Exposing our position two hundred kiloters away to lure the enemy is rely a diversion to shift their attention temporarily. It doesn't fundantally solve the problem. Everyone here understands the pros and cons of this plan and looks towards Luo Zheng, anticipating his subsequent plan.
Luo Zheng continued, "The enemy's forces are strong. This tactic can only attract a certain amount of their manpower and attention; it doesn't fundantally solve our problem. So, we also need soone to head east. Tomorrow, Shadow will expose his position. The day after that, the person heading east will do the sa, and do it more covertly. The enemy will find out unexpectedly and think that our main force has headed east. At that point, we'll withdraw to the west. Since the enemy has already searched the west side, it'll be safer."
"An illusion within an illusion, a good plan. I'll be the one going east, and no one should contest for it." Wu Jin said with delight, without considering the higher risk of heading east.
Everyone looked at Wu Jin with respect, but Luo Zheng chuckled, "You should let have this opportunity to shine. You're already the chief. Don't be greedy for this chance to earn rit."
"No way, the main force's withdrawal can't happen without your command." Wu Jin resolutely refused, looking at everyone with a face of anger, and continued, "In terms of rank, I am the highest. It's a tradition in our forces for officers to lead by example. In terms of ability and experience, I'm not inferior to you. Of course, tactical command is a different matter. You have a gift for it, and I admit I'm not as good, but this is just to lure the enemy. It doesn't require tactical command. Shadow is most suited, but needs to go west. Snow Fox cos next, but he's too injured, and you need to direct the troops. So, among us, I'm the most suitable."
"Stop arguing. I'll definitely co back, just a day late. When I return, I'll head east with a snowboard, covering two hundred kiloters in a night is no big deal." Shadow suggested, looking relaxed and confident.
"No, I must ensure nothing goes wrong. The person heading east must set off at night. The troops will depart three days from now. Shadow, I have a new idea. If you can find a hidden place, stay put, observe the enemy's search patterns, keep track of their movents, and link up with the main force as they retreat ho. Our way back should be smooth, with or without ." Luo Zheng said sternly.
"I have no objections. How about this, I head east, you head west. That way, I can still lead the withdrawal. I can move easily alone and create so noise in the east to cover you guys. Given my speed and skill, making an escape shouldn't be too difficult." Shadow said confidently.
There was silence among everyone. Heading east was the most dangerous. No one was truly suitable. Skill-wise, Shadow was the best choice, and everyone implicitly accepted Shadow's suggestion. But since Luo Zheng was the temporary highest commander, he had the authority. Lan Xue, who understood Luo Zheng's temper, thought for a mont and said, "Stop arguing. Shadow, you head west. I'll accompany him east. Two people will look out for each other, and the commotion will be bigger. Let's settle it like this."
Heading east was nearly a death mission. Luo Zheng naturally wouldn't let Shadow go. Seeing Lan Xue asking to accompany him ward his heart. He also knew there was no changing Lan Xue's decision. Better to go together—living in the sa lodge or dying in the sa grave—even in death, there'd be no regrets. He looked at Lan Xue with deep affection, and when Lan Xue looked back, they exchanged knowing smiles.
"No, I'm going too, count in," Ghost Hand, Mountain Eagle, and Snow Leopard hurriedly declared, faces filled with urgency.
"Agreed. It's all five of you going, or it's just going solo." Wu Jin said seriously.
"We're not off to a feast, so why fight?" Lan Xue snapped at Ghost Hand, Snow Leopard, and Mountain Eagle, then looked at Wu Jin and continued, "You know our relationship. I absolutely won't stand by and watch him take risks on the battlefield. If he's dying, I'm dying with him. I won't agree to him going alone, but nor will I oppose his decisions. So my only choice is to follow him. It's settled."
"This?" Wu Jin looked at Luo Zheng with a heavy heart.
Luo Zheng thought it over and said, "It's settled. I'm the temporary commander, and I have the final say on the battlefield. Captain, once we split, the team is in your hands. Brothers, let's not ntion this anymore. Aren't you three confident in leaving us two behind to lead the troop? The road west isn't easy either."
"Fine, if anything happens, the three of us will find their President in Arctic Bear to settle the score." Ghost Hand solemnly, though with a choking voice, said.
"Yes, and those from Snow Bear won't be let off easily either," Snow Leopard said earnestly.
"Be careful, brothers are waiting for your return to command," Mountain Eagle said in a deep voice.
"Enough, this isn't so farewell forever event. Everyone make the most of the ti to rest. I need to get a good night's sleep too." Luo Zheng pretended to grumble as he went off to find a place to rest.
Everyone watched Luo Zheng in silence, saying nothing but full of emotions that clogged their chests—touched, respectful, and admiring. Wu Jin looked at Lan Xue, who shook her head, aning no more discouragent was needed. Wu Jin sighed and said, "Everyone, continue to rest. I'll keep watch."
Ti ticked by, and the sky gradually darkened. Everyone awoke, quietly watching Shadow, Luo Zheng, and Lan Xue prepare, their eyes filled with respect and silence. Wu Jin hesitated to speak, his face heavy. Very soon, the three completed their preparations. Shadow departed under the cover of night. To avoid exposure, no farewells were given, only silent blessings in the cave.
Soon after, Luo Zheng and Lan Xue also set off east with their gear. Everyone had long been accustod to parting, but still couldn't help but feel heartache, their tiger eyes moist, solemnly saluting in farewell.
After departing the canyon, Luo Zheng and Lan Xue followed the mountain's dense forest eastward. Along the way, Luo Zheng affectionately said to Lan Xue, "Silly girl, you know the danger and still follow. What am I to do with you?"
"Without you, what's the point of living? If you think you can leave everything behind and leave to suffer alone, dream on. If there's hardship, we'll suffer together. If there's death, we'll die together. Besides, I trust you'll find a way out. The border is long, even if there are a hundred eyes, there's always a blind spot offering an opportunity. We have our goal, right?" Lan Xue said seriously.
"Yes, there will be an opportunity. For you to live well, I'll find a way." Luo Zheng answered solemnly, vowing in his heart that no matter how bitter or difficult, he'd ensure Lan Xue returned ho safely.
"No, we both have to live well. Neither of us is allowed to die. We haven't married yet. I still want to have children with you. Do you want to have regrets in this life?" Lan Xue, knowing Luo Zheng too well, keenly sensed his thoughts, warmth filling her heart, she said touched.
"Right, we still have to get married, have kids. For this, we must live, live well." Luo Zheng said moved, clenching his fists, eyes sharp, looking ahead and striding forward.
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