Chapter 52: On the Eve of the Great Battle

Li Chong's secret letter was like a spark thrown into boiling oil, instantly igniting the last glimmer of hope in Jiao Tu Zhen.

After a brief shock and panic, under Chen Wen's calm, almost cruel orders!

The whole town operated like a precise war machine, running with unprecedented efficiency and determination.

Night fell, but no one in Jiao Tu Zhen could sleep.

Firelight replaced moonlight, illuminating faces grim and resolute.

On the central square of the town, all able-bodied men and women who could wield weapons stood at attention.

Zhang Cheng stood at the front of the ranks, his voice hoarse from excitement and pressure, yet unusually clear as he conducted the final pre-battle mobilization and deployment.

Everyone's duties were clarified again, defensive zones emphasized repeatedly, and early-warning signals, retreat routes, and emergency plans were etched into everyone's mind.

Toward the back mountain, a silent column wound its way forward in the faint light of torches.

Aunt Wang and several elderly women led all the elders, children, and some women and children.

Carrying as much grain seed and precious tools as possible, they moved toward several previously surveyed hidden caves.

There was no wailing, only suppressed sobs and heavy footsteps.

The children clung tightly to their mothers' hands, eyes wide as they watched the fading light behind them—the light called "home."

This was a solemn migration, to preserve the seed of future fire.

On the town walls, the militia were making final reinforcements.

Logs and stones were stacked at the most convenient spots, clay pots filled with fire oil were carefully placed, and newly crafted arrows were bundled and distributed to each archer.

The atmosphere was so heavy it seemed it could drip water, yet no one shrank back.

They wiped their weapons, inspected their simple leather armor, and their eyes wove together tension, fear, and a resolve to burn their boats.

Chen Wen's figure appeared at every critical point.

His steps remained steady, his gaze sharp as a hawk's, scanning each stretch of wall and every fortification.

Eightfold insight let him instantly spot the slightest oversight.

"The angle of the anti-cavalry barrier here is wrong; it needs to tilt outward another three tenths to effectively check a cavalry charge."

"Strengthen the camouflage on the pits; the fallen leaves are too fresh—scatter some loose soil."

"Archers on the arrow towers, remember your crossfire coverage; prioritize eliminating the enemy's commanders and flag bearers!"

His voice was not loud, yet it carried a strange power to soothe and motivate.

Wherever he went, the militia's panicked heartbeats seemed to ease a little.

As long as the leader is still here, still calm, they still have hope.

【Full combat readiness activated, final pre-battle deployment and mobilization completed, battlefield command and morale-boosting ability increased (x Bonus)! Diligence Points (WP) +180!】

【Current WP: 8331】

After the final deployment was complete, Chen Wen alone climbed the town's highest watchtower, overlooking the small town tensely breathing in the darkness.

Firelight outlined the wooden walls' contours, reflecting the silhouettes of militia patrolling back and forth.

In the distance, the back mountain's firelight had vanished, meaning the relocation party had safely arrived.

A tragic, heroic, and solemn atmosphere enveloped everything.

Just then, the system interface in his mind surged violently, the number representing his diligence points—8331—emitting a faint glow.

A clear and enticing prompt appeared:

【WP reserves detected exceeding the upgrade threshold.

Should I immediately upgrade to Lv. 4, unlocking 16x personal performance?】

16x! A further leap in personal ability! This is undoubtedly a tremendous temptation.

Chen Wen could feel that once confirmed, a surging power would instantly flood his entire body.

His senses, thoughts, and strength would all be elevated to a brand-new realm.

Perhaps, with 16x inhuman combat power, he could truly take an enemy general's head amid ten thousand troops and turn the tide of battle?

This thought, like a demonic whisper, swirled in his mind; his hand slightly lifted, almost about to confirm the upgrade instinctively.

But just as his fingertip was about to touch that illusory interface, he abruptly stopped.

No! It's not the time yet!

Chen Wen drew a deep breath of cold night air, forcibly suppressing the urge to upgrade.

His gaze cleared and steadied once more.

The reason is clear:

First, the upgrade process is unknown; if it required time to adapt or other mishaps occurred, at this moment when the enemy could arrive at the walls any second, it would undoubtedly be a deadly gamble.

Second, and more importantly, this battle cannot be decided by his strength alone.

This is a battle for collective survival, testing the cohesion of the whole Jiao Tu Zhen, the sturdiness of its defenses, and the militia's courage and coordination.

Relying prematurely on a surge of personal strength might overlook the whole's weak points, and even lead to command errors.

Third, this 16x ability is his last and strongest trump card.

It must be played at the most critical, most desperate moment to have a decisive effect.

"Now is not the time to use you."

Chen Wen said to the restless system in his mind:

"Let us rely on ourselves, on everything we've accumulated through blood and sweat over the past month, to meet the invading enemy head-on!"

He made the decision, locking the upgrade's temptation deep in his heart.

This restraint requires more strength and wisdom than impulsiveness.

He turned, descended the watchtower, and returned to the militia standing ready.

He took a bow from the hands of a nervous young militiaman, carefully adjusted the bowstring's tension, and patted his shoulder;

He again approached a veteran inspecting his spear, and together they polished the spear tip.

No grand speeches, only silent companionship and solid action.

He wanted to tell everyone with his presence: I am with you, we will face it together.

Time passed second by second in the oppressive silence.

On the eastern horizon, a faint fish-belly white gradually appeared, barely perceptible.

Dawn was approaching, and after dawn, what would come—hope or destruction?

Chen Wen stood firm on the town wall, his gaze piercing the fading night as he looked toward the road that led to the outside world and also to the unknown battlefield.

The WP value within his body continued to faintly glow, like a dormant volcano hoarding world-shattering energy, awaiting the moment of eruption.

"Come."

He spoke softly, his voice merging with the pre-dawn chill.

Jiao Tu Zhen had already prepared to shed every last drop of blood.

On the eve of the great battle, it was the darkest darkness, yet it also nurtured the fiercest resolve.