xymnovel Chapter 44 The Three Demons of Lion Camel Ridge, the Arrival of the Golden Roc
Chapter 44 The Three Demons of Lion Camel Ridge, the Arrival of the Golden Roc
Mu Yunling listened quietly, feeling as if the fog before him was dissipating, and a clear and feasible path was slowly unfolding beneath his feet.
Wang Meng's analysis not only solved the problem of where to go, but also pointed out the overall strategy of what to do after arriving, how to do it, and how to return in the end.
The previous confusion, heaviness, and helplessness have now been replaced by a sense of clarity and determination.
He rose solemnly, straightened his clothes, and bowed deeply to Wang Meng, his tone sincere and full of gratitude:
"Sir, your words today were truly like the resounding toll of a great bell, awakening the deaf and enlightening the blind! They dispelled the shadows that had shrouded my heart for twelve years and illuminated the path ahead."
Ling Yuan was enlightened by the instruction and his understanding was greatly improved! After returning to his unit, he would act according to the master's strategy. However…” He straightened up, his eyes burning, “Now that this first step has been taken, how should we proceed? I humbly request the master's continued guidance.”
Wang Meng slowly shook his head, a calm smile, the kind of knowing smile a wise man would give, revealing his understanding of the world:
"Prince, have you not heard that planning is up to man, but success is up to Heaven? Even the sages of old could only assess the situation and plan ten steps ahead, but could not foresee all the changes that would follow a hundred steps."
The situation on the grasslands is volatile and unpredictable, with various forces intertwined and constantly changing. Today's strategy is based on the current circumstances.
If the situation evolves in the future, whether the number of enemies or allies increases or decreases, and what opportunities and risks lie ahead, all these must be re-examined, and we must adapt to the changing circumstances and respond accordingly.
He looked at Mu Yunlingyuan with gentle yet firm eyes, his words filled with expectation and trust:
"The prince only needs to remember the fundamentals: 'Hidden dragon should not be used,' not because it is not used, but because it is accumulating power; 'Concealing one's sharpness and guarding one's simplicity,' not because one is without sharpness, but because one is waiting for the right time."
As long as a firm foothold is established on the frontier and sufficient strength is accumulated, then no matter how arrogant Mu Yunzhao becomes, how restless the other princes are, or how much external forces covet him, when the time is ripe and the circumstances are right, the prince will rise up like a sword drawn from its sheath, possessing overwhelming power. Breaking the deadlock and establishing dominance will not be difficult!
He concluded by lightly tapping his finger on the table, as if delivering the final blow to this late-night decision:
"Therefore, the most urgent task at present is to use the power of the three thousand iron cavalry of the Hu tribe to ensure that the prince returns to the Muyun tribe in the south safely, with dignity and a certain deterrent effect, and successfully obtain the appointment to be sent to the frontier."
This first step must be taken steadily and flawlessly! As for the rest, we, as ruler and subject, can discuss them calmly after the prince has established a foothold on the frontier, based on the situation at that time.
Mu Yun Lingyuan nodded heavily, all the pent-up emotions in his heart dissipating. A surge of pride and determination rose from the depths of his soul, transforming into a burning flame of will in his eyes. His voice was deep and resonant, yet it contained a power capable of shattering stone and piercing gold:
"I will remember your teachings, sir! After returning to my unit, I will follow your strategy, stay close to the border, hone my skills and stockpile provisions, recruit talented individuals, and observe the situation carefully."
When the winds of change gather and the opportune moment arrives, it will be the time for me, Mu Yunlingyuan, to soar through the nine heavens like a dragon, and reclaim everything that rightfully belongs to me!
Inside the tent, the flame of the lone lamp seemed to flicker brighter because of this decision, casting the shadows of the two men sitting opposite each other, plotting, onto the felt wall, resolute and composed.
Looking at the young prince before him who had quickly digested the complex situation and demonstrated astonishing decisiveness, Wang Meng's last bit of cautious observation turned into complete approval and expectation.
He seemed to see a dusty North Star slowly rising in the wind and snow of the northern frontier; though its light was temporarily obscured, its momentum was unstoppable.
And he, Wang Jinglue, will also have the honor of becoming the one who helps this star illuminate the night sky, leaving his own mark on the vast annals of Xuanxu history.
Outside the tent, the north wind that had howled for half the night had stopped at some point.
At the edge of the leaden-gray sky, a faint sliver of bluish-white peeked through, a sign that the long night was drawing to a close and dawn was approaching.
