Years turn into wind

Chapter 108 Before the Storm

Although Duan Yuxuan's plot was uncovered, Ling Xiaotian knew it was merely the calm before the storm. He still arranged for his confidants to conduct a secret investigation, narrowing the focus to several suspects while strengthening the defenses within the mansion.

To avoid attracting the enemy's attention, Ling Xiaotian superficially resumed his normal life, even taking Cheng Yuwei out of the house to relax. Together, they headed to the mountains and forests outside the city, away from the hustle and bustle, to enjoy a moment of tranquility. Cheng Yuwei sat on a bluestone, gazing at the distant scenery, a gentle breeze caressing her hair. Ling Xiaotian stood beside her, gazing at her affectionately, his eyes filled with gentle doting.

"Yuwei, if I could always spend time with you like this, whether it's ordinary or peaceful, that would be my greatest wish." Ling Xiaotian said softly, with a hint of attachment in his tone that he could hardly conceal.

Cheng Yuwei looked at him, her heart moved slightly, and she responded with a gentle smile: "Xiaotian, you are a general, and you have your mission and responsibilities. I understand your ambitions, and that's why I walk side by side with you." She reached out and gently stroked his face, her smile full of determination and warmth.

The two smiled at each other, as if they were the only ones left in the world. However, at this moment, a guard hurried over to report, "General! Duan Yuxuan is gathering a large force at the border and is coming with great force. Although he hasn't dispatched his troops yet, his presence is overwhelming."

Ling Xiaotian's face darkened, his brow furrowed. Duan Yuxuan's actions were quicker than he'd anticipated, clearly preparing for a complete break. Ling Xiaotian glanced at Cheng Yuwei, his eyes filled with apology. "Yuwei, it seems our peaceful time will have to be temporarily suspended."

Cheng Yuwei smiled slightly and held his hand soothingly: "Xiaotian, go. I will wait here for you to come back."

Ling Xiaotian nodded, gave her a gentle look, and turned to leave. Cheng Yuwei watched him walk away, silently praying that this battle would end quickly.

That night, Ling Xiaotian led his personal guards to guard the border, forming a standoff with Duan Yuxuan's troops. Although the two sides had not yet clashed, the tense atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive in the night. Cheng Yuwei remained at the mansion, anxiously awaiting news, her heart pounding with worry for Ling Xiaotian.

Late at night, a confidant delivered the latest intelligence to Cheng Yuwei. She read it carefully, her brow gradually furrowing. The letter mentioned that Duan Yuxuan planned to use the spy's information to launch a surprise attack when Ling Xiaotian was off guard.

Cheng Yuwei informed Ling Xiaotian of this intelligence overnight and offered him her strategic advice: "Xiaotian, we can't just sit there and wait for death. We can use smoke bombs to raid the enemy's center, disrupt Duan Yuxuan's command, and force him to retreat."

Ling Xiaotian pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement, "Yuwei, your idea is good. If we can capture Duan Yuxuan in one fell swoop, we can avoid further sacrifices."

Therefore, they decided to launch a night attack, using smoke bombs as cover to attack the enemy's core. Cheng Yuwei personally brought the prepared smoke bombs to the battlefield and assisted the soldiers in detonating them at the critical moment, successfully disrupting the enemy's formation in the chaos.

Ling Xiaotian seized the opportunity to lead his elite troops in a surprise attack, heading straight for Duan Yuxuan's central camp. Duan Yuxuan was caught off guard by the sudden smoke and attack, and just as he reacted, he was already surrounded by Ling Xiaotian. Gnashing his teeth, he sneered at Ling Xiaotian, "Ling Xiaotian, you still overestimate yourself. I've already made a backup plan. Capturing me may not be so easy!"

Ling Xiaotian sneered, "Duan Yuxuan, I wanted to give you a way out, but you kept pressing me and insisted on fighting to the death. Today is your end!"

At this moment, Duan Yuxuan suddenly blew a whistle, and dozens of elite soldiers emerged from the darkness, trapping Ling Xiaotian and his troops in the middle. Ling Xiaotian's face darkened, and he calmly directed his men to defend.

Seeing this, Cheng Yuwei couldn't help but rush forward to help him design a retreat route and use smoke bombs to provide cover again. They fought fiercely in the dark night and finally broke out of the smoke and retreated safely to the camp.

Back at the camp, Cheng Yuwei was covered in dust, her face slightly pale, but she remained calm. Ling Xiaotian looked at her and, with a look of heartache, pulled her into a hug. "Yuwei, you shouldn't have taken such a risk. This battle may not have completely defeated Duan Yuxuan, but it at least disrupted his plans."

Cheng Yuwei leaned gently on his shoulder and whispered, "Xiaotian, I am not afraid of danger. As long as I can fight side by side with you, it will be my greatest wish in this life."

Ling Xiaotian's eyes flashed with a complex emotion. He slowly caressed her face and whispered, "Yuwei, if one day we can return safely, I am willing to give up my power and accompany you away from the war to live an ordinary life."

Cheng Yuwei felt warm in her heart and nodded gently: "Xiaotian, no matter where you go, I will be by your side."

A small suspense: However, just as the two of them enjoy this moment of warmth, the spy in the dark once again informs Duan Yuxuan of this information. Duan Yuxuan, enraged, secretly formulates a more sinister plan, determined to defeat Ling Xiaotian in one fell swoop. What will be his next move?