Facing the impending crisis, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er stood in the courtyard of the General's Mansion. A gentle breeze blew by, but it could not dispel the heaviness in their hearts. They exchanged a glance, both seeing deep worry and gravity in each other's eyes. They knew that the choice they faced was no ordinary one; this decision would determine their survival and the future of the Rong Kingdom.
Xiao Yichen broke the silence first. He frowned slightly, his eyes revealing determination and contemplation: "Miss Lin, although Murong Xuan has suffered repeated setbacks, his ambition remains undiminished and is becoming increasingly insane. If we continue to defend, we can temporarily ensure the safety of Rong Kingdom with our existing fortifications and troops, but in the long run, we will eventually be put on the defensive, and Rong Kingdom's national strength will be dragged down by this constant attrition."
Lin Wan'er nodded gently, her gaze clear and deep: "Young Master Xiao is absolutely right. Although taking the initiative is risky, if we can strike at Murong Xuan's weak point and disrupt his plans, we may be able to turn the tide and win a glimmer of hope for Rong Kingdom. However, Murong Xuan will definitely be on guard, so we must be extremely cautious and formulate a foolproof plan."
Xiao Yichen raised his head slightly, gazing into the distance as if staring at the direction of the Mu Kingdom where Murong Xuan was located: "Murong Xuan is treacherous and cunning, and his thoughts are extremely difficult to fathom. Our understanding of him is perhaps only the tip of the iceberg. If we want to take the initiative, we must first have a more in-depth and thorough understanding of his strength, plans, and weaknesses."
Lin Wan'er pondered for a moment and said, "I can use mind reading to try to infiltrate the Mu Kingdom and explore Murong Xuan's inner thoughts to obtain some key information. However, this is extremely risky. If I am discovered, I may be doomed."
Xiao Yichen was startled and shook his head without hesitation: "No, Miss Lin. This is too dangerous. Mu Kingdom is a den of dragons and tigers. How can I feel at ease if you go alone? Let's think of another way."
Lin Wan'er felt a warmth in her heart, but her expression remained firm: "Young Master Xiao, the situation is critical now, and we can't afford to have too many concerns. This may be the only way we can obtain accurate intelligence. I will act carefully and will definitely not put myself in danger."
Xiao Yichen frowned, his heart filled with intense struggle. He knew the importance of Lin Wan'er's mind-reading ability to this operation, but he was even more unwilling to let Lin Wan'er take such a huge risk.
“Miss Lin, if you really want to go, I will definitely arrange the most elite people to protect you. But I still think this plan is too risky. We might as well start from other aspects, such as strengthening the intelligence gathering network and sending more spies to infiltrate Mu Kingdom.” Xiao Yichen tried to persuade Lin Wan’er to change her mind.
Lin Wan'er gently shook her head: "Young Master Xiao, time is of the essence. Secret agents need time to gather intelligence, and they may not be able to penetrate Murong Xuan's mind. Although my mind-reading ability is risky, if successful, I can obtain the most crucial intelligence in the shortest amount of time."
Xiao Yichen remained silent for a long time, knowing that Lin Wan'er was right. Finally, he slowly nodded: "Since Miss Lin has made up her mind, then I will no longer stop you. But you must promise me that if you encounter any danger, you will return immediately and not act recklessly."
Lin Wan'er smiled slightly: "Young Master Xiao, rest assured, I will act within my capabilities."
Afterwards, Xiao Yichen began to select his men. He chose several highly skilled, intelligent, brave, and extremely loyal soldiers from his trusted troops to form a guard squad.
"Your mission this time is to protect Miss Lin's safety. If anything happens to Miss Lin, you will all be held accountable!" Xiao Yichen said to the guard team with a cold expression.
"Yes, young master!" the guards replied in unison, their eyes revealing unwavering determination.
Before setting off, Lin Wan'er came to Xiao Yichen's side and said, "Young Master Xiao, you must be careful in Rong Kingdom. While I'm away, Murong Xuan might take the opportunity to launch an attack on Rong Kingdom."
Xiao Yichen gently held her hand: "Miss Lin, go in peace. I will protect Rong Kingdom and wait for your return."
Lin Wan'er, leading her guard squad, quietly left Rong Kingdom and embarked on their journey to Mu Kingdom. Along the way, they proceeded cautiously, avoiding Murong Xuan's patrols and spies, heading towards the capital of Mu Kingdom.
