Chapter 1581

Gu Yi's voice appeared exceptionally firm amidst the flying flames of war; his gaze was like a torch, penetrating the smoke and dust before him, looking directly at the battlefield occupied by the enemy army. He knew deeply that this battle was not only a contest of life and death but also a test of belief and loyalty. His soldiers, although not occupying an advantage in numbers, each had unyielding flames burning in their hearts; that was trust in Gu Yi and also a longing for victory.

"Although we are few, our ambitions are not short!" Gu Yi shouted loudly; his voice seemed to carry a kind of magic, causing the heads that had been lowered due to fatigue and despair to raise again. "Remember, we are fighting to protect the homes behind us and for the loved ones who expect our return! Every arrow, every blade, must let the enemy know that the soldiers of the Gu family are by no means easy to deal with!"

Following Gu Yi's encouragement, the soldiers' morale was ignited instantly; they gripped their weapons tightly, their eyes flashing with resolute light. The archers quickly adjusted their positions, utilizing the terrain advantage to launch dense arrow rain attacks on the enemy army. Every arrow carried their anger and hope, cutting through the sky and falling accurately among the enemy army, triggering bursts of chaos.

Although Cao Cao's soldiers were numerous, under the stubborn resistance of Gu Yi's soldiers, they also began to feel pressure. They had originally thought they could rely on the advantage of numbers to quickly crush their opponents, but they did not expect Gu Yi's troops to be so tenacious, especially those archers, who were like messengers of death, continuously launching attacks from the dark, making their advance exceptionally difficult.

"Shield bearers, advance! Protect our brothers!" In Cao Cao's formation, a general commanded loudly, attempting to use a shield formation to block the arrow rain and open a path for the infantry. However, Gu Yi had long expected this step; he ordered some soldiers to be equipped lightly, flexibly shuttling through the battlefield, utilizing the speed advantage to harass and attack the enemy's shield formation, making it difficult for the shield formation to form an effective defense.

The battle entered the white-hot stage; both sides were trying their best, attempting to find the other's flaws. Gu Yi personally went into battle, holding a long spear, charging at the front; his figure shuttled through the battlefield like a swimming dragon, every strike accurate and fatal, greatly inspiring morale. Seeing this, the soldiers were even more fearless, unfolding a life-and-death struggle with the enemy.

However, as time passed, Gu Yi's side gradually revealed a lack of physical strength. Long-term high-intensity fighting made many soldiers begin to feel unable to keep up; the pain of wounds and the consumption of physical strength made their movements become sluggish. Cao Cao's army utilized this opportunity to increase their offensive, approaching Gu Yi's core defense line step by step.

"General, we must make a decision!" A deputy general reminded Gu Yi anxiously; his face was full of sweat and mud, but his eyes still revealed firm light. "If this continues, we will really be wiped out!"

Gu Yi was silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping over every soldier still fighting, his heart surging with complex emotions. He knew that retreating meant giving up this land, meaning the common people behind would face greater threats, but continuing to persist might really let all his brothers be buried here.

"Retreat, but not flee." Gu Yi finally made a decision; his voice was light but filled with unquestionable power. "We retreat to the mountains and forests, utilize the terrain advantage, and maneuver with the enemy. At the same time, dispatch messengers to ask for reinforcements from nearby friendly forces; as long as we can persist, there will definitely be a turning point!"

The order was issued; although the soldiers were unwilling, they still acted quickly. Under Gu Yi's leadership, they retreated to the mountains and forests in an orderly manner; at the same time, archers and light cavalry remained in the rear, utilizing dense arrow rain and flexible mobility to delay the enemy's pursuit speed, winning time for the main force.

In the mountains and forests, Gu Yi's troops utilized the complex terrain to set up a series of traps and obstacles, causing Cao Cao's pursuing troops to suffer setbacks repeatedly. And at the same time, reinforcements from friendly forces also gathered quickly after receiving the news, heading toward the battlefield.

Gu Yi stood on the battlefield, his heart filled with mixed feelings. The joy of victory and the sorrow of brothers' sacrifices were intertwined, making it difficult for him to calm his inner emotions. He knew deeply that this victory was only temporary, the road ahead was still very long, and the enemy could make a comeback at any time.

"General, we have won!" A soldier ran over excitedly, his face overflowing with joy that was hard to hide.

Gu Yi barely squeezed out a smile, patted the soldier on the shoulder, and said: "Yes, we have won. However, this is just a beginning. We must remain vigilant at all times and prepare to welcome future challenges."

Hearing Gu Yi's words, the soldiers put away their smiles one after another and cheered up their spirits again. They knew that Gu Yi was right; victory was only temporary, and the real battle had just begun.