Just when everyone thought they would be temporarily safe after dark, the fire wall ahead suddenly shattered. Before they could figure out what was happening, several massive figures burst through the flames, billowing smoke and fire.
"It's the Zhao Army! Quickly form ranks!" someone shouted a warning, instantly reminding the soldiers of the threat before them.
Everyone hastily dropped their soybeans and grabbed their crossbows to prepare for defense. In the chaos, they tried to discern what the massive figures were, only to find that they had come to a halt after knocking down the fire wall.
With the flickering light of the flames, they realized that these were actually tall tree trunks. The Zhao Army had used long wooden stakes to create enough force to smash several gaps in the already weakened fire wall. Amidst the sounds of battle cries, several units of Zhao soldiers emerged from the flames almost simultaneously. The gleaming armor of the soldiers completely ignored the scorching heat as they brandished their weapons and surged into the Qin Army camp.
For the already outnumbered Qin Army, it was manageable to fend off an enemy from one direction. However, with multiple assault teams appearing at once, the slow firing rate of their crossbows became a glaring disadvantage.
Feeling a sudden decrease in pressure, the Zhao Army wasted no time in taking advantage of the gaps in the Qin defenses to unleash a rain of arrows. The battlefield was filled with flying ash and shouts of battle; the long-suppressed fury had been thoroughly ignited.
Seeing Zhao soldiers scattered throughout the camp, Meng Wu loudly called for the remaining soldiers to quickly disperse and find cover for a final stand. Grabbing Luzi, he ran towards the rear where there were warhorses—this was their last chance.
Li Xin saw Zhao cavalry following closely behind Zhao soldiers as they crossed the fire wall and quickly whistled for his mount. He mounted his horse and charged at the enemy, shouting and wielding his short spear while leading a dozen Qin soldiers into battle. Along the way, he cut down several Zhao soldiers and charged fiercely towards their cavalry unit.
He knew that as long as he could temporarily block their cavalry, it would buy Luzi and Meng Wu more time to escape. He swiftly took down an officer from the Zhao cavalry with a single thrust, roaring like a fierce tiger: "General Li Xin of Qin State is here! Surrender your lives!"
The Zhao cavalry that had just entered the battlefield without having time to form ranks did not expect to encounter such a fierce opponent right away; they scrambled to respond and quickly fell into disarray. However, the Qin cavalry was too few in number to provide sufficient impact.
The Zhao cavalry were seasoned veterans; after a brief moment of confusion, they quickly regrouped. Realizing that there were only a handful of opponents, they called out to each other to surround them.
The two armies' cavalry clashed repeatedly, and after several exchanges, only Li Xin and two others from the Qin cavalry remained. Seeing themselves surrounded by Zhao cavalry, he knew that their final moment had come. Thus, he held his spear in his left hand and drew his longsword from his waist with his right hand.
The Zhao Cavalry Unit discovered that only three enemies remained and were still willing to fight. Out of admiration, they kindly advised, "Surrender! Our Zhao Army does not kill captives!"
Li Xin heard the call from the opposing cavalry and took a deep breath, glancing at the two remaining cavalrymen beside him.
The two already wounded soldiers said nothing further, glaring with bloodshot eyes at the enemy. They whispered, "We do not wish to survive alone; in this life, we only wish to follow the general into battle!"
How could one live their life in mediocrity? Wasn't it for this moment that they had been filled with anticipation? Li Xin nodded, raised his long sword high, and shouted, "For King Qin! For Qin State! Charge!"
...
The flames illuminated the sharp edges of weapons around them, and everywhere there was bloodshed and the sounds of clashing arms. Luzi and Meng Wu had just mounted their horses when they were surrounded by Zhao Army soldiers. Realizing the dire situation, both drew their long swords and leaned against each other to prepare for the enemy.
The Zhao Cavalry near the fire wall seemed unaware of what was happening and continued to fight fiercely without coming over. If their guess was correct, it was likely that Li Xin and his men had drawn the enemy cavalry's attention. Meng Wu looked at the gathering Zhao soldiers around them and knew this would likely be their final battle.
What did I, Meng Wu, have to fear about life and death!? It was truly regrettable that I could not protect Luzi and break through the encirclement! He whispered, "It is all my failure that has put you in such danger!"
Luzi understood that if this camp at Old Horse Ridge fell, the Zhao Sovereign's forces could advance straight into Qin State's defenses. With the push of the Zhao Army, even the Mountain God Shrine behind them would no longer be safe. It was merely a matter of time before it happened; why lament so much? He smiled slightly and said softly, "No worries! It is fortunate that you and I brothers can die together."
After a whole day of fighting, the number of Qin State soldiers was already low. As more Zhao Army troops continued to flood into the camp, the effective resistance organized by the Qin Army gradually weakened. The few remaining defensive formations could barely hold on. At this point, it was not just about holding out until tomorrow morning; even managing to last another half hour would be a miracle.
A miracle!? What did that even mean?
It seemed heaven itself knew that this massacre among humans was too ruthless; it covered up the bright moon and stars in the sky. Tears flowed down like white petals falling in a flurry, instantly crystallizing into beads upon landing on the shining weapons.
Meng Wu looked up at the snow falling from the sky and suddenly heard a heavy sigh from deep within his heart.
Ah! Once upon a time, it was snowing like this too. He had led his comrades through the encirclement of the Soldiers. Unexpectedly, he, who should have died on the battlefield, managed to break free, leaving all his brothers behind. Since he could still live for so many more days, he felt content!
Tonight was the final battle! After this, he would be able to reunite with his brothers; that would be a blessing! With that thought, he nodded heavily. Taking a deep breath, he slowly adjusted his breathing rhythm and coldly stared at the Soldiers across from him.
The enraged Zhao Army Soldier had long wanted to rush forward and chop these two arrogant fellows into pieces but had to stand there seething in frustration due to the lack of an attack order. He glared at the two Qin Generals on horseback within the encirclement, waiting for the Centurion's command to avenge their fallen brothers!
"What is the point of continuing this futile resistance!? You might as well surrender!" The Centurion of Zhao saw that the two men in the encirclement were unafraid and secretly admired them. "If you two generals continue to fight, you may not see tomorrow's sun!"
Ah! Tomorrow's sun! That was already a matter of yesterday! A man born between heaven and earth should ride forth and gallop across the battlefield. Even if defeated in Martial Valor in Death, what is there to fear!
Luzi and Meng Wu exchanged a smile, instantly reading the sentiment of farewell in each other's eyes. Let’s begin! With that, they squeezed their legs against their horses' flanks and simultaneously swung their swords. The Seven Star Black Steed seemed to sense their courage and determination for victory; it reared up high with a long neigh, and before its front hooves touched the ground, it shot towards the enemy like lightning, resembling a shooting star.
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