readytorunbook Chapter 766 The First Glow of Golden Armor, the Flames of War Rekindle: The Lin Sisters' New Ch
Chapter 766 The First Glow of Golden Armor, the Flames of War Rekindle: The Lin Sisters' New Ch
Part 1: A Vow in the Dawn
Sunlight, carrying the crisp warmth unique to the early morning, pierced through the windows of the simple inn, precisely illuminating Lin Shu's slightly lowered profile. Her fine downy hairs were edged with a soft gold, and her long eyelashes cast a small fan-shaped shadow beneath her eyelids, conveying a focused and serene expression. She was wiping her sword, "Frostflowing," which had been her companion for many years. The blade, like a mirror, reflected her tranquil eyes, and also the rising sun outside the window.
The sunlight seemed to coat her with a layer of golden armor, not made of ordinary iron, but an invisible battle armor forged from faith, determination, and the past. Lin Shu's path of cultivation was not merely about personal martial arts advancement, but also a path of protection, a journey carrying responsibility and expectations. At this moment, this path, accompanied by the first rays of morning sunlight, slowly unfolded beneath her feet, leading to a future full of unknowns and challenges, yet also brimming with infinite possibilities. And she, Lin Shu, was ready.
"Shu'er, are you ready? We should set off." Lin Ping's steady voice came from outside the door, carrying a hint of barely perceptible concern.
Lin Shu raised her head, her sword already sheathed, her eyes clear and bright: "Sister, I'm all ready."
She stood up and straightened her clean, emerald-green leather armor. She had changed into this outfit on her way to the new prefecture's headquarters, as it represented a mindset of starting afresh.
Pushing open the door, Lin Ping, dressed in leather military uniform, stood tall and straight like a pine tree, a long whip called "Wind Crack" hanging at her waist, making her appear even more dashing and heroic. The two sisters stood side by side in the morning light, like two strong bamboos growing towards the rising sun, each with their own integrity and a tacit understanding connected by blood.
They had just undergone a grueling transfer. From the bustling yet turbulent old capital, they were dispatched by imperial decree to the remote and bandit-ridden Yuncang Prefecture. This was both a recognition of their abilities and a severe test. Yuncang Prefecture, vast and sparsely populated with continuous mountain ranges, had historically been a breeding ground for bandits. The previous governor's ineffective governance led to the banditry worsening, with several large bandit gangs even daring to openly plunder government granaries and raid county towns. The imperial court was furious, which is why the Lin sisters, known as the "Twin Jewels of a Military Family," were transferred here, hoping they could turn the tide.
After several days of trekking, they finally arrived at Yun'an City, the capital of Yuncang Prefecture, yesterday evening. Before they could even rest properly, preliminary military intelligence reports and bandit suppression strategies were already on the desk of the new governor, who would also be their direct superior—the old general Qin Yue.
Qin Yue was a seasoned veteran who had long heard of the Lin sisters' formidable reputation, but he also held them in a somewhat scrutinizing light. His first meeting yesterday had left him with a good impression of Lin Ping's composure and competence, and Lin Shu's reserved yet sharp nature. But impressions are just impressions; whether they could quell the banditry in Yuncang would depend on their actual combat record.
This morning, Qin Yue convened a meeting with several key generals, including the Lin sisters. The meeting resulted in the decision to split the forces into two groups to wipe out the two largest and most rampant bandit gangs within Yuncang Prefecture.
One force is the "Black Wind Stronghold" entrenched in Black Wind Ridge in the north of the prefecture. Its leader, "One-Eyed Dragon," is fierce and ruthless, with nearly a thousand well-equipped henchmen. They are a major threat to the north of Yuncang Prefecture.
Another group is the "Water Snake Gang," which operates on the edge of the Misty Swamp in the south of the state. Its leader, "Crossing the River Dragon," is cunning and resourceful. His followers are familiar with water and swamp terrain, appearing and disappearing unpredictably. They plunder merchant ships, blockade waterways, and pose a serious threat to the economic lifeline of Yuncang Prefecture.
"Lin Ping," Qin Yue's voice echoed in Lin Shu's mind, carrying an unquestionable authority, "I order you to lead three thousand elite troops from your own force, along with a portion of the state army, totaling five thousand men, to march north immediately to encircle and annihilate Black Wind Stronghold! You must wipe out the bandit's lair and capture and kill One-Eyed Dragon!"
"This subordinate obeys!" Lin Ping's reply was firm and resolute.
“Lin Shu,” Qin Yue’s gaze turned to his younger sister, who was even younger at the time, “Although you are young, you are known for your courage and strategy. I order you to lead two thousand elite soldiers from our unit, supplemented by two thousand naval troops from the state army who are familiar with naval warfare, for a total of four thousand men, to the south to wipe out the Water Snake Gang. This treacherous man, Guo Jianglong, is cunning and the terrain of the Misty Swamp is complex. You must act with caution, not seeking a quick victory, but rather a steady and reliable one. You must remove this thorn in your side!”
"This subordinate obeys! I will certainly live up to the general's expectations!" Lin Shu's reply was equally firm, with no fear in her eyes, only an eager gleam.
A new battle is about to begin on this unfamiliar land. The two sisters, who have just reunited at their new post, will once again part ways for a shared mission, heading to different battlefields.
Part Two: The troops split into two groups, and the journey is long.
