Chapter 1428: A Fatal Blow

Everyone looked at each other, and for a moment, the room fell into silence. Liu Bei furrowed his brows, staring at the map on the table, his fingers gently tapping the tabletop, making a dull sound. He knew deeply that every decision at this moment would concern the life and death of himself and his subordinates. This was not just a contest of victory or defeat in a war, but the key to whether they could gain a foothold in this chaotic world.

"We cannot sit and wait for death." Liu Bei finally spoke, his voice firm and powerful. "Gu Yi has already bought us time; we must utilize this period to make the deployment most favorable to us. Although Cao Cao's military strength is powerful, we also have our advantages; we must fully exert them."

"My lord, I think we can divide the troops into two routes." A strategist proposed. "One route will be led by you personally, secretly heading to Qingyuan Commandery, preparing for a surprise attack; the other route will be led by one of our generals, remaining to guard Yanzhou, putting on a posture of fighting to the death to confuse Cao Cao. Once Cao Cao's main army is attracted by the war in Qingyuan Commandery, we will then coordinate from inside and outside; perhaps there will be a glimmer of hope."

Liu Bei heard this, his eyes flickering as he carefully savored this plan. He knew that although this plan was risky, it also had the possibility of bringing them hope for victory. He had to make a decision; for the survival of himself and his subordinates, he had to take a gamble.

After a long time, he nodded slowly. "This plan is feasible, but it requires cautious action. The general remaining to guard Yanzhou must be both wise and brave, able to hold on until the moment we counterattack." His words carried a trace of solemnity because he knew what kind of consequences this decision would bring.

"I am willing to lead the troops to guard Yanzhou!" A burly general with a resolute face stepped forward; it was Guan Yu. "Brother, you lead the others to Qingyuan Commandery; I will be here, and I will surely buy enough time for you." His voice was firm and powerful, as if he had already made full preparations.

Liu Bei looked at Guan Yu, his eyes full of emotion and trust. He knew deeply Guan Yu's ability and loyalty; with him there, Yanzhou might really have an extra hope of holding on. He tightly held Guan Yu's hand. "Good, Guan Yu, Yanzhou is entrusted to you. Remember, prioritize preserving lives above all else; when the time is ripe, I will send people to meet you." His words carried a trace of reluctance and worry, but he knew he had to make this decision.

Guan Yu nodded heavily without saying more, but that firm gaze already indicated everything. He turned and walked toward the door, preparing to start his mission. Liu Bei watched him leave, silently praying for him in his heart.

That night, Liu Bei led an elite force, leaving Yanzhou silently and heading toward Qingyuan Commandery. They passed through dense forests, crossed steep mountains, and finally arrived at Qingyuan Commandery. There, they began to prepare the plan to attack Cao Cao.

And Guan Yu, leading the remaining troops, began to set up defensive works, preparing to welcome the coming storm. They reinforced the city walls, dug traps, and prepared sufficient grain, fodder, and weapons. They knew this was a life-and-death battle, and they had to give their all.

Cao Cao's main army arrived as scheduled, like a black tide, submerging every inch of Yanzhou's land. However, facing Guan Yu's tenacious resistance, Cao Cao's speed of advance slowed down significantly. Every day, intense battles were staged; Guan Yu and his soldiers, with flesh and blood, wrote a chapter of loyalty and courage. They held the city walls, resisting the fierce attacks of Cao Cao's main army. Although casualties were heavy, they never gave up hope.

At the same time, Liu Bei's preparations in Qingyuan Commandery were also proceeding intensely. He contacted local heroes, secretly gathering military strength, preparing to catch Cao Cao off guard. They formulated a detailed attack plan, waiting for the arrival of the best opportunity.

Finally, on a windy and rainy night, the surprise troops led by Liu Bei appeared like ghosts behind Cao Cao's main army, launching a sudden attack. Cao Cao was caught off guard and suffered heavy losses, having to temporarily retreat and re-evaluate the situation. This battle not only won Liu Bei a precious breathing space but also made Cao Cao realize that his opponent was not so easily defeated.

Liu Bei and Guan Yu met at the agreed location; the two armies merged, and morale was high. They knew that although the road ahead was still difficult, at least they were still alive and had the capital to continue fighting. They hugged each other, celebrating this hard-won victory.

"Gu Yi, you truly did not disappoint me." Liu Bei murmured in his heart, his gratitude toward that distant friend overflowing. He knew that all of this was inseparable from Gu Yi's wisdom and sacrifice. He decided that he must personally go to thank Gu Yi, thanking him for the help and support he gave at the critical moment. At the same time, he also firmed his own conviction to continue fighting for the survival of himself and his subordinates, and for a piece of tranquility in this chaotic world. No matter how difficult the road ahead was, he would not give up hope, because he knew that as long as they were united as one, they would surely be able to overcome all difficulties.

After Liu Bei and Guan Yu merged, the two armies had high morale; they knew that although the road ahead was still difficult, at least they were still alive and had the capital to continue fighting. However, Cao Cao was not discouraged by this setback; on the contrary, he firmed his resolve to eliminate Liu Bei.

Cao Cao drew his heavy sword and began to redeploy his military strength. He sent envoys to various places, mobilizing more troops and grain, preparing for a larger-scale attack on Liu Bei. At the same time, he also began to look for Liu Bei's weaknesses, attempting to defeat him in one fell swoop.

After Liu Bei learned of Cao Cao's movements, he did not feel panicked. On the contrary, he firmed his own conviction to continue fighting for the survival of himself and his subordinates, and for a piece of tranquility in this chaotic world. He began to actively prepare defensive works, while also sending envoys to various places, seeking the support of allies.

However, Liu Bei also knew deeply that relying only on the strength of himself and Guan Yu, it was difficult to resist Cao Cao's main army. Thus, he decided to personally head to Jingzhou to seek help from Liu Biao. Although Liu Biao was elderly, he had managed Jingzhou for many years and possessed powerful military strength and rich resources. If he could get his support, Liu Bei would have a greater chance of winning.

Liu Bei took Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, as well as a team of elite soldiers, secretly heading to Jingzhou. They passed through Cao Cao's defensive lines, experienced thousands of hardships, and finally arrived at Jingzhou. When Liu Biao saw Liu Bei, although he was somewhat hesitant, under Liu Bei's pleading and the ferocity of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, he finally agreed to send troops to help.

Liu Biao sent a main army, led by his nephew Liu Pan, to head to merge with Liu Bei. The two armies merged, military strength greatly increased, and Liu Bei's confidence became even firmer. They began to actively prepare for the decisive battle with Cao Cao, preparing to give Cao Cao a fatal blow. ===== CHAPTER 1429 =====