Chapter 78: Gu Chen Battles Ma Chao, One Battle Settles Liangzhou

——Shanggui.

The setting sun was like blood.

Ma Chao, having just finished his patrol, led his troops back on horseback, his face filled with indescribable annoyance.

"Such a treacherous path, how could it be passable for ordinary men?"

He snorted coldly and cursed indignantly: "To actually send me here to guard against a surprise attack; I see that Han Sui is simply afraid of me earning too much merit."

Ma Chao’s face was full of frustration.

He had been stationed here for quite some time.

Being without enemy activity for so long was a huge torture for a great general like Ma Chao, who was in the prime of his spirit.

He had already sent many people to see Ma Teng and Han Sui.

Ma Teng was fine, at least.

But Han Sui firmly refused to let Ma Chao return, being extremely fearful of the Gu family’s surprise attack tactics.

This made Ma Chao quite dissatisfied.

A surprise attack after crossing Longshan?

Did they take everyone in the world to be the Marquis of Zhongwu of the past?

Ma Chao scoffed at this.

He vented his anger without the slightest concealment, wishing he could charge back to the main battlefield right now and scatter the formation of Huangfu Song.

After cursing like this for a long time, he finally returned to the camp.

Time slipped away quietly.

Before long, the deep night had arrived.

The torches in the camp were blown by the wind, swaying constantly.

It seemed that because there had been no enemy raids for so long, even though Ma Chao’s subordinates were elite, the soldiers on night watch could not help but feel a bit sleepy.

But just at this moment—

A series of footsteps and the sound of movement through the weeds erupted suddenly.

Following that came shouts as loud as thunder.

"Kill!!!"

The sudden turn of events completely shattered the silence of the night.

Ma Chao was pushed awake from his sleep by Ma Dai.

"Brother, the enemy has come to attack!"

Ma Dai said with a grave expression.

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao was only briefly stunned for a few seconds.

But immediately after, a look of wild joy appeared, and he jumped straight down from his bed.

"Good! Good!"

"There is actually an enemy who dares to attack me?"

"Fetch my spear!"

Ma Chao did not have the slightest hint of fear; on the contrary, he was somewhat excited and charged out immediately.

At this very moment, the entire camp was already in a state of chaos.

The soldiers under Gu Chen were all elites, especially after being tested by these mountains; their fighting spirit at this moment had reached its peak!

——This was a fight to the death!

Having reached this point, they no longer had any path of retreat.

If they could not take the enemy camp, then it was death!

In fact, if it were possible, Gu Chen did not want to create extra trouble, but rather wanted to directly attack the enemy’s grain storage.

But Ma Chao’s main camp completely blocked all his fantasies.

He had to look for an opportunity to launch a night raid on the enemy camp.

Both sides fought a great battle within the camp.

Gu Chen’s sudden attack did indeed plunge the entire camp into brief chaos.

But the fact that these men could follow Ma Chao already indicated that they were elites.

Especially when Ma Chao emerged holding his spear.

After just two shouts, the garrison within the entire camp regained their formation.

This was the Divine Might Heavenly General.

If Gu Chen’s subordinates believed that Gu Chen was ever-victorious, then Ma Chao’s subordinates were the same!

"Halt!"

Ma Chao rode out, his long spear dancing continuously, and he killed his way to the front of the formation, pointing his spear forward: "What kind of petty thieves dare to raid my camp at night?"

"Do you know who this General is?"

Gu Chen also immediately noticed Ma Chao.

He did not have the slightest bit of fear, immediately killed his way out from the crowd, and likewise pointed his long spear at Ma Chao: "I am Gu Ziyan of the Gu family."

"Rebel, why not surrender now?"

How could he know who Ma Chao was?

But for Gu Chen, what did it matter who it was?

"Oh? Are you truly a descendant of the Gu family?" Ma Chao laughed instead of getting angry, "Good! My father once said that the people of the Gu family are invincible."

"Today, I want to see what you, a descendant of the Gu family, can do!"

Having said that, he pulled the reins of his horse sharply.

In an instant, he charged out.

"Seeking death!" A murderous intent flashed in Gu Chen’s eyes, and he immediately met him.

He did not have much time to delay.

If he could not take the enemy’s grain storage in a short time and help Huangfu Song attack, then what awaited him was destined to be a desperate situation.

Under the moonlight.

The silver spears in both their hands traced cold arcs of light.

Clang!!!

