On the vast, boundless plain, a heavy silence seemed to hang over the world. Two groups of people stood facing each other, like two silent mountains, their gazes meeting in the air as if sparks were flashing.
Xiao Yichen rode a magnificent black horse with snow-white hooves, his posture upright and sturdy like a pine tree. His black robes billowed in the wind, and his sharp eyebrows and bright eyes revealed a cold and resolute expression. Beside him, Lin Wan'er, dressed in pristine white, rode a swift red-maned horse. Her face was exquisitely beautiful yet possessed a heroic air. In her hand, she gripped a finely crafted sword, the jewel on its hilt gleaming coldly in the dim sunlight. Behind them stood soldiers standing ready for battle. Although their numbers were slightly fewer than those of their opponents, each soldier was spirited and their eyes revealed a resolute determination to die for their cause.
Opposite him, Murong Xuan sat astride a tall, brown steed. His imposing figure and magnificent armor gleamed in the sunlight, highlighting his extraordinary status and formidable strength. His broad face, beneath thick eyebrows, shone eyes brimming with arrogance and confidence, a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth suggesting victory was already his for the taking. Behind him stretched a vast army, soldiers arrayed in perfect formation, spears like a forest, shields reflecting a blinding glint in the sunlight, their imposing presence seemingly capable of crushing everything in their path.
A gentle breeze stirred, causing Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er's banners to flutter loudly, their sound carrying a clear echo across the silent plain, like a silent cry. Murong Xuan slightly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the enemy before him, surveying the plain that was about to become a battlefield. In the distance, the rolling mountains appeared and disappeared in the mist, like guardians of this land; the grass on the plain swayed in the wind, like golden waves rippling across a sea of gold. Yet, within this seemingly tranquil and beautiful scenery, a bloody and brutal life-or-death struggle was about to unfold.
Murong Xuan was secretly pleased with himself. He had brought several thousand elite soldiers with him on this expedition, all of whom he had meticulously trained and possessed formidable fighting power. He was confident that with his numerical advantage, he could defeat Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er in one fell swoop, thereby further expanding his sphere of influence. He had even begun to imagine the scene after victory: he would become a renowned overlord of this land, unchallenged and unrivaled.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er knew they were facing an extremely difficult battle, but there was no fear in their eyes. Since they met, they had weathered countless storms together, trusting and supporting each other. Upon learning of Murong Xuan's impending attack, they did not panic but calmly devised a strategy. Although their forces were insufficient, they possessed their own secret weapon, though it was not yet time to use it.
Xiao Yichen turned to look at Lin Wan'er, nodded slightly, his eyes conveying determination and trust. Lin Wan'er returned a faint smile, a smile that seemed to possess boundless power, capable of calming the heart. The soldiers behind them, though also feeling the immense pressure from the enemy, felt their tension ease slightly upon seeing their commander so composed. They gripped their weapons tightly, ready to engage in battle at any moment.
Murong Xuan looked at Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er, snorted coldly, and said loudly, "Xiao Yichen, Lin Wan'er, today is your end! If you surrender obediently, I might spare your lives. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless!" His voice was as loud as a bell, echoing across the plains and making people's eardrums buzz.
Xiao Yichen remained unfazed and coldly replied, "Murong Xuan, don't spout nonsense here. The outcome is still uncertain." Although his voice wasn't as loud as Murong Xuan's, it carried an undeniable air of authority.
Lin Wan'er smiled lightly and said, "Murong Xuan, do you think that having more people guarantees victory? Today is the day you pay the price for your arrogance." Her laughter was crisp and melodious, yet it was like a sharp blade, piercing Murong Xuan's heart.
Enraged by Lin Wan'er's words, Murong Xuan's face flushed red. He angrily swung his riding whip and roared, "Charge! Take them all down!" With his command, the soldiers behind him surged forward like a tidal wave, and shouts of battle echoed across the entire plain.
