Chapter 856: Zuowang Valley

"General Ling, you sure you don't want to join the military and hone your skills?" Han Li looked slightly surprised. With Ling Feng's exceptional leadership talent, it would be a waste for him not to serve in the army.

Ling Feng gave a bitter smile and used his life-or-death duel with Yan Jinghong as an excuse.

"This junior has a deathmatch with Yan Jinghong. With my life hanging in the balance, how could I spare thoughts for anything else?"

His sigh carried a weight of helplessness and sorrow—though not just because of Yan Jinghong. He bore the destiny of the Heavenly Dao Clan, fated to face formidable enemies like the Heaven-Patrolling Clan.

His true nemesis was a god!

Anyone in his place would feel the crushing pressure.

"Well, youngsters will be youngsters."

Han Li patted Ling Feng's shoulder lightly. "A pity. Then I can only hope you emerge victorious, General Ling."

"Many thanks for your blessings, Commander-in-chief." Ling Feng clasped his hands in a fist-and-palm salute.

"Now that Adviser Jia is out of danger, I must take my leave. The fortress still has many matters demanding attention." Han Li sighed. Despite his high rank, the burdens he carried were beyond what most could endure.

"Commander-in-chief, since there's still time before my match, I'd be glad to stay and assist you."

Ling Feng stepped forward eagerly.

"

Oh?

" A glint flashed in Han Li's eyes, a hint of delight crossing his face.

"Of course." Ling Feng nodded. "Earlier, I heard this general repeatedly muttering 'Zuowang.' I suspect the demons' movements may be tied to those words."

"That's right!"

Cao Meng chimed in. "I heard it too! He was Vice-General Yang Yin, part of Zhenyuan General Yue's scouting team. This must be the intel they uncovered, but the demons discovered them before they could return and deliver it."

"Zuowang?" Han Li frowned, pondering the hidden meaning behind the two words.

"Could it be last night? Done? Left wrist? Or..."

Cao Meng muttered to himself before suddenly exclaiming, "Wait—is there a clue on his left wrist?"

He grabbed Yang Yin's left arm, but aside from gruesome wounds, there was nothing.

"Could it be a place name?" Ling Feng interjected. "Generals, have you ever heard of a Zuowang Peak, Zuowang River, or perhaps a Zuowang Valley near Luohe City?"

"Zuowang Valley?"

𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Cao Meng blurted out. "Now that you mention it, about two hundred miles north of Luohe City, there is a Zuowang Valley, but it's just a barren wasteland."

"Is that the only place named Zuowang Valley near Luohe City?" Ling Feng pressed.

"Yes." Jia Wenhe thought for a moment, eyeing Ling Feng curiously. "General Ling, you've mentioned Luohe City several times. Is there something significant about it?"

"Just a hunch." Ling Feng rubbed his nose. "Weren't the demons heading toward Luohe City after breaking through the fortress?"

"Only because it's the closest city past the fortress!"

Cao Meng laughed. "General Ling, you're overthinking it. I've been to Zuowang Valley at least eighty times—there's nothing there worth the demons' attention."

"Perhaps." Ling Feng shrugged, then turned to Han Li. "What does the Commander-in-chief think?"

"We can't overlook any lead." Han Li's hawk-like eyes narrowed. "If there's a Zuowang Valley, we must investigate."

"Commander-in-chief, I volunteer to lead the investigation!"

Ling Feng immediately stepped forward.

"Good. Since General Ling uncovered this lead, he shall take charge. Cao Meng, select eight elite soldiers to accompany him. For this mission, all decisions rest with General Ling!"

"Understood!" Both Ling Feng and Cao Meng responded in unison.

"Additionally, if you find nothing, so be it. But if you uncover anything suspicious, report back immediately—no reckless actions!" Han Li's tone was stern.

"Yes!"

"Then this matter is in your hands."

Han Li gave Ling Feng a deep look, exchanged a few more words with Jia Wenhe, then left with his veteran generals.

Once outside, one of the generals finally spoke up. "Commander-in-chief, do you truly believe there's something amiss at Zuowang Valley?"

"Exactly. Our Northwestern Army has conducted drills there countless times. There's nothing in that wasteland worth the demons' efforts!"

"Of course I know that." Han Li shook his head. "But since General Ling is so eager to help, let him investigate. We shouldn't dampen his enthusiasm."

His eyes hardened. "Regardless of the demons' motives, those who dare breach Qingtang Fortress will pay with their lives!"

"

Haha,

the Commander-in-chief truly values talent. A prodigy like General Ling is indeed worth nurturing!"

The veterans finally understood Han Li's "good intentions."

"Enough talk. The demons' constant harassment outside the fortress is meant to wear us down and divert us from tracking the infiltrators." Han Li's brows furrowed. "There are cunning strategists among their ranks as well!"

"Then how do we respond? We can't just turtle in forever!"

"Hang the heads of last night's slain demons on the walls. Let them know Qingtian Fortress isn't so easily breached!"

"Yes!"

...

Meanwhile, Cao Meng and Ling Feng, having received their orders, quickly assembled eight soldiers for the mission to Zuowang Valley.

However, Cao Meng only assigned eight men at the Transformation Realm—clearly not expecting any real discoveries.

"General Cao, are these what you call elites?"

Ling Feng frowned at the lackluster squad.

"General Ling, this should suffice. With the fortress stretched thin, our main forces are better stationed here, no?" Cao Meng chuckled dismissively.

Ling Feng took a deep breath, his expression stern. "'Should suffice'? What kind of attitude is that?"

"General Ling, I deeply respect your medical and strategic skills. But this time, you should listen to me. I know Zuowang Valley like the back of my hand—there's nothing unusual there!" Cao Meng explained helplessly.

"General Cao, if you're unwilling to waste time with me, you're free to report to the Commander-in-chief. I'll go alone if necessary!"

Ling Feng saw no point in arguing. If he was leading this mission, he needed capable allies—not deadweight.

"Fine, fine. You're the commander of this operation. I'll follow orders!"

With a resigned sigh, Cao Meng finally assembled eight Spiritual Element Realm elites—though his attitude had cooled noticeably.

Ling Feng noticed but said nothing. Once they encountered demons in Zuowang Valley, Cao Meng would understand soon enough.