Chapter 65

The brief peace brought by the meeting in the Black Pine Forest was like a thin sheet of oil paper, temporarily covering the restless undercurrents around Jiao Tu Zhen.

The Piercing Mountain Leopard had retreated, but the string in Chen Wen's heart concerning the east was pulled even tighter.

Inside the garrison headquarters, it is no longer the crude main hall it once was.

After constant repairs and expansions by the Construction Bureau, though still not luxurious, it now bears a semblance of dignity.

On a rough but huge wooden table lay a map of the surrounding region, gathered by Qian Gui through various channels and reluctantly drawn by the town's literati.

On the map, Jiao Tu Zhen's location was marked with a conspicuous red dot.

The spheres of influence to the west and north are relatively clear.

But to the east, after passing the deep dark green indicating mountainous terrain, the information becomes vague and indistinct.

Only a few village names, heard to have been abandoned, are labeled, along with the warning "Mountain Sprite activity."

Chen Wen, Zhang Cheng, Wang Auntie, Shi Dun, Qian Gui, and Old Zhao Nian, among the core figures, gathered around the table.

"As for the Piercing Mountain Leopard, this side is temporarily stabilized."

Chen Wen's finger tapped the spot representing the Black Pine Forest.

"But you all need to know, this peace is founded on the basis that our fists are hard enough."

"What he fears is not our reasoning, but that we would end up in a mutually destructive fight, letting others reap the benefit."

Qian Gui interjected:

"Leader, your discernment is clear. According to reports from my men, after the Piercing Mountain Leopard withdrew, it indeed reduced its forces."

"Its main focus is defending against us and the Li Family Village direction; it seems to have little interest in the east, or rather… it dares not show interest."

"The east…"

Zhang Cheng's brows were tightly knit; his injuries had healed about seventy or eighty percent.

But when mentioning the east, a hint of heaviness still flickered in his eyes, hard to notice.

"Those 'Mountain Sprite,' plus the 'Iron Crow' mentioned by Lord Li when Liu Du Tou retreated… they are ultimately a serious internal threat."

Wang Auntie, who manages internal affairs, deals with more varied information and also worries:

"Recently, scattered refugees fleeing from the east, though few, all say the mountains are unsettled, that evil spirits suck people's souls, and an entire village can lose all vitality overnight."

"They speak with specific details, not like baseless rumors."

Shi Dun muttered:

"Whether it's Mountain Sprite or Iron Crow, as long as they dare to come—"

"our swords and spears are not for show!"

"Leader, the new batch of powerful crossbows and armor plates forged by our Construction Bureau are just right to equip the brothers!"

Chen Wen nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone, finally settling on the vague eastern region of the map, and he said in a low voice:

"Passively taking blows is certainly not a long-term plan."

"The Piercing Mountain Leopard is not to be feared, because we know its background."

"But regarding the threat from the east, we know almost nothing. The unknown is the greatest danger."

He took a deep breath and made his decision:

"So I have decided to personally lead a capable squad eastward for reconnaissance!"

"To get to the bottom of the so-called Mountain Sprite or Iron Crow!"

"What? Chief, you want to go yourself?"

Zhang Cheng was the first to object.

"Too dangerous! Let me go! You holding down the fort is essential!"

Chen Wen raised his hand to stop him, his tone firm:

"Precisely because it's dangerous, I must go."

"My abilities, in reconnaissance and encounter combat, can maximize the squad's safety and the success rate of gathering intelligence."

"Moreover, some things can only be judged accurately after I experience them myself."

He was referring to the killing aura and possible reactions from the system.

He looked at Zhang Cheng and said solemnly:

"Elder Brother Zhang, your important duty is to hold the fort."

"The town has just gone through a major battle; people's hearts need stabilizing, and defenses need strengthening."

"Your wounds are not yet healed; this is a perfect chance to fully recover, while you guard this home for me."

"With you here, I can set out east with peace of mind."

Zhang Cheng opened his mouth, seeing Chen Wen's eyes filled with undeniable resolve, he swallowed his words and gave a solemn fist salute:

"Chief, rest assured! As long as I, Zhang Cheng, have a breath left, Jiao Tu Zhen will never fall into chaos!"

