Chapter 167 - Entering Coiling Dragon Ridge (1/2)

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, the truce ended. The Qiang Army regrouped their forces and launched another large-scale attack on Yanyun Pass.

The siege lasted for two days and one night. Nangong Shu killed the top warrior in the Qiang Army, as well as 10,000 other soldiers, and the Qiang Army suffered a crushing defeat.

On the outskirts of Youzhou, the festive atmosphere of the New Year came to an abrupt halt. The entire army was at the ready as they kept a close eye on the situation, and were prepared for Xiao Lie to deploy them at the drop of a hat.

On the fourth day, Wei Tan suddenly arrived at the military camp and notified Su Jiu that he had news of Zhao Xiong.

After undergoing a routine body-search, Wei Tan was led into Xiao Lie’s tent.

His expression grave, he said to Su Jiu, “I managed to contact one of the men under Zhao Xiong. According to him, the last time he heard from Zhao Xiong was before Zhao Xiong went to Coiling Dragon Ridge. It’s been ten days, and he hasn’t seen him since.”

In other words, after Zhao Xiong had descended Mount Hala, he had gone to Coiling Dragon Ridge with his men, before disappearing without a trace.

“Coiling Dragon Ridge?” Xiao Lie asked as his eyes darkened.

Wei Tan opened his mouth to say something, but changed his mind and closed it instead.

Judging from the expressions on the faces of the two men, Su Jiu could tell that something was up with Coiling Dragon Ridge, and she asked, “Chief Guard Wei, just say it as it is. I need to have a clear understanding of the situation before I can make a decision.”

Wei Tan nodded his head, and said in a solemn voice, “I’ll be honest with you, Young Mistress. Coiling Dragon Ridge is to the north of Mount Hala and is known as the Mountain of Doom by the people in Northern Xinjiang. That’s because, in the past, shepherds and their flock who went to graze there all disappeared. Those who went there in search of them never returned either. Regardless of whether they were travelers, woodcutters, or hunters, anyone who went to that mountain never came back alive. That’s why the Coiling Dragon Ridge is also known as Mount Doom. The people of Northern Xinjiang are terrified of it, and no one dares to go close.”

As to why Zhao Xiong had gone into the Coiling Dragon Ridge with his men, he was none the wiser.

Su Jiu frowned. “So what you’re saying is that… Zhao Xiong is in danger?”

He had been missing for so many days and had gone missing on the mysterious Coiling Dragon Ridge. That was indeed concerning.

“Don’t worry, Young Mistress. I have already sent my men to search for traces of Zhao Xiong and his men. As soon as I have any news, I will report it to you immediately!” Wei Tan assured her.

When Xiao Lie heard how Wei Tan addressed Su Jiu, his brows shot together, and his demeanor turned icy.

“Thank you,” Su Jiu replied. “You must ensure the safety of your men too. If there is any danger at all, retreat immediately! If there’s any problem, we’ll think of a solution together!”

Originally, her sole reason for finding Zhao Xiong had been to have him continue working on his concealed grenades. However, the purpose of looking for Zhao Xiong now went beyond that. He and his subordinates had risked their lives when they fought along her side to rescue Dapao. That was a kindness she could never repay. If he was in danger, she had to do her utmost to save him!

“Yes, Young Mistress. Please don’t worry!” Wei Tan rose. “I shall take my leave now!”

“Take care, Chief Guard Wei!”

Su Jiu walked Wei Tan out, and when she returned, she found Xiao Lie with his eyes closed, in deep thought.

“What do you think?” Su Jiu asked.

Xiao Lie rolled a teacup in his hand, and replied, “I’ve heard a little about the rumors regarding Coiling Dragon Ridge. In fact, some of them are even recorded in books. But I don’t believe them. That mountain has to be hiding some secret.”

But what could it be?

Even if it was a beast, regardless of how ferocious it was, it would have been impossible for there to be no survivors.

