The leader of this Qiang and Roman descendant force was Ma Dai!
As Ma Chao's cousin, Ma Dai possessed formidable martial arts skills… and was also highly capable in strategy.
What was more, had history unfolded along its original trajectory, he would have been a crucial vanguard during Zhuge Liang's Northern Expeditions.
However…
In the current rapidly deteriorating battlefield, Ma Dai's understanding was crystal clear.
If this continued, in less than half a quarter of an hour… this cavalry corps of seven thousand men would likely be annihilated.
And to turn the tide, there was only one method left – capture the ringleader to capture the horde!
Ma Dai cast his gaze towards Cao Xiu on the battlefield…
He knew that this was the vanguard general of the Long Xiao Camp; if he could be slain, the situation… might be completely reversed.
With this thought…
Ma Dai raised his long spear, seizing a gap in Cao Xiu's attack, and thrust his spear towards Cao Xiu's chest.
The strike was swift.
Both Cao Xiu and his horse faltered. Fortunately… protected by his refined steel and dark armor, though he felt a powerful impact, his defenses held.
Hoo…
Cao Xiu exhaled. He had encountered this situation countless times.
The reason the Long Xiao Camp was renowned throughout the land was intricately linked to this "invincible" armor.
"Hmph!"
Before Cao Xiu could even raise his hand, Xiahou Mao, standing behind him, struck out with his spear. As the spear flashed, his eyes widened, and a sharp glint appeared within them.
This was Xiahou Mao's first campaign as a general of the Long Xiao Camp…
He was too eager to achieve a significant accomplishment, to prove himself to his father, and to the Marquis of Nan Shou who had bestowed upon him the "secret manual"!
This…
Ma Dai only saw that the spear Xiahou Mao used was not the common "shuò" (a type of spear), but an extremely agile… and exceptionally willful spear!
Then…
In Ma Dai's line of sight, he saw the enemy's spear, with unparalleled agility, bypass his defenses. The dazzling offense overwhelmed him.
To the point where Ma Dai felt it impossible to wield such skillful spear techniques on horseback as one could on land!
He naturally had no idea how much the stirrup and saddle could enhance a cavalryman's capabilities!
With a "dong" sound, Ma Dai, horse and all, was thrown to the ground.
— The thirty-six stances of the Yang Family Spear emphasized striking the unexpected and exploiting weaknesses!
And in any clash between two generals, the weakness was always the opponent's horse's hooves!
Xiahou Mao, with the demeanor of a victor, looked at Ma Dai with killing intent in his eyes!
"Bind him!"
Cao Xiu immediately ordered Ma Dai to be bound.
He then surveyed the battlefield. On the cold, desolate field, after a round of slaughter… the battle was nearing its end.
Groans echoed everywhere…
Enemies fled frantically in all directions, but… what caused their despair was, could they truly escape?
The might of the Long Xiao Cavalry lay in their status as a force between "light cavalry" and "heavy cavalry." Beneath their heavy armor, they also had numerous lightly armored riders who could draw their bows and shoot arrows with unerring accuracy…
Time and again, they shot down all enemies who attempted to flee.
Blood permeated the scene…
The tranquil night… with the faint moonlight… seemed to be playing the most sorrowful requiem. Seven thousand men, in less than a quarter of an hour… were almost completely annihilated!
With the assistance of the "Divine Arm Crossbow";
Bolstered by the vast disparity in equipment;
Driven by an incomparable resolve and courage…
Although this battle was not entirely effortless, the Long Xiao Cavalry achieved a great victory! They remained the undefeated legend, invincible and triumphant!
Cao Xiu looked up at the sky…
He realized that from the moment both sides charged until now… not even a quarter of an hour had passed.
This was almost a crushing victory.
The enemy's rash charge seemed to have come at the most painful price!
Heh heh…
Cao Xiu let out a cold laugh, surveying his brothers' blood-stained battle robes. The scattered corpses everywhere were sufficient testimony to how brutal this one-sided slaughter had been.
As the saying goes:
— A general's triumph is forged from ten thousand bones!
