Great Wilderness Demon Lord

As the days passed and the day of the celebration drew ever closer, the atmosphere at Wangbeibao grew more intense and lively with each passing day.

The soldiers were sweating profusely on the training ground, their shouts louder and higher than usual, and every movement was full of energy.

The laborers were busy throughout the fortress, their hands never stopping, occasionally humming a few off-key tunes, and their hearty laughter was much louder than usual, infecting everyone around them.

Even in the usually taciturn jackal camp, as evening falls, one can hear a few rough but joyful barbarian songs, gently echoing between the fortress walls on the wind, adding a touch of liveliness.

Every evening, Xiao Yu would go to the General's Mansion on time and respectfully report to Xiao Yunlan on the progress of the celebration preparations: the square had been set up and was sturdy and orderly; the crimson silks were hung properly and in a pleasing manner.

Each lantern was tested by lighting, and the warm yellow glow reflected off the bright red silk, making it look especially festive and peaceful.

The banquet menu had been finalized long ago, and Chef Sun had repeatedly tried and adjusted the flavors to ensure that every dish was delicious and satisfying.

The surrounding tribes also gradually responded—

From the centaur tribe, Helian Jinzhang personally sent a message with earnest words, promising that he would personally bring several trusted confidants to celebrate the summer harvest with the people of Wangbeibao on the day of the celebration.

The old chieftain of the Gray Horned Deer tribe also sent a special message, not only clearly stating that he would attend the banquet in person, but also specifically mentioning that he would bring the tribe's most precious specialties as a congratulatory gift for Xiao Yunlan and Wangbeibao, which shows his sincerity.

The chief of the Digging Tribe, Shi Gen, also sent a message saying that he wanted to bring several young men from the tribe to come along. One reason was to attend the banquet and to let the tribesmen see the new look of Wangbeibao, broaden their horizons, and learn some useful things.

The other small tribes that regularly traded with Wangbeibao also sent respectful responses, promising to arrive on time for the celebration and not to miss anything.

Xiao Yunlan sat at the desk, listening quietly to Xiao Yu's report. His face remained expressionless, and he simply nodded slightly without saying much. However, the warmth in his eyes was stronger than usual, hiding a subtle sense of relief.

Outside the window, the setting sun was slowly sinking, and the golden afterglow bathed the walls and streets of Wangbeibao in a warm golden hue.

On the distant threshing ground, several soldiers were practicing the martial formations to be used on the day of the celebration under the cover of dusk. The sound of their neat chants could be faintly heard, steady and powerful.

From the direction of the kitchen, wisps of smoke slowly rose, and the rich aroma of stewed meat drifted in on the evening breeze, mixed with the fresh scent of earth, making one feel exceptionally at ease and at peace.

Xiao Yunlan got up and walked to the window. He stood there for a moment, his gaze slowly sweeping over the lively and peaceful scene inside the fortress. A faint smile appeared on his lips. Then he slowly turned back to the table, tapping his fingertips lightly on the surface, as if he was thinking about something.

In a few days, it will be the day of the celebration.

This is not just a simple banquet to celebrate the harvest, but also powerful proof that Wangbeibao has truly gained a foothold in Shuofengyuan, and it is the hope that all soldiers and civilians have for a better future after working hard and cultivating the land together.

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On the ninth day of the eighth lunar month, before dawn, with the sky still showing a faint pale white, Wangbeibao had already woken up early, and everywhere was filled with a busy atmosphere.

Inside the kitchen, the lights were on, and Chef Sun, along with two capable assistants, had been busy since midnight, without stopping for a moment.

Several large, dark pots were boiling hot at the same time, with mutton and pork bubbling inside, their rich aroma wafting far and wide, sounding especially mellow and tempting in the cool morning air.

The steamer was neatly filled with snow-white steamed buns, one tray stacked on top of the other. Steaming hot water vapor overflowed from the gaps in the steamer, spreading and warming the kitchen.

As soon as dawn broke, crimson silk cloths that had been prepared beforehand were hung up in various places inside the fortress.

The silk ribbons hung slowly from the city gate tower, swaying gently in the soft morning breeze, making them particularly eye-catching;

In the square in front of Tuoxintang, rows of neat wooden tables and benches had already been set up, with brand-new coarse cloths on the tables and bowls and chopsticks arranged in an orderly manner, waiting for the guests to take their seats.

Strings of newly pasted lanterns, decorated with simple festive patterns, are hung high on the flagpoles around the square, ready to be lit up at night to add to the lively atmosphere.

Xiao Yunlan rose promptly at dawn, washed up, changed into the official robes of a fourth-rank general, a gold talisman hanging from his waist, stood tall and composed, and, surrounded by several personal guards, went first to Tuoxin Hall to burn incense and offer sacrifices.

This was a ritual established by the imperial court. This ceremony had to be performed before any celebration to show solemnity.

The sacrificial ceremony was completed in an orderly manner. By then, it was already bright daylight, and sunlight shone through the clouds, illuminating the entire Wangbeibao.

Outside the city gate, Xiao Yu was already waiting there with several accountants, who were in charge of registering the guests' information and receiving gifts from all sides. Account books, writing brushes and ink were all prepared.

Xiao Duo led a team of elite soldiers to patrol and maintain order inside and outside the city gates, ensuring that guests could enter the city smoothly without any chaos.

Just after Chen Shi (7-9 AM), the sunlight on the horizon grew warmer, and guests began to arrive at Wangbeibao, breaking the tranquility of the early morning.

The first to arrive were the people of the Digging Tribe.

The leader of the Shi family personally led the team, followed by more than a dozen members of the clan. Each of them carried several heavy boxes containing the newly mined Qingwen spirit copper, which was of excellent quality and was a special gift prepared for Xiao Yunlan.

Xiao Yu hurriedly stepped forward to greet them warmly, smiling and inviting them to enter the city first to rest and relieve their fatigue from the journey.

While thanking him, Chief Shi Gen looked around curiously, his expression a mix of restraint and wonder at the North Fortress. Then, led by Xiao Duo, he headed towards the square in front of Tuoxin Hall.

Next to arrive were the Grey Horned Deer People.

The old chieftain, dressed in the tribe's distinctive attire, came in person, followed by more than twenty tribesmen carrying several smooth and soft newly tanned deer hides, as well as several bundles of dried precious herbs, all of which were treasures of the tribe.

Each of them wore a distinctive short horn on their head, and they were agile and walked lightly and silently, with a touch of the unique dynamism of their tribe.

Xiao Yu stepped forward to take the gift list, carefully registered it, and then sent someone to properly guide them into the city to rest.

The centaur tribe arrived last, but their presence was the most imposing.

From afar, the thunderous sound of hooves could be heard approaching, making the ground tingle slightly. As the procession drew closer, it was seen that Helian Jinzhang himself was leading the way, followed by more than thirty elite horsemen—all of them were half-human, half-horse, with strong bodies and powerful horses. As they galloped, their hooves flew, raising a trail of dust, creating a magnificent spectacle.