The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star Chapter 254
Translated by Pure
Chapter 254 My Vision Was Lacking
The heavy rain ceased, and amidst the bustling efforts to combat floods and mend homes, the enemy unexpectedly launched an assault on the city.
Sound detection stations were strategically placed throughout the city, capable of detecting any movement dozens of kilometers away. The primary method of alerting the populace was by tolling the tower bell.
This very bell was the same one Mu Yang and Wen Yantong had climbed during their previous adventure. Its resonant chime carried far and wide, echoing throughout Yibei City, signaling the urgency of the situation.
Under the starlit sky, the world lay silent, enveloped in a peaceful stillness. Suddenly, the piercing toll of the alarm bell shattered the tranquility, jolting the slumbering inhabitants awake from their dreams.
Wen Yantong, roused by the urgent clangor, bolted upright in bed. Her right eyelid twitched repeatedly, intensifying her unease.
Outside, the relentless tolling of the bell echoed, spreading panic among the household's occupants. The sound of hurried footsteps and frantic knocking at the door filled the air.
Wen Yantong swiftly rose from her bed, hastily donned her coat, and called out, "Come in."
The maid, typically in service to Wen Yantong, entered with a hurried bow. "Miss, the city is under attack by the enemy. The Commander-in-Chief has sent me to deliver a message, urging Miss to remain indoors and avoid venturing out."
Wen Yantong's heart raced, a sense of panic seizing her without reason. "Where is the Young Marquis?" she inquired urgently.
"After the bell rang, the Commander-in-Chief donned his armor and departed."
Wen Yantong continued, "Then the others..."
"Military Officer Fu has not returned tonight, but Young Master Mu is still within the premises," the maid addressed each query in turn.
Accepting the inevitability of the impending battle, Wen Yantong's nerves steadied somewhat. She glanced towards the doorway and noticed two figures stationed outside.
"Who are the two outside?" she inquired.
Upon hearing her question, the two individuals stepped into the room and offered Wen Yantong a respectful salute. "This subordinate has been tasked by the Young Marquis to ensure Miss's safety," one of them conveyed.
Observing them closely, Wen Yantong recognized A’Guan and Zhuang Mian, whom she hadn't encountered in some time. Chi Jingxi had indeed dispatched these two to safeguard her, indicating the severity of the situation.
After nodding in acknowledgment, Wen Yantong retreated to her room. Despite the lateness of the hour, sleep eluded her entirely. Instead, she found herself consumed by a sense of worry that refused to dissipate.
Sitting in silence for what felt like an eternity, fatigue eventually crept in, and she drifted into a fitful slumber. Yet, even in her dreams, she found no respite, as visions of Chi Jingxi haunted her subconscious.
In her dream, Wen Yantong witnessed Chi Jingxi's formidable presence on the battlefield, his movements fluid and precise as he dispatched enemy after enemy with his frost-like sword. A crimson aura enveloped him, a mixture of his own blood and that of his foes.
As the battlefield cleared, Chi Jingxi turned, his gaze falling upon Mu Yang and Fu Zixian. Mu Yang lay sprawled, riddled with multiple sword wounds, while Fu Zixian's throat bore the telltale mark of a fatal slit.
Examining his surroundings more closely, Chi Jingxi observed a grim tableau: a landscape littered with corpses, some recognizable faces among them, others mere strangers. He stood upon this macabre stage, blood trickling from his person, coalescing into a winding rivulet that snaked through the carnage.
The war had granted Chi Jingxi a perch of unassailable dominance, yet it had also exacted a toll, stripping away everything he held dear.
Wen Yantong abruptly emerged from her dream, drenched in cold perspiration and struggling for breath. Her heart raced uncontrollably, the residual terror of her nightmare clinging to her like a shroud.
It felt as though she had revisited the narrative of the original tale, her mind tethered to the haunting image of Chi Jingxi's countenance upon witnessing the demise of Mu Yang and Fu Zixian.
The chilling tendrils of the nightmare left Wen Yantong's limbs cold and her fingertips trembling. For a prolonged moment, she remained in a daze, gradually realizing that it was merely just a dream.
Reminding herself of the progress made in Yibei—preventing the tragic fate of Mu Yang and Fu Zixian, and quelling the spread of the red patch plague—Wen Yantong sought solace in the notion that the original plot would never come to reality.
It took some time, but eventually, she managed to regain her composure.
Observing the increasing light outside, Wen Yantong emerged from her room, summoning the maid to inquire, "Have there been any updates?"
The maid responded, "This maid has only heard that the Commander-in-Chief led his troops into battle last night. The enemy has now withdrawn temporarily, but the city gates sustained damage and are being repaired by the townsfolk."
Wen Yantong inwardly exhaled a sigh of relief, remarking, "That's good."
The maid reassured, "Miss, don't fret. The Commander-in-Chief is formidable; he will surely push the enemies back to where they came from and return unscathed."
Wen Yantong feigned a smile, understanding that the outcome of this war wouldn't be so straightforward.