…
…
Half an hour later, when Ma Chao, Han Sui, and a group of Xiliang warlords arrived at the scene,
They… each witnessed a scene that would be unforgettable for a lifetime.
"This is… the combat power of the Long Xiao Camp?"
Ma Chao murmured…
Looking at the countless corpses of the Qiang and Roman descendants strewn across the ground, he instinctively wanted to roar, but… he found his throat completely hoarse.
Seven thousand vanguard troops… attacking three thousand Long Xiao soldiers?
They hadn't even lasted half an hour?
Ma Chao looked at the bloodstains everywhere, and even he, who was known for his "boldness," could not help but feel a sense of lingering fear.
Of course…
He wasn't the only one experiencing lingering fear.
Hou Xuan, one of the Eight Valiant Generals, was clamoring, "Wasn't it agreed that General Ma Dai would be the vanguard, followed by our troops led by Liang Xing and Zhang Heng? Why haven't they attacked after such a long time?"
Hmph, Hou Xuan's words offended many.
"If you're so eager, you go, I'm not going!"
"That's right, seven thousand men couldn't hold on for half an hour, and General Ma Dai's fate is uncertain. How can we go? Are we going to our deaths?"
Liang Xing and Zhang Heng were not to be trifled with either…
They immediately engaged in a sharp exchange.
"So what you're saying is, General Ma Dai's seven thousand men died in vain? And we're just going to abandon our city of Anding for nothing? We've come all this way, but we're afraid to advance, what's the point?"
Hou Xuan continued to clamor…
Zhang Heng gave him a disdainful look, "Stop just shouting. If you're so capable, then go yourself! Who can't just open their mouth?"
Evidently… the warlords of Guanzhong retained their inherent characters.
When things were going smoothly, everyone would vie to be the first; but when the tide turned… or when facing such a tragic deterrent, the seeds of distrust would repeatedly sprout.
Guanzhong was a place where warlords were as numerous as the stars, each pursuing their own interests. Trusting others was too difficult!
"Enough, stop arguing. We have over a hundred thousand troops now, and we've sacrificed the city of Anding. If we can't even defeat the Long Xiao Camp, then from now on, how will we Xiliang people ever hold our heads high in the world?"
This time, it was Ma Wan who spoke…
He was also one of the Guanzhong warlords.
His words caused everyone to lower their heads, looking dejected.
As the saying goes, it's easy to talk, but who would dare to lead the charge if it came to it?
Were the scattered corpses not enough to demonstrate the power and cruelty of the Long Xiao Camp?
"Everyone, stop arguing. The battle hasn't even begun, and we're already in such a mess among ourselves!"
Now it was Han Sui's turn to speak. "The Long Xiao Camp is formidable; you all knew that today. That's why we gathered over a hundred thousand men to eliminate them at all costs. Right now, only the vanguard has been defeated, and our main army hasn't even moved a muscle. What is there to fear?"
Speaking of this, Han Sui looked at Ma Chao. "Meng Qi, in my opinion, we might as well surround the Long Xiao Camp. It's too dark to distinguish friend from foe today. Tomorrow morning, we'll attack together. Anyone who doesn't give their all will face the wrath of all the Guanzhong armies!"
Han Sui proposed a compromise!
Since everyone was hesitant to attack…
Alright, tomorrow morning, all twelve thousand men will attack together.
"Good…"
After a long period of contemplation, Ma Chao finally spoke. "Let's follow my elder uncle's advice. Tomorrow morning at Chen Shi, we will all attack the Long Xiao Camp's stronghold together. Surely, none of you want the reputation of us Xiliang people to be tarnished like this?"
With Ma Chao's endorsement…
No one had any further objections, and they all immediately agreed!
Han Sui's eyes turned cold. "Tomorrow morning at Chen Shi, my over a hundred thousand troops will, even if they have to drag them, bring the Long Xiao Camp to its knees!"
He knew full well the stakes of this battle…
And even more so, he knew that he now had no turning back.
…
…
Midnight, the moon hung high in the sky.
