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

Ironwall City, the Grand Governor's Mansion, deep within the dungeon.

The dim torches flickered, illuminating the cold watermarks and mottled bloodstains on the stone wall.

Chen Heng crossed his arms and stared grimly at the dying assassin on the rack.

This man was one of the three captured in the ambush at "Wild Wolf Slope." The other two had already succumbed to their injuries, leaving only this one alive. He was also the leader who initially gave the orders and directed the attack on Feng Jue. He had been stabbed in the chest by Lin Feng, but miraculously survived, though his injuries were extremely severe.

Aside from initially admitting that he was a "Bronze Hook" level assassin of the "Golden Hook Sect" (assassins of the "Golden Hook Sect" are divided into four levels: Iron, Bronze, Silver, and Gold), he refused to divulge any further information. However, after Lin Feng instructed Chen Heng to use some modern interrogation techniques on him, he became willing to confess.

Footsteps echoed from the dungeon entrance. Lin Feng entered, accompanied by Feng Ling and Feng Jue.

Feng Ling's injuries had stabilized, and she had changed into a clean, light blue outfit. Her face was still somewhat pale, but her eyes were calm. Feng Jue, on the other hand, was much more lively, curiously observing the gloomy dungeon. However, when she saw the bloodied and mangled assassin on the rack, she wrinkled her small nose.

"Be on guard." Chen Heng quickly bowed.

Lin Feng waved his hand and walked to the rack. "'Golden Hook Sect' is one of the three major assassin organizations in Jiangnan. Its leader, 'Shadowless Golden Hook' Huo Tianqing, is famous throughout the martial arts world for his 'Eighteen Soul-Chasing Hooks'. It is said that he has reached the Innate Realm. If you can do the 'Copper Hook', you can be considered a backbone member of the sect."

"Who ordered you to ambush me?" Lin Feng asked.

The assassin's lips moved, his voice slightly muffled: "...It was a 'dark gold invitation' received from inside the sect...but this time...there's a...ticket stub from the 'Baochanglong' money exchange in the capital..."

"Do you have any inside contacts? How did you find out my exact itinerary?"

"I...I don't know...it was a masked person...who gave it to me..."

"What are the distinctive features of the masked man?"

"Building size... average...left hand...it seems to be missing a little finger..."

Missing little finger? Lin Feng noted it down. This might be a clue.

"Does your 'Golden Hook Sect' have a branch in the north? Are you colluding with Prince Lin or 'Earth Fire'?"

"In the North... there are no branch headquarters... we only accept... transactions while passing through..."

Leaving the dungeon, I returned to the study. The atmosphere was somewhat heavy.

"Baochanglong Money Shop is a long-established brand in the capital with a complex background and connections with many high-ranking officials and dignitaries," Chen Heng said in a low voice.

"A masked man missing his little finger..." Feng Ling said thoughtfully. "I remember, back in 'Flame Valley,' there was a foreman who was missing his left little finger. He seemed to have escaped and his whereabouts are unknown."

"People from the Earth Fire?" Lin Feng's eyes turned cold.

Just then, a guard came to report: "Grand Commander, a traveling physician is requesting an audience outside the mansion. He says he comes from Jiangnan, his surname is Mo, and he has important matters to report to the Grand Commander regarding... the 'Golden Hook'."

Jiangnan? Surname Mo? About "Golden Hook"?

Lin Feng and Chen Heng exchanged a glance. "Take him to the side hall; I'll be there shortly."

In the side hall, a scholar, about thirty years old, with a thin face and three long wisps of beard, wearing a faded blue cloth robe, carrying an old medicine box, stood with his hands behind his back, admiring a landscape painting of the northern frontier on the wall.

Hearing footsteps, he turned around, bowed to Lin Feng with his hands clasped, and appeared calm and composed, unlike the usual timidity of a traveling doctor.

"This humble citizen, Mo Xuan, greets the Grand Commander."

"Mr. Mo, please have a seat." Lin Feng sat down in the main seat, sizing up the newcomer. "Sir, you claim to be from Jiangnan and know about the 'Golden Hook.' May I ask what advice you may have for me?"

Mo Xuan smiled slightly, neither humble nor arrogant: "I dare not presume to offer my guidance. I am a physician at the 'Huichuntang' in Jiangnan. I enjoy traveling and have some knowledge of various martial arts. The other day, I passed through Longxi and met some friends from the martial arts world. I heard some news concerning the safety of the Grand Commander, so I took the liberty of coming to report."

"Oh? What news?"

"I have heard that the 'Golden Hook Sect' of Jiangnan recently accepted a major deal in the north, targeting a prominent figure in the imperial court. They have dispatched an elite team, led by a 'Silver Hook' envoy and several 'Bronze Hooks,' to the northern border," Mo Xuan said slowly.

"In addition, I have heard that the 'Golden Hook Sect' seems to have been in contact with some people from the north, one of whom is missing his little finger on his left hand."

Lin Feng's eyes narrowed slightly. What this man said largely matched the dungeon confession, and even included information about the "Silver Hook Messenger." "Mr. Mo's information network is indeed impressive. May I ask why you informed me of this?"

Mo Xuan sighed: "A healer's duty is to save lives, a doctor's heart is benevolent. Though I wander the martial world, I know loyalty and righteousness. The Grand Commander guards the northern border, protecting the people and ensuring their safety; he is a true hero. I cannot bear to see a hero be betrayed by a villain, so I have come to warn you. Furthermore..."

He paused, then looked at Lin Feng, "When I was traveling in my early years, I owed a favor to the owner of 'Wind and Rain Pavilion.' The owner sent word that if the Grand Commander needs anything, I can do my part."

It's "Wind and Rain Pavilion" again! Feng Ming's reach is indeed far-reaching, and his arrangements are meticulous. We just mentioned the threat of "Golden Hook Sect," and here comes a doctor who seems to be well-versed in the ways of the martial world and has an old connection with "Wind and Rain Pavilion."

"I see. Thank you for informing me, Mr. Mo, and I also thank Master Feng on my behalf." Lin Feng cupped his hands in thanks. "Since you are skilled in medicine and knowledgeable about the martial world, why not stay at my residence for the time being? The northern border is in turmoil, and we need talents like you."

Mo Xuan smiled and returned the greeting: "That is indeed my wish, but I dare not ask. This humble subject is willing to stay at the Grand Commander's Mansion for the time being and await orders. I dare not speak of anything else, but I may be able to assist the Grand Commander in matters of medicine, toxicology, and the treacherous ways of the martial world."

"Thank you for your trouble, sir." Lin Feng nodded and instructed his guards to arrange accommodations for Mo Xuan.

After Mo Xuan left, Chen Heng whispered, "Commander, this man's origins are unknown. Although he has connections with 'Wind and Rain Pavilion,'..."

"I know." Lin Feng interrupted him, "Whether he's a man or a ghost, we'll know soon enough. Right now, we need manpower. If he's truly capable, it's fine to keep him. But if he harbors ulterior motives..." A cold glint flashed in his eyes, "This Grand Commander's Mansion isn't a place where just anyone can come and go as they please."

Mo Xuan was placed in a quiet guest room in the west courtyard of the Grand Governor's Mansion.

Mo Xuan put down his medicine box and strolled around the courtyard for a while, seemingly admiring the plum blossoms and snow scenery, but in reality, his eyes had already taken in the layout of the courtyard, the height of the surrounding walls, and the route of the patrolling guards in the distance.

He returned to his room, closed the door, and took out a black token engraved with strange cloud patterns from a hidden compartment in his medicine chest. It was the deputy token of the "Wind and Rain Token." He stroked the token, his eyes deep.