My father-in-law Guan Yu, I persuaded Liu Bei to launch a surprise attack on Xiangyang at the beginn

He swung his spear violently, and the blood mist at the tip of the spear spread out like a red veil. When he looked through the hazy blood color, he saw that Wu Rong, the southern barbarian general who had been fighting with him, had already darted into the chaotic army like a startled deer. His blue barbarian cloak flashed in the crowd before being completely submerged in the flashing swords.

"You wretch, you're lucky! I'll spare your head for now, but I'll take your life another day!"

Deng Ai's heavy breathing was mixed with angry shouts, and his throat still carried the bloody smell of blood from the battle.

He spurred his horse's flanks with a sudden burst of strength, and the warhorse let out a low neigh as its hooves thundered. His eighteen-foot spear danced like a dragon emerging from the sea, its shadow gleaming as he charged straight towards the densest concentration of the southern barbarian soldiers.

"Pfft-"

"clang!"

The dull thud of the spear tip piercing the armor mingled with the crisp sound of weapons breaking apart.

With a swift stroke of the spear, a life was lost; with another sweep of the spear, three or four more Southern Barbarian soldiers clutched their necks or chests, screaming as they fell from their horses.

Deng Ai's spear technique was fierce and unparalleled. Every swing of his spear carried immense force. The rattan armor of the Southern Barbarian soldiers was as fragile as paper in front of him, and their bamboo swords and wooden spears were even more difficult to get close to him.

The sunlight was tinged dark red by the blood mist that filled the sky, and the battlefield was littered with broken weapons, fallen corpses, and the wails of the dying.

Countless southern barbarian soldiers fell one after another under Deng Ai's spear, their corpses piled up in layers, almost forming a small mountain.

The once formidable 60,000-strong allied army of Nanman and Shu surrendered soldiers was now in complete disarray, with blood flowing down the hillside and forming winding rivers of blood in the valleys. The pungent smell of blood was so strong that it was almost impossible to breathe.

Who would have thought that just half an hour ago, this place was a completely different scene?

Just as Zhang Bao's 30,000-strong army entered the valley, deafening horns suddenly rang out from the mountains on both sides, and countless southern barbarian soldiers charged out, wielding bamboo spears and cleavers, their rattan armor gleaming eerily in the sunlight.

Caught off guard, the Han army was instantly divided and surrounded. Zhang Bao led the charge, wielding his eighteen-foot spear with unparalleled skill, but he could only barely hold the core position. Watching his soldiers fall one by one, he had already prepared himself to die for his country.

But Deng Ai's reinforcements descended like divine soldiers, suddenly plunging in from the flank and rear of the Southern Barbarian army, like a sharp dagger, instantly tearing open the encirclement of the Southern Barbarian army.

The tightly encircled circle was forcibly torn open, and the trapped Han soldiers, seeing this, were greatly encouraged. They turned their weapons and charged out with the reinforcements. In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the tide of battle had been completely reversed.

The once arrogant and domineering Southern Barbarian army is now a trapped beast surrounded by the Han army.

In the midst of the chaotic battle, Zhang Bao had just knocked away a barbarian youth with his spear when sweat trickled down his face and dripped onto his blood-stained battle robe.

He was panting heavily, his chest heaving from the fierce fighting. The despair he felt when he was surrounded still lingered in his mind. At that time, he looked at his dwindling number of brothers around him and even decided to fight to the last drop of strength and die like a man.

Just as he was about to exhaust himself, he suddenly heard the familiar battle cry of the Han army behind him. Turning around, he saw a large banner embroidered with the character "Deng" breaking through the enemy lines. At that moment, he almost thought he was hallucinating because he was so engrossed in the battle.

Only when more Han soldiers poured into the battlefield and the Nanman army's formation completely collapsed did he dare to believe that reinforcements had truly arrived.

