Chapter 97

The Sui army withdrew from the domestic city in batches.

The Goguryeo did not play any tricks during the process, after all, the domestic city was crucial. At this point, there was no need to resort to pitiful tricks, which would only complicate matters.

Luo Shixin and his group returned to Mount Taibai smoothly.

Under the guidance of Zhao Dezhu, Luo Shixin came to the true lair of the Sui remnants... the Hidden Soldier Valley.

The Hidden Soldier Valley is located in the heart of the thousand-mile-long Mount Taibai, surrounded by mountains on three sides and a valley on one side. There is only a narrow path like a crevice that can lead into the valley, making it a place where one man can hold off ten thousand.

The area inside the valley is extremely vast, not less than a small county. The valley is flat, with lush peaks and babbling streams. Tall pines, evergreen trees, and cedars tower and shield the sun, forming a natural barrier, almost like a paradise on earth.

Even though Luo Shixin was not a literati, he felt deeply moved. If he had a higher level of education, he might have composed a poem that would be passed down through the ages.

To call such a place the Hidden Soldier Valley was truly a shame.

As they entered the valley, several people came to greet them.

The two leaders were a man in his forties, with a robust build, long limbs, a stern face, and a serious demeanor. He had two clear whip marks on his face, looking somewhat tired and in poor spirits. At that moment, he forced a smile, which was more painful than crying.

Beside him was a middle-aged man whose age was hard to guess. He was dressed simply and looked very ordinary, with nothing remarkable to describe. The only thing worth mentioning was his health. His ordinary face was ruddy, his ordinary eyes were bright, and his common hair was neatly oiled, without a single strand out of place. Despite his ordinariness, he gave off a sense of warmth and sincerity, especially when he smiled, making people feel a genuine trust.

Their characteristics were obvious, and their identities needed no introduction.

The former, as the leader, maintained his authority and was serious. The latter, as a doctor, had the warmth to gain the trust of patients.

Indeed!

Zuo Tiancheng quickly approached them, bowed, and thanked them. He had already heard everything from Li Yunchong. He did not approve of the heavy losses to save one person. But now, it was too late to say anything. Luo Shixin had helped them achieve the most glorious results with the least cost. This was not just a personal favor but a boundless grace to their entire tribe.

Even if he had to climb a mountain of knives or dive into a sea of fire, it would be hard to repay. Therefore, even the usually serious Zuo Tiancheng genuinely smiled.

Luo Shixin said indifferently, "We are of the same lineage, and it is only right to join forces against Goguryeo and defeat them. What is there to talk about?"

Did Zuo Tiancheng want him to remember the favor?

Luo Shixin had never thought about it. Even if Zuo Tiancheng was cold-hearted, as long as he was not a great villain, he would still lend a hand in similar situations within his capabilities. Not for any other reason, but because they were Chinese and of the same lineage.

Zuo Tiancheng was deeply moved by these words. The ancients loved their country and home. For various reasons, they had formed their own clan on Mount Taibai, cutting off ties with their homeland and China. But they could never forget that they were from the Central Plains, with the blood of the descendants of Yan and Huang. His eyes were slightly red.

"Sun Simiao also thanks the general for saving his life," Sun Simiao bowed, his every move exuding an extraordinary demeanor.

Luo Shixin hurriedly said, "Doctor Sun, you are too kind. I cannot accept such a grand gesture. I came here from afar for you, and I have an important matter to request!" Although Sun Simiao was a commoner, his medical skills and ethics were among the best in the five thousand years of Chinese history. Luo Shixin vaguely remembered that Sun Simiao practiced medicine and wrote books without keeping his medical knowledge secret. His medical books and techniques were widely disseminated, and he even helped the Tang Dynasty complete the world's first national pharmacopoeia, the "Tang Xin Bencao," greatly advancing the medical field of the time. Luo Shixin had great respect for such a great man.

Sun Simiao, who had clearly heard from Li Yunchong about Luo Shixin's intentions, said cheerfully, "Saving lives is a doctor's duty. After this matter is settled, I will go with you."

"But..." Pei Qingyi wanted to speak but was stopped by Luo Shixin.

Sun Simiao was a doctor. In his eyes, Zuo Tiancheng's daughter and Princess Pingyang were both patients. As patients, there was no distinction of high or low, noble or humble. As a doctor, there was no reason to abandon one patient for another.

Since Sun Simiao had already made a plan, forcing him to change it might not have a good effect.

If Princess Pingyang could not hold on, it was a helpless situation. They had done what they could, and the rest was up to fate.

Zuo Tiancheng invited Luo Shixin to drink inside. They had already set up a feast to entertain them.

There was a variety of chicken, duck, fish, and meat.

Originally, Zuo Tiancheng and his people lived frugally. But now, they had obtained all the grain and war supplies from the domestic city's treasury, and looted the mansions of officials like Yi Zhiwend, Gao Huizhen, and Gao Shu. The harvest was rich, allowing them to indulge in luxury.

After a few rounds of drinks, four people entered the hall, each holding a silver-covered dish. They placed the dishes in front of Luo Shixin, Pei Qingyi, Sun Simiao, and Qi Hua.

Zuo Tiancheng smiled and said, "With the arrival of esteemed guests, my nephew Li Yunchong personally hunted a large brown bear from Mount Taibai. He is serving you all four bear paws."

The chef opened the silver covers, and a rich aroma filled the air.

The thick, round bear paws emitted an enticing smell.

Luo Shixin said, drooling, "What a large bear paw, the bear must have been quite big!"

Zuo Tiancheng nodded, "Indeed, it was a formidable bear, a local tyrant. In the past, we would avoid it, but today it was for this purpose. If not for Yunchong's bravery, no one else could have captured it."

Luo Shixin had never eaten bear paws before and did not hesitate, eating heartily. Sun Simiao also tasted it, while Pei Qingyi and Qi Hua felt embarrassed and unworthy.

Luo Shixin said, "The host has specially prepared this. It is only right to finish it. Being polite would waste the host's efforts."

Zuo Tiancheng hurriedly agreed, saying that as a military commander, he appreciated straightforward people.

Pei Qingyi and Qi Hua no longer held back.

The atmosphere became lively, and Luo Shixin curiously asked, "Since you have established yourselves on Mount Taibai, have you never thought of going home?"

Zuo Tiancheng paused at this question and sighed, "Going home, how could we not think of it? But what would we do if we returned? As defeated generals, we cannot even find peace for ourselves, let alone face our hometown and elders. It's better to stay here, atone for our sins, and return only after achieving great deeds. Unfortunately, we waited for years, and the world has changed. Even our homeland has been destroyed."

Luo Shixin was deeply moved and suddenly understood the significance of the Hidden Soldier Valley. Zuo Tiancheng and his people were not passively forced to stay on Mount Taibai by Goguryeo but were waiting, waiting for an opportunity to avenge themselves and coordinate with the troops attacking Goguryeo.

The Hidden Soldier Valley was for hiding soldiers. They were soldiers from the beginning to the end.