Therefore, it had to be something even more dangerous than a ferocious beast.

“I don’t care what it is. If Zhao Xiong remains missing, I’ll go up to Coiling Dragon Ridge personally.” Su Jiu’s eyes were bright and clear.

Regardless of whether he was dead or alive, she had to see him with her own eyes.

Xiao Lie looked up to face her, and his expression darkened.

Su Jiu waited for seven days, but there was still no news from Wei Tan. However, Luo Sheng turned up bearing bad news.

The Qiang and Naye Clans had laid siege to Yanyun Pass, only to be defeated successively. On their last attempt, the two armies had suffered a crushing defeat. Commander Hage, who was also the chieftain of the Qiang Clan, had been besieged by the Daliang Army and had fled with 2,000 of his soldiers. In the chaos, they had entered the Coiling Dragon Ridge, and Nangong Shu and his men had pursued them. Currently, Hage and Nangong Shu had disappeared into the mountain for a whole day and night, and no one knew of their whereabouts.

Xiao Lie’s face was very grave when he heard the news. “Did you send anyone to look for General Nangong?” he asked.

“The messenger said that a search team was sent into the mountain to look for him, but none of them returned either,” Luo Sheng replied. “Right now, the enemy has lost their commander, and they are now in chaos. The remaining 20,000 soldiers have retreated 30 miles. Yanyun Pass is now under the command of General Nangong’s second-in-command, Deputy General Shao Yun. He is awaiting orders from you, Your Highness!”

Xiao Lie’s voice was solemn. “Send my command to Shao Yun. Tell him to take advantage of the fact that the enemy is without a leader, and pursue them immediately. I want the armies of both clans annihilated this time around!”

“Yes!” Luo Sheng replied. “What about General Nangong?” he asked.

“I will bring my men to search for General Nangong personally!” Xiao Lie said, before pressing his lips into a thin line.

Su Jiu got up. “I’ll go with you!”

“No, stay here. I’ll bring Zhao Xiong back for you too!” Xiao Lie said.

“No!” Su Jiu stared hard at him. “I’m going with you!” she insisted.

With his head lowered, Luo Sheng glanced at the two individuals and said respectfully, “I shall do so right away!”

“Go!” Xiao Lie said with a nod of his head.

Luo Sheng exited the tent, and Nangong Bi came charging in. Her face was white with worry as she asked, “My brother is in danger, isn’t he?”

She hadn’t heard the conversation clearly from outside the tent, but she knew that it had something to do with her brother.

“Nangong, don’t panic. We just don’t have any news on the general’s whereabouts. He’s not necessarily in danger!” Su Jiu replied.

“So why hasn’t there been any news after so long?” Nangong Bi shook her head in fear as she looked at Xiao Lie. “Your Highness, are you going to look for my brother? Take me along with you!”

“No way. Even if Coiling Dragon Ridge isn’t harboring any other dangers, Hage and his soldiers are still hiding within! You cannot go!” Xiao Lie declared firmly.

“No, I must go! I’m not a frail and delicate lady! I know martial arts and I can protect myself. I won’t be a burden to anyone! Furthermore, my brother and I are biologically related, and we are close enough to be able to read each other’s minds. I know I’ll be able to find my brother sooner than any of you!”

Nangong Bi spoke anxiously as she looked at Su Jiu and Xiao Lie with hope in her eyes. “Please let me go!”

Although she was often willful and behaved immaturely, she knew the gravity of the situation.

She was confident that she’d be able to find her brother!

“Let Nangong Bi come,” Su Jiu said to Xiao Lie, “I’ll protect her!”

Xiao Lie was silent for a moment before he nodded his head. “Alright,” he acquiesced, “But no one is allowed to move alone when we’re at Coiling Dragon Ridge. You must listen to me!”

“Yes!”

Su Jiu and Nangong replied in unison.

“One more thing!” Su Jiu faced Xiao Lie with raised eyebrows and said somberly, “There’s one more person we need to take with us—Luo Sheng!”