Though she wasn't versed in Sun Tzu's Art of War, she understood that success in battle depended not just on might but also on cunning. It was now a contest of wits.
As the battle commenced, tension pervaded the household. Mu Yang, no longer frivolous, adopted an uncharacteristic solemnity. Yet, he visited Wen Yantong more frequently than ever.
At times, upon finding Wen Yantong engrossed in her writing, Mu Yang would silently join her at the table, leafing through a book, though his reading progress remained slow throughout the afternoon.
Nonetheless, his uncharacteristic quietness spoke volumes.
Wen Yantong sensed his concern for Fu Zixian and Chi Jingxi, who were battling on the front lines, yet she found herself unable to offer solace. With swords clashing on the battlefield, Wen Yantong and Mu Yang could only endure the agonizing wait.
In such a pivotal moment, simply ensuring their own safety and avoiding any trouble would be a form of assistance in itself.
Wen Yantong couldn't shake thoughts of them from her mind each day, and finally, Chi Jingxi returned.
Upon his arrival, Chi Jingxi wasted no time in cleansing himself of the grime of battle before seeking out Wen Yantong.
Overwhelmed with concern in his absence, Wen Yantong rushed to hug him the moment she laid eyes on him.
Chi Jingxi embraced her warmly, caressing her head as he whispered, "I've caused you much worry."
Wen Yantong inquired anxiously, "Are you injured? Are you exhausted from the fights? How did the battle go?"
Chi Jingxi responded, addressing each concern, "I sustained some minor injuries, but nothing serious. Fighting is indeed exhausting, but it's a small price to pay for securing peace for the people of Yibei. We emerged victorious in the battle, which is why I was able to return. The enemy has been cornered in an abandoned city to the south and is surrounded."
Wen Yantong let out a long sigh of relief and murmured, "That's great to hear."
Chi Jingxi expressed, "Once these enemy troops retreat, we can return to Chaoge. I appreciate all your efforts during our time in Yibei."
Wen Yantong gently held his hand and replied softly, "It's no trouble for me. You're the one tirelessly working day in and day out."
Chi Jingxi didn't say anything further, simply embracing Wen Yantong silently.
After weeks of continuous fighting, his body was thoroughly exhausted. Holding Wen Yantong now, he felt a profound sense of relief wash over him. Resting his head on her shoulder, he could feel himself drifting off to sleep.
Sensing Chi Jingxi's fatigue, Wen Yantong remained silent.
After a brief moment, Chi Jingxi spoke up, "There are some in the army who propose seizing the opportunity to besiege the enemy while they're unprepared. What are your thoughts on this?"
Wen Yantong replied, "Young Marquis, why ask me? I'm just a girl. I wouldn't know the first thing about military strategy."
Chi Jingxi explained, "The army is currently split into two factions, each advocating for their own strategy, and no decision has been reached yet."
After a moment of contemplation, Wen Yantong gestured for Chi Jingxi to sit on the bed. "Come, sit down first, then I'll share my thoughts with you."
Chi Jingxi complied, taking a seat on the bed and fixing his gaze on Wen Yantong.
Wen Yantong expressed, "Though I lack knowledge in warfare, I understand one fundamental truth: when people feel cornered, they react fiercely, much like a rabid dog."
Chi Jingxi attentively absorbed her words.
"If they are already enclosed within the city, they'll realize their fate and fight tooth and nail, causing heavy casualties regardless of the outcome," Wen Yantong elaborated. "Instead, why not create an illusion of survival and potential escape routes? Their focus would then shift to fleeing, diminishing any resolve for a desperate fight to the death."
Wen Yantong continued, "By gradually eroding their psychological resilience during pursuit, you can weaken their resolve. And remember the ambush you set up in the large canyon? You can use that tactic to identify spies within the army and crush the enemy forces, minimizing our losses."
Chi Jingxi fell silent for a moment, then grasped her hand and chuckled, "Why did I previously underestimate your intelligence?"
Wen Yantong replied with a smile, "Perhaps because Little Marquis used to have poor judgment."
Chi Jingxi embraced her, gently planting a soft kiss on her lips, and conceded, "Indeed, my vision was lacking."
Wen Yantong, enveloping him in her arms, leaned in to kiss his cheek affectionately, murmuring, "Young Marquis, you must be tired. Take this time to get some sleep."
Chi Jingxi responded, "It's not often I have leisure time."
Wen Yantong insisted, "There will be plenty of free time ahead. Right now, you need proper rest."
After getting off his lap, Wen Yantong gently tucked Chi Jingxi in, ensuring he was comfortable under the thin blanket. Taking a seat on the carpet beside the bed, she rested her chin on the edge, her gaze fixed on him. With a gentle tone, she said, "Go to sleep, I'll watch over you from here."
Chi Jingxi gazed at her, his eyes unwavering, silently conveying a depth of gratitude and affection. Wen Yantong met his gaze with understanding, intertwining their hands in a comforting gesture.
As the quiet of sleep beckoned, Chi Jingxi gradually drifted into slumber, his features relaxed, exuding a sense of tranquility.