Upon seeing this, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er felt a pang of anxiety, but remained calm. They exchanged a glance and simultaneously gave the order: "Hold your ground and don't panic!" The soldiers responded in unison, raising their weapons to prepare for the enemy's charge.
Murong Xuan's soldiers ran across the plain, their footsteps thundering across the earth, raising clouds of dust that dimmed the sunlight. Their faces contorted in ferocity, shouting deafening slogans as they charged towards Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er's troops.
Although Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er's soldiers were few in number, they were closely arrayed, forming a solid defensive line. Shields in front, spears behind, their eyes shone with determination and resolve as they faced the surging enemy without flinching.
Just as the two sides were about to engage in a fierce clash, Xiao Yichen suddenly had an idea. He whispered to Lin Wan'er, "Wan'er, let's pretend to be outmatched, retreat a few steps, lure them deeper, and then launch a surprise attack." Lin Wan'er understood and nodded slightly.
So, when Murong Xuan's soldiers rushed to within a few dozen steps of them, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er shouted at the same time, "Retreat!" They led their soldiers to retreat a few steps quickly, seemingly in a panic, to increase the distance between themselves and the enemy.
Seeing this, Murong Xuan assumed that Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were truly frightened, and his smugness grew. He shouted, "Chase them! Don't let them get away!" Hearing this, the soldiers quickened their pace, pursuing Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er's group like hungry wolves pouncing on their prey.
However, unbeknownst to them, they were stepping into a trap meticulously set by Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er. As Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er retreated, they discreetly observed the enemy's movements, awaiting the opportune moment. Meanwhile, their secret weapon—the Poisonous Bee Ball—was ready, waiting only for the order to deliver a fatal blow to Murong Xuan's forces.
Amidst this tense standoff and pursuit, the atmosphere on the plain grew increasingly heavy, as if a storm was about to break. The outcome of this battle would determine the future fate of this land. Whether Murong Xuan would prevail with his superior numbers, or whether Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er would turn the tide with a brilliant strategy, remained to be seen. Only the howling wind and deafening battle cries echoed across the plain, telling the story of the cruelty and intensity of this life-or-death struggle.
As Murong Xuan rode his tall horse, watching Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er lead their soldiers in a predictable retreat, a smug smile playing on his lips. In his eyes, this was nothing more than the prey's final struggle, and he was the hunter, confident of victory in this game of hunting.
He knew that his campaign had been meticulously planned, and the large contingent he had brought were all battle-hardened elites. These soldiers were carefully selected from various regions and had undergone rigorous training; their individual martial arts skills and teamwork were top-notch. They were equipped with the finest weapons: their spears were incredibly sharp, easily piercing enemy armor; their shields were sturdy and heavy, capable of withstanding powerful attacks. Their armor was crafted by skilled artisans, not only providing excellent protection but also gleaming with a chilling metallic luster in the sunlight, as if proclaiming their invincibility to the world.
Murong Xuan recalled the scene before the campaign, in his tent, where his strategists sat in a circle, offering their advice and analyzing various strategies and tactics. However, in his mind, those lengthy pronouncements were merely icing on the cake. He firmly believed that with his numerical superiority, this battle would be as easy as taking candy from a baby. He even thought that Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er's willingness to oppose him was simply overestimating themselves.
"My lord, although Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er have fewer troops, I've heard they are quite clever. We still can't let our guard down," an advisor cautiously reminded them.
Murong Xuan burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the tent and causing the tent flap to tremble slightly. "Cleverness? Before absolute power, all cunning is futile," he said disdainfully, his eyes revealing unparalleled confidence.
Standing on the battlefield, looking at the seemingly panicked enemy, Murong Xuan became even more convinced of his judgment. He surveyed his troops; the soldiers' orderly ranks were like an impregnable Great Wall of Steel. Every soldier's face was filled with a thirst for battle; they were filled with awe and trust in Murong Xuan, firmly believing that victory was assured under his leadership. This blind trust further fueled Murong Xuan's arrogance.
