The Rong army's victory in the valley struck Murong Xuan like a heavy hammer blow. Upon hearing the news of the defeat in the Mu Kingdom's palace, he angrily smashed his wine cup to pieces, the wine splashing onto the luxurious carpet, a reflection of his shattered ambition.
"Useless! A bunch of useless trash! You can't even defend a valley, what use are you to me, the prince!" Murong Xuan roared, his face flushed red, his eyes burning with rage.
The officials stood silently before the prince, trembling with fear, not daring to utter a word. They knew that angering Murong Xuan at this moment would be tantamount to courting death. Only the strategist, Eunuch Li, steeled himself and stepped forward, saying, "Your Highness, please calm your anger. The Rong Kingdom's surprise attack must have been prepared. Although our army has suffered a temporary setback, our strength has not been damaged, and we can still devise a new plan."
Murong Xuan glared at him fiercely: "Replan? Tell me, how should we plan? My time is running out. If the Rong Kingdom finds that mysterious ruin first, our Mu Kingdom will become a laughing stock!"
Eunuch Li wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said cautiously, "Your Highness, I believe we can take advantage of Rong Kingdom's exploration of the mysterious ruins to regroup our army and launch a frontal assault on Rong Kingdom's border. Rong Kingdom currently has most of its forces concentrated in the valleys, so its border defenses must be weak. When they return to reinforce, we can ambush them and surely defeat Rong Kingdom."
After listening, Murong Xuan pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Although this plan is risky, it is still a viable option. Go and make the arrangements immediately. I, the prince, want Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er to know that anyone who opposes me, Murong Xuan, will only face death!"
"Yes, Your Highness." Eunuch Li accepted the order and left.
In a valley on the border of Rong Kingdom, Xiao Yichen was leading his soldiers to study the runes on a stone gate. Lin Wan'er observed closely, using her mind-reading ability to try and find some inspiration about the runes from the soldiers' thoughts. However, these runes were ancient and mysterious, seemingly containing power beyond ordinary comprehension. The soldiers racked their brains but found no clues.
“General, these runes look like an ancient formation, but they’re different from any formations I’m familiar with,” an older soldier said, frowning.
Xiao Yichen gently stroked the runes on the stone door and said, "This must be the key to opening the stone door. We cannot give up; we must continue searching for clues."
Just then, soldiers patrolling outside the valley came to report that the Mu Kingdom's army was surging towards the Rong Kingdom's border. Xiao Yichen's heart tightened; he knew that Murong Xuan was going to make a desperate gamble.
"Pass on my order: leave a portion of the soldiers to continue studying the Stone Gate, and the rest will return with me to reinforce the border!" Xiao Yichen decisively gave the order.
The Rong Kingdom's army sprang into action, rushing towards the border. Lin Wan'er watched Xiao Yichen's resolute figure, a wave of worry washing over her. She knew this would be an extremely difficult battle, and their fate would be decided in it.
When the Rong Kingdom's army arrived at the border, the Mu Kingdom's army was already at the city gates. Murong Xuan rode a tall horse, his magnificent armor gleaming blindingly in the sunlight. He looked at Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er on the city wall, a ferocious smile on his face.
"Xiao Yichen, Lin Wan'er, today is your death day! My army will crush Rong Kingdom, so you should obediently accept your fate!" Murong Xuan shouted loudly.
Standing on the city wall, Xiao Yichen coldly replied, "Murong Xuan, don't be so smug. The people and soldiers of Rong Kingdom are united and will not let you succeed!"
The battle erupted immediately, with the Mu Kingdom's army surging towards the Rong Kingdom's border like a tidal wave. They erected siege ladders, attempting to breach the city. The Rong Kingdom's soldiers fought back fiercely, retaliating with stones and arrows. Xiao Yichen personally directed the battle from the city walls; his figure, like a towering mountain, inspired boundless courage in his soldiers.
Lin Wan'er, meanwhile, used her mind-reading ability within the city to sense the tactical changes of the Mu Kingdom's army. She discovered that while Murong Xuan was attacking the city, he had also dispatched an elite force that had circled around to the rear of the city, attempting a surprise attack from behind.
"General, Murong Xuan has sent a troop to circle around to the rear. We need to prepare for this as soon as possible," Lin Wan'er hurriedly reported to Xiao Yichen.
Xiao Yichen was startled and immediately dispatched some soldiers to the rear for defense. However, the Mu Kingdom's frontal attack became increasingly fierce, and the Rong Kingdom's soldiers gradually found themselves unable to withstand it.
Just at this critical moment, reinforcements from Rong Kingdom arrived. It turned out that after learning of the dire situation at the border, the king had swiftly dispatched reinforcements from within the kingdom. The arrival of these reinforcements greatly boosted the morale of the Rong army, who rallied and engaged in a fierce battle with the Mu army.
