Traveling through thousands of years, I only love you

Even before the smoke of gunfire cleared, Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan knew a greater challenge was imminent. After a brief period of rest and resupply, spies reported that a larger and better-equipped enemy force was approaching. This force comprised the enemy nation's most elite troops, commanded by a battle-hardened and renowned general. His soldiers were well-trained and experienced, and they had brought with them a wealth of heavy siege equipment, clearly coming prepared and determined to prevail.

Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan immediately summoned the generals to discuss countermeasures. The atmosphere within the tent was heavy, as everyone knew this battle would be far more difficult than any previous one. Xiao Yi cast a resolute gaze at the generals and said in a deep voice, "Men, the survival of our nation depends on this battle. While the enemy may be strong, we also have our faith and courage. The city we hold now is our last line of defense. If it falls, the road to national restoration will be fraught with difficulties, and the people will be plunged into even greater suffering."

Li Lingyuan went on to say, "We can't fight blindly. We need to make use of the city's defensive fortifications, hold our ground, and consume the enemy's manpower first. At the same time, send a small force out of the city for a surprise attack to destroy their siege equipment." The generals nodded in agreement.

Before the enemy arrived, Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan directed their soldiers to reinforce the city walls, set traps, and transport defensive equipment. The city's civilians also spontaneously organized themselves to assist the troops in preparing supplies and caring for the wounded. For a moment, the entire city was filled with an atmosphere of tension and determination.

The enemy army quickly reached the city walls, their vast force covering the plains outside like a dark cloud. War drums beat, and the enemy launched their first attack. Massive catapults rained down boulders on the city walls, each one trembling and sending bricks and stones flying. Many defenders were instantly reduced to pulp. Simultaneously, enemy archers unleashed a barrage of arrows, a swarm of locusts covering the sky as they rained down upon the defenders on the walls.

Xiao Yi stood atop the city wall, calmly directing his soldiers to dodge rocks and arrows while commanding his own catapults and crossbowmen to return fire. "Hold steady! Don't panic!" His voice was clear and powerful amid the clamor of battle. Li Lingyuan rushed between the battlements, bandaging the wounded and bolstering their morale: "Brothers, for our homes and our loved ones, we must hold on!"

The enemy's first attack was repelled at a cost, but they quickly launched a second. This time, they deployed siege towers and battering rams. The towers slowly approached the city walls, and from their vantage point, enemy archers fired furiously at the defenders. The battering rams, driven by the soldiers, struck the city gates repeatedly, each impact creating a terrifying roar.

Seeing this, Xiao Yi personally led a team of soldiers, throwing boiling oil and burning torches at the siege towers and battering rams. Flames instantly blazed, and the enemy screamed in agony amidst the inferno. But the enemy, disregarding casualties, continued their frantic attack. Some even used ladders to scale the city walls. The defenders on the walls engaged in fierce close combat, with swords flashing and blood splattering everywhere.

In this fierce battle, Xiao Yi led the charge, his longsword dancing in a streak of light, crushing enemy troops wherever he touched. However, the enemy's attack was too fierce, and as more and more of them surged onto the city walls, the defenders gradually fell into a difficult situation. Li Lingyuan, observing the critical situation on the wall, decisively led the city's reserve troops into battle. With longsword in hand, she charged into the enemy lines, her resolute presence boosting the soldiers' morale.

"Kill! For our country!" Li Lingyuan shouted. Her swordsmanship was so sharp that the enemy could barely get close to her. Under her leadership, the reserve force successfully repelled the enemy troops on the city wall, temporarily stabilizing the situation.

But the battle didn't stop there. The enemy constantly adjusted their tactics, launching wave after wave of attacks. The defenders suffered heavy casualties, and supplies were gradually running low. Xiao Yi watched the enemy troops surge in like a tide outside the city, knowing that if this continued, the city would be destroyed and everyone would die. He decided to take a risk and attack.

Xiao Yi selected an elite cavalry unit, and under cover of darkness, they quietly opened the city gates and charged towards the enemy camp. Like ghosts, they infiltrated the enemy camp, setting fire everywhere, beheading enemy soldiers, and destroying their siege equipment and food supplies. The enemy camp was immediately plunged into chaos.

Upon learning that their camp had been attacked, the enemy commander hurriedly recalled some of his troops to reinforce them. Xiao Yi led his cavalry through the enemy camp, successfully pinning down the main force. However, they were soon surrounded by the enemy and were trapped in a desperate situation.

Li Lingyuan was extremely worried when she saw Xiao Yi trapped on the city wall. She ignored everyone's advice and led an army out of the city to rescue him again. This time, she used a roundabout tactic, bypassing the main force of the enemy and attacking the enemy's encirclement from the side.

Under Li Lingyuan's fierce attack, the enemy's encirclement began to loosen. Xiao Yi seized the opportunity and led the cavalry to break out. After the two armies joined forces, they did not immediately retreat back to the city. Instead, they took advantage of the enemy's confusion and launched a full-scale counterattack.

At this moment, the eastern sky gradually turned pale. On the battlefield, shouts and screams mingled, blood stained the ground red, and corpses piled up like mountains. After a night of bitter fighting and struggle, Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan's army finally defeated the enemy at dawn.

The enemy began to collapse, abandoning their weapons and armor and fleeing in all directions. Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan watched the retreating enemy, their weary faces filled with smiles of relief. This victory reaffirmed their faith and courage, bringing them one step closer to their dream of restoring their nation. But they also knew the road ahead was still filled with unknowns and challenges. However, as long as they stood together, nothing could stop them. They turned and gazed at the devastated yet resilient city behind them, their hearts filled with hope and longing for a future that belonged to them, a future filled with light and promise.