Mm, I always heard Ling Tong was very speedy and powerful, Zhou Yu's Girl. Guess I'll have to wait till the end of this week to find out! Ooh I'm so excited! Thanks for reading and supporting me as usual! Now let's go on with the story!

Disclaimer: Koei, Dynasty Warriors blablabla.

Chapter 25: Mist Forest

Important generals along with the commanders of Wu and Shu sat around the round meeting table. Tea and dim sum was pass around as everyone chatted on how well the allied forces were doing against Wei. Lu Xun stood up from his chair, using the end of his chopstick to hit the rim of the cup to gather every one's attention. "Men and woman." Lu Xun declared, "These past two weeks, we have slowly crippled down Cao Cao's army. With our men fighting hard, and our generals," he looked over to Zhao Yun who nodded his head in respect. "We have shown the Wei army that we are two kingdoms that can prevail over them. I would like to present you all this toast, as a token of my appreciation." He raised the tea in the air, "Let tea pretend to be wine, let us drink for more victory in the days to come!" Everyone in the tent let out a joyous shout, engaging themselves in the precious tea served to them.

"It's been two weeks, perhaps it's time we start leading them into our traps?" Jiang Wei suggested after everyone had clamed down.

"What do you think about that Lord Jiang Wei?" Lu Xun replied, wanting to hear the Shu tactician's ideas.

"I think that we should take Cao Cao's head base before he can get enough reinforcements. We've been pulling this for two weeks now."

"I think after Lord Cao Ren retreated from the duel I had with him," Zhao Yun stroked his chin, "They went back to grab reinforcements for sure."

"Hm, you both have your points." Lu Xun nodded, looking over to the other generals. "Do any of you have suggestions to solve this?"

"We should infiltrate their base at night time." Gan Ning slammed his fist on the table and grinned, "We can confuse the Wei army and weaken the army as much as we can."

"We've done that in the past." Qing Wan pointed out, "The Wei army can't be stupid enough to fall for it again."

"Actually," Lu Xun scratched his nose, "Jiang Wei, do you have the map of the mist maze with you?" Jiang Wei nodded and pulled out a folded canvas map out of his pocket. Unfolding it, he placed it on the table, "Can you please explain to us about it?"

"You see," Jiang Wei began by pointing to mist forest east of their base, "The Mist forest possesses this weird aura that blocks all vision inside the forest. For the past decade, people have believed that all those who entered, never returned out alive. But when we took this land, Prime Minister Zhuge Liang found a to not only solve the mystery of the forest, but he had found an exit…" he dragged his finger to where the base of Cao Cao was, "to this supply convoy."

"If it goes to Cao Cao's supply convoy, wouldn't the Wei army know?" a general who was intrigued by the map more than the others asked.

"No," Jiang Wei shook his head, "This supply convoy is blocked off by fences the people there believed that the mist aura that filled the forest would affect the food supply. So they believed that isolating their supply convoy base with the forest would prevent it from going bad."

"So what are you planning?"

"I'm not quite sure, I just want to know what Lord Lu Xun is planning." Lu Xun chuckled and sat back down, ordering the rest of them to do the same. "Lord Lu Xun, what is your plan?"

"I plan to use the Mist maze, and Gan Ning's idea of infiltrating the base. If we take down the supply convoy, we would certainly weaken the Wei army. After that we wait a day or two, before taking out our army for an all out attack on Cao Cao's base. For sure they'll retreat then."

"We can't just take down a supply convoy," Zhao Yun raised his eyebrows, "They could find us right away."

"Not in the mist of confusion they can not." Lu Xun added, "We will get our soldiers and lead general to dress up as Wei soldiers. Once in the supply convoy base, they will spread rumours of Wu and Shu armies planning to surprise attack them. While the army is in chaos, we will set fire to the base and escape back to the Shu boarders through the mist maze."

"Sounds like an intelligent plan." All the generals nodded and discussed among one another. "But who shall lead the group?"

"I was thinking Gan Ning should do it, he has the most experience out of us all." Lu Xun smiled over to Gan Ning who smiled with pride.

"I think I should go." A voice spoke up over the rest; everyone stared to see Qing Wan sitting quietly taking sips out of her tea.

"What makes you say that?" Zhao Yun raised his eyebrow.

"Because Xing Ba has already been exposed to the Wei army. What if someone recognizes him?" she folded her hands neatly on her lap, "I haven't been out of this base for the past two weeks, and no Wei soldiers have ever seen my face. My existence is not even noted."

"Qing Wan, just because you haven't been out of the base for 2 weeks and you're looking for some excitement doesn't mean…"

"Lord Lu," she snapped, "I've had experience with night raids in the past, and you do know that."

"But you were always with Gan Ning…this time it's a solo and."

"I think you should let her do it." Everyone looked over to the pirate, "She's been under me for years with night raids, she knows what she's doing."

"She's still a girl."

"Lord Lu, if I remember you let your own wife join the army. So you shouldn't be against women doing this."

"I…"

"I think Lady Cheng would be perfect for this." Jiang Wei said, trying to break the tension. "Right Zi Long?"

"Whatever." The general rolled his eyes, not bothering to look over at her. Afterwards more generals from Shu and Wu also agreed on this.

"If you all agree on this then…" Lu Xun paused, "General Ma You, your men are trained for night raids especially am I correct?"

"That's correct."

"Will you then prepare twenty of your fittest men to meet up? We'll have to head out tonight." He looked over to everyone, "Meeting adjourned. Xing Ba, Qing Wan please stay." He instructed, all the generals rose from their seats and bowed, leaving the tent one by one. Gan Ning got up and stretched.

"What's the news Bo Yan?"

"Qing Wan," Lu Xun said strictly, ignoring the pirate. "As your commander, I do not think it was really necessary or right for you to mention our private problems to gain support." Qing Wan looked up and glared.

"And I don't think it's necessary for using your stereotypical ways of women fighting to prevent me from going." She slapped the table and got up, "If you'll excuse me, I have a night raid to go finish." Not looking at either of them, she brushed her dress aside and rushed out of the tent.

xx

Qing Wan strapped on her armor and hopped onto the horse, "Now remember," Gan Ning who was beside her instructed. "Thi-"

"Think like a warrior, act like a pirate. I know I know. You're so pushy Xing Ba." She rolled her eyes, Jiang Wei approached her and placed a map in her hand.

"This is to help you if you ever get lost." He looked deeply in her eyes, Qing Wan held the canvas map in her thin hands. Understanding what he meant, she nodded. "Now," he turned to the men who were about to join the Wu general in the expedition. "Prime Minister Zhuge Liang has set up tags across the forest, yellow means the way to the Wei army, red is to return to the camp and blue is leading you to a dead end."

"Alright men." Qing Wan tucked the map inside the blouse of her armor, "We'll see you tomorrow morning." She waved with her finger, leading her men out of the gates.

xx

Mmm, okay. I said I wanted to keep it under 25, looks like it'll be under 35 HOPEFULLY.

Lu Xun: Liar.
Go away!

xReika