Chapter 49

The陌刀 team advanced step by step like a wall or a mountain, and the Tujue cavalry, having lost their momentum, could not resist and were forced to retreat step by step.

Luo Shixin did not lead the charge as he had in the past.

Compared to the historical Luo Shixin, who always charged at the front, this Luo Shixin was clearly more sophisticated. He could rationally understand his position; he was a general, and his primary responsibility was to command his troops to perform at their best, rather than recklessly rushing into battle.

Especially in the current situation, the陌刀 formation required coordination and timely command to fully unleash its power and deal with unforeseen changes on the battlefield.

Of course, Luo Shixin's inherent bravery and bloodthirstiness had not diminished; he was merely suppressing it, waiting for the right moment and the right opportunity to strike.

Siliye never expected the enemy's formation to be so powerful, with such strict coordination. The Tujue cavalry's impact was completely ineffective, and they were being pushed back, causing thousands of cavalry to crowd together, unable to fully utilize their strength.

Siliye shouted loudly, "Hold the front! Hachi, Hatu, you two split to the left and right flanks, and flank their sides to disrupt their formation."

Luo Shixin saw the Tujue's movements clearly and made targeted deployments.

"All archers and crossbowmen, form two teams and fire continuously at the enemy's left and right flanks," Luo Shixin shouted loudly. The陌刀 formation primarily relied on陌刀 soldiers and strong crossbowmen, with 900陌刀 soldiers and 600 crossbowmen, making up the majority of the formation. This was a deliberate setup to counter the Tujue cavalry.

The 600 crossbowmen split into two teams, each team further divided into three groups, using a continuous shooting method to target the cavalry on the left and right flanks that were trying to break away from the main force.

As one team finished shooting, the next team immediately stepped forward to reload and continue firing.

This resulted in even greater casualties for the Tujue cavalry, as the cavalry had lost their speed. The time it took for the left and right flanks to turn and start moving made them perfect targets for the crossbows.

At this point, the distance between the two sides was less than fifty steps, and the accuracy and power of the crossbows increased exponentially.

Faced with such terrifying attacks, the Tujue soldiers who had not yet split into the left and right flanks were forced to huddle towards the center where the arrows were less dense, unable to split their forces. Instead, they were suppressed by the strong crossbows, colliding and trampling each other into a chaotic mass.

Hatu was lucky and managed to stay alive without breaking through the crowd, while Hachi, demonstrating the Tujue's traditional bravery, charged first but was unfortunately hit by two crossbow arrows, fell off his horse, and was trampled into a pulp.

Hachi and Hatu were brothers. With Hachi's death, Hatu's eyes turned red, and he roared, but he had no way to counter the陌刀 formation's targeted tactics.

"Luhuer, you take command now..." In the midst of the battle, Luo Shixin quickly found the special presence he was looking for. Due to financial and resource constraints, as well as the types of troops, the Tujue army had a low rate of armor. Most chose light leather armor, and only those with high status in the tribe wore heavy armor, making them completely vulnerable to crossbows.

However, this person was wearing the same type of bright armor as Luo Shixin. Bright armor was the best and most advanced armor of the era, almost protecting all vital points of the body while not hindering the wearer's flexibility. It was very expensive and not even widely used in the Tang army. Only generals like Luo Shixin, who had achieved great feats, had the chance to obtain one.

A Tujue soldier wearing bright armor must be a commander.

Judging from the battle situation, the陌刀 formation was undoubtedly a great success: despite being outnumbered four to one, they still formed a tactical advantage, pressing the enemy. However, the disparity in numbers was too great. If the enemy chose to cut their losses, leaving part of their force to hold back while the rear cavalry retreated, Luo Shixin would be at a loss.

From the beginning, Luo Shixin noticed that the Tujue commander was very rational and well-commanded, but had never encountered the陌刀 formation and did not know how effectively it could suppress the Tujue cavalry. This lack of knowledge led to their current predicament.

If this continued, the enemy would surely retreat. They did not have enough cavalry to pursue.

To further expand the victory, a decapitation operation was necessary.

"All cavalry, follow me!" Luo Shixin released his suppressed bravery and ferocity, transforming into a domineering and arrogant figure, looking at the Tujue soldiers as if they were mere chickens and dogs.

The black-helmeted and black-armored elite cavalry of the Right Brave Guard charged forward.

The archers and crossbowmen on the right flank ceased firing on the right and joined the left flank.

Luo Shixin led 300 elite cavalry in a lightning-fast approach.

Siliye immediately spotted Luo Shixin: another characteristic of bright armor was its mirror-like polish, which reflected the sun's rays, adding to his imposing presence and signaling to all enemies that he was the commander, inviting attack.

Without a word, Siliye drew his iron bow, pulled it to a full moon, and shot an arrow.

Siliye was skilled with bow and horse, and the arrow's momentum was fierce, breaking through the crowd and reaching Luo Shixin in the blink of an eye.

Luo Shixin remained calm, simply raising his spear to deflect the arrow, which flew away.

In a few breaths, the Right Brave Guard's elite cavalry fiercely penetrated the Tujue cavalry.

Luo Shixin's first spear pierced the chest of a nearby Tujue soldier, and he spurred his large and powerful warhorse, forcing a bloody path forward, leading the elite cavalry deeper into the Tujue formation.

Siliye, missing his first shot, fired three more arrows in quick succession.

Luo Shixin seemed to have three heads and six arms, easily deflecting the arrows from different angles and still having the strength to wield his spear, slaughtering the surrounding Tujue cavalry. No Tujue soldier could match him, and he tore through the formation, charging into the center.

Seeing Luo Shixin approaching, Siliye suddenly realized what he was about to do, his expression filled with fear, and he shouted in alarm.

Luo Shixin realized, "Not good!" and threw his silver spear like a javelin.

Siliye shouted in Tujue, ordering the front to press forward, but before he could order the rear to retreat, he felt a sharp killing intent. Before he could react, the spear pierced his head and continued through, creating a large hole in the chest of a guard behind him.

One spear, two kills.

Luo Shixin grabbed a spear thrust at him, his Tang saber flashed, and a rider's upper body flew off. He then used the spear to cut through the Tujue cavalry with overwhelming force.