On the ancient road, a cavalry of several thousand men was galloping; these were Xiahou Dun's reinforcement troops.
"General…"
Just then… a scout galloped towards them.
Xiahou Dun quickly reined in his horse, and the entire cavalry immediately halted…
"How fares it?"
Xiahou Dun eagerly asked the scout. The scout reported truthfully, "A great victory… the Long Xiao Camp has achieved a great victory. In the first engagement, utilizing the advantage of the 'Divine Crossbow,' they routed seven thousand Xiliang troops in a quarter of an hour, achieving almost complete annihilation!"
Hmm…
Xiahou Dun was taken aback.
Admittedly, he had confidence in the Long Xiao Camp. Winning against seven thousand men with three thousand wasn't a huge challenge!
But… a quarter of an hour?
That was pushing the boundaries of the supernatural, wasn't it?
Even if seven thousand cavalrymen stood still and let you chop them, you might not be able to annihilate them all in a quarter of an hour… this…
"How is Zi Yu? How is he?"
Xiahou Dun asked with concern.
The scout replied truthfully, "General Xiahou, we have not yet contacted the Marquis of Nan Shou. However… the Xiliang army's offensive has been halted. They are stationed five li away from the Long Xiao Camp's encampment, surrounding them, and it seems they intend to… attack together tomorrow morning!"
Upon hearing this…
Xiahou Dun's expression turned grim. "Those Xiliang dogs! How shameless! Over a hundred thousand men surrounding three thousand, and they plan to attack together tomorrow? Hmph… cowards, a bunch of cowards!"
Immediately, Xiahou Dun intended to order a continuation of their advance.
Who would have thought…
"Dada-da…"
"Dada-da…"
A group of over ten horsemen were pursuing from the rear. They were sent by Advisor Xun You, and they had been chasing after him, but he was also running… and it was only with great effort that they finally caught up.
"General…"
"Is the Advisor calling me back again?" Xiahou Dun sounded somewhat impatient.
"No…" the knight replied. "It's the Marquis of Nan Shou. The Advisor received a letter from the Marquis of Nan Shou just today after you left. Everything is under control!"
Hmm…
Everything is under control?
Xiahou Dun was stunned… and then his eyes gradually narrowed.
Recalling the great victory of the Long Xiao Camp just now, he couldn't help but think more deeply…
Everything is under control?
What did that mean?
Was Zi Yu doing this intentionally?
Did Zi Yu have some ulterior motive?
With this thought…
Xiahou Dun raised his hand. "Summon the troops! Order camp to be set up here, and dispatch another team of scouts to immediately report the situation at the Long Xiao Camp!"
"Yes…"
The knights, all panting from their rapid march, finally let out a sigh of relief.
In fact…
They had initially felt that by marching so quickly, if they reached the battlefield in this state… would they even have any strength left?
Now, it was a feeling of immense relief!
Xiahou Dun, however, continued to inquire. "Did the Advisor mention what Zi Yu's objective is?"
This…
The knight shook his head. "The Advisor merely said that the Marquis of Nan Shou's strategies are always unpredictable. If his plans could be easily seen through, then… would he still be Lu Zi Yu?"
Hahaha…
As the knight finished speaking, Xiahou Dun burst into hearty laughter.
"By the Advisor's good wishes, this general will await Zi Yu's good news here!"
With that, Xiahou Dun looked up towards the vast sky.
Though the night was deep, the moonlight was beautiful!
…
…
Xu Du City, the Palace of the King of Wei.
Cao Pi couldn't sleep tonight. He stood alone at the highest point of the Wei King's palace, leaning on the stone railing in front of him, gazing at the heavens.
He seemed to have something on his mind.
Some palace servants saw Cao Pi and whispered among themselves.
"Young Master Pi is likely concerned about the King of Wei's illness. I heard the King of Wei's headaches are getting worse… he was in pain all day yesterday."
"It's not like Young Master Zhi. Even with the King of Wei in this condition, he's still inviting scholars for drinks and poetry. Who is the filial son… who has filial piety, isn't that clear?"