He recalled his glorious achievements. From his early days as a newcomer, distinguishing himself in a small-scale battle, to gradually expanding his territory and annexing surrounding smaller factions, he had consistently routed his enemies with his superior numbers and fierce fighting style. Those who had once opposed him were now his prisoners or had long since vanished into the annals of history. These victories convinced him that he was a chosen one, destined to rule this land.
Murong Xuan's gaze fell on Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er again, thinking to himself, "You think you can contend with me with a few tricks? Today, I'll show you what true strength is." He raised his long sword high, the blade gleaming dazzlingly in the sunlight, as if proclaiming his majesty to the heavens and earth.
With this action, the soldiers' battle cries grew even louder, and they surged towards Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er's troops like a raging wave. Murong Xuan followed leisurely behind the troops, wanting to witness the enemy crumble before his eyes and savor the thrill of victory.
During the charge, Murong Xuan's mind was already conjuring up a victory celebration. He imagined himself sitting in a magnificent hall, surrounded by fine wine and delicacies, with his subordinates coming to toast him and singing girls dancing gracefully beside him. He would become a hero celebrated by the people, his name etched in the annals of this land's history, immortalized forever.
He even began to consider how to deal with Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er. Should he behead them as a warning to others, or imprison them and let them spend the rest of their lives in agony, becoming mere foils to his own fame? These thoughts flashed through his mind, making him increasingly excited.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er feigned retreat while closely observing Murong Xuan's every move. They knew that Murong Xuan's arrogance and confidence were weaknesses they could exploit. Although they felt a touch of tension, they were mostly filled with anticipation for their plan. They believed that once the time was right, the poisonous bee balls in their hands would deliver a devastating blow to Murong Xuan's team.
Looking at Murong Xuan's smug expression, Lin Wan'er whispered to Xiao Yichen, "He is so arrogant, he will surely pay a heavy price for his arrogance today."
Xiao Yichen nodded slightly, a hint of coldness in his eyes: "That's right, we just need to wait patiently and let him sink deeper and deeper into his smugness."
As Murong Xuan's soldiers charged, their footsteps echoed across the plain, raising clouds of dust that shrouded the entire battlefield in a hazy yellow light. Their breathing quickened, their eyes gleaming with a bloodthirsty glint, like a pack of hungry wolves pouncing on their prey. Yet, they remained completely unaware that the shadow of death was creeping closer.
As the distance between the two sides gradually closed, the atmosphere of the battle grew increasingly tense. Murong Xuan still wore that confident smile; he seemed to already see the dawn of victory within reach. Meanwhile, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er silently counted down in their minds, preparing for the moment to deliver the fatal blow to Murong Xuan. Who would have the last laugh in this battle would soon be decided on this plain.
In the days leading up to the battle, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were well aware that the confrontation with Murong Xuan was extremely serious. Their camp was located in a secluded valley, surrounded by green mountains and shady trees, but the two had no time to appreciate the scenery, their minds preoccupied with devising a strategy.
Xiao Yichen stood outside the tent, his brow furrowed, gazing at the sunset. He pondered to himself, "Murong Xuan's forces are numerous. If we engage him head-on, our chances of victory are slim. Only a surprise attack can turn the tide." Lin Wan'er approached, gently patting his shoulder, and said, "Yichen, I have a plan that might be worth trying." Xiao Yichen turned to look at her, his eyes questioning. Lin Wan'er smiled slightly and slowly explained her idea.
It turned out that Lin Wan'er had grown up in the mountains and forests, and was quite familiar with the habits of various creatures there. She remembered a type of highly venomous wasp, which was swarming and extremely aggressive; once provoked, it would swarm out of its hive to attack. Therefore, she suggested making a poisonous wasp ball as a secret weapon against Murong Xuan.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yichen's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise, but he immediately became worried: "This plan is ingenious, but the poisonous bees are difficult to control, and making a poisonous bee ball is no easy task." Lin Wan'er, however, said confidently: "Yichen, there is no need to worry, I have my own way."
