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As the two individuals were discussing their future plans, a series of urgent hoofbeats echoed from the front. Luzi turned towards the sound, realizing at that moment that he could hear it but not see its source.
According to the agreement made with Wang Jian earlier, Luzi rushed out of the battlefield upon receiving the signal of fire from the northern front to notify the Central Army. Fang Tianhua also noticed that the fog was too thick to see the Defensive Formation set up by the Qin Army to the north.
Wang Jian likely recognized this issue as well, which is why he did not light a signal fire but instead sent back guards to protect the general's escape. Since hoofbeats were now heard ahead, it could be understood that the guards had returned!
Fang Tianhua led over the Seven Star Black Steed and helped Luzi mount his warhorse before swiftly getting onto his own steed. He reached for his Horizontal Blade Halberd, waiting to meet up with the returning General's Guard.
Holding a Long Spear, Luzi gazed into the foggy northern expanse, filled with concern for Wang Jian's safety as he supported their efforts. If the Defensive Formation in the north were breached by the Zhao Army, then Wang Jian would surely be in grave danger.
In the face of an army-level assault, it was impossible for just one or two individuals to influence the situation. At this moment, within the Qin Army's formation, the Central Army's last Reserve Team had already engaged. The awkward situation of having no one left to send was beyond Luzi's control.
The best course of action was indeed what Wang Jian had suggested: to break through while the Qin and Zhao armies were entangled in battle. If all went well, they could return to join forces with the Qin Army stationed at Dan Shui River and reunite with the Old Generals.
Fang Tianhua noticed that the hoofbeats from across the fog were slowing down and realized that the guards might have trouble locating the general. He quickly called out loudly so that the soldiers could follow his voice and converge.
Hearing someone call out to their troops across the way, Luzi realized it was too late to stop them. As hoofbeats echoed again, a cavalry unit from Zhao Army suddenly burst into view within the Qin Army's defensive perimeter. Leading them was none other than Zhao Kuo, who relished in personally slaying generals!
Since Zhao Kuo issued his mobilization order, he had not been idle; claiming victory was merely an excuse. As various commanders received their attack orders and rushed back to their respective units to launch assaults, Zhao Kuo had already completed his reconnaissance of the Military Map and set off with his troops.
According to precise markings on the detailed Qin State Battle Map, this mountainous high ground occupied by Qin Army was known as Tiger Back Ridge. Its summit was flat and resembled a tiger's back, hence its name.
Compared to Tiger Back Ridge's surrounding terrain, it was evident that its northern slope was steep and defensible. Given that the other three directions were relatively flat, it was believed that Qin Army would focus their defenses on the east, west, and south sides.
Zhao Kuo, always fond of unexpected decisions, chose to charge in from the northern side of Tiger Back Ridge. This choice was not only due to the defensive focus of the Qin Army but also because the command center of the Qin Army was located further north. In other words, charging in from the north of Tiger Back Ridge was the shortest route to find the Qin Army Commander.
The defenses of the Qin Army were just as Zhao Kuo had anticipated; they considered that the slopes to the north were not suitable for large-scale cavalry operations. Coupled with the fact that their opposing commander was the quick-moving Zhao Kuo, they concentrated their defensive efforts on the east, west, and south.
This layout led to a critical issue: just because the northern area was unsuitable for large-scale cavalry operations did not mean that cavalry could not advance there. The general of Zhao's army not only favored a swift and decisive approach to warfare but also relished taking enemy commanders' heads amidst thousands of troops and horses.
When a previously unimportant defense suddenly became a focal point, it was already too late to adjust their deployment. This was what Wang Jian felt most helpless about upon arriving at the northern defense area, especially when he discovered that the general leading Zhao's army in a fierce assault was Zhao Kuo.
Zhao Kuo truly had the ability to summon heavy fog!
This was Wang Jian's first thought upon seeing Zhao's army's banner. Looking up, he noticed that the full moon had already vanished from sight, and he immediately believed Luzi's claim that one could see nothing while immersed in such fog. Just as he intended to order his soldiers to light fires to notify the general to retreat quickly, he turned around only to find that he could not see the tops of the hills at all.
The so-called fog was generated by the meeting of cold and warm air. Especially in densely vegetated mountainous areas, it was entirely normal for heavy fog to spread due to humid weather. Even during cold winters, one could occasionally see thin mist; let alone now, when it was already springtime. The originally normal weather change being misunderstood was indeed unfortunate.
Zhao Kuo, who personally led his troops forward, also noticed Wang Jian on the opposite side. Just as he was filled with joy and wanted to rush over, he too was hindered by the heavy fog. Moments ago, everything had been clear; now he could see nothing at all.
Losing sight of the Qin Army general did not anger Zhao Kuo; instead, he felt it was a sign from heaven that victory awaited Zhao's army. Faced with the long-range advantage of Qin's Arrow Formation, heavy fog would inevitably render such a powerful weapon ineffective.
Heaven is helping me!
Thus, Zhao Kuo decided to abandon his search for Wang Jian, who was also looking for him, and directly led his troops through the Qin Army's defensive area straight toward their command center. Upon reaching the position of the Central Army, he slowed down his advance out of concern that there might still be Qin's Zhao Cavalry Camp at the mountain top.
The subsequent result delighted them: surprisingly, the center position of Qin Army's Defensive Formation was empty! They began searching in darkness for where the Qin Army Commander might be. Just as they worried whether the Qin Army Commander was absent, a standard Qin State accent suddenly came from ahead.
Suddenly emerging from the mist, Zhao Kuo spotted Luzi and realized that all his previous efforts had been worth it. As he prepared to charge forward with his spear to end the battle, he was unexpectedly blocked by a Qin General who came at him from the side.
Fang Tianhua, who had called out and attracted the Zhao Army's attention, was filled with regret. He realized too late that he had even summoned the big tiger. While signaling Luzi to run, he swung his Horizontal Blade Halberd to intercept Zhao Kuo.
Due to the experience from the encounter at noon, Luzi was deeply shadowed by fear. When he saw Zhao Kuo suddenly appear from the mist, he didn't even consider approaching for a fight. As Fang Tