Chapter 35: confrontation

Hua Xiong, at the head of his fierce Xiliang cavalry, thundered forward like an unstoppable juggernaut. The earth seemed to shake beneath their relentless charge, and the sound of pounding hooves filled the air. It was a sight and sound that struck fear into the hearts of the Nanyang soldiers facing them.

However, fear was not enough to overcome the discipline and training instilled in the Nanyang troops. Despite their initial panic, under Yu She's leadership, they quickly rallied and formed a dense defensive formation.

Yu She knew that their only chance was to stand firm and withstand the shock of the Xiliang cavalry. If they faltered, they would be trampled underfoot, and there would be no escape.

As Hua Xiong's cavalry closed in, the tension on both sides reached its peak. The Nanyang soldiers tightened their ranks, gripping their weapons with white-knuckled determination. They could feel the ground trembling beneath them as the thundering hooves of the Xiliang cavalry grew louder and louder.

With a deafening roar, the two forces collided. The impact was like a volcanic eruption, and for a moment, the battlefield became a chaotic maelstrom of dust, blood, and clashing steel.

Hua Xiong's cavalry, known for their ferocity and martial skill, drove into the Nanyang formation like a battering ram. Their sheer momentum pushed back the Nanyang soldiers, and the first few ranks of defenders were sent sprawling to the ground.

However, the Nanyang soldiers fought with a tenacity born of desperation. They knew that retreat meant certain death, and so they clung to their positions, pushing back against the relentless assault of the Xiliang cavalry.

The battle raged on, and it became a brutal and unforgiving contest of wills. The Nanyang soldiers fought with everything they had, and their determination was evident in every swing of their weapons. Hua Xiong's cavalry, on the other hand, pressed forward with a ferocious resolve to break through the enemy lines.

As the dust settled, it became clear that the battle was far from decided. Both sides had suffered heavy casualties, and the ground was littered with the fallen. Hua Xiong's men, though fierce, had encountered a formidable opponent in the Nanyang soldiers.

Yu She, his armor battered and his face smeared with blood and sweat, rallied his troops. He knew that they couldn't afford to waver now. They had to hold their ground and continue to resist the Xiliang onslaught.

Back in Chenggao, Yuan Shu received word that Hua Xiong had encountered a fierce battle with the Nanyang forces. Despite the initial shock and chaos, it seemed that the Nanyang soldiers were putting up a stubborn fight. Yuan Shu's expression darkened. He had hoped that Hua Xiong would swiftly eliminate the enemy and return with a victory, but it appeared that the situation was far from simple.

Yuan Shu made a quick decision. He ordered his forces to advance and reinforce Hua Xiong. The fate of Aocang and the success of their mission to Chenggao depended on Hua Xiong's ability to break through the Nanyang defenses.

The battle between Hua Xiong and the Nanyang soldiers continued to rage, each side refusing to yield. It was a test of endurance and determination, and the outcome remained uncertain.

Hua Xiong's thunderous declaration echoed across the battlefield, sending shivers down the spines of those who heard it. His imposing presence and the gruesome sight of Yu She's decapitated head left no doubt that this was a formidable adversary.

Yuan Shu, who was preparing his troops for battle, couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine. He had underestimated the strength and determination of Hua Xiong and the Xiliang cavalry. Now, with Yu She's defeat, they were facing a dire situation.

Liu Xun, one of Yuan Shu's advisors, stepped forward and said, "My lord, Hua Xiong is a fierce opponent. It would be unwise to engage him directly without a solid plan."

Yuan Shu nodded, realizing the gravity of the situation. He couldn't afford to let his forces be crushed by Hua Xiong's cavalry. The Nanyang troops had already suffered a significant blow, and their morale was at an all-time low. Yuan Shu needed a strategy to turn the tide.

"Order the troops to form a defensive line," Yuan Shu commanded, "We'll hold our ground and let Hua Xiong come to us. We must defend Aocang at all costs. If we can withstand his initial assault, he may become more cautious."

Liu Xun quickly conveyed Yuan Shu's orders to the commanders on the battlefield. The Guandong princes and their forces swiftly organized themselves into a defensive formation. They knew that their only chance of survival was to stand firm and repel Hua Xiong's charge.

Meanwhile, Hua Xiong observed the defensive preparations of the Guandong forces. He could see that they were well-disciplined and had formed a solid formation. Charging headlong into their defenses would be a risky endeavor.

Hua Xiong, though fierce in battle, was not reckless. He knew the importance of strategy and tactics. If the enemy had prepared a defensive line, he would need to find a way to break through it. He also understood that his current advantage lay in the shock and awe of his cavalry charges. Once the enemy had time to settle into their defensive positions, his advantage would diminish.

Hua Xiong raised his sword high, signaling his troops to halt their advance. He needed a moment to assess the situation and come up with a plan. The battlefield fell into an uneasy silence as both sides watched and waited for the next move.

Yuan Shu and his advisors huddled together to discuss their options. They knew that the fate of Aocang and the success of their mission hinged on their ability to repel Hua Xiong's assault. It was a moment of tense anticipation, as the outcome of this battle would shape the future of the Guandong coalition.