Chapter 370: Can Defend, Can Also Attack

If not for the sudden pain in my back shoulder blade that pulled me from the dream, what would happen next?

I dare not think further.

I lay there a while, calmed my emotions, but couldn't sleep, so I got up, changed clothes, and went to find Liu Junyan.

I feel most at ease only when I am by his side.

Liu Junyan was at the bend where the Zhu Pan River's flow breaks off; Wang Pan gestured while speaking nonstop, Liu Junyan listened closely, nodding occasionally and asking a few questions.

Shi Changyun was not present.

Before I even reached him, Liu Junyan reached out, hooked his big hand, and I walked over.

He took my hand and asked, "Why did you get up? Can't sleep?"

"I had a dream; after waking I couldn't sleep." I said, "You keep talking; I'm just here to look, not to disturb you."

Liu Junyan then gestured for Wang Pan to continue.

Wang Pan was saying that if the Zhu Pan River's course is to be changed, how should it be adjusted for the best result.

But he seemed not entirely confident: "I just arrived, only took a rough look at the surroundings, my understanding is not thorough, so for now I can only share my preliminary ideas; later we must wait for Brother Yun's survey results before making adjustments."

Everyone says the Lingnan Wang Clan and the Shi Family are at odds, yet to me it doesn't seem that way.

At least Wang Pan and Shi Changyun get along harmoniously and cooperate well with each other.

Liu Junyan said, "I also made a hand‑drawn map over there; I'll bring it back for you to see."

Wang Pan immediately replied, "Good."

The three of us then headed for Dang Pu.

Just then, a baby's wail came from across, and Wang Pan's steps halted abruptly.

He looked toward the mist‑enshrouded hills across the river.

It was somewhat far, and with the mist, one could not see clearly.

That baby's wail was also intermittent.

Wang Pan listened for only a few seconds, then suddenly put his finger to his mouth and blew a loud call.

Toward the tea house, the ten people he had brought instantly gathered.

Wang Pan said, "You go back first; I'll scout and return shortly, no need to worry."

Having said that, he hurried off.

Their speed was especially fast; in the blink of an eye their figures vanished into the night, unseen.

Liu Junyan took my hand and we walked back.

I worried, "Do we not need to follow? Will anything happen?"

"No." Liu Junyan said, "He told us to wait, so we'll wait; those who come out of the Lingnan Wang Clan are no ordinary folk—don't underestimate their abilities."

About a quarter of an hour later, Wang Pan and Shi Changyun returned together, both looking grim.

As soon as they entered, Wang Pan asked Liu Junyan where the hand‑drawn map was, because he wanted to see it.

Li Qingying poured them tea; several people gathered around the hand‑drawn map, sketching in circles. When dawn approached, Wang Pan leaned back against the sofa, hands clasped behind his head, a hint of weariness showing in his brows.

He said, "This river course probably cannot be altered."

My heart skipped a beat, and I instinctively asked, "Why?"

Wang Pan did not answer my question right away, but instead countered, "Have you not noticed over the past two days that the entire river's pattern is itself changing?"

That really hasn't happened.

"The baby's wail coming from the hills across is not a cry from the mouth," Shi Changyun said. "If I and Brother Wang have not guessed wrong, this sound is produced by the movement under the armpits, imitating a baby's wail."

Liu Junyan immediately asked, "Do you mean… this is the sound made by a bird flapping its wings? Earlier a large bird had flown into the town to snatch babies."

Shi Changyun shook his head: "No, this sound is not from a bird either. I and Brother Wang agree that on the hills to the west, within this area, there ought to be a Fierce Beast Formation; that fierce beast is silently approaching, trying to devour all of Wufu Town… and even a wider region."

Fierce Beast Formation?!

We already know two of the Four Great Fierce Beast Formations.

One is the Evil Beast Formation of Niuhu Mountain.

One is the Chaos Formation of Huicheng.

Could it be… the third Fierce Beast Formation has just appeared like this?

I asked, "If we are indeed facing some kind of Fierce Beast Formation, which one should it correspond to?"

Shi Changyun said, "Gluttonous Beast!"

"The Gluttonous Beast's greed is well known," Wang Pan continued, "but ordinary people do not know its favorite food is infants not yet full‑term; its pair of eyes lies under the armpits, and the fluttering of the armpit membrane imitates a baby's wail to lure prey."

"At that bend the Zhu Pan River rushes toward Wufu Town; it must have been done deliberately. When the Gluttonous Beast Formation was first laid, it was aimed at this land of Wufu Town, but Dang Pu blocked it outright—Gluttonous Beast versus Auspicious Beast, one endlessly greedy, the other only taking in, never letting out—quite interesting."

I understood.

The Gluttonous Beast Formation has existed since long ago, possibly even before Dang Pu.

And Dang Pu's Auspicious Beast Formation successfully subdued the Gluttonous Beast Formation.

Now Dang Pu's Formation has loosened, and the Gluttonous Beast Formation lies in wait, ready to move.

It is gradually devouring the territory of the Zhu Pan River, heading straight for Wufu Town!

This sounds somewhat far‑fetched, but combined with the earlier Evil Beast Fierce Formation of Niuhu Mountain, I dare not doubt it at all.

Regardless of the true situation, this is a huge challenge for us.

Liu Junyan's tone grew grave: "What are your two suggestions?"

"We can attack, or we can retreat." Wang Pan said, "It depends on how Seventh Lord Liu chooses."

I instinctively asked, "Retreat? Where to? What about the townsfolk of Wufu Town? Even if we could withdraw completely now, what about later?"

Shi Changyun said, "I have already surveyed the plot you newly acquired; we can first block the underground passages there, then set up a Formation to protect the border, and I guarantee you will not be disturbed by the Gluttonous Beast Formation for five years."

Wang Pan added, "Of course, casualties are unavoidable in this process."

Five years... only five years.

Moreover, that newly acquired piece of land over there is still a desolate wasteland; the townspeople have already moved there first, but where will they live?

Besides, can we really withdraw?

Liu Junyan asked: "If we are unwilling to retreat, what then should we do?"

Wang Pan and Sergeant Yun exchanged a glance, both somewhat hesitant.

It seems that if we attack, it could be a hundred, even a thousand times harder than withdrawing.

Liu Junyan again said: "You two speak freely; we are merely discussing, and the final decision has nothing to do with you two."

Liu Junyan's statement is to make clear their position and absolve the two of them of responsibility.

Wang Pan said: "Actually, this matter was already done a hundred years ago, when Liu Qiye entered the Dang Pu."

I immediately looked toward Liu Junyan.

Liu Junyan's brows knit tightly; after a brief thought Liu Junyan understood: "You mean, to draw Dragon Qi into the Dang Pu again?"