Great Wilderness Demon Lord

The five days of rest passed in the blink of an eye.

Inside the ice city, the wounded received medical treatment, the soldiers' exhaustion was relieved, and the repairs to the city walls and buildings proceeded in an orderly manner.

Although the atmosphere in the newly added jackal vassal camps was still rather somber, it gradually stabilized under the conditions of basic rations and relatively clear labor rules, with some young and strong men beginning to participate in some auxiliary guard and transportation work.

Although the invisible barrier between them and the defending troops has not been completely eliminated, at least the surface conflicts have been greatly reduced.

However, the atmosphere inside the main tent did not ease with the stability of the outside world.

What lay out on Xiao Yunlan's desk was no longer a defense map of Wangbeibao, but a simple map covering a wider area and marking the situation of Zhenhuang Pass and its surroundings.

This was pieced together by him based on the intelligence previously sent by Liu Heyang, his own judgment, and the scattered information obtained from interrogating prisoners after the war.

On the map, the black arrow representing the main force of the Wolf Rong is still firmly fixed north of Zhenhuang Pass.

Although the markings representing the supply lines and Wugu's detachment had been crossed out with cinnabar, the main arrow showed no sign of wavering or retreating.

"Cutting off Wugu's detachment and harassing supply lines is like cutting off a finger or injuring a leg." Xiao Yunlan pointed to the location of Zhenhuang Pass on the map and said in a deep voice to the only three people in the tent, Zhao Meng, Tieshan, and Shi Biao, "It will hurt, and it may make Hechi think twice and slow down the offensive, but it is far from enough to make him retreat, let alone defeat him."

He raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the three men: "The Black Claw Tribe has launched a full-scale southward campaign this winter, with ambitious plans. If Zhenhuang Pass is breached, the northern border will be wide open, and the fertile plains will become a pasture for the wolves and barbarians."

Even if Wangbeibao remains temporarily safe, it will be nothing more than an isolated island in a vast ocean, destined to be submerged by the subsequent onslaught of the Langrong. If the skin is gone, where will the fur attach?

Zhao Meng frowned: "Does the captain mean... we have to go help Zhenhuang Pass?"

"It's not about helping, it's about doing something for the overall situation in the Northern Frontier," Xiao Yunlan corrected. "The siege of Wangbei Fortress has been lifted, and we have gained a temporary initiative and a foothold."

But if we stand idly by and watch Zhenhuang Pass perish, and the overall situation collapses, this foundation will vanish in an instant. We cannot simply guard our own little patch of land.

Tieshan scratched his head: "But Captain, with our small force, we can barely defend the city. If we were to get involved in a major battle like the one at Zhenhuang Pass, which involves hundreds of thousands of people... it would be a drop in the ocean, and we'd be wiped out in a single wave."

"On the main battlefield, we are naturally no match." A sharp glint flashed in Xiao Yunlan's eyes. "But war is not just about forming ranks and facing each other. We are outnumbered, but we have our advantages—flexibility and stealth."

Moreover... the Wolf Barbarians probably don't have time to carefully consider what our 'remnant army' will do next."

He traced lines on the map with his finger: "We are familiar with the terrain north of Shuofeng Plain, know the general route of the Langrong supply lines, and may even know some gaps in their troop movements. We don't need to attack the Langrong's main camp; that would be suicide."

What we can do is act like a poisoned thorn, a cold arrow, striking the Wolf Barbarians at the most unexpected time and place, creating chaos and generating opportunities for battle.

Shi Biao's face was still somewhat pale from his injuries, but his eyes lit up: "Young Master, do you mean, like we did with Wugu before? To harass and find an opening to strike?"

"Similar, but with different objectives and a more dangerous environment." Xiao Yunlan nodded. "Outside Zhenhuang Pass, the Wolf Rong army is swarming in and heavily guarded. What we need to do is not simply harass the supply lines—that area has already been thrown into chaos by us and the centaurs, and Hechi will certainly be on guard."