At present, two commanders had gone missing on Coiling Dragon Ridge. Their departure from the military camp was akin to putting their lives and the fate of Youzhou into Luo Sheng’s hands. Since she didn’t trust this person, it would be simpler to keep him by their side instead.

Xiao Lie nodded his head in agreement and summoned his aide immediately. He ordered, “Round up a thousand elite soldiers to follow me into Coiling Dragon Ridge. Also, send word to General Luo. Tell him that he’ll be coming with us.”

Coiling Dragon Ridge was some distance away from the military camp. It was a three days’ journey without stopping for any rest at night. However, with Nangong Shu missing and unaccounted for, they had no time to spare.

Su Jiu and Nangong Bi each prepared for the imminent departure.

Two hours later, the thousand-strong cavalry had been gathered. With Xiao Lie as the commander, the army set off with Hu Dapao, Su Jiu, and the rest of the gang, as well as Nangong Bi.

Upon exiting the military camp, Luo Sheng came riding over on horseback. When he neared, he got off his horse and knelt in front of Xiao Lie’s. “Greetings, Your Highness!” he said.

Xiao Lie regarded him with a pair of fathomless eyes. “I’m taking the soldiers with me to look for General Nangong. However, as I’m not native to Youzhou, I’ll need you to come along since you’re more familiar with Mount Hala.”

With his head bowed, a look flashed across Luo Sheng’s eyes, and his brows rose imperceptibly. However, his tone remained firm as he replied, “Yes, Your Highness! I will lead the way for you to find the Great General!”

“Let’s move off!”

Xiao Lie was dressed in his black military uniform, and his bearing was aloof. With that command, he nudged his horse into a gallop and led the way in front.

Behind him, a thousand soldiers on cavalry followed. The sound of the horses’ hooves thundered as dirt was kicked up in the air, and the army moved off with a battle cry.

By the time Wei Tan received news that Su Jiu had gone to Coiling Dragon Ridge, it was already two days later. Around the same time, a letter came from the capital, enquiring about Su Jiu’s well-being.

Wei Tan debated with himself for half a day and eventually decided to conceal the information that Su Jiu had gone to Coiling Dragon Ridge.

Coiling Dragon Ridge was an ineffable place as far as the people of Northern Xinjiang were concerned, and no one could guarantee Su Jiu’s safe return. The letter would take roughly seven to eight days to reach the capital, and there existed a possibility that further news of Su Jiu would be available by then.

Therefore, Wei Tan made the call to conceal the information that Su Jiu had gone to Coiling Dragon Ridge and held by his reply. Instead, he took some men with him and prepared to set off for Coiling Dragon Ridge.

When his subordinates heard where Wei Tan was intending to go, the color drained from their faces, and they exclaimed, “Chief Guard, please reconsider it!”

The legends of the Coiling Dragon Ridge were as old as time. As natives of Youzhou, all of them grew up listening to the stories and possessed a deep-rooted fear of Coiling Dragon Ridge. Moreover, a few of them even had family members who had disappeared on that frightful mountain before.

Many a time, the fear of fear itself was more frightful than the danger present.

Wei Tan’s expression remained resolute. “We are from the Ji Manor, and we must protect our master! We cannot shy away from danger! Those who do not want to go may remain behind. I will not force any of you to go against your will!”

When the men saw that Wei Tan’s mind had been made up, they looked at one another and expressed their stance in unison, “We are bound to follow the Chief Guard to the death, and protect our Young Mistress!”

“Good! All of you have two hours to prepare. After which, we will set off right away!”

“Yes, sir!”

…

On the third morning after Su Jiu and the group left the military camp, they arrived at Coiling Dragon Ridge.

Coiling Dragon Ridge was steep. Like what its name described, it looked like a coiled dragon resting on the plains of Northern Xinjiang. The summit disappeared into the clouds, and no one could begin to even estimate its height just by looking up.

