Chapter 121: The Hidden Shadow Reappears

Chai Rong's commendation and promotion.

It was like adding a blazing fire to the already boiling oil in the Jing'an Army's pot, raising the troops' morale to its peak.

However.

Chen Wen's uneasy premonition, however, grew clearer as the Khitan Cavalry's activity to the north became increasingly dense.

And as the Growth Progress Bar neared the critical point, it became ever clearer.

The calm before the storm is often the most oppressive.

That evening.

Chen Wen was verifying the inventory and garrison status of recent supply transfer stations with Zhang Cheng, Qian Gui, and others.

A messenger dispatched to the northernmost Blackwater Ford transfer station returned, covered in dust and in a hurry.

"Military Envoy! Urgent report from Blackwater Ford!"

The messenger didn't even have time to salute, his voice hoarse.

"Last night, unidentified individuals attempted to sneak into the ferry depot warehouse area; they were discovered by the night patrol brothers, leading to a brief clash."

"The attackers were highly skilled, their moves mysterious; after wounding three of our brothers, they fled under cover of darkness and could not be captured."

The atmosphere in the tent instantly froze.

Blackwater Ford.

It is the final major waterborne transfer node supporting the front line from Chan Prefecture, a crucial position with the tightest defenses.

Ordinary bandits or Northern Han spies would neither be able nor dare to target it.

"Could you make out the attackers' features? What weapons and martial arts style did they use?"

Chen Wen asked in a low voice, already having some suspicions.

"Replying to the Military Envoy, the night was too dark to see clearly."

"All I know is that they wore dark tight-fitting clothes, moved extremely fast, acted in perfect unison, and their techniques were… vicious and direct!"

"Their moves were all lethal, utterly different from ordinary jianghu styles or military martial arts."

"Right…"

The messenger struggled to recall.

"The brothers who fought them said that, when close, they could smell an extremely faint odor, like… like a mixture of herbs and metal, icy cold."

Icy cold odor!

Dark tight-fitting clothes!

Vicious and mysterious fighting style!

These few key phrases, taken together, changed the expressions of everyone in the tent.

"Iron Crow Army!"

Qian Gui gasped involuntarily, his hand instinctively pressing on the dagger at his waist.

Chen Wen's eyes were sharp as a blade.

Sure enough, they've come!

And as soon as they acted, they aimed straight at the crucial Blackwater Ford!

"They were only probing, not launching a full assault?"

Chen Wen pressed for details.

"Yes, after being discovered they exchanged only a few moves before immediately retreating, without lingering."

"It seems they were here to feel things out."

Zhang Cheng's face was solemn.

"To probe Blackwater Ford's defensive strength and patrol routines."

Chen Wen stood up, paced two steps in the tent, then stopped abruptly:

"Their goal is certainly not just to feel things out! Qian Gui, the map of the area around Blackwater Ford!"

Qian Gui quickly spread out the map.

Chen Wen's finger traced across the map:

"Blackwater Ford is built by the river, easy to defend but hard to attack."

"If they wanted to launch a full assault, the cost would be too great."

"Last night's probing was likely to confirm the warehouse locations and the garrison's reaction speed."

"If I'm not mistaken, their true objective is not to assault the ford itself, but…"

His finger pointed to a place about ten li upstream of Blackwater Ford called Wild Wolf Valley.

"... to destroy the land road leading to the ford, or even more viciously, to directly break the upstream dam!"

"Once the road is cut or floodwaters rush down, Blackwater Ford will become an island; the stockpiled supplies cannot be shipped out, and the front line will be in peril!"

Everyone drew a sharp breath.

"If that's the case, the Iron Crow Army is not only formidable in strength, but also extremely vicious and cunning in mind!"

"Military Envoy, what should we…"

Shi Dun clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit.

"Since they've shown their faces, don't expect them to retreat again!"

Chen Wen's tone was icy.

"Issue the order!"

"Shi Dun, muster your two hundred finest troops, equip them with strong bows and heavy crossbows, and immediately follow me to reinforce Blackwater Ford!"

"Qian Gui, send all your men out, centering on Blackwater Ford, focus on scouting Wild Wolf Valley and the upstream river area; report any abnormality immediately!"

"Zhang Cheng, you hold the main camp, coordinate all departments, strengthen the defenses of the remaining transfer stations; without my order, not a single grain of food may be moved!"

"Received the order!"

"The military situation is urgent!"

"The order had been issued less than a quarter of an hour ago; a unit personally led by Chen Wen, comprising Shi Dun's elite troops and Qian Gui's most experienced scouts, was a rapid reaction force."

