Chapter 80: Fully Prepared for Life and Death
In the inner chambers of Lotus Tower, flickering candlelight cast the embraced figures against the wall, their lingering affection lingering. The air was filled with the respite of survivors and silent comfort. Li Lianhua buried his face in the crook of Di Feisheng's neck, feeling his steady heartbeat, as if this was the only way to confirm their true existence. Di Feisheng's arms tightly wrapped around his waist, his fingertips unconsciously caressing the old scars on his back, a kind of almost paranoid confirmation after having lost and regained.
"A Fei..." Li Lianhua's voice was hoarse after the incident, and she said softly, "The princess..."
Just these three words made the charming and warm atmosphere in the room solemn.
Di Feisheng closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, the intoxication in them had quickly given way to calmness and sharpness. He naturally understood what Li Lianhua had left unsaid—Princess Zhaoling had been held hostage by Dan Gudao because of them, and this matter could not be delayed. He gently kissed the top of Li Lianhua's head, his gesture soothing, but his tone had returned to the decisive and ruthless Di Alliance Leader:
"Yes. She must be saved. Shan Gudao must also die."
He loosened his embrace, but still held Li Lianhua's hand, his fingertips transmitting strength. They both quickly put on their clothes and stood up. The moment they had just lingered seemed like a brief recharge, giving them greater strength to face the bloody storm that was to come.
In the main hall of Lotus Tower, Fang Duobing had already been waiting anxiously. He Xiaohui from Tianji Villa and Yang Yunchun, representing the imperial court, had also arrived. Everyone felt a sense of relief when they saw Di Feisheng and Li Lianhua emerge together. Although their faces still showed signs of fatigue, their eyes had regained clarity and determination.
Fang Duobing spoke first, his tone urgent but clear: "After Shan Gudao kidnapped the princess, the activities of the All Saints Sect have become more rampant. According to intelligence from Tianji Villa, they seem to be secretly mobilizing troops and may have a bigger plan." He looked at Li Lianhua and Di Feisheng, his eyes full of trust and pleading.
He Xiaohui calmly replied, "Tianji Villa has mobilized all its undercover agents to track down the princess and Shan Gudao's hiding place. However, Shan Gudao is cunning, so we must be fully prepared."
Yang Yunchun, representing the imperial court, stated, "Your Majesty has learned of this matter and is furious. Our elite officers and soldiers are ready to cooperate, but a thorough plan is required to ensure the princess's safety."
Everyone's attention finally focused on Di Feisheng and Li Lianhua. They were the core of force and strategy, the soul of this operation.
Li Lianhua and Di Feisheng exchanged glances, a tacit understanding already established. With Li Lianhua leading the analysis and Di Feisheng providing additional input, a clear action plan was outlined:
1. Two-pronged investigation to lock in the target: The vast intelligence network of Tianji Villa and the elite spies of Lianhua Tower worked together, combined with official information provided by the court, to quickly locate the exact hiding place of Shan Gudao and the place where the princess was imprisoned.
2. Repairing the plank road in public and marching through Chencang in secret: Yang Yunchun led the court's open forces to vigorously clear out the outer strongholds of Wanshengdao, creating pressure and attracting the attention of Shan Gudao's main force.
3. Elite Assault, One-Strike Kill: Di Feisheng, Li Lianhua, and Fang Duobing form the core assault force, leading a small group of absolute experts in a precise assault. Di Feisheng attacks head-on, pinning down or even killing Shan Gudao; Li Lianhua, with her mastery of mechanical devices and pharmacology, is responsible for overcoming obstacles and ensuring the princess's safety; Fang Duobing provides support and handles emergencies.
4. Support from the rear and cut off the retreat: He Xiaohui is stationed in Tianji Villa, coordinating information from all parties and at the same time cutting off the possible external support and escape routes of Wanshengdao.
"This campaign isn't about personal grudges, it's about justice for the world," Li Lianhua concluded, sweeping her gaze over the crowd. Her gaunt face was filled with an undeniable determination. "Save the princess, punish the evildoers, and restore peace to the Jianghu and the court."
Di Feisheng gripped the knife tightly in his hand and said only one word in a deep voice, but it was as heavy as a thousand pounds:
"kill."
The plan was finalized, and everyone took their orders and hurried off to make preparations. Silence returned to the Lotus Tower, leaving only Di Feisheng and Li Lianhua.
The two stood by the window, looking out at the dark night. A storm was approaching, but this time, they stood side by side.
Li Lianhua exhaled softly: "Another fierce battle."
Di Feisheng turned his head to look at him, raised his hand, and very lightly brushed away the non-existent dust on his shoulder: "This time, I'm here."
Li Lianhua smiled slightly and reached out to hold his hand: "Always here."
The lights stretched out the two figures, interweaving them together, as if foreshadowing the upcoming battle. They would also be like this, trusting each other in life and death, never to be separated.
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