Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3854 Too Much

On the south city wall of Jiangling City, a peculiar scene is unfolding.

Zhang Fei stared with his large, bell-like eyes, his beard and hair bristling, his eighteen-foot spear pointing forward, but it was as if an invisible wall of energy blocked his path.

Not far from Zhang Fei, Ma Liang, the cavalry officer, remained calm, holding only a long sword, seemingly exchanging blows with Zhang Fei from a distance, making illusory moves.

Ma Liang fought Zhang Fei, exchanging blows in the void and their mental battle lasted for three hundred rounds, with neither side gaining the upper hand!
Believe it or not!
The soldiers on both sides shouted battle cries that shook the heavens and the earth, as if they were engaged in the most intense hand-to-hand combat. However, their bodies honestly maintained a delicate "safe distance." Occasionally, weapons would clash, but these were mostly feints, with sparks flying but little blood being seen.

"Ma Jichang! I recognize you! Back in Jingzhou, I even went to your house to deliver gifts!" Zhang Fei said, glaring. "But your family refused to let me in. How utterly rude!"

Zhang Fei glared and puffed out his beard, his voice booming, as if he were about to settle old scores.

Ma Liang chuckled, his voice clear and bright, "General Zhang, please don't be offended! We were on different paths in the past, so naturally we couldn't work together. Now that we both serve under the General of the Cavalry, we'll naturally have opportunities to meet, so there's no need for any goose gift… Besides, didn't you take that goose gift back then, General?"

"Hmph!" Zhang Fei blew on his beard.

Ma Liang wasn't wrong.

When Liu Bei was in Jingzhou, he visited the local natives quite often, but unfortunately most of them didn't think much of him.

It's not just the Ma family; the Xi family is the same.

Historically, only the fallen Zhuge family and Liu Bei were a truly compatible and well-matched couple...

And now...

Ma Liang looked at Zhang Fei and smiled slightly, "General Zhang, your bravery surpasses that of the entire army. This time, the credit for 'climbing the city walls' belongs solely to you. If it weren't for your merit, how could we have lured Cao Cao to send his elite troops to attack?"

Zhang Fei then smiled and burst into laughter.

This is why the Sichuan army led by Xu Huang, Ma Liang, and others was able to achieve such a small-scale cooperation with Liu Bei.

It would be unlikely for anyone else...

For example, if Wei Yan were here, he might have started fighting with Zhang Fei before they even finished exchanging a few words.

As the two were exchanging blows in mid-air, a scout quickly climbed the city wall and whispered a few words in Ma Liang's ear.

A glint of light flashed in Ma Liang's eyes. He cupped his hands in greeting to Zhang Fei and said, "General Zhang, the time has come! Cao Cao's main force is launching a full-scale attack on Xicheng!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei let out a shout, sheathed his spear, and exclaimed, "Good! Finally, it's time to get serious! Men, follow me! Let those with needles see what a true warrior is like!"

Zhang Fei gave a shout and led his men, who had fought valiantly and conquered the city walls, back along the same route.

Ma Liang looked down at the longsword in his hand, remained silent for a moment, then chuckled, "Embroidery needles? It seems your elder brother is holding two..."

However, Ma Liang didn't dwell on it any longer. He waved his hand and ordered, "Clear the city walls and restore the defenses! Prepare to coordinate with Liu's army for a pincer attack!"

The cavalrymen immediately sprang into action, quickly "recaptured" the section of the south city wall that had just been "captured," and everything returned to its original state, as if the fierce "siege" had never happened.

……

……

Meanwhile, west of Jiangling City, Cao Cao's offensive reached its peak.

Fueled by the good news that "the southern city has fallen" and Cao Ren's order to spare no effort, Cao's soldiers surged toward the western city wall like they were on steroids.

One siege ladder after another was erected on the city wall, and Cao's soldiers, with ring-pommel swords in their mouths and shields under their heads, struggled to climb upwards.

The cavalry on the city wall seemed to be really struggling to hold on. The defensive line faltered at several points, and some small groups of Cao Cao's troops even managed to leap onto the battlements and engage in fierce hand-to-hand combat with the defenders!

"General! Look! Our men have made it up there!"

Cao Ren's personal guards pointed at the city wall and shouted excitedly.

Cao Ren's heart was racing, his blood was surging, and victory seemed to be just around the corner!

Almost instinctively, Cao Ren subconsciously urged the following troops to speed up and expand the breakthrough.

However, just as Cao Cao's vanguard surged into the city walls, and the follow-up troops crowded at the base of the walls, at the moment when their formation was at its most dense and chaotic—

Mutations reborn!

Xu Huang's figure appeared prominently on the west gate tower of Jiangling!
Along with Xu Huang's figure appeared, a large number of cavalry archers also appeared!