The silver spears in their hands collided instantly, erupting with a thunderous sound.

"Good!"

Ma Chao only felt a massive force coming from the weapon, and the joy on his face grew even more intense: "Well fought!"

"Truly worthy of being a descendant of the Gu family!"

As he spoke, he exerted force rapidly.

The moment he parried Gu Chen’s long spear, he struck again, thrusting fiercely.

But could the current Gu Chen be so incompetent?

"Take this spear of mine!" Gu Chen roared, not yielding in the slightest, and attacked Ma Chao’s chest directly.

The moment the spear tip pierced through the moonlight.

Ma Chao dodged sideways, his silver spear sweeping back toward the opponent’s waist and abdomen.

Clang!!!

Clang!!!

Clang!!!

One loud crash after another rang out continuously.

The two long spears intertwined in the dancing light and shadows of the bonfire, sparks splashing onto the scorched earth like scattered stars.

Gu Chen’s combat power completely exceeded Ma Chao’s expectations; his expression became increasingly excited, and this feeling of surging blood made him even more aggressive.

His entire offensive became increasingly fierce.

Between the wide-open movements, it was full of killing intent.

And Gu Chen was the same at this moment; ever since he had continuously grown stronger, he had not encountered a formidable enemy like Ma Chao for a long time.

Now, encountering such an opponent under these circumstances further ignited Gu Chen’s fighting spirit, and his performance far exceeded the past.

The entire battlefield could not help but clear an open space for the two of them.

Ma Dai stared intently at this scene, a look of shock appearing in his eyes.

He naturally knew how strong his brother was.

It was hard for him to believe that someone could fight his brother to this extent.

Even though Ma Chao held the upper hand, he still found it hard to believe.

Without any nonsense, Ma Dai grabbed his bow and arrows, and against the backdrop of the firelight and moonlight, he raised his arrow directly at Gu Chen.

Those who lived on the frontier all year round were all top-notch master archers.

The next moment.

A sound of piercing through the air rang out suddenly, and the sharp arrow shot toward Gu Chen’s face in an instant.

"Hmph!"

Gu Chen’s reaction was extremely swift.

With a lean, he dodged this arrow directly.

Seeing Ma Chao’s silver spear about to descend, he let out a sudden, furious roar and held his own spear with both hands to block the strike directly.

"Halt!"

"Since we are to fight one-on-one, why resort to a sneak attack?"

He stared fixedly at Ma Chao and rebuked him.

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao’s expression stiffened slightly, and he immediately withdrew his long spear.

"Ma Dai! Do not sneak attack!"

This was currently the time when Ma Chao was at his most high-spirited.

Facing an opponent like Gu Chen, he disdained having others use such tactics.

"Elder brother..." Ma Dai’s expression was momentarily stunned, as if he wanted to argue, but after a glare from Ma Chao, he immediately fell silent.

Countless gazes were gathered between Ma Chao and Gu Chen.

"You can be considered a hero." Looking at the Ma Chao before him, Gu Chen shook the long spear in his hand, his eyes filled with fighting spirit.

Ma Chao was the same, staring tightly at Gu Chen: "Today, I will surely behead you!"

"Then let us try!" Gu Chen wasted no more words, spurred his horse, and charged straight forward.

The great battle between the two began once more.

The campfire flickered in the night wind, the two long spears like two intertwined fire dragons.

The sounds of weapons clashing rang out incessantly.

The two of them continued to charge and kill before everyone’s eyes just like this.

Ten bouts;

Twenty bouts;

Thirty bouts;

At the very beginning, Ma Chao was still able to steadily hold the upper hand.

But as time passed, Gu Chen grew increasingly accustomed to Ma Chao’s combat strength, and his overall performance grew stronger at a speed visible to the naked eye.

He actually managed to reach a stalemate with Ma Chao, inseparable and evenly matched.

This completely exceeded everyone’s expectations.

The morale of the soldiers under Gu Chen grew higher and higher, while those under Ma Chao all had tense faces, their eyes filled with horror.

The fierce battle between the two sides became increasingly tragic.

"Kill!!!"

The sounds of furious roars had completely shattered the silence of the night.

The surrounding torches were knocked over by someone at some point, and in this dry autumn season, the camp was ignited almost immediately.

The firelight was monstrous!

The situation had completely descended into chaos.

Ma Chao was still locked in a death match with Gu Chen.

He could naturally feel Gu Chen’s state growing stronger and stronger.

