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The standard for the Qin Army's warhorses is to have no stirrups, designed to facilitate the rider's use of a shorter crossbow. If Fang Tianhua had stirrups on his feet, completing evasive maneuvers would be quite difficult.
Just barely avoiding a lethal strike, Fang Tianhua seemed to dodge with too much force, causing his body to tumble off the side of the saddle. He quickly tapped the ground with his toes and leaped back onto the warhorse, adjusting his seating position. Turning the horse's head to glance at Guan Fangzheng across from him, he suddenly shook his Long Spear and charged forward again.
Watching from the sidelines, Luzi casually tucked his hands into his pockets as he observed his general charging toward the enemy commander. He quietly asked, "General Wang, should we sound the retreat and change generals?"
Wang Jian had been closely monitoring the battle and had just exchanged a few words with Fang Tianhua, who was returning to camp to switch weapons. Hearing General Lu's deliberate question, he quickly shook his head, indicating that there was absolutely no need for that.
Fang Tianhua was a key officer from the Qin Army's Charioteer Camp, a formidable warrior of the Qin State. He was proficient in both short and long weapons and had achieved perfect victories in numerous battles.
Luzi was an expert in this area and, despite what it might seem on the surface, he was not worried about Fang Tianhua losing. Although it appeared that he was not a match for Zhao General Guan Fangzheng, this was merely an act put on by Fang Tianhua. As long as he did not use his family heirloom technique, the Horizontal Blade Halberd, there was no need to worry about any danger. Wang Jian had also deduced this; by simply observing the weapon Fang Tianhua chose, he could gauge his confidence against the enemy.
Everyone has their hobbies to some extent. This Qin General enjoyed various types of weapons and often took his time during confrontations. The reason for this was to learn from his opponent's killing techniques and later refine them into something uniquely his own. Because of this inclination, his troops carried almost every type of weapon that could be forged at that time.
Fang Tianhua had just noticed that the Zhao General across the battlefield wielded a long-handled Fang Hammer, prompting him to return to his formation to switch for a Long Spear. For him, hammer techniques were still an unexplored territory. Throughout his years of military service, he had never encountered anyone skilled in using a hammer. Seeing the Zhao General wielding one only heightened his eagerness.
Wang Jian understood that Fang Tianhua had a singular obsession with weapons; it was almost to the point of obsession. When he saw Fang Tianhua returning to change weapons, he immediately grasped the situation. Without waiting for an explanation from Fang Tianhua, he quietly advised him not to worry about setting an example of initial victory. If he wanted to study his opponent's techniques further, he should go ahead; there was no problem with that. If he enjoyed it, even engaging in hundreds of encounters would be permitted.
Having previously worried about being held accountable by General Wang for deliberately delaying combat opportunities, Fang Tianhua was pleasantly surprised to hear that he could take his time analyzing his opponent's techniques. Grateful for this command from Wang Jian—akin to receiving timely assistance—Fang Tianhua felt deeply appreciative. From then on, he fully recognized Wang Jian's leadership and secretly resolved that no matter what happened in the future, he would apply to accompany Wang Jian on campaigns. Even if assigned a minor role, he would accept it without complaint!
Now free from psychological pressure, the Qin General relaxed completely as he took up his Long Spear and entered battle while observing his opponent's techniques. After fifty exchanges, Fang Tianhua felt he had gathered enough insight. He decided it was time to make a decisive move and not prolong things any further. Turning back toward his troops, he nodded in acknowledgment toward Wang Jian.
Indeed, this Qin Army unit belonged to the Charioteer Camp sequence; their absence from direct engagement was due to another mission. After receiving approval from Innkeeper Wang Jian, bold orders were given for the Cavalry Unit to maneuver toward the flanks of the Zhao Army formation.
Curious, Luzi asked Wang Jian why he didn't directly raid the Zhao Army's camp. Wang Jian immediately admitted that there were capable individuals among the Zhao Army's generals. In comparison, the flanks of the Zhao Army were currently the most vulnerable.
Determined not to interfere, Luzi casually inquired and, seeing Wang Jian's confidence, decided not to say more. He indicated that they could proceed however they wished, as long as winning was the minimum standard.
Wang Jian patted his chest and assured him that this request was quite simple!
Having long been prepared to strike, Fang Tianhua received the order and swung his Long Spear to engage. If he wanted to follow General Wang in the future, he needed to showcase his abilities to earn his place. People often said that one couldn't match strength against a heavy hammer, but today he would challenge that notion!
As the two generals' horses crossed paths, the Zhao General launched a powerful strike. This move could not be met head-on unless the opponent also used a hammer. Therefore, it was executed with full force, without any intention of holding back.
To hit someone, one must first prevent being hit. Fang Tianhua found it amusing that his opponent's attack was so blatant. He raised his weapon and shouted, "Go!"
The sound of metal clashing echoed as the heavy hammer nearly slipped from the Official Delegation's grip, causing pain in their hands. While shocked that the Qin Army's spear was made of metal, both arms went numb instantly.
Fang Tianhua clearly had no intention of waiting for a reaction; he broke through with his Fang Hammer and thrust forward. The sharp point unreservedly pierced the target's chest until it was blocked by a horizontal blade. With a show of strength, Fang Tianhua lifted the body off its horse and then threw down the spear onto the ground. The entire action was executed without any unnecessary flourishes, demonstrating that the shortest distance is indeed a straight line.
Whether it looked good or not didn't matter; practicality was key! War wasn't a dance competition; being able to kill enemies was what counted. Something that looked dazzling but was impractical was useless. Watching their general achieve victory, the Qin Army cheerleaders erupted into loud cheers to support their Invincible General.
Since Wuan Jun took command in Shangdang, he had added a regulation to orders: merit would no longer be recorded solely by enemy heads; any proven contributions would count. Without this order, Fang Tianhua could have returned with the Zhao General's head.
In broad daylight and under everyone's gaze, the success of their first battle was witnessed by all in the Qin Army. Thus, there were witnesses who naturally negated the need for anyone's head as confirmation. Fang Tianhua rode back and loudly informed the Zhao Army to come collect their dead.
With that said, let’s move on.
The Qin General, having achieved three victories in three battles, stood confidently before the Thousand Troops and Horses, calmly inquiring if anyone from the Zhao Army was willing to take the field. With this spirit, even three more battles would be manageable.
If there were any among the Zhao Army who were still unconvinced earlier, they had now accepted the situation. However, acceptance does not equate to willingness to fight. Zhou Zhi had evidently waited long enough and suddenly raised his spear, shouting, "Attack!"
The Flag Soldiers stationed at a high vantage point immediately issued the attack order. The Zhao Army Cavalry, hidden behind the Infantry Phalanx, deployed in a formation resembling two dragons emerging from water, preparing to flank the Qin Army phalanx. The Zhao Army phalanx also began to advance, attempting to exert absolute pressure on the Qin Army.
Prepared for this, Wang Jian observed the opposing army's formation and promptly ordered his phalanx to adopt an offensive stance. The front of the formation faced the Zhao Army phalanx in a triangular shape, while the flanks adjusted to face left and right, presenting a united front against the enemy.
What remained was straightforward; the soldiers at the front of the triangular formation slowly moved forward with their long spears held high, followed closely by the Qin State Arrow Formation, ready to leverage their ranged advantage. As a rain of arrows fell upon the battlefield, the first large-scale confrontation of the Shangdang Campaign officially commenced.
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