Meanwhile, in Rong Kingdom, Xiao Yichen did not slacken his efforts in the slightest. He strengthened the defenses of the capital and the borders while continuing to organize intelligence personnel to gather all information about Murong Xuan.
In the capital of the Mu Kingdom, Lin Wan'er and her guards found a secluded place to stay and settled down temporarily. Lin Wan'er began to use her mind-reading ability to carefully probe for Murong Xuan's presence.
Her spiritual power, like invisible threads, spread across the skies above the capital of the Mu Kingdom, weaving through streets and alleys, and over palaces, attempting to locate Murong Xuan. However, Murong Xuan's heart seemed to be protected by a mysterious force, which Lin Wan'er's mind-reading ability could not easily penetrate.
"It seems that Murong Xuan has a powerful ally by his side; his mental defenses are extremely strong." Lin Wan'er pondered to herself. She knew that this operation would be more difficult than she had imagined.
But Lin Wan'er did not give up; she decided to risk approaching Murong Xuan's palace. Under the cover of night, she and her guards quietly sneaked into the vicinity of the palace.
In a garden within the palace, Lin Wan'er finally sensed Murong Xuan's presence. She concentrated, attempting to break through that mysterious defense and enter Murong Xuan's inner world.
Just as she was about to succeed, a powerful counterforce struck, and Lin Wan'er's mental energy was instantly jolted back as if struck by lightning. Her face turned pale, and a mouthful of blood welled up in her throat, almost spitting it out.
"Miss Lin!" Upon seeing this, the members of the security team rushed forward to help her up.
Lin Wan'er waved her hand, indicating that she was fine: "I was too careless. The defensive strength around Murong Xuan exceeded my expectations."
At this moment, the palace guards seemed to notice something amiss and began searching the area. Lin Wan'er and her guard squad were now in danger.
"Let's get out of here first, then we'll figure something out," Lin Wan'er said softly.
The guard squad, carrying Lin Wan'er, quickly evacuated the palace. During their escape, they encountered Murong Xuan's patrol. A battle erupted instantly, with the guard squad fighting bravely to protect Lin Wan'er as they broke through the encirclement.
Despite the pain of the backlash from her mental energy, Lin Wan'er used her mind-reading ability to sense the enemy's attack intentions and provide intelligence to the guard team. With their combined efforts, they finally managed to shake off the patrol team's pursuit.
Back at her residence, Lin Wan'er fell into deep thought. She knew that with her current abilities, it would be difficult to break through Murong Xuan's defenses. But she couldn't just give up empty-handed; she had to come up with another way.
Just then, she suddenly remembered a method for cultivating spiritual power that she had once seen in an ancient book. She decided to follow the method in the book, go into seclusion to cultivate and improve her spiritual power, and then try again.
While Lin Wan'er was in seclusion cultivating, Xiao Yichen received some intelligence about Murong Xuan in Rong Kingdom. The intelligence indicated that Murong Xuan was recruiting soldiers on a large scale within Mu Kingdom and was secretly developing a new type of weapon, which appeared to be a mysterious device capable of long-range attacks.
Xiao Yichen knew that if Murong Xuan's plan succeeded, the Rong Kingdom would face a huge threat. He decided to stop waiting for Lin Wan'er's news and began to formulate a plan to take the initiative.
He summoned the generals of Rong Kingdom to discuss battle plans in the council hall of the general's mansion.
"Gentlemen, Murong Xuan is plotting an even bigger conspiracy. We cannot sit idly by and wait to be killed; we must take the initiative. I plan to lead an elite force to raid the Mu Kingdom's arsenal and destroy their new weapons development program," Xiao Yichen said with a determined look.
The generals nodded in agreement: "Young Master, we are willing to follow you and fight Murong Xuan to the death!"
Xiao Yichen began selecting soldiers, organizing the army, and preparing for the expedition. He knew this was an extremely risky undertaking, but for the future of Rong Kingdom, he had no other choice.
Just as Xiao Yichen was about to set off on his expedition, Lin Wan'er emerged from her seclusion. Her spiritual power had been greatly enhanced after her closed-door cultivation.
"Young Master Xiao, I'm back. I've broken through my mental strength bottleneck, and I'm confident I'll be able to uncover Murong Xuan's inner secrets this time," Lin Wan'er said confidently.
Xiao Yichen was overjoyed: "Miss Lin, you've worked hard. But I've decided to take the initiative and attack the Mu Kingdom's arms factory. Do you have any suggestions?"
