Chapter 115 Battle with Helian Xiyuan

After seven days of hurried travel, traversing the increasingly desolate official road and crossing the last mountain pass, the vast and boundless borderland finally opened up before us!

Before even approaching the border town of Shani, one could see the dark mass of people and banners fluttering in the wind outside the city!

"His Highness Prince Jing is back!"

"It's the Prince! The Prince is back!"

Someone shouted first, and instantly the entire area outside the city was ignited!

The roadsides were already packed with border residents and soldiers who had come spontaneously to welcome them! They wore simple clothes or weathered armor, but their faces radiated heartfelt joy and respect. Many veterans were even moved to tears, waving their arms vigorously.

When Mu Cenlin appeared in everyone's sight, a thunderous cheer erupted!

"Long live the Prince!"

"Welcome back to camp, Your Highness!"

The shouts grew louder and louder, shaking the very ground! Countless people desperately stuffed eggs, pancakes, and even dried meat strips that they themselves couldn't bear to eat into the hands of the soldiers in the ranks.

The children chased after the horses, calling out "Your Highness" in their childish voices.

The main generals guarding the border were already fully armed and led their personal guards in a solemn line. Upon seeing Mu Cenlin, they all knelt on one knee in unison, the clanging of their armor resounding powerfully, their roars shaking the heavens.

"We, your humble servants, respectfully welcome the Marshal back to camp! The entire city of Sha Nie follows your lead!"

Sitting in the carriage, Li Bao'er watched this breathtaking scene through the window. Looking at the man on horseback, who was sincerely loved by thousands of soldiers and civilians and was like a pillar of strength, she felt an indescribable sense of pride and emotion.

She finally witnessed his prestige on the frontier, a reputation he earned through countless bloody battles and his genuine care for his soldiers and the people!

Li Bao'er finally understood how hard-won Mu Cenlin's achievements were, having fought alongside General Zhang Lin on this land since childhood. He was truly a wonderful person, never giving up despite being born in a desolate place.

Li Yu was even more excited, her face flushed with excitement. She gripped the reins tightly, looking at her brother-in-law's back with boundless admiration and longing in her eyes.

There was only one thought in my mind: This is what a real man is! A true man should be like this!

Mu Cen sat upright on his horse, raised his hand, and gestured for everyone to rise. As his eyes swept over the familiar faces, a warm current also flashed deep in his eyes.

This is his true foundation, the place he can protect with the sword in his hand.

"All soldiers, rise! Fellow villagers of Shani City, you have worked hard!" His deep and powerful voice rang out clearly, instantly drawing an even more enthusiastic cheer.

Mu Cenlin tightened the reins, and the horse turned back towards the carriage. He dismounted, walked to the curtain, and whispered, "Madam, would you like to meet my family?"

Long, strong fingers lifted the curtain, and Mu Cenlin's gentle and relaxed demeanor caught Bao'er's eye. This was a side of him she had never seen before—confident and at ease.

Bao'er's eyes instantly curved into a smile, and she placed her hand in his palm without hesitation, saying, "I'd be more than happy to."

Many soldiers and civilians had heard that Prince Jing had married in the capital. They were initially worried that the marriage was not what the prince wanted, but when they saw a woman with an exquisite appearance, noble air, and celestial beauty being carefully helped off the carriage by the prince, they immediately understood.

The prince was extremely pleased with this marriage!

The previously noisy scene fell silent for a moment, and all eyes were focused on the perfect couple.

"Gentlemen! Soldiers of Shani City, elders and fellow countrymen!" He raised his hand, which was clasped with Li Bao'er's. "This is my queen, Li Bao'er! Today, I bring her here, to this land that I have protected with my life, to introduce her to you!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the majestic city walls before him and the distant, boundless mountains, a hint of nostalgia flickering in his eyes: "I also hope... that old fellow who might be watching us from who knows where right now knows... the person he always talked about... I've married her!"

Who doesn't know that General Zhang Lin longed to witness the Prince's marriage? Now, His Highness Prince Jing has married his princess and brought back the land where they once fought side by side!

In an instant, tears welled up in the eyes of many veterans, their gazes softening as they looked at Li Bao'er, filled with the loving care and comfort of elders. Cheers erupted again, this time brimming with deeper blessings and acceptance!

"Long live the Princess!"

"Congratulations, Your Highness! Congratulations, Your Highness!"

"The old general will be overjoyed when he finds out!"

Bao'er squeezed his hand tightly, looked up at him and gave him a bright, sunny smile. Heaven above and the north wind as witness, they would never be separated.

*

After only a few days of rest, the border war became critical, with the Western Regions allied forces advancing aggressively and constantly provoking and invading the border.

Mu Cenlin mustered his troops and personally led his elite forces to the front lines. Li Bao'er was ordered to remain in the relatively safe rear camp, while Li Yu, with his fearless spirit and decent skills, persistently pestered Mu Cenlin until he was finally allowed to accompany him as one of his personal guards.

The war was exceptionally fierce from the moment it began.

Yellow sand filled the sky, swords gleamed, and blood stained battle robes.

However, under Mu Cenlin's command, the Da Lin border army was like a tiger released from its cage, fearless and cunning, and won several great victories in succession.

Having personally experienced many war scenes, Li Yu also shed her naivety and impetuosity, with only the red headband on her forehead shining brighter amidst the smoke of battle.

On this day, war broke out again. The two armies faced each other on a vast Gobi Desert, swords drawn and crossbows drawn, the air thick with the tension of battle.

As usual, Mu Cenlin took the lead, standing at the front of the formation. His black armor gleamed in the twilight, and his spear pointed diagonally at the ground, its tassel stained with blood, his imposing aura unstoppable. Suddenly, the Western Region army formation parted to the sides like a tide, and a general rode out slowly.

This man was clad in the magnificent gold-patterned armor unique to the Western Regions royal family, and his face was partially covered by an exquisite golden mask. When he removed the mask, revealing his exceptionally handsome face and light blue eyes, Mu Cenlin's pupils constricted sharply!

It's Nishigaki!

"Your Highness Prince Jing, how have you been?" Xi Yuan's voice drifted on the wind. "Let's get to know each other again. I am Helian Xi Yuan, the Second Prince of the Western Regions. Today, I will be your opponent!"

Upon seeing this person, Li Yu's grip on his sword tightened abruptly. It was he who had taken Ling Jin away! Li Yu looked around, but he couldn't find any familiar faces among the dense ranks of the Western Region army. A chill ran through him.

Ling Jin, if you insist on doing this, then my sister and I will pretend that you have never been a relative of ours.

Mu Cenlin's eyes were icy cold as he slightly raised his spear: "New and old scores, we'll settle them all today!"

Helian Xiyuan laughed loudly and drew his curved sword: "Just what I wanted!"