Seeing the situation was dire, Murong Xuan panicked. He hadn't expected the Rong Kingdom's reinforcements to arrive so quickly, and his plan was beginning to falter. But unwilling to accept defeat, he decided to personally lead his guards to storm the Rong Kingdom's city gates.
"Charge! This prince will personally cut off Xiao Yichen's head!" Murong Xuan shouted, brandishing his spear.
His guards charged toward the city gate like a pack of mad wolves. Seeing this, Xiao Yichen also led the city's elite troops out to meet them in battle.
The two generals met again on the battlefield, their gazes clashing as if sparks were flying. Xiao Yichen brandished his sword, unleashing a fierce swordsmanship, while Murong Xuan was not to be outdone, his spear wielding a relentless and impenetrable attack.
The two fought fiercely for dozens of rounds, and Murong Xuan gradually found himself at a disadvantage. He was anxious but helpless. Meanwhile, Lin Wan'er used her mind-reading ability in the city to interfere with Murong Xuan's thinking, making his attacks slow and chaotic.
Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Yichen thrust his sword towards Murong Xuan's chest. Murong Xuan couldn't dodge in time and was struck, blood gushing out. His eyes widened as he stared at Xiao Yichen, his face filled with resentment and despair.
“You… you actually…” Murong Xuan murmured, then fell off his horse and collapsed to the ground.
Upon seeing the prince wounded and fallen, the Mu army was thrown into chaos. They ceased their attack and fled in all directions. The Rong army pursued their victory, utterly defeating the Mu army.
Murong Xuan lay on the ground, gazing at the sky, his heart filled with regret. His ambition, his dreams, had vanished in this moment. He knew he had reached a dead end, and that the Rong Kingdom, under the protection of Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er, would usher in peace and tranquility.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er breathed a sigh of relief as they watched the defeated Mu army. This long and brutal war had finally come to an end. They knew that the road ahead was still long, but as long as they worked together, Rong Kingdom would surely prosper.
Murong Xuan collapsed to the ground, severely wounded. The shouts of battle around him gradually subsided, leaving behind a thick stench of blood and gunpowder. Xiao Yichen, sword stained with blood, slowly approached Murong Xuan, his eyes cold and resolute, each step carrying immense weight. Lin Wan'er followed behind him, her gaze a complex mix of emotions—a mixture of relief that the war was finally coming to an end and a trace of pity for this once ambitious enemy.
Murong Xuan lay on the ground, blood gushing from the wound in his chest. His face was ashen, but a hint of stubbornness and resentment still lingered in his eyes. He looked at Xiao Yichen and spoke with difficulty, "Xiao Yichen, do you think... you've won? I... I won't be defeated so easily..."
Xiao Yichen stood before him, looking down at him, and said coldly, "Murong Xuan, your ambition has cost countless lives. Today is your end."
Murong Xuan suddenly burst into laughter, the sound jarringly loud on the silent battlefield: "Doomsday? Hahahaha... Even if I die, the world will not be at peace. The secret of that mysterious ruin... You will never find it..."
Lin Wan'er's heart stirred; she remembered the stone door in the valley, engraved with runes. She stepped forward and said softly, "Murong Xuan, if you tell us the truth about the mysterious ruins, perhaps you can lessen your sins."
Murong Xuan turned to look at Lin Wan'er, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes: "Lin Wan'er, do you think I'd tell you? Your Rong Kingdom... shouldn't even think about monopolizing the power within the ruins..."
Xiao Yichen frowned. He knew Murong Xuan was already at his limit, but his words made him uneasy. He didn't want to get entangled with Murong Xuan any longer, so he raised his sword, preparing to deliver the final blow.
Just then, Murong Xuan suddenly pulled out a black sphere from his pocket, the sphere shimmering with an eerie light. He used all his strength to throw the sphere towards Xiao Yichen.
"Watch out!" Lin Wan'er exclaimed, instinctively using her mind-reading ability to sense the danger sphere. However, she discovered that the sphere seemed to be sealed by a mysterious force, and she was unable to decipher its secrets.
Xiao Yichen reacted quickly, dodging to the side as the sphere grazed his body and landed on the ground a short distance away. The moment it touched the ground, it emitted a burst of intense light that instantly spread outwards, enveloping everything around it.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er felt a blinding white light before their eyes, unable to see anything. Startled, they immediately stood back to back, warily scanning their surroundings.
Suddenly, a sinister laugh echoed from the light: "Xiao Yichen, Lin Wan'er, welcome to my domain of death. Here, you will become my burial offerings."
Murong Xuan's voice seemed to come from all directions, making it impossible to pinpoint his location. Xiao Yichen felt a chill run down his spine; he knew this was Murong Xuan's final, desperate move before his death.
