Chapter 1123
The Entrance is Hidden
Black Valley is nestled among mountains, its entrance hidden, requiring traversing a steep mountain path. As they ventured deeper, the surrounding trees grew increasingly dense, thick fog enveloped the area, and visibility dwindled. Shi Ji and Liu Yichen led the way, carefully guiding the group forward.
Around noon, they finally arrived at the entrance to Black Valley. Liu Yichen stopped and pointed to a cave covered in vines ahead, saying, "We can rest here for a while before continuing deeper."
The doctors nodded and found places to sit and rest. Shi Ji and Liu Yichen took the opportunity to look around to ensure safety.
“This place is indeed secluded and suitable as a temporary base,” Shi Ji said.
Liu Yichen nodded in agreement: "However, we still need to move forward and find a more secure hiding place."
Suddenly, a strange noise came from afar. Shi Ji and Liu Yichen quickly became alert, gripping their weapons and holding their breath to observe the movement. They saw a wild rabbit dart out of the grass, clearly startled by something.
Liu Yichen relaxed a little and said in a low voice, "It seems to be a false alarm, but we need to be more careful."
After a short rest, the group continued their journey. The terrain in Black Mountain Valley was complex, and they followed a stream deeper into the valley. The babbling water added a touch of life to the quiet valley.
After walking for about half an hour, they finally found a secluded cave. The entrance was hidden by dense vegetation, and the interior was spacious enough to accommodate everyone. Shi Ji and Liu Yichen went in first to check it out, and after confirming that there was no danger, they invited everyone in.
“We can settle down here and temporarily escape the pursuers’ sight,” Liu Yichen said.
The doctors smiled with relief and began packing their belongings, preparing to spend some time there.
Shi Ji and Liu Yichen continued to discuss their next move. Liu Yichen suggested that they could use their connections with friends in various places to gather intelligence separately and learn about the enemy's movements.
Shi Ji pondered for a moment, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes: "You're right, we do need to gather intelligence extensively, but at the same time, we must also be wary of one person—the possible traitor that Mo Xuan mentioned."
Upon hearing this, Liu Yichen frowned: "Indeed, we cannot completely rule out the possibility that there are disloyal individuals within the team. We must proceed with caution to ensure that our operational plans are not leaked."
Shi Ji nodded and further analyzed, "We can set up some simple codes or signals that only our core members know, in order to verify each other's identities and the authenticity of the information."
“Good idea,” Liu Yichen agreed. “We can also develop an emergency response plan that will be implemented immediately should any signs of betrayal be detected, to protect everyone’s safety.”
After the two finished discussing these details, Liu Yichen turned to the doctors and raised his voice, saying, "Everyone, we have found a relatively safe place to settle down temporarily, but the danger is not completely over."
The doctors nodded in agreement and busied themselves organizing supplies and equipment, preparing for the work ahead. Shi Ji and Liu Yichen continued discussing more specific action plans on the sidelines.
Shi Ji said in a low voice, "In addition to setting up codes and signals, we also need to increase patrols, especially at night. We can't let any suspicious people get close to our camp."
Liu Yichen nodded in agreement, "I will arrange for several reliable team members to take turns on night watch to ensure our safety. In addition, we need a backup escape route, just in case."
After a moment of contemplation, Shi Ji added, "We must also keep a close eye on Mo Xuan's movements. Although he provided important intelligence, his motives and loyalty still need further verification."
Just as the two were about to continue their discussion, a doctor rushed over, looking anxious: "Captain Liu, Mr. Shi, we have a patient here who is in critical condition and needs urgent treatment!"
Shi Ji and Liu Yichen quickly followed the doctor to a makeshift medical tent, where a tense atmosphere filled the air. A team member lay on a simple stretcher, pale-faced and breathing weakly.
Liu Yichen immediately commanded, "Quick, get the first aid kit! Shi Ji, hold him down for me, I need to check his injuries."
Shi Ji quickly stepped forward to stabilize the patient's body, while Liu Yichen skillfully opened the first-aid kit and began emergency treatment. The other doctors in the tent also stepped forward to assist, and the scene was tense but orderly.
A few minutes later, Liu Yichen wiped the sweat from his forehead and breathed a sigh of relief: "His condition is temporarily stable, but we need to find better medical equipment as soon as possible, otherwise it will be difficult for him to pull through."
