I am the Holy Poisoner, the Empress advised me to calm down

As the carriage jolted forward, the desert landscape outside the window seemed endless, the scorching sun scorching everything on the earth. In this desolate land, even the most well-trained soldiers began to feel the physical challenge. Inside, however, a tense yet slightly excited atmosphere permeated the air, as several young men engaged in a lively discussion.

"Don't you find it strange? The prince actually dares to set up an ambush in such a place. Isn't he afraid that his men will be defeated by the extreme climate here?" Li Ming asked in confusion.

Lin Chen pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke, "This is something I've been considering. Logically speaking, this place isn't suitable for stationing a large number of troops for an extended period of time. However, if they've already made preparations, arranging water supplies and hidden camps in advance, then things will become even more complicated."

"Hearing what you said, I'm actually looking forward to fighting that so-called strategist!" ** An smiled and patted Lin Chen's shoulder. "But don't worry, we're no pushovers. Remember that plan we discussed a few days ago to lure the enemy in? With proper coordination, we might be able to lure them into a desperate situation."

As they chatted, the carriage suddenly stopped. A soldier hurried to the window and reported, "Gentlemen, it seems that an unidentified force has appeared ahead."

"As expected, they're here. Everyone, get ready for battle immediately." Lin Chen's eyes became firm, and he turned to look at the yellow sand outside.

The team quickly assembled, splitting into several smaller groups according to their pre-arranged plan. Soon after, they spotted a small enemy squad about 500 meters away, apparently sent out specifically to scout the route or monitor their movements.

The two armies faced each other, the atmosphere tense and almost frozen. Then, a man who appeared to be the leader emerged from the enemy camp on horseback and shouted, "I am the Crown Prince's lieutenant general. I have been ordered to inquire about your faction. If you have no intention of fighting, please evacuate immediately."

Lin Chen smiled faintly, stepped forward and responded, "I am the general appointed by the princess to go to the northwest on official business. If you are also here on official business, why don't we sit down together and discuss a solution? After all, we are both serving the court!"

Upon hearing this, the deputy general showed a look of surprise. "I didn't expect to meet you here, Lord Lin. I've heard so much about your great name, and now you're actually coming in person! I'm truly impressed... However, in that case, I beg your pardon for not backing down easily, unless you can convince me to change my mind."

With the negotiations at an impasse, the air around them seemed to be filled with the smell of gunpowder. Suddenly, a gust of sandstorms blew up, obscuring the sky and the sun, but it actually brought a slight opportunity to both sides - several nimble figures darted through the wind and headed straight into the enemy camp!

It turned out that Lin Chen's long-planned hidden chess move was activated at this critical moment, intending to disrupt the enemy's position by creating chaos. At the same time, Zhang Xun and others led the main force to quickly advance and outflank the enemy's rear...

"Wow, this is so cool, right? Brother Lin is truly both wise and brave!" A young soldier exclaimed excitedly, his eyes shining as he looked at the ever-changing situation on the battlefield.

Another veteran nodded in agreement: "That's right, it's a real pleasure to fight alongside Lord Lin. I learn a lot every time!"

Just as everyone was filled with excitement and anticipation, the sound of rapid drums could be heard in the distance—clearly a sign that a larger-scale conflict was about to begin. Lin Chen, commanding the battle on the front lines, knew clearly: the real test had just begun...

As night fell, the fierce battle came to a temporary halt. Both sides returned to their respective camps for a rest. Lin Chen sat in his simple tent, a map in hand, studying his next strategic plan. He was filled with worry and a hint of curiosity: What bold plan was the mastermind behind the crown prince planning?

Meanwhile, not far away, in another camp, a mysterious figure in a black cloak frowned over an equally complex and incomprehensible pattern on the table. "Looks like tonight will be another sleepless night," he whispered, a hint of helplessness and fatigue.

At this moment, two guards in charge of the sentry post secretly gathered together and whispered: "Hey, have you heard? We almost lost during the day. Thanks to a man named Lin Chen on our side, we were not completely defeated... It's amazing!" One of them said excitedly in a low voice.

The other companion nodded in agreement: "Hmph, just wait and see, with our Lord Lin's ability, sooner or later he will be able to suppress all the arrogance of the other side! By then, maybe he can even get a government position, haha~" The two exchanged glances, their eyes flashing with a beautiful vision of the future.

However, the war never truly stops, whether it is day or night. For every soldier on the battlefield, every action may determine the change of the entire situation. And behind this, there are sharp, brave and wise hearts beating continuously, waiting for the coming dawn... Chapter 172, The Dark Night's Plot

As night deepened, the lights in the camp faded. Soldiers rested against their tents or whispered about their experiences on the battlefield that day. But beneath this silence, a flame of hope lingered within each of them.

Next to Lin Chen's research tent, two young soldiers, Li Hu and Zhang Long, on night duty, rested under a tree. Their gazes occasionally flicked toward the tightly closed tent, filled with awe and curiosity. "Hey, what do you think Lord Lin is tinkering with in there? I heard the enemy has also invited a very capable strategist this time," Li Hu asked, nudging his companion.

Zhang Long rubbed his eyes and replied lazily, "Who knows? But in my opinion, no matter how smart a person is, it is impossible to defeat our Lord Lin! Look at the daytime, he not only saw through the enemy's intentions, but also cleverly laid bait to cause heavy losses to the enemy. He is simply a god-like figure!"

"Hmm, well said." Suddenly, a slightly hoarse voice interrupted the two of them. Turning around, they saw it was the camp's famous "Old Ginger" Jiang Dali—a veteran soldier in his fifties who was still as strong as an ox. "You two boys, don't just watch the fun. This is wartime, so you have to be more careful! Especially pay attention to what's going on around you."