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As night fell, the bustling camps of both armies gradually quieted. The men, weary but resolute, gathered around their fires, consuming the extra rations provided to boost their morale. The action of giving additional rations to their men makes it as if both Cao Cao and Lie Fan shared the same mind, knowing that their supply lines were extended keeping morale up was number one.
On the other hand, on the inside of Luoyang, Wang Yi and her followers had managed to slip inside several days before Cao Cao evacuated his entire subordinates, supporters, and their families to the city.
Wang Yi had withheld her departure due to Cao Cao's evacuation plan, lying low to avoid detection. Now, after several days of careful concealment, she decided it was time for her and her followers to leave.
She knew better than to attempt an escape through Hulao Pass, foreseeing the chaos that would ensue there. Instead, she planned to head north toward Henei, from where she would continue her journey to Xiapi.
Under the cover of darkness, Wang Yi gathered her followers. "It's time," she whispered. "We leave tonight, heading north. Avoid the main roads and stay alert. We must reach Henei before dawn."
Her followers nodded in understanding, their faces set with determination. They moved silently through the narrow alleys of Luoyang, avoiding patrols and keeping to the shadows. The city's atmosphere was tense, with Cao Cao's armies preparing for the imminent threat posed by Lie Fan's armies.
Fortunately, Wang Yi and her followers were helped by the cover of the darkness of the night, so they could slip past easily despite the doubled or even tripled the size of patrols and guards that patrolled in the night.
As they made their way to the northern outskirts of Luoyang, Wang Yi couldn't help but think of the risks ahead. The journey to Xiapi would be perilous, but it was a necessary move to continue her revenge and meet the benefactor who helped her.
Hours later, as dawn began to break, Wang Yi and her followers reached the outskirts of Henei. They paused to catch their breath and assess their surroundings. The road ahead was long, but they were determined to reach Xiapi.
"We rest here for a moment," Wang Yi said quietly. "Once the sun is fully up, we move again. We must stay vigilant and keep to our path."
Her followers nodded, grateful for the brief respite. They knew the journey ahead would test their resolve, but with Wang Yi's leadership and their shared determination, they felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As dawn broke over the towering fortifications of Hulao Pass, the air buzzed with anticipation. The soldiers of both Lie Fan and Cao Cao's armies had risen with the first light, their minds and bodies prepared for the imminent clash.
Lie Fan, adorned in his armor and holding his halberd, stood at the forefront of his formation on his horse pangu. His presence was a beacon of strength and confidence, inspiring his troops as they completed their morning exercises. Around him, the sound of steel clashing in practice and the rhythmic stomping of boots echoed through the camp.
In the command tent, Jia Xu, Xun You, Liu Ba, Chen Deng, and Bu Zhi poured over maps and discussed tactics. "We should test their defenses first," Jia Xu suggested. "A probing attack to gauge their strength and weaknesses."
Xun You nodded. "Agreed. We must remain adaptable. Their fortifications are strong, but no defense is impenetrable."
Chen Deng who was looking over the map, raised his head up. "I recommend we kept an eye on the surrounding area, even though the terrain was impossible to pass through, it's not too bad for us to be on the cautious side."
Bu Zhi and Liu Ba on the other hand felt that whatever should have been said, had been said by Jia Xu, Xun You, and Chen Deng so they gave their support and maybe added some words here and there.
Lie Fan, returning from his inspection of the troops, entered the tent. "What's the plan for the first engagement?" he asked, his eyes sharp and focused as he looked toward his advisors.
"We propose a probing attack, My Lord." Jia Xu replied. "Send a small force to test their defenses and draw out their response. It will give us valuable information on their positioning and strategy."
Lie Fan nodded. "Very well. Send out the order. I want our men ready to move at a moment's notice."
Meanwhile, within Cao Cao's camp, a similar scene unfolded. Generals and advisors gathered around a large table, discussing their defensive strategies. Cao Cao, standing at the head of the table, listened intently to the suggestions of his advisors.
"We must fortify our positions and prepare for a counterattack, My Lord." Guo Jia advised. "Lie Fan is likely to test our defenses. We need to be ready to repel his initial assault and then find an opportunity to counter his attack to probe their fortifications."
Xi Zhicai added, "Our men are well-trained and motivated. We must leverage our knowledge of the terrain and use it to our advantage. Every position, every fortification must be utilized to its fullest."
Cao Cao nodded, his face set in determination. "Ensure our defenses are tight. We cannot afford any missteps. This battle will be won by those who can adapt and outthink their opponent."
As the sun continued to rise, both armies finalized their preparations. Lie Fan's forces assembled into their formations, their faces resolute and their weapons gleaming in the morning light. Across the battlefield, Cao Cao's men fortified their positions, ready to defend their ground with every ounce of their strength.