Lin Wan'er pondered for a moment: "Young Master Xiao, although this is risky, it may be feasible. I can use my mind-reading ability to sense Murong Xuan's movements along the way and provide intelligence support for our operation."
Xiao Yichen nodded: "Okay, then let's set off immediately."
Led by Xiao Yichen, the elite troops of Rong Kingdom, with the assistance of Lin Wan'er's mind-reading ability, Xiao Yichen embarked on a journey to Mu Kingdom. They knew that a life-or-death battle awaited them, but for the peace and tranquility of Rong Kingdom, they were fearless and resolutely marched into the heart of the enemy's territory. At this moment, the fate of Rong Kingdom was pushed into an unknown abyss.
Led by Xiao Yichen, the elite troops of Rong Kingdom, aided by Lin Wan'er's mind-reading ability, sped towards Mu Kingdom like an arrow. Along the way, the soldiers were in high spirits, knowing that this operation concerned the life and death of Rong Kingdom, and each was prepared to die.
However, Murong Xuan was not entirely oblivious. His spies in Rong Kingdom promptly relayed news of Xiao Yichen's military campaign. Upon learning this, Murong Xuan immediately amassed a large force on the border of Mu Kingdom, preparing to intercept Xiao Yichen's army. At the same time, he accelerated the development of new weapons, hoping to deliver a fatal blow to Xiao Yichen on the battlefield.
As Xiao Yichen's troops approached the border of the Mu Kingdom, Lin Wan'er used her mind-reading ability to sense the numerous dangers ahead. With a grave expression, she said to Xiao Yichen, "Young Master Xiao, Murong Xuan has already laid a trap at the border. If we proceed rashly, we may find ourselves in a bitter battle."
Xiao Yichen frowned slightly, his gaze resolute as he said, "Miss Lin, we have no way out. Now, we have no choice but to fight our way out. You can continue to use your mind-reading ability to find the enemy's weak points, and we can break through from there."
"Yes, Young Master Xiao." Lin Wan'er nodded in response, then closed her eyes and concentrated on sensing the enemy's situation.
A moment later, Lin Wan'er opened her eyes and pointed to a valley on the left: "Young Master Xiao, the enemy's defenses over there are relatively weak. We can launch a surprise attack from there."
Xiao Yichen looked in the direction Lin Wan'er pointed and saw enemy figures moving faintly in the valley. He pondered for a moment, then decisively ordered, "All troops, turn around and launch a surprise attack from the left valley!"
Rong Guo's troops quickly changed their marching route and rushed towards the valley on the left. As expected, when they entered the valley, they encountered resistance from Murong Xuan's troops, but just as Lin Wan'er had sensed, the enemy forces here were relatively few in number and their defenses were relatively weak.
Xiao Yichen led his soldiers at the forefront, fighting bravely against the enemy. His swordsmanship was incredibly sharp, each strike taking the life of an enemy. Inspired by him, the soldiers were also fearless, charging towards the enemy like tigers.
After a fierce battle, the Rong Kingdom's troops successfully broke through the valley's defenses and entered Mu Kingdom's territory. However, they also paid a heavy price, with many soldiers wounded or even killed in the battle.
Xiao Yichen looked at the wounded and fallen soldiers, his heart filled with grief. But he knew that this was not the time for sorrow; they had to complete their mission as soon as possible and destroy the Mu Kingdom's arsenal.
"All troops, continue the advance! Target: Mu Kingdom's arsenal!" Xiao Yichen shouted, his voice filled with determination and resolve.
Upon learning that Xiao Yichen had breached the border defenses, Murong Xuan was furious. He immediately dispatched more troops to pursue Xiao Yichen's forces and ordered the arsenal to strengthen its defenses in preparation for Xiao Yichen's attack.
Within the territory of the Mu Kingdom, Xiao Yichen's troops sped towards the arsenal. However, Murong Xuan's troops were in hot pursuit, launching continuous attacks in an attempt to halt Xiao Yichen's advance.
Lin Wan'er used her mind-reading ability to constantly sense the enemy's movements and provide intelligence support for Xiao Yichen.
"Young Master Xiao, the enemy's main force is about to catch up from the rear. We need to speed up," Lin Wan'er said anxiously.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yichen's heart tightened. He knew that once they were caught up by the enemy's main force, they would be in dire straits.
"All troops, accelerate forward!" Xiao Yichen shouted, and the soldiers gritted their teeth and ran desperately.
