Chonghou Huo and his son, both injured and exhausted, fled through the night. They hastily regrouped their remaining troops, which numbered only ten thousand, all of them bearing severe wounds.
When Chonghou Huo saw his troops, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of despair.
Huang Yuanji stepped forward and said, "Why do you sigh, Lord Huo? 'Victory and defeat are common in warfare.' Last night, we were caught off guard by a surprise attack. Now, we should gather our remaining forces and send an urgent message to Lord Ji Chang in Xiqi, urging him to send reinforcements swiftly to engage the enemy. This will bolster our troops and allow us to avenge today's defeat. What do you think, Lord Huo?"
Chonghou Huo pondered for a moment and replied, "If I send a message to Ji Chang, it may be seen as a violation of the imperial decree, as he is currently maintaining a passive stance. However, I will follow your advice. As for now, let us temporarily halt our troops and prepare a dispatch to request Ji Chang's assistance."
While he hesitated, they heard the approach of a large force.
Chonghou Huo couldn't discern the identity of the approaching troops and was filled with dread. He mounted his horse and looked ahead, where he saw two flags flying.
Leading the force was a general with a distinctive appearance, his face resembling the bottom of a pot, his beard crimson, and his eyebrows white.
His eyes shone like gold, and he wore a headdress adorned with nine cloud flames and rode a fire-eyed golden steed. He wielded two gleaming golden axes.
This general was none other than Chonghou Huo's brother, Chong Heihu, who held the title of Marquis of Caozhou. Chonghou Huo's anxiety subsided when he recognized his own brother.
Chong Heihu said, "I heard about your defeat, my dear brother, and I've come to assist you. It's fortunate that we've met here."
Chongying Biao, Chonghou Huo's son, also expressed his gratitude, saying, "Uncle, your long journey here is greatly appreciated."
Chong Heihu replied, "I've come to join forces with my elder brother and return to Caozhou. I have my own matters to attend to."
Thus, the forces of Ji Province gathered together. Chong Heihu led three thousand elite troops at the front, followed by over twenty thousand more. They set up camp outside the walls of Ji Province. The Caozhou troops, filled with enthusiasm, shouted and called for battle.
A messenger quickly reported to Ji Province, "The forces of Caozhou led by Chong Heihu have arrived outside the city. Please give orders, my lord."
Su Huo heard the report but remained silent for a moment. He then said, "Chong Heihu is a formidable warrior, well-versed in the art of war and military strategy. None of our generals in the city can match his skills. What should we do?"
His subordinates were uncertain after hearing Su Huo's words. Sun Ziyu stepped forward and said, "In times of war, one must confront challenges bravely. Facing Chong Heihu is no different. We should not underestimate him."
Su Huo responded, "You are still young and lack experience. You underestimate Chong Heihu. He has learned from a master and possesses extraordinary skills. He can take the heads of enemy generals with ease. Do not underestimate him."
Sun Ziyu insisted, "We should not be afraid. In war, water can overcome earth. I believe we can defeat Chong Heihu."
Su Huo sighed, saying, "You are too young and inexperienced to understand the situation. Chong Heihu has learned special techniques that allow him to capture the heads of enemy generals easily. We should not underestimate him."
Sun Ziyu, however, was determined and said, "My youth and inexperience aside, we cannot fear Chong Heihu. Let me go and face him in battle."
Su Huo advised him again, saying, "You are rash, my son. Do not regret your actions."
But Sun Ziyu was resolute and refused to back down. He mounted his horse and rode out of the city, boldly challenging Chong Heihu.
A messenger from Ji Province reported to Chong Heihu, "Su Quanzhong is requesting a battle."
Chong Heihu secretly rejoiced, saying, "Su Huo has such a valiant son. This is a fortunate encounter."
He ordered his men to prepare their horses and rode out to confront Sun Ziyu. When Chong Heihu saw Sun Ziyu, he found him to be a formidable opponent.
He said, "Nephew, return to your father, and I will speak with him."
Sun Ziyu, young and full of confidence, did not understand the situation.