The first skirmish was about to commence, and the outcome would set the tone for the larger battle to come. Both leaders knew that this initial engagement would be crucial, not only for the immediate tactical advantage but also for the morale and momentum it would provide.
The sun climbed higher into the sky, casting a golden hue over the battlefield. Lie Fan, mounted on his horse and flanked by his loyal bodyguards, rode forward. The sight of their commander approaching the enemy lines caused a ripple of anticipation among his troops.
Cao Cao, noticing the movement, signaled for his men to hold their positions. He, too, rode out to meet Lie Fan, accompanied by Xu Chu, Xiahou Dun, and Xiahou Yuan. The two leaders faced each other, a palpable tension hanging in the air as their armies watched in silence.
" Haha Brother Lie Fan," Cao Cao called out, his voice steady and easygoing. "You think you can take Hulao Pass with your ragtag army? You underestimate the strength of my men and the loyalty they have for me."
Lie Fan smiled, unperturbed. "Brother Mengde, your words are as empty as your promises. I've seen the fear in your men's eyes. They know the end is near, and they will falter as they have before. My army fights for justice and the people, a cause far greater than your ambition."
Cao Cao's expression remained unchanged. "Justice? Your cause is no different from mine, Brother Lie Fan. We both seek to bring order to this land. But while you play the hero, I am the one who will unify this nation under my banner."
"Words won't win this battle, Brother Mengde," Lie Fan replied, his voice firm. "Only strength and resolve will decide the victor today. Let's see if you have enough of either."
With that, Lie Fan turned his horse and rode back to his formation, a confident smile on his face. Cao Cao watched him go, his own resolve hardening. Both leaders had tried to rattle the other, but neither had succeeded.
Back among his troops, Lie Fan raised his halberd high, his voice ringing out across the ranks. "Qilin Army, today we fight for our future! Forward, and let no enemy stand in our way!"
The soldiers responded with a thunderous cheer, their morale bolstered by their commander's confidence. With a decisive command, Lie Fan ordered the attack.
The Qilin Army surged forward, a disciplined and powerful force. Banners fluttered in the wind as the soldiers advanced, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight. The sound of their march was a steady, relentless drumbeat.
On the other side, Cao Cao's men braced themselves, their positions fortified and their resolve steeled. They knew this battle would be the first of many, and they were prepared to defend their ground with everything they had.
As the Qilin Army surged forward, Lie Fan's siege engines were brought into position. The Hwacha, trebuchets, and Climbing Tigers were formidable and unlike anything Cao Cao's forces had seen before. The Hwacha, with its multiple rocket launchers, prepared to unleash a devastating barrage, while the trebuchets were loaded with heavy projectiles, ready to hurl destruction upon the enemy fortifications. The Climbing Tigers, specialized siege ladders, were poised to scale the defenses.
On the front lines, Zhang Liao, Huang Zhong, Taishi Ci, and Dian Wei led the charge with unmatched ferocity. Their presence invigorated the soldiers around them, each one determined to break through Cao Cao's defenses.
Cao Cao, from his vantage point, observed the strange siege engines with growing concern. He immediately ordered his generals to focus on neutralizing these threats. "Xu Chu, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Xu Huang!" he commanded. "Those siege engines must be destroyed. Target them and ensure they do not breach our defenses!"
The four of them heard Cao Cao's orders and immediately tried their best to direct their men to attack the siege engines.
Despite the concentrated efforts of Cao Cao's forces, however, Lie Fan's Army pressed on. The Hwacha fired its deadly rockets, a spectacle of fiery streaks that arced through the air before crashing into the enemy ranks, causing chaos and destruction.
The trebuchets launched their heavy projectiles, smashing into fortifications and sending shockwaves through Cao Cao's defenses.
The battle raged on with increasing intensity. Zhang Liao and Taishi Ci broke through the first line of defense, their swords flashing and cutting down any who stood in their way. Huang Zhong's arrows found their marks with unerring accuracy, while Dian Wei's sheer force and presence were enough to make even the bravest of Cao Cao's soldiers hesitate.
Cao Cao's generals, though formidable, found themselves hard-pressed to counter the combined might of Lie Fan's advanced siege tactics and the relentless assault of his elite warriors.
As the morning wore on, the battlefield became a maelstrom of clashing steel, roaring flames, and the cries of battle-hardened soldiers. Lie Fan, overseeing the battle from the center of his formation, remained focused and determined. He knew that this skirmish was only the beginning, and every move he made would be crucial in the long and arduous campaign to come.
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu
Age: 31 (198 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 825
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 936 (+20)
VIT: 598 (+20)
AGI: 583 (+10)
INT: 587
CHR: 96
WIS: 509
WILL: 397
ATR Points: 0