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As night fell, Xu Huang's camp was shrouded in silence, broken only by the footsteps of patrolling soldiers and the occasional whinny of a horse. Inside the Central Tent, Xu Huang, clad in armor, sat illuminated by candlelight, his resolute face reflecting deep contemplation as he gripped his battle axe, seemingly still savoring the fierce battles of the day.
Suddenly, the tent flap stirred, and a shadow slipped inside. Xu Huang sprang to his feet, tightening his grip on the axe, and called out in a deep voice, "Who dares to intrude?"
The newcomer remained calm, clasping his fists in greeting and declaring loudly, "Old friend, how have you been!"
Xu Huang focused intently and soon revealed a look of surprise. He lowered his axe and exclaimed, "You are Man Bo Ning from Shanyang! What brings you here?"
Man Chong smiled slightly and replied with composure, "General Xu indeed remembers an old friend. I am now an aide to Cao Jiangjun. Today on the battlefield, I witnessed your formidable prowess and was deeply moved. I took the risk to come and visit you, hoping for a chance to speak."
Xu Huang furrowed his brow slightly, a hint of wariness in his voice as he asked, "You serve the Cao Army now; what is your intention in coming so deep into my camp?"
Man Chong bowed respectfully and spoke sincerely, "General Xu need not be alarmed; I come with no ill intent but merely to share a word."
Xu Huang studied him for a moment. Seeing his earnest demeanor, he sheathed his axe and gestured toward a seat. "If that is the case, please sit down. Tell me why you have risked so much to come here."
Man Chong took a seat and spoke in a low yet powerful tone. "General Xu, your bravery is rare in this world, and I have always admired it. However, today on the battlefield, seeing you bow down to Yang Feng and Han Xian truly confounds me. They are mediocre individuals unworthy of showcasing your talents."
Xu Huang's expression shifted slightly, but he remained silent and listened intently.
Man Chong continued, "Cao Jiangjun is a hero of our time, skilled at recognizing talent and renowned for valuing virtuous men. Today on the battlefield, he praised your courage without end and even ordered a ceasefire to avoid losing such a fierce general."
Xu Huang looked up in surprise. "Cao Cao really said that?"
Man Chong replied earnestly, "If the general does not believe me, reflect on today's battlefield. Cao Jiangjun is known for his decisive actions against enemies without mercy; yet today he chose to halt combat and sent me here at great risk just to invite you to join him in great endeavors. He believes that someone with your talents should stand in a prominent position rather than be hidden beneath petty men."
Xu Huang pondered for a long time before slowly saying, "I have heard of Cao Cao's reputation for recognizing talent. However, Yang Feng and Han Xian have once valued me highly; if I abandon them now, it could lead to slander against me."
Man Chong lowered his tone and spoke earnestly. "General Xu, these are difficult times; everyone has their own aspirations. Yang Feng and Han Xian view the world as their own possession with shortsightedness; they are unlikely to achieve great things. Rather than remain loyal to petty men, why not ally yourself with a wise lord and create achievements? Cao Jiangjun is that wise lord who sincerely invites you today; you should not disappoint him."
The candlelight flickered as Xu Huang sat at his desk with the heavy battle axe in hand, his eyes reflecting conflict and struggle. He looked up at Man Chong with a sigh and spoke with resignation in his voice: "I have long understood that Yang Feng and Han Xian are not capable of achieving great things. However, I have followed them for many years; my loyalty remains strong, making it hard for me to abandon them."
Man Chong smiled gently, adding sincerity to his persuasion: "Have you ever heard the saying 'A good bird chooses its tree to perch on; a wise minister chooses whom to serve'? If one encounters a wise lord yet does not pledge allegiance while wasting life alongside mediocrity—this is not the choice of a true man."
Xu Huang lowered his head in silence for a moment, and when he raised his eyes again, there was a newfound determination in his gaze. He stood up and clasped his hands in salute, saying, "What you have said is entirely reasonable. I, Xu, will no longer hesitate and am willing to join you in seeking refuge with Lord Cao."
Seeing this, Man Chong's eyes flashed with relief, but he quickly lowered his voice and spoke tentatively, "Since the general has made this decision, why not simply eliminate Yang Feng and Han Xian as a gesture of goodwill when presenting ourselves to Lord Cao?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Huang furrowed his brow and shook his head firmly, his tone resolute. "To kill one's lord is an act of treachery and great disrespect. If I were to act in such a manner, how could I ever face others again? Such an unjust act must not be done!"
Man Chong nodded in admiration, his tone filled with respect. "Indeed, the general is a true man of honor! In that case, we must set off immediately, leaving the camp under the cover of night without delay."
Xu Huang agreed and promptly summoned several dozen trusted followers to secretly prepare their horses and set off lightly. Under the cover of darkness, Man Chong and Xu Huang's group sped along a narrow path.
***
The stars dimmed in the sky as a cold wind howled. A group of riders urged their horses forward at a rapid pace, the sound of hooves echoing urgently. Xu Huang led the way on horseback, while Man Chong rode behind him, visibly tense as he frequently glanced back.