He boldly retorted, "Chong Heihu, we are now enemies, and my father has no friendship with you! Put down your weapons and spare your life, or you will regret it!"
Chong Heihu, infuriated, retorted, "How dare you show such disrespect, you brat!"
He raised his golden axes and attacked.
Sun Ziyu defended himself with his spear, and a fierce battle ensued:
In front of their respective armies, they fought fiercely,
Neither willing to yield in this crucial contest.
One resembled a fierce lion descending from the mountains,
The other a cunning marten seeking a fierce tiger.
One was determined to conquer and establish his might,
The other aimed to protect and bolster his dominion.
In countless battles they had both tested their mettle,
But now, who would prove the superior warrior?
The two generals clashed fiercely beneath the city walls. Su Huo's son, Sun Ziyu, was unaware of Chong Heihu's secret mastery of mystical arts.
He relied solely on his own bravery and underestimated Chong Heihu, who wielded short axes. Sun Ziyu thought he could capture Chong Heihu with ease, and he displayed all the martial skills he had learned. His spear thrusts were swift and precise, with a total of eighty-one maneuvers, including seventy-two opening techniques.
His movements were agile, employing feints, tricks, delays, speed, retreats, and advances. His spearwork was truly remarkable:
Craftsmen and artisans expended great effort,
Refining weapons in the fires of the Lord of Tao.
They forged a silver-tipped spear so sharp,
To secure the nation and establish peace.
The yellow banners unfolded, striking fear in the enemy's heart,
Leopard tails fluttered, making generals tremble.
Charging through the camp, they resembled mighty pythons,
Stomping through the fortifications like fierce tigers.
Do not speak of ghostly wails or divine cries,
Countless young warriors met their untimely end.
With this precious weapon, they secured the nation,
The long spear and lofty banners bringing true tranquility.
Sun Ziyu gave it his all, and sweat poured from his body. However, he didn't realize that Chong Heihu possessed a hidden secret: a red gourd concealed on his back, containing limitless mystical powers.
Sun Ziyu relied on his courage and martial skills, while Chong Heihu used short axes, appearing to be evenly matched. Yet, Chong Heihu knew that the decisive moment was approaching. He called upon his secret art by chanting an incantation.
Suddenly, black smoke emerged from the red gourd, forming into a net-like structure, and eerie sounds filled the air. Amidst the black smoke, a sharp-mouthed divine eagle appeared, its beak ready to strike Sun Ziyu.
Sun Ziyu thought of himself as a great warrior, oblivious to Chong Heihu's mystical arts. He attempted to parry the attack with his spear, but the divine eagle's swift beak pecked at his eyes.
His horse reared in pain, and he was thrown from his saddle, losing his helmet and armor as he crashed to the ground. Sun Ziyu's eyes were injured, and he struggled to stand. Chong Heihu seized the opportunity and ordered his troops to capture Sun Ziyu, binding his arms.
Chong Heihu defeated Sun Ziyu and returned to his camp, announcing his victory and bringing Sun Ziyu as a prisoner.
The troops cheered, and a messenger informed Chonghou Huo, "Both young lords have been victorious, and we have captured the traitor Su Quanzhong. We await your orders at the gate."
Chonghou Huo gave the order to admit Chong Heihu.
Inside his tent, Chonghou Huo said to his victorious brother, "Thank you for coming to my aid, dear brother. You've already captured Su Quanzhong, but as you know, he and his father are both imperial officials. We've heard that the imperial edict calls for Su Quanzhong's arrest and a return to the capital. We should follow the imperial decree to avoid incurring further guilt. Moreover, Daji, Su Huo's daughter, is renowned for her beauty. If the Emperor were to show leniency and grant them pardon, it could result in our actions being deemed unnecessary. We would gain nothing and potentially lose everything. So, let's temporarily imprison Su Quanzhong and focus on capturing Ji Province. Once we've achieved that, we can capture Su Huo's entire family. Afterward, we can request an imperial decree to determine their fate. This will secure our achievements and be the best course of action."
Chonghou Huo agreed, saying, "Your advice is wise. However, we must deal with Su Quanzhong first. Let's hold a feast to celebrate your victory."