In the narrative, a character questions the appearance of a specific Chinese term, "Xuĕ Lóng," which is identified as the codename for an operation. This inquiry prompts an explanation of the term's significance within the context of the story.
The term "Xuĕ Lóng" translates to "snow dragon" in English, refering to a mythical creature in Chinese folklore. This creature symbolizes darkness, cold, and death, which adds a layer of foreboding to the operation it represents, suggesting ominous implications ahead.