Because Feng Kun was standing a little further away and reacted quickly, he was tackled and covered by several loyal soldiers just before the explosion. Although he was seriously injured, he was lucky to escape with his life.

However, the consequences of this half-baked "divine punishment" were far more complex and deadly than a successful explosion.

The sacred Wolf Howling Peak was struck by divine retribution, with the earth cracking and High Priest Ulun and many shamans dying tragically. This was tantamount to the collapse of the very foundation of their faith. Many small tribes affiliated with the Black Wolf tribe began to quietly pack up their tents and migrate further north or west, away from this "ominous land."

Feng Kun's situation was even more tragic. Wounded, he hid in a secluded tent, with fewer than ten "Digging" assassins by his side.

"General, we should not linger here. Asuda looks at us as if we were already dead," a trusted henchman whispered.

Feng Kun's face was ashen, his eyes filled with resentment and bitterness: "Lin Feng... 'Qian Yuan'... ruined my plans! I swear I will not rest until I avenge this!"

He took a few breaths, gritted his teeth, and said, "Pack your things, we're leaving tonight. Head east to find the Gray Fox tribe. They have a long-standing feud with the Black Wolf tribe, so perhaps we can take them in temporarily. As long as we have connections with Eunuch Li, we still have a chance to turn things around!"

"yes!"

Meanwhile, in Ironwall City.

When news of the explosion arrived, the whole city rejoiced. Although they felt a noticeable tremor, compared to the devastation caused by the Di Rong's siege, this shock was insignificant.

The morale of the garrison was greatly boosted, and the people spread the word, saying that Commander Lin was protected by gods and Buddhas and could even break the "sorcery" of the Di Rong.

Deputy General Zhou Ming clapped his hands and laughed, saying to Lin Feng, "Commander Lin's plan is brilliant! First, we'll use a feint to exhaust the enemy, then use 'Qianyuan' to destroy their foundation. The Di and Rong tribes are currently in internal strife, and Asuda is in a state of chaos. At least this autumn and winter, the border will be safe!"

After seeing Zhou Ming off, Lin Feng returned to his study.

Xie Wanqing was already waiting there. She looked much better, and her eyes shone brightly. When she saw Lin Feng enter, she stood up and bowed.

"Sir, I have heard about what happened at Wolf Howl Peak. My father's spirit can rest in peace now. The seniors of 'Hidden Abyss' are truly admirable."

"We are also very grateful for your mediation, young lady." Lin Feng invited her to sit down. "Do you know if the senior members of 'Qianyuan' are doing well? What are their plans for the future?"

Xie Wanqing said, "Wanqing doesn't know either. 'Qianyuan' is elusive and difficult to find unless they make contact. Perhaps they will continue to hide in the grasslands, monitoring the movements of Di Rong and Feng Kun's remnants, or perhaps... they will continue to search for Prince Jing's whereabouts."

It was Prince Jing again. Lin Feng's heart stirred slightly. Although he hadn't gotten to know "Qian Yuan" well during this collaboration, the ability, discipline, and ancient sense of mission that "Qian Yuan" displayed left a deep impression on him.

"What are your plans for the future, young lady?" Lin Feng asked.

Xie Wanqing was silent for a moment, then raised her eyes and said frankly, "Wanqing had two wishes for going north: to avenge her father and to find out the truth. Now that Feng Kun's conspiracy has been exposed and he has fled to the grasslands, her father's revenge can be considered complete. As for His Highness's whereabouts... that cannot be accomplished in a short time. If you do not mind, I am willing to stay in Iron Wall City. I have some knowledge of mineral veins and geomancy, and I may be able to assist you in surveying the surrounding area, promoting benefits and eliminating drawbacks, and strengthening our border defenses."

Lin Feng, recalling her contributions in providing the map, issuing warnings, and making contacts, finally nodded.

Xie Wanqing's staying behind effectively created a faint connection between Iron Wall City, "The Abyss," and even Prince Jing. This connection might become crucial someday.