We need to look for more critical and vulnerable targets. For example...

Their siege weapon assembly point? Elite detachments out on raids or special missions? Or even, during a crucial battle, a reckless raid from the flank or rear to disrupt their formation?

He paused, then slowly said, "I will take a small number of elite troops, just a few dozen. Fewer people will make it easier to conceal and maneuver, making us a smaller target and reducing losses. We are not going to fight a decisive battle, but to be a disruptive force, a dagger hidden in the shadows."

If the timing is right, a single strike might give Vice Commander Han and Her Highness the Princess at Zhenhuang Pass a chance to turn the tide of the battle.

Zhao Meng and Tieshan fell into deep thought.

This plan sounds extremely risky, like dancing on a knife's edge or playing with fire right under the enemy's nose.

But upon closer examination, it seems to be the only feasible solution that can have a substantial impact on the overall situation.

While holding out at Wangbeibao might offer temporary safety, it's akin to waiting for a flood to breach the dam.

"If... we had the help of centaur cavalry, the chances of success would be much greater." Xiao Yunlan suddenly sighed softly, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible regret. "Those centaurs are natural cavalrymen. Their endurance, speed, and strength are far superior to those of human cavalry, and they don't need any additional animal power."

Having dozens of elite horsemen accompanying them would be a tremendous asset, whether for reconnaissance, harassment, or crucial surprise attacks and retreats.

He shook his head, dismissing the unrealistic idea: "Unfortunately, it's easy to invite a god but hard to send him away. If we want the centaurs to come out again, the price we have to pay will be more than just food."

Nine thousand shi is the limit we can currently raise; any more than that is beyond the reach of the Northern Border Xiao Family Merchant Guild.

Grain production here is limited, and the cost of transporting it over long distances is too high. We cannot increase production unless absolutely necessary.

He looked at the three men, his tone regaining its firmness: "The horsemen are good, but not essential. We will rely on ourselves. My mind is made up. Once the messenger from the south brings back news confirming that the supply line is likely to be restored, I will personally lead an elite force south to find an opportunity to attack and support Zhenhuang Pass."

Zhao Meng said urgently, "Captain, you are the commander of an army. The foundation of Wangbei Fort is just being established. How can you personally risk your life? Why not let one of my men or Tieshan lead the team?"

Tieshan added, "Yes, Captain, it's right for you to be in charge of the central command, strategizing and planning. Leave the actual fighting to us!"

Xiao Yunlan waved his hand, his tone leaving no room for argument: "This trip isn't about charging into battle; it's about assessing the situation and making timely decisions. I have a clearer grasp of the overall picture, and I'll likely be able to communicate better with Vice Commander Han. Besides..."

A deep glint flashed in his eyes: "Some risks and some decisions must be made by the commander-in-chief; no one else can take their place. I'm entrusting Wangbei Fort to you. Zhao Meng, you will be in charge of the overall defense, with Tieshan assisting you."

Shi Biao, after you recover from your injuries, you will be responsible for training the newly recruited auxiliary soldiers and young men of the Jackal tribe, and maintaining internal order.

Manager Wu will oversee logistics and liaise with the Chamber of Commerce. The four of you must cooperate closely to secure the rear, ensuring the troops at the front can focus on their mission without worry.

Seeing that Xiao Yunlan was determined and had made thorough arrangements, Zhao Meng and the other two knew that further persuasion was useless, so they could only solemnly accept the order: "We will obey the captain's orders! We will not fail in our mission!"

"This matter should not be spread outside for now; it should only be known to a few of us," Xiao Yunlan instructed in his final words. "After you go down, begin secretly searching for candidates. I need the most elite veterans, skilled in riding and archery, able to endure, knowledgeable in wilderness survival, and above all, resolute in their will and willing to die."

Number of men... tentatively fifty. The best equipment is required, and the strongest horses should be selected from the captured giant wolves and warhorses. Sufficient and high-quality rations, medicine, and warm clothing are essential.

"yes!"