This truly surprised him somewhat.

This speed of improvement had completely surpassed that of an ordinary person!

"I absolutely cannot let you live!"

Ma Chao was thoroughly enraged, his offensive becoming increasingly fierce.

"Then let us fight!"

Gu Chen naturally felt no fear.

But he also understood that he absolutely could not drag this out forever.

Continuing this engagement was ultimately favorable to the enemy; once Ma Teng and Han Sui learned of this, they would have no way out.

While engaging Ma Chao, he would occasionally pick up burning logs and throw them out.

If I cannot have it, I will destroy it!

The autumn season was dry.

A great fire was enough to burn everything away.

Most crucially, he kept shouting "Fight" to make the surrounding enemy troops even more panicked.

The situation grew increasingly chaotic.

Under these actions of Gu Chen.

Finally, the garrison troops completely fell into a disadvantage and showed signs of collapse.

"You treacherous thief, you wicked thief!"

Ma Chao finally sensed the anomaly and cursed loudly.

But what use was it even at this point?

No matter how strong he was, how could he turn the tide of the entire situation with the strength of one man?

And there was still an opponent like Gu Chen here who could match him blow for blow.

He gave up the death match with Gu Chen, wanting to restore the morale of his troops.

But in such a chaotic situation, how could morale that was already on the verge of collapse be so easily restored?

The most critical thing was—the fire was growing larger!

And behind his camp was the Shanggui granary!

"It’s too late!"

Ma Chao’s expression changed drastically, intense fury constantly stimulating him, his offensive becoming even more fierce!

But would Gu Chen be afraid?

The great fire was already impossible to stop; his goal had already been achieved.

If Ma Chao became trapped within it, that would suit his wishes even more.

The two of them fought for dozens more bouts just like this.

No matter how unwilling he was, Ma Chao had to calm down at this moment and retreat for the sake of the big picture.

Shanggui could no longer be saved.

He had to immediately inform Ma Teng and Han Sui of this matter!

"Gu Ziyan!"

Ma Chao stared tightly at Gu Chen, his spear tip pointing directly at him, and said through gritted teeth: "Next time we meet, I will surely behead you!"

Having said that, he wasted no more words.

He immediately roared: "Retreat!"

And led his army to charge straight out.

"Next time?" Gu Chen looked at Ma Chao’s retreating back and shook his head slightly.

Enemies who had been chased by him and then fought to a draw had seemingly never been able to suppress him again.

"Young Master, what about this grain?"

At this moment, the deputy general could not help but approach and ask in a low voice, his eyes filled with admiration as he looked at Gu Chen.

"Forget it."

Although he also felt it was a pity, Gu Chen still shook his head: "Since this person has given up, it already indicates he will not let us seize the grain."

"No one will be able to have this grain now."

Upon hearing this, the deputy general did not hesitate and immediately nodded.

The great fire at Shanggui completely changed the situation of the entire Longyou battlefield.

In fact, for ancient warfare, the hardest thing to maintain was the morale of a great army.

Grain and fodder—

Was an unavoidable vital point among them.

When this matter spread, the morale of the entire Ma Teng and Han Sui army was completely thrown into disarray.

As a very mature commander, Huangfu Song would naturally not give up such an opportunity.

He personally led his army to charge, eventually breaking the defensive line of Ma Teng and Han Sui in Longyou, and killed his way in completely.

The balance of the entire Longyou was completely broken, and Ma Teng and Han Sui immediately fell into a disadvantage, being surrounded from the front and back by Huangfu Song and Gu Chen.

—Trapped at Didao.

And Gu Chen finally met Huangfu Song.

"General."

Gu Chen still held respect for Huangfu Song; as soon as they met, he immediately prepared to salute.

"Young Master, absolutely not."

But Huangfu Song stopped Gu Chen directly, looking him over with an excited face, his eyes filled with anticipation: "Truly worthy of being the descendant of the Gu family."

"You truly have the demeanor of the Loyal Martial Marquis of the past!"

Although it was their first time meeting.

Huangfu Song’s expectations for Gu Chen had already surpassed those for Gu Wei.

There was no helping it; when it came down to it, he was also a military general.

He knew just how valiant Ma Chao was.

That Gu Chen could burn the enemy’s granary while in the hands of Ma Chao already proved his strength.

Compared to a strategist like Gu Wei, someone like Gu Chen would naturally be more favored by Huangfu Song.