The mountain had an imposing and majestic aura and carried with it a sense of impenetrability.

Coiling Dragon Ridge was the biggest mountain in the entire region. It stretched on for hundreds of miles, and its peaks overlapped. It would have been difficult to find a group of a few thousand people within these ridges, much less a handful of individuals.

Had it been any other place, they would have been able to enlist the help of the locals to guide them along. However, the mystery and terror surrounding the Coiling Dragon Ridge struck fear in the hearts of the natives, and no amount of money could convince them to enter the mountain.

Xiao Lie took out his map of Northern Xinjiang and laid it out on the floor as he studied it. “The summit and northern side of Coiling Dragon Ridge are constantly covered in snow. It’ll be impossible for people to pass through them. Therefore, we’ll only have to search along this stretch.”

His finger elegantly slid across the south and the west of the mountain.

“We’ll enter the mountain here, and see if we can find any trace of the Great General. It’ll be best if we’re able to. That way, we’ll just have to follow the trail. Coiling Dragon Ridge has been isolated for many years, so if the Great General had passed through, he would have left a trail.”

Hu Dapao nodded his head. “I agree with His Highness’ deduction!”

Su Jiu and the others nodded their heads as well.

Xiao Lie looked up at Luo Sheng. “General Luo, you’re from Northern Xinjiang. What do you think?”

“What?” Luo Sheng was stunned for a moment before shaking his head. “I shall defer to all your directives regarding this, Your Highness. Although I’m from Northern Xinjiang, because Coiling Dragon Ridge has always been a taboo, there is very little that I know of it.”

“Since that is the case, the army will rest here for an hour. Everyone, pack sufficient rations. We’ll enter the mountain after this!” Xiao Lie ordered. “Upon entering the mountain, everyone is to stick close to his platoon. No one is to act on his own without permission! If anything unusual is detected, it is to be reported immediately!”

“Yes, sir!” all the soldiers replied in deafening unison.

Xiao Lie walked over to Su Jiu and said quietly, “When we ascend the mountain later, follow closely behind me! Remember this, my life depends on you too. Regardless of what happens, protect yourself. Understood?”

Su Jiu’s heart skipped a beat, and she tilted her head up to look into the man’s deep and fathomless eyes. She nodded her head in reply.

Xiao Lie held the beaded bracelet that was around Su Jiu’s wrist and said in a voice that was loud enough for only the both of them to hear, “Should we be forced to separate, shake the bell once to convey that you’re safe, and ring it twice if you’re in danger. Got it?”

“Yes!” Su Jiu replied solemnly.

The man stroked her cheek with his finger. “Su Jiu, if the legends are true, and we’re unable to leave the mountain, don’t worry. Regardless of where you go, I’ll always be by your side!”

Even if it was to the netherworld, he wasn’t going to let go of her hand!

Su Jiu’s eyes shined brightly, and her face suddenly broke out in a smile. She said with confidence, “We will get down the mountain safely!”

Xiao Lie pressed his lips into a thin line, resisting the urge to pull her into his arms. With a smile that reached his eyes, he nodded his head.

“Yes, we will make it back safely! Together!”

Ah Shu and Chang Huan went ahead to find a way up the mountain. However, they could not find any trace of any army or horses having passed by.

Gazing at the towering peak of the mountain, Ah Shu asked, “Do you think this mountain is truly cursed? What on earth is in it?”

Chang Huan scoffed, “To hell with what’s in it! Even if there are ghosts, with so many of us around, I’m sure we’ll be able to scare them to death again!”

Ah Shu replied with a frown, “Huan’er, if anything were to happen to me, I’ll leave the Chief in your hands. The same goes for Zhao Shan. Please take good care of her for me!”

Chang Huan glanced at him. “Stop talking trash! Take care of your people on your own! All of us, including Chief, will be fine!”

Ah Shu broke out in a smile. “I’m just saying ‘if’! Don’t worry! Our skin is tough. Even a beast won’t be able to bite through it!”

