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The cold moon hung like a curved hook, ghostly pale as snow.
After three days of relentless marching, the Ning Army finally came to a halt just as they were about to reach the border, just as they were about to return home.
Running for three consecutive days, engaging in several life-and-death decisive battles, the soldiers' spirits were stretched taut without a single moment of rest in between.
Under such intense strains, even a man of iron would not be able to withstand it.
Everyone had reached the limit of physical and mental endurance and could not be pushed any further.
After realizing this, Bai Yian did not force them to continue; once the main army entered the territory of Yongxing County, he issued the order:
The army was to rest for the night. All food was to be brought out so that the soldiers could have a full meal and a good night's sleep, restoring their energy and spirit in preparation for the final battle for homecoming the following day.