"It was like an arrow released from the bow, silently merging into the deepening twilight, rushing toward Blackwater Ford."

"Chen Wen once again employed the widespread double-efficiency Ability Granting, his target clear—speed and endurance!"

"The unit's marching speed reached an astonishing level, horse hooves wrapped in thick cloth left only a dull, urgent sound on the official road."

"The night wind was bitterly cold, blowing on the face like a knife cut."

"Chen Wen crouched on his horseback, his spirit highly focused."

"Not only must he maintain the Ability Granting, but he also raised his own perception sixteenfold to the extreme."

"He captured any unusual trace in the wind."

"They were still about five li from Blackwater Ford when they passed through a stretch of rugged, rocky hills."

"Chen Wen suddenly raised his hand, signaling the unit to stop."

"There's a smell of blood!"

"He lowered his voice, his sharp gaze sweeping over the dark hills ahead."

"Qian Gui immediately sent his subordinates' scouts forward to investigate."

"Moments later, the scout's return message sank everyone's hearts."

"—At a pass ahead, three corpses were discovered; their attire identified them as Jing'an Army scouts sent to Blackwater Ford."

"The bodies were still warm, obviously killed not long ago; fatal wounds were all to the throat or chest, the wounds narrow and deep—death from a single blow!"

"They're nearby! Spread out! Search!"

"Chen Wen made a quick decision."

"However, it was still a step too late."

"Almost simultaneously with the Jing'an Army soldiers spreading out into a search formation."

"From the rock piles and dry grass thickets on both sides, a sudden buzzing from vibrating mechanisms rang out!"

"Whoosh—whoosh—whoosh—!"

"It was not the sound of a bowstring, but the sharper, swifter whistling of crossbow bolts!"

"They were not many, only about ten or so, yet terrifyingly accurate."

"The targets were the soldiers holding torches in the unit and those appearing as officers!"

"Enemy attack! Raise shields! Extinguish torches!"

"Shi Dun roared, swinging his heavy shield to block in front of Chen Wen."

"With a few 'thuds', the arrows either sank deep into the shield."

"or they struck soldiers who had no time to react, producing a muffled sound of flesh pierced."

"Screams instantly rang out, and the unit fell into a brief chaos."

"At the moment the crossbow bolts were fired, Chen Wen already sensed the source of danger."

"He sharply pulled the reins, the warhorse reared up, narrowly avoiding a bolt aimed at his mount."

"His icy gaze swept toward a rocky area on the left."

"There, seven or eight black shadowy figures, like ghosts, silently leapt from their hiding places."

"The weapons in their hands reflected a cold gleam in the faint light."

"Their bodies were clad in dark tight-fitting garments, their faces seemingly covered by some kind of mask."

"Only their eyes were revealed—pairs of emotionless, hawk-like eyes."

"That familiar icy killing aura, mixed with herbs and metal."

"It permeated like a tangible substance, richer and more suffocating than the one encountered earlier at Eagle Beak Cliff!"

"Iron Crow Army! Moreover, it was a more elite squad!"

"They uttered no cries, exchanged no words, like a tacit killing machine."

"After firing the first volley of crossbow bolts, they surged forward like ghosts, with astonishing speed!"

"Form a ring formation! Protect the envoy!"

"Shi Dun bellowed, charging forward first."

"Clang!"

"His giant axe slammed hard into the narrow curved blade of an Iron Crow Army soldier, sparks flying!"

"Shi Dun felt only a jolt in his arm; the opponent's strength was not inferior to his own, even with a fourfold strength boost!"

"Other Jing'an Army soldiers also engaged these black figures in combat."

"Upon contact, the outcome was decided instantly!"

"The individual combat power of these Iron Crow Army soldiers was terrifying!"

"Their moves were simple yet vicious, seamlessly coordinated, often in groups of two or three."

"They could easily suppress four or five Jing'an Army elites."

"Their body techniques were uncanny, often dodging lethal attacks by a hair's breadth."

"Yet their counterattacks always precisely found the weak points in the Jing'an Army formation and gaps in the soldiers' defenses."

"For a time, the sounds of metal clashing, roars, and screams filled the air."

"Although the Jing'an Army had numerical superiority, they instead fell into a bitter struggle."

"Constantly, soldiers were wounded or fell under the opponent's crafty and vicious attacks."

Chen Wen's gaze swept across the battlefield, his heart continually sinking.

The strength of this Iron Crow Army squad far exceeded his estimate!

He no longer hesitated, his mind intensely focused, powerful perception spreading like invisible threads.

"Third group on the left, strength and speed, fourfold Ability Granting, three breaths!"

