Chapter 81: Defeating Lu Bu and Securing Bingzhou, A Great Victory for Liu and Cao

——Luya Mountain.

A high mountain range stretching between Xihe Commandery and Taiyuan Commandery.

If Gu Chen and Huangfu Song wished to attack Taiyuan Commandery and seize the key stronghold of Bingzhou, Jinyang, they had no choice but to pass through Ziyi County via the mountain roads from Lishi.

But for the two of them.

Cutting straight through the mountain roads of Luya Mountain was destined to be a highly risky move.

News of Lu Bu’s return to reinforce the region had already spread.

His reputation was currently extremely resounding.

Defeating the White Horse Followers.

This was a military achievement that could absolutely spread across the entire world.

Neither Huangfu Song nor Gu Chen had ever encountered Lu Bu, so they naturally chose to proceed with caution.

Following Gu Chen’s suggestion.

The two decided to split their forces once again.

One column, led by Gu Chen, would cross Luya Mountain head-on to reach Jinyang directly.

The other column would naturally be led by Huangfu Song, bypassing Luya Mountain to seize Yanmen Commandery and attack Taiyuan from another route.

Ma Chao naturally followed Gu Chen.

The troops under his command were almost all elite Qiang cavalry; cavalry were not inherently suited for sieges, and only by charging head-on could they unleash their full strength.

Furthermore, he wanted to see for himself just how strong this Lu Bu, who had been the talk of the town lately, truly was.

——The great army sets out.

Gu Chen’s command of troops had definitely reached a top-tier level by now.

Although scouts had already returned with information.

Saying that Lu Bu had already set up a formation across the Pingtao plains, seemingly intending to engage him in a head-on battle.

Gu Chen still did not let his guard down.

What if this was a formation Lu Bu had set up on purpose?

He divided his entire army into three parts, with Ma Chao as the vanguard in front, while he personally led the main force in the rear, leaving a portion of elites at the very back.

He had even considered the possibility of Lu Bu using fire attacks, having thoroughly investigated the terrain of the entire Luya Mountain.

He had ensured that everything was foolproof.

Only then did he lead his army out.

It must be said that these various actions of Gu Chen’s would certainly have been effective if he were facing other commanders.

But against someone like Lu Bu—it could only be said that he was overthinking it.

Along the entire Luya Mountain road, Lu Bu had not set up any ambushes.

This was clearly a good thing.

But Ma Chao was somewhat angered.

In his view, this move by Lu Bu was a sign of looking down on him.

He had already charged in, and yet the opponent had simply set up a formation, acting as if he were waiting for him to attack.

If this wasn't an insult, what was?

When had he, Ma Chao, ever suffered such an insult?

Without even waiting to request battle from Gu Chen, the moment he led his troops out of the Luya Mountain road, Ma Chao led his men and charged straight over.

——Pingtao Plain.

That’s right, Lu Bu had set up his entire camp here specifically for a head-on battle.

In fact, it was not as if no generals had suggested he set an ambush within Luya Mountain.

Whether it was Zhang Liao or Gao Shun, quite a few people had brought this up one after another.

But Lu Bu did not care in the slightest.

Because in his eyes, he, Lu Bu, was invincible under heaven.

Why bother with any schemes or tricks?

He could shatter all invading enemies from the front!

"Report!!"

A hurried shout rang through the entire camp: "Reporting to the General, the enemy has arrived and is challenging us to battle!"

Hearing this, Lu Bu, who was drinking, immediately revealed an excited expression: "Oh? Who has come to challenge me?"

"The man calls himself Ma Chao."

"Ma Chao?" Lu Bu could not help but frown; he looked at the generals in the tent, "Who is this Ma Chao?"

"General."

Zhang Liao, who had already scouted the enemy situation, stepped out and bowed: "This man has quite a reputation in Liangzhou."

"It is rumored that he is invincible in bravery, and is even called the Divine Might Heavenly General by many of the Qiang people."

——Divine Might Heavenly General!

This title seemed to have provoked Lu Bu; he stood up almost instantly.

"How bold!"

Lu Bu cursed angrily: "Even I, the dignified Lu Bu, have not called myself any Heavenly General."

"Where does this Ma Chao get the nerve?"

"Bring me my Halberd of the Heavenly Heavens; I will go and meet this Ma Chao myself."

If he had no reputation, it would be one thing, and Lu Bu might not even go personally.

But the title of Divine Might Heavenly General truly irritated Lu Bu.

"Generals, hear my order!"

"Lead the army and follow me into battle; I will behead this Ma Chao to shake the hearts of the thieves!"

Lu Bu’s expression remained as confident as ever.

Upon hearing this, the generals and soldiers did not hesitate at all; they immediately bowed to Lu Bu and said in unison:

"Yes!!!"

This was also Lu Bu’s consistent style.

Before every major battle, he would personally don his armor and lead his elite cavalry in a charge.

He could often behead the enemy general first, intimidating the enemy’s morale, and thus be invincible.

The great battle began instantly.

Lu Bu rode his horse out of the camp, holding his Halberd of the Heavenly Heavens, and noticed Ma Chao the moment he reached the front of the formation.

"Hey!"

"Little brat Ma Chao, do you know the might of my name, Lu Bu?"

He shouted angrily, his voice like thunder.

Ma Chao did not waste any words; he flicked his long spear, pointing it directly at Lu Bu: "Little brat Lu Bu, you parricidal villain?"

"Where does your 'might' come from?"

Lu Bu’s expression stiffened instantly.

He was currently most resentful of others calling him a parricide.

"You seek death!"

He roared and charged forward instantly.

Ma Chao showed no fear and met him head-on.

Before the eyes of all the soldiers, the two began to fight just like that.

Clang!!!

Clang!!!

The sounds of weapons clashing rang out incessantly.

Although the two had only just begun to fight, they were already extraordinary.

Whether it was Lu Bu or Ma Chao, the moves they used were almost all lethal strikes.

Ma Chao’s expression became serious before he even realized it.

Although they had only just exchanged blows, he had already realized Lu Bu’s strength.

The bravery of this man was definitely no empty reputation!

Lu Bu was the same.

However, his expression grew increasingly excited, and the Halberd of the Heavenly Heavens in his hand swung with wide, sweeping motions.

Gusts of wind whistled.

The soldiers on both sides were all somewhat stunned at this moment.

Lu Bu’s subordinates found it hard to believe that there could actually be someone who could fight Lu Bu to this extent.

And Ma Chao’s subordinates shared the same sentiment.

Gu Chen was a descendant of the Gu clan.

The legends of the Gu clan descendants could make them accept that Ma Chao might be outmatched.

But where did this Lu Bu come from?

Both sides were greatly shocked.

This battle was destined to be extraordinary.

The troops on both sides would naturally not just stand by and watch; Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, and the others were all fierce generals.

And the flat plains were precisely the terrain that allowed cavalry to unleash their greatest strength.

Under Ma Chao’s command were all elite Qiang cavalry.

But were the Bingzhou Iron Cavalry under Lu Bu’s command mere pushovers?

And the most critical point was—

Whether it was Gao Shun or Zhang Liao, both of these men could be considered top-tier combat generals.

Especially in this kind of charge-and-slaughter battle.

The strength of the two was truly extraordinary.

The Trap-Breaking Battalion under Gao Shun’s command were all fearless, sharp cavalry.

Now, with Ma Chao being blocked by Lu Bu.

How could the deputy generals under his command possibly be a match for the likes of Gao Shun and Zhang Liao?

Across the entire Pingtao Plain, the wailing of warhorses and the screams of the wounded were constant.

In a short span of time.

Ma Chao’s forces had already fallen completely into a disadvantage.

—Fortunately, at this moment, Gu Chen finally arrived to join the fray.

This could be considered a complete replenishment of the strength of Ma Chao’s forces.

Gu Chen held his long spear, led his army to charge straight at Lu Bu, helped Ma Chao block a strike from Lu Bu, and shouted: "Mengqi!"

"Quickly go and reorganize the formation to help me break the enemy!"

Ma Chao was naturally unwilling.

Although he had already fallen into a disadvantage, the pride in his heart made him unwilling to retreat, and he immediately shouted: "Young Master, I can defeat this thief!"

"Obey the order!" Gu Chen’s expression was very serious.

Although he had only just clashed with Lu Bu, the force transmitted through his weapon alone was enough to prove Lu Bu’s extraordinary nature.