The Nanman army, which had initially held the upper hand, quickly lost its ability to resist under the combined attack of the Han army from both inside and outside. Cries of agony rose and fell, and many soldiers abandoned their armor and fled in all directions out of the valley.

The surrounded Han generals froze on the spot, their weapons still in a waving position, their faces filled with disbelief.

Looking in the direction from which the reinforcements had come, they saw a huge banner bearing the character "Xiao" fluttering in the wind atop a distant mountain, its corners rustling in the wind.

"So it was the Grand Marshal! The Grand Marshal had foreseen that the Southern Barbarians would set up an ambush here!"

One of the lieutenants was the first to react, his voice filled with excitement, "He deliberately used us as bait to lure out the Southern Barbarians' ambush, and then sent General Deng to lead the army to follow up and catch them off guard!"

Zhang Bao sheathed his spear, gazed at the large banner bearing the character "Xiao," his eyes filled with admiration, and couldn't help but click his tongue in admiration:
"Grand Marshal is truly a divine strategist! This strategy of luring the enemy deep into our territory and then besieging them to ambush their reinforcements is indeed unpredictable!"

The resolute determination to die that had been in his heart had long since vanished, replaced by a burning fighting spirit.

He gripped the spear tightly, with only one thought in mind:
Let's kill them all and avenge our fallen brothers!

"Soldiers! Reinforcements have arrived! Follow me and kill them all! Slaughter these barbarians until not a single one is left!"

Zhang Bao suddenly raised his spear and let out a deafening laugh towards the sky.

The bugle call rang out again in the mountains, this time with a powerful and stirring sound, carrying the sharp spirit of breaking through enemy lines and killing the enemy.

The Han soldiers were in high spirits, shouting in unison as they charged towards the fleeing enemy like a tidal wave. The allied forces, which had been putting up a stubborn resistance, completely collapsed and became lambs to the slaughter.

On the hillside on the west side of the valley, Meng Quan, the King of the Southern Barbarians, stood there frozen, his hands tightly gripping the jade pendant at his waist. His previous high spirits were gone, replaced by astonishment and disbelief.

He watched as his 60,000-strong army, initially unstoppable, crumbled under the combined attack of the Han army from both inside and outside. He saw his soldiers, who had followed him for many years, fall in pools of blood, and the blood flowing through the valleys staining the entire land red.

An army of sixty thousand!
That was the elite force he had carefully selected from various barbarian tribes over ten years; it was his entire foundation for dominating the southern frontier and even his ambition to march north into the Central Plains! Yet, in just one hour, this army on which he had placed such high hopes was annihilated.
"What's going on?! What on earth is happening?!"

Meng Quan's voice became hoarse with extreme anger, his teeth were grinding together, and the sorrow and despair in his eyes were instantly replaced by overwhelming rage.

He whirled around, his gaze like a poisoned blade piercing the strategist Lü Kai beside him. "Lü Kai! What kind of lousy plan did you come up with? Lure the enemy deep into our territory? Encircle and annihilate the Han army? Is this what you call foolproof?! You must give me an explanation!"

Before he finished speaking, Meng Quan's hand was already on the sword at his waist. The cold touch of the hilt calmed his rage slightly, but the killing intent in his eyes grew even stronger.

The scabbard scraped against the fabric, making a soft "whoosh" sound, as if he would raise his sword and behead the strategist who had given him the bad idea at any moment.

How could he not feel heartbroken?
This defeat cost him at least 20,000 men and severely damaged his hard-earned military prestige. Those tribes that already harbored rebellious intentions will likely soon become restless.

Someone has to settle this score! And Lü Kai, who came up with this "luring the enemy" plan, is naturally the best scapegoat.

"Your Majesty, I...I..."

Lu Kai was so frightened that he trembled all over, his face was as pale as paper, and cold sweat streamed down his forehead, soaking his clothes.

He never expected that Meng Quan would pin all the blame on him, and he certainly didn't expect that this enraged Southern Barbarian King would actually decide to kill him on the spot.