"Thank you for the praise, General." Gu Chen revealed a faint smile.

The two conversed for a long time before finally discussing the war.

Huangfu Song wanted to launch a direct attack on Didao.

But this time, Gu Chen shook his head and said very earnestly, "General, to tell you the truth."

"I once fought Ma Chao for several hundred rounds."

"This man’s martial arts are extraordinary; if he could be made to follow us, he would be a great asset."

Hearing this, Huangfu Song could not help but nod, acknowledging, "Ma Chao’s martial arts are indeed extraordinary."

"But Young Master Wenyao had already tried to recruit him back then."

"Ma Teng and Han Sui both had no intention of surrendering."

He stated the events of that time directly.

Upon hearing that even the reputation of the "Gu Shizi" had been ineffective, Gu Chen immediately frowned.

But after a moment of silence, he still wanted to try again.

"General, do not be impatient."

"In the past, Ma Teng and Han Sui must have still been occupying Longyou, but now the overall situation is settled, so perhaps we can try one more time."

Huangfu Song did not refuse.

Gu Chen thus led his troops and horses straight toward Didao.

He did not enter the city.

He merely had his men call out from the mountains near Didao, recounting the deeds of Gu Xi in Liangzhou in the past.

Under these repeated shouts, the hearts of the people within the city became increasingly unsettled.

Gu Xi’s prestige in Liangzhou was indeed too resounding.

If the situation had been stable, this might not have had any effect.

But in the current situation, which was clearly reaching a desperate end, everyone could not help but listen to these words.

And it was under these circumstances.

Ma Teng and Han Sui actually surrendered!

And Ma Chao was among them!

And this was not the end; when news of the war in Longyou reached Anding.

Li Jue and Guo Si inexplicably began to attack each other.

The result was that both of them perished!

Jia Xu thus led the troops of Li Jue and Guo Si to surrender directly to Gu Wei.

In one battle, Liangzhou was pacified!

——————

In the winter of the fourth year of Han Xing, in the tenth month, Gu Chen led two thousand elite cavalry out of Wudu, following the old path of Marquis Zhongwu Gu Xiao, and headed straight for Shanggui.

At that time, Ma Chao led three thousand elite soldiers of Xiliang to hold the city.

Gu Chen crossed the treacherous mountains and launched a night raid on Ma Chao’s camp; the clash of spear tips was like Lei Ting, and the neighing of warhorses echoed through Longshan.

In the heat of the battle, fire broke out in the main camp, black smoke covered the sky, and the sound of the granaries exploding could be heard for ten miles.

Some said a stray arrow ignited the firewood, others said retreating soldiers knocked over a brazier, but the flames borrowed the wind’s force and instantly burned up all the grain and fodder.

Ma Chao’s troops heard of this, their formations gradually fell into chaos, and they all looked back at the fire and wailed.

At that time, Huangfu Song was in a stalemate with Ma Teng and Han Sui at Longdi; hearing of the fire rising in Shanggui, he immediately dispatched Bingzhou shock cavalry to strike the center of Ma Teng and Han Sui’s army, killing their way into Longyou.

Ma Teng and Han Sui were plunged into a desperate situation.

Gu Chen said, "Ma Chao is a general gifted by Heaven; he should be put to use."

He then stood on a high slope, raised his whip, and shouted, "In the past, Lord Gu Xi saved the ten thousand people of Liangzhou; now that you have betrayed righteousness and burned the granaries, how can Heaven tolerate it!"

Ma Teng heard this, threw down his spear, and wept, saying, "Lord Gu Xi’s grain saved my ancestors in a year of famine; what face do I have left to take up arms?"

Han Sui also sighed, saying, "This is Heaven destroying Xiliang."

He and Ma Teng then removed their armor and surrendered.

Within Anding Commandery, Li Jue and Guo Si heard of the changes in Longyou and were anxious to flee west.

Jia Xu secretly had someone forge a letter from Li Jue to Guo Si, saying he "wished to offer Guo Si’s head to atone for his crimes."

Guo Si was furious and led his death squads to attack Li Jue’s camp at night.

The two thieves fought with halberds on the palace steps; Li Jue severed Guo Si’s throat, and Guo Si’s blade pierced Li Jue’s abdomen; both died.

Jia Xu held both heads to show the public, opened the city gates to welcome the Royal Army, and Liangzhou was thus pacified.

—— "Records of Heroes at the End of the Han: Gu Chen Chapter"

(End of this chapter)