Regarding Gu Chen, Ma Chao was still very convinced.

Moreover, he could not completely ignore the lives of the soldiers under his command.

The main reason Gu Chen did not go to reorganize the formation himself was because only Ma Chao understood the Qiang cavalry under his command best.

He sighed helplessly and had no choice but to retreat.

Seeing this, Lu Bu could not help but laugh loudly, his Painted Halberd pointing straight at Gu Chen: "You are that Gu family descendant, Gu Chen, Gu Ziyan?"

"Hmph!"

"In consideration of the kindness the Elder Gu once showed to Bingzhou, this General can give you a chance."

"Dismount and surrender now, and I can spare your life!"

Although he had been fighting fiercely with Ma Chao for a long time, Lu Bu was still full of vigor and fighting spirit at this moment.

"You thief who murdered your father, how dare you mention my Gu family ancestors?"

Gu Chen did not waste any words, suddenly pulled the reins, the warhorse reared up instantly, and the long spear in his hand immediately thrust toward Lu Bu.

"How bold!" Lu Bu was furious.

With one swing of his halberd, he parried Gu Chen’s fierce strike.

The next moment, he shifted his offensive, and the Painted Halberd in his hand, carrying immense power, slashed directly at Gu Chen.

Clang!!!

Gu Chen lowered his waist and braced his horse, the spear shaft held vertical like a pillar, using force to receive the blow head-on.

The two heavy weapons collided, sparks flying.

Gu Chen felt a jolt of pain, but he seized the opportunity, flicked his wrist, and the spear tip, like a spirit snake flicking its tongue, went straight for the opponent’s lower body.

"A fine Gu family descendant!"

Lu Bu immediately sensed Gu Chen’s extraordinary nature and roared excitedly. At the same time, he pressed the halberd shaft down to trap the spearhead, and the wolf-head side-blade of the halberd struck toward Gu Chen’s face.

Although the two had just clashed, every move was a killing blow.

Gu Chen remained completely composed.

He suddenly loosened his grip on the silver spear and leaned backward, dodging the strike.

He did not even care that Lu Bu had swiped his silver spear away.

Taking advantage of the momentum, he pulled three triangular armor-piercing arrows from the leather pouch at his waist.

This was a unique skill he had created himself after his strength grew greater and greater.

He used his own marksmanship, which could pierce a willow leaf at a hundred paces, so there was no need for a cumbersome bow to maximize the power of the arrows.

The sound of the feathered arrows breaking through the air exploded.

Lu Bu had never expected that Gu Chen would have such a method.

But he still reacted; he immediately gave up attacking Gu Chen and dodged two arrows by turning his body, but the third arrow grazed his heart-protecting mirror, leaving a half-palm-long white mark on his armor.

This forced Lu Bu to control his mount and retreat several steps.

And Gu Chen took this opportunity to ride his horse to the side of his silver spear and pulled it out of the ground.

"Good technique!"

Lu Bu’s eyes were sharp as he stared fixedly at Gu Chen: "Worthy of being the descendant of the Gu family, this General will give you one more chance."

"Are you willing to dismount and surrender?"

Even as arrogant as Lu Bu was, he had to admit it.

Gu Chen’s strength far exceeded that of Ma Chao just now, enough to contend with him.

"Enough talk!"

Gu Chen charged up with his spear in an instant, shouting at the same time: "Are you even worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as my Gu family?"

"Die!"

Lu Bu was also thoroughly enraged and unleashed all his power.

He swung the Painted Halberd in a horizontal sweep; the crescent blade of the halberd tore through the air with a sound like ripping silk. Gu Chen slanted his spear shaft against the saddle, using the angle between the iron spear and the saddle bridge to firmly brace against this heavy blow.

Clang!!!

Sparks flew from the iron-reinforced part of the spear shaft.

Lu Bu’s strength was indeed like a mountain; even the mount under Gu Chen’s crotch retreated several steps, letting out a loud neigh.

At the same time, Lu Bu’s offensive did not diminish in the slightest.

He flipped his wrist, changing the halberd from a slash to a peck; the crescent blade, like an eagle’s beak, went straight for Gu Chen’s left shoulder.

Gu Chen leaned back to dodge, but the spear tip, like a venomous snake, thrust back from under his armpit, pointing directly at the tiger’s mouth of Lu Bu’s right hand holding the halberd.

Lu Bu pulled the reins with one hand, and his mount suddenly reared up.

The Painted Halberd used the horse’s momentum to form an arc, the side-blade hooking the spearhead and pulling with great force.

Gu Chen felt immense force continuously attacking him, and the silver spear in his hand almost slipped away, but fortunately, he stabilized the situation.

His current strength was not much inferior to Lu Bu’s!

Gu Yi had been watching this scene intently, his heart unable to stop pounding wildly.

How long had it been, and Gu Chen could already fight Lu Bu?

Although it seemed that Gu Chen had fallen into a disadvantage now.

But for Gu Chen, unless the enemy could kill him in one blow, he would be able to catch up.

And the most critical point was—Gu Chen was not just a brute who only understood force.

A person like him, born in troubled times, was destined to play an unimaginable role.

Gu Yi now felt the terror of this "Wall-Breaking Card" more and more.

Of course, this also had to do with Gu Chen’s personality.

Just looking at the speed of growth, one could imagine the speed of regression.

If a person with a weak will used this card, and any accident occurred, they would likely fall into the ranks of the mentally deficient.

This was a prop that relied purely on gambling!

The great battle continued.

Ma Chao’s return was like giving these Qiang cavalry a backbone.

The most critical thing was that the men under Gu Chen’s command were too valiant.

They were originally the most elite central army of the Great Han, and having experienced so much following Gu Chen, both their will and strength had improved significantly.

The situation of the entire battlefield was completely reversed.

However, with the likes of Gao Shun and Zhang Liao there, it was absolutely impossible for Ma Chao to quickly defeat the enemy.

The entire Pingtao Plain had completely become a meat grinder.

Gu Chen was not a brute like Lu Bu; he knew that they absolutely could not keep fighting like this.

Although Lu Bu was brave.

But in Gu Chen’s eyes, his personality had too many flaws.

A frontal assault might win.

But as a commander, one could not just focus on frontal assaults; reducing the number of casualties among the soldiers was the top priority.

Seeing that the situation had stabilized.

He did not linger in the fight at all, first using all his strength to sweep Lu Bu back with one spear strike.

He immediately ordered Ma Chao to retreat at once.

"Where do you think you're going!"

Lu Bu had intended to pursue.

But on such a chaotic battlefield, how could it be so easy to pursue?

Gu Chen rushed directly in front of Ma Chao.

First, he swept his spear to force back Zhang Liao, then shouted: "Mengqi! Retreat!"

"Young Master!"

Ma Chao was still filled with fighting spirit.

But seeing Gu Chen's expression was very firm, he said no more and immediately had someone sound the Qi people's retreat horn.

Cavalry is like this; they come and go with great speed.

As the sound of the gongs from Gu Chen's signaling troops rang out, this great battle came to a halt under these circumstances.

Lu Bu also wanted to lead his army in pursuit.

But Zhang Liao and Gao Shun blocked him.

"General, our army has suffered heavy casualties in this battle; do not pursue. If the enemy has set an ambush, our army will have nowhere to be buried!"

Although Lu Bu was extremely unwilling, he was not so obsessed with battle as to ignore this.

He stared fixedly at the retreating backs of Gu Chen's army, his eyes full of annoyance.

Today, he had actually failed to achieve the feat of slaying a general!

To him, this was a huge humiliation.

"Pass on my order: clean up the battlefield, and let the three armies rest for three days."

"At that time, I will personally go to attack and kill; no matter what, I will definitely slay that Ma Chao and Gu Chen!"

He shouted sharply.

Having said this, he retreated back into the camp.

Ma Chao was also filled with extreme unwillingness at this moment.

This battle had indeed caused him to lose face.

First, he fell into a disadvantage while fighting Lu Bu, and then he was blocked by Zhang Liao and Gao Shun.

Even leading his Qi cavalry to charge could not gain the slightest advantage, which was truly hard for Ma Chao to accept.

Gu Chen naturally saw Ma Chao's mood.

"Mengqi, no need to mind it. Starting tomorrow, you and I can lead our men to attack."

He said with a calm expression.

Hearing this, Ma Chao was stunned and asked with some confusion: "Since the Young Master has already decided to attack, why retreat today?"

"There are naturally reasons."

Gu Chen did not say much, but instead asked: "What does Mengqi think of those two under Lu Bu, Zhang Liao and Gao Shun?"

"Zhang Liao and Gao Shun?"

Ma Chao frowned, remembering the two who had fought him on the battlefield. After hesitating for a moment, he finally nodded: "Both are valiant men."

"It is only a pity that such heroes follow that father-slaying thief, Lu Bu."

As he spoke, he paused and asked with some surprise: "Does the Young Master intend to recruit these two?"

Gu Chen did not hide it and nodded directly.

Today on the battlefield, he had already noticed these two before he even fought Lu Bu.

"Lu Bu is merely a brute, not worth worrying about."

"I have already thought of a way to deal with him, but as for this matter of recruitment..."

Gu Chen paused, sighed softly, and said: "It is a pity that Wenruo and Wenhe are not in my camp; otherwise, with their strategies, they would surely be able to recruit them."

"As for now... it can only depend on heaven's will."

He did not have much confidence in this kind of matter.

"Young Master need not worry; if they do not surrender, just kill them." Ma Chao did not care at all.

At the same time, in Mayi.

Huangfu Song was discussing with everyone how to quickly attack the city so as to help Gu Chen sooner.

Although everyone had spoken up.

Huangfu Song and Gu Wei finally looked at Jia Xu, who had been silent all along.

Jia Xu felt their gazes, a flash of hesitation crossed his face, and he shook his head: "General Huangfu, Young Master."

"I do indeed have a plan, but I fear the two of you may find it hard to accept."

It would have been better if he hadn't spoken; once he said this, Huangfu Song and Gu Wei became even more curious.

Gu Wei faintly sensed something ominous and did not speak.

But Huangfu Song immediately asked: "Mr. Jia, please speak; I am listening."

"General..."

Jia Xu sighed helplessly, then bowed to Huangfu Song and said: "Our army is currently at the upper reaches of the Fen River..."

"I have long since looked at the terrain map of Youzhou."

"The Fen River passes through Yunzhong Mountain to reach Jinyang, and the surrounding cities also draw water from the Fen River."

"If the General could slaughter sick horses and throw them into the river..."

Before Jia Xu could finish, everyone already understood his meaning.

Huangfu Song's expression changed, and he hurriedly waved his hand: "No, absolutely not."

"If we throw sick horses into the water and cause a plague, then we will truly become sinners of the Great Han."

Gu Wei's expression was also somewhat ugly.

They naturally knew that the strategy Jia Xu mentioned would be effective and would definitely break the city quickly.

But if they really did this... I fear the entire Bingzhou would be plunged into misery.

How could the descendants of the Gu clan bear such infamy?

Regarding this, Jia Xu was not surprised at all and retreated without any expression.

Huangfu Song looked at Jia Xu with a complex gaze, and after a moment of silence, he said: "Since that is the case, then we shall follow the Young Master's strategy."

"Use momentum and might to quickly break Yanmen!"

The entire Bingzhou was in great chaos.

Gu Chen's strategy was actually very simple to explain.

—He wanted to bind Lu Bu firmly to Pingtao.

And he had people secretly spread news on a large scale, claiming that the situation in Yanzhou had changed, that Huangfu Song had already captured Yanmen, and emphasized the spread of Lu Bu's act of slaying his father.

Actually, this was not a very clever strategy.

But under these circumstances, such a strategy was often very effective.

The situation in Bingzhou had actually never been stable.

Not to mention Lu Bu.

Even Ding Yuan, this so-called Governor of Bingzhou, had failed to completely take down the entire Bingzhou in the past.

Now that Lu Bu could sit securely in Jinyang, he relied on the prestige of Yuan Shao to force the noble families of Bingzhou to join forces with him.

But do not forget, there was already enmity between the noble families of Bingzhou and Yuan Shao.

—Yuan Shao's alliance with Zhang Yan and his indulgence of Zhang Yan's plundering of Bingzhou was destined to make the noble families of Bingzhou dissatisfied with him.

This situation might have been fine in times of peace.

But when foreign enemies invaded, it was destined to have an impact.

