610. Battle & At Xiangyang
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As dawn broke over the battlefield, both armies prepared for another day of combat. The sun cast long shadows over the blood-soaked fields, a grim reminder of the stakes at hand. For Liu Bei's forces, the battle for Lingling had become a test of endurance and ingenuity. For the Sun Clan Army, it was a demonstration of their strength and unity.
As the first light of dawn pierced the dark sky, the soldiers of Liu Bei's army stirred with a renewed sense of urgency. Their leader, Guan Yu, had called for a full-scale assault, and the command resonated through the ranks.
The plan was bold, but desperation demanded such measures. The men prepared their weapons and armor, their eyes glancing nervously toward Lingling's imposing walls. Today would either mark a breakthrough or a devastating defeat.
Guan Yu, mounted on his steed, Green Dragon Crescent Blade in hand, rode alongside his brother Zhang Fei with his Serpent Speart at his hand. The sight of the two powerful warriors leading the charge bolstered the soldiers' spirits, if only momentarily. Zhang Fei's booming voice cut through the pre-battle tension.
"Brothers! Today we fight not just for victory but for our honor! Follow us, and we will tear down their defenses with our bare hands if we must!"
The troops cheered, and their morale temporarily reignited. Guan Yu nodded approvingly at his brother's speech, his gaze fixed on the wall ahead. "Third Brother, we strike as one. Our combined strength will create the opening we need."
Zhang Fei grinned, his confidence returning. "Let's give them a battle they'll never forget!"
The assault began with a thunderous charge, thousands of soldiers rushing toward the wall. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei led the way, their powerful strikes cutting through the first lines of defenders. The soldiers behind them pushed forward, emboldened by the sight of their leaders carving a path through the enemy.
However, on the walls of Lingling, Zhou Yu watched the scene unfold with a calm, calculating demeanor. His sharp eyes noticed the coordination between Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, their strength threatening to overwhelm any resistance. He turned to Cheng Pu, Han Dang, and Zhou Tai, who stood ready for his orders.
"Concentrate all archers on their position," Zhou Yu commanded. "Focus on Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and the soldiers around them. We cannot match their strength directly, but we can weaken them."
Cheng Pu frowned. "Even with concentrated fire, those two are like walking fortresses."
Zhou Yu nodded. "Perhaps, but their soldiers are not. Break their momentum by thinning their ranks. Without support, even the mightiest warriors will falter."
Han Dang and Zhou Tai exchanged glances before saluting. "Understood, Commander," they said in unison before hurrying to implement the plan.
Moments later, a hail of arrows rained down upon the battlefield. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, realizing the danger, used their weapons to deflect the projectiles. Their skill and precision were unparalleled, but the soldiers around them were not so fortunate. Cries of pain echoed as men fell, their ranks thinning with each volley.
Despite the heavy losses, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei pressed on. Their combined strength was a sight to behold; walls of shields shattered, and enemy soldiers scattered before their onslaught. Zhang Fei's serpent spear whirled in deadly arcs, while Guan Yu's blade cleaved through any who dared stand in his way.
But Zhou Yu's strategy was taking its toll. The archers' relentless fire forced Liu Bei's soldiers to hesitate, their confidence wavering as their numbers dwindled. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, despite their monstrous strength, found themselves increasingly isolated.
"Brother, we can't keep this up!" Zhang Fei roared over the din of battle. "Our men are falling too quickly!"
Guan Yu's eyes burned with determination, but he knew his brother was right. The concentrated fire was relentless, and the defenders atop the walls showed no signs of faltering. "We push forward a little further. If we can breach the gates, the tide may still turn."
Meanwhile, Zhou Yu observed the battlefield from atop the wall. His brow furrowed as he saw Guan Yu and Zhang Fei continuing their assault, their sheer force carving a path toward the gate. "They're relentless," he muttered to himself.
Turning to Zhou Tai, he issued new orders. "You, Cheng Pu, and Han Dang are to engage them directly. Delay them at all costs. I'll have reinforcements ready to close any gaps."
Zhou Tai saluted. "Understood, Commander. We'll hold them back."
The trio descended from the wall and led a contingent of soldiers to intercept Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. When they reached the battlefield, Zhou Tai called out to his men. "Form a defensive line! Protect the gate at all costs!"
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei soon encountered this new line of resistance. Zhou Tai, Cheng Pu, and Han Dang stood at the forefront, their weapons ready. Zhang Fei, recognizing Zhou Tai from their previous duel, sneered.
"Back for more, are you? I'll crush you this time!"
Zhou Tai smirked. "You're welcome to try."
The two clashed once more, their weapons colliding with a force that sent shockwaves through the air. Nearby, Guan Yu engaged Cheng Pu and Han Dang simultaneously, his blade moving with lethal precision. The defenders held their ground, but the sheer might of the two brothers pushed them to their limits.
