Choose Liu Bei at the start, I am the only one who knows the plot of the Three Kingdoms.

After struggling for a long time between extreme fear and immense temptation, Shi Xie finally gritted his teeth, a ruthless glint flashing across his face.

"Alright! I'll listen to you, sir! I won't leave! I'll just have to run into Gu Rubing!"

Meanwhile, at the foot of Black Wind Ridge, Gu Rubing's main camp had already been set up.

However, he did not rush to attack. Instead, he sent out a small number of soldiers each day to the front of the ridge to provoke and insult them, throw some stones, and shoot a few rounds of harmless arrows, but never actually launched an offensive.

More importantly, Gu Rubing strictly ordered Zhang Fei not to show his face, and he would stay in his tent during his daily patrols, or disguise himself as an ordinary general and mingle among the soldiers.

Therefore, Shi Xie and his scouts, who were closely observing from the ridge, never discovered the existence of Zhang Fei, this god of death.

After observing for several days, Shi Xie's mind gradually shifted.

He noticed that Gu Rubing's camp did not seem to be particularly large, and the number of soldiers who came out to provoke him each day was always the same. More importantly, apart from Gu Rubing's own royal banner, he did not see any banners representing the terrifying and legendary generals under Gu Rubing's command, such as "Zhang", "Guan", or "Zhao".

"Could it be... that Gu Rubing really underestimated the enemy this time? He only brought a small number of troops and no general to protect him?"

An idea uncontrollably popped into Shi Xie's mind.

The frustration and fear of being suppressed and hunted down by Gu Rubing seemed to find an outlet at this moment, turning into a kind of distorted excitement and contempt.

"If that's the case...wouldn't this be a godsend?"

Having been constantly on the defensive, Shi Xie's restless heart was stirred when he saw that his opponent seemed to have a weakness and that his forces were fewer than his own. The desire to retaliate grew like wild grass.

His initial plan was rather cautious. He intended to take only three to five thousand elite cavalrymen and launch a quick attack on Gu Rubing's camp under the cover of night or at dawn. He would kill some people, burn some supplies, give him a warning, and vent his anger. Then he would immediately retreat to the ridge and continue to defend it by relying on its strategic location.

However, as soon as he put forward this idea, it was met with strong opposition from one person—Wang Yue!
Wang Yue's hatred for Gu Rubing could be described as bone-deep and heart-wrenching.

All the fame and status he had pursued throughout his life vanished because of Gu Rubing, and he himself was left to hide like a rat in a gutter.

Now that our enemy is right in front of us, and our defenses seem weak, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

"Your Majesty! No!"

Wang Yue's voice was sharp, and his eyes flashed with resentment and urgency.

"Temporary harassment is like scratching an itch through a boot; what's the point? It will only alert the enemy and make Gu Rubing more vigilant! Now that he has few troops and no generals, this is a golden opportunity!"
We must exert all our strength, with the overwhelming force of Mount Tai, and launch a full-scale attack, heading straight for the central army camp! If we can capture and kill Gu Rubing in one fell swoop, the overall situation will be settled!

His army, leaderless, is bound to collapse! Then, Youzhou will be yours for the taking! Even… conquering the Central Plains will not be impossible! This is an opportunity not to be missed, Your Majesty!

Wang Yue's words were highly inflammatory, especially the phrase "capture and kill Gu Rubing," which made Shi Xie's heart pound.

He calculated that he had 20,000 soldiers, all cavalry, with a powerful striking force.

Gu Rubing's camp appeared to have at most ten thousand troops, a mixed force of infantry and cavalry. If, as Wang Yue predicted, they could truly succeed in one fell swoop…

The immense temptation and wishful thinking ultimately overwhelmed the lingering fear of Gu Rubing.

Shih-hsieh slammed his hand on the table, his face flushed like a gambler's.

"Very well! As Mr. Wang says! Issue the order: the entire army assembles and feasts! Today, I, the King, will personally lead the army to raze Gu Rubing's camp to the ground and take his head!"

Soon, the gates of Black Wind Ridge were opened wide, and Shi Xie, fully armored, personally led 20,000 cavalrymen, like a flood bursting its banks, charging down the mountain.

Wang Yue and his apprentice Shi A followed closely beside Shi Xie, their eyes gleaming with a fervent desire for revenge and glory.

The sound of horses' hooves thundered, shaking the earth and sending billowing dust towards the seemingly peaceful camp below the ridge.

Gu Rubing stood on the lookout tower in the camp, calmly watching the enemy cavalry surge in like a tide. His face showed no surprise, only a composed confidence that everything was under control.

He had already laid numerous ambushes around the camp, taking advantage of the hills and woods.

When most of Shi Xie's 20,000 cavalrymen had charged into the pre-arranged encirclement, and the vanguard had begun to attack the barricades and fences surrounding the camp, Gu Rubing decisively gave the order.