And subsequently, Gu Chen released news of offering terms for surrender.

The entire land of Bingzhou was filled with undercurrents under these circumstances.

Lu Bu naturally sensed the abnormality.

He very much wanted to retreat to Jinyang.

As long as he personally led his army to occupy Jinyang, he could stabilize the hearts of the people there.

For this reason, he fought consecutively and even wounded Ma Chao.

But Gu Chen had been biting at his heels the entire time.

Until now, Lu Bu finally understood why Yuan Shao had described Gu Chen that way back then.

Gu Chen's speed of improvement had completely exceeded his expectations.

From the beginning of the great battle, he could firmly hold the upper hand.

In just over half a month, Gu Chen was already able to exchange blows with him calmly.

This speed of improvement made even Lu Bu feel fear.

If he continued to improve like this, would he be enough to slay him, Lu Bu, after another period of time?

Under these circumstances, Lu Bu's heart became increasingly chaotic.

And when the news of Pingtao gradually spread.

Gu Wei and Jia Xu immediately saw Gu Chen's intention and then cooperated with Gu Chen at Yanmen Pass.

Every time they captured a city, they released the news.

Under these various influences.

Many cities surrendered at the mere sight of the wind, with no one wanting to resist at all.

——The fifth year of Hanxing, September;

Huangfu Song breached the strategic town of Yinguan in Yanmen Commandery.

The surrounding cities fled at the news.

October;

Huangfu Song advanced his troops into Dingxiang, wanting to first resolve the hidden threat behind him, his spearhead pointing directly at Shanu.

He adopted the strategy of "surrounding a point to strike at reinforcements."

He surrounded the entirety of Shanu.

End of October;

After eliminating the reinforcements from the surrounding cities, Shanu fell.

Dingxiang Commandery changed hands!

The entire northern part of Bingzhou had completely slipped from the grasp of Lu Bu, and subsequently, Huangfu Song’s spearhead pointed directly at Taiyuan.

News spread continuously, and the situation in the entire Bingzhou became increasingly chaotic.

The most critical point was—

News from Yanzhou was also gradually filtering through.

Cao Ren’s ability in defending the city far exceeded everyone’s expectations; he had actually blocked Sun Ce’s offensive, leaving Sun Ce unable to make any progress in Chenliu.

And within Dong Commandery, the fighting was even more intense.

Guan Yu successively beheaded Yan Liang and Wen Chou, the great generals under Yuan Shao, at Puyang.

He almost single-handedly caused the morale of Yuan Shao’s army to collapse.

And Zhao Yun charged straight at Yuan Shao amidst the ten thousand troops; if not for the desperate protection of Qu Yi, Zhang He, and others, Yuan Shao would have nearly died under Zhao Yun’s spear.

One battle completely drove Yuan Shao back to Jizhou.

When this news spread, the undercurrents in the land of Bingzhou finally exploded!

The Wang clan of Qi County, the Guo clan of Jinyang, and a host of other powerful families in Taiyuan Commandery successively eliminated the generals Lu Bu had left in the city and cut off the grain supply to Lu Bu.

This move could be said to have completely shattered the balance in the land of Pingtao.

Even Lu Bu himself was somewhat panicked.

Yuan Shao had been defeated, so he knew his own outcome would certainly not be any better.

The most critical thing was that as the Bingzhou families cut off the grain one after another, the grain in his own camp could no longer hold out.

Even though he was ten thousand times unwilling in his heart.

Yet under these circumstances, Lu Bu still had to listen to the suggestions of Zhang Liao and the others, intending to retreat to Jizhou and rely on Yuan Shao’s support to carry out defensive measures.

But how could Gu Chen let him retreat so easily?

He launched a full-scale attack on him directly.

And at the same time, he spread rumors, continuously affecting the morale of Lu Bu’s army.

Lu Bu was already completely trapped.

He would ultimately have to pay the price for his past confidence.

He had not established passes based on the terrain.

That destined him to be in a dilemma of whether to advance or retreat at this moment.

But he was, after all, still Lu Bu, especially with the help of Zhang Liao and Gao Shun, so it was impossible for Gu Chen to break his camp directly.

But Gu Chen could drag it out.

Could Lu Bu?

The grain in his camp simply could not allow him to fight for long.