"Wan'er, be careful," Xiao Yichen said in a low voice.
Lin Wan'er nodded, concentrating her efforts to try and use her mind-reading ability to locate Murong Xuan again. However, within this strange field of light, her mind-reading ability was severely limited, allowing her to sense only some vague auras.
Just then, a dark figure flashed out from the light and pounced towards Lin Wan'er. Xiao Yichen reacted swiftly, brandishing his sword and thrusting it at the figure. The figure dodged Xiao Yichen's attack and then quickly disappeared into the light.
"What kind of sorcery is this?" Xiao Yichen asked, frowning.
Lin Wan'er was also filled with doubt. She knew this must be a power related to that mysterious ruin. They had to find a way to break it as soon as possible, or they would be in dire straits.
"General, let's try walking towards the edge of the light and see if we can leave this area," Lin Wan'er suggested.
Xiao Yichen nodded in agreement, and they cautiously walked in one direction. However, no matter how far they walked, the surrounding light remained unchanged, as if they were going around in circles.
"Damn it, we're trapped!" Xiao Yichen said angrily.
Just as they were feeling somewhat desperate, Lin Wan'er suddenly felt a faint power surging in her mind. A thought struck her, and she closed her eyes, concentrating on sensing this power.
Gradually, she realized that this power seemed to be guiding her to find Murong Xuan's weakness. She opened her eyes and said to Xiao Yichen, "General, I sensed something. Let's go this way."
Although Xiao Yichen had some doubts, he trusted Lin Wan'er's intuition. They walked in the direction Lin Wan'er pointed.
When they reached a certain spot, Lin Wan'er suddenly stopped. Looking ahead, she said, "Murong Xuan, just stay here. Stop hiding."
Before the words were finished, Murong Xuan's figure slowly emerged from the light. His face was even paler, and blood was still flowing from his wounds, but his eyes revealed madness and determination.
"You actually managed to find me... But that doesn't matter anymore. Today, let's all perish together here!" Murong Xuan roared.
He brandished his spear and charged towards Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er. Xiao Yichen met him head-on, and the two engaged in another fierce battle.
Within this strange realm of light, their moves became even more ferocious, each strike embodying a life-or-death struggle. Lin Wan'er watched the battle intently from the sidelines, using her mind-reading abilities to disrupt Murong Xuan's thoughts while simultaneously searching for an opportunity to help Xiao Yichen.
Xiao Yichen and Murong Xuan fought fiercely for dozens of rounds, both of them exhausted. But Xiao Yichen had only one belief in his heart: to defeat Murong Xuan and protect Rong Kingdom and Lin Wan'er.
Finally, Xiao Yichen seized the opportunity and unleashed his ultimate move, the "Wind-Breaking Sword Technique," sending a sharp sword aura hurtling towards Murong Xuan. Murong Xuan was unable to dodge in time and was struck by the sword aura, his body flying away like a kite with a broken string.
He fell heavily to the ground and remained motionless. As Murong Xuan died, the surrounding field of light gradually disappeared, and everything returned to normal.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er gazed at the lifeless Murong Xuan, a sense of relief washing over them. They had finally won this final showdown. But they also knew that the secrets of the mysterious ruins still awaited their exploration, and that the future of the Rong Kingdom held many challenges for them to face.
With Murong Xuan's fall, the breathtaking and protracted war between the Rong and Mu kingdoms finally came to an end. The smoke of battle gradually dissipated, leaving behind only a devastated land, silently recounting the past tragedy and devastation.
Standing in the center of the battlefield, Xiao Yichen gazed at the exhausted yet triumphant soldiers around him, his heart filled with mixed emotions. This victory had been won at the cost of countless lives; every inch of the land was stained crimson with blood. He slowly raised his hand, as if to touch the sky ravaged by war, but felt only an unbearable weight on his arm.
Lin Wan'er walked to his side and gently took his slightly trembling hand. Her gaze was gentle yet firm, like a clear spring that could wash away the weariness and sorrow in his heart. "General, we have won," she said softly, her voice carrying far in the silent post-war ruins.
Xiao Yichen turned to look at her, forcing a smile: "Yes, we won. But the price of this victory was too heavy."
Lin Wan'er nodded slightly, knowing the pain Xiao Yichen was feeling. She looked around, watching the wounded soldiers struggling to move with the help of their comrades, and a strong sense of mission welled up within her. "General," she said, "the most urgent task now is to treat the wounded and settle the people. Although the war is over, the road to rebuilding Rong Kingdom has only just begun."
Xiao Yichen took a deep breath, straightened his spine, and the fortitude and responsibility of a general returned to him. "You're right, Wan'er. We cannot let the blood of our soldiers be shed in vain. We must rebuild a prosperous and strong Rong Kingdom."
