Regaining Strength

After escaping from the prison, Lanling Wang and Bai Lian walked cautiously through the hidden alleys of the town in the night. It was already late, and there were almost no pedestrians on the streets. The two almost blended into the night.

"The army is the key." Lanling Wang whispered, with his firm determination in his voice. "If I want to reverse this situation, I must regain control of my troops."

Bai Lian nodded slightly, with a calm expression and a sharp look around. "You have fought side by side with them for many years. I believe that even if you are not here, they are still loyal to you. But it is not easy to find them. And when the jailbreak is exposed tomorrow morning, the emperor will definitely suspect that you will return to the army."

Lanling Wang thought for a while, and then said: "Feng Duo. He must know their whereabouts."

Bai Lian smiled slightly, and his face hidden in the darkness was looming. "Yes, I expected you to think of him. In fact, I have found him."

Lanling Wang was startled, and then showed a surprised expression. "Did you find him?"

Bai Lian nodded and continued to walk forward, explaining as she walked: "I found his whereabouts through some friends in the martial arts world. Since you were arrested, he has fled the palace and hidden, but he has never given up contact with your army. They are suspicious and do not move their troops, but they are still loyal to you. As soon as you appear, they will gather again and wait for your order."

Lanling Wang slowly followed Bai Lian, and hope gradually ignited in his heart. "Why have they been sitting still?"

"Feng Duo is waiting for the right time. He knows that if he acts rashly, he may put you in a more disadvantageous position. Those rumors confuse people, but Feng Duo knows the truth, so he has been watching the situation."

Hearing these words, Lanling Wang's uneasiness was slightly relieved, but soon, his brows frowned again. "Where should we go now? Where is Feng Duo?"

"He is hiding in a safe house on the outskirts of the city, not far away. He is waiting for you." Bai Lian led Lanling Wang around several alleys, gradually away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, and walked towards a secret place.

On the way, Lanling Wang's thoughts were running fast. He knew that he had to get in touch with Feng Duo as soon as possible and reassemble his army. The soldiers who had followed him to the battlefield were now confused and bewildered. His enemies might take advantage of this and disintegrate his power. He couldn't waste any more time.

The two of them passed through a dense forest, and a dilapidated house appeared in front of them. The torches that seemed to have been prepared in front of the door flickered slightly, and the firelight was particularly dazzling in the night.

"It's here." Bai Lian stopped and motioned Lanling Wang to follow.

Lanling Wang strode towards the dilapidated wooden door, his heartbeat accelerating. He knew that what was waiting for him in the room was not only a familiar friend, but also a chance to be reborn. He knocked on the door gently.

The door was soon opened, and Feng Duo stood at the door, his eyes deep with a hint of joy and respect. He was five years younger than Lanling Wang, but at this moment, his figure seemed particularly steady, as if the experience during this period of time made him more mature.

"General." Feng Duo's voice was low and powerful, with a bit of excitement and respect.

"Feng Duo," Lanling Wang nodded, took a deep breath, and walked into the house. "How is the army?"

Feng Duo motioned him to sit down, with an unquestionable firmness in his tone. "The soldiers have been dispersed to various places and kept a low profile, but they are all waiting for your orders. Although rumors are everywhere, they have never wavered in their loyalty to you. I have been keeping in touch with them through some channels."

Lanling Wang sat down, with a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Where are they?"

"I have arranged several temporary garrisons in the mountains, all to prevent the court's ears and eyes from investigating. As soon as the general appears, they will gather immediately." Feng Duo said, with a firm tone, as if everything was under control.

Bai Lian listened quietly, occasionally interjecting a few words, but more often, her mission was to escort Lanling King here, and now, the real action was about to begin.

"How soon can we see them?" Lanling King asked in a deep voice, eager to regain military power.

"General, take a rest first, and we will set off before dawn tomorrow." Feng Duo suggested, "The morale of the soldiers is still high, but they need to see you to really feel at ease."

Lanling King took a deep breath, his eyes as firm as iron. "Before dawn, we will set off."

Feng Duo nodded, and then briefly described some details of his contact with the soldiers to ensure that Lanling King was at ease. At this time, Bai Lian suddenly spoke: "General, the most important thing at this moment is to preserve strength and act cautiously. Now that there are constant conflicts within the court, it is a good opportunity for us to act."

Lanling King thought for a moment and nodded. He understood that this action was not only about his own destiny, but also about the future of thousands of soldiers who had followed him for many years. He must succeed, no matter what the cost.

As time passed, the night became darker, and Feng Duo arranged the route for departure. Lanling Wang's mood gradually changed from initial trepidation to determination. He knew that everything that followed would determine his life, death and honor. He stood up, looking into the dark night with a sharp gaze, and had already made a decision in his heart. "Tomorrow will be the beginning of our counterattack." He whispered, with the flames of revenge and hope burning in his eyes.