Afterwards, Lin Wan'er led Xiao Yichen deeper into the mountains and forests. They traversed the dense woods, searching for the nests of poisonous bees. Relying on her familiarity with the forest, Lin Wan'er quickly discovered a bee nest hidden in a tree hollow. She cautiously approached, took out some specially prepared herbs from her bosom, gently crushed them, and released a unique aroma. This aroma had a peculiar calming effect on the bees, temporarily quieting them down.
Xiao Yichen watched nervously from the side, knowing full well the extreme danger Lin Wan'er was facing; a single misstep could result in her being stung by the poisonous bees. But Lin Wan'er's movements were extremely skillful. She slowly brought a specially made container close to the beehive, then gently prodded the beehive with a thin twig, guiding the bees slowly into the container. After some effort, they successfully captured a large number of poisonous bees.
Back at camp, the work of making the poisonous bee balls began immediately. Lin Wan'er directed the soldiers to collect various materials. They found tough leather, cut it to the appropriate size, and then sewed it into a ball shape with fine thread. Inside the ball, a thick layer of dry grass was placed first to cushion and secure it. Next, the captured poisonous bees were carefully poured into the ball, and several small ventilation holes were made in the ball to ensure that the bees could survive, but not easily escape.
However, simply making the poisonous bee balls wasn't enough; they also needed to consider how to use them effectively on the battlefield. After several discussions, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er decided to adopt a tactic of luring the enemy deep into their territory. Their plan was to feign a retreat on the battlefield to lure Murong Xuan's army to a predetermined location, and then launch the poisonous bee balls to unleash the poisonous bees on the enemy forces.
To ensure the plan's success, they also conducted rigorous training for the soldiers. Lin Wan'er explained in detail the habits and attack methods of the poisonous wasps, as well as how to protect themselves during an attack. She told the soldiers that once released, the wasps would prioritize attacking moving targets, so after throwing the wasp ball, the soldiers should try to remain still to avoid being accidentally injured by the wasps.
Xiao Yichen focused on training the soldiers' retreat and counter-attack techniques. He required the soldiers to maintain order and discipline during feigned retreats, and not to panic. Once they received the order to counter-attack, they were to quickly adjust their posture and engage in battle.
During the secret preparations, they were extremely cautious, fearing discovery by Murong Xuan's spies. Security was tightened around the camp, and any suspicious individuals were rigorously questioned. Xiao Yichen also dispatched his trusted men to patrol within a radius of several miles around the camp, ensuring that no disturbance revealed their plans.
Days passed, and the poisonous bee balls were gradually completed. Neatly arranged in the camp were the individual balls, each filled with poisonous bees, like silent bombs awaiting their detonation on the battlefield. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er gazed at these secret weapons, their hearts filled with both anticipation and apprehension. They knew this was a high-stakes gamble; if the plan succeeded, they would have a chance to defeat Murong Xuan; but if it failed, the consequences would be unimaginable.
On a quiet night, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er checked the preparations for the poisonous bee ball once again. Moonlight bathed the tents, casting a silvery glow on everything. Xiao Yichen said softly, "Wan'er, tomorrow is the day of the decisive battle; success or failure hinges on this." Lin Wan'er grasped his hand and said firmly, "Yichen, we will succeed. These past few days of preparation will not have been in vain; Murong Xuan will pay the price for his contempt."
At this moment, though their hearts were filled with trepidation, they were driven even more by a burning desire for victory and unwavering trust in one another. They knew that on this brutal battlefield, only wisdom and courage could offer them a glimmer of hope. And those meticulously crafted poisonous bee balls were the key to turning the tide of battle, carrying their hopes and their future.
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