*Bang! Buzz—!*

A chilling twang of bowstrings came from the pre-positioned crossbow positions behind the city wall!

The archers of the Flying Cavalry, who had been preparing for some time, unleashed a concentrated barrage of fire on the densely packed area of ​​Cao Cao's army!
These arrows, like a torrential downpour, rained down on the crowded Cao army below the city wall!

*Puff puff puff puff!*

The dull thuds of sharp blades piercing flesh echoed one after another!
The Cao army soldiers, who were focused on scaling the city walls, were caught off guard and fell like stalks of wheat being cut down!

The screams instantly drowned out the shouts of battle!
The seemingly crumbling cavalry defense line suddenly became as solid as a rock, and the strength and efficiency of the counterattack increased by more than double!
The joy that had just appeared on Cao Ren's face instantly froze, replaced by astonishment...

What's this, Fat Si?

Before Cao Ren could react, another soldier came to report.

"Report! General! General Guan has arrived with his troops, saying that seeing our offensive stalled, he has come to assist us! He has reached our left flank!"

"Has Guan Yu come to lend a hand?"

Cao Ren was taken aback at first, then subconsciously felt a surge of 'joy'. After all, he was currently under immense pressure, and if fresh reinforcements joined, perhaps...

But Cao Ren immediately realized something was wrong!

Why was Liu Bei so "enthusiastic"?
Is he truly "unparalleled in benevolence and righteousness"?
At this critical moment, instead of consolidating the gains at Nancheng, Liu Bei came to help him attack Xicheng, which seemed even more difficult to conquer.
Was Liu Bei truly powerful enough to fight on two fronts, or...?

Any other plans?
But no matter which answer you choose, something seems amiss!
"Quickly! Send the order!! Tell Guan Yu to halt! He only needs to defend the flanks; there's no need for him to advance!"

Cao Ren roared hoarsely, trying to salvage the potentially dire situation.

However, it was too late...

Military orders take time to be transmitted, but Guan Yu's attack was as swift as lightning!
Just as Cao Cao's messengers were still struggling to squeeze through the chaotic crowd, Guan Yu's elite troops, like a flood bursting its banks, crashed into Cao Cao's army from the left flank!

Guan Yu's troops had been resting and preparing for a long time, and now they were like tigers descending from the mountain, their blades aimed directly at the vulnerable flanks of Cao Cao's army exposed by their all-out attack on the city!

"Guan Yu is here! Traitorous general, come forward immediately to surrender your head!"

Guan Yu took the lead, his Green Dragon Crescent Blade drawing a cold arc of light. Wherever he passed, Cao Cao's soldiers fell to the ground, and none of them could withstand a single blow!
The soldiers behind him also charged forward bravely, instantly turning the Cao army's flank formation upside down!

At the same time, the west gate of Jiangling was suddenly flung open! Xu Huang personally led the elite cavalry that had been gathering strength in the city for a long time, like a tiger released from its cage, pressing out from the front!
Together with Guan Yu's flanking attack, they formed a perfect pincer movement against Cao Cao's army!

With Xu Huang counterattacking from the front and Guan Yu charging from the flank, Cao Cao's army was immediately thrown into extreme chaos and panic!

Even a fool in Cao Cao's army would know they had fallen into a trap. Their previously high morale collapsed instantly. Soldiers trampled each other and scrambled to escape. The organization was completely disrupted, and the number of dead and wounded suddenly increased!
"Rear camp! The rear camp is on fire!"

Before Cao Ren could issue any orders, more bad news arrived!
It turned out that Zhang Fei, following the plan, led his troops in a flanking maneuver and successfully attacked Cao Cao's rear camp, which was even more vulnerable in its defenses, and was now wreaking havoc!

The towering flames and thick smoke became the final straw that broke Cao Cao's army's psychological defenses!
"It's over! It's all over!"

Cao Ren's face was ashen. Looking at the devastating defeat before him, his heart was filled with endless regret and despair.

He realized he'd fallen for their trap!
The trend is over!

"Retreat! Retreat now!"

Cao Ren gave the order with a hoarse voice. At this moment, he had no time to hate the brothers Liu, Guan and Zhang, nor to review which step he had made a mistake. He only thought about preserving as many troops as possible. Cao Ren wanted to retreat and escape in peace, but some people would not allow it.

Amidst the chaos, Guan Yu's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly as he fixed his gaze on Cao Ren's central command flag. Seeing Cao Ren's flag swaying, indicating a retreat, he immediately shouted, "Cao Ren, hold on! Leave your head behind!"