The successive rebellions of the Taiyuan families had cut off the path for Yuan Shao to directly support Lu Bu.

Whether supporting Lu Bu from Jizhou or coming through Shangdang from Sizhou, one had to pass through Taiyuan Commandery.

This was Lu Bu’s most difficult situation at present.

And at this time, how could Yuan Shao spare too much strength to support Lu Bu?

How could Cao Cao and Liu Bei let such an opportunity pass?

For Lu Bu, his only chance now was to shake off Gu Chen, pass through Pingtao, cross the Fen River, and go through Shangdang Commandery to return directly to Jizhou!

This was his only path to survival!

But facing Gu Chen’s constant attacks, he could not grasp a single opportunity, and the situation became increasingly difficult.

Inside the military camp.

"This General has decided: at the third watch tonight, we abandon the camp and leave!"

Lu Bu’s face was flushed red, clearly having drunk quite a bit of wine; he slammed the table and roared.

"General."

Almost instantly, Zhang Liao walked out, bowed to Lu Bu, and said: "The area around Pingtao is flat land, and the enemy forces are all elite cavalry."

"If our army abandons the camp, once discovered by the enemy, we will absolutely suffer heavy losses."

"I beg the General to think thrice."

Gao Shun also walked out, bowed to Lu Bu, and said: "General, what Wenyuan says is absolutely correct."

"As a current strategy, our army abandoning the camp is by no means a good plan."

All the officers and soldiers spoke up one after another.

Looking at the people before him, the anger on Lu Bu’s face grew more intense, and he scolded: "Then what do you think should be done?"

"Our army’s grain is not enough for five days."

"Do you intend to have the soldiers kill their horses for food?"

"Huangfu Song has already killed his way from Yanmen; once he joins forces with that Gu Chen, what use will this camp of ours have?"

All the officers and soldiers lowered their heads.

In fact, Lu Bu’s analysis was not wrong; even if they did not fall into chaos due to lack of grain, this camp would be hard to defend once Huangfu Song arrived.

But Zhang Liao still shook his head and said: "General."

"Lord Yuan will certainly not abandon us."

"And this subordinate believes that even if Yanzhou is truly defeated, Lord Yuan will never be destroyed; he will certainly still have the strength for one more battle."

"As long as we can hold out for a few more days, Lord Yuan will certainly come to save us."

Once these words were spoken, many people nodded silently.

Zhang Liao’s analysis was indeed correct.

Yuan Shao still had the strength for one more battle, and likewise, he would not abandon Lu Bu and let the Gu family kill their way back into the Central Plains.

But Lu Bu sneered at this, disdainfully saying: "That Gu Chen can fight with this General; do you all think that even if Lord Yuan comes to save us, he will be able to break in?"

Before the officers and soldiers could speak, he waved his hand directly: "You need not say more."

"Pass on my order."

"No matter what, we must kill our way out!"

Hearing this, although the officers and soldiers wanted to say something more, Lu Bu gave them no chance at all and settled the matter directly.

——The fifth year of Hanxing, the Jiawu day of the eleventh month.

Night.

The bright moon soaked the firmament, and white silk hung over the river.

Borrowing the lingering moonlight, Lu Bu personally led his men out of the camp.

Clip-clop, clip-clop, clip-clop.

The sound of horse hooves seemed extremely harsh in the silent night.

Just at this moment, shouts of battle arose from all sides.

Gu Chen and Ma Chao personally led their men and killed their way out directly.

"Lu Bu, prepare to die!"

Ma Chao let out an angry roar and took the lead.

Under this kind of moonlight, one did not even need to light torches; both sides could see each other’s faces clearly.

"Ma-er, do not run!" Before Lu Bu could speak, Zhang Liao led his men and killed his way out, directly blocking Ma Chao.

A great battle between the two sides erupted immediately.

Zhang Liao and Gao Shun seemed to have long since anticipated that problems would arise this night.

They had actually stabilized the formation.

Lu Bu’s face was full of anger; holding his Painted Halberd, he stared tightly at Gu Chen: "Hey, Gu Chen!"

"You are unworthy of being a descendant of the Gu family!"

"To think I, Lu Bu, believed you were a hero of the age and intended to fight you in a head-on battle, yet I did not expect you to use such petty, despicable schemes!"

