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

The three days passed in the blink of an eye amidst the tense standoff and march.

The general under Gu Rubing, who was sent to Luoyingpo to carry out the blocking mission, was holding his breath and staring intently at the winding and narrow passage below the mountain, like a lurking cheetah.

His eight thousand soldiers were already in position, arrows nocked, and tinder piled up beside the rolling logs and rocks, waiting for the order to fire.

Just past noon, billowing dust rose in the distance.

Cao Jun's second squad, consisting of 20,000 elite troops, finally appeared on the horizon.

Their marching speed was not fast, and their formation was kept quite rigorous, showing that their commander was no mediocre man.

The army slowly came to a stop at the entrance of the Luoyingpo Pass.

The Cao army commander, mounted on his horse, squinted and carefully examined the treacherous "Gourd Pass" before him.

The steep slopes on both sides are covered with dense forests, and the narrow and secluded passage in the middle is what military strategists call a "deadly place".

Alarm bells rang in his mind, and a sense of foreboding arose spontaneously.

"This place is dangerous; there may be an ambush."

The Cao army commander said in a deep voice that he was cautious by nature and would never risk the lives of his entire army.

After a moment's thought, he gave an order to his adjutant.

"Take a thousand men as the vanguard and carefully investigate the passage! If there is nothing unusual, signal with a whistle arrow; if you encounter an ambush, retreat immediately and the main force will provide support!"

"The last general takes command!"

The lieutenant clasped his hands in a fist salute, then mustered a thousand infantrymen and cautiously stepped into the seemingly calm but treacherous passage.

On the hillside, the Han archers' fingers were already on the bowstrings, their eyes fixed on their commander, waiting for his order to turn the thousand Cao soldiers into pincushions.

However, the general slowly raised his hand and made a gesture of "holding back".

His sharp eyes saw through the intentions of Cao Cao's general.

"The enemy commander is cautious; this is bait. If we attack this small group, the enemy's main force will inevitably retreat, and our ambush plan will fail. Let them pass!"

The general whispered to the messenger, and the order was quickly relayed.

The Han soldiers suppressed their urge to attack and watched as the thousand Cao scouts cautiously and repeatedly looked back as they passed through the passage until they reached the other end, without finding anything unusual.

The lieutenant breathed a sigh of relief, took out a signal arrow, and shot it into the sky with a "whoosh".

The sharp whistling of an arrow pierced the sky.

When Cao Cao's general, who was outside the entrance to the passage, heard the signal arrow and saw his vanguard troops appear unharmed at the other end and waving in his direction, a great weight was finally lifted from his heart.

"It seems I was overthinking things. Order the entire army to speed through this passage!"

Cao Jun's commander waved his hand and gave the order.

Twenty thousand Cao troops began to enter the Luoyingpo Pass in an orderly fashion. Due to the narrowness of the pass, the ranks were stretched out like a long snake, slowly entering the "pocket" that the Han army had already opened.

When most of Cao Cao's main force had entered the passage and the rear guard was about to be completely submerged, the Han general on the hillside had a glint in his eyes, swung his command flag down, and roared.

"Send the signal! Attack!"

"Oh!"

A blast from a flare shot into the sky, its sound echoing across the land!
The thunderous cannon fire instantly shattered the silence of the valley and broke the morale of Cao Cao's soldiers!

“Shoot!!”

As the officer roared hoarsely, the two thousand Han archers who had been lying in ambush on the hillsides on both sides suddenly appeared and unleashed a torrential downpour of their already lit fire arrows!

The target was the dense ranks of Cao Cao's troops inside the passage, as well as the piles of dried timber and bushes along the edge of the passage used to make logs!

"Huhu——!"

Rockets, accompanied by deathly whistles, rained down upon Cao Cao's army!
In an instant, flames erupted throughout the passage! The clothes, flags, and surrounding dry grass and bushes of Cao's soldiers were quickly set ablaze!
Screams, neighing horses, and panicked shouts instantly filled the air!
The firelight illuminated the terrified and contorted faces, turning the entire passage into a living hell!
"Ambush! Retreat! Retreat!"

Cao Jun's generals roared at the top of their lungs, trying to regain their footing.

However, it's too late!

"Falling rocks! Rolling logs!"

Another order was given!
On the hillside, Han soldiers worked hard to push the boulders and logs they had prepared down the slope!

The deafening roar was like a mountain collapsing and the earth splitting. Huge rocks and heavy logs rolled down the steep slope at an accelerated speed, crashing into the chaotic ranks of Cao Cao's army with unstoppable force!
Wherever they went, blood and flesh flew everywhere, tendons and bones were broken, and countless Cao soldiers were crushed into mincemeat or had their brains splattered!
Two thousand Han cavalrymen stood ready at the exit, while the main Han force blocked the entrance. On either side, steep slopes rained down deadly arrows and boulders! Cao Cao's army was utterly trapped, like turtles in a jar!
The Cao army commander was pale-faced, his lips were tightly pressed together, and his heart was filled with regret and vigilance.

