Years turn into wind

Ling Xiaotian and Cheng Yuwei worked overnight to finalize a new battle plan. General Xie, at his wit's end, still attempted to collude with foreign enemies, posing a grave threat to the nation and its people. Ling Xiaotian was determined to eliminate him once and for all to prevent future trouble.

In the early morning, Ling Xiaotian led his elite troops on their march, while Cheng Yuwei remained at the Marshal's Mansion, assisting with command via a remote communication system. Ling Xiaotian personally led his troops to the border. During the march, the soldiers remained silent, their atmosphere tense yet tinged with an unyielding fighting spirit.

As they reached the valley, scouts hurried back to report that a small number of General Xie's remnants had been spotted there. Ling Xiaotian immediately ordered the entire army to be on alert and not to act rashly. He knew the complex terrain and steep mountain paths were a serious threat, and any carelessness could lead to an enemy ambush.

"General, should we take a detour?" the deputy general suggested cautiously.

Ling Xiaotian narrowed his eyes and calmly analyzed, "General Xie is now at the end of his rope. He simply doesn't have enough troops to set up a large-scale ambush. Since he's concentrated his troops here, this is our opportunity. Taking a detour will only delay the opportunity."

However, at this moment, the latest intelligence from Cheng Yuwei made Ling Xiaotian frown: "General Xie's troops have hidden a large number of poison gas bombs in the valley.

Upon receiving the intelligence, Ling Xiaotian immediately realized that the battle in the valley was no longer a direct confrontation, but rather a carefully crafted trap set by General Xie. He was well aware of the power of the poison gas and knew that if he wasn't careful, his soldiers would be in grave danger.

"Pass the order, the entire army retreats to a safe location, away from the valley, and maintain high alert." He gave the order decisively, then walked aside with the communication device and had an urgent discussion with Cheng Yuwei who stayed behind in the Marshal's Mansion.

On the other end of the communication device, Cheng Yuwei's voice was filled with urgency: "Xiaotian, the poison gas bombs are very densely distributed. If you rush in, you will definitely be trapped in the poison gas. General Xie is really ruthless this time."

Ling Xiaotian responded calmly, "It's indeed dangerous, but if General Xie continues, the people living on the border will be plunged into even greater disaster. Yuwei, do you have an emergency plan for the poison gas?"

Cheng Yuwei pondered for a moment, then said, "I've developed a protective liquid that can quickly suppress the effects of poison gas on the human body. Applying it to the nose and mouth while wearing a simple cloth mask can effectively reduce the damage. However, for large-scale use, I'm afraid the amount of the liquid won't be enough."

After hearing this, Ling Xiaotian said decisively, "Then have the messenger deliver the potion to the front lines. Soldiers can take turns entering the valley and gradually disintegrate the enemy."

Cheng Yuwei smiled slightly, with a hint of affection: "Xiaotian, you are always so decisive. I will prepare the medicine as soon as possible and send someone to deliver it to the front line overnight."

Ling Xiaotian gazed deeply into the communication device, as if he could see Cheng Yuwei's face through the cold machinery. He whispered, "Yuwei, thank you for your hard work. When I get back, we must celebrate our victory properly."

Cheng Yuwei nodded gently, feeling warm in her heart: "I will wait for you to come back safe and sound."

The potion arrived quickly. Ling Xiaotian and his deputy general arranged for the soldiers to take turns entering the valley, quietly infiltrating in small groups. After several hours of arduous trekking, they finally approached General Xie's core camp. Ling Xiaotian personally led the team, like a lurking cheetah, patiently awaiting the perfect moment to strike.

As darkness gradually fell over the valley, Ling Xiaotian gave the order, and his soldiers quickly surrounded General Xie's camp. General Xie was caught off guard, and by the time he realized what was happening, the situation was already hopeless. He hastily ordered his men to counterattack, but under Ling Xiaotian's precise command, General Xie's remaining forces quickly collapsed.

Amidst the chaos, Ling Xiaotian finally came face to face with General Xie. His gaze, sharp as a torch, coldly gazed upon this once-invincible enemy. General Xie, pale and sweating, tried to put up a last-ditch effort, but his strength was insufficient to shake the formidable figure before him.

"Ling Xiaotian, sooner or later, you will be replaced by someone like me." General Xie forced a smile, with a hint of madness in his voice.

Ling Xiaotian sneered, "You have evil intentions and only know how to selfishly plunder. How can you win the hearts of the people? Your failure is doomed today."

As soon as he finished speaking, General Xie let out a shrill laugh and was immediately taken into a prison van. Thus, the battle was finally settled.

After the battle, Ling Xiaotian led his troops back in triumph. Cheng Yuwei had been waiting at the gate of the Marshal's Mansion, and she felt immense joy at seeing him return from the battlefield.

He walked up to her, gently held her hand, and whispered, "Yuwei, I'm back."

Cheng Yuwei's eyes welled up with tears, and she smiled slightly: "Welcome back, Xiaotian."

The two stared at each other in silence, as if everything had frozen in that moment. Then, they walked into the mansion together, enjoying this rare moment of peace and tranquility. However, both knew in their hearts that this was only temporary peace, and that the road ahead might still be filled with difficulties and obstacles.

Even as the Marshal's Mansion celebrated their victory, the shadows lingered in the darkness. In a secret room somewhere, a mysterious figure whispered to himself, "Ling Xiaotian, General Xie's defeat is only the beginning. I will make you pay a greater price."

His voice was cold and gloomy, as if foreshadowing the coming of another storm. This brief peace after the war seemed to be just the calm before the storm.