadow Hawk,' so he must know the location of the 'Underground Palace.' If we can capture him, all the mysteries might be solved."

"Xiahou Ying..." A fierce glint flashed in Feng Zhen's eyes. "This scoundrel is seriously wounded and on the run. He will surely seek a place to heal. He is familiar with Qingzhou and may be hiding somewhere we would never expect, perhaps even... in the 'underground palace.' I have ordered Yang Dingbian to continue the search while strengthening surveillance of clinics and pharmacies, especially the flow of medicinal herbs used to treat internal and external injuries and for detoxification. Hopefully, we can find his trail."

As the two were discussing, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the door, and Wang the clerk's voice rang out: "Sir, there is urgent military intelligence!"

"Come in!"

Wang, the clerk, pushed open the door and entered, his face showing an unusual tension. He presented Feng Zhen with a sealed letter tube containing three red feathers: "My lord, an urgent military report from Zhenbei Pass in the northern border region, delivered by express courier!"

Another military report from the Northern Frontier! Feng Zhen and Lin Feng exchanged a glance, both seeing the seriousness in each other's eyes.

Feng Zhen quickly opened the mailbox, took out the military report inside, and quickly browsed through it.

After just one glance, Feng Zhen's face turned deathly pale, and his hand holding the military report trembled slightly.

"Sir, what is it?" Upon seeing this, Wang the clerk's heart tightened.

Feng Zhen didn't answer immediately, but instead handed the military newspaper to Lin Feng, his voice hoarse: "You...you take a look."

Lin Feng took the military report and stared at it intently. The handwriting on the report was messy, clearly written in a great hurry, but the content was like a thunderclap, exploding in his mind!

"On the ninth day of the tenth month of the seventh year of Jing'an, at night, over ten thousand elite cavalrymen of the Di Rong Left Wise King's army bypassed the northeastern defense line of Zhenbei Pass and launched a surprise attack on 'Feiying Pass,' located 120 li behind the pass! The defending troops were caught off guard, and the pass fell! Taking advantage of the situation, the Di Rong cavalry advanced south, breaking through three fortresses in succession, and their advance was aimed directly at 'Shuofeng City'! Shuofeng City is in dire straits! The main force of Zhenbei Pass is tied down and cannot provide reinforcements in time! It is suspected that an internal traitor leaked the defense deployment and shift change times of the pass! Now that Feiying Pass has fallen, Shuofeng City is in imminent danger! We request the court to send reinforcements immediately! — Zhao Polu, the commander of Zhenbei Pass, this is extremely urgent!"

Flying Eagle Pass has fallen! Shuofeng City is in grave danger! Over ten thousand elite Di Rong troops have marched south!

The military report was like a bucket of ice water poured over the three men. The situation in the North had deteriorated so drastically in just a few days!

"Traitor...another traitor!" Feng Zhen slammed his fist on the desk, making the pen holder tremble. "King Qi! Xiahou Ying! 'Shadow Hawk'! These treacherous villains who bring disaster to the country! They're trying to open the gates and let the Di and Rong tribes into the pass!"

Lin Feng also felt a chill rise from the bottom of his heart.

The attack on Black Wind Valley and the fall of Flying Eagle Pass... these two events seem far apart, but they are subtly connected. Both were surprise attacks by elite Di Rong troops, both suspected of having an internal traitor leaking intelligence, and both targeting the weak points of the Great Zhou's northern defense line and key rear areas.

Could this be the plan of "Shadow Hawk"? To open a passage south for the Di Rong through an inside agent?

"Sir, when was the military report sent?" Lin Feng asked urgently.

"Judging from the date, it was four days ago," said Wang, the clerk. "Even with the urgent dispatch of 800 li (approximately 400 kilometers) per day and night, it still takes time. The situation in the northern border is probably even worse now."

Four days! Enough time for a lot to happen! Can Shuofeng City hold out? Have the Di Rong cavalry penetrated deep into our territory?

