The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1471: 1471: Retreat

“Indeed, previous commanders were mere figureheads, utterly useless in true combat. The rebel forces will undoubtedly perceive the current commanding officer as equally inept, a perfect ruse to lull them into a false sense of security.” Shangguan Jian wholeheartedly agreed, the saying “A brave army needs a brave commander” echoing in his mind. If Ma Yao was this incompetent, was it possible his subordinates were any better?

“A new strategy has been devised, and this time, success is guaranteed,” Ye Shikai declared with a confident smile.

“Old Ye, what's this grand plan of yours? Do tell,” Shangguan Jian urged, eager to depart the oppressive atmosphere of the current location.

“We shall withdraw our forces. In precisely three days.”

“What… did you say? Withdraw? Am I hearing correctly?” Shangguan Jian’s jaw dropped in disbelief.

“Absolutely. Withdraw all troops, evacuate everything, not a single thing left behind.”

“But why?”

“To deceive the rebel spies, naturally,” Ye Shikai explained.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Shangguan, have you ever heard the saying, ‘Build a plank road openly while secretly crossing Chencang’?”

“Never,” Shangguan Jian replied, scratching his head. Ye Shikai sighed internally; of course, they wouldn't have. This was still the Qin Dynasty; that idiom wouldn't emerge until the Chu-Han contention.

“It means we conceal our true intentions, employing deceptive maneuvers to confuse the enemy and achieve victory through surprise,” Ye Shikai elaborated, pointing to the map. The routes leading to the two rebel strongholds were predominantly mountainous. While not exceptionally narrow, these paths offered natural defensive advantages, making them difficult to assault. The rebel forces would surely have fortified them extensively. A frontal assault would incur heavy losses. The only viable option… was a clandestine flanking maneuver.

“I've discovered a hidden trail, a path that bypasses the mountains entirely, leading directly behind the rebel strongholds. An attack from a lower elevation will allow us to cleave through their defenses like a hot knife through butter, ensuring our triumph.” Ye Shikai traced a proposed route on the map with his brush.

“How did you find such a path?”

“Thanks to Xue San. He stumbled upon it beyond the mountain. Crucially, there are no rebel spies monitoring this particular trail.” A knowing smile passed between them, their shared understanding palpable. The feigned frontal withdrawal would serve as a performance for the rebels, convincing them the Qin Army was retreating due to adverse weather and conditions. Once their guard dropped, their doom would be sealed…

…………………………..

Modern Era.

Yanjing, Netherworld Palace, Moon God Temple Base.

“Multiple internal organ injuries, likely inflicted by an individual with profound Inner Strength. The wounds themselves are peculiar, appearing to be from a sharp weapon, yet not one of ordinary make…”

“Elder Dugu, this person is a friend of mine. He is gravely wounded; I implore you to treat him with utmost urgency.” Ji Qian bowed deeply. For half an hour, Dugu Tianke had been muttering to himself, causing Ji Qian more distress than the unconscious Wang Kai on the bed.

“Haha, fear not, Miss Ji. Despite the severity of his injuries, he possesses a robust and resilient warrior’s constitution. With my medical expertise, I guarantee his complete recovery within three days.” Dugu Tianke chuckled.

“My deepest gratitude to you, Lord Moon God, and to this esteemed elder, for your assistance. I express this on behalf of our master.” Wang Kai’s loyal followers had escorted him all the way to Yanjing’s docks. Upon receiving the news, Ji Qian had immediately brought him to the base. Learning of Wang Kai’s critical condition and the subsequent destruction of the War God Temple, she was consumed by regret. The forces of the Netherworld Palace and the Moon God Temple had recently withdrawn from Europe, leaving the War God Temple in Africa vulnerable, precisely as anticipated, to the combined assault of Doris and Aphrodite.

“Remain here and attend to him.”

“Understood, Lord Moon God.”

Half an hour later.

“Miss Ji, your friend is also a cultivator, is he not? Although he hails from Huaxia, his body contains a flow of Western energy.” Having finished treating Wang Kai, Dugu Tianke emerged from the room and encountered Ji Qian.

“He is my friend, a man of upright character who has aided me on numerous occasions. Esteemed elder, I beg you, please treat him.” Ji Qian mistakenly believed Dugu Tianke’s initial reticence was due to Wang Kai's background and hastily pleaded her case.

“Haha, worry not, young lady. I am not one to adhere strictly to convention. Furthermore, I have given you my word regarding his treatment; a promise is a promise, and I shall not renege.” Dugu Tianke offered a light smile.

“That is a relief. Thank you for your trouble, elder.”

“No trouble at all. This old man wanders far and wide, often with nothing significant to occupy his time. My visit to Yanjing this time is merely for sightseeing.”

“Elder, have you happened to hear anything about the Kunlun Mountain relics?”

“While I no longer concern myself with the major affairs of the cultivation world, I have recently heard Miss Wuyan mention it,” Dugu Tianke replied, settling into a cross-legged position on the ground, seemingly recuperating his Inner Strength.

“Wuyan, is she planning to head to Kunlun Mountain?” Ji Qian inquired with curiosity.

“Haha, Miss Ji, your thoughts on Kunlun Mountain are still quite simple. Let me explain: Kunlun Mountain, being the grandest relic in Huaxia, its opening signifies immense change, even a potential reshuffling of the cultivation family hierarchy. It's inevitable that a group of previously unknown individuals will seize this moment to rise to prominence within the cultivator world, possibly even altering the standings of the four major families in Yanjing.” Dugu Tianke, usually easygoing, adopted a serious and formal demeanor when discussing the Kunlun Mountain relics.

“Could it truly be that serious?” Ji Qian, in her twenties, had only ever heard tales of the Kunlun Mountain relics. Hearing Dugu Tianke's words, a sudden sense of panic washed over her. No wonder Chen Yuxin was so insistent on journeying to Kunlun Mountain despite her pregnancy. To safeguard the Chen family's prestige in Yanjing, she would surely not let such a golden opportunity pass her by. The last time Ji Qian personally visited the Chen family, attempting to convince Chen Yuxin to remain, she had been uncertain of Yuxin's ultimate decision. Considering Chen Yuxin’s deep affection for Ye Shikai, she would undoubtedly protect this child. However, Ji Qian couldn't be entirely sure; after all, Chen Yuxin was no ordinary woman. On the contrary, she was known for her surprisingly unconventional actions.

“Miss Ji, are you pondering the Chen family’s young lady?” Dugu Tianke suddenly interjected, as if possessing a Mind Reading Technique, he had perfectly pinpointed her thoughts.

“Although Miss Chen is not someone I personally witnessed grow up, her great-grandfather, Chen Yaogzu, was a comrade of mine, and I have heard accounts of her. She undertook certain ‘monumental’ actions to both inherit and solidify her position as Family Head. This time, however, I am curious about her chosen path.”

“Speaking of which, the Chen family girl is about four or five months pregnant. What a pity that we have no knowledge of Ye’s current whereabouts.”