Chapter 6

Chapter 640: Heading to Zhongtian! (3)

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The horses of the Tangyaji cavalry were all breathing heavily.

None of the horses had collapsed from exhaustion, though some were injured. This was a noteworthy point.

In the rain, horses tire four times faster than usual. Considering this, the management of the Tangyaji cavalry was at its best. After all, they had not repeatedly engaged in battles that overworked the horses.

In fact, based on the standards of the couriers' horses, they would rest for at least a month after a single run between relay stations.

If the cavalry of Lü Bu's army, which aimed for breakthroughs, were to be compared to the couriers' horses, they would need a similar rest period.

Lü Bu was not known for anything else but his unparalleled skill in cavalry battles, and thus the management of Lü Bu's cavalry was at this level.

As Tangyaji cleared the way, Lü Bu and his generals appeared. Dasha pointed to the remnants of the enemy and said to Lü Bu,

"Commander, let's slaughter all these scoundrels and then chase down the remaining stragglers."

"The horses are already very tired. If we overwork them any further, Tangyaji won't be able to perform in Zhongtian."

"That's a shame."

Hongwo, as usual, had a different opinion from Dasha.

"Commander, you are absolutely right. Besides, cutting down fleeing enemies is not very interesting, is it? Fighting new foes in Zhongtian will be much more exciting."

At this moment, Zhang He approached Lü Bu and said,

"General, these are the ones who fought to the bitter end when their commander retreated. Even if we don't chase the stragglers, we should quickly dispatch these men."

Zhang He's stance was clear. Those who fled in fear of Lü Bu's army could be left alone, as they would spread their fear to their comrades. However, those who fought to the end should not be spared. There should be no soldiers who were not afraid of Lü Bu's army.

Lü Bu smiled at Zhang He and rode his horse, Chitu, toward the remnants.

"I pay my respects as a warrior to those who fought to the end. You have earned the right to die honorably. You risked your lives to ensure the safe retreat of your commander, so your bodies will not be dishonored after you die."

At this, the remnants parted to the sides, and Yang Xing appeared.

"Indeed, as I have heard, Lü Bu is a hero among heroes. To lose to a hero like you, Yang Xing, is not shameful. Enemy commander, Lü Bu, listen! I am Yang Xing, the commander!"

* * *

"You are the commander?"

"Yes. I am Yang Xing, the commander. I am the one whose name is listed among the Ten Heroes of Guanzhong."

Yang Xing immediately spurred his horse toward Lü Bu. The distance was not great enough for a full charge, but it was not too short to prevent a sword strike.

However, Yang Xing could not even touch Lü Bu's shadow. Zhang He's spear staff bent as if it would break and then struck Yang Xing's head.

His helmet shattered instantly, and Yang Xing fell off his horse, rolling on the ground.

If his sword had not absorbed the impact just before, his head would have burst like a watermelon.

Without even engaging Lü Bu in a proper duel, Yang Xing, who had lost face, tried to charge again. Of course, Tangyaji's spear and sword blocked his path.

The remnants quickly surrounded Yang Xing, ready for their final stand.

Zhang He sneered at Yang Xing.

"Tsk! Pathetic. How dare a mere Ten Hero of Guanzhong challenge our commander in a duel?"

"Zhang Junyi, if you cut in, I won't get my share, will I?"

"General, why should you bother with such a trivial opponent? I will deal with them."

"Then, who will I fight under the heavens?"

Lü Bu's words were outrageous. He claimed that he was the best in the world and that there was no one worth fighting against.

But who could dare to deny his words?

"Hehehe! Hahaha! Ahahaha!"

Yang Xing suddenly burst into laughter.

"Lü Bu... Lü Bu... Lü Bu... I thought the heroes of Guanzhong would achieve their goals, but the heavens have sent a man like you."

Yang Xing planted his sword in the ground, blade down, and knelt.

"I have lost! There is no room for excuses."

"Your spirit is commendable. Though your skills are lacking, you have shown loyalty to your subordinates. If you wish, I can allow you to spend the rest of your days under my protection."

"If you truly understand the honor of a warrior, do not insult me with such words."

Yang Xing said this and then met Lü Bu's gaze for a moment. Without a word, Lü Bu nodded.

Yang Xing bowed slightly to Lü Bu and then slowly gripped his sword, which was planted in the ground.

No one showed any signs of tension as the enemy commander held his sword. A swordsman could close such a distance and deliver a fatal strike in one move, but no one was concerned.

It was absurd to think that Lü Bu would fall to an ambush. Indeed, Lü Bu's subordinates did not even entertain such thoughts. There was no worry.

However, to Yang Xing, this was a display of Lü Bu's magnanimity.

In truth, Yang Xing was not entirely averse to joining Lü Bu's side. He had not truly been moved to bow to Huang Bosun and become his subordinate. However, his family was in Huang Bosun's hands, so even if he had the will, he could not join Lü Bu.

He had no choice left. He could only accept his fate calmly...

"At least, Yang Xing, you have the fortune to have your name recorded in the Records of the Grand Historian, even if only in a corner. Having fought against a hero like you, I will not be disappointed even if my name is recorded as a defeated general."

Yang Xing said this and then brought the sword to his neck, committing suicide.

Wei Yue looked at Yang Xing's body and then at Lü Bu, muttering,

"What, you didn't say anything, and he just killed himself? Commander, did you use some magic?"

"Words are not always necessary. There are things that can be understood without words."

"How can you understand something without words? Tsk! Really!"

Wei Yue then turned his attention to the remaining remnants.

"So, Commander, what do you plan to do with them?"

"What do you think should be done?"

"Since the commander is dead, it's awkward to take ransom... There are only a dozen or so left, and killing them all seems meaningless... Anyway, that's it."

