Chapter 9 The Pursuit of the Dead

In the night, Cheng Ze's figure quietly left the tent, his gaze swept over the camp, and then motioned for the soldiers behind him to follow. Each of them walked with an unusually light step, as if they were afraid of disturbing the silence of the night. The warriors in the team exchanged glances, and everyone's facial expressions revealed a tacit understanding and determination.

The night was like a heavy curtain over the silent camp, and Cheng Ze stepped out of the tent, his iron face resolute and serious in the faint light of the fire. His gaze swept over the camp, checking every possible nook and void to make sure he hadn't missed any possible risks. His eyes were finally fixed on the group of elite warriors who had been prepared behind him, they were his hand-picked members, each of whom had been tempered countless times of life and death, trusting and loyal to his leadership.

He was dressed in a dark battle robe, and his whole body exuded an aura of slaughter. The delicate fabric conforms to the body and guarantees maximum freedom of movement and provides excellent concealment at night. He wore a long sword at his waist, and the scabbard was close to the side of his leg, so that even sneaking would not make a half-minute sound. There was endless calmness and depth in his eyes, just like the bottomless night sky.

Cheng Ze raised his hand slightly, a simple gesture, and the fighters immediately understood that it was a signal to go. Like cats in the dark, their steps are light and steady, and they don't even leave a trace on the grass behind them. The warriors' eyes gleamed like wolves in the darkness, and they knew every step of the operation, as it was the result of countless previous discussions and drills.

They walked through the camp like a group of nocturnal ghosts, quietly moving along the inconspicuous paths. The pace of each warrior was strictly controlled, and even the breathing was suppressed to a minimum, so as not to break the dead silence. The taupe cloak gently flicked and blended in with the night.

During the march, Cheng Ze's deputy, a short but agile scout, would occasionally explore his way forward, and then quickly and silently return to report to Cheng Ze what was going on. His movements were like a gust of wind, and even the air was not stirred.

"Three hundred paces ahead, there are enemy patrols." The scout whispered to Cheng Ze, his voice so low that it almost blended with the night breeze.

Cheng Ze nodded, his expression unchanged, and motioned for the team to stop temporarily. He lowered his head and pondered for a few seconds, then quickly mapped out a new course. They can't risk being discovered by the enemy and must therefore be diverted, and while that means they need to make a big circle, safety always comes first.

Cheng Ze noticed that every fighter in the team was watching him nervously, waiting for further instructions. He used gestures to order everyone to disperse, everyone was familiar with this set of sign language, and without saying much, the team quickly acted according to Cheng Ze's instructions.

As the warriors silently dispersed, they were like cheetahs in the night, agile and dangerous. Everyone knows that the key to completing the task is stealth and speed, and it is on these two that they have refined their true expertise.

By the time the fighters regrouped, they had managed to avoid the patrol. Cheng Ze was ahead of the curve, carefully observing the terrain around him, always ready for any situation that might arise. His heart beats steadily in his chest, each beating a sonorous response to impending danger.

Soon after, they reached their destination. Xiao Feihu's camp was right in front of him, and some of the fires between the tents were still flickering faintly. Cheng Ze signaled to the team that they had successfully infiltrated the outskirts of the enemy camp.

In the next moment, Cheng Ze and his teammates will start the most crucial step of their operation, and they must stick to the heart of the opponent like a knife blade. The entire camp was immersed in the tranquility of the night, and only Cheng Ze's heartbeat quietly accelerated in the dark night.

The night was like a deep pool, dotted with starlight, and the fire in the camp had long since been extinguished, leaving only the embers to flicker faintly in the darkness. Cheng Ze's figure looked like a static sculpture in this hazy light and shadow, until he lightly opened his red lips, his voice was low and powerful, and every word seemed to have been carefully carved.

"Remember, silence is better than sound." There was an unmistakable majesty in his words, like an invisible signal that was quietly transmitted to every warrior in the night.

The warriors seemed to have anticipated his instructions, and their bodies stiffened for a moment, followed by a solemn promise: "Yes, captain!" The voice was low, like a whisper in the night wind, so low that it almost melted into the surrounding breath, and with their shadows, faded into the darkness.

Their figures swayed slightly in the night, ethereal as ghosts, each step carefully thought-out, avoiding stepping on dry branches or dead leaves. Even in armor, they can be as light as cats, without the dull sound of metal clashing.