Engaged in combat with two Iron Crow Army soldiers, the three struggling Jing'an Army troops.

Suddenly feeling a surge of heat coursing through his limbs, his strength exploded and his movements instantly doubled in speed!

Attacks that were previously impossible to block could now be barely matched, even countered!

"Right-wing shield bearers, block reaction, twofold Ability Granting, continue!"

The struggling shield bearers only felt the opponent's originally lightning-fast blade seem to slow slightly.

Their shields rose instinctively, perfectly blocking the originally unblockable diagonal slash!

Chen Wen was like a precise conductor amidst the chaotic battlefield.

Constantly adjusting to the ever-changing battlefield, he dispensed different magnitudes and types of Ability Granting.

Precisely delivering it to the squads or individuals most in need.

Such extraordinarily fine control greatly drained his spirit, beads of sweat already appearing on his forehead.

Yet the effect was significant, the originally collapsing line.

Was actually being stabilized bit by bit by him in this unbelievable way, even beginning local counterattacks.

However, the Iron Crow Army's minor leader.

That figure, always lurking on the edge of the battle like a venomous snake seeking an opportunity.

His icy gaze pierced the chaos, firmly locking onto Chen Wen, who was obviously issuing orders.

His form flickered, ghost‑like, bypassing the interception of two Jing'an Army soldiers.

The blade in his hand was thinner and longer than a standard military sword.

Carrying a bone‑chilling, sinister aura, it thrust straight at Chen Wen's throat!

This strike was fast! Precise! Ruthless! The angle was extremely tricky!

"Military Envoy, be careful!"

Shi Dun's eyes nearly burst as he tried to rush to aid but was tightly entangled by two Iron Crow Army soldiers.

Chen Wen's pupils contracted; his sixteen‑fold reaction speed let him sidestep the vital throat blow at the last instant.

Yet the icy blade still grazed his shoulder armor, sending up a spray of sparks and a screech of friction.

A chilling seep tried to enter through the damaged plates, making him shudder violently.

"Protect the Military Envoy!"

The surrounding personal guards surged forward desperately, trying to block that minor leader.

That minor leader, missing his strike, did not linger.

His body floated backward as if weightless, his icy gaze sweeping over the Jing'an Army positions gradually stabilizing under Chen Wen's Ability Granting.

Even the Jing'an Army troops who had begun to counterattack gave Chen Wen another deep look, as if to etch him firmly in memory.

Immediately, he let out a short, strange whistle.

The Iron Crow Army soldiers locked in combat heard it and instantly abandoned their opponents.

They retreated like a tide, movements neat and uniform, without hesitation.

In an instant they vanished into the darkness and rubble behind them, arriving suddenly and departing even faster.

On the battlefield.

Only heavy panting, the wounded's groans, and a thick, lingering smell of blood remained.

Shi Dun rushed up to Chen Wen and anxiously asked, "Military Envoy, are you all right?"

Chen Wen shook his head, pressing on his aching shoulder still tinged with cold, his face grim.

He looked toward the direction the Iron Crow Army had vanished, then swept his gaze over the bloody battlefield.

Jing'an Army!

Since its founding, it had never suffered such devastating losses!

Preliminary tally: eleven dead, seven seriously wounded, nearly twenty lightly wounded!

As for the enemy, aside from leaving two corpses hacked to death and some bloodstains, they withdrew almost entirely unscathed.

This was a pyrrhic victory, or merely a skirmish that repelled the enemy.

"Iron Crow Army..."

Chen Wen silently repeated that name, for the first time truly feeling how terrifying this opponent was.

They not only possessed formidable individual strength, but also clear tactical purpose and strict discipline.

Qian Gui led men to examine the two Iron Crow Army soldiers' corpses, seeking further clues.

Chen Wen then went to a seriously wounded soldier, observing his pallid face and the wound bleeding profusely.

He crouched, tore a strip from his clothing, and personally bound the wound.

"Military Envoy..."

The soldier spoke weakly, his eyes full of guilt.

"Subordinate... I've let you down..."

"No, you're all fine."

Chen Wen's voice was a little hoarse, but extraordinarily resolute.

"We're just not strong enough. Heal your wounds—this grudge, we will surely repay it someday!"

He rose, gazing toward the direction of Heishui Ford, his eyes regaining firmness.

The appearance of the Iron Crow Army confirmed his judgment.

Wild Wolf Valley or the upstream dam must be their next target!

Gather the bodies of the fallen brothers, and send the severely wounded back to the main camp for treatment immediately.

The rest of you, follow me and continue advancing—target: Wild Wolf Valley!