Shi Ji nodded firmly, "I will arrange for people to search for him. We must not let anything happen to him."
Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside the tent. Shi Ji and Liu Yichen exchanged a glance, their hearts immediately on alert. Liu Yichen quickly went to the tent entrance, lifted the curtain, and saw a sentry running up breathlessly to report: "Report! A group of unidentified people are approaching us. They look well-equipped and may have ill intentions!"
Upon hearing this, Shi Ji and Liu Yichen's expressions instantly turned serious. At this critical juncture, they had to make a swift decision.
"Immediately notify everyone to prepare for battle," Shi Ji ordered in a deep voice, while simultaneously considering countermeasures in her mind.
Liu Yichen then turned to the medics inside the tent and quickly said, "You continue to take care of the wounded and ensure his safety. We need to retreat to the back mountain, where there is a natural barrier that is more suitable for defense."
Upon hearing this, the doctors immediately sprang into action, carefully lifting the wounded onto makeshift stretchers and preparing to evacuate.
Shi Ji and Liu Yichen quickly stepped out of the tent and gathered all the team members. They briefly explained the situation and instructed everyone to move quickly and orderly to the back mountain according to the pre-set evacuation route.
During the retreat, Shi Ji and Liu Yichen looked back at the group of unidentified people from time to time. They saw that the group was getting closer and closer, well-equipped, and had an unfriendly aura. They were obviously not ordinary travelers.
"It seems our whereabouts have been exposed." Shi Ji frowned, pondering to herself.
Liu Yichen gripped his sword hilt tightly, his eyes resolute: "No matter who they are, we cannot let them succeed. The back mountain is our last line of defense, and we must hold it."
By the time the group reached the back of the mountain, it was already dark. The terrain there was complex, with many rocks and dense forests, providing a natural barrier for defense. Shi Ji and Liu Yichen quickly organized a defense, placing the wounded in the most secluded and safest places and arranging for people to take turns guarding them.
As night deepened, the unidentified group of people tracked them to the back mountain. Clearly unfamiliar with the terrain, they moved slowly and cautiously. Taking advantage of this, Shi Ji and Liu Yichen directed their men to launch a surprise attack, using the cover of darkness and the terrain to create considerable trouble for their opponents. In an instant, the back mountain was filled with flashing sword light and booming magic.
In the chaotic battle, Shi Ji and Liu Yichen cooperated seamlessly, leading their team to effectively repel the enemy. As time passed, they gradually figured out the enemy's formation and weaknesses.
"Shiji, I've discovered their mages are providing support from the rear. This dragging on is disadvantageous for us," Liu Yichen said during a lull in the battle, his forehead covered in sweat.
Shi Ji nodded, thought for a moment, and said, "You take a team to detour and get as close as possible to their mages, then make your move when the opportunity arises. I'll hold off the enemy in front."
Liu Yichen agreed and immediately selected several capable team members to lead them on a detour. They moved cautiously in the darkness, trying to avoid making any noise. Soon, they approached the enemy's rear.
By this time, Shi Ji had been engaged in battle with the enemy's vanguard for some time. His sword flashed in the night, and his figure was like a swift and fierce cheetah. The enemy found it difficult to break through his defenses and could only maintain a stalemate with him for the time being.
Just then, Liu Yichen's team quietly approached the enemy mage. They held their breath and stealthily drew near. Liu Yichen waved his hand, signaling everyone to prepare to attack. In an instant, swords were drawn, flashing with light, and the enemy mage, caught off guard, was swiftly defeated.
"Success!" Liu Yichen said softly, quickly turning around to join the battle.
Without the mage's support, the enemy's attack rhythm slowed significantly. Shi Ji and Liu Yichen seized the opportunity and launched a fierce counterattack. The team members' morale soared, and each one bravely took the lead, gradually forcing the enemy back.
The battle lasted for several hours, until finally the enemy was overwhelmed and began to retreat. Shi Ji and Liu Yichen did not rashly pursue them, but instead carefully regrouped their troops, comforted the wounded, and reorganized their defenses.
“It seems we are safe for now.” Shi Ji breathed a sigh of relief, her gaze resolute. “But this is only the beginning. We must find the mastermind behind this as soon as possible and resolve this crisis completely.”
Liu Yichen nodded, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes: "Yes, this battle is far from over. But no matter how arduous the road ahead, we must persevere."