Cheng Ze turned, tugging at the edge of his cloak, which was like a nighthawk's wings, gently undulating with his movements. His eyes swept from one end of the camp to the other, as sharp as a cheetah, catching every tiny detail.

They walked silently, flying almost close to the ground. The night is their cover, they are the masters of the night, and every action is an ode to the night.

The fighters followed closely behind, keeping just the right distance to ensure that the formation was compact and spread out enough in case they were caught by the enemy. Their eyes have been adjusted to night vision, and even the faint light is enough for them to make their way.

This silent march continued for a moment, and before approaching the target location, Cheng Ze stopped again. He turned, his gaze sweeping over each team member's face, as if he were doing a final roll call to make sure everyone was ready. Then, like a group of geists in the night, they quietly disappeared into the shadows of Xiao Feihu's camp.

This is a game about life and death, about the direction of the entire war, and Cheng Ze and his team members are the protagonists in this game. Each of them has a major mission, and if the operation fails, not only their own lives will cease to exist, but the entire battle situation will also be seriously affected.

But at this moment, in the prelude to this nocturnal walk, each of their chests was full of firmness and determination, and their eyes were telling the captain Cheng Ze: they were ready.

Along the way, they carefully avoided all branches and dead leaves that might make a noise, even the rolling stones. As they went deeper, the darkness around them became thicker, but their eyes had adapted to the darkness and were able to discern direction with the help of moonlight.

"The trees to the east are more dense, and we can use it for cover." One of the deputies whispered.

Cheng Ze nodded and motioned for the team to move east. They weave through the forest like ghosts, every step calculated accurately.

As he approached the enemy camp, Cheng Ze stopped, his eyes sharpened, and his ears caught the tiniest sound of Zhou Yan. After listening intently for a moment, he gestured to his deputy, signaling that an enemy patrol had been spotted.

"Distraction attracts their attention." Cheng Ze gave the order softly, his face solemn.

The two team members silently moved towards the perimeter, carefully making small noises that were enough to attract the enemy's attention. Cheng Ze continued to advance deeper into the camp with the remaining warriors.

They walked among the tents and horses until Xiao Feihu's tent came into view. Cheng Ze stopped and whispered to the fighters beside him, "We have arrived, ready to act." ”

Under Cheng Ze's leadership, the soldiers arrived at Xiao Feihu's tent, and their movements were as natural as if they had been practiced countless times. The moonlight pierced the sparse clouds, providing them with a faint light. Cheng Ze's gaze swept around him, and after confirming the vigilance around him, he nodded to the team member who was responsible for quietly cutting fabrics.

The team, a young warrior of modest stature but extremely skillful in his hands, gently drew a short dagger from the holster around his waist. The dagger glistened coldly in the faint light, and his fingers slid lightly over the handle, and after confirming the grip, he turned his head to look at Cheng Ze.

"Captain, get ready." He whispered, his voice almost swallowed by the night wind.

"Fast and steady, we don't have much time." Cheng Ze responded in the same low voice, staring at the cloth, as if silently counting the time in his heart.

The team member nodded, his eyes focused and calm. He approached the corner of the tent, his body almost melted into the night, and it was only when he approached the tent that the moonlight barely illuminated his figure. He raised the dagger, the tip of which touched the fabric of the tent lightly, and the dagger drew a cut in the cloth with precision and fluidity like a painter's pen.

The fabric was cut without making the slightest sound, and it was as smooth as a filament. He gently lifted the strip of cloth to create a passage for Cheng Ze and the rest of the team to enter.

"Go in like a ghost, no one will be able to detect our presence." Cheng Ze whispered to the warriors behind him, and then he took the lead in crouching down and passing through the cut opening.

One by one, the warriors emulated Cheng Ze's movements, carefully passing through the incisions, each with extremely light movements. Even they, armed with cold weapons and armor, did not cause any alarm when they entered the tent.

They quickly dispersed in their tents, each in place, as they had rehearsed earlier. Everything was under control and there was not a hint of panic.

"Watch your breathing, control your heartbeat, and don't let your enemies perceive your fear." Cheng Ze reminded his team members in a low voice inside the tent.