With a roar, Guan Yu spurred his horse forward, cutting through the chaotic fleeing soldiers of Cao Cao's army like waves crashing against the shore. His Green Dragon Crescent Blade, whistling through the air, aimed straight at the panicked Cao Ren!
Guan Yu's martial arts skills were primarily characterized by his imposing presence.

If Cao Ren hadn't retreated, things would have been fine, but the moment the command flag was raised, it attracted a killing god!
The Cao army soldiers who were originally blocking Cao Ren and Guan Yu were now only thinking about fleeing with Cao Ren. Naturally, they had no will to stop Guan Yu. As a result, Guan Yu broke through the obstacles of the fleeing soldiers and rushed to Cao Ren's side in just a few breaths!
"Cao Ren! Prepare to die!"

Guan Yu roared like a thunderclap, making the surrounding air seem to freeze!
Guan Yu's phoenix eyes were wide open, and his silkworm eyebrows stood up. His already solemn and dignified face was now filled with an awe-inspiring and inviolable divine power!
The heavy Green Dragon Crescent Blade seemed to lose its weight in his hands, transforming into a chilling bolt of lightning, carrying a resolute determination to tear everything apart, as it slashed down at Cao Ren!

Before the long sword arrived, its fierce and unparalleled killing intent was already like a biting cold wind, making Cao Ren's face sting!

Cao Ren's mind was in complete turmoil at this moment!

First, the siege was thwarted, resulting in heavy casualties. Then, the flank was attacked, causing the formation to collapse. Now, Guan Yu has his sights set on him. A mixture of anger, fear, and shame at being played like a puppet surged into his heart, causing his blood to boil, making it difficult to breathe. Of all his martial arts skills, only seven or eight out of ten remained!

Seeing Guan Yu's blade whistling towards him with the aura of death, Cao Ren mustered his strength and, almost relying on his instincts honed from years of battlefield combat, hastily raised his long sword to parry!

"clang!!!"

A deafening explosion rang out!

Sparks from the clash of weapons burst forth between the two men like fireworks!

Cao Ren felt a violent tremor in his arms, and an irresistible, immense force traveled along the hilt of his sword, instantly splitting his tiger's mouth open and drawing blood!

Cao Ren's warhorse let out a painful neigh, its hooves buckling as it was forced to its knees by Guan Yu's thunderous blow!
Ugh!

Cao Ren collapsed to the ground, letting out a muffled groan as his blood churned in his chest, and he spat out a mouthful of blood!

Cao Ren was shocked; Guan Yu's strength was truly astounding!

With a single move, the difference in skill was immediately apparent!

It wasn't that Cao Ren couldn't withstand even one move from Guan Yu, but rather that Cao Ren's morale had collapsed, his courage had waned, and he was completely overwhelmed by Guan Yu's momentum. Given his hasty response, this was bound to be his fate.

In a normal fight, anyone who can withstand Guan Yu's first three strikes can generally fight him for dozens or even hundreds of rounds without a clear winner. However, if someone cannot withstand Guan Yu's first three most powerful strikes, they will end up like Cao Ren today, defeated and killed.

Guan Yu pressed his advantage relentlessly, using the momentum of the rebound to draw a strange arc with his Green Dragon Crescent Blade, changing from a slash to a cut, sweeping horizontally towards Cao Ren who had fallen from his horse!

The wind from the blade was fierce, as if it would cut Cao Ren and his horse in two!

Cao Ren was terrified and tried to block, but his arms were numb and his movements were a beat too slow!

In an attempt to dodge, the warhorse knelt on the ground, yet could hardly move!

Protect the general!

"Stop him!"

At this critical moment, several of Cao Ren's personal guards let out desperate roars. They rushed forward without regard for anything else, using their bodies and weapons to try to stop Guan Yu!
*Pfft!*

*Click!*

Where the Azure Dragon Blade passed, blood and flesh flew everywhere!
One of Cao Ren's personal guards was cut in two, along with his spear!

The shield of another guard, along with the arm holding it, was cleanly severed!

Broken limbs and arms!

My guts are flying!

The screams were shrill and piercing!
With this brief respite bought with the lives of his men, Cao Ren yanked the reins, and his warhorse struggled to its feet. He no longer cared about his general's demeanor, lowered his body, and slammed the back of his sword against the horse's rump, fleeing desperately in the direction where there were fewer people!
Where are you going!

Guan Yu's phoenix eyes flashed with murderous intent. He brandished his long sword and prepared to give chase.

"Stop him! Fire arrows! Quickly fire arrows to stop him!"

As Cao Ren ran, he shouted orders to his personal guards at the top of his lungs.

Surprisingly, Cao Ren actually found Guan Yu's "weak point" amidst the chaos...

Guan Yu, weak to piercing...

