Crossing the famine to find the white moonlight

Chapter 401 The Imperial Court’s Ultimatum

A silent wind blew silently through the valley where Ye Wan stood. The grass and trees swayed gently, as if whispering to her, or perhaps telling of an impending disaster. Her gaze pierced through the layers of clouds and mist. The distant sky seemed to be cut by a knife, revealing a taut line, as if foreshadowing something inevitable.

That day, the court's final ultimatum came faster than she expected.

Ye Wan stood before her team, clutching the heavy secret letter. Her eyes remained calm, yet a turbulent tide of emotions brewed within her. She knew that with the arrival of this ultimatum, her world would completely change.

"Hello, everyone." Ye Wan spoke, her voice soft but full of strength that could not be ignored.

The team members surrounding her watched her silently, their unease growing. Today's atmosphere was different than usual; an indescribable sense of oppression seemed to permeate the air. They sensed a hint of something unusual in Ye Wan's expression, and when she unfolded the secret letter, a stronger sense of threat instantly enveloped them all.

"The imperial court... has finally taken action." Ye Wan's voice was calm, but a complex light flashed in her eyes.

Every word in the secret letter was like an icy blade, sharp and piercing: "Ye Wan, your actions have seriously challenged the authority of the court and have caused irreversible consequences. Disband immediately and hand over Xie Linchuan. The court will pardon all your crimes. If you continue to resist, you will bear the consequences at your own risk!"

Ye Wan's heartbeat quickened, but her expression remained unchanged. She knew this was the court's last chance, a seemingly elegant yet razor-sharp death ultimatum.

The reaction wasn't surprising. The turmoil of the past few months had prepared everyone for this day. But even so, upon seeing the actual contents of the ultimatum, shock was hard to conceal.

"This... This is impossible!" A young member couldn't help but shout out, his voice trembling, clearly unable to believe this fact. "Is the court really going to..."

"Are you scared?" Ye Wan turned and looked at him, a sharp gleam in her eyes.

The man immediately lowered his head and knelt down in shame. "No, Captain Ye, I'm not afraid. I just feel——"

"You just feel that you may not be able to bear this responsibility, right?" Ye Wan interrupted him coldly, her eyes heavy, as if she could see through his inner weakness.

"Captain Ye—" another member stood up, his voice firm, "We are a team. We have come this far together. No one can retreat easily."

Ye Wan nodded and let out a long sigh. She knew this moment had finally arrived. The power of the imperial court was irresistible. However, she knew she couldn't turn back. She couldn't let down those who had trusted her, and she couldn't let the obsession deep in her heart dissipate.

"Everyone knows that Xie Linchuan's issue cannot be resolved in a short time. No matter how much pressure the court puts on us, we cannot retreat." Ye Wan's voice gradually became firm, like a sharp sword in the cold winter, piercing through all the fog.

"However, now that the ultimatum has been issued, we can't pretend nothing has happened." A cold gleam flashed in her eyes, and she seemed ready to face all challenges.

"Captain Ye, what do you mean..." a member next to him asked cautiously.

Ye Wan didn't answer immediately. After a moment's silence, she slowly said, "Yes, we have no way out. The elite troops sent by the court are already on their way. We must be prepared for this final showdown."

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the entire team suddenly became solemn, as if oppressed by an invisible force. Everyone knew that this duel was not just about their personal fate, but also about the cause they believed in and the ideals they defended.

"But..." One of the older members frowned and looked at Ye Wan with a hint of doubt. "Although we have news about Xie Linchuan, if we want to truly escape, it will probably not be as simple as disbanding and handing him over. The court has lost its patience, and everything that comes next will be a huge challenge."

Ye Wan looked at him deeply, a look of determination in her eyes. "I know, but if we retreat, all of this will be for naught. We'll not only betray ourselves, but also those who once trusted us."

Before he finished speaking, everyone in the team fell silent. Although the scenery outside remained the same, and the clouds in the sky seemed to be floating freely, in this quiet valley, it seemed as if an irresistible force was forcing them to make a choice.

Suddenly, the silence was broken. A member stood up first, his voice loud and firm: "I am willing to follow Captain Ye to death, no matter how difficult the road ahead is."

His words seemed to ignite a powder keg, and loud responses came one after another.

"I do too!"

"Together we will!"

“We are a team and we will never give up!”

A warm feeling welled up in Ye Wan's heart. Although the world was still turbulent, she felt that she was not alone. Looking at her companions who had fought side by side for a common goal, she felt an immense strength.

"Alright." Her voice became stronger. "Then let us meet the court's challenge together and protect the faith and homeland in our hearts!"

At that moment, the sound of hurried horse hooves suddenly reached them from afar, accompanied by a chilling aura. Everyone's gaze shifted to the distance, their tension growing. Soon, an elite imperial force appeared at the valley's entrance. Clad in iron armor, their horses leaping, their every step a threat to everyone's heart.

"It's coming so fast..." Ye Wan gritted her teeth and took a deep breath, "Is everyone ready?"

"Ready!"

At this moment, all their fear and anxiety turned into a resolute resolve. In this valley, they were no longer scattered individuals, but warriors united in purpose, fighting to the death to protect their beliefs and their homeland.

This war, which concerns their future, has finally begun.