"Yes, Captain." The team responded, everyone's voice was almost inaudible, their emotions were suppressed to the extreme, and the whole person seemed to melt into the shadows of the dark night.

The warriors were scattered in the corners and center of the tent, following a pre-made plan, their eyes full of determination, and everyone was ready to carry out the final orders. The air inside the tent seemed to freeze, oppressive and silent, except for the faint rustle of the tent cloth occasionally by the night wind, and the distant whistle, which constituted the quiet background of the night.

Cheng Ze walked silently, every step was like stepping on a cloud, so light that he could barely feel his weight. He came to Xiao Feihu's bedside, and after standing still, he stared coldly at this general, who had terrified countless people, but at this moment, he was sleeping defenselessly in front of him.

The moonlight shone through the gap in the tent and projected onto Cheng Ze's clenched sword, the body reflecting a cold white light. His sword-raising arm was as steady as a rock, without a hint of shaking. There was neither hesitation nor sadness in his eyes, only a calmness as deep as the deep sea.

Cheng Ze lowered his head, his lips slightly open, as if he was silently reciting something, perhaps to soothe his soul, or to pray for the life that was about to die. He breathed steadily, and then in an instant, the long sword slashed across the night sky like a meteor, and a sword aimed directly at Xiao Feihu's heart.

The tip of the sword touched the garment, like sharp claws tearing through the weak fabric with ease, penetrating the skin deep without hindrance, until it reached a deadly depth. Everything happened between breaths, so fast that Xiao Feihu's face didn't even have time to show a look of horror or pain, and his eyes were closed forever before they were fully opened.

The surrounding warriors guarded the surroundings to make sure no one could disturb the operation. The whole process didn't make any sound, not even the sound of Xiao Feihu's breathing didn't change, but it stopped suddenly.

Cheng Ze withdrew his long sword, and the tip of the sword was stained with a little blood, which looked particularly eye-catching in the moonlight. He wiped it lightly with the fabric in the tent, then withdrew the scabbard, his movements still slow and calm, as if he had done any ordinary task.

Immediately, Cheng Ze turned to his teammates and nodded, which was a signal to evacuate. They must leave before the enemy finds out, keeping the operation flawless.

"Operation over, retreat." Cheng Ze's voice was still low, but it was clearly transmitted to every fighter.

The warriors glanced at each other, and then, like ghosts, silently left the tent through the incoming incision and disappeared into the night. Their actions were as if they had never happened, and the only thing left was the corpse of the general of a nation, quietly telling the story of what happened that night.

When leaving the camp, Cheng Ze whispered to the team members: "The action is perfect, we must go back quickly and buy time." The team followed him closely, and everyone was fully focused and did not dare to relax in the slightest.

The night was still dark, but for Cheng Ze and his teammates, the darkness was their friend, and it protected their safe return.

One by one, the warriors walked through the quiet of the night, their steps still light, but the weight in their hearts had been released, because the success of the mission brought invisible ease. Back at his camp, an irrepressible smile rippled across everyone's lips, anticipating victory and rejoicing in the salvation of life. Every face was filled with relief and joy, even shining in the dim light.

Cheng Ze walked ahead, his steps firm and silent. They walked to the lit tent, which was Nick's command post. The tent door curtain was lifted, and Cheng Ze was the first to enter, and the soldiers waited outside, their eyes full of anticipation of the good news that was coming.

Li Keyong was sitting in front of the battle map, and when he heard the footsteps and looked up, he knew that the task had been completed when he saw Cheng Ze. His face looked particularly serious in the light, but the light in his eyes flickered uncontrollably.

"Report to the marshal, the task was successfully completed. The enemy general has been killed by my sword. Cheng Ze reported calmly, and there was not the slightest boast in his tone, only a simple statement of the results of the mission.

Li Keyong stood up from his seat, his figure standing unusually tall in the tent. Approaching Cheng Ze, his eyes were not only appreciative, but also deeply trusted and dependent. He stretched out his hand and held Cheng Ze's hands tightly, feeling the faith and strength conveyed by the solid palms.