Just as they were cleaning up the battlefield, a team member rushed over, looking nervous: "Captain Shi, Deputy Captain Liu, a mysterious person left a message asking us to meet in the valley to the south, saying that there is important intelligence."
Shi Ji and Liu Yichen exchanged a glance, wary yet also curious. They decided to go and investigate. Shi Ji led an elite team, while Liu Yichen stayed behind to guard the back mountain, directing the remaining team members to continue the defense and ensure the safety of the wounded and the camp.
They carefully made their way along the mountain path, moonlight filtering through the treetops and dappling the ground. All around was silent except for the soft sound of their footsteps and the whisper of the night wind. The valley was deep and secluded, with jagged rocks on both sides, exuding an air of mystery and danger.
When they arrived at the designated location, the sight before them startled Shi Ji. A mysterious figure dressed in black robes stood in the center of the valley, his expression calm, as if he had expected their arrival.
"You've arrived." The mysterious man's voice was deep and powerful, carrying a hint of mystery.
"Who are you? What important information do you have to tell us?" Shi Ji asked calmly, still gripping her sword tightly, her eyes full of vigilance.
The mysterious man chuckled softly and said slowly, "My identity is not important; what matters is the information I bring. Your enemy is not just these attackers. Behind them lies a much larger and more terrifying force, intent on overturning the peace of the entire region."
Shi Ji frowned slightly and asked, "What evidence do you have?"
The mysterious man took out a roll of parchment from his robes and handed it to Shi Ji. Shi Ji took it, quickly unfolded it, and found that it contained detailed records of the enemy's plans and routes of action, as well as some strange symbols he had never seen before.
“What are these symbols?” Shi Ji asked.
“These are their coded signals for communication. Once you decipher these symbols, you can find their hideout,” the mysterious man explained, then added, “However, you must be careful. These people are ruthless and won’t let you off easily.”
Shi Ji nodded, pondering to himself. Just as he was about to continue asking questions, the mysterious man suddenly raised his hand and waved, and a black shadow swiftly swept past. Shi Ji instinctively swung his sword to block, only to find that the black shadow was just a small scroll that conveyed information.
"This is all the help I can offer. The rest is up to you." After saying this, the mysterious man disappeared into the night like a ghost.
Shi Ji put the scroll away and turned to her team members, saying, "We'll go back immediately and give this intelligence to Liu Yichen. They need to know this information."
They quickly returned to the camp on the back mountain. Liu Yichen was directing his team to reinforce the defenses when he saw Shi Ji return. He immediately went to greet her: "How is the situation?"
Shi Ji handed him the parchment and scroll, briefly explaining the situation. After examining them carefully, Liu Yichen's expression turned grave: "It seems our enemy is more complex than we imagined. We must decipher these symbols as soon as possible and find their stronghold."
The team members immediately sprang into action, some studying the symbols, others reinforcing the defenses, and still others keeping watch. Shi Ji and Liu Yichen worked closely together, directing the entire camp's operations.
Finally, a team member ran up excitedly, holding a deciphered map in his hand: "Captain Shi, Deputy Captain Liu, we've deciphered those symbols and found the enemy's stronghold!"
Shi Ji and Liu Yichen exchanged a glance, a hint of determination flashing in their eyes. Shi Ji immediately gathered all the team members, briefly outlining the action plan and emphasizing the importance and danger of this operation. Everyone knew that they were facing not just an enemy in front of them, but a much larger and more dangerous conspiracy.
Before setting off, Liu Yichen said to Shi Ji, "You lead the raid, and I will stay behind to guard the camp and ensure its safety. If anything happens, I will bring reinforcements."
Shi Ji nodded, grasped Liu Yichen's hand, and said in a deep voice, "Take care."
"You too." Liu Yichen shook hands with him in return, then turned around and continued to direct the camp's defenses.
Shi Ji led her elite team to set off, quickly and covertly approaching the enemy's stronghold along the route marked on the map. Throughout the journey, they remained highly vigilant, not missing a single detail.
As they approached the stronghold, Shi Ji ordered her team to disperse and surround it, preparing for a surprise attack. The stronghold was located inside a hidden cave, surrounded by guards and traps. Shi Ji instructed her team to proceed cautiously, disarming the traps one by one, and then quietly approaching the cave entrance. (End of Chapter)