The resistance of the enemy forces on the barren side was extremely fierce. Jin Chan, as a veteran, wasn't anxious at all; he was simply playing for time. If Li Mu sent reinforcements, our side would then encircle the reinforcements as well.
This is called encirclement to battle reinforcements.
Seeing Ma Lin's intention, Li Mu decided to abandon the more than 8,000 soldiers and return to the upper city district.
Naturally, our side relentlessly pursued them from behind, slaughtering as they went.
In total, Li Mu lost more than 10,000 soldiers.
Now the strength of both sides was comparable, the upper city district had better defense facilities, while the lower city district had more public support. This resulted in a standoff.
The key was that Li Mu suffered a major defeat in his first battle upon arriving at Catfish City.
The loss was due to his erroneous judgment of the political situation.
He didn't understand what the term "people's war" meant.
