The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1584: Bamboo Grove Ambush

A shared glance passed between Ye Shikai and Shangguan Jian. Mere moments before, they had been pondering Mi Wen's choice for the supply and logistics base, quite surprised she selected Wu County. Yet, the decision held logic: the northern mountains provided a natural defense against Qin Army surprise attacks, and its proximity to the county border facilitated convenient transport.

"So, you wish for me to lead the transport corps?" Ye Shikai inquired with a playful tone.

"Certainly not. I am fully aware of your capabilities. Appointing you solely to transport grain and armaments would be a monumental waste of talent," Mi Wen replied. She moved closer, her voice a soft whisper near Ye Shikai's ear. The intimacy of the gesture caused Shangguan Jian to cough lightly and avert his gaze.

"Logistical support is no trivial matter. If the soldiers on the front lines lack sustenance and are ill-equipped against the cold, how can they possibly muster the will to fight?" Ye Shikai gestured with his hand. A major conflict would involve hundreds of thousands of combatants on both sides; the rebel army alone numbered over a hundred thousand. The sheer volume of daily provisions required was staggering. A disruption in supply would cause such a massive force to disintegrate like crumbling earth.

Especially in an era dominated by cold steel, numerical superiority often translated directly to a higher probability of victory. However, the fundamental prerequisite for commanding such vast armies was unwavering and sufficient logistical support.

Mi Wen's intention was not to diminish the significance of logistics. Rather, she believed Ye Shikai, as a General commanding hundreds of thousands, should be focused on leading assaults, allowing other Generals to manage the supply lines.

"Grain and armaments will be systematically delivered into Wu County. Both of you must remain vigilant."

"Understood," Ye Shikai confirmed with a nod.

"Incidentally, with tens of thousands of troops now stationed in Southern County, when do we commence our offensive?" Ye Shikai inquired. Thus far, Mi Wen had only instructed him to lead his forces to Wu County, with no further directives issued.

"There is no need for haste. My estimation is that within three more days, the majority of the provisions will have arrived in Wu County. Upon their arrival, I will dispatch someone to summon you to Jiangling for a war council. For the interim period, you will remain here and assist me in safeguarding these vital supplies."

"Very well, consider it done."

Within the mountains.

"The natural beauty of these mountains and rivers is truly breathtaking; this is indeed a place of scenic splendor." Mi Wen and Ye Shikai had ventured into the mountainous region adjacent to Wu County. Spring water cascaded down from above, accompanied by a cool, invigorating breeze.

"It is a pity that this tranquil locale may soon be scarred by the ravages of war," Ye Shikai remarked somberly.

"Though the fires of war may mar this scenery, it will regenerate within two decades. Only through enduring peace and stability can such landscapes persist for a millennium. Perpetual conflict represents the ultimate tragedy."

Mi Wen's words carried an underlying implication: a war lasting twenty years was preferable to unending hostilities; a brief period of suffering was better than prolonged agony.

"Accompany me," Mi Wen said softly.

"Pray tell, where are you leading me?"

Mi Wen guided Ye Shikai into a secluded bamboo grove, an area where few people ventured. A gentle breeze rustled through the stalks, creating a soothing "sasha" sound.

"What is it? Do you have something specific you wish to discuss?" Ye Shikai inquired.

"The grand war has yet to commence. While we still have a measure of free time, perhaps we could engage in a brief exchange of blades?" Mi Wen extended her palm, and in a flash, a Longsword materialized in her grasp. Despite the distance of over thirty feet between them, Ye Shikai could already sense a potent aura emanating from the weapon; it was undeniably a famed sword.

"Are you certain about this?"

"Naturally. While you bested my personal guards previously, that does not equate to my acknowledgment of your true strength." Perceiving Ye Shikai's lingering hesitation, Mi Wen softened her demeanor. "Rest assured, this encounter will be strictly purposeful this time. I harbor no intention of causing you harm."

"Very well, I shall oblige you."

Ye Shikai drew a metallic sword from his Storage Ring. Mi Wen surged forward, her blade aimed in a swift thrust. Ye Shikai retreated, raising his arm to parry her strike with his own sword.

"This truly is a renowned blade."

The instant their swords met, Ye Shikai felt an overwhelming surge of energy, causing his entire arm to tremble.

"What ails you? Is that the extent of your prowess?"

"Haha, I merely fear that if I unleash my full strength, your defeat will be rather… ungraceful," Ye Shikai responded with a chuckle.

"Excellent. Then I shall witness your capabilities firsthand. Come, attack with unbridled boldness."

"Then watch closely." Ye Shikai activated the Inner God Scripture. This was a scripture he'd acquired from Xiang Qi; it possessed the ability to significantly amplify his Inner Strength in a condensed timeframe, facilitating a rapid victory and the overwhelming of his adversary in a single decisive blow.

In the span of a breath, Ye Shikai ceased to exist in his original position. Mi Wen's heart constricted; instinctively, she heightened her vigilance.

"Take this!"

Bang.

After a solitary exchange, Mi Wen experienced the impact of a formidable force. Ye Shikai's footwork and velocity far surpassed her expectations. She was caught entirely unprepared in that precise moment, taken by surprise, and forced to reel backward several paces. Abruptly, she felt a substantial hand steady her waist.

"Who is there?" Mi Wen exclaimed, whirling around and slicing with her sword, only to cleave through vacant air.

"You lost."

A subtle voice resonated beside her ear. Mi Wen glanced downwards and observed a keen blade pressed against her throat; Ye Shikai had materialized behind her as if he were a specter.

"Well? I held back, did I not? You are defeated now." Ye Shikai returned his Longsword to its sheath. This maneuver could be deemed an overt 'ambush,' relying solely on sheer velocity—closing the distance before the opponent could register a reaction and concluding the encounter with a single strike.

"Not bad, you truly possess a degree of prowess. Such swiftness in a movement technique is genuinely uncommon." Mi Wen displayed no anger. Instead, she offered a light applause and a faint smile.

"You are also quite formidable." Ye Shikai reciprocated the sentiment. Should they engage in a direct confrontation, he might not possess the advantage against her—unless... he chose to wield the You Xi Sword or the Netherworld Blade. However, both were designated 'lethal implements'; without facing the direst of circumstances, their use was strictly prohibited.

"So, shall we continue our spar?" Ye Shikai inquired.

"Certainly, come again."

"No." Ye Shikai's countenance shifted abruptly. With a swift motion, he surged directly towards Mi Wen.

"What?"

Slash.

Mi Wen turned her head. Ye Shikai was already positioned behind her, and at their feet lay the lifeless form of a man clad in black.

"What is happening?" Witnessing the scene unfold, Mi Wen could not suppress a tremor of astonishment.

"It appears we have an assassin. His movement technique is rapid—he is a cultivator as well." Ye Shikai wiped the crimson fluid from his blade, his expression grave. This secluded bamboo grove was seldom frequented, and cultivators were a rarity. How could one coincidentally appear here? The sole logical conclusion was that he had been dispatched to eliminate Mi Wen.

"Be vigilant. Someone intends to kill you." Ye Shikai moved Mi Wen behind him, his voice cool and sharp. Mi Wen also recognized the impending peril. The two stood with their backs to each other, while the periphery of the bamboo grove teemed with hidden observers watching their every move.

"The fog within this bamboo forest is dense. Exercise extreme caution."