Urban Divine Doctor Descends the Mountain

Chapter 2553: Chapter 2552: Trial Passed—Devotion to Nation and People, Self-Sacrifice for Martyrdom

Time passed in a blur, and another half a year went by.

Lin Dong stood on the frontier wall, gazing out at the endless mountains intertwined with clouds at the horizon, his heart filled with immense pride, yet carrying a subtle concern scarcely perceived.

Since the farewell half a year ago at the Taoist temple, he embarked on this iron-blooded path, driven by deep affection for family and country and courage for the unknown.

From an ordinary soldier to the present General of Ten Thousand.

Every battle witnessed his growth and transformation, and his name spread like the beacon fires of the frontier, reaching far and wide.

However, behind the glory and achievements, Lin Dong’s heart always held a concern—the Princess Haoyue, far away in the Capital City.

”I wonder how she is now.” Lin Dong clenched his fist, aspiring now to become a Great General, leading soldiers in rebellion against foreign tribes.

In a blink, a year swiftly passed, and the time when countries offered tribute arrived once again.

In the Capital City, ominous currents surged, as the Yellow Emperor, now elderly and frail, had his court held by a group of treacherous villains, who genuinely intended to use Princess Haoyue as a pawn in marriage diplomacy, sending her to the unknown far regions in exchange for temporary peace.

When the news reached the frontier, it struck Lin Dong’s heart like a heavy blow, unable to fathom how the gentle yet resilient princess would face such a cruel fate.

Finally, that day arrived as the princess’s carriage slowly entered the frontier, contrary to everyone’s expectations, not heading directly where the marriage diplomacy was to take place.

Princess Haoyue, adorned in splendid attire, with a face like frost, her eyes flashing an unyielding light. Under the gaze of frontier soldiers and the public, she made a decision that stunned the surroundings—using a golden hairpin to end her life, defending dignity and the nation’s honor with her life.

”I do not believe our nation’s million soldiers would all disarm, nor is there not a single man!”

Her voice, clear and firm, penetrated the clamorous wind, resonating throughout every inch of the frontier. At that moment, time seemed to freeze, and everyone’s heart felt unprecedented shock.

”If there is no hot-blooded spirit, I am willing to burn my blood, infuse it into my soil, nourish my army’s War God!” These were her last words left to the world, the deepest inspiration to all the soldiers.

As her words fell, Princess Haoyue’s body slowly collapsed, like a wilting lotus, yet planted an unextinguishable seed in everyone’s hearts.

When Lin Dong arrived here, Princess Haoyue had already died, he did not see her final moments.

Lin Dong treaded heavily through that sea of flowers, yet his heart was barren.

Upon learning of Princess Haoyue’s martyrdom for the nation, the entire world seemed to collapse, drowning him in pain and anger like tidal waves.

He vowed to use his own hands to avenge Princess Haoyue, to bring genuine peace to this land.

From then on, Lin Dong immersed himself completely in the cultivation of military tactics and Martial Arts, tirelessly day and night.

He understood well, that mere fervor was far from enough, and only by becoming stronger could he safeguard his loved ones, protect this land from the ravages of war.

Three years passed, like a fleeting white horse, Lin Dong grew from a novice soldier to a leader of wisdom and bravery.

Eventually, with outstanding talent and unyielding effort, he earned the respect of the entire army, becoming the Supreme Commander.

However, just as Lin Dong prepared to lead the army to war, a shocking news ravaged the capital—the old emperor passed away, a new emperor ascended the throne.

This new emperor was precisely Princess Haoyue’s elder brother, the Second Prince.

Upon his ascension, his first act was declaring himself as the main faction for war, determined to expel foreign threats, avenge his sister, and fully support Lin Dong’s military actions.

Lin Dong felt unprecedented strength and support.

Wind howled across the battlefield, lifting a sky full of yellow sand, obscuring the horizon.

The final battle, finally arrived.

Lin Dong clad in heavy armor, stood at the forefront of the army, his gaze firm and fierce, seemingly piercing through the sky full of dust, directly facing the distant enemy ranks. His heart harbored no fear, only the desire for victory and the promise to Princess Haoyue.

With the deafening roar of horns, Lin Dong led the imperial court army, surging towards the allied foreign tribes like a flood breaching its banks.

Battle drums thundered, banners fluttered, every soldier held a desperate resolve, vowing to fight in this campaign for family and country, for peace.

The battle was exceedingly fierce, soldiers from both sides came and went like tidal waves, swords clashed, flesh and blood flew.

Lin Dong wielded a long spear, weaving through the enemy ranks, each thrust accompanied by the enemies’ downfall.

His movement technique was agile, his combat skills exceptional, a true one-man army on the battlefield.

However, the enemy Khan was also an expert. The two engaged in a final showdown, Lin Dong ultimately clinched victory, but at the cost of losing an arm.

Agonizing pain swept through his body instantly, a flash of pain and anger crossed Lin Dong’s eyes.

Yet he did not fall, instead continuing to fight more crazily with the only arm left.

Fresh blood stained his battle armor, also staining this battlefield.

He seemed to transform into an unyielding War God, using his fleshy body to pave a path to victory for the army.

Finally, when the defensive line of the foreign allied forces was utterly broken, Lin Dong also fell in the pool of blood.

His gaze remained bright and determined, a faint smile lingering on his lips.

He knew, despite losing an arm, he exchanged it for victory in this war, for peace and tranquility on this land.

The soldiers gathered around, lifting Lin Dong up, their eyes full of respect and sorrow.

”Haoyue, I finally did it.” Lin Dong muttered to himself before falling unconscious.

And beside him, all the soldiers shouted:

”General Lin, strengthen the military might!”

...

When the army triumphantly returned to court, Lin Dong did not go together to receive accolades.

Instead, went first once to the Taoist temple.

He met with his master Luo Xue after years of separation, once again kneeling at her feet, saying: ”Master, I’m back.”

Luo Xue sighed and said: ”I know all the things you have done outside. Do you still remember what I spoke of the trial before?”

Lin Dong nodded, ”Disciple remembers, but disciple fears there is no opportunity to pass through that trial.”

Luo Xue froze and asked: ”Why?”

”Because, I want to go tell Princess Haoyue, her wish is realized. This land, as she wished, has welcomed an era of peace.”

”And I, also want to go accompany her.”

”You...do you seek death?” Luo Xue was stunned, if Lin Dong truly seeks death, wouldn’t that mean the trial of their second life failed?

Lin Dong nodded and said: ”Having fought on the battlefield for years, I left behind too many hidden illnesses. Also not long to live, better to go find Haoyue sooner.”

Ultimately, Lin Dong chose martyrdom.

That year, Princess Haoyue to awaken the soldiers’ hot-blooded spirit, to awaken the dignity among this land’s public, chose martyrdom.

And Lin Dong, after fulfilling his promise to Princess Haoyue, he also chose martyrdom.

’Lin Dong’ committed suicide, the same as Princess Haoyue had done.

After Lin Dong died, Luo Xue buried ’his corpse,’ together with Princess Haoyue.

Just at that moment, the world within this Phantom Space became distorted again.

Luo Xue froze, murmuring: ”Is this...passing the trial?”

”It turns out, this second life’s trial for Lin Dong wasn’t the trial of his Peach Blossom Calamity. But a trial of his heart for family and country, a trial of his boundless love, sacrificing his own life for the cause...”