"So, what are you saying? Kill them or spare them?"

"That's up to you, Commander. Do as you wish. I, Wei Yue, will follow your orders."

Whether it was because he was unsure of the answer or because he was determined to obey Lü Bu, the ball was in Lü Bu's court.

Lü Bu said to the dozen or so remnants,

"Preserve your commander's body and return to Zhongtian!"

With that, Lü Bu turned his back on them. The generals and Tangyaji soldiers immediately broke their formation and withdrew.

Zhang He followed Lü Bu, staring at his back.

'Today, I will record all of General Lü's words and sell them to Zhao Zilong for a high price.'

Just then, Guo Jia ran up to Lü Bu and said,

"General, congratulations on the victory!"

Lü Bu, in front of Tangyaji, raised his halberd high. Tangyaji then raised their spears and swords and shouted in victory.

"Ooo!"

Their cheers even made the rain pause for a moment.

* * *

The victorious cheers of Lü Bu's army made the fleeing remnants even more anxious. The armies of Yang Xing and Zhang Heng were now competing to retreat. The one who retreated later would face Lü Bu's pursuit, so they had to outpace each other.

Their fears became reality.

The pursuit by Shang Kai's army, who had fresh horses, began.

In reality, it only seemed like a fierce pursuit to the fleeing soldiers. Shang Kai's army was not pushing themselves. They were just pressing the remnants to prevent them from regaining their composure.

Jin Jiang, who had become the commander of Yang Xing's army, focused on preserving the remaining forces.

On the other hand, the relatively larger army of Zhang Heng's soldiers fell behind. Zhang Heng could not manage all his troops, which was a natural result.

Therefore, most of those trampled by Shang Kai's horses were Zhang Heng's soldiers.

Thanks to this, Jin Jiang, who had found some respite, recalled the last words of his lord, Yang Xing.

- Send someone to your lord's camp first. If there are the Red Arrow Cavalry and the Qiangyi Unit there, bring all the troops to your lord. If not, do not enter your lord's camp under any circumstances. Remember this.

The Red Arrow Cavalry and the Qiangyi Unit.

These were powerful groups that could be considered the main forces of Huang Bosun's army.

The Red Arrow Cavalry was equivalent to the Xiongnu cavalry of Lü Bu's army, a mounted archer unit.

The Qiangyi Unit was similar to the Fangshangshi unit, consisting of Gao Shi and Gao Zhu soldiers, as they were all from the Nuza tribe, a branch of the Qiang people.

'The Red Arrow Cavalry and the Qiangyi Unit are essential for Huang Bosun's army to withstand Lü Bu's army. Lord Yang must have known this, which is why he gave this order.'

Jin Jiang pondered why Yang Xing had said not to return if the Red Arrow Cavalry and the Qiangyi Unit were not in the camp.

In this battle, Lü Bu's army, using only the Tangyaji cavalry, had defeated a Guanzhong army nearly ten times their size.

Defeating a mixed force of infantry and cavalry, especially one nearly ten times larger, with a single type of unit, had significant implications.

Engaging in battle with a single type of unit was the worst of the worst strategies in military tactics. Although the rain had been used to their advantage, with a well-supported army, they could have employed a wider range of tactics.

From this, it was clear that if Lü Bu's army had multiple types of units, their power would be several times greater than it was now.

Yang Xing, having seen the prowess of Lü Bu's army, concluded that Huang Bosun would not be able to withstand Lü Bu's army unless he sent the Red Arrow Cavalry and the Qiangyi Unit.

'If the Red Arrow Cavalry and the Qiangyi Unit have left Zhongtian, what should I do? Should I go to Fufeng? Or Xiliang? Or should I hide in Bashu?'

Jin Jiang had a premonition that the Red Arrow Cavalry and the Qiangyi Unit were not in Zhongtian.

And his premonition became reality.

The next day.

Zhongtian. The main camp of the Guanzhong army. Huang Bosun's quarters.

Huang Bosun was receiving a report from his advisor.

"Lord, the Red Arrow Cavalry and the Qiangyi Unit have completed their crossing."

"Supplies and provisions...?"

"They will start transporting them as soon as the rain stops."

The Guanzhong army was a large coalition of Huang Bosun's army, the Ten Heroes of Guanzhong, and smaller warlords.

Among them, the main forces of the Guanzhong army were the Han Shui army, the Ma family army, the Red Arrow Cavalry, and the Qiangyi Unit. The Han Shui army and the Ma family army belonged to the Ten Heroes of Guanzhong, while the Red Arrow Cavalry and the Qiangyi Unit were directly under Huang Bosun.

The Red Arrow Cavalry, in particular, moved according to the advisor's orders. The fact that the Red Arrow Cavalry and the Qiangyi Unit had crossed the river meant that the Guanzhong army was no longer focusing on attacking Lü Bu.

Huang Bosun and his advisor were discussing current affairs. As they continued their discussion on the attacks on Hangu Pass and Han Pass, an unbelievable message arrived.

"Lord, General Jin Li of Yang Xing's army requests an audience. What should we do?"

At the voice from outside the door, Huang Bosun frowned.

"Let him in!"

The door opened, and Jin Li rushed in, prostrating himself before Huang Bosun.

"Lord, this is Jin Li, reporting to you."

Jin Li, Jin Jiang's brother and the cavalry commander of Yang Xing's army, was in a terrible state. He looked like a drowned rat.

Despite the smell of sweat and rain, Huang Bosun, expecting good news, asked gently,

"Have you already returned from defeating Lü Bu?"

When Huang Bosun asked, Jin Li struck his forehead on the ground.

"Lord, the armies of Yang Xing and Zhang Heng have been defeated by Lü Bu's army and are retreating to Zhongtian."