"Ignition! Signal!"

The soldiers, who were already prepared, immediately lit the firewood that was soaked in kerosene, and several thick columns of smoke shot into the sky along with the flames!

The signal was given, and the battlefield situation changed drastically in the next moment!

"Zhang Yide of Yan is here! You dog Shi Xie, prepare to die—!"

A thunderous roar erupted from the woods on the flank! Zhang Fei, like a tiger unleashed, led thousands of well-rested elite cavalrymen, crashing into the flank of Shi Xie's army!
The eighteen-foot spear was swung around, and no one could stand in its way. In an instant, it tore a huge hole in the originally fairly orderly bandit formation!

Almost simultaneously, behind Shi Xie's army, desolate bugle calls and earth-shaking battle cries also rang out!
The Wuhuan cavalry, who had previously promised to defect, were now, under the personal leadership of their leader, like another sharp dagger stabbing them in from behind!

Although the number of Wuhuan cavalry was small, this sudden betrayal was undoubtedly a devastating blow to the morale of Shi Xie's army!

With a fortified camp in front, Zhang Fei, the god of war, charging from the left, and an "ally" turning against them from behind, Shi Xie's 20,000 cavalrymen were instantly caught in a desperate situation, surrounded by enemies on three sides. Their formation was thrown into chaos, with shouts and neighing of horses filling the air, and countless soldiers trampling each other in the process!
"We've fallen for their trap! Quick! Break through!"

Shi Xie was so frightened that his soul almost left his body, and his face turned ashen. Where was the heroic spirit he had shown when he came down the mountain?

At that moment, he had only one thought in his mind—run!

He frantically whipped his horse, and surrounded by his trusted guards, he charged around the chaotic battlefield like a headless fly, trying to find a weak point to break through.

In the chaos, he finally spotted a patch of low hills on the right flank. It seemed that because Zhang Fei and the Wuhuan cavalry had their attention drawn to the center and rear, the defensive pressure was less, and a brief gap had appeared.

"Over there! Charge out that way!"

Shi Xie, as if grasping at a straw, roared at the top of his lungs and turned his horse to gallop desperately toward the gap.

Wang Yue and Shi A followed closely behind.

As the gap drew ever closer, the hope of survival seemed within reach.

However, just as Shi Xie's horse was about to break through the encirclement, a silver lightning bolt, like a shooting star falling from the sky, suddenly appeared before the gap at a speed that was difficult for the naked eye to perceive!
The newcomer was clad in silver armor and a white robe, riding a white horse and carrying a long spear. His face was as cold as ice, his eyes as sharp as an eagle, and he exuded an incomparably fierce killing intent. Who else could it be but Ma Chao?
He seemed to have anticipated that Shi Xie would break through from this point, and he blocked his path precisely where he was bound to pass.

Without further ado, Ma Chao's gaze instantly locked onto Shi Xie, the most ornately dressed man guarding the center, and he let out a clear shout. His Dragon Cavalry Spear transformed into a deadly, cold star, tearing through the air with a piercing shriek, ignoring the guards who tried to stop him, and thrusting straight towards Shi Xie's throat!

This shot was fast, accurate, and ruthless, embodying Ma Chao's determination to kill!
Shi Xie could even feel the piercing chill emanating from the spear tip, and he closed his eyes in despair.

However, at this critical moment, something strange happened!

A gray figure, seemingly appearing out of thin air, suddenly cut between Ma Chao and Shi Xie with a speed beyond the limits of human vision! It was none other than Tong Fei, who had returned!

He remained expressionless, facing Ma Chao's fierce and unparalleled spear thrust, simply raising the dark spear in his hand and seemingly casually pushing and twisting it forward.

"Qiang——!"

A deafening clang of metal clashing rang out, sparks flying everywhere!

Ma Chao felt an indescribable, immense force surging through the shaft of the spear. Within that force was a sharp and strange spiraling energy that instantly tore apart the protective energy attached to the Dragon Cavalry Spear, causing his entire arm to ache and go numb, his tiger's mouth to split open, and blood to flow freely!

He groaned, and he and his horse were jolted back several steps, his blood churning within him, almost spitting out a mouthful of blood.

His eyes were filled with shock and horror as he looked at Tong Fei. With just one move, the difference in their abilities was immediately apparent!

Tong Fei's strength seems even more unfathomable than when they last fought!
Tong Fei forced Ma Chao to retreat with a single blow, showing no intention of continuing the fight.

He grabbed Shi Xie by the back of his neck, who was still in a daze and almost paralyzed with fear, and lifted him off the horse like a chick. He then gave Zhang Fei, who had just roared and charged forward, a cold look.

With a flicker, he drifted backward more than ten feet like a ghost, disappearing into the chaotic battle formation and dust in a few leaps, his speed so fast that no one could catch him.