"It is a blessing for Ironwall City that you wish to stay, young lady. However, due to your special status, for your safety, you should still be referred to as the daughter of an old acquaintance of mine. All your expenses will be covered by the garrison. If you wish to assist in the mineral exploration, I will have Han Tao arrange for reliable personnel. You only need to stay in the manor. If you need anything, you can come to me or Han Tao at any time."

"Thank you, sir!" Xie Wanqing bowed respectfully.

He thought of Yun Li again. Her identity as the daughter of Prince Jing was always a sword hanging over her head. Now that Feng Kun had fallen from power, Li Song's threat in court might have lessened slightly, but the secrets of the royal family were always the most dangerous vortex. He had to protect her even more carefully.

And then there's Su Wanyue, Bai Xiaohe, Shen Qingyi… This war has also dragged them into it. Now that the flames of war have temporarily subsided, it's time to restore some peace to the inner courtyard.

He rose and walked towards the inner courtyard. The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the eaves in a warm gold. In the courtyard, Yun Li and Su Wanyue sat on a stone bench, whispering to each other while doing needlework. Shen Qingyi was flipping through medical books under the eaves, while Bai Xiaohe sat quietly to the side, gazing at the sunset.

When Lin Feng entered, everyone looked up at him, their eyes filled with concern, inquiry, and the calm of someone who had survived a disaster.

"Husband," Yun Li greeted him, carefully observing his expression, "Is everything... alright outside?"

"Everything is alright for now," Lin Feng said gently, his gaze sweeping over everyone. "The Di and Rong tribes are in turmoil, so the border is temporarily safe. I'm sorry you've all had to go through this ordeal."

Su Wanyue's eyes were slightly red, and she said softly, "My husband is safe and sound, and the border is peaceful. It's nothing for us to suffer a little fright."

Shen Qingyi put down her medical book and said softly, "The army is consuming a lot of medicinal materials, especially wound medicine and antidote powder. These past few days, Miss Bai and I have been working hard to prepare them."

Bai Xiaohe nodded to Lin Feng without saying anything, but her eyes were gentler than usual.

"Thank you for your hard work." Lin Feng looked at them, a warm feeling welling up in his heart, along with a heavy sense of responsibility. Guarding the border is not only about guarding the city, but also about protecting the lights of thousands of homes behind them and the small peace of his own little corner of the world.

However, the tree wants to be quiet but the wind keeps on.

Just five days after the explosion at Wolf Howl Peak, a fast horse from the north wind brought an urgent secret order from Zhao Polu, the garrison commander of Zhenbei Pass.

The secret order was concise yet startling: According to a secret report from the capital, the powerful eunuch Li Song, fearing the loss of imperial favor, had resorted to desperate measures and secretly ordered his "Plum Blossom Guards" to intensify their search and elimination of all people, things, and objects related to Prince Jing in the border towns, especially a "Panlong Jade Pendant" concerning a secret treasure of the previous dynasty, which was said to have been taken away by Prince Jing. Li Song suspected that this jade pendant had already flowed into the northern border, and might even be in the vicinity of Iron Wall City.

If Li Song's "Plum Blossom Inner Guard" were to investigate the border, Iron Wall City would be the first target.

This means that Yun Li's secret background is more dangerous than previously imagined. Xie Wanqing's existence has also become extremely sensitive.

Even his brief encounter with Prince Jing near Yingchuan might have been targeted by the Plum Blossom Guards.

We must prepare early.

"Han Tao," he called out in a deep voice.

"exist."

"From today onwards, the number of sentries, both visible and hidden, inside and outside the garrison will be doubled. The personnel will be selected from your most reliable veterans, and they must be absolutely trustworthy. The inner courtyard guards will be under Yan Qing's personal command. Without my authorization, no one is allowed to approach, including... all the original servants in the garrison will be re-examined, and any suspicious individuals will be temporarily transferred. All food and medicine will be inspected by Shen Qingyi."

Han Tao's expression hardened: "Commander, this is...?"

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