Finally, Xiao Yichen's troops arrived at the outskirts of the Mu Kingdom's arsenal. However, they found that the arsenal was already heavily surrounded by Murong Xuan's troops, with very tight defenses.
Looking at the scene before him, Xiao Yichen inwardly groaned. He knew that breaking through these layers of defenses and storming the arsenal would be no easy task.
"Miss Lin, do you have any ideas?" Xiao Yichen turned to Lin Wan'er and asked.
Lin Wan'er pondered for a moment, then said, "Young Master Xiao, I can use mind reading to interfere with the enemy commander's thinking and cause confusion in their command. However, doing so would consume a lot of my mental energy, and the effect might be limited."
Xiao Yichen said without hesitation, "Miss Lin, there's no other way now. Just do it, and I'll lead the soldiers to launch an attack."
"Okay." Lin Wan'er nodded, then closed her eyes and concentrated on using her mind-reading ability.
Her mental energy, like invisible tentacles, extended towards the enemy commander. When her mental energy touched the enemy commander's mind, the commander suddenly felt a splitting headache, and his thoughts began to become chaotic.
"What's going on? What's wrong with me?" The enemy commander clutched his head, groaning in pain.
Murong Xuan's troops fell into chaos after losing their commander's effective command. Xiao Yichen seized the opportunity and immediately led his soldiers in an attack.
He brandished his longsword and charged towards the enemy like a black lightning bolt. The soldiers followed closely behind, their battle cries shaking the heavens and the earth.
During the battle, Xiao Yichen discovered that the enemy had already developed a portion of their new weaponry, which was stored in a corner of the arsenal. A thought struck him, and he decided to take the risk.
"You guys, come with me!" Xiao Yichen selected a few agile soldiers and rushed towards the corner where the new weapons were stored.
They advanced with difficulty, facing heavy enemy resistance. Finally, they arrived before the new weapons. Xiao Yichen carefully observed these new weapons and discovered that they were huge catapults, but unlike ordinary catapults, they had a longer range and greater power.
"Quickly, destroy these new weapons!" Xiao Yichen shouted.
The soldiers grabbed their weapons and hurled them at the new weapon. After a fierce attack, the new weapon was successfully destroyed.
However, at that very moment, Murong Xuan arrived at the arsenal with his personal guard. He was furious upon seeing the destroyed new weapons.
"Xiao Yichen, how dare you destroy my life's work! Today is your death day!" Murong Xuan roared.
He brandished his longsword and charged towards Xiao Yichen. Xiao Yichen, undaunted, met him head-on.
The two engaged in a thrilling duel within the arsenal. Murong Xuan's swordsmanship was ruthless and unpredictable, each strike aimed at Xiao Yichen's vital points. However, Xiao Yichen's swordsmanship was even more formidable; he skillfully deflected Murong Xuan's attacks and seized opportunities to counterattack.
Lin Wan'er used her mind-reading ability to sense the progress of the battle between the two. She discovered that Murong Xuan's heart was filled with hatred and anger, which made his swordsmanship even more frenzied. Xiao Yichen, on the other hand, remained calm and rational, searching for Murong Xuan's weakness.
Finally, Xiao Yichen discovered an opening in Murong Xuan's attack. Without hesitation, he thrust his sword forward, striking Murong Xuan squarely in the shoulder.
Murong Xuan screamed, nearly dropping his longsword. He stared at Xiao Yichen in terror, his heart filled with resentment and despair.
"You...you actually managed to hurt me..." Murong Xuan said, trembling.
Xiao Yichen looked at him coldly: "Murong Xuan, your conspiracy will not succeed. Today is your end!"
Having said that, Xiao Yichen raised his longsword again, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to Murong Xuan. Just then, one of Murong Xuan's personal guards suddenly rushed forward, blocking Murong Xuan's path. Xiao Yichen's sword pierced the guard, but it also gave Murong Xuan a chance to escape.
Murong Xuan seized the opportunity to escape the arsenal, and his troops followed suit in retreat. Xiao Yichen watched Murong Xuan's departing figure, sighing inwardly. He knew that although they had successfully destroyed the Mu Kingdom's new weapon, Murong Xuan had escaped, and he would still face Murong Xuan's threat in the future.
"The entire army must retreat!" Xiao Yichen ordered helplessly.
The Rong Kingdom's troops, filled with the joy of victory and exhaustion, slowly departed from the Mu Kingdom's arsenal and embarked on their journey back to Rong Kingdom. This war also made Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er realize that their struggle against Murong Xuan was far from over.
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