He opened his mouth, wanting to explain that his plan was flawless, but he hadn't expected that the Han army's Grand Marshal Xiao He would be able to see through such a secret ambush. However, when the words reached his lips, he stammered due to excessive fear and couldn't utter a single word.

Lu Kai stood frozen in place, his legs feeling as heavy as lead, and he even forgot to think of dodging.

He watched helplessly as Meng Quan suddenly drew his sword, its blade gleaming coldly, and brought it down towards his head. The shadow of death instantly loomed over him. "Your Majesty, spare my life!"

Just at this critical moment, a hurried shout rang out.

Liu Xun suddenly jumped up from the ground, spread his arms to block Lü Kai, and hastily drew his sword, barely managing to parry Meng Quan's knife.

With a loud crash, sparks flew everywhere. Liu Xun was jolted back two steps before he could barely regain his balance. He hurriedly shouted to persuade Liu Xun:

"Mr. Lü Kai's plan is truly unpredictable! The plan is intricately linked, and no one else would have been able to see through it!"
Who could have predicted that Xiao He would possess such insight? This defeat is truly no one's fault but Mr. Lü Kai's!

Liu Xun held Meng Quan's sword tightly, his arm veins bulging from the force, cold sweat streaming down his temples, but he knew better than anyone else that he absolutely could not let Lü Kai die here.

There was no other way; Lü Kai was his last card to play and the only strategist he could rely on at the moment. Since the collapse of his former empire, he had sought refuge with Meng Quan, never seeking mere survival, but rather waiting for an opportunity to restore his kingdom.

Lu Kai was well-versed in military strategy and tactics, and had a thorough understanding of the terrain and various forces in Yizhou. Without Lu Kai's assistance, he would be like water without a source or a tree without roots if he wanted to reclaim Yizhou and raise the banner of restoration.

If Lü Kai dies under Meng Quan's blade today, his dream of restoring his kingdom will be shattered into nothingness. From now on, he will only be a dispensable puppet under Meng Quan's command, and his life may even be in danger if Meng Quan gets tired of him one day.

Thinking of this, Liu Xun's body, which had been trembling with fear, suddenly froze, and his previously hesitant gaze became extremely firm.

No longer pretending to be deaf and dumb as before, letting things develop unchecked, he straightened his back and resolutely stood in front of Lü Kai, using all his strength to support his sword and desperately block Meng Quan's knife.

"Liu Xun, get out of the way!"

Meng Quan's furious roar exploded like thunder, the blade pressing firmly against his sword, the immense force causing Liu Xun's arm to tremble uncontrollably. "What does it have to do with you that I'm killing this corrupt scholar who's causing trouble? If you dare to obstruct me again, I'll chop you down too!"

Meng Quan's eyes were fierce like a wolf's, and his killing intent almost overflowed from his eyes, clearly indicating that he was truly determined to kill.

Liu Xun's heart tightened, and he was about to speak again to persuade him when a soft sound came from behind him. He saw the cave master, who was hunched over, leaning closer and whispering a quick reminder in his ear:

"Your Majesty, please calm down! If we want to take Yizhou, we still need to use Liu Xun's status as a member of the Han imperial family!"
He is, after all, Liu Zhang's son, and still retains many loyal followers and popular support in Yizhou. Killing him would leave us without a legitimate reason, making it even more difficult to take over Yizhou afterwards. I urge Your Majesty to remain calm!

The voice that rushed out wasn't loud, but it was like a bucket of cold water, instantly igniting Meng Quan's anger.

Meng Quan's hand gripping the knife hilt suddenly stiffened, and the fierce light in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by hesitation.

He slowly raised his head, his gaze falling on Liu Xun, his mind rapidly weighing the pros and cons.

The person who was busy was right.

His military campaign northward was ostensibly to help Liu Xun restore his kingdom, but in reality, he wanted to use this pretext to annex Yizhou.