After talking with Wang Meng all night until dawn, the pent-up feelings of loneliness, resentment, and confusion that had accumulated in Mu Yun Lingyuan's heart for twelve years seemed to be dissected and melted away by an invisible sword of wisdom.
What Wang Meng said was not just a strategy, but also a vision that overlooked the whole situation and a logical analysis that dissected the complexities of the matter. He analyzed his seemingly hopeless journey home as a series of treacherous but surmountable obstacles, and outlined a clear path for the chaotic future.
He no longer had to trek alone in the darkness, and his shoulders suddenly felt lighter.
Dragging my slightly tired but unusually clear body back to my tent, I saw the sky already showing the first hints of dawn.
He removed the black brocade robe that symbolized his status as a hostage, as if he had also temporarily unloaded the invisible burden on his shoulders and the ever-tense tension in his heart.
After a quick wash, I felt a strong drowsiness wash over me, and I lay down on the old sheepskin-covered couch, soon falling into a deep sleep.
That night, he slept exceptionally soundly and deeply; it was one of the few nights in his twelve years living in the Hu region that he was undisturbed by nightmares.
The next day, as dawn broke through, the outline of the felt tent was gilded with a pale gold.
Outside the tent, the snow, which had accumulated overnight, reflected a cool, bright light.
As Mu Yun Lingyuan rose and was helped by his attendants to change into his everyday clothes, before he could even tie his hair up, a loud, cheerful laugh came from outside the felt tent. The sound of horses' hooves crunching through the snow was light and rhythmic, breaking the tranquility of the grassland in the early morning.
The tent flap was abruptly pulled open with a "whoosh," and a rush of crisp, refreshing air rushed in.
A figure, clad in gold and red like the rising sun, strode in, bringing with him a flurry of snowflakes that swirled like gold dust in the light within the tent.
The newcomer was none other than Jinpeng, the young master of the Jinpeng tribe. Today, he was not wearing armor, but rather a narrow-sleeved hunting outfit made of golden-red brocade, cinched at the waist with a black leather rope, which accentuated his long arms and slender waist, making him appear exceptionally agile and extraordinary.
The iconic fluffy golden-brown feathers behind him trembled slightly with his movements. On his well-defined face, brimming with vitality, his eyes shone like those of a soaring eagle. At this moment, he looked straight at Mu Yun Ling Yuan with a mixture of reproach and joy.
"You, Mu Yun Ling Yuan! You've grown wings and want to fly back to your warm nest in the east? You actually thought you could sneak away from your brother and do something so important?"
Jin Peng's voice was booming, seemingly echoing inside the tent. He and Mu Yun Lingyuan met five years ago in an accident:
While surveying the terrain alone in the grasslands far from the royal court, Mu Yun Lingyuan was attacked by a pack of wolves. It was Jin Peng, who was leading a patrol team, who happened to be passing by. He bravely intervened, firing his bow and arrow in quick succession, killing the alpha wolf, driving away the pack, and saving Mu Yun Lingyuan's life.
The two got along well and later worked together to deal with some troubles within the Hu tribe on several occasions. Their friendship deepened over time. More importantly, he was defeated by Taichu Cangye. On a certain moonlit night under the starry sky, they offered mare's milk wine to the Eternal Heaven and made a blood oath: "If I return to the East in the future, I will do my best to help you."
When Mu Yunlingyuan saw it was him, a sincere and relaxed smile unconsciously appeared on his face, and the somber look he had been wearing for the past few days vanished.
He stepped forward and lightly punched Jin Peng in the sturdy chest, laughing:
"Your information network is quite impressive. We just agreed with the Khan yesterday evening that we would depart in three days."
I had planned to send a trusted confidant to your tribe today, but you, in your impatient nature, couldn't wait a moment longer and came despite the morning chill, saving me the trouble of sending someone.
"Haha! At least you still have a conscience; you haven't really forgotten your brothers!"
Jin Peng laughed heartily, stretched out his arm, and expertly put his arm around Mu Yun Lingyuan's shoulder, shaking him vigorously, and said with great bravado,
"Since we've run into each other, you can't escape this farewell feast today! I, Jinpeng, will not return until I've emptied your tent of all the fine wine and drunk until we see the third moon!"
"Of course, of course, plenty of wine and meat." Mu Yunlingyuan agreed with a smile, his gaze passing over Jin Peng's shoulder and landing on the two unfamiliar, burly men standing behind him like two iron towers, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.