Years turn into wind

Chapter 152: Theater Aftermath

The next morning, in the Marshal's study, Ling Xiaotian was discussing last night's operations with several of his confidants. Despite capturing some key figures, these people remained stubborn and refused to reveal any clues.

"Although last night's operation was successful, it only temporarily curbed the other party's plan." Ling Xiaotian picked up the teacup, frowning slightly. "The mastermind behind this has not yet appeared. This is more like a test."

The adjutant continued, "Marshal, we've recovered some codebooks from the enemy and handed them over to the intelligence department for deciphering. Preliminary assessment suggests they have close ties with a coastal force."

Ling Xiaotian tapped his fingertips on the table upon hearing this. "The coastal forces...it seems they don't just want to disrupt the situation inland; they might have a bigger plan."

At this moment, a guard hurried into the study and reported in a low voice, "General, one of the spies captured yesterday has let go and revealed their secret contact point, which is in a village near Wuliting outside the city."

Ling Xiaotian raised his eyes, his gaze piercing. "Immediately send someone to secretly monitor that village. No one is allowed to alert the enemy. Since they've taken the initiative to expose their base, we should use their own tactics against them."

Cheng Yuwei's worries

The discussion in the study came to an end. Ling Xiaotian was about to go out when he suddenly saw Cheng Yuwei standing in the corridor, holding a stack of documents in her hands, with a hint of fatigue in her expression.

"Did you not sleep well again last night?" He walked forward, his tone soft but with a hint of blame.

Cheng Yuwei raised her head and smiled at him: "It's okay, I analyzed the ingredients of the powder last night and found some new clues. I was just about to tell you."

"Didn't I tell you not to push yourself too hard?" Ling Xiaotian took the documents from her hand, his eyes softening unconsciously. "If your health collapses, who will help me?"

"This is not like you normally." Cheng Yuwei said half-jokingly, "Are you spoiling me too much?"

Ling Xiaotian raised the corner of his mouth slightly, revealing a faint smile: "It's my business to pamper you, you just need to accept it."

Cheng Yuwei was stunned for a moment, her cheeks slightly flushed: "Ling Xiaotian, when did you become so smooth-talking?"

"Slippery? I'm serious." Ling Xiaotian pinched her nose lightly, turned around and took the documents back to the study. "But since you're working so hard, then accompany me to look at these clues."

Cheng Yuwei followed him reluctantly, but a sweet warmth welled up in her heart. This cold warlord always showed his gentle side in front of her, and this contrast made her love and helplessness.

Village Exploration

As night fell, Ling Xiaotian quietly headed for a village near Wuliting with a few trusted guards. Along the way, his expression remained serious, his gaze stern.

At the village entrance, several guards disguised as farmers were already lurking. They reported in low voices, "General, there are indeed quite a few suspicious individuals coming in and out here, especially the dilapidated mud house at the east end of the village, which seems to be their contact point."

Ling Xiaotian nodded, signaling everyone to move. Soon, a group of guards quietly surrounded the village, while Ling Xiaotian led the main force directly towards the mud house.

There were low sounds of conversation coming from inside the house. Several men were sitting together, apparently discussing some plan.

"The situation is tense lately, so we have to be careful. A lot of people were lost in last night's operation." said a hoarse voice.

"Don't worry, the master said this is just an appetizer, the real action is yet to come." Another person chuckled, "In a few days, this city will be in chaos."

When Ling Xiaotian heard this, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. He raised his hand and waved it, and the guards quickly broke through the door and pinned the men to the ground.

"Who is your master?" Ling Xiaotian asked coldly, his voice as sharp as a knife.

The men were obviously shocked by this sudden change, but they still gritted their teeth and refused to speak.

"It seems that I have to let you experience what it means to be unable to survive." Ling Xiaotian gave a wink to the guards, and soon, several drugs for forcing confessions were placed in front of them.

"No, no! We say!" One of them finally broke down and spoke tremblingly, "Our master... is a merchant alliance in the southeast. They're using the powder to make huge profits and colluding with certain foreign forces..."

Ling Xiaotian frowned slightly: "Foreign forces? Explain clearly!"

The man trembled. "We don't know the details, but we know that this powder will eventually flow to the coast and be exchanged for large quantities of weapons and ammunition."

Ling Xiaotian's eyes were icy as he ordered in a deep voice, "Take them back and interrogate them thoroughly. Make sure you dig out more information."

Returning Tenderness

After the operation, Ling Xiaotian returned to the Marshal's Mansion late at night. He opened the door and saw Cheng Yuwei still waiting for him.

"Why aren't you sleeping so late?" He walked over and touched her forehead. "Didn't I tell you not to stay up late?"

Cheng Yuwei shook her head: "I can't sleep, I'm always worried about you getting into trouble."

Ling Xiaotian sighed softly and held her in his arms: "I'm back safely, aren't I? Stop having these random thoughts."

Cheng Yuwei leaned on his shoulder and said in a low voice: "Xiaotian, you promised me that no matter how dangerous the road ahead is, you must be careful. You are not only the guardian of this city, you are also my..."

Ling Xiaotian's heart softened when he heard this. He lowered his head and gently kissed the top of her head, his tone gentle but firm: "I promise you, no matter what happens, I will come back safely."

The night was dark and the lights were dim. The two figures were stretched out by the moonlight, but they were always snuggled together.