Only an empty camp and a scene of devastation remained before the pass.
When the news reached Longmen Pass, the defending soldiers were initially incredulous, but then erupted in thunderous cheers!
The joy of escaping from a desperate situation washed away the fatigue and fear of days of bloody battles.
However, when the news reached the Xijing Grand Commander's headquarters, it aroused great doubt.
"Ma Zongliang retired? How is that possible?"
Murong Chunhua was the first to express doubt, "He still has an absolute advantage in military strength. Although he suffered a setback at the hands of the Shenji Battalion, he was not seriously injured. Why did he suddenly abandon the siege?"
Tang Yanhai frowned deeply: "Something is definitely amiss! Could it be a trap to lure our army out of the pass for open battle?"
"Or perhaps our army achieved a great victory in the Luzhou and Zezhou directions, forcing Li Jingang to recall Ma Zongliang to reinforce them?" Some generals offered optimistic speculations.
There was much discussion within the headquarters, but no one seemed to grasp the point.
An eerie atmosphere permeated the air.
Zhao Muyun stood in front of the huge sand table, his brows furrowed.
His intuition told him that this was by no means a simple tactical adjustment or a ploy to lure the enemy.
Ma Zongliang's large-scale and decisive retreat must have been due to some major strategic change that forced Li Jingang to reduce his forces.
"Chen Qian!" Zhao Muyun suddenly looked up, his voice deep and serious. "Use all our channels, including those spies we've planted deepest in the capital!"
"At all costs, I must find out the real reason for Ma Zongliang's retreat as soon as possible! I need to know what exactly happened on Li Jingang's side!"
"Yes, Grand Commander!" Shen Qian accepted the order and hurriedly left.
The entire night-time surveillance system began operating with unprecedented efficiency.
Waiting is agonizing.
Within Xijing City, the various forces that had just calmed down due to the iron-fisted crackdown began to secretly speculate and observe again.
The convoy carrying the relocated capital slowed down as they awaited definitive news from the front.
A few days later, Shen Qian rushed back, covered in dust. He didn't even have time to change his dust-covered clothes before barging into the camp, his face showing unprecedented solemnity and a hint of disbelief.
"Grand Commander! The investigation is complete!"
Shen Qian's voice was hoarse from the urgency, "It's the Northern Barbarians! The Left Wise King of the Northern Barbarians, Wuzhu, has returned to the Northern Desert Court!"
The camp fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes were focused on Shen Qian.
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