Years turn into wind

A few days later, the peace within the Marshal's residence was once again shattered. The arrest of the spy alerted Lu Sheng, who quickly launched a counterattack. Ling Xiaotian received intelligence that Lu Sheng was secretly recruiting gangs, attempting to unite various forces to create civil unrest within the army and thus constrain his defenses.

Upon hearing this news, Cheng Yuwei couldn't help but frown. "Lu Sheng's move may seem simple, but it's actually a hidden danger. He's going to mobilize the forces of the underworld, which will make it difficult for the Marshal's Mansion to effectively control the situation. These people are insidious and vicious. If we're not careful, I'm afraid the entire mansion will be plunged into turmoil."

Ling Xiaotian sighed, "Lu Sheng is pressing me hard. It seems he's made up his mind, even if it means losing face, to put me to death."

Cheng Yuwei pondered for a moment and said softly, "Xiaotian, since Lu Sheng wants to use the power of the martial arts world, why don't we give him a taste of his own medicine?"

"You mean, borrowing foreign aid?" Ling Xiaotian's eyes gradually brightened.

Cheng Yuwei nodded. "In the martial arts world, there are many forces that are unknown to the public but are very good at gathering intelligence. If we can use them to our advantage, we can not only detect Lu Sheng's movements in advance, but even use them to lure him out of his hole and disrupt his plans."

Ling Xiaotian looked at her thoughtfully, with a hint of admiration in his eyes: "Yuwei, I have to say, your plan really makes me look at it differently."

He paused, then continued, "However, the forces in the underworld are complex, and I only trust those close to me. Now, since you've proposed this strategy, is it okay for you to execute it?"

Cheng Yuwei smiled calmly: "I will take care of it, just relax."

The next day, Cheng Yuwei quietly set off for a secret location in the city. This was the hideout of an intelligence expert she had met before, a location few outsiders knew about. Cheng Yuwei had worked with this expert several times before, so she knew he would definitely help her.

Arriving at the door of the stronghold, Cheng Yuwei knocked lightly on the door panel. While the signal was being passed, the guard inside quietly opened the door and led her into the inner room.

"Ms. Cheng, long time no see." A man in his thirties sat at the table, holding a book in his hand, and greeted her with a smile.

Cheng Yuwei nodded and said straight to the point, "Lord Luo, I came here today to ask for a favor."

Master Luo Shan put down the book and smiled, "Miss, please tell me. I will definitely not refuse to help you if I can."

Cheng Yuwei said in a deep voice, "I hope you can help me monitor Lu Sheng's movements. He is secretly colluding with underworld forces, intending to disrupt the Marshal's Mansion. I need to know the details of his plan and the specific arrangements for action."

Luo Shanzhu frowned and thought for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Although this matter is difficult, I can give it a try."

After the explanation was complete, Cheng Yuwei left the base, feeling somewhat relieved. Luo Shanzhu had extensive intelligence, and his network of informants was even more secretive. Cheng Yuwei felt relatively safe leaving this matter to him.

That night, Cheng Yuwei told Ling Xiaotian about her plan. After listening, he couldn't help but squeeze her hand in approval, whispering, "You always plan ahead, Yuwei. I'm so lucky to have you."

Cheng Yuwei smiled slightly: "We walk side by side, so naturally I have to share some of the burden for you. You and I support each other, this is the promise between us."

Ling Xiaotian looked at her, a hint of tenderness in his eyes. He gently squeezed her hand, his tone firm, "No matter what lies ahead, I will not let go of your hand."

The two looked at each other affectionately, as if they were the only ones in the world. Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps outside the door broke this warm moment. The guard whispered, "General, we just received urgent intelligence. Lu Sheng seems to be planning a surprise attack tomorrow night!"

Ling Xiaotian's face darkened, and he said calmly, "Continue to monitor and pay close attention to their movements. If you have any further information, report it immediately."

The guard took the order and left. Cheng Yuwei's eyes tightened, she vaguely felt that this operation might be more dangerous than she had imagined.

As night fell the next day, a tight defense line had already been set up inside the Marshal's residence. Cheng Yuwei and Ling Xiaotian stood in the backyard, watching as soldiers stood in formation not far away, a solemn atmosphere prevailed.

"If they really dare to come, they will be courting death this time." Ling Xiaotian said coldly, with a dangerous light flashing in his eyes.

Cheng Yuwei prayed silently in her heart that the situation could be controlled within the predictable range as she wished. At this moment, a shadow in the dark flashed, and a figure approached quickly.

"Lord Luo?" Cheng Yuwei was startled when she saw who was coming. Lord Luo's clothes were disheveled, and his face was covered in scratches. He panted and whispered, "Miss Cheng, something terrible has happened. Lu Sheng has other plans. The real raid will be at the military camp north of the city!"

Ling Xiaotian frowned: "This is a trick to lure the tiger away from the mountain! He is misleading our deployment!"

Cheng Yuwei was startled, but quickly calmed down: "Xiaotian, we must adjust our deployment immediately, otherwise the North City Barracks will be vulnerable."

Ling Xiaotian gave the order without hesitation, ordering his personal guards to relay the message immediately. Within moments, the soldiers in the palace quickly withdrew like a tide, rushing towards the north of the city.

As the night deepened, Cheng Yuwei and Ling Xiaotian personally led a large force north of the city. Along the way, they were anxious, fearing they would be late. However, when they arrived at the northern military camp, they found it eerily quiet, with no movement at all.

"Something is wrong." Ling Xiaotian narrowed his eyes and signaled the soldiers to disperse and investigate.

At this moment, Cheng Yuwei suddenly heard a burst of hurried footsteps not far away. Then, a dozen assassins appeared from the shadows and surrounded them. The leader sneered, "Marshal Ling, you've fallen into the trap."

Cheng Yuwei's expression changed slightly: "It's a trap!"

Ling Xiaotian sneered: "Lu Sheng's methods are just so-so, do you think you can trap me?"

He decisively drew his sword, ready to fight. Cheng Yuwei also drew a dagger from her waist and looked around vigilantly. The assassins quickly surrounded them, and the battle was about to begin. Despite the danger, the two of them were in perfect harmony, fighting side by side with tacit understanding.

Amidst the flashing swords and shadows, Ling Xiaotian protected Cheng Yuwei, desperately fending off the enemy. They were battle-hardened, and though outnumbered, they refused to retreat. Just as they were exhausted, the sound of hurried horse hooves could be heard in the distance. A large number of reinforcements arrived, successfully rescuing them.

After a night of fighting, the assassins were completely wiped out. Ling Xiaotian and Cheng Yuwei returned to their mansion, exhausted but relieved. Ling Xiaotian gently stroked her hand and whispered, "This time, it's a good thing you noticed it in time, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous."

Cheng Yuwei smiled and shook her head, her eyes gentle: "You protected me. Without you, I would not have been able to return safely."

Ling Xiaotian held her in his arms and whispered, "I won't let you leave my side tonight. No matter what happens, I will always be by your side."

Elsewhere, Lu Sheng's face darkened upon learning of the failed assassination attempt. He stared coldly ahead, vowing to himself that this failure was only the beginning. Ling Xiaotian and Cheng Yuwei were destined to pay a greater price...