Outside Yun'an City, on the drill ground, banners fluttered and armor gleamed.
Lin Ping, clad in silver armor, stood at the forefront of the battle, her face stern. The five thousand troops she led were disciplined and high in morale. This force included elite soldiers she had brought from her former ranks, as well as key personnel from the state army transferred to her by Qin Yue. Despite their diverse backgrounds, under Lin Ping's decisive training and the awe-inspiring presence of her reputation, they had already begun to form a formidable fighting force.
"Soldiers!" Lin Ping drew her sword and pointed it northward. "The bandits of Black Wind Stronghold are brutal and inhumane, plundering the villages and causing immense suffering! Today, we are here by order of the imperial court to bring them to justice! The journey to Black Wind Ridge is arduous and dangerous, and a fierce battle is inevitable! But I, Lin Ping, swear here and now that I will not return until Black Wind Stronghold is destroyed and One-Eyed Dragon is captured! Do you share this resolve?"
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Five thousand soldiers shouted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens and their killing intent soaring to the sky.
Lin Ping nodded in satisfaction, her gaze sweeping across the queue before finally settling on the figure in blue not far away.
Lin Shu had also completed her assembly. Her four thousand troops were relatively more diverse. Besides the two thousand elite soldiers she brought who were skilled in land combat, the two thousand naval troops from the provincial army were somewhat uneven in skill. They were familiar with water but lacked land combat experience, and their discipline was relatively lax. Lin Shu knew that molding this force into a sharp sword would be a considerable challenge.
Unlike her sister, she did not give a passionate speech. Instead, she calmly walked up to the naval forces and made quiet eye contact with every soldier she could see.
"I know many of you have lived by the water for generations, and your swimming skills are your pride." Lin Shu's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears. "But the Water Serpent Gang, they are also skilled in the water, even more so than you are in that misty swamp. Where does our advantage lie? It lies in the fact that we are government troops! It lies in the fact that we represent justice! It lies in the fact that behind us are the people and homes that need protection!"
Lin Ping looked at her younger sister, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes. She knew that although Lin Shu had a gentle nature, she possessed unwavering faith and courage. In this battle, the two sisters would join hands and fight side by side for justice.
She paused, then continued, "The Misty Swamp has complex terrain, making it easy to defend but difficult to attack. The cunning dragon crossing the river cannot be confronted head-on. From today onward, we must not only practice land-based skills but also familiarize ourselves with naval warfare and the swamp! I will personally lead you to survey the terrain and study tactics. I, Lin Shu, assure you that as long as you obey orders and fight bravely, I will never let any loyal and courageous soldier sacrifice in vain! Our goal is not to die, but to win! To go home!"
Her words were simple, yet carried a convincing power. In particular, her statement, "I will never let any loyal and brave soldier sacrifice himself in vain," deeply touched the hearts of the naval soldiers who had long been treated as cannon fodder and looked down upon. Looking at the young but determined female general before them, they felt a strong sense of belonging and an unwavering belief in victory for the first time.
"We are willing to follow the general and wipe out the Water Serpent Gang!" Someone shouted first, and then more and more voices gathered together, forming a torrent.
Watching her younger sister calmly direct the troops and quell the unrest with just a few words, Lin Ping felt a surge of satisfaction and pride. Shu'er has truly grown up; she's now capable of handling things on her own.
The bugle call to battle sounded mournfully in the morning light.
Lin Ping turned her horse around and came to stand in front of Lin Shu. The two sisters looked at each other, and a thousand words were exchanged in a single glance.
"Sister, take care on your journey. Black Wind Ridge is a dangerous place, and the One-Eyed Dragon is fierce. Please be careful." Lin Shu's voice was filled with genuine concern.
“I know.” Lin Ping reached out and gently patted her sister’s shoulder, just like when they were children. “You too. The Misty Swamp is a dangerous place, and the Crossing Dragon is treacherous and cunning. Remember not to underestimate the enemy or act rashly. Safety is the most important thing. Stay calm and find an opportunity to defeat the enemy.”
"Yes." Lin Shu nodded emphatically.
"When we return victorious, I'll treat you to a celebratory drink in Yun'an City." A rare smile appeared on Lin Ping's lips.
"Okay! It's a deal!" Lin Shu smiled, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
No further words were spoken. Lin Ping suddenly spurred her horse and shouted, "My men! Follow me! Destination—Black Wind Ridge!"
"Kill! Kill! Kill!"
Five thousand soldiers, like a giant steel dragon, kicked up billowing dust and marched in a mighty procession toward Black Wind Ridge in the north.
Lin Ping's figure stood tall and resolute at the very front of the group, gradually disappearing into the distance.
Lin Shu watched her sister's troops depart until they were completely out of sight before slowly turning her gaze away. She took a deep breath, suppressing the sorrow of parting in her heart, and turned to face her four thousand soldiers.
"Soldiers!" Her voice suddenly rose, carrying an indomitable spirit, "Destination—Southern Misty Swamp! Move out!"
"Roar!"
The other team also changed direction, heading south towards that unknown and dangerous waters, and resolutely moved forward.
The sun still shone brightly, but war clouds were already gathering over the land of Yuncangzhou. The Lin sisters, these heroines who had just reunited in their new land, were once again sent to the northern and southern battlefields to protect the peace of their region. Their figures, under the golden sunlight, resembled two sharp swords about to be drawn, their cold glint gleaming.