Years turn into wind

Chapter 121 Shadow's Trap

"Everyone, be careful. The Shadow won't let us in easily," Ling Xiaotian warned softly. His eyes were sharp, and his heart was extremely alert. The temple seemed peaceful outside, like an ancient, long-abandoned building, but he knew that was only an appearance.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps reached their ears. Ling Xiaotian gestured, and the team quickly dispersed, hiding behind trees and rocks. In the darkness not far away, several figures slowly emerged, led by none other than Liu Meiqiu. She was still dressed in her vibrant cheongsam, her eyes cold and icy.

"Tsk tsk, the Marshal actually came to visit me in person. He's really giving me too much face." Liu Meiqiu's voice was cold, with a sarcastic smile on the corner of her mouth.

Ling Xiaotian stared at her coldly, "Liu Meiqiu, you've been acting long enough. Where is your master, 'Shadow', hiding?"

Liu Meiqiu hid her lips in a smile and waved her hand. Dozens of black-clad assassins emerged from all directions, their blades flashing in the night. "Marshal, do you think Night Owl will be easily defeated? This temple is just a trap."

Cheng Yuwei was anxiously waiting in the mansion, worrying about Ling Xiaotian's safety countless times. Every slight movement made her heart beat faster. She forced herself to remain calm, but her hands still trembled slightly.

Inside the temple, the two sides had already engaged in a battle for several rounds. Ling Xiaotian charged into the enemy formation like a tiger, his long sword gleaming with silver light, each strike precise and deadly. The soldiers fought hard, but the black-clad assassins clearly outnumbered them.

"Retreat! Don't fight!" Ling Xiaotian shouted. He realized that Liu Meiqiu was stalling for time, and Shadow's real purpose might not be this.

Just as he was about to lead the crowd to evacuate, a low laugh suddenly came from the depths of the temple, and a tall and thin figure slowly walked out. He wore a silver mask on his face, and his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's.

"Marshal Ling, why are you in such a hurry to leave? Since you are here, why not stay and have a cup of tea before leaving?" The voice was chilling and chilling, revealing a strange calmness.

Ling Xiaotian's pupils shrank slightly as he stared at the silver-faced man in front of him: "Are you 'Shadow'?"

The silver-faced man didn't answer. Instead, he slowly raised his hand. A cryptic signal emanated, and several hidden torches ignited, instantly illuminating the entire temple. The pattern on the stone wall became apparent: a densely packed strategic map, marking their army's strongholds and defensive positions.

"You've been watching us..." Ling Xiaotian gritted his teeth, realizing that the shadow was not only controlling their actions, but had even infiltrated the army long ago.

The silver-faced man smiled even more sinisterly: "Marshal, the game has just begun."

Before the silver-faced man finished speaking, the surrounding black-clad assassins quickly formed a circle around him. Ling Xiaotian's face was solemn, realizing that this battle was more difficult than he had expected. Not only was the enemy well prepared, but they had even taken a step ahead in their strategy.

"Retreat, maintain formation!" he ordered in a deep voice, a cold glint in his eyes. He had to get the soldiers out; he couldn't let these elite troops be lost here.

However, the silver-faced man sneered and raised his hand. From the secret passages on both sides of the temple, a steady stream of enemies poured out, blocking the only way out. Ling Xiaotian's fingers trembled slightly, but he never let go of his long sword. He quickly looked around, trying to find a weak point to break through.

"You can't leave here easily." said the silver-faced man with a firm tone.

"That may not be the case." Ling Xiaotian suddenly shouted, wielding his sword and charging at the silver-faced figure. His movements were as swift as thunder, catching the surrounding assassins off guard and forcing them to scramble to block. At that very moment, the soldiers behind Ling Xiaotian launched their assault, the sounds of killing deafening the heavens, and the scene descended into chaos.

The silver-faced man stepped back slightly, avoiding the sharp attack, but a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He hadn't expected Ling Xiaotian to dare to risk his life and intend to disrupt his plans.

Amid the clamor of battle, Ling Xiaotian whispered, "Break out to the left, speed!" The soldiers understood and quickly changed their formation, advancing to the left.

Liu Meiqiu stood in the corner, a complex expression in her eyes. She didn't step forward to intervene, but instead observed the battle between the two sides. The man behind the mask snorted coldly, as if he had already anticipated Ling Xiaotian's reaction. With a slight wave of his hand, another group of men in black rushed out from the hidden passage, blocking their way.

"It seems your plan goes beyond this." Ling Xiaotian stared at the silver-faced man, his eyes as cold as stars. He had already sensed that there seemed to be more conspiracy hidden in the enemy's actions.

At that moment, the sound of hurried horse hooves echoed in the distance, like a roar in the darkness. Immediately afterwards, a cavalry unit broke through the jungle and charged onto the battlefield, opening a gap for Ling Xiaotian and his group. The leader, dressed in black and holding a spear, looked remarkably heroic.

"Ling Xiaotian, follow me!" A familiar voice rang out, and Ling Xiaotian was startled. He recognized it as his deputy general, Zhou Hao. The cavalry led by Zhou Hao had suddenly attacked, instantly disrupting the enemy's position.

Seizing this opportunity, Ling Xiaotian shouted, "Retreat!"

Like a flood, the soldiers rushed towards the breakout point. The silver-faced man's eyes suddenly turned cold, and he twitched his fingers slightly, clearly unwilling to let them go. However, the situation was irreversible at this point, and the assassins' formation was completely broken.

In the woods after the retreat, moonlight shone like water on the ground. The soldiers were panting, their expressions solemn. Ling Xiaotian looked behind him and only breathed a sigh of relief after confirming that everyone had evacuated safely.

"Today's battle has exposed more secrets." Zhou Hao walked up to him and whispered.

"Yes, we already know that 'Shadow' is nearby." Ling Xiaotian looked up into the distance, a cold light flashing in his eyes. "Next, we must fight back."

Cheng Yuwei learned that Ling Xiaotian had returned safely and rushed to the camp. When she saw him, her eyes were red with tears: "You're back. I've been worried..."

Ling Xiaotian held her gently in his arms, his voice soft and gentle: "I promised you that I would come back." This brief moment of tenderness seemed precious in the midst of war.

But both knew this was merely the calm before the storm. The Shadow's conspiracy wasn't over yet; the true struggle had only just begun.