Dapeng's Time Travel Life

Chapter 17 Perilous Situation

A whistle pierced the deathly silence of the night, echoing through the valley and startling a flock of birds. Zhang Peng's heart skipped a beat, and he whispered the order: "Take cover!" The team members quickly disappeared into the bushes by the roadside, gripping their weapons tightly, their breathing unconsciously becoming shallow. Moonlight shone down, outlining the silhouette of the enemy patrol, who were rapidly approaching the reconnaissance team.

Zhang Peng's gaze was sharp as an eagle's in the darkness, quickly scanning the surroundings for an opportunity to break through. The soldiers beside him trembled slightly with tension, sweat dripping from their foreheads onto the dry ground. Zhang Peng reassured them in a low voice, "Don't panic, listen to my command." His voice was steady and powerful, like a stabilizing force, calming the soldiers down slightly.

The enemy troops drew closer, their footsteps and whispers clearly audible. Xia Lijuan's heart pounded in her chest; she gripped her dagger tightly, her nails digging into her palms. Just as the patrol was about to enter the reconnaissance team's hiding place, a startled hare suddenly darted out of the bushes. The enemy soldiers immediately became alert, raising their torches and illuminating the surroundings as if it were daytime.

"Kill!" Knowing they could no longer hide, Zhang Peng decisively gave the order. His team leaped out like tigers, engaging the enemy in fierce combat. Zhang Peng, wielding a long sword, moved with agility, each swing carrying a sharp, deadly force; enemy soldiers fell one after another before him. However, the enemy outnumbered them and quickly surrounded the reconnaissance team.

Xia Lijuan moved nimbly through the chaos. Although her swordsmanship was not as fierce as Zhang Peng's, it was precise and ruthless, targeting the enemy's weak points in defense. An enemy soldier swung a spear at her, but she dodged to the side, skillfully avoiding it, and then struck the enemy soldier in the throat with a backhand slash.

The battle reached a stalemate, and the reconnaissance squad's stamina was waning, with casualties steadily increasing. Zhang Peng realized that continuing like this would only lead to total annihilation; a breakout was imperative. Observing the enemy's encirclement, he discovered that the enemy's defenses to the northwest were relatively weak. With a shout, he swung his long sword and charged towards the northwest. Seeing this, his team members followed closely behind him, forming a tight battle formation.

Led by Zhang Peng, the reconnaissance team finally broke through the enemy's encirclement and fled into the depths of the mountains. The enemy pursued relentlessly, firing arrows continuously. Zhang Peng wielded his longsword to deflect the arrows while protecting his team members. Suddenly, a stray arrow flew towards Xia Lijuan. Zhang Peng reacted swiftly, lunging forward to shield her with his body. The arrow struck Zhang Peng's shoulder, and blood instantly stained his clothes.

"Your Highness!" Xia Lijuan exclaimed, her eyes filled with anxiety and heartache.

"Don't worry about me, keep running!" Zhang Peng gritted his teeth, enduring the excruciating pain, and urged.

The group fled desperately through the mountains and forests, finally shaking off the enemy's pursuit. They stopped in a secluded cave, and Xia Lijuan quickly began treating Zhang Peng's wounds. The cave was dimly lit, and Xia Lijuan's hands trembled slightly as she carefully tore open Zhang Peng's clothes. Seeing the bloody, mangled wounds, tears welled up in her eyes.

"Don't cry, I'm fine," Zhang Peng comforted her. "This little injury is nothing."

After treating his wounds, Zhang Peng leaned against the cave wall, lost in thought. Although the reconnaissance mission had failed, it hadn't been without its gains. The enemy's vigilance and fighting strength were beyond his expectations, meaning the battles to come would be even more difficult. But he showed no sign of retreat; instead, a stronger fighting spirit ignited within him.

"We must get back to camp as soon as possible, inform the soldiers of the enemy's situation, and revise our battle plan," Zhang Peng said, his eyes resolute.

The team members nodded in agreement. They knew that this war was related to the safety of the country and the peace of millions of people. No matter how difficult it was, they had to do their best.

After a short rest, Zhang Peng led his team towards the camp under the cover of night. The moonlight shone on their tired yet determined figures, reflecting their desire for victory.