This is actually understandable.

Guan Yu was physically robust, with broad shoulders and a thick waist, so his weight was naturally considerable. In addition, Guan Yu preferred to use a heavy broadsword, which, while indeed very powerful in battle, placed a great burden on his warhorse. In order for the warhorse to run and, when necessary, to sprint swiftly, it was necessary to reduce its load.

Of all things, only the armor can alleviate the burden...

Therefore, Guan Yu didn't like wearing cloth robes to look cool; rather, once he put on layers upon layers of heavy armor, his warhorse simply couldn't run!

So when Guan Yu saw Red Hare, it was true love!

Now, firstly, the descendants of Red Hare are all in Fei Qian's hands, and there is no share for Guan Lao Er; secondly, what good horses does Jiangdong have?
It would be quite an achievement to be able to gather a few warhorses for Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei!
At that moment, Guan Yu didn't want to kill Cao Ren, but his thin, old horse was simply too weak to bear the burden...

After sprinting for a while, I was already panting heavily, like a broken bellows, feeling like I would fall to pieces if I ran one more step...

Guan Yu was helpless!
He didn't dare to charge straight into battle just now because he was worried that his warhorse wouldn't be able to withstand the strain. So he deliberately observed and noticed the moment when Cao Ren's command flag wavered before launching his fatal attack...

Arrows were shot at Guan Yu, but most of them were deflected by his sword, which slowed down his pursuit to some extent.

More of Cao Cao's routed soldiers ran around aimlessly like headless flies, which inadvertently became an obstacle for Guan Yu in his pursuit of Cao Ren.

Guan Yu roared repeatedly, slashing left and right with his Green Dragon Crescent Blade, cutting a bloody path through the fleeing soldiers, his eyes fixed on Cao Ren's disheveled figure.

However, in the midst of chaos, catching up with a general focused on escaping in an instant is no easy feat unless one possesses some kind of teleportation ability...

In addition, Guan Yu's thin, old horse was exhausted, and its stamina recovery rate was practically zero. Guan Yu also didn't have any special medicine to restore the horse's stamina, the kind that he could occasionally give it an injection...

Thanks to the opportunity gained by his personal guards who risked their lives, coupled with the obstruction of the fleeing soldiers and the weakness of his old horse, Cao Ren finally managed to escape Guan Yu's direct pursuit. With his helmet askew and armor askew, he broke out of the most chaotic battle and arrived at a slightly open area outside the city.

He looked back and saw that his army had completely collapsed. Banners were fallen, men and horses were trampling each other, and cries and screams were intertwined, like a scene from hell.

"Quickly! Gather the routed troops! Retreat towards...towards Xiangyang!"

Cao Ren, panting heavily, roared at the few remaining generals around him, trying to salvage as much of the losses as possible.

Cao Ren dared not raise his banners, fearing that it would attract Guan Yu's pursuit again, so he could only send his men to call for reinforcements.

The battle was beyond saving, but we should try to gather as many soldiers as possible, after all, Xiangyang...

The thought of the impending defeat in Jingbei and Xiangyang filled Cao Ren with unease.

Just as Cao Ren had barely managed to gather several hundred terrified and defeated soldiers and had not yet had time to reorganize his formation, deafening war drums and battle cries suddenly rang out from the side and rear of the earthen plateau!
A fresh force, having long been rested and prepared, circled around from the side of the loess plateau and attacked, its banner bearing the prominent character "Liu"!

Liu Bei personally led a contingent of his troops, following Cao Cao's soldiers, and found Cao Ren by following his scent!
Even if Cao Ren didn't raise his banner, he couldn't escape Liu Bei's notice!

"Execute the traitor! Capture Cao Ren!"

Liu Bei brandished his double-edged sword and shouted.

Although Liu Bei's martial arts skills were inferior to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, his insight and decisiveness in seizing the opportunity and taking advantage of their weakness were no less than those of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei!
"Big-eared thief!"

Cao Ren coughed up another mouthful of blood.

The remnants of Cao Cao's army, already in a state of panic, could hardly withstand this sudden attack from behind.

With a shout, the formation that had just been assembled crumbled once more, and the soldiers scattered like ants from a disturbed nest, unable to mount any effective resistance.

Cao Ren watched helplessly as Liu Bei's army slaughtered his demoralized soldiers like cutting melons into vegetables. His heart bled, but he knew the situation was hopeless and there was no way to reverse it. He sighed deeply, unable to utter a complete sentence. Surrounded by his last group of loyal guards, he turned and fled towards Xiangyang without looking back, leaving behind the remaining Cao army soldiers and laborers outside Jiangling, the Cao army camp, and all his dreams of victory in the Jingbei campaign.