If Liu Xun were killed, he would become a legitimate traitor, and the Han people of Yizhou would surely resist to the death. Those Yizhou gentry who had originally been hesitant would also completely side with Liu Bei.

Liu Xun is a pawn that cannot be moved at the moment.

Moreover, what he had just said had also enlightened him—Liu Xun dared to risk his life to protect him, which must be because he valued Lü Kai.

Although he was furious, Lü Kai was, after all, one of the few strategists in the Southern Barbarian army. If he really killed him, who would he rely on to come up with ideas when faced with such complicated battles in the future?
Thinking of this, Meng Quan took a deep breath, and the violent heaving of his chest due to anger gradually subsided.

He exerted his strength and pulled his dagger back from Liu Xun's sword. The blade sheathed with a "whoosh," leaving only a chilling aftereffect.

"That's it!"

Meng Quan glared fiercely at Lü Kai on the ground, his tone full of resentment, "I'll spare your head for now! If you come up with any more bad ideas and ruin my important business, I will personally kill you!"

Lu Kai's tense nerves suddenly relaxed, as if all the strength in his body had been drained. He collapsed to the ground with a "thud," his clothes soaked with cold sweat and sticking stickily to his body.

He stared in the direction Meng Quan had left, panting heavily, only now daring to believe that he had escaped with his life.

After calming down a bit, Lü Kai struggled to his feet, then knelt down in front of Meng Quanmin with a thud, repeatedly kowtowing and saying:

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for sparing my life! Thank you, Your Majesty, for sparing my life! From now on, I will devote myself wholeheartedly to planning for Your Majesty and will never dare to make the slightest mistake again!"

Liu Xun stood aside, secretly wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, secretly relieved—luckily he had rushed to warn him in time, otherwise not only would Lü Kai's life be in danger, but he himself would probably have suffered as well.

Seeing Lü Kai's tearful gratitude, he secretly plotted in his heart:

Lü Kai owes him a life, and he will definitely be more devoted to assisting him in the future restoration of the kingdom. This move was the right one.

Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats approached from afar, breaking the silence in front of the tent.

Everyone looked up and saw a disheveled figure galloping towards them on horseback. The barbarian cloak worn by the rider was already stained red with blood, and his armor was covered with knife marks. It was Wu Rong, who had broken through the encirclement earlier.

Seeing this, Meng Quan's previous anger was instantly replaced by worry. He quickly stepped forward and, before Wu Rong could even dismount, reached out to help him down, asking anxiously:
"Rong'er, what's wrong with you? Did you get defeated by that bastard Zhang Bao again? Didn't I tell you to avoid his main force and harass his flanks?"

Wu Rong staggered, leaning against his horse to steady himself. He wiped the blood from his face, his eyes filled with hatred and resentment, and shook his head vigorously, saying:
"I never met Zhang Bao at all!"

Suddenly, a Han general appeared out of nowhere, calling himself Deng Ai. That fellow's martial arts were several times stronger than Zhang Bao's! I exchanged blows with him for no more than ten rounds before he wounded my shoulder with a single spear thrust. Even my most proficient skill of throwing stones was completely blocked by his spear shaft; I couldn't even get close to him!

"what?!"

Meng Quan's expression changed drastically, and he took a step back in shock, his face filled with disbelief.

But Wu Rong actually said that there were generals in the Han army who were more capable than Zhang Bao.
Meng Quan felt a tingling sensation all over his body, and a chill ran from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.

Liu Bei had many fierce generals under his command, and now Deng Ai had emerged, whose martial arts skills were even better than Zhang Bao's. How could they possibly defeat such an opponent?
He trembled slightly, then abruptly turned to look at Liu Xun, his voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of panic:

"Liu Xun, you have been in Yizhou for a long time, so you must know the details of the Han army. Who exactly is this Deng Ai?"

Why have I never heard of this person before? (End of Chapter)