Under Xiao Yichen's command, the Rong Kingdom's army quickly launched post-war rescue and resettlement work. The soldiers were divided into several teams, some responsible for finding and treating the wounded, carefully carrying them onto stretchers and sending them to the makeshift medical tents; others searched for surviving civilians in the ruins, providing them with food, water and shelter.
Lin Wan'er wasn't idle either. She used her mind-reading ability to comfort those traumatized by war and tormented by their spirits. She entered a village filled with ruins and saw an old woman sitting in front of the crumbling walls of her house, her eyes vacant, muttering to herself. Lin Wan'er approached her, gently took her hand, and used her mind-reading ability to sense the fear and despair within her.
“Grandma, don’t be afraid. The war is over, you are safe. Rongguo will rebuild its home, and everything will be alright.” Lin Wan’er said gently, while transmitting a warm feeling to the old woman through her palm.
The old woman slowly raised her head, looking at Lin Wan'er, her eyes gradually focusing. "Young lady, will things really get better? My son... he's on the battlefield..." As she spoke, tears welled up in the old woman's eyes again.
Lin Wan'er felt a pang of sorrow in her heart. She hugged the old woman tightly and said, "Auntie, your son is a hero. He fought bravely to protect Rong Kingdom, to protect you and everyone else. His sacrifice will not be in vain, and Rong Kingdom will forever remember his deeds."
With Lin Wan'er's comforting words, the old woman gradually calmed down. Lin Wan'er got up and continued to wander through the village, using her mind-reading abilities and kindness to bring hope and solace to everyone in need.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yichen was discussing the reconstruction plan of Rong Kingdom with his generals in the military camp.
"General, this war has severely damaged our border defenses, which need to be repaired and strengthened as soon as possible," a general said.
Xiao Yichen nodded in agreement: "Not only that, domestic agriculture and commerce have also been greatly impacted by the war. We must encourage the people to resume production, reduce or exempt taxes, and at the same time, unblock trade routes and promote trade."
"Furthermore, the army also needs rest and expansion. We need to select outstanding new recruits, strengthen their training, and improve the overall quality of the army to cope with potential future threats," another general added.
Xiao Yichen pondered for a moment and said, "These all require a lot of manpower, material resources, and financial resources. We need to report to the monarch and request the court's support and allocation. At the same time, we can also call on the people of Rong to voluntarily participate in the reconstruction. I believe everyone will work hard for their homeland."
After discussion among the participants, a detailed reconstruction plan for Rong Kingdom gradually took shape. Xiao Yichen then went to the palace to present the reconstruction plan to the king and elaborated on its key points.
The king sat on his throne in the palace. After listening to Xiao Yichen's report, he nodded slightly: "General Xiao, you and your soldiers have made great contributions in this war. This reconstruction plan is very comprehensive, and I will give it my full support. Rong Kingdom's victory today is inseparable from your and Miss Lin Wan'er's efforts."
Xiao Yichen bowed respectfully: "Your Majesty, it is my duty to protect Rong Kingdom. Miss Lin Wan'er also played an important role in the war; her mind-reading ability has helped our army turn the tide of battle on many occasions."
The king smiled and said, "I am aware of Miss Lin Wan'er's achievements. Once the Rong Kingdom is rebuilt, I will certainly reward you handsomely."
After leaving the palace, Xiao Yichen returned to the military camp and continued his reconstruction efforts. He personally led the soldiers in repairing border fortifications, moving stones and timber, and sharing their hardships. Lin Wan'er, meanwhile, organized the people to resume production, teaching women to spin and weave, helping farmers with their work, and inspiring others through her actions.
As time passed, and through the concerted efforts of the entire Rong Kingdom, the border defenses were gradually restored to their original state, standing strong and imposing. In the farmlands, tender green shoots broke through the soil, heralding new life and hope. Shops in the cities reopened one after another, and the lively cries of vendors once again filled the streets.
However, the wounds of war cannot be easily erased. Many families lost loved ones, and the soldiers were left with indelible shadows in their hearts. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er knew that in addition to material reconstruction, the comfort and healing of people's hearts were equally important.
So, they held memorial ceremonies throughout Rong Kingdom to commemorate the heroes who sacrificed their lives in the war. At the ceremonies, Xiao Yichen recounted the heroes' heroic deeds, ensuring their names and spirit were forever etched in the hearts of the Rong Kingdom people. Lin Wan'er, on the other hand, used her mind-reading abilities to dispel the gloom for those whose hearts were wounded by the war, giving them the courage to face life anew.
During this process, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er's relationship also subtly changed. After experiencing the life-and-death trials of war and the hardships of reconstruction together, their reliance and trust in each other deepened. They often sat side by side on the hill in the military camp after a busy day, gazing at the Rong Kingdom land that was gradually recovering, and looking forward to a better life in the future.
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