Years turn into wind

Chapter 201: Deployment before Dawn

The battle in the meeting room

The morning sun streamed through the cracks in the tent. Although the weather was clear, the atmosphere in the command tent was unusually tense. Ling Xiaotian summoned all the senior officers for a heated discussion around the map on the table.

"The main force of the Zhao army has moved to the southeastern mountains. They intend to outflank us," a staff officer said, pointing to a key point on the map. "But their logistics routes are exposed. We can seize the opportunity to cut them off and force them into a difficult situation."

"This plan is good, but it also carries risks," another officer objected. "If our troops are tied down in the rear, the enemy might concentrate their forces to attack the main camp. Can our defense hold up?"

"So, we need to divide our forces." Ling Xiaotian's deep voice interrupted the debate, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "The main force will remain at the camp to ensure the safety of the core position. Send out an elite squad to seize the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on the enemy's logistics and disrupt their deployment."

"But who will lead this team?" the deputy general asked with a frown. "This mission is fraught with danger. It requires not only tactical acumen but also strong execution."

The conference room was silent. Everyone understood that cutting off the enemy's logistics meant going deep behind enemy lines, and the slightest mistake would mean death.

"I'll go myself." Ling Xiaotian said without hesitation.

Cheng Yuwei stood outside the tent and heard his decision through the gap, and her heart suddenly tightened.

Dispute and compromise

After the meeting, Cheng Yuwei stopped Ling Xiaotian as soon as he came out.

"Are you planning to go yourself?" Her voice was filled with anxiety. "Xiaotian, this mission is too dangerous. You're the commander-in-chief. You can't take risks lightly!"

"Weiwei, this is a battlefield. No one can guarantee absolute safety," Ling Xiaotian explained patiently. "This operation must succeed. I understand the tactics better than anyone else, and I'm more confident."

Cheng Yuwei shook her head, her eyes full of worry: "But have you ever thought about what would happen to the entire army if something happened to you? Who would take command?"

Ling Xiaotian was silent for a moment and sighed: "I know you are worried about me, but this is not a reason to run away. Don't worry, I will be absolutely safe."

Cheng Yuwei pursed her lips, feeling a complex mix of emotions. She knew Ling Xiaotian's character very well, and that almost no one could change the decisions he made, but she couldn't bear to see him take risks alone.

"Then I'll go with you." She suddenly said firmly.

"Absolutely not!" Ling Xiaotian refused almost subconsciously, "This mission is too dangerous. I can't let you take any risks."

"Xiaotian, I'm not useless." Cheng Yuwei looked him straight in the eye with a firm tone, "This mission requires precise judgment and detailed analysis. I can help you formulate the most appropriate action plan. Besides, didn't you say that you wanted us to fight side by side?"

Ling Xiaotian looked at her, a trace of struggle flashing in his eyes. He certainly knew Cheng Yuwei's ability and understood that she was right, but letting her take risks was the last thing he wanted to see in his heart.

"Okay." Finally, he compromised, "But you must obey my command and are not allowed to act on your own."

Cheng Yuwei nodded and smiled: "I promise you."

Preparation under the night

At night, the expeditionary team began to gather secretly. Cheng Yuwei put on a military uniform that was easy to move in and put a short knife on her waist. Although she was not good at using weapons, she knew that this was her last resort to save her life when necessary.

Ling Xiaotian walked up to her, carefully checked her equipment, and then whispered, "If the situation changes, you retreat immediately. Do you understand?"

"I understand." Cheng Yuwei nodded. Although her tone was calm, her eyes were firm.

The squad consisted of twenty men, all elite soldiers hand-picked by Ling Xiaotian. They would march at night, overcoming the enemy's defenses and advancing directly behind enemy lines.

Before leaving, the soldiers in the camp watched the team set off silently in the dark. They knew that this was a key action that would determine the outcome of the battle.

Infiltrate behind enemy lines

The moonlight shone on the mountain path, providing some light for the night marching team. The soldiers held their breath and tried to walk lightly to avoid making any noise.

"There's a sentry ahead." The scout reported in a low voice.

Ling Xiaotian gently waved his hand to signal the entire team to stop. He and several soldiers quickly approached the enemy outpost and dispatched the guard with daggers. The entire process was quick and clean, making almost no sound.

Cheng Yuwei stood in the back, watching Ling Xiaotian's skillful movements with a mixture of admiration and worry. She knew his abilities on the battlefield were unmatched, but precisely because of this, he always rushed to the most dangerous places.

After several hours of trekking, the team finally approached the enemy's logistics camp. In the distance, the camp's firelight was faintly visible, and the soldiers were unloading supplies, apparently unaware of the approaching crisis.

Ling Xiaotian whispered, "According to the plan, split into two teams. One team will be responsible for placing the explosives, and the other will be responsible for providing cover and retreat."

Cheng Yuwei made a suggestion based on the terrain: "The explosives must be buried near the food and grass piles, so as to maximize the damage to their logistical supply."

Ling Xiaotian nodded: "I'll listen to you."

The soldiers quickly split up and the whole process was tense and orderly. However, just as the explosives were about to be placed, a burst of dog barking suddenly rang out, followed by the shouting of an enemy patrol.

"Exposed!" a soldier whispered.

Ling Xiaotian made a prompt decision: "Retreat immediately!"

Tacit understanding in crisis

The team quickly evacuated, but the enemy pursuers soon caught up with them. Fierce gunfire rang out in the forest, and the firelight and moonlight intertwined, turning this quiet mountain into a battlefield.

Cheng Yuwei followed closely behind Ling Xiaotian, her dagger gripped tightly in her hand due to nervousness. Suddenly, a bullet grazed her shoulder, causing a sharp pain.

"Vivi!" Ling Xiaotian turned around suddenly, protected her behind him, and at the same time fired to repel the pursuers.

"I'm fine!" Cheng Yuwei gritted her teeth, enduring the pain.

Ling Xiaotian's eyes flashed with anger, but now was not the time to blame her. He pulled her quickly through the woods and finally took shelter in a secluded cave.

The gunshots outside gradually faded away. Ling Xiaotian checked Cheng Yuwei's wound and was glad that it was only a flesh wound.

"You always make me worry." He whispered, with helplessness and heartache in his tone.

Cheng Yuwei looked up at him and smiled: "This time I didn't act on my own, you brought me here."

Ling Xiaotian sighed helplessly and held her in his arms: "No matter what, nothing can happen to you. I can give up my life, but not you."

"Don't be silly." Cheng Yuwei leaned on his shoulder and replied in a low voice, "We all need to be safe."