However, the constant barrage of arrows continued to take its toll. The soldiers supporting Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were unable to maintain their momentum, their numbers were too depleted to exploit the opening their generals had created. The two brothers found themselves increasingly surrounded, their path to the gate blocked.
Zhou Yu, watching from above, signaled for a counterattack. Fresh reinforcements poured from the gates, their numbers overwhelming the isolated forces of Liu Bei's army. The tide of battle shifted decisively in favor of the Sun Clan Army.
Guan Yu, realizing the futility of further efforts, called out to Zhang Fei. "Fall back, Third Brother! We've done all we can here!"
Reluctantly, Zhang Fei disengaged from Zhou Tai, his frustration evident. The two brothers retreated, covering their men as they withdrew from the battlefield. The assault had failed, and the cost had been high.
As the remnants of Liu Bei's forces regrouped at their camp, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei convened with their officers. The atmosphere was grim, the weight of their losses hanging heavily over them.
"We underestimated Zhou Yu," Guan Yu admitted. "His strategies are impeccable. If we continue like this, we'll only lose more men."
Zhang Fei slammed his fist on the table. "So what do we do? Retreat? We'll lose face, and Big Brother's campaign will be jeopardized!"
Guan Yu sighed, his expression somber. "We need to find another way. Perhaps... perhaps we should seek reinforcements from Big Brother. Lingling is too well defended for us to take with our current numbers alone."
Meanwhile, in the Sun Clan camp, Zhou Yu received reports of their victory with quiet satisfaction. He gathered his generals to review their performance.
"Today was a hard-fought victory," Zhou Yu began. "But the enemy will not give up so easily. Stay vigilant. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are formidable opponents, and we must be prepared for their next move."
Zhou Tai, still flush with adrenaline from the battle, grinned. "Let them come. We'll be ready."
Zhou Yu's gaze hardened. "Confidence is good, Zhou Tai, but never underestimate your enemy. The moment you do, they'll exploit it. Remember that." As night fell over Lingling, both sides licked their wounds and contemplated their next moves.
Under the cover of night, Guan Yu sat in his dimly lit tent, a weary expression etched on his face. The day's defeat weighed heavily on him, but retreat was not an option. He penned a letter to Liu Bei in Xiangyang, detailing the dire situation at Lingling.
The letter was direct, requesting reinforcements and the presence of a skilled strategist—Wang Xiu, Ju Shou, Kuai Yue, or Kuai Liang—to assist in countering Zhou Yu's brilliance. Sealing the letter with his personal insignia, Guan Yu called for a trusted messenger.
"Take this to Xiangyang immediately," Guan Yu ordered, his voice firm but tinged with urgency. "Do not stop unless absolutely necessary. Time is of the essence."
The messenger bowed deeply, clutching the letter tightly. "Yes, my lord. I will ride with all haste."
Mounting his horse, the messenger galloped into the darkness, his figure soon swallowed by the shadows of the night. His journey would be grueling, but the fate of Lingling and the southern campaign hinged on his speed.
Meanwhile, in Xiangyang, Liu Bei sat in the grand hall of the Governor's Castle, flanked by his advisors and generals. The atmosphere was tense. Sun Guan, Ju Shou, Wang Xiu, Kuai Yue, and Kuai Liang were present, discussing strategies to secure the city's stability while simultaneously managing the southern campaign.
Suddenly, a guard entered, bowing deeply. "My lord, a man named Chen Dao has arrived at the gates with 10,000 troops. He claims to admire you greatly and wishes to pledge his allegiance."
The announcement sent ripples of unease through the room. Xiangyang was on high alert, especially with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei absent. Liu Bei, ever cautious but conscious of his image as a benevolent and virtuous leader, ordered more soldiers to patrol the city under the guise of protecting the people.
"Bring him in," Liu Bei said after a moment of thought. "But strip him of his armor and weapons first. We cannot take unnecessary risks."
Chen Dao, a tall and dignified man with a commanding presence, disarmed himself willingly at the gates. He even stripped his armor, standing before the guards in simple robes. "I come not as an enemy, but as a friend. My loyalty lies with lord Liu Bei, the virtuous leader whose reputation has spread far and wide."
Escorted by a contingent of soldiers, Chen Dao was led into the Governor's Castle. Upon entering the grand hall, he immediately knelt before Liu Bei, bowing deeply.
"My lord," Chen Dao began, his voice steady but earnest. "I am Chen Dao, a soldier who has wandered far and wide, searching for a worthy leader. Your kindness, righteousness, and dedication to the people have reached my ears, and I wish to serve you with my life. I bring with me 10,000 men, all loyal and ready to fight under your banner."
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0