Chapter 55: Ascending to the Heavens with Companions

The border fortress could no longer be held. Li Ruocheng’s main force was reduced to just over two thousand men. The reinforcements that had previously arrived were completely wiped out atop the city walls. Li Jianggong had no choice but to lead the remaining two thousand soldiers in retreat from the border.

Before departing, Li Ruocheng regained her composure and immediately issued an order to set fire to all the stored provisions and supplies.

She knew the barbarians had very little grain reserves. If she destroyed these supplies, even if they breached the border, they would face severe logistical difficulties.

Though uncertain how long this would delay them, every day bought was precious—otherwise, the civilians would suffer terribly.

The barbarian pursuit was relentless, lasting an entire day before Li Ruocheng finally managed to shake them off. Now, only about a thousand soldiers remained by her side. Even Li Jianggong was gravely wounded, having taken three arrows to protect her.

Leaning against a large tree, Li Jianggong sat, spitting blood continuously.

Such injuries were nearly beyond saving, even by divine intervention. Li Ruocheng’s expression grew cold, but she could not shed a single tear. “Third Uncle, I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.”

A faint smile appeared on Li Jianggong’s handsome face. “Don’t say that. I’ve watched you grow up since you were little. No one in the clan recognizes me as their third uncle, except you. You’re the only one who respects me.”

By rank, Li Jianggong was indeed Li Ruocheng’s third uncle, though he had been born to a maidservant.

On the day Li Jianggong was born, the previous head of the Li family had the maidservant killed outright. Had Li Jianggong been female, he would likely have met the same ruthless fate.

Growing up, Li Jianggong was never valued by anyone. Even after some military achievements, he remained unacknowledged by the Li family.

It was only after meeting the young Li Ruocheng that he was truly respected and admired for the first time.

A faint image surfaced before Li Jianggong’s eyes: the soft and tender little girl he once knew was now a genuine general.

“Ruocheng, this path I chose myself; it concerns no one else. I have no regrets. The border is lost. The urgent task now is to retreat to Jiangyang City, regroup the troops, and reclaim the border. Don’t do anything foolish.”

Li Ruocheng clasped Li Jianggong’s hand tightly. “Third Uncle, if I retreat now, countless civilians will be plunged into suffering. I will send someone back to request reinforcements, but I must not leave.”

Li Jianggong suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood. “Ruocheng, you have always been different from others. Surely your future will be brilliant. It’s a pity I won’t see it. Just a few days ago, I met an interesting little fellow and wanted to introduce them to you. Now, it seems that chance is gone.”

As Li Jianggong’s hand fell powerless, the man who had followed Li Ruocheng for over a decade closed his eyes.

There was no time to mourn. Li Ruocheng immediately ordered the entire force to check their carried rations. She planned to fight the enemy again in the forest ahead.

News of the border’s fall reached Ning Ye at once, but with his small contingent, there was no hope of reversing the situation.

Retreating now meant crossing at least two enemy defensive lines, as the barbarians had already invaded.

Ning Ye did not believe his fifty men could break through two well-guarded lines.

Wang Wu’s face was grim. Their situation was perilous. The enemy knew their position; if they were surrounded, escape would be impossible.

“Sir, we should retreat quickly. Maybe we can find a way out. If we delay, we will surely be encircled.”

Ning Ye shook his head. “The enemy is no fool. They’re probably already on their way here. To survive, there is only one option left.”

Ning Silang’s face was filled with despair. “Can the Ning family never truly rise? In this state, what else is there but to pray to heaven and earth?”

Ning Ye chuckled. “Well, that’s convenient. I can’t manage earth, but heaven? That’s still possible.”

Upon hearing this, everyone’s eyes filled with disbelief. They thought Ning Ye was cracked from the pressure, speaking nonsense.

Unbothered by their skepticism, Ning Ye led his horse into the tent. Taking things directly from a hidden space would surely earn him the label of a sorcerer.

Hence, his horse always carried two large leather bundles, the contents of which remained a mystery, providing plenty of fodder for stories.

When three hot air balloons were brought out, the crowd stared in amazement, bewildered as to what Ning Ye intended to do.

Ning Ye immediately ordered everyone to gather branches and vines to weave a large basket—one that was big and sturdy, the bigger the better.

Though no one understood his plan, they obeyed promptly. Ning Ye mused quietly why the balloons came without baskets.

After all, their backgrounds were diverse, and the forest had ample materials.

In less than an hour, several large baskets were woven—large enough to hold all the people.

Amid the crowd’s astonished gazes, Ning Ye began operating the balloons. When flames burst from the small cylinders, the spectacle was dazzling.

Don’t ask how Ning Ye operated the balloons alone—that was black technology.

As the huge spheres inflated in a clearing, Ning Ye ordered everyone to board.

As the balloons slowly rose, the ground beneath receded. Everyone gasped in awe.

Old Hu’s legs trembled as he clutched a rope. “Sir, what is this? It can carry so many people into the sky?”

“It’s just a little trick. The principle is beyond your understanding. If you knew, you could do it too—just not as well as me.”

For all, leaving the earth to ascend to the heavens was an eternal dream.

Wang Wu’s face brightened. “Sir, with this, we can bypass the enemy’s encirclement and return directly to Qingyuan County.”

Ning Ye dashed Wang Wu’s hopes. “I’m not interested in leaving. Instead, I want to scout the mountain side. Since they broke the border defenses, they will continue invading, but an army must be supplied. I plan to cut off their provisions. Who will join me?”