Chang Huan turned around to look at Su Jiu. His handsome face looked determined as he said softly, “We have to protect Chief. Therefore, none of us can die!”

Nangong Bi tilted her head up and looked at the mountain peak, and her eyes were filled with worry. With her fingers clasped together, she prayed for her brother’s safety.

Please, he had to be alive and waiting for her, safe and sound!

She prayed hard.

Hu Dapao walked over and handed a biscuit to her. “You didn’t eat anything last night. Have a bite. Climbing the mountain is going to require energy. You have to take care of yourself if you’re going to find the general!”

“Thank you!”

It had been many days since Nangong Bi had gotten any proper rest. Her face looked haggard, and her voice was hoarse. She took the biscuit from Hu Dapao, broke a piece off, and put it into her mouth. However, she felt a huge pressure on her chest and could not bring herself to swallow the biscuit.

“Don’t worry. The general is a good man. The heavens will protect him!” Hu Dapao said softly.

He wasn’t very good at consoling others, but when he saw the girl in this state, his heart ached. He couldn’t help lowering his voice, and the look in his eyes turned gentle.

Nangong Bi’s eyes were red, and she looked at him earnestly. “Do you think anything bad happened to my brother?”

“No!” Hu Dapao declared confidently, “We will find the general. Trust me!”

Nangong rested her forehead against his chest as she sniffed. The prolonged worry and fear had made her weak, and she couldn’t help wanting someone to lean on.

Her brother had been in the mountain for six days now. If he were fine, why hadn’t he returned? Why wasn’t there any trace of him?

If anything bad had befallen her brother, what was she going to say to her parents?

Unable to bear that thought, she turned her attention to take a forceful bite off the biscuit.

Hu Dapao felt a pang in his heart. After a moment’s hesitation, he gently wrapped his arms around the girl’s shoulders and said urgently to her, “We’re already here. We’ll find the general soon. Believe me!”

Nangong Bi continued shoving the biscuit into the mouth and nodded her head.

Yes! They would certainly find her brother!

Two hours later, everyone was done with their preparations, and they walked into the Coiling Dragon Ridge without looking back.

Upon entering the mountain, the sun suddenly disappeared, even though it was still noon. Dark clouds gathered overhead, and the light dimmed. A cold breeze swept across, bringing an icy chill along with it.

Everyone instinctively hugged their arms. The chill permeated to their bones, and they shivered.

Rarely did anyone come into Coiling Dragon Ridge. The woods were densely populated with trees, and wild grass covered everything. Branches reached out overhead, and at that instant, it was as if they had been transported into another desolate world.

Because it was winter, there were no animals out and about in the mountain. Other than the sound of their footsteps, the entire surroundings were eerily silent.

As they continued further up, the mountain road grew steeper. Coupled with the dense thorn bushes, it was almost impossible to move. The soldiers had to cut a path out for them, and their pace slowed significantly.

Xiao Lie and Su Jiu walked in front, while Hu Dapao, Ah Shu, and Chang Huan followed behind to protect Nangong Bi. Further back was Luo Sheng and the 1,000 elite soldiers.

The sky grew increasingly dark. They couldn’t see the sun, and it was getting harder for them to discern their directions. According to everyone’s speculations, the sky was going to turn dark soon.

Su Jiu ordered for those behind to stay close and to notify them immediately if anything occurred.

After trudging along for another two hours, the terrain grew rugged. The path they had just taken could no longer be seen, and the peak of the mountain remained out of their sight.

All of a sudden, a scout up ahead returned with the report that he had found traces of the general’s journey up the mountain.

Everyone was immediately refreshed and energized and headed towards the direction of the discovery.

As expected, the grass had been stepped on, creating a trail deep into the mountain. From the looks of it, it seemed that a huge battalion of soldiers had passed through.

Nangong Bi ran ahead excitedly and called out.