The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 465 The Martial Saint's Last Dance

In Liaodong, the sky always turns gloomy early in winter.

Inside the General's Mansion in Xiangping City.

The charcoal brazier crackled and popped, yet it couldn't dispel the subtle tension that permeated the air.

Guan Yu sat upright in the main seat, his fingers slowly brushing over the rough sheepskin map spread on the table.

It roughly outlines the contours of the grasslands and deserts beyond the Great Wall.

His gaze went beyond the boundary that represented the Han territory.

They set sail for the vast and unknown "Northern Desert".

a long time,

He raised his head, his phoenix eyes gleaming with a sharp light.

His voice was steady yet carried an undeniable decisiveness.

"The Xianbei clowns have repeatedly invaded our borders and plundered our people."

"Although it is a scabies-like disease, it is still a hidden danger."

"Guan has made up his mind and will lead an elite force deep into the northern desert."

"Behead their leader and punish the other tribes."

"Let them know the might of our Great Han Dynasty, and they will not dare to offend us lightly!"

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent.

Cheng Lian, Cao Xing, and other Liaodong generals looked at each other, their faces showing astonishment and confusion.

Cheng Lian was the first to stand up, clasped his hands in greeting, and said:

"General, absolutely not!"

"Although there are frictions between the various tribes of the grasslands and our border, they are all caused by small groups of cavalry."

"They looted and left without causing any large-scale war."

"This is the norm in border areas. If we rashly send troops deep into the border regions, it may escalate the conflict and trigger a full-scale conflict."

"The resulting devastation is not what the imperial court desires!"

Cao Xing quickly added:

"Yes, General."

"The grasslands are vast and boundless, and the tribes live scattered about, coming and going like the wind."

"If our army launches a large-scale attack, they will flee far away, making it difficult to capture their main force."

"If we divide our forces to attack, we will be easily defeated one by one."

"Moreover, the transportation of grain and supplies is difficult, and the losses outweigh the gains."

"Throughout history, the Central Plains dynasties have always been extremely cautious in their use of military force against the grasslands."

Guan Yu waved his hand, a proud smile on his face, and held up five fingers:

"How could I, Guan, not know the implications of this? However, I have no intention of starting a national war."

"Since they are just a small group harassing us, then I, Guan, will also deal with them with a small group of elite troops."

"Five hundred swordsmen under my command are enough!"

"With these five hundred men, we will venture beyond the Great Wall to fight and hunt down the barbarians. What can they do to us?"

Five hundred people?!

Even Guan Ping, who had been silent all along, could no longer contain himself. He strode forward, his voice filled with anxiety and confusion:
"Father! Your noble spirit should not be allowed to sit under a dangerous roof!"

"Since the imperial court has no intention of launching a northern expedition, why must Father take such a risky step?"

"The borderlands are bitterly cold, and the enemy situation is unclear. Leading only five hundred men deep into the territory is tantamount to..."

"It's like throwing lambs to the wolves!"

"If anything goes wrong, how can I explain it to His Majesty and the court?"

Guan Yu's gaze slowly swept over the crowd.

He saw in the eyes of Liaodong generals such as Cheng Lian and Cao Xing an undisguised desire to maintain the status quo.

There was even a slight concern that this "parachuted" general might break the unspoken rules of the border region.

His gaze lingered for a moment on Zhu Yi's face, who had just recovered from his injuries and whose complexion was still pale.

Zhu Yi lowered her head immediately when she met his gaze.

But his tightly pursed lips and slightly heaving chest revealed the resentment that had not subsided in his heart.

Guan Yu saw all of this.

He was upright and honest throughout his life, and had a straightforward and honest character.

What I find most unbearable are the intricacies and conflicts of interest in officialdom.

While in Luoyang, despite holding a high position and great power, he often felt constrained.

Now in Liaodong,

The treasury mysteriously caught fire, the border general gave vague answers, and the surrendered generals harbored resentment...

All the right and wrong, like an invisible net, made him feel suffocated.

He was old, and the flesh on his thighs had grown back.

Must the heroic spirit of conquering the world be wasted in these petty scheming and backstabbing?

Do not!
He, Guan Yu, was born a warrior, and he should die on the battlefield!

He wants to go back to where he started.

Let's return to those pure days when we could wield the Green Dragon Crescent Blade and ride the Red Hare, and freely settle scores, slay generals, and seize flags!

The harassment from the northern barbarians provided him with an outlet for his frustrations.

A battlefield where the destiny of a martial artist is fulfilled!

His eyes became unusually firm and clear, as if he had cast aside all worldly ties.

He turned to Guan Ping, his tone calm, yet carrying an unquestionable sense of entrustment.

"Ping'er, you don't need to say anything more."

"My mind is made up."

"You may return to Luoyang first, meet His Majesty, and report that the war with Silla has ended, but the border troubles have not yet been quelled."

"As for me... I will remain in Liaodong for the time being to pacify the border region. Your Majesty need not worry about me."

Guan Ping was utterly bewildered and almost knelt down:
"Father! The war is over, it's time to return to the capital to receive your rewards and enjoy your honor!"

"Why must you stay in this bitterly cold place? I... I truly do not understand!"

A group of Liaodong generals also spoke up, seemingly concerned, but in reality, they were uneasy.

They were afraid that this unyielding and impartial general would stay for too long.

This will completely cut off their source of income and break their "rules".

They all offered their advice:
"General, you are of advanced age and high moral character. There is no need for you to stay in this cold and windy place for long, lest it harm your health."

"The borderlands are harsh; how can a general of your status stay here for long? It would be better to return to the capital as soon as possible."

"A few barbarian disturbances are something we can handle ourselves; we dare not trouble the general."

As Guan Yu listened to these words of advice, whether genuine or feigned, a faint, slightly mocking smile appeared on his lips.

He waved his hand, interrupting everyone.

The voice wasn't loud, but it carried a resolute determination to cut off all trivial matters:

"Guan's mind is made up; there is no need for further persuasion."

"The affairs of Liaodong remain as before. You may do as you see fit."

"Guan...does not wish to ask any further questions."

These words were like a pardon.

This relieved the great weight on the hearts of the Liaodong generals, but it also left them even more perplexed.

What exactly is the intention of this great general who has shaken China?
Is it really just for the sake of going beyond the Great Wall and fighting a few battles?
In the following days, the atmosphere in Xiangping City became somewhat strange.

As Guan Yu had predicted, he stopped interfering in any specific military and political affairs in Liaodong.

He seemed to turn a deaf ear to the rumors circulating in the market about smuggling military supplies and engaging in shady dealings with grassland tribes.

Every day, he simply drills his five hundred carefully selected swordsmen in the training ground or polishes his cold, gleaming saw.

The generals in Liaodong were initially apprehensive, but after several days, seeing that Guan Yu truly had no intention of interfering, they gradually felt at ease.

But deep down, I still find Guan Yu's behavior, which is almost "self-exile," puzzling and incomprehensible.

On this day, the snowstorm that had lasted for several days finally stopped.

The long-awaited winter sun pierced through the clouds, shining on the snow-covered earth and reflecting a dazzling light.

Guan Yu was fully armored, wearing a green robe and golden armor that gleamed in the sunlight.

He held the Green Dragon Crescent Blade in his hand, then swung himself onto the magnificent Red Hare.

The horse seemed to sense the excitement of the upcoming expedition, raising its head and neighing, its hooves pawing restlessly at the snow on the ground.

"My lads! Follow me beyond the Great Wall to hunt the barbarians!"

Guan Yu's voice was as loud as a bell, echoing across the training ground.

"I'm willing to follow the general!"

Five hundred swordsmen roared in unison, their voices echoing across the surrounding area.

These were all the old troops that Guan Yu brought from Qingzhou, who had followed him in his campaigns over the years.

Loyal and highly skilled in martial arts.

They are particularly skilled in formation foot combat and close-quarters fighting.

Seeing that Guan Yu was indeed only leading five hundred men to leave the border.

Cheng Lian, Cao Xing, Zhang Hu, and the others panicked again and stepped forward to volunteer for their services:
"General! Five hundred men are far too few!"

"We, your humble servants, are willing to lead our troops to accompany you on this expedition, General, to ensure your safety!"

Guan Yu reined in his Red Hare, glanced back at them, and a hint of arrogance and unquestionable authority flashed in his phoenix eyes:

Do you all think that I, Guan, am too old to lift a knife?

"Too many people are a burden! Today, I'll show you."

"Guan's five hundred swordsmen may wipe out Hu Chen!"

Having said that, he ignored everyone and spurred his horse.

Red Hare, like a burning flame, charged out of the training ground first.

Five hundred swordsmen followed closely behind, their steps firm and resounding.

Like a green torrent of iron, it surged toward the North Gate.

The generals were unable to stop them and could only watch helplessly as the small team disappeared into the vast snowfield and the distant mountains.

The crowd was filled with mixed feelings, including worry and an indescribable shock.

Guan Yu led his troops out of the pass and, based on the rough intelligence provided by Cao Xing and others, headed straight for the area where Suo Tou was active.

The scenery beyond the Great Wall is quite different from that of Liaodong.

The world was a vast expanse of white, the wind was biting cold, and the view was extremely wide.

Guan Yu's military tactics were deeply rooted in the principle of "swift as the wind and fierce as fire".

He led five hundred swordsmen, hiding by day and moving by night, their actions as swift as the wind.

They accurately located a settlement of a medium-sized tribe under the leadership of the Sog leader.

As dusk approached, wisps of smoke rose from the village chimneys as herders drove their cattle and sheep back to their pens.

They had no idea that disaster would strike.

Guan Yu seized the opportunity and divided his five hundred swordsmen into several teams.

He led an elite force straight to the chieftain's tent in the center of the tribe, while the other forces attacked from all sides, setting fires and creating chaos.

"kill!"

Guan Yu took the lead, his Red Hare swift as lightning.

They broke through the simple fence surrounding the tribe in an instant.

The tribal chief had just rushed out of his tent upon hearing the alarm, before he could even see the approaching enemy.

Then a bluish-green blade of light slashed down like a bolt of lightning.

He instinctively raised his sword to block, but with a "crack," he was cleaved in two by Guan Yu, sword and all!
The commander was killed instantly, and the tribe was thrown into chaos.

Five hundred swordsmen were like tigers among sheep, their blades flashing and blood and flesh flying everywhere.

The battle formations formed by these seasoned veterans displayed terrifying killing efficiency in the face of the Hu cavalry, who lacked organization and effective command.

The Hu people were caught off guard and their advantage in horsemanship and archery could not be utilized.

In close combat, they were no match for the school knife-wielders, and were slaughtered, falling to the ground and crying out for their parents.

The raid ended in less than half an hour.

This battle,

Guan Yu's troops beheaded over a thousand enemies and captured over two thousand head of cattle, sheep, and horses, while suffering negligible casualties themselves.

Looking at the burning tents and the corpses of the Hu people scattered everywhere in the twilight.

Guan Yu stood stroking his beard, a hint of pleasure flashing in his phoenix eyes.

This is the kind of war he is familiar with.

Decisive and efficient, let the blade in your hand speak for itself!
Upon their victorious return, they distributed some of the captured cattle and sheep as rewards to their soldiers and took the rest back to Xiangping.

The generals of Liaodong were all astonished to see that Guan Yu had achieved such a great victory with only five hundred men, and they all stepped forward to praise him.
"General's divine might is truly divine!"

"Five hundred men can defeat several thousand; even the ancient evil Lai could not have done it!"

However, amidst the praise, Cao Xing, with a worried expression, offered a reminder:

"General, although we won this raid, we are connected to many tribes outside the Great Wall."

"According to the customs of the border troops, when hunting for supplies, they need to rotate targets to avoid continuous attacks on the same tribe."

"To prevent them from becoming alert and gathering for retaliation."

"If we keep our eyes fixed on the head of the rope, I'm afraid..."

Upon hearing this, Guan Yu laughed proudly, his voice shaking the roof tiles:

"Hahaha! Revenge?"

"Guan has roamed the world for over forty years, and has never been afraid of anyone."

"If they dare to come, it will be a perfect opportunity to add more blood to my Azure Dragon Blade!"

His domineering and arrogant spirit was unleashed without reservation at this moment.

then,

In the days that followed, Guan Yu once again led five hundred swordsmen out of the pass.

The target remains the other tribes under the leadership of the leader.

Relying on the speed of Red Hare and the elite of the swordsmen, he moved elusively and employed ruthless tactics.

They might launch a surprise attack at dawn or raid a camp in the dead of night.

They also destroyed two larger settlements in Suotou, achieving considerable success.

Guan Yu's actions were undisguised, showing his determination to fight a tribe to the death.

This finally enraged the young leader of the Suo tribe, Tuoba Liwei.

Inside the royal golden tent deep in the grasslands, Tuoba Liwei listened to the tribal leaders lamenting their losses, his face so gloomy it could drip water.

The Tuoba clan of Suotou were the ancestors of the emperors of the Northern Wei Dynasty.

Tuoba Liwei was none other than the hero who was posthumously honored as Emperor Shenyuan.

At this time, he was nearly sixty years old.

For many, this is already their twilight years.

However, for Tuoba Liwei, it was a time of youthful vigor.

Because he reigned for fifty-eight years and lived to be one hundred and four years old.

He was a historically renowned long-lived monarch.

Today, Tuoba Liwei has already established himself in the brutal struggles of the grasslands and is gradually integrating the tribes.

With over 60,000 archers, he was truly a great ruler.

"Have you found out exactly which group of people from the Han Dynasty they are?"

"So arrogant, deliberately trying to take my head as an enemy?"

Tuoba Liwei's voice was cold, filled with suppressed anger.

A spy chief knelt down and reported:
"Your Majesty, it has been confirmed!"

"It is Guan Yu, the great general of the Han Dynasty and Duke of Hanshou!"

"He only brought about five hundred infantrymen, yet he repeatedly ventured deep into our territory, burning, killing, and looting!"

"Guan Yu?!"

Tuoba Liwei was startled at first, then his eyes flashed with an amazing light.

The light contained a mixture of anger, shock, and a hint of barely suppressed ecstasy!

"But Guan Yu, Guan Yunchang, who beheaded Yan Liang and Wen Chou, flooded the seven armies, and whose might shook the land?"

"It's this person!"

An uproar immediately erupted inside the tent.

Guan Yu's fame was renowned even on the grasslands.

Tuoba Liwei suddenly stood up and paced back and forth, his expression constantly changing.

Ultimately, it transformed into a kind of resolute determination and greed.

"Excellent! What a brilliant Guan Yu! This is truly a godsend opportunity for me, Tuoba Liwei!"

He stopped, his gaze sweeping over the tribal leaders in the tent, his voice loud and inflammatory:
"Gentlemen! Guan Yu was the greatest general of the Han Dynasty and Liu Bei's sworn brother."

"This person holds an extremely high position in the Han court!"

"If we can capture this man alive, we can not only wipe away the shame of our tribe's repeated invasions, but also raise the prestige of our Suotou tribe across the grasslands!"

"Furthermore, we could use this hostage to extort a huge ransom from the Han emperor—"

"Gold, silver, silk, tea, ironware—you name it, we have it!"

"At that time, my Sotou tribe will surely become the most powerful tribe on the grassland!"

The prospect is too tempting.

The breathing of the leaders in the tent became heavy, and the fear in their eyes was replaced by greed.

Upon seeing this, Tuoba Liwei knew that the army's morale was high.

He abruptly drew his precious sword from his waist, pointed it outside the tent, and gave a stern order:

"Pass on my order! All warriors in the Soto tribe who can ride horses and draw bows, assemble!"

"Sixty thousand archers, set off immediately!"

"Even if we have to search every inch of this vast grassland, we must find Guan Yu for me!"

"We must see him alive, or... no, we must capture him alive!"

"This is a divine opportunity for me to take flight, and I must not miss it!"

With a command from Tuoba Liwei, the entire war machine of the Suotou Head started up with a roar.

Tens of thousands of cavalrymen poured out from various settlements, converging into torrents like locusts.

Then they scattered into the vast grasslands, beginning an unprecedented manhunt for Guan Yu and his five hundred swordsmen.

The long-peaceful southern grasslands were disrupted by Guan Yu's actions.

Suddenly, a storm arose, and danger lurked everywhere.

……

The north wind swept across the Liaodong Plain, bringing with it the damp chill unique to the melting snow season.

The Han army flags fluttered in the wind atop Xiangping City.

Inside the general's mansion in the city, however, there was a somber atmosphere that seemed out of place with the gradually warming weather.

Guan Yu sat upright behind the desk, carefully wiping the Green Dragon Crescent Blade that had accompanied him for half his life.

The cold, sharp blade reflected his calm and resolute face.

Several minor victories beyond the Great Wall were like pebbles thrown into a still lake.

Although it stirred up ripples, it did little to quell the burning desire within him.

After a few days of rest, the troops have regained their fighting spirit.

On this day, Guan Yu summoned his generals again and announced his decision:

"The dust of the northern barbarians has not yet settled, and Suo Toutou has been repeatedly punished."

"However, since their main force has not been damaged, they are still a threat."

"Guan intends to send troops again to strike directly at his territory."

"We must make them tremble with fear, so that they dare not look south for ten years!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Xing frowned.

He exchanged a worried glance with Cheng Lian, and once again steeled himself to offer his advice:

"General! Although we won last time, we have already alerted the enemy."

"The leader of the Suo tribe, Tuoba Liwei, is no ordinary person."

"With tens of thousands of archers under their command, how could they sit idly by and watch us repeatedly invade?"

"They must be on high alert, perhaps even... laying a trap!"

"In my humble opinion, the best course of action is to temporarily avoid their sharp edge or to attack other units instead."

"If we confront their attack head-on again, I fear..."

"Could there be an ambush? Could something unexpected happen?"

Guan Yu interrupted him, his phoenix eyes slightly opening and closing, a glint of shrewdness flashing within them.

A proud smile appeared on his lips. "In my entire life, have I ever feared an ambush?"

"Even if they have a thousand troops, in my eyes they are nothing more than clay chickens and earthen dogs!"

"You need not say more, just go and prepare."

Seeing Guan Yu's resolute attitude, the generals knew that further persuasion would be futile and might even anger him.

Wang Ping looked worried, but knowing Guan Yu's temperament, he dared not offer any further advice.

Cheng Lian sighed, then, settling for second best, clasped his hands in a fist and said:

"Since the general is determined to go on the expedition, we dare not stop him."

"However, although the five hundred swordsmen are skilled, their numbers are still too small." "For the sake of complete security, we earnestly request the general's permission to send an additional two thousand elite border troops to accompany us."

"In this way, we can attack or defend, and also deter the barbarians."

Guan Yu initially intended to refuse.

What he wanted was the ultimate battlefield thrill of winning with fewer troops, rather than the safety of a large army pressing in.

But when his gaze swept over the generals under the tent, he saw that each of them wore a pleading and worried expression.

Especially the anxiety that was almost overflowing from his confidants.

He hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded slightly.
"...Very well, then so be it."

"Gather 2,500 men and set off tomorrow."

The next morning, the sky was just beginning to lighten.

Two thousand five hundred elite Han soldiers lined up outside the north gate of Xiangping.

Guan Yu, clad in green robes and golden armor, rode the extraordinary Red Hare.

Standing at the front of the army, one naturally exudes an aura of dominance over the world.

He said no more and swung the Azure Dragon Blade forward.

The army, like a giant dragon awakening, slowly began to move.

They set off once again towards that vast and dangerous frontier region.

Watching the army gradually disappear on the northern horizon, Cao Xing, Cheng Lian, Zhang Hu, and other Liaodong generals gathered on the city wall.

His face showed no excitement as if he were seeing off a general going to war; instead, it was filled with deep confusion and unease.

"General Guan... what exactly is he after?"

Cao Xing muttered to himself, completely baffled.

"The imperial court has not issued any orders, and the border conflict has been quelled. Why risk your life time and time again?"

"That Tuoba Liwei is not someone to be trifled with."

Zhang Hu held onto the edge of the battlements, gazing into the distance, his eyes revealing a mixture of understanding and emotion.

He sighed softly:
"General Cao, perhaps we... will never truly understand General Guan."

"He was a pure man, a pure warrior, a pure hero."

"The prosperity of Luoyang, the power struggles in the imperial court, and the interests of the border regions."

"Perhaps he had long been bored with it, or even...suffocated by it."

"What he pursued was not fame or fortune, nor a secure and prestigious life, but rather..."

"It's the pure joy of fighting on the battlefield, where blades gleam with blood, and vengeance is felt with unbridled passion."

"He just wanted to go back to that place that belonged to him and that he knew best."

Cheng Lian frowned, his tone grave:
"...What Brother Zhang said may be true."

"However, General Guan's deep penetration into enemy territory alone is ultimately too dangerous."

"Tuoba Liwei commands tens of thousands of troops, far surpassing the scattered soldiers and ruffians of the past."

"What if... what if something happens to General Guan?"

"How can we, the generals of Liaodong, explain ourselves to the court in Luoyang and to His Majesty?"

"At that time, I'm afraid none of us will be able to escape responsibility!"

Cao Xing nodded vigorously:
General Cheng is absolutely right!

"General Guan may disregard his own safety, but we cannot stand idly by!"

"We should immediately select elite troops to form several fast cavalry teams to patrol beyond the Great Wall."

"There is no need to join forces with General Guan, but we must maintain contact."

"If General Guan is in danger, go to his aid immediately!"

"At the same time, send out more scouts to closely monitor the movements of the rope head!"

This proposal was unanimously approved by everyone.

The massive machine of the Liaodong army began to operate tensely and secretly, all for the sake of Guan Yu alone.

Meanwhile, Guan Yu led his army northward for ten days, penetrating deep into the heart of the Xianbei territory.

The scenery beyond the Great Wall is quite different from that of the Central Plains.

The sky is high and the land is vast, the grass is boundless, yet it harbors endless killing intent.

On this day, the army arrived at a hilly area with slightly undulating terrain, and Guan Yu ordered them to set up camp on the mountain.

They also dispatched multiple cavalry scouts to search for traces of the Xianbei tribes.

however,
Before the scouts sent out could bring back any news, a cloud of dust suddenly rose on the horizon, obscuring the sky!
The sound of horses' hooves, like muffled thunder, grew louder as it approached, causing the earth to tremble slightly.

The lookout soldiers scrambled into the central command tent, their voices filled with terror:

"Report! General! Something's wrong! Xianbei cavalry are on all sides... on all sides!"

"Countless, covering the mountains and plains!"

"We...we're surrounded!"

Upon hearing this, all the generals in the tent paled.

A lieutenant's voice trembled:
"General, judging from this situation, the Xianbei people were prepared."

"They've assembled a large army, specifically to encircle and annihilate us!"

"The troop strength... is probably no less than 20,000 cavalry!"

Faced with such a perilous situation, Guan Yu showed no sign of panic.

He slowly rose, picked up the Azure Dragon Blade, and stepped out of the tent.

He mounted Red Hare and galloped straight toward a high hill next to the camp.

Standing atop the mountain, the biting wind whipped at his long beard and green robe.

He looked down at the Xianbei cavalry surging like a tide, his eyes cold and sharp, like a god looking down at ants.

"Why panic!"

Guan Yu's voice, like a booming bell, instantly drowned out the commotion in the camp.

"Form ranks! Encircle the camp with supply wagons and hold your ground!"

"Front row of halberds and shields, rear row of archers and crossbowmen, heed my command!"

The Han army, after all, was a battle-hardened elite force, and after the initial panic subsided...

Under the calm command of their commander, they acted swiftly.

The supply wagons were linked end to end, forming a simple yet sturdy barrier.

The soldiers lined up as ordered, with halberdiers and shield bearers at the front.

Like an impregnable fortress, with archers behind them.

The bowstring was drawn, ready to be released, and a chilling atmosphere filled the air.

The Xianbei cavalry saw that the Han army was small and formed a defensive formation.

Thinking they were cowardly, it let out a deafening roar and charged straight at the Han army camp.

The force of ten thousand horses galloping is enough to change the landscape.

Guan Yu stood before the battle lines, unmoved.

Only when the Xianbei cavalry were within the optimal range of their crossbows did he suddenly swing his Green Dragon Crescent Blade and shout sharply:
"Fire arrows!"

The command flags waved, and the war drums thundered!
The Han archers, who had been waiting in ambush, unleashed a thousand crossbow bolts in an instant!
A dense barrage of arrows swept through the air like locusts, whistling as they pierced the Xianbei cavalry ranks.

The Xianbei cavalry at the forefront were like wheat that had been cut down, falling to the ground instantly.

Screams, the neighing of warhorses, and the muffled thuds of arrows piercing flesh mingled together, creating a brutal picture of war.

The Xianbei army's momentum was halted.

"Cum again!"

Guan Yu's orders were as firm as mountains.

The second and third rounds of arrows followed in quick succession.

The Xianbei cavalry suffered heavy losses under the concentrated long-range attacks of the Han army, and their formation began to fall into disarray.

"Beat the drums! March!"

Guan Yu seized the opportunity and ordered a counterattack.

The drums thundered, and the Han soldiers with halberds and shields roared in unison, like a flood bursting its banks.

They surged out from behind the carts and launched a counter-charge against the chaotic Xianbei army!

Guan Yu took the lead, his Green Dragon Crescent Blade swirling like a wheel.

Wherever he went, blood and flesh flew everywhere, and no one could withstand a single blow from him!
The Xianbei army, relying on its superior numbers, underestimated the Han army, but unexpectedly encountered such tenacious resistance and fierce counterattacks.
They were immediately routed and retreated up the mountain.

The Han army pursued their victory, killing several thousand more before withdrawing to their camp.

Under the golden tent in the distance, Tuoba Liwei witnessed the entire process, and for the first time, a look of solemnity and shock appeared on his face.

He addressed his leaders:

"I have long heard that Guan Yu was a famous general of the Han Dynasty, and seeing him today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved!"

"With a mere few thousand infantrymen, they were able to withstand the charge of my twenty thousand iron cavalry and even win the battle!"

"This man... is truly a tiger and a wolf!"

He paused, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes.

"However, he is now trapped on this mountain, with no way to escape!"

"Pass down the order: surround them without attacking, exhaust their supplies and morale!"

"At the same time, quickly send someone to summon the troops of the Bai and Meilu tribes to come and join us!"

"With 50,000 troops, let's see how long Guan Yu can hold out!"

Therefore, the Xianbei army temporarily halted its attack and surrounded the hill where Guan Yu was located like an iron barrel.

The Han soldiers on the mountain, learning that the Xianbei were mobilizing more troops and that the situation was becoming increasingly critical, all advised Guan Yu:

"My lord! The enemy outnumbers us, and being trapped on this isolated mountain is not a long-term solution!"

"Once the Xianbei reinforcements arrive, our army will be trapped in a desperate situation!"

"We must break out to the south before they can completely encircle us and seek to join forces with the troops in Liaodong!"

Guan Yu assessed the situation and realized that what his generals said made sense.

That night, he ordered some of the cumbersome baggage to be discarded.

The entire army, lightly equipped, took advantage of the cover of night and marched swiftly south.

They attempted to break out of the Xianbei army's encirclement.

However, on the vast grasslands, how can two-legged infantrymen outrun four-legged cavalrymen?
The Han army fought and retreated south for several days, but was eventually caught up by the Xianbei cavalry who were familiar with the terrain and forced into a narrow valley.

After days of arduous fighting and constant travel, the Han soldiers were exhausted.

Casualties were mounting, and arrows were being used up in great numbers.

Guan Yu inspected the camp and saw that many soldiers were wounded but still insisted on fighting.

My heart is also heavy with reluctance and sorrow.

He ordered:
"Anyone with three injuries shall be transported by vehicle."

"The two injured individuals were responsible for driving."

"Anyone with only one wound must fight to the death with weapons!"

Although this order was cruel, it preserved the fighting capacity to the greatest extent possible.

To boost morale, Guan Yu summoned all the soldiers.

He stood atop a high rock, his green robe stained with the dust of battle, yet his gaze remained as intense as a flame.

The sound was powerful and clear, reaching the ears of every soldier:

"Soldiers! We have served our country since we joined the late emperor in raising an army."

"When we defeated the Yellow Turbans, fought against Yuan Shu, battled Cao Cao, pacified Jingzhou, and conquered Hanzhong, we never suffered a defeat."

"How can we allow ourselves to be humiliated by mere barbarians from the grasslands today?!"

His gaze swept over the faces—some weary, some fearful, some resolute—and he continued:
"I hereby swear that as long as you follow me back to Liaodong, I will stand before His Majesty."

"I will petition for your merits one by one! May you be granted titles and ranks, and may your wives and children benefit from your good deeds."

"May you bring glory to your family and live a life of honor!"

"We can repay the nation's great kindness above and fulfill your long-cherished wishes below!"

"Is this not a golden opportunity for a great man to make a name for himself?!"

These words were like a spring of sweet water poured into parched land, igniting the last bit of fighting spirit and hope in the hearts of the Han soldiers.

Yes, following General Guan, we have never been defeated!

If I can return alive, wealth and glory will be right before my eyes!
The will to survive and the lure of fame intertwined to create a tenacious fighting spirit.

"I am willing to fight to the death with you, my lord!"

The remaining Han soldiers roared in fury.

The next day, the Xianbei army launched another fierce attack.

With their morale restored, the Han army unleashed astonishing fighting power, relying on the advantageous terrain of the valley to tenaciously resist the enemy.

They have once again captured more than 3,000 Xianbei heads!
Blood stained the land at the mouth of the valley.

Taking advantage of the slight setback in the Xianbei army's offensive, Guan Yu decisively ordered a breakout to the southeast!
The Han soldiers fought desperately, and finally managed to tear open a gap in the defenses.

They retreated rapidly along an abandoned old road—said to have been the former road of Jincheng Commandery during the Former Han Dynasty.

After traveling for about four or five days, the men and horses were extremely exhausted, and a vast reed marsh appeared ahead.

The area was covered in water and the roads were muddy.

The Han army fled into the reeds, where they were able to catch their breath.

However, Tuoba Liwei was not about to give up.

The Xianbei general suggested using the wind to launch a fire attack on the reed marshes.

quickly,

Fueled by the wind, the flames spread wildly through the boundless reed marshes.

Thick smoke billowed, and flames licked the sky, threatening to engulf the Han army.

In this critical moment, Guan Yu remained calm and immediately ordered his soldiers to set fire to the place.

A huge firebreak was created, stopping the fire from spreading.

The Han army managed to escape on the scorched earth.

After escaping the swamp, the Han army retreated to the foot of an unnamed mountain.

However, Tuoba Liwei was also a skilled strategist, having already taken the initiative to send troops to occupy the southern hilltop.

This cut off the best route for the Han army to return south.

Tuoba Liwei ordered his son Tuoba Luguan to lead elite cavalry to charge the Han army formation from high ground.

Seeing the enemy approaching, Guan Yu was not alarmed but delighted, and shouted loudly:
"Well done!"

He spurred Red Hare, held the Green Dragon Crescent Blade upside down, and charged straight at Tuoba Luguan against the tide of cavalry!

Red Hare was swift, like a red lightning bolt, and instantly broke into the enemy formation.

The Azure Dragon Blade drew a tragic arc of light, and Tuoba Luguan only saw a flash of light.

His head was severed from his body, and he fell from his horse!
"Lu Guan, my son!"

On a distant mountaintop, Tuoba Liwei witnessed his beloved son's murder and let out a heart-wrenching wail, his eyes instantly turning bloodshot.

It was almost dripping blood!
"Kill them! Kill them all! Leave no one alive!"

Like a madman, he ordered the entire army to advance, determined to tear Guan Yu to pieces at all costs.

The Xianbei cavalry surged in from all sides like a tide, vowing to avenge their young lord.

Seeing the enemy's overwhelming strength and their madness due to the death of their commander, Guan Yu knew it was unwise to engage them in a direct confrontation.

He then feigned weakness and retreated while fighting, luring the pursuers into a dense forest at the foot of the mountain.

Once inside the forest, the Xianbei cavalry's speed and offensive advantage were greatly reduced.

Horses and men could not maneuver among the trees.

The Han infantry, on the other hand, thrived, using the trees for cover and engaging in fierce battles in formation.

Archers frequently fired arrows from the shadows.

Despite their numerical advantage, the Xianbei cavalry trampled each other in the forest, creating utter chaos.

Several thousand more were killed by the Han army.

The Han army even used captured crossbows to fire continuously in the direction of Tuoba Liwei on the hilltop.

Although the attack missed, it frightened Tuoba Liwei so much that he had to hastily descend the mountain to avoid the enemy's advance.

After another difficult day of marching, Guan Yu's army captured a wounded Xianbei soldier.

During interrogation, the prisoner revealed a crucial piece of information:
Internal divisions have arisen within Tuoba Liwei.

Some more cautious tribal leaders believed that although the Han army was small, it was a highly skilled and battle-hardened force.

Unable to break through after a prolonged siege, they were instead repeatedly forced to retreat south.

Fearing an ambush by Han troops ahead, it is recommended to retreat.

However, many more radical officials and rulers strongly opposed it.

They believed that if the Great Khan, leading tens of thousands of troops, could not even eliminate a few thousand Han soldiers, his prestige would surely be lost in the future.

Not only would they no longer be able to command the surrounding tribes, but the Han Dynasty would also increasingly despise the Xianbei.

The head of the Suotou tribe will have nowhere to stand on the grassland!

Therefore, they advocated for the last few dozen miles of valley area before the Han army entered the plains.

At any cost, launch a final, fierce attack!

Upon hearing this, Guan Yu felt a sudden sense of clarity, but at the same time, he also felt an increased sense of pressure.

It turns out that their stubborn resistance as a lone army has shaken the foundation of Tuoba Liwei's rule!
This ambitious Xianbei leader had no way out in order to maintain his authority and the future of his tribe.

They will surely launch an even more frenzied and reckless attack!

The Han army's situation did not improve despite their repeated defeats of the enemy; on the contrary, it became even more perilous.

Guan Yu knew that he could not linger at this moment and had to break through to the south at all costs!
The journey that followed turned into a true bloodbath.

Tuoba Liwei gathered all available troops and, like a persistent leech, relentlessly pursued and intercepted Guan Yu's army.

The two sides fought every day, engaging in dozens of battles, large and small.

The Han army relied on its astonishing will and Guan Yu's decisive command.

This resulted in over two thousand casualties for the Xianbei army.

The continuous heavy losses fueled war-weariness and low morale within the Xianbei army.

At one point, a tribal chief even suggested withdrawing the troops.

It seemed that Guan Yu's army was about to break through the last blockade line.

However, at this very moment, another son of Tuoba Liwei...

The young Tuoba Moshe Khan stepped forward and astutely pointed out the fatal weakness of the Han army:
"Father Khan! Fellow chieftains!"

"Guan Yu's army is already at its last gasp!"

"They are deep in enemy territory, without reinforcements or supplies, and their arrows will surely run out!"

"As long as we summon our last bit of courage and press on with our momentum, we will surely be able to shatter the myth of Guan Yu's invincibility!"

"Please, Father Khan, send the most elite archers of my tribe to concentrate their fire on the standard-bearers and officers of the Han army."

"Disrupt their command, and their formation will surely fall!"

Tuoba Liwei grasped at this last straw and immediately adopted his son's suggestion.

He assembled sharpshooters from various units, in conjunction with elite cavalry.

They launched a new and more targeted offensive against Guan Yu's army.

When the Xianbei cavalry charged, they no longer blindly rushed forward, but instead shouted as they charged:

"Guan Yu, surrender! Our Great Khan will surely treat you well!"

They were trying to demoralize the Han army.

At the same time, they blocked the valley entrance leading south.

Arrows rained down from the hillsides on both sides onto the Han army at the bottom of the valley.

Arrows flew like locusts, dense and impenetrable!

Braving a hail of bullets and arrows, the Han soldiers formed a tortoise-like formation with their shields to protect the core.

Step by step, stepping over the corpses of their companions, they moved south with great difficulty.

Every step was accompanied by bloodshed and sacrifice.

In the depths of despair, a cry of disbelief, tinged with sobs, suddenly rang out from the scout ahead:

"I see it! I see it! It's our Han army's beacon tower!"

"It's an outpost! We...we're almost at the border!"

This cry was like seeing a glimmer of light at the exit of a dark tunnel.

Almost simultaneously, all the surviving Han soldiers raised their heads and looked south.

Sure enough, on a distant hill, the familiar Han Dynasty beacon tower could be faintly seen!

A surge of elation at surviving a disaster instantly washed away the fatigue and fear of the past few days.

Many people were so moved that they shed tears.

"Hurry! Speed ​​up! Once we reach the outpost, we'll be safe!"

The officers urged them on in hoarse voices, and the marching speed suddenly increased.

However, at the very moment this glimmer of hope was ignited...

The sound of thunderous hooves, like a nightmare, came again from behind!

On the horizon, dust filled the air as Tuoba Liwei personally led the last and largest main force of the Xianbei cavalry.

Like a flood bursting its banks, it swept in, blotting out the sky and the sun!

Clearly, Tuoba Liwei also realized that this was the last chance, and he was willing to bet all his resources on it.

They were determined to completely annihilate Guan Yu's Han army, which had humiliated him, outside the borders of the Han Dynasty!

The Han soldiers, whose faces had just lit up with joy, turned deathly pale in an instant.

Hope seems so close, yet so far away.

The final and most brutal test has arrived.

……

(End of this chapter)