Suddenly, a thunderous sound of horse hooves echoed from afar, followed by shouts: "Xu Huang the rebel, do not think you can escape!"
The group turned at the sound to see dust rising behind them as Yang Feng led over a thousand cavalry in pursuit. Furious, he pointed his spear directly at Xu Huang. "Xu Huang! As one of my generals, you dare to betray me! Today I will have your head beneath my horse!"
Xu Huang reined in his horse and turned to face the pursuers. His gaze was resolute as he spoke with thunderous conviction. "Yang Feng! It is not I who betray you; it is you who are short-sighted and fail to recognize the times! Today I go to seek refuge with a wise lord; this is the righteous path you cannot obstruct!"
Yang Feng laughed in rage. "A righteous path indeed! Come on, seize Xu Huang!"
The battle was about to erupt as Man Chong rode closer to Xu Huang and whispered urgently, "General, there are too many enemies; we cannot fight them all! We must break through!"
Xu Huang nodded and waved his hand to direct his trusted followers. "Split up and break through towards Lord Cao's camp; do not look back!" He took it upon himself to hold the rear guard, wielding his massive axe as he clashed with the pursuers. Amidst the flashing blades and cries of battle, blood splattered everywhere.
However, just as their group reached a narrow mountain path, the night sky was suddenly torn apart by a blinding flash of fire accompanied by a deafening cannon blast that plunged everything into chaos. Torches lit up like stars on the mountainside, illuminating the night sky with a crimson glow as countless soldiers from Cao's forces surged forth from hidden mountain paths, their armor and weapons glinting coldly in the firelight.
"I have been waiting for you for some time now, Yang Feng; do not think you can escape!" Cao Cao stood clad in armor on high ground, his voice booming like thunder throughout the valley.
Yang Feng's face changed dramatically as dread filled his heart. He pulled on his warhorse anxiously and shouted back towards his men, "Retreat! Quickly retreat!"
But the Cao Army surrounded him like an iron barrel, with archers occupying the hills, raining arrows down like a storm. The sharp arrows pierced through armor, taking down large numbers of soldiers, turning the ground into a river of blood. Taking advantage of the chaos, Cao Cao's cavalry charged from the front, their iron hooves trampling down, and their lances gleaming coldly as enemy soldiers fell one after another, cries of agony echoing in the air.
Yang Feng gritted his teeth, gripping his spear tightly as he desperately commanded his remaining troops to resist. Watching his soldiers being swallowed wave after wave by the Cao Army, a chill crept into his heart. At that moment, a thunderous sound of horse hooves erupted from behind him. Yang Feng turned to see Han Xian leading troops to rescue him.
Han Xian raised his sword and shouted, "Brothers, don’t panic! I’m here to help!" His forces charged fiercely into the ranks of the Cao Army, briefly opening a path for Yang Feng to retreat.
Cao Cao watched the two armies converge with cold eyes, a smirk creeping onto his lips. "Han Xian arrives just in time; we’ll catch them all!" He waved his hand and ordered, "All-out attack! First crush Han Xian!"
The valley echoed with shouts of battle as the Cao Army's infantry formed a spear wall, firmly blocking Han Xian's cavalry from advancing. The cavalry flanked from the sides, driving Yang Feng and Han Xian's coalition into a corner. Amidst the clash of blades and shadows of swords, Han Xian's soldiers fell one after another, pierced by long spears and collapsing into pools of blood. The morale of Yang Feng's remaining troops had already been low; now they were utterly demoralized. Some knelt in surrender while others turned to flee, corpses littering the ground with entrails spilled out and blood flowing like streams.
"Hold the formation!" Yang Feng shouted hoarsely, but he could not stop the collapse of morale. His warhorse was drenched in enemy blood, surrounded by groaning soldiers on the ground.
Seeing the dire situation, Han Xian urgently called out, "Yang Feng, we can't hold here any longer! Retreat quickly!"
Yang Feng gritted his teeth and glanced around before finally making a decision. He raised his spear high and commanded loudly, "Covering fire for the remnants! Follow me in retreat!"
The two led their remaining few hundred soldiers, using the cover of night to break through the encirclement of the Cao Army and fled in disarray towards the valley's exit. Their soldiers scattered like startled birds, fleeing in all directions as anguished cries echoed through the mountains. Yang Feng and Han Xian led their dwindling forces in a frantic escape under the cover of darkness. Their hearts were filled with humiliation and resentment as they ultimately headed north to seek aid from Yuan Shu.
Cao Cao stood on high ground, watching as the two disappeared into the darkness. He let out a cold snort before waving his hand. "Gather up the remnants and accept any who surrender." His gaze swept over the corpses strewn across the ground with an air of coldness and disdain. "Yang Feng and Han Xian are isolated and weak; where can they escape to make any waves?"
This bloody battle turned the valley into a hell on earth; the neighing of horses, cries of soldiers, and the stench of blood lingered long after, becoming the most brutal echo of that night.
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