Chapter 1100: Unable to be Convinced

"Gu Yi? Who is this person?" Li Ru’s brows were tightly locked, his gaze sweeping back and forth across the battle report, attempting to capture more information about this mysterious figure between the lines.

Seeing this, Dong Zhuo also leaned in, his thick fingers tapping lightly on the report: "Wenyou, could this Gu Yi be a strategist you recently recruited? Why have I never heard you mention him before?"

Li Ru shook his head, pondering to himself: "Gu Yi, this name is completely unfamiliar to me; he is certainly not one of my subordinates. It seems Hua Xiong has encountered an unexpected stroke of luck at Sishui Pass." He looked up, his eyes flashing with light, and said to Dong Zhuo: "Father-in-law, this Gu Yi might be the expert Hua Xiong spoke of. To be held in such high regard by Hua Xiong, his talent and wisdom must be extraordinary. It would be better to summon him to Luoyang to see for ourselves."

Upon hearing this, Dong Zhuo waved his large hand: "Very well! Anyone who can help Hua Xiong achieve such a great victory cannot be an ordinary person. Wenyou, draft a document immediately, ordering Hua Xiong to bring this Gu Yi to Luoyang. I want to see this hero behind the scenes for myself."

…… ===== CHAPTER 1795 =====

Inside Sishui Pass, Hua Xiong was waiting with full anticipation for Dong Zhuo’s reply. Gu Yi stood to the side, his expression calm, as if he had everything under control.

"Mr. Gu, do you think Chancellor Dong will agree to my request?" Hua Xiong was somewhat uneasy; after all, the competition for the position of garrison commander at Hulao Pass was fierce. Although he had merit, he dared not easily jump to conclusions.

Gu Yi smiled slightly, his tone carrying a touch of certainty: "General Hua, rest assured. Chancellor Dong is discerning and will surely see your achievements and potential. Furthermore, the battle for Hulao Pass is equally important to the Chancellor. He needs a general who is both brave in battle and capable of strategy, and you are the best candidate."

Hearing this, the heavy stone in Hua Xiong’s heart fell slightly, and his admiration for Gu Yi grew even more: "Mr. Gu, it is truly a great fortune for me, Hua Xiong, to have your assistance. Once I arrive at Hulao Pass, I will surely achieve more merit and not fail the expectations of Chancellor Dong and yourself."

Just as they were speaking, a messenger rode at full speed into the pass, holding a personal letter from Dong Zhuo, and read aloud: "Chancellor Dong’s order: Hua Xiong, hear this: In view of your great victory at Sishui Pass and your outstanding service, you are hereby ordered to proceed to Hulao Pass this very day to take up the post of garrison commander. You must hold the fortress and resist the Guandong Coalition. At the same time, bring the strategist Gu Yi with you to assist in the war effort. This is the decree."

Upon hearing this, Hua Xiong’s face beamed with joy. He knelt on one knee and shouted his acceptance: "Hua Xiong obeys the order and will certainly not fail Chancellor Dong’s high expectations!"

Gu Yi also bowed slightly, secretly calculating the next layout in his mind. He knew that the battle of Hulao Pass would be the stage where he would truly display his talent and influence the overall situation of the world.

……

Several days later, Hua Xiong and Gu Yi led an elite force and set out on the road to Hulao Pass. Along the way, Hua Xiong’s admiration for Gu Yi was evident, and he frequently asked for his views on the future of the war.

"Mr. Gu, the terrain of Hulao Pass is treacherous, easy to defend and hard to attack, but the coalition will surely go all out. How should we respond?" Hua Xiong’s brows were locked, clearly aware of the challenges he was about to face.

Gu Yi stroked his beard, a flash of wisdom in his eyes: "General Hua, the battle of Hulao Pass relies not only on force but even more on strategy. We must utilize the terrain to set up multiple lines of defense. At the same time, we must use espionage and psychological warfare to disrupt the interior of the coalition, causing them to suspect one another and making it difficult for them to form a unified force. Furthermore, we can contact surrounding tribes and promise them benefits to have them harass the coalition from the flanks. This is what is called 'the highest form of warfare is to attack the enemy's strategy'."

Hua Xiong nodded repeatedly, his conviction in Gu Yi’s schemes growing deeper: "Mr. Gu’s words are like a sudden enlightenment. I, Hua Xiong, will certainly go all out to execute your plan."

……

Hulao Pass, this majestic pass with a long history, appeared even more solemn and towering in the sunset. Hua Xiong and Gu Yi stood on the wall, looking into the distance, where the flags of the Guandong Coalition were already faintly visible.

"General Hua, this battle concerns the hegemony of Chancellor Dong, and it also concerns the fate of every one of us." Gu Yi’s tone was grave, but his eyes revealed firmness and confidence.

Hua Xiong clenched his fists, his voice resonant and powerful: "Mr. Gu, I, Hua Xiong, swear to live or die with Hulao Pass. With you here, I have even more confidence. Let us write our own legend together!"

Night fell, and Hulao Pass was brightly lit. The soldiers were busy with preparations, while Gu Yi and Hua Xiong remained in a secret room, continuing to discuss detailed strategies to deal with the coalition. Every detail was repeatedly scrutinized, striving for absolute perfection.

……

Meanwhile, in the Guandong Coalition camp, the various warlords sat together, discussing how to capture Hulao Pass. Yuan Shao’s expression was grave, his voice carrying a hint of anxiety: "Gentlemen, Hua Xiong has moved his forces to Hulao. This man is incredibly brave and has a strategist to assist him; we must not underestimate the enemy."

Hearing this, Cao Cao’s eyes flashed with a sharp light: "Benchu, although Hulao Pass is treacherous, it is not unbreakable. The key lies in whether we can unite as one, and at the same time, we must find the enemy’s weaknesses and win through strategy."

However, the warlords each had their own agendas and argued incessantly, making it difficult to reach a consensus. Sun Jian remained silent, secretly regretting that he had not joined the coalition sooner, which had led to the current passive situation. As for Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, they listened silently, already having their own plans in mind. ===== CHAPTER 1796 =====