Huo Shengnan said, "Godfather, have you ever listened to what the soldiers truly feel?"
Yuchi Chong still said nothing.
Huo Shengnan said, "These soldiers have fought through blood to defend their homes and Great Yong's borders, yet their families have been starving behind the lines. Many have even died of hunger or illness."
Yuchi Chong said heavily, "Enough."
Huo Shengnan said, "Godfather, I'm not saying this to persuade you to change course. But a war without hope offers no chance of victory! Can you really bear to lead these brothers who have fought through blood beside you into endless battle, fighting until every last one is dead? Even if they preserve their honor, who will care for their families? Who will protect their children?"
Yuchi Chong pressed his lips tightly together. After a moment's silence, he said quietly, "You should go back." With that, he urged his horse forward and cracked his whip, galloping down the slope toward the military camp without looking back.
Huo Shengnan watched Yuchi Chong ride away, her eyes filled with sorrow. It was as though she could already see the fate that awaited her godfather.
After returning to the military camp and removing her armor, Huo Shengnan stretched her waist. Just then, she sensed something strange behind her and spun around, only to find no one there. While she was still puzzled, she felt what seemed to be someone gently blowing on the back of her neck. Her heart lurched. With her current martial arts prowess, anyone who could lurk beside her undetected and even tease her had to be among the greatest masters alive. Her hand dropped to her sword hilt, and she began drawing it as she twisted around to slash behind her. Before she could pull the blade free, a large hand