The funny counterattack of traveling through time and space and becoming a vicious female supporting

Chapter 172 Preparing for Battle

The setting sun cast a shadow over the walls of Nanyang Prefecture, casting a golden halo on them, as if even this ancient city were making final preparations for the coming battle. Wen Yuan, Gu Yichen, and Nie Yuan stood side by side on the ramparts, their gaze fixed on the approaching flames in the distance. The flickering torches resembled a writhing venomous snake, gradually devouring the last rays of light. The sound of horse hooves approached, accompanied by the rustling of armor, like a deep and eerie melody in the dark night.

"War is always so cruel." Wen Yuan's eyes dimmed slightly, and he felt an inexplicable sense of oppression in his heart. In this battle, he wasn't fighting against an external enemy, but rather against his own people. That familiar sadness, like a sharp dagger, sliced through his heart bit by bit. His gaze swept across the distant troops, and he suddenly felt like he stood on the edge of history. Whether he moved forward or backward, he would never escape this bloody storm.

It's not like he had never experienced war before; it could even be said that he was inured to the brutality of the battlefield. However, this time, when he thought about the impending battle, which would take place on his own land and among his own people, he felt an unprecedented heaviness in his heart. Gu Yichen and Nie Yuan stood on either side of him, their expressions as resolute as rock. Yet, an invisible emotion, like a heavy haze, hung over everyone's heart.

Gu Yichen was silent for a moment, then broke the oppressive atmosphere with a low but firm voice: "Sir Wen, you should return to the prefect's residence. Commander Nie and I will be responsible for the defense of the city wall. We will ensure that there are no loopholes here."

Wen Yuan turned his head, looking at Gu Yichen's face, gleaming in the setting sun, a chorus of emotions washed over him. He knew clearly that Gu Yichen's words were not merely out of concern for the battle situation, but also out of concern for himself. Wen Yuan's injuries hadn't yet fully healed, and the residual effects of the poison still lingered in his system, rendering his movements far less agile than before. However, as the prefect of Nanyang Prefecture, he felt an inexplicable sense of responsibility that kept him from leaving the battlefield.

He was silent for a moment, and finally spoke slowly: "Yichen, I..."

"No need to say more!" Gu Yichen interrupted, his tone brimming with undeniable resolve. "You've just been poisoned and stabbed, and your martial arts haven't fully recovered. Staying here will only distract the soldiers. I can't afford to lose you." His gaze was firm and sincere, and in that moment, it felt as if he wasn't just speaking to Wen Yuan, but swearing an oath to himself.

Wen Yuan knew Gu Yichen's intentions well, and this genuine concern touched him deeply. He didn't insist any further, but finally nodded and whispered, "I'll have Tan Ming lead an elite force to stay here. You must be careful and not take any action lightly."

With that, Wen Yuan turned and left the city wall. His steps were steady, but his heart was still filled with reluctance and worry. With every step, he could feel the two pairs of eyes following him, as if silently praying for him. He knew that leaving now was the wisest choice. Only by returning to the prefect's residence and mobilizing more resources and troops could he better support his comrades on the city wall.

Walking up the stone steps beneath the city wall, Wen Yuan's thoughts raced. He recalled countless battlefields of the past, the brothers who had fought side by side. Their figures seemed to transform into lingering dark clouds, drifting through his mind. And this city, it carried not only his responsibility, but also countless innocent lives. He took a deep breath and silently vowed, "I will protect this city, no matter the cost."

Meanwhile, Gu Yichen and Nie Yuan remained motionless on the city wall. They watched Wen Yuan's figure gradually disappear into the twilight, until the last ray of sunlight was completely swallowed up by the night. Gu Yichen turned his head, looked at Nie Yuan, and said in a deep voice, "Prepare for battle, Commander Nie. The enemy will be approaching soon."

Nie Yuan nodded, his expression completely calm. As the commander of Nanyang Prefecture's city defense forces, Nie Yuan knew every corner of the city walls like the back of his hand. He had honed the city's defenses to impeccable condition. Even if the enemy came in force, he was confident he could hold on to Nanyang Prefecture.

"All teams, prepare for battle!" Nie Yuan's voice echoed across the city walls like a command. The soldiers quickly entered combat mode, gripping their weapons tightly and gazing intently at the enemy in the distance.

At this moment, Mo Yan, Mo Xian, Mo Dong, and Mo Nan also gathered around Gu Yichen. Their expressions revealed a hint of nervousness, but more of a fearless fighting spirit. As the city's top warriors, they were already accustomed to the flashing swords and bloodshed of battles. However, in this world, there was more uncertainty and anxiety.

Mo Dong looked at the enemy in the distance and asked in a low voice: "Brother, the enemy's formation is complex and changeable. They may attack from different directions. How should we deal with it?"

Gu Yichen was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice: "Stay vigilant, everyone must be prepared to meet the enemy at any time. If the enemy dares to approach, we must quickly adjust our formation and cooperate with the defense system of the city wall. We must not let them break through." Although his tone was calm, it revealed an unquestionable power.

Mo Xian nodded, his expression growing more serious. The long sword in his hand gleamed coldly in the firelight, as if ready to be unsheathed and slash any incoming enemy. Mo Nan and Mo Yan stood nearby, their eyes also filled with determination. They knew that this battle was not only about the survival of the city, but also about the fate of everyone involved.

Meanwhile, Mo Xi and Mo Bei led a group of city defense troops and retired soldiers to the city's grain stores. Gu Yichen was well aware that once the battle began, the city's refugees would likely flock to the grain stores to cause trouble, causing further chaos. Therefore, they had to prepare in advance to ensure the safety of the grain stores.

"Everyone must understand their responsibilities," Mo Xi said solemnly, his gaze sweeping over everyone, his grip on the knife tightening. "If the enemy attacks, immediately blockade the grain store. We must not allow anyone to disrupt our plan."

Mo Bei nodded, his face solemn. His gaze swept over the rows of grain bags piled high around him, and he prayed silently. This grain was the livelihood of the entire city. If it were lost, the entire Nanyang Prefecture would be plunged into an unprecedented crisis. He gripped his weapon tightly, aware of the weight of the responsibility he shouldered.

As night fell, the enemy's torches approached the city walls. The sound of horse hooves seemed to echo between heaven and earth, bringing an invisible sense of oppression. Gu Yichen couldn't help but feel a little nervous. His eyes were fixed on the enemy formation, sword in hand, and he could feel the growing tension of the soldiers around him.

Nie Yuan whispered to the side, "The enemy's formation is uncertain. They might wait for an opportunity to launch a surprise attack from our weak points."

Gu Yichen nodded, his eyes gleaming with fighting spirit. He turned and shouted to the soldiers behind him, "Brothers! Remember why we are fighting today! This is for our homes, for our loved ones, for our dignity! We must not let the enemy set foot in this city!"

The soldiers responded in unison, their voices echoing off the city walls, their morale high. Their eyes gleamed with determination, as if they were ready for a bloody battle. Each held a single conviction in their heart—to defend Nanyang Prefecture, no matter the cost.