After passing the Shule Pass, a report came from dozens of miles away that traces of the Turks had been discovered. Yue Zhan summoned his subordinates, and after several discussions, they finally decided that one team would intercept the Turks' retreat from the rear, while the main force would focus on counterattacking from the front.
Outside the tent where Shi Lan was, when she heard Yue Zhan say in a powerful voice that he would beat these barbarians until they were scared and hurt, her heart was pounding. She was worried that in the end, not only would he not hurt them, but he would also get himself into trouble.
In battle, speed is of the essence. Yue Zhan was a man of action. Once the general direction was decided, he ordered the army to march out. Shi Lan thought it over and over and finally knocked out the guards guarding his tent, disguised herself as him, and followed Yue Zhan into battle.
The bugle sounded and the war drums beat. Yue Zhan charged ahead with his long spear. Shi Lan's horsemanship was still lacking, and despite his best efforts, he still fell behind.
The Turks have lived on horseback since childhood, and Shi Lan's awkward movements were as conspicuous as a candle flame in their eyes. Some of the quick-witted ones immediately rushed towards her.
Shi Lan wielded her long sword. Although her technique was not as ruthless as others, it was still skillful. After slashing down several enemy soldiers blocking her way, she stared coldly at the other Turkic soldiers who had their eyes on her.
The Turkic soldiers were already thinking of killing as many as they could, and seeing that Shi Lan was a tough nut to crack, they naturally sent someone else instead. Only then did Shi Lan break free and rush towards Yue Zhan, who was half a zhang away.
Anything is possible on the battlefield. In the chaotic battle of tens of thousands of people, sharp blades flashed everywhere, and miserable screams and gushing blood were everywhere. After passing through several groups of people who had been knocked off their horses, Shi Lan finally caught up with Yue Zhan, who was fighting the enemy, and stood by his side to protect him.
Yue Zhan swiftly sent the person beside him flying, then suddenly turned to look at her. Shi Lan stiffened slightly, her face expressionless as she turned to look at him.
Yue Zhan flicked the tip of his spear and suddenly shot at her. Shi Lan felt her scalp tingle and her hair stand on end. Just as she was considering whether to parry with her sword, a scream came from behind her. A Turkic soldier who had tried to ambush her was stabbed in the neck and fell to the ground dead.
Yue Zhan grinned at her, revealing his white teeth, before turning back to the Turkic soldiers galloping towards him.
Shi Lan breathed a sigh of relief, her heart pounding a little less, but her heart started pounding again. Given the previous time the bewitching spell failed, she wasn't sure if Yue Zhan had seen through her disguise, especially since his smile was just like when he usually saw her.
Shi Lan patted the horse's body lightly, pondered for a moment, and then simply put it down.
Anyway, she's already here, so even if he finds out, it'll be too late.
The battle continued, and in the blink of an eye, nearly half of the Turkic soldiers had been killed or wounded. The leading general was already considering retreating, but Yue Zhan had no intention of letting them go. With a change of gesture, the ambush troops rushed in from behind the Turks. The Turkic general looked at the dark mass of Tang soldiers and his face turned ashen.
Yue Zhan smiled coldly and waved his long fingers. The brave soldiers rallied in unison, surging towards the Turkic troops like a black wave.
The Turkic general watched as his men were slaughtered like straw, and he knew that no matter whether he could return today, death awaited him.
Knowing the outcome he was about to face, the general seemed to have suddenly come to terms with it and decided to fight his soldiers with all his might.
This general must have been a warrior of his tribe. The soldiers of the Tang Dynasty surrounded him and fought several battles but were unable to take him down.
Yue Zhan, unwilling to delay the battle, urged his horse forward to prepare for a one-on-one duel.
Shi Lan was very worried and quickly followed.
Yue Zhan turned to look at her, seemingly disapproving, but said nothing.
Shi Lan pretended not to see him and followed closely behind.
The soldiers made way for Yue Zhan, who rode over, brandished his silver spear at the big-headed general, and assumed a fighting stance.
The general raised his heavy scimitar, roared angrily, and spurred his horse to strike him.
Yue Zhan smiled and effortlessly deflected the attack.
The two then engaged in a fierce battle, exchanging blows.
Shi Lan stood to one side, warily surveying her surroundings, worried about being attacked by a sneak arrow.
After several dozen rounds, the two fought to a draw, with Yue Zhan knocking the Turkic general's scimitar away and knocking him off his horse.
The Turkic general staggered two steps, seemingly about to fall, and Tang soldiers swarmed to capture him.
The general looked up and laughed loudly, then suddenly raised his arm toward Yue Zhan.
"Watch out!" Shi Lan sensed danger in that instant and immediately leaped off her horse, rushing straight towards Yue Zhan.
As if he had a premonition, Yue Zhan grabbed her around the waist and twisted his body to shield Shi Lan with his own body.
Shi Lan stared at him in alarm. Yue Zhan grunted, a smile playing on his lips, and said softly, "I swore I would never let you shield me from arrows again."
Shi Lan looked at him in surprise. Since she started doing missions, she had only done one thing that was selfless, but it wasn't for him.
Could he be...?
Shi Lan wanted to ask more questions, but when the soldiers saw that Yue Zhan was injured, they angrily stabbed the Turkic general into a pincushion. Several of his close subordinates rushed over to check on him. Shi Lan hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn't ask.
After his subordinates captured the remaining Turkic soldiers, the entire army returned to camp. After being examined by a doctor, it was confirmed that Yue Zhan was not seriously injured, and Shi Lan finally felt relieved.
This battle severely weakened the Turkic people, leaving their already small population in dire straits. It was estimated that they would not have the strength to fight again for the next ten years or so.
Yue Zhan brought Shi Lan back to the Protectorate General's Office, and Anxi returned to a peaceful and tranquil life.
Five years passed in the blink of an eye. Shi Lan lay on the couch, holding Yue Zhan's hand loosely, and said apologetically, "My love, I'm sorry, in the end I have to go first."
Yue Zhan smiled slightly and gently stroked her pale, thin face, which was thin from illness. "No, we promised to live and die together."
Shi Lan smiled silently, her heart churning with intense emotions.
But she knew these emotions were temporary; she was just passing through this place, and it would all eventually fade away.
Shi Lan paused for a moment, then said softly, "Don't talk nonsense. Take care of yourself before I leave."
Yue Zhan buried his head in her hands and didn't say anything.
Shi Lan sighed softly, then closed her eyes with a mixture of helplessness and reluctance.
Yue Zhan's upright back bent, his straight shoulders trembled slightly, and after a moment he looked up and stared at Shi Lan for a long time. Suddenly he drew a waist knife and plunged it straight into his chest and abdomen.
Blood trickled down the hilt of the knife, and Yue Zhan, a smile playing on his lips, slowly lay down beside Shi Lan.
He held her hand and whispered, "We promised to live and die together, you can't go back on your word!"
Shi Lan's soul floated up into the air, and looking at Yue Zhan who was also floating out, Shi Lan cursed him angrily as a fool.
Yue Zhan chuckled and reached out to grab her.
A vortex suddenly appeared, as if a gale had swept Shi Lan directly into it.
Yue Zhan's expression changed drastically. He stared grimly at the vortex and then plunged into it. (To be continued.)
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