Chapter 86: The Rebirth of the Wolf Army

At midnight, the last group of guests finally left the Fragrant Pavilion. Servants were busy tidying up, while several guards stood at the entrance, chatting and laughing. Inside, the handmaidens departed in clusters; as slaves, they lived under a semi-militarized regime, always coming and going under the supervision of their overseers.

Suddenly, a low, mournful howl pierced the night. The guards at the entrance froze, craning their necks to peer into the oppressive darkness. Despite the city’s prosperity, Jiuding City lacked anything as ordinary as streetlights, so nothing could be seen in the pitch black.

From the shadows emerged a colossal wolf, pacing steadily toward the Fragrant Pavilion. Atop the wolf sat a young man in white robes—Ye Xin. Gazing at the dazzling lights within the Pavilion, a wicked smile played at the corner of his lips.

The guards stepped forward to meet him, one of them speaking cautiously, “Sir, we’re closed for the night. If you wish to dine and drink, please return earlier tomorrow.”

Ye Xin raised his hand and pointed ahead. In an instant, a pack of giant wolves burst forth from the darkness, charging toward the Pavilion.

“We’re under attack!” The guards, slow to react, managed a shrill warning. But it was too late. The wolves vaulted past them with ease, storming into the Pavilion. Upon their backs rode knights: torches blazing in their left hands, spears poised in their right. Wherever they passed, flames blossomed and grew, linking into a sea of fire.

The structure of the Heavenly Wolf Legion had already been scattered. What remained were the seven commanders of the eight great battalions, along with their most trusted retainers—the Legion’s true core.

Ye Xin had made it clear: tonight, their aim was to destroy the Fragrant Pavilion, not to kill. Only if faced with mortal threat were they to unleash their full might. The knights did not kill indiscriminately; they merely knocked aside any who blocked their path, their primary task being to set the blaze.

Qiu Jiecha did not participate; he found such deeds beneath him and merely followed at Ye Xin’s side. Xue Baiqi, Hao Fei, and Xie En were with them as well, each astride a Boundless Sky Wolf. To possess such powerful mounts was exhilarating, and it showed on their faces.

A Boundless Sky Wolf would not easily accept a master—only someone who practiced the Heavenly Wolf Technique could command them. Indeed, the original Heavenly Wolf Legion had been forged by Ye Guanhai’s own hands.

The fire spread swiftly, a pillar of flame piercing the sky. Cries for help and shouts filled the night as the surrounding residents, alarmed, stepped outside to investigate. At the sight of Ye Xin and his companions—men who looked every bit the villains they were—everyone retreated indoors, not daring to provoke them.

“How audacious! You’re far too bold!” A middle-aged man tumbled out of the inferno, and on seeing Ye Xin and his riders, instantly realized who was responsible.

“If men do not trouble me, I’ll not trouble them. But should they cross me, I will not hesitate to kill. You all have underestimated me, Ye Xin,” he said coolly.

“You’re… Young Master Ye…” the man stammered.

“See? He clearly knows more than he lets on. Perhaps he’s the one aiding Zong Yunjin,” Ye Xin said with a smirk. His insight was keen; any flicker of emotion in an adversary rarely escaped his eyes. “Kill him.”

Qiu Jiecha hesitated, but behind him, Hao Fei spurred his wolf forward like a bolt of lightning.

“Do you know who I am?!” the man shouted as he backed away.

“A dead man,” Hao Fei replied.

His sword flashed. The man had only just begun to summon his power when the blade swept through him, and he burst apart like a punctured balloon, spraying blood and flesh in all directions.

A few days prior, Hao Fei had avenged his family by killing Song Zidan, commander of the Autumn Evening City garrison. Having resolved a years-long vendetta, his cultivation had soared. The very next day, he broke through to a new level, becoming the fifth pillar of strength under Ye Xin’s command, narrowly outpacing Xue Baiqi.

Hao Fei returned to Ye Xin’s side, a satisfied smile on his lips. “My lord, the Boundless Sky Wolf’s speed is astonishing! My sword’s force is at least twice as deadly!”

“When this is over, I’ll visit Boundless Mountain myself. Every brother will have a Boundless Sky Wolf,” Ye Xin replied with a smile.

“My lord, Boundless Mountain is a perilous place,” Xue Baiqi cautioned. “Even sect disciples dare not enter lightly. Please reconsider!”

“That’s why I said I’d wait until things here are settled,” Ye Xin said.

By now, the knights who had stormed the Pavilion were withdrawing, most with saddlebags bulging.

This, too, was by Ye Xin’s leave. The Pavilion housed several formation diagrams and a trove of primal stones—treasures too valuable to leave behind. Taking a few extra spoils was only reasonable.

“That’s enough,” Ye Xin announced. “We’re leaving—out of the city!”

No sooner had he spoken than he spurred his wolf down the street, his retinue close behind.

Not far off, by coincidence, a large group of constables came rushing toward them. They’d been summoned by word of the Pavilion’s arson, hastening to assist. But at the sight of the wolf-riders approaching like a pack of devils, they swiftly formed ranks.

“Raise the banner,” Ye Xin commanded calmly.

Qiu Jiecha drew a flagstaff from his back and hurled it skyward. A massive battle flag, emblazoned with a wolf’s head, unfurled in the night wind, glowing with a brilliance tha