He forced himself to calm down and carefully observed his surroundings. Only then did he see the Han army's deployment clearly – sealed off at both ends and positioned on high ground, it was clearly a meticulously planned death trap!

"Break through! Fight your way out of the entrance at all costs!"

Cao Jun's commander knew that at this moment, only by fighting to the death could they have a glimmer of hope.

He brandished his sword, attempting to organize a counter-charge among the soldiers.

However, the situation was completely out of control!

To avoid the rockets and rolling logs and rocks falling from the sky, the soldiers ran around like headless flies, trampling each other in the process.

With the organization disrupted and orders unable to be relayed, the so-called breakout turned into a chaotic rout.

After paying an extremely heavy price, some of Cao Cao's brave soldiers, led by their generals, managed to break through the Han army's not-so-thick blockade at the entrance, taking advantage of their remaining numbers, and escaped in a sorry state.

The battle gradually subsided. Inside the Falling Eagle Slope passage, thick smoke billowed, corpses littered the ground, and the stench of burnt flesh mixed with the stench of blood, making one want to vomit.

The Han general stood atop the hill, coldly watching the remaining Cao army flee like stray dogs, without ordering a pursuit.

His mission was to hold off and severely damage the enemy, not to annihilate them. One should not pursue a desperate enemy, especially since his own forces did not have an overwhelming advantage.

"Inspect the battlefield and collect the spoils of war!"

The general gave the order.

The soldiers moved swiftly.

After taking stock, the battle resulted in the annihilation and capture of approximately 15,000 Cao Cao soldiers, the seizure of over 3,000 intact and usable warhorses, and a large quantity of weapons and armor.

The casualties among the Han army were negligible.

Looking at the mountain of spoils, the general finally smiled with satisfaction.

This brilliant ambush not only severely damaged Cao Jun's second squad and completely shattered their attempt to join forces with the enemy forces in the direction of Yangping Pass, but also captured a large amount of urgently needed supplies, achieving two goals at once!
Meanwhile, on the other side.

After a forced march, Gu Rubing personally led 20,000 infantrymen and finally arrived near Yangping Pass.

However, what they saw was not a scene of fierce siege, but the first squad of Cao Cao's army—Xu Huang's five thousand vanguard, who had already set up a strong camp outside the pass and were ready for battle.

Clearly, Xu Huang had already noticed the arrival of Gu Rubing's reinforcements. However, he did not choose to hastily engage in battle or retreat, but instead adopted a calm and collected attitude.

Just as Gu Rubing's army had set up camp and was not yet fully settled, the gates of Cao's camp were opened wide, and a Cao army envoy, carrying a staff, rode alone to the front of the Han army camp.

"I am an envoy under Cao Cao, sent by General Xu Huang to meet with His Highness Prince Lie! I have a challenge to present!"

The messenger shouted loudly, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant.

The soldiers guarding the camp dared not delay and immediately led him to the central command tent.

Inside the tent, Gu Rubing sat in the main seat, with Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, and other generals on either side, all staring intently at the Cao army envoy.

If it weren't for the rule that "in war, one should not kill envoys," Zhang Fei, with his temper, would have driven him away long ago.

Despite the murderous aura emanating from the tent, the envoy remained unfazed, calmly taking out a silk letter of challenge from his robes and presenting it with both hands.

General Xu Huang said that he was deeply honored by His Highness Prince Lie's personal visit. He had long admired His Highness's brilliant military strategy and the numerous fierce generals under his command, and he wished to challenge His Highness and other heroes to a duel tomorrow in the open fields before the pass!
The victor will take Yangping Pass; the loser will retreat from Yibei! I wonder if Your Highness, Prince Lie, dares to accept the challenge?

Gu Rubing took the challenge letter, quickly glanced through it, and his face showed no emotion.

He looked sharply at the envoy and spoke slowly.

"Xu Gongming certainly has guts. I accept the challenge. Go back and tell Xu Huang that we will meet at the pass at dawn tomorrow! Tell him to prepare his head for me to collect!"

"Your Highness's words will certainly be conveyed by this humble subject!"

The envoy bowed respectfully and, under the murderous gazes of the Han soldiers, calmly withdrew from the main tent and returned to Cao Cao's camp to report back.

After the messenger left, Zhang Fei was the first to jump up.

"Brother! Why waste time arguing with Xu Huang? Just let me, Old Zhang, lead the troops to storm his camp and chop off his dog's head!"

Ma Chao also frowned.

"My lord, Xu Huang's initiative to challenge us to battle is likely a trap. Although his forces are not as strong as ours, they are defending strategic locations. It is unusual for him to suddenly challenge us to a field battle."

Gu Rubing gently placed the challenge letter on the table, his gaze deep, as if trying to see through Xu Huang's intentions.

A decision was not made immediately.

He pondered for a moment, then ordered someone to summon Deng Ai, who was inspecting the defenses on the wall, to the central command tent.

"Shizai, come and take a look at this."

Gu Rubing handed over the challenging letter.

Deng Ai took the document with both hands, quickly glanced through it, and initially showed a hint of confusion on his face. Then, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, revealing a knowing smile.

He cupped his hands in greeting to Gu Rubing.

"My lord, this challenge... while seemingly a challenge, is actually a sign that Xu Gongming is anxious and showing his fear!"

"Oh? Tell me in detail."

Gu Rubing's eyes flickered slightly, signaling him to continue.

Deng Ai analyzed.

"Xu Huang is known for his steady and cautious approach to warfare. However, this time, his forces are far inferior to ours, yet he has taken the initiative to abandon relying on the advantage of the camp and challenge us to a battle in the open field, which is unusual for him."

Secondly, the words of the challenge, though seemingly impassioned, actually reveal an anxiety of being eager to achieve quick success and wanting to accomplish everything in one battle.

This humble general deduces that Xu Huang may have been worried that things might get complicated because his rearguard was completely wiped out by the lord, and that our reinforcements would continue to arrive, putting him in a passive position.
Perhaps because Cao Ren had been unable to capture Linjiang City after a prolonged siege, Cao Cao put pressure on him, forcing him to take a risky gamble and attempt to quickly turn the tide through a decisive battle.

This man's inherent caution has been replaced by "eagerness for quick success and instant benefits"! If we can skillfully exploit this mentality, our army has a very high chance of winning this battle!

After listening to Deng Ai's analysis, Gu Rubing's eyes showed even more appreciation, and he clapped his hands and laughed.

"Shi Zai's words are exactly what I was thinking! Xu Gongming has delivered his own weakness to us. In that case, let's put on a good show for him!"

A daring plan to lure the enemy deep into our territory and then attack them from both sides quickly took shape in Gu Rubing's mind.

He immediately issued the order.

"Shizai, tonight you will lead 10,000 soldiers to garrison the pass with great fanfare, displaying many flags to create the illusion that our main force is still inside the pass. Tomorrow, in the decisive battle, you will lead the garrison inside the pass out to meet the enemy. You are allowed to lose, but not to win. You must lure Xu Huang's army away from his camp and lead them into our pre-arranged battlefield!"

"I will finally understand!"

Deng Ai solemnly accepted the order.

"The rest of you, follow me!"

Gu Rubing's gaze swept over generals such as Zhang Fei and Ma Chao.

"At midnight tonight, with men gagged and horses hoofs wrapped, we will quietly leave the pass and circle around to Luofeng Valley behind Cao Cao's army camp! We will prepare a 'grand gift' for Xu Gongming there!"

"Order!"

The generals were eager to fight, their fighting spirit soaring.

That night, the moon was dark and the wind was high. The gate of Yangping Pass opened silently with a crack, and Gu Rubing personally led 10,000 elite infantrymen, guided by a guide familiar with the terrain, to silently maneuver around the area.

After several hours of arduous trekking, they finally managed to infiltrate a narrow valley about ten miles behind Cao Cao's army camp—Luofeng Valley—before dawn.

Gu Rubing immediately ordered his soldiers to occupy the high ground on both sides, lie in ambush, and prepare rolling logs, stones, and crossbows to wait for their prey to fall into the trap.

The next day, Chenshi.

The gates of Yangping Pass were wide open, and Deng Ai led 10,000 garrison troops from inside the pass, with banners waving and drums beating, as they marched out of the pass in a grand procession and set up their battle formation on the open field in front of the pass.

On the other side, Xu Huang had already led his more than 4,000 elite Cao army troops, ready for battle.

Seeing that the Han army had indeed come out of the pass and that their strength was comparable to his own, a resolute look flashed in his eyes. He raised his great axe high and shouted sharply.

"Soldiers! Today is the day to defeat the enemy and achieve victory! Charge into battle with me!"

"kill--!"

Cao Cao's army erupted in a deafening roar, and led by Xu Huang, they charged fiercely towards Deng Ai's army like a flood bursting its banks!

Following the pre-arranged plan, Deng Ai commanded his troops to fight back fiercely. Both sides wielded swords and spears, and arrows flew everywhere, making the battle extremely intense from the very beginning.

The Han soldiers fought bravely, but Deng Ai was secretly controlling the pace of the battle, deliberately letting the battle lines slowly bend backward, showing signs of being "out of his depth".

After about half an hour of fierce fighting, Deng Ai saw that the time was right, so he waved his command flag and gave a loud order.

"The enemy is fierce! We cannot prolong the battle! All troops, listen to my command and retreat towards the pass!"

Upon receiving the order, the Han army seemed to instantly lose its fighting spirit. The vanguard became the rearguard, protecting the central army, and retreated towards Yangping Pass in a somewhat chaotic manner. (End of Chapter)