"Third brother!"

When Zhang Fei arrived at Ma Chao's side, he saw that Ma Chao's face was pale and his arm holding the spear was trembling slightly, obviously suffering from serious internal injuries. He was both shocked and furious.

His eyes widened as he tried to give chase, but Tong Fei was too fast and had already disappeared from sight.

One of the main generals, Ma Chao, was instantly and severely injured, while another fierce general, Zhang Fei, was also intimidated by Tong Fei's terrifying strength, causing his offensive to slow down for a moment. The originally high morale of the Han army on the battlefield was inevitably affected, resulting in a brief pause and chaos.

Wang Yue and Shi A, two seasoned veterans, were extremely adept at seizing opportunities.

Seeing that Tong Fei had rescued Shi Xie and attracted the attention of Zhang Fei and the others, causing their morale to waver, they immediately exchanged glances and abandoned their respective opponents without hesitation.

Their bodies moved like slippery eels, weaving left and right across the chaotic battlefield, charging relentlessly in another direction. They even managed to carve out a bloody path during this brief period of chaos, breaking out of the encirclement and escaping in a sorry state.

"Don't pursue a desperate enemy! Regroup and treat the wounded!"

Gu Rubing's calm voice rang out in time, suppressing the commotion in the army caused by Tong Fei's sudden appearance and the thoughts of some generals who wanted to pursue him.

He stood on high ground, gazing intently in the direction where Tong Fei and the others had disappeared, his expression grave.

He knew that with Tong Fei around, forcibly pursuing them would not only fail to capture them, but might also cause even greater losses.

The battle gradually subsided, leaving only soldiers cleaning up the battlefield and the wails of dying bandits.

Gu Rubing ordered a tally of the battle results.

In this battle, thanks to a brilliant ambush and the defection of the Wuhuan people, more than 10,000 bandits were wiped out, nearly 3,000 were captured, and more than 5,000 intact and usable warhorses were seized.

The large amount of grain and supplies looted and stockpiled by Shi Xie was also seized, making it a brilliant victory that greatly weakened Shi Xie's strength.

However, Gu Rubing did not show much joy on his face.

His failure to capture or kill the bandit leader Shi Xie, his inability to eliminate accomplices like Wang Yue and Shi A, and the fact that Tong Fei calmly rescued people and left right under his nose cast a shadow over his heart.

Gu Rubing wasn't actually too worried about Shi Xie himself; a defeated dog who had lost most of his troops couldn't cause much trouble. What truly made him wary and hesitant was the appearance of Tong Fei!

Tong Fei's presence here signifies that Penglai's attention has been firmly set on Youzhou and Shi Xie.

They could intervene again at any time.

Now, he only has two legendary generals by his side, Zhang Fei and Ma Chao. Ma Chao is also injured and will be unable to recover to his peak strength in a short time. It is undoubtedly a pipe dream for Zhang Fei alone to stop or even defeat Tong Fei.

Most importantly, is Tong Fei the only one hiding behind the scenes, or have even more terrifying figures like Zuo Ci and Yu Ji also arrived? The unknown is the greatest threat.

While the soldiers were cleaning up the battlefield, setting up camp, and treating the wounded, Gu Rubing sat alone in his temporary tent, deep in thought as he looked at the unfolded map of Youzhou and the border regions.

The finger moved slowly across the map, eventually stopping at the vast grasslands and deserts north of Youzhou.

"Shi Xie has just suffered a defeat, losing more than half of his troops. Heifeng Ridge has been lost, and the Wuhuan have defected."

If he wants to survive, if he wants to make a comeback, he will inevitably seek new refuge and allies…

Gu Rubing muttered to himself, his eyes sharp.

"Looking across the border regions, the only ones who can still offer him some protection and have the motive to be my enemy are... the remnants of the Xiongnu tribes."

He judged that Shi Xie would most likely flee to the remnants of the Xiongnu to seek refuge, and might even try to collude with them again.

However, problems arose.

After being repeatedly and severely defeated by the Han Dynasty, the Xiongnu had long since fragmented and disintegrated, with the remaining tribes scattered deep in the vast grasslands, their whereabouts uncertain.

Although the crossbowmen under Gu Rubing were elite, they still faced many difficulties in exploring the depths of the grasslands, especially the settlements that the Xiongnu deliberately hid, and it was difficult to find their exact locations in a short period of time.

"It seems we still need to rely on the power of 'acquaintances'."

Gu Rubing thought of the Wuhuan leader who had just "abandoned darkness and embraced light".

The Wuhuan and Xiongnu, both belonging to the nomadic tribes, often clashed, but under the pressure of the Han Dynasty, they frequently relied on each other for survival. They were undoubtedly far more aware of each other's remaining forces and approximate areas of activity than the Han army. (End of Chapter)