"Hmph!" Gu Chen shook his head with disdain: "You, a man who killed his own father, actually dare to speak to me of heroes?"

"You seek death!"

Lu Bu was completely enraged and charged up directly, wielding his Painted Halberd.

——But his heart was ultimately in chaos.

He seemed to have already smelled the scent of death; compared to his usual offensives, today’s appeared much more disorganized.

Not even thirty rounds had passed.

Gu Chen seized the opportunity at the border, his silver spear flicking out to send Lu Bu’s painted halberd flying away.

The next moment, he did not hesitate in the slightest and thrust directly toward Lu Bu’s face.

"Do not harm my lord!"

A roar of fury suddenly rang out.

Gao Shun, who was to the side, rushed over at this very moment to help Lu Bu block this strike.

"Hmph!"

Looking at Gao Shun before him, Gu Chen did not attack immediately but asked, "This Lu Bu is a man who murdered his own father; why does a General act thus?"

"Hmph!"

Gao Shun’s expression remained completely composed: "Speak no more; if you wish to harm my lord, first ask if the long blade in my hand is sharp!"

Seeing that Gu Chen did not attack, he quickly shielded Lu Bu and retreated.

Lu Bu’s expression at this moment was extremely ugly, devoid of any fighting spirit, yet he still glared at Gu Chen and rebuked, "Today’s defeat is only because my heart is in disarray!"

"One day, I, Lu Bu, will surely take your life."

Gu Chen smiled with disdain and shouted coldly, "A defeated general, how dare you speak of courage?"

"Even if I granted you a thousand autumns and ten thousand generations, you would never reach the dust at my back."

Having said this, Gu Chen moved the long spear in his hand and, taking advantage of the momentum, led his men to charge forward on horseback.

——————

"In the fifth year of Han Prosperity, in the sixth month, Gu Chen raised an army to invade Bingzhou.

At that time, Yuan Shao had just defeated Gongsun the White Horse in Youzhou, his reputation shaking Hebei. Hearing of the upheaval in Bingzhou, he appointed Lu Bu as the Governor of Bingzhou, ordering him to return north to resist Gu Chen.

Yuan Shao then allied with Yuan Shu, combining their forces to march two hundred thousand men south toward Yanzhou.

The Nine Provinces began to boil over from this point on.

Gu Chen’s use of troops was like a whirlwind; within a month, he broke the various fortifications of Xihe, and Jinyang was struck with terror.

Lu Bu hurried back to Pingtao, deploying heavy troops to engage in a bitter battle with Gu Chen.

The two armies clashed for three months; spears and halberds blotted out the sun, and blood flowed enough to float shields. Although Lu Bu’s bravery was unmatched in the three armies, he could not break Gu Chen’s formation.

However, Gu Chen was resourceful in his command, secretly using spies to spread rumors, causing the morale of Lu Bu’s army to gradually slacken.

It happened that an upheaval occurred in Yanzhou, and Yuan Shao’s army was routed at Puyang.

The Bingzhou gentry then rose up in the commanderies and counties to respond to Gu Chen.

The powerful clans of Taiyuan, the Wang clan of Qixian and the Guo clan of Jinyang, all cut off Lu Bu’s grain and fodder, leaving him with no supplies.

He broke camp and fled to Jizhou by night. Before leaving, he charged the formation alone and shouted, "I took you for a real man, so I wished to decide life and death before the lines; why use such petty tricks!"

Gu Chen held his spear horizontally and replied, "Can one who murdered Ding Yuan also dare to speak of being a real man? After a hundred days of fierce fighting, have you ever gained even half an inch of my camp?"

Lu Bu’s eyes were split with rage, and he thrust his halberd to fight to the death, but his spirit had already fallen, and he was knocked off his horse by Gu Chen after thirty bouts.

Zhang Liao and Gao Shun fought to the death to rescue him, yet Lu Bu still roared from his horse:

"Today’s defeat is merely falling for your deceitful tactics; another day, I will surely behead you!"

Gu Chen withdrew his spear and laughed loudly: "A defeated man is but a puddle; how dare you gaze upon the vast sea? Even if I gave you ten years, you would only see the smoke and dust!"

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

(End of Chapter)