Great Wilderness Demon Lord

The city of Harbin was filled with a long-lost, almost frenzied, festive atmosphere.

The fire burned even brighter, and the porridge simmering in the pot emitted a rare, rich aroma of grains. Everyone even received a small piece of salted meat that had been captured and had a smoky flavor.

Craftsmen and convicts spontaneously began to repair the battle marks on the city walls, and the clanging sounds of their hammering were no longer dull, but rather full of hope.

However, the atmosphere inside the main tent was slightly different from the jubilation outside.

Xiao Yunlan removed the blood-stained Xuanjiao soft armor and changed into a clean blue casual outfit. The wound on his left leg had been cleaned, treated, and bandaged by the physician.

He sat behind the desk, listening calmly to the detailed reports from Zhao Meng, Tieshan, Steward Wu, and others.

"...The city's garrison, including the soldiers who returned from this attack, currently has a total of 287 combat-ready men, of whom 93 are wounded and 21 are seriously injured and require long-term recuperation."

"The total number of fallen soldiers since the defense of the city has reached 109. The list is here." Zhao Meng's voice was somewhat low as he placed a scroll of plain silk covered with names on the table.

Xiao Yunlan silently accepted it, his gaze sweeping over the familiar and unfamiliar names, his fingertips tightening slightly.

Behind every name is a vibrant life.

He carefully rolled up the white silk and placed it aside: "The compensation for the fallen soldiers must be generous, and the Chamber of Commerce will bear the full cost. A copy of the list should be sent to Manager Liu and the Xiao family. For the seriously wounded, no expense should be spared in the treatment of their wounds."

"Yes," Zhao Meng replied.

Tieshan then reported on the prisoners and spoils: "...Forty-one Langrong prisoners remain, and they are being held in separate captivity under strict guard. There are over three hundred and twenty Jackal prisoners remaining, most of whom have been placed in their original camps, while some of those who have performed well have been selected to participate in labor services within the city."

The seized grain, after being counted, amounted to approximately 850 shi (a unit of dry measure) of millet and beans, approximately 300 jin (a unit of weight) of dried meat and salted fish, more than 50 bags of salt, and many other miscellaneous items.

The weapons and armor, in good condition, could equip about a hundred men; many more were damaged and required repair.

Manager Wu then reported on the city's existing supplies and reconstruction progress: "...Including the spoils of war, the city's grain reserves can support the current number of troops for about four and a half months. If prisoners are included, it will be less than three months."

But now that the siege has been lifted, the southern trade route may be able to be restored. The old servant has already prepared a list and is ready to send someone south to contact Master Liu to procure subsequent food supplies and materials for city repair.

Reconstruction is underway within the city; repairs have begun on the damaged wall in the southwest corner, and the remaining buildings are being gradually renovated.

Xiao Yunlan listened carefully, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. Although the siege had been lifted, it was far from a time to rest easy.

Troop strength, food, external threats, fulfillment of alliances... a myriad of issues to consider.

His gaze lingered for a moment, particularly on the two items: "more than 320 surviving jackal prisoners" and "41 surviving wolves prisoners," and an idea gradually became clear.

"Pass down the order," Xiao Yunlan said after a moment's hesitation, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable force, "The entire army will rest for five days. During this period, rations may be appropriately increased, but discipline within the camp must not be relaxed. Daily drills may be reduced, but they must not be abolished."

The city wall defenses cannot be relaxed for a moment; scouts have been sent out thirty li (approximately 15 kilometers) to focus on monitoring the northeast and southeast directions.

He paused, then continued, "Regarding the prisoners, the Wolf Barbarian prisoners... all of them will be brought to the drill ground by noon tomorrow. The Jackal prisoners, all able-bodied men, will also be gathered at the drill ground to observe."

Zhao Meng and Tie Shan exchanged a glance, somewhat puzzled, but still solemnly replied, "Yes, sir!"

"Steward Wu, immediately select a capable and reliable person, take my letter and battle report, and head south to find Steward Liu. Be sure to explain the battle situation here and what is needed in detail. Be careful on the road, and try to contact the patrol cavalry sent by Vice Commander Han for assistance."

"Zhao Meng, Tieshan, continue the military reorganization and inventory of the armory as usual. Also, starting today, select able-bodied men from the city's laborers, give them basic training, and organize them into auxiliary troops."

The group accepted the order and left.

-----------------

The next day at noon, the cold wind was still blowing, but the sky was still bright.

The atmosphere was heavy and somber on the simple drill ground in the ice city.

Forty-one captured Lang Rong soldiers, stripped of their armor and with their hands bound, were forced to kneel in the center of the drill ground, their faces ashen.

He was surrounded by fully armed, cold-eyed guards of the Ice City, their swords drawn and arrows nocked.

Outside the training ground, more than three hundred jackal prisoners were driven there and gathered in fear and unease, not knowing what fate awaited them.

Many people trembled, bowing their heads and not daring to look at their former masters, the wolf-like Rong people who had once been high above them and treated them like pigs and dogs.

Xiao Yunlan, draped in a black cloak, stood on a makeshift wooden platform, his gaze slowly sweeping across the entire area.

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly to every corner, in the Northern Common Language mixed with simple jackal vocabulary: "The Black Claw Wolf Barbarians have invaded my territory, slaughtered my people, and besieged my cities. This is a blood feud!"

He pointed to the kneeling Wolf Rong prisoners in the arena: "These men are the henchmen of our enemy; they deserve to die!"

A suppressed commotion arose among the jackal captives.

Xiao Yunlan changed the subject, turning his gaze to the jackals: "You jackal tribesmen, you were previously driven by the Wolf Barbarians to become my enemies, and you are guilty of that too. However, your homes were also plundered by the Wolf Barbarians, and your families were also enslaved and oppressed by them!"

"The wolf-barbarians regard you as dogs and pigs, using you and then discarding you, caring nothing for your hunger or cold, nor for your life or death! How is this any different from how they treat our human race?"

These words struck a nerve with many of the jackals, and some revealed long-suppressed grief and hatred in their eyes.

"Now, the Wolf Rong flanking force has been annihilated, and the siege of Shuofeng Plain has been lifted." Xiao Yunlan's voice turned stern. "I, Wang Beibao, am willing to give you a choice, a way to live, a chance... to start over as 'human beings,' instead of 'dogs and pigs'!"

He paused, then said, word by word, "Now, all able-bodied jackals, step forward one by one, and each of you must stab these wolf-barbarian prisoners once! It doesn't have to kill them, but it must draw blood! With this blood, wash away your sins of being accomplices to the tigers!"

With this blood, I sever your last ties with the Wolf Barbarians! With this blood, I pledge your allegiance to my Wangbei Fortress and your protection!

These words shocked everyone present!

Not only were the captured jackals in an uproar, but even the surrounding guards looked astonished. Zhao Meng frowned deeply, and Tieshan gripped his sword hilt tightly.

The wolf-like prisoners kneeling on the ground were terrified, struggling and screaming desperately, but were held down firmly by the guards behind them.

Xiao Yunlan's expression was icy, unwavering: "Those who dare not stab will be considered accomplices of the Wolf Barbarians and executed on the spot! Those who survive the stab and remain loyal to the Wolf Barbarians will have their entire clan executed if they ever harbor any disloyalty!"

He waved.

Several soldiers carried up a wooden barrel containing dozens of crude but sharp short knives and daggers—most of which were converted from captured inferior weapons or damaged weapons.

Dead silence.