Years turn into wind

Chapter 218 Dawn appears

A brief respite

The light of dawn penetrated the cascading mountains and forests, shedding light upon the weary troops. After successfully breaking through the encirclement, Cheng Yuwei led them to a relatively safe valley for rest and recuperation. This valley, secluded and well-watered, served as a temporary hiding place.

The soldiers sat in groups of three or four on an open space. Some took the time to replenish their food, some checked their weapons and ammunition, and some took the opportunity to take a nap leaning against the tree trunks.

Cheng Yuwei did not rest. She took the map and discussed the next marching route with the adjutant of the Northern Army.

"Sister-in-law, the terrain of this mountain forest is complex. We can take advantage of the terrain and continue westward, but we have to cross two high mountains and the journey will be difficult." The adjutant whispered.

Cheng Yuwei nodded, her eyes scanning the zigzag lines on the map. "Going west is indeed the best option. As long as we can survive these two days of forced marches, the enemy's pursuit will be weakened due to insufficient supplies. Then, we'll have a chance to counterattack."

The adjutant looked at her with admiration and said with emotion: "Sister-in-law, I really admire your courage and strategy. If you were a man, you would definitely be an outstanding general."

Cheng Yuwei smiled and shook her head. "I learned strategy on the battlefield, but I'm not a general after all. Adjutant, remember, the most important thing is to keep the team alive."

Unexpected crisis

During the discussion, the scout suddenly ran over with a serious expression: "Sister-in-law, we have discovered the enemy's reconnaissance team. They may have locked onto our position!"

Cheng Yuwei's brows knitted tightly together: "How many people are there?"

The scout replied, "Preliminary estimates suggest no more than a squad, but they carry communications equipment. If they spot us, they might call for reinforcements."

Cheng Yuwei pondered for a moment and decisively ordered: "We can't let them spread the news! Li Deshui, take a few people and ambush them. Remember, try to be as silent as possible and don't alert the enemy."

Li Deshui quickly gathered several agile soldiers and sneaked into the forest with their weapons. After he disappeared into the trees, Cheng Yuwei turned to the team and said, "Everyone, pack up and prepare to move immediately! We must evacuate before the enemy reconnaissance team can pass on the message!"

The soldiers moved quickly, gathering their limited equipment and preparing to depart at any moment. However, as time passed and Li Deshui and his group still hadn't returned, everyone grew increasingly nervous.

"Sister-in-law, the longer we delay, the more dangerous we will be." The adjutant reminded in a low voice.

Cheng Yuwei nodded. Although she was also worried, she knew she couldn't panic at this moment: "Wait another ten minutes. If they haven't come back yet, we must act."

Gunshots in the woods

Ten minutes later, a burst of muffled gunfire rang out from the forest, followed by a brief silence. Cheng Yuwei instantly stood up and looked straight in the direction of the gunfire.

Not long after, Li Deshui ran back in a panic with several soldiers. They were covered in blood, but they were not seriously injured.

"Sister-in-law, we have eliminated the enemy's reconnaissance team, but the noise was a little loud and might attract other people." Li Deshui said breathlessly.

Cheng Yuwei patted his shoulder and quickly ordered: "Everyone, move out and evacuate westward immediately!"

The team set off again in the morning light, everyone holding their breath and quickening their pace through the mountains and forests. Cheng Yuwei walked in the middle of the team, looking back from time to time to check on the movements behind her. She knew that time waited for no one.

Fog in the mountains

After passing through a dense forest, the team unexpectedly fell into thick mountain fog. Visibility dropped sharply, and the team had to slow down.

"Sister-in-law, if this goes on, it will be easier for the enemy to catch up." The adjutant said worriedly.

Cheng Yuwei frowned: "Keep moving forward, maintain formation, and don't disperse."

The scout walking in the front suddenly stopped and whispered, "Sister-in-law, there are footprints ahead. They might have been left by another team."

Cheng Yuwei immediately went forward to investigate and found that the footprints were indeed fresh. She calmly analyzed, "This could be left by the Northern Army. They retreated a day earlier than us, and their route is likely the same. But it could also be an enemy spy. Everyone, be vigilant."

As they were talking, a faint sound suddenly came from the front. Cheng Yuwei immediately signaled everyone to stop, and several scouts quickly dispersed to the two sides to investigate.

Soon, a scout returned and reported in a low voice: "Sister-in-law, there are indeed Northern Army soldiers ahead, but they seem to have been ambushed and are now exchanging fire with the enemy."

Assistance and options

Upon hearing this news, the adjutant looked troubled: "Sister-in-law, should we save her or not?"

Cheng Yuwei's eyes narrowed. "The Northern Army is our ally. If they are finished, we will be alone deep in the enemy's territory, and our situation will only become more difficult."

The adjutant nodded: "Then prepare to support!"

Cheng Yuwei quickly arranged: "The team is divided into two groups. One group will go around the enemy's rear and launch a surprise attack; the other group will come with me to support the Northern Army head-on."

The operation unfolded swiftly. When Cheng Yuwei led her troops into the battlefield, the enemy was clearly unprepared for reinforcements. Cheng Yuwei's precise command and the soldiers' fierce firepower quickly turned the tide of the battle, sending the enemy fleeing in disarray.

The commander of the Northern Army was full of gratitude: "Sister-in-law, thanks to you, otherwise we would have been in great trouble today!"

Cheng Yuwei smiled slightly: "Now is not the time to relax, the enemy will regroup soon, we must evacuate as soon as possible."

After the two teams merged, they quickly retreated deeper into the mountains.

Hope of Dawn

After a whole night of marching, the team finally arrived at a secluded valley in the mountains. This area was surrounded by mountains on all sides, with only one path leading to the outside world, which could be used as a temporary hiding place.

Cheng Yuwei stood at the entrance of the valley, looking at the sun gradually rising in the sky, but she did not feel relieved at all.

"Sister-in-law, what should we do next?" Li Deshui walked to her side and asked in a low voice.

Cheng Yuwei said slowly: "Let the brothers rest for a night and make plans tomorrow. We must find the enemy's weak point and strike them back, otherwise this pursuit will never end."

The early morning sunlight shone on her determined face, as if bringing new hope to the team.