"We must report to the court immediately! Deploy troops and reinforce the northern border!" Feng Zhen forced himself to calm down and said to Wang, the clerk, "Wang, draft a report immediately, sending a joint urgent dispatch—800 li—to the Ministry of War, the Grand Secretariat, and the 'Shadow Hawk' incident, along with the military situation in the north, the Qi Prince's rebellion, and the matter of 'Shadow Hawks,' to the Emperor! Please make a swift decision, Your Majesty!"

"Yes!" Knowing the urgency of the situation, Wang the clerk dared not delay and immediately turned to carry it out.

Feng Zhen then looked at Lin Feng, his gaze complex: "Lin San, the changes in the northern border will inevitably shake the court. In Qingzhou, the case of Prince Qi's rebellion is basically clear, awaiting only the court's decree for action. However, 'Shadow Hawk' has not been eliminated, Xiahou Ying is on the run, the underground palace is unknown, and the hidden dangers remain. As an imperial envoy, I fear I will soon be summoned back to the capital, or transferred elsewhere. What... are your plans?"

Lin Feng understood Feng Zhen's meaning.

With the war breaking out in the north, the court's focus will inevitably shift. While the situation in Qingzhou is important, it pales in comparison to the security of the border. Feng Zhen may have to leave, and Lin Feng, a commoner redeeming himself through meritorious service, finds himself in a somewhat precarious position.

"My lord," Lin Feng took a deep breath and looked at Feng Zhen with a firm gaze.

"When the nation is in peril, every citizen has a duty. I, Lin Feng, am unworthy, but I once served as a scout in the border army, possessing some knowledge of warfare and familiarity with the northern lands. I humbly request that you, sir, allow me to go to the northern border to serve at the front! Firstly, I can find an opportunity to investigate Black Wind Valley and the whereabouts of my wife; secondly, perhaps I can uncover the traitor within the army who is colluding with 'Shadow Hawks'; and thirdly, as a citizen of the Great Zhou, it is my duty to protect the borders and ensure the safety of the people!"

Staying in Qingzhou would be safe, but it wouldn't help. Black Wind Valley was in the Northern Territory, and Ye Qingli and the others might also be there. The stolen weapons might have ended up in the Northern Territory, and even the "Shadow Hawk's" plan might be directly related to the war in the Northern Territory. To unravel the mystery, find his family, and find the traitor, he had to go to the Northern Territory!

Feng Zhen was deeply moved by the unwavering resolve in Lin Feng's eyes. He hadn't expected that this young man, with his suspicions not yet cleared and his injuries not yet healed, would have such courage to volunteer for the most dangerous front lines in the north.

"Have you thought this through?" Feng Zhen said in a deep voice. "War has broken out in the North, and it's extremely dangerous. Your journey there may not be successful, and you might even..."

"To die on the battlefield is a man's duty," Lin Feng said calmly. "It's better than staying here in peace and watching our country fall and our loved ones suffer."

Feng Zhen remained silent for a long time before slowly nodding: "Very well! Since you have this intention, I will grant your request. In this secret memorial, I will detail your merits and requests. If the court approves, or if the commander of the northern border summons you, you may go immediately. Until then, you should rest well in the prefectural office and await news. In addition, I will give you a warrant and a token, which you can use to seek an audience with officials or military commanders along the northern border if necessary."

"Thank you, sir!" Lin Feng bowed deeply, a great weight lifted from his heart. With Feng Zhen's support, his journey to the Northern Border would be much safer and more convenient.

"Go back and rest first. I will report the military situation in the North and your request to the Emperor as soon as possible." Feng Zhen waved his hand, his face showing deep fatigue and worry.

Lin Feng took his leave and walked out of the study.

The sun shone brightly outside the courtyard, but his heart was shrouded in the smoke of war in the north. The fall of Flying Eagle Pass and the impending doom of Shuofeng City weighed heavily on his mind like two dark clouds.

He looked up and gazed north. There lay the battlefield, the mystery, and the direction he had to go next.

For the sake of what I care about, and for the sake of this land beneath my feet.