Years turn into wind

Chapter 206 Breakout and Staying Together

Difficult mountain road

The terrain in the eastern forests proved more difficult than anyone had imagined. The path was rugged, muddy, and overgrown with thorns, slowing the entire team's progress. The wounded endured the excruciating pain and pressed forward, but several of the most seriously injured were nearing their limit.

"Sir, we must take a short break, otherwise the wounded will not be able to hold on." The adjutant stepped forward and reminded.

Ling Xiaotian glanced back at the team, his gaze lingering on Cheng Yuwei's face for a moment. He knew she had exhausted all her energy on the wounded, but she was forcing herself to stay strong in order to boost morale.

"There's a cave a mile ahead where we can temporarily camp." Ling Xiaotian pointed to the distance. "Once we get there, everyone can rest for an hour."

The team set out again, the soldiers gritting their teeth and supporting each other as they moved forward. Cheng Yuwei fell behind, accompanying the two most seriously injured soldiers, checking on their conditions as they walked.

"Sister-in-law, you don't have to worry about us..." One of the soldiers said with sweat on his face and panting.

"Stop talking nonsense and focus on walking." Cheng Yuwei's tone was tolerant of rebuttal, but her eyes were full of concern. "If you can hold on, you'll be saved."

The two soldiers exchanged glances, their eyes filled with unspoken respect. They had initially thought this woman from the city was merely a burden, but they hadn't expected her calmness and perseverance on the battlefield to rival any veteran.

A brief moment of peace in the cave

After arriving at the cave, the soldiers quickly cleared an area and laid out hay to make a simple resting place. Cheng Yuwei busily checked on the wounded one by one, and only breathed a sigh of relief when the last soldier lay down to rest, and then she sat down on the ground herself.

Ling Xiaotian handed over a pot of water: "Drink some."

Cheng Yuwei took it, tilted her head back and drank a few sips, only to find that her throat was dry and painful. She wiped the corner of her mouth and asked softly, "What's next? Continue to go east?"

Ling Xiaotian nodded. "Although the mountain road to the east is difficult to travel, it is the safest option compared to confronting the enemy head-on."

"Xiaotian..." Cheng Yuwei looked into his eyes and said seriously, "No matter what happens, I will go on with you."

Ling Xiaotian was slightly stunned, then reached out and pinched her face: "Silly girl, with you by my side, what else can I be afraid of?"

She smiled lightly, but then turned serious again: "But you have to promise me that no matter what happens, don't act stubbornly."

"Okay, I agree." Ling Xiaotian nodded solemnly.

Enemy Approaching

The rest time passed quickly and the team set out again. However, not long after they got there, the scouts brought back disturbing news: enemy pursuers were approaching from the south, and the eastern exit might have been ambushed.

"It seems the enemy is faster than we expected." The adjutant frowned and said, "Sir, what should we do next?"

Ling Xiaotian pondered for a moment, his eyes becoming fierce. "Divide into two groups. The main force will attract the enemy's attention from the south. Yu Wei and the wounded will follow me along the eastern path."

"No!" Cheng Yuwei immediately objected, "It's too dangerous for you to distract the enemy alone."

"Yuwei, this is not the time to be willful." Ling Xiaotian held her hand, his tone soft but firm, "Only in this way can we ensure that most people get out alive."

Cheng Yuwei gritted her teeth and said, "Then you should at least bring a few people with you."

Ling Xiaotian nodded, a compromise: "Okay, I'll bring a few highly mobile team members."

Finally the plan was finalized and the team quickly dispersed.

Breaking through the dangerous road

The path on the east side could hardly be called a "road," filled with steep slopes and loose rocks. Cheng Yuwei supported the wounded along the way, while Ling Xiaotian explored the way ahead, occasionally looking back to check on her.

"Sister-in-law, slow down!" A soldier saw Cheng Yuwei almost slipping and quickly supported her.

"It's okay, keep going." Cheng Yuwei waved her hand, but a sense of unease arose in her heart.

Suddenly, gunshots were heard from the front, followed by Ling Xiaotian's voice: "Hide!"

As expected, the enemy's ambush team was already lying in wait at the exit of the path. Ling Xiaotian quickly directed his team to fight back while simultaneously covering the wounded and retreating to the relative safety of the hillside.

Cheng Yuwei's heart was in her throat, but she forced herself to calm down and whispered to the wounded around her: "Don't panic, follow the instructions!"

A miracle in despair

The two sides remained deadlocked for nearly half an hour. Ling Xiaotian noticed that the enemy's firepower was gradually weakening, and realized that they might be mobilizing other teams for reinforcements. He whispered to his adjutant, "Get everyone ready. Let's rush out while the enemy changes their defense."

Cheng Yuwei also heard his plan and couldn't help but nervously grabbed his hand: "Xiaotian..."

Ling Xiaotian turned around and gave her an encouraging smile: "Believe me, we will definitely get out."

He protected her behind him and took the lead in charging towards the enemy position. Gunfire rang out again, but Ling Xiaotian remained firm, as if nothing could stop him.

"Hurry, catch up!" Cheng Yuwei gritted her teeth and shouted, supporting a wounded man and chasing after him.

Finally, they succeeded in breaking through the enemy's blockade. Although several soldiers lost their lives, most of them escaped alive from this dangerous mountain forest.

A new beginning

As night fell, the team set up camp in a secluded valley. While Cheng Yuwei was busy bandaging the wounded, Ling Xiaotian came over and gently pulled her aside.

"You should rest too." His tone was filled with heartache.

Cheng Yuwei shook her head: "It's okay, I can still hold on."

Ling Xiaotian sighed and put his arm around her shoulders: "Yuwei, this time it's all thanks to you."

She leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "As long as you are here, everything is worth it."

Ling Xiaotian tightened his grip and whispered, "From now on, we will definitely have a day without war."

"Well, I believe you." Cheng Yuwei's answer was brief but firm.

The two looked at each other, and although the world around them was still in turmoil, there was a flame of hope burning in their eyes.