Li Ke's voice was excited, "Well done, Cheng Ze." The bravery and wisdom of you and your teammates have laid a solid foundation for our great cause. Your names will be engraved on the stone monument of honor for our country. ”

Cheng Ze bowed slightly, expressing his gratitude, but there was no pride or satisfaction on his face, only deep calmness and firmness. "The marshal is overrated. We have only done our part. Now that the enemy army has no leader, the Battle of Dawn will be the decisive blow. Let's prepare for the real challenge. ”

Li Keyong's gaze revealed deep thought and planning for the next battle. His fingers tapped the table, as if in dialogue with the strategy in his mind.

"Cheng Ze, what you did tonight is stronger than any words." Li Keyong began to say, his tone was calm, and every word was full of weight, "Tomorrow's battle will be the turning point of the whole campaign." We need to use tonight's victory to translate it into morale and motivation for the army. ”

Cheng Ze stood up straight, his expression focused and respectful, "Marshal, tonight's success is just the beginning of the battle. We know that the real test is yet tomorrow. ”

"Indeed." Li Keyong nodded approvingly, "The success of all this depends on you, my sword and shield. I need you to rest well and show your courage and wisdom tonight on the battlefield tomorrow. ”

Cheng Ze's eyes also showed firmness for the upcoming battle, "We will spare no effort to defend this land with our sword." ”

"Good!" "Each of you is a hero in this battle, not only because you have completed the mission, but also because you can surpass yourself and do your best every time. ”

Cheng Ze bowed his head slightly, "Marshal, we are willing to dedicate this glory to our country and our people." ”

Li Keyong stood up, walked towards Cheng Ze, and once again stared into the warrior's eyes, as if to confirm his determination and courage, "Tomorrow dawns, when the first rays of sunlight illuminate the battlefield, I want to see you, my warriors, as the vanguard of victory." ”

"We will be there, waiting for that moment to come." Cheng Ze replied solemnly.

"Now go and rest, Cheng Ze. You and your teammates. Give the soldiers plenty of time to prepare. Do everything well. Rick waved at him, signaling that he could leave.

Cheng Ze saluted again, turned and left, his steps firm and steady. When the warriors outside the tent saw him come out, they immediately gathered around him, waiting for his next order.

"The marshal has an order, we have a good rest tonight. Tomorrow we will go into battle in the best shape for victory. Cheng Ze announced to his fighters.

The warriors nodded, their faces resolute, knowing that the challenge ahead would be even tougher, but their morale was not dampened. On the contrary, there was a stronger fighting spirit burning in their eyes.

Afterwards, they dispersed one by one, looking for a quiet place to soak in the temporary tranquility and recuperate physically and mentally for the upcoming battle. The Battle of Dawn will be the greatest test of their courage and resourcefulness.

Cheng Ze gave a military salute, "Obey, marshal." We will live up to our mission. ”

Cheng Ze walked among his men and looked at these highly trained warriors, their eyes shining with a desire to fight and confidence in victory.

"Brothers," Cheng Ze's voice was firm and powerful, breaking the silence of the night, "Tonight, we have no one to sleep. We will wait in the darkness before dawn, waiting for that moment to come. ”

"The general has worked out perfect tactics for us," he continued, "and our task is to wait for orders, and then crush the enemy." Everyone must remember that we are the iron horsemen of the Jin Kingdom, and we are the raging storm on the battlefield! ”

The warriors looked at each other, their eyes shining with determination.

"The general trusts us," one of the fighters exclaimed, "and we will never fail his expectations!" ”

"We are the blades of the Jin Kingdom!" Another warrior shouted in response.

"So," Cheng Ze walked to the side of the warhorse, stroked its mane, and turned to the warriors, "check your weapons, stroke your mounts, and tonight, let us all be like beasts of prey waiting to be hunted on the battlefield." ”

The warriors began to check their equipment, confirm the tightness of their bowstrings, check the sharpness of their swords, and at the same time soothe their beloved horses.

"Remember," Cheng Ze spoke again, his tone more calm, "although the Khitans are brave, they don't have our strong shields, we don't have our precise crossbow arrows, we don't have our strategy and discipline. As long as we follow the plan, victory belongs to the Jin Kingdom! ”

"For the Jin Kingdom!" The warriors responded in unison, their voices shaking the night and conveying their determination.

Cheng Ze's words and the momentum of the fighters both indicated their firm determination to fight next. On the battlefield of tomorrow, everyone will contribute to the glory and future of the Jin Kingdom in their own way.