"I heard that with the King of Wei's worsening headaches, he's intending to announce the heir apparent soon… will it be Young Master Pi?"
"Probably not. Don't you know? The Marquis of Nan Shou went west on campaign… and took Young Master Cao Chong with him. At such a critical juncture, isn't that clearly meant to grant him meritorious service, making him the heir apparent? With the Marquis of Nan Shou's support, then Young Master Chong… wouldn't it be a sure thing?"
"Not necessarily. What if… what if the western campaign fails? What if the Marquis of Nan Shou and Young Master Chong don't return?"
"Shh… you can't say such things! You might lose your head!"
Recently… in the palaces of the King of Wei, and even throughout Xu Du City, and the entire Great Wei, on the streets and alleys…
The most discussed topic was the selection of the Great Wei's heir apparent!
On one side was Cao Pi, whose filial piety was "moving heaven and earth," and on the other was Cao Chong, who was supported by the Marquis of Nan Shou but was still young.
"Young Master Pi…"
Wu Zhi and Shi A slowly ascended the steps…
Cao Pi glanced at them.
His feigned melancholy was clearly somewhat restrained. He lowered his voice.
"Have there been any messages from Wang Yue?"
"A message has been received," Wu Zhi replied in a soft tone, but his gaze was fiery. "Wang Yue said that the Xiliang army will spare no expense to keep Lu Zi Yu and Cao Chong in Guanzhong!"
Hoo…
Upon hearing this, Cao Pi's previously troubled thoughts instantly calmed down considerably.
Heh heh…
Just moments ago, he had been full of worry, but now, the corners of his mouth turned up, revealing a faint smile.
He looked up at the sky and muttered four words.
— "Man can conquer heaven!"
He yearned for this Great Wei so much. The supreme power fueled infinite desires.
…
…
The encampment of the Long Xiao Camp.
Lu Yu and Cao Chong sat in the main seats…
"Chong'er, our Long Xiao Camp is now surrounded by over a hundred thousand Xiliang troops, and the situation seems extremely unfavorable, yet you show no signs of worry? What is the reason for this?" Lu Yu asked Cao Chong.
Cao Chong swallowed the fruit wine in his mouth and replied respectfully, "Doesn't Master also show no signs of worry?"
"Master Xu Shu from the Imperial Academy always taught me that winds rise from the smallest beginnings, and what the eyes see are at most superficialities. But… more hidden things require careful perception and consideration!"
"Furthermore, how valiant are the Long Xiao Camp? The enemy's seven thousand vanguard troops were annihilated in an instant. Such deterrence against all enemies must have greatly impacted the enemy's morale, and this… is likely Master's intention, isn't it?"
To be able to speak to this extent…
Lu Yu was already very pleased with Cao Chong's insights.
Indeed, defeating the seven thousand enemy troops was less about annihilating the enemy's effective strength and more about psychological warfare… making the enemy fear them on a psychological level.
And often, once fear sets in, weaknesses appear, especially among these Guanzhong lords who have always lacked a sense of security.
Of course…
This was only one aspect. More importantly… Lu Yu was using himself as bait this time, preparing to pave the way for others.
"Chong'er, in your opinion, how should our army respond when the enemy attacks in full force tomorrow?"
Lu Yu continued to ask.
It was as if they were back in the Imperial Academy, with the master testing the disciple.
This…
Cao Chong's eyes darted around, and finally, he shook his head. "Disciple's understanding is superficial, I fear I cannot say…"
"Try to say it. It's alright if you can't say it perfectly." Lu Yu seemed very curious.
Cao Chong's gaze steadied. "Judging by Master Lu's usual methods, he most likely… will take action tonight, perhaps by disintegrating the enemy from within? This would be in line with Master's most skilled art of 'psychological warfare'!"
Hahaha…
Cao Chong's words made Lu Yu burst into hearty laughter.
What a wise young lord…
This was cutting straight to the heart of the matter, psychological warfare… the familiar art of psychological warfare!
Lu Yu's lips curled into a knowing smile…
Indeed, facing the seemingly unfavorable situation, he remained completely confident!
…
…