Chapter 117: Into the Savage Mountains!

That evening, Chu Xiao busied himself preparing supplies for the expedition into the Savage Mountains. He pored over maps, determined to minimize casualties and ensure every soldier would return home in one piece.

Wang Lulu, unable to sleep, climbed out of bed to organize climbing ropes and emergency medical supplies. She knew that in the wilderness, anything could happen, and first-aid kits were indispensable.

She worked until late into the night before finally drifting off, but Chu Xiao remained awake, meticulously studying the maps and committing every narrow trail to memory.

At four in the morning, Chu Xiao arrived at Wang Lulu’s door. Just as he was about to knock, she emerged, ready. Together, they went to assemble the troops.

"Emergency assembly!"

At the sound of the alarm, every soldier scrambled out of bed. Within three minutes, they were all standing in orderly rows on the drill ground, fully geared and armed.

"Today, we head into the Savage Mountains in search of the meteorite. Supplies will be distributed shortly," Chu Xiao announced. "Once inside, no one is permitted to act alone. Squad leaders, keep a close eye on your men. Even when going to the latrine, you must travel in groups of three."

He detailed every precaution. The rule of three was essential; if danger arose, three soldiers formed a tactical unit capable of coordinating a defense to minimize risk.

"We have sufficient rations. Do not forage for wild berries or mushrooms. I expect every one of you to return unharmed so we can continue the fight against the Underworld King!"

"Yes, sir!" the soldiers roared.

Whenever Chu Xiao led his men, he used stirring words to boost morale. Morale was the spirit of a soldier; without it, they would be nothing more than walking corpses.

"Prepare to move out. We aim to reach the foot of the Savage Mountains by eight o'clock!"

In the village at the base of the mountains, Chu Xiao hired two local guides. Though they had never ventured deep into the wilderness, they possessed a basic understanding of the local terrain. The villagers were initially terrified of the Savage Mountains and refused to lead the way, but upon hearing it was for the sake of the Nine Provinces, several volunteered.

Chu Xiao and Wang Lulu shared a vehicle in the center of the convoy. He warned her to stay close and not wander off once they entered the forest.

At 10:15 AM, they reached the small village at the foot of the range. The guides confirmed that the terrain was too treacherous for vehicles to proceed further. Chu Xiao ordered the troops to dismount and continue on foot. By eleven, they entered the forest.

The sun was at its peak, and the woods were stifling. Fearing heatstroke, Chu Xiao ordered a fifteen-minute break every two hours. The forest, untouched for years, was dense and overgrown, obscuring their line of sight. From time to time, mysterious rustling sounds echoed through the trees.

The guides spoke of the mountains' terrifying reputation. Years ago, bold villagers had gone in to gather herbs, only to never return—legend had it they were devoured by wild men. They admitted that they would never set foot in this hellish place if not for the sake of the nation.

Night fell early in the dense canopy. Not long after setting out, the light began to fade. Chu Xiao called a halt to set up camp for the night.

"We will stand guard in shifts, four hours per shift. Stay in groups of three. Keep your wits about you; the safety of everyone rests on your shoulders!"

Usually, watches were two hours long, but out in the wilderness, the shifts were doubled. Chu Xiao assigned Wang Lulu to the first watch so she could rest afterward, while he took the final shift, when fatigue was at its peak and accidents were most likely.

Just as Chu Xiao was about to sleep, he heard wolves howling, seemingly very close. Initially, he didn't think much of it—wolves were common in these mountains. But soon, the situation grew ominous. The howling increased in frequency, as if the pack were gathering. He stepped out of his tent to find Wang Lulu already outside.

"Why are you out here? Go back inside; it’s too dangerous!"

"This is a wolf pack—highly aggressive," she said, her voice grave. "Listen to the howls; there must be a massive number of them. We need to build up the fires around the perimeter immediately!"

As a wilderness expert, Wang Lulu knew how to handle wolves, but her tone suggested this pack was different. A few fires might deter a small group, but the chorus of howls suggested hundreds were gathering. Once they attacked, not even cannon fire would easily drive them back.

"Everyone, prepare for combat! We’re having meat for a late-night snack!" Chu Xiao shouted.

Though the wolves were dozens of times more dangerous than lions or tigers, his men were not armed with mere sticks. Even thousands would struggle to break their lines. However, Chu Xiao had no desire to slaughter them; he would only fight if they forced his hand.

Soon, the campsite was ringed with roaring fires, illuminating the dark woods. Chu Xiao looked up at the mountainside and was stunned. What he thought were hundreds of wolves turned out to be a sea of black, thousands strong. He finally understood why Wang Lulu had been so grim.

The wolves bared their fangs, their sharp claws scraping against the earth, poised for an assault. After a single, piercing howl from the darkness, the pack surged downward like a landslide, a thundering force of nature.

"Open fire! Take out the leader!"

Amidst the charging mass, one lone wolf stood atop the slope—large, muscular, and clearly the alpha. If they could eliminate the leader, the pack would be easier to manage, preventing unnecessary bloodshed.

"Cover me! Clear a path—I’m going for the alpha!"

The soldiers concentrated their fire directly in front of Chu Xiao, carving a path through the beastly tide. Moving forward while firing, Chu Xiao closed the distance, lining up his shot to end the threat once and for all.