"Good!"

Chen Wen turned his gaze to the others.

"Wang Auntie, the Internal Affairs Bureau must secure logistics, especially the allocation of supplies for our eastward expedition."

"Shi Dun, prioritize equipping the reconnaissance squad with the best gear—lightweight and durable being top."

"Uncle Zhao, spring plowing is imminent; farming cannot be delayed."

"Qian Gui, your men should be like eyes and ears, closely monitoring all movements, especially any stir from the Piercing Mountain Leopard and the east, and communicate promptly with Zhang Cheng."

"Yes!" The crowd replied in unison.

The decision having been made, the entire Jiao Tu Zhen immediately began operating efficiently.

Chen Wen personally selected the reconnaissance members from the militia.

The standards were extremely strict: not only must they be agile and experienced, but also possess a steady temperament, quick wit, and absolute loyalty.

Finally, the ten most outstanding warriors were selected.

Over the next few days, Chen Wen devoted most of his energy to targeted training for these ten.

The training ground was moved to a more complex forested mountain area outside the town.

"Concealment lies in blending with the environment, reducing noise, and controlling one's breath."

Chen Wen personally demonstrated, and with a slight thought, he used Ability Granting—Broad Mode, double effect, focusing on sensory acuity and bodily control!

A warm power quietly enveloped the ten team members.

They immediately felt refreshed; the rustle of wind and grass, insect chirps and bird calls became unusually clear.

Control over their bodily muscles became finer, their steps lighter when landing, and their breathing more sustained.

Their previously somewhat unfamiliar stealth skills, bolstered by the double effect, quickly became proficient.

"Leader, this… is too amazing!"

A young team member couldn't help but exclaim softly, feeling as light as a mountain cat.

Chen Wen said solemnly:

"Focus your spirit! This is merely assistance; true skill must be honed by yourselves to the bone!

Remember this feeling; even without my aid, strive to approach this state!"

Wilderness survival training—identifying directions, finding water sources, setting traps, avoiding poisonous insects and ferocious beasts…

Chen Wen imparted the experience he had accumulated through hardship in turbulent times, combining it with the double Ability Granting, enabling the team members to quickly grasp the essentials.

Combat training was of paramount importance.

Chen Wen not only taught techniques but also personally stepped in to feed moves. Under double, and occasionally quadruple for certain individuals, Ability Granting.

The team members' reaction speed and strength received temporary enhancement.

In sparring with Chen Wen, they struggled to hold on, though each time they were knocked down, their combat ability rose rapidly.

The high-intensity training consumed greatly, but Aunt Wang, leading the Internal Affairs Bureau, supplied ample meat and rations, ensuring the team members' stamina kept pace.

The townsfolk, knowing the leader would lead the team to resolve the eastern threat, spontaneously sent dry rations and herbs, their eyes full of anticipation and gratitude.

As night fell, Chen Wen alone gazed at the night sky in the garrison courtyard.

The system interface in his mind clearly displayed: 【Growth Progress Bar: 41%】.

Compared to before his contest with the mountain leopard, it had risen only 1%, but Chen Wen could feel it.

This 1% progress stems from the responsibility of making the decision to take the initiative.

And from the more refined use of "Ability Granting"—no longer just for combat and farming, but for cultivating talent.

At the same time, he could also "see" the intangible yet real "Fortune Momentum" vortex hovering above Jiao Tu Zhen.

With the strengthening of internal cohesion and the intention behind this proactive scheming, it seemed to have condensed another fraction.

Slowly rotating, it absorbed the hope and faith of this land.

"East…" Chen Wen murmured, his eyes sharp as a blade.

"No matter whether you are demons and monsters or whatever iron crows, I will personally tear through your mist."

The next morning, an eleven-member elite squad had gathered at the town gate.

Everyone was lightly equipped, carrying strong crossbows and sharp blades, their eyes resolute.

Chen Wen finally glanced at those seeing them off—Zhang Cheng, Aunt Wang, and others—then clasped his fists firmly.

"Depart!"

Eleven silhouettes, like arrows released from a bow, silently slipped into the eastern dawn.

How long the peace of Jiao Tu Zhen can last—perhaps the answer will be revealed in this eastward journey.