A daily intelligence report; in chaotic times and famine years, grain is plentiful.

"Don't say a word."

Chen Mo turned around and gave a command.

The people who were chatting immediately shut up and continued walking forward.

"Be on high alert; government troops may very well launch an attack."

Chen Mo reminded him again.

No one dared to be negligent, and they all gripped their weapons tightly.

Because they were carrying supplies, the group moved very slowly, and the atmosphere was inevitably more tense.

As the group slowly walked deeper into the mountain path, the forests on both sides instantly darkened.

At that moment, Chen Mo suddenly stopped in his tracks.

Almost simultaneously, Liang Ming, who was standing next to him, also stopped in his tracks.

The two exchanged a glance, seeing the same wariness in each other's eyes.

not right...

It seems someone has been here in these mountains and forests.

"Quickly retreat to the village!"

Chen Mo commanded in a deep voice.

The followers behind him looked at Chen Mo with blank expressions and doubts, completely unmoved.

Just as Chen Mo was about to urge him on, shouts of killing suddenly rang out from the woods on both sides.

"kill!"

"Take down the bandits!"

Before long, hundreds of soldiers in armor rushed out of the dense forest.

Just by glancing at their attire, one could tell that they were likely the elite of the Zhenbei Army!

"Everyone, fight back!"

Chen Mo roared and immediately drew his blade to meet the enemy.

As the government troops charged out, the soldiers behind them were completely caught off guard and instantly fell into chaos.

Many people didn't even have time to react before they were struck by the Zhenbei Army's weapons, falling to the ground screaming in agony.

These refugees, who were usually able to fight well against local government soldiers and militia, were now completely powerless against the real elite troops of the imperial court.

Even though many people had drawn their swords to fight back and had the advantage in numbers, they were still at a disadvantage.

The soldiers of the Zhenbei Army were well-trained, and in no time, Chen Mo's troops were scattered.

Along the mountain path, the sounds of fighting and screams could be heard.

At that moment, Xiao Yunling also drew his sword and charged out from the dense forest.

She personally took to the field, and no one could stop her wherever her longsword went.

A lowly soldier from Lingtou Village swung his knife at her, but she easily dodged it. Then, with a swift thrust of her sword, she slit the soldier's throat.

At this moment, Chen Mo was still holding his knife, fighting against the group of Zhenbei Army soldiers.

Currently, in their ranks, only he, Liang Ming, and Dong Shuo are capable of exchanging a few blows with the main force of the Zhenbei Army.

With sheer grit, Dong Shuo brandished his long sword and barely managed to hold off the siege of the Zhenbei Army soldiers.

Liang Ming stayed by Chen Mo's side, covering Chen Mo as he organized a counterattack.

However, apart from that, the other troops were no match for them, and they were all suppressed and beaten by the Zhenbei Army.

Chen Mo's heart sank.

The true purpose of the Zhenbei Army was never to attack Lingtou Village, but to cut off their retreat route to Heifeng Ridge and wipe them out in one fell swoop.

The brothers who were sent out to scout ahead earlier did not fail to discover the enemy situation, but were deliberately let go by the Zhenbei Army. Their purpose was to make Chen Mo lower his guard and lead this large force into the ambush area.

The opponent they are facing is definitely not someone Chen Mo and his group can handle. If this continues, they will likely suffer heavy casualties.

"Retreat! Retreat to the village!"

Chen Mo shouted loudly.

The supplies we have now can only be temporarily discarded.

He gripped his knife, turned, and slashed towards the rear of the group, helping the besieged troops escape and carving a bloody path through the enemy lines.

But at that moment, a cold light pierced straight into his back.

Its speed was so fast that it even carried a gust of wind.

Chen Mo reacted quickly, suddenly turning to the side and blocking with the hilt of his knife.

A clang was heard as swords clashed.

The enemy gave Chen Mo no chance to catch his breath and attacked again.

This person's swordsmanship was fierce, aiming at Chen Mo's vital points at every turn.

Chen Mo was careless and felt a sharp pain in his arm, realizing that his arm had been cut by the other party.

Chen Mo gritted his teeth, swung his knife forward, and kicked out at the same time.

The man took two steps back, dodging Chen Mo's attack.

This time, Chen Mo finally saw the other person's face clearly.

It was an extremely cold and beautiful face, but her eyes held a murderous aura, and her armor accentuated her tall and imposing figure.

female?

Is this the female general?

She actually led her troops in ambush here...

Chen Mo didn't have time to think much; he knew that if he continued to entangle with her, his troops would only suffer heavy casualties.

He had to lead the rest of the men out.

"Follow me, get out of here!"

Chen Mo fought and retreated, constantly slashing with his sword to block the advancing Zhenbei Army soldiers and cover the retreat of the troops around him.

Xiao Yunling was determined not to let Chen Mo go and charged forward with her sword.

She could tell at a glance that Chen Mo was the leader of this band of bandits.

To catch the thief, first catch the king. Once you take him down, this rabble will collapse on its own.

Xiao Yunling flashed forward and chased after Chen Mo, her sword about to pierce him.

But at that moment, a large sword suddenly slashed down from the side.

This move was powerful and heavy, accompanied by gusts of wind.

Xiao Yunling had no choice but to turn around and block, using his longsword to deflect the broadsword.

After a loud crash, she felt a tingling numbness in her hand.

This man is incredibly strong...

"General, be careful!"

The deputy general behind him rushed forward and quickly came to Xiao Yunling's rescue.

Taking advantage of this opening, Chen Mo finally shook off Xiao Yunling's pursuit and, along with Dong Shuo and the others, rushed into the mountains and forests.

Liang Ming stayed at the back, holding off the pursuing Zhenbei Army and buying Chen Mo a lot of time.

"Chase!"

Xiao Yunling gave the order and personally led his soldiers in pursuit.

This is the best opportunity to kill Chen Mo!

Chen Mo led the group to a hillside.

The hillside below was covered with pebbles and weeds, making it difficult to walk.

"Follow me, jump!"

Chen Mo shouted.

As soon as he finished speaking, he jumped down, grabbed a tree branch on the slope, and rolled down the slope.

Seeing this, the people behind him disregarded their fear and jumped down one after another.

Liang Ming shook off the government troops and followed Chen Mo as they retreated down the hillside.

Xiao Yunling fought his way up the hillside with his sword, but stopped when he saw the bandits tumbling down into the dense forest below.

"General, should we pursue them?"

The soldier behind him asked.

Xiao Yunling glanced at the steep hillside and shook her head.

The terrain below is complex, and her men are completely unfamiliar with the terrain of Black Wind Ridge. If they rashly pursue them, they may fall into an ambush, which would be a greater loss than gain.

Moreover, the bandit leader's skills should not be underestimated, and he also has experts by his side. If the pursuit continues, the Zhenbei Army may not necessarily gain the upper hand.

"Block the road up the mountain and prevent them from entering Black Wind Ridge."

Xiao Yunling turned around and gave the order.

She knew that although Chen Mo had left with his remaining troops, Lingtou Village had been severely weakened by this battle.

As long as we hold onto all the entrances and exits of Black Wind Ridge and hold them off for a few days, these bandits without supplies will eventually walk right into our trap.

"clear!"

The soldiers behind him obeyed orders and immediately killed the remaining bandits before heading towards the mountain to block their path.

At this moment, the battle on Black Wind Ridge has ended.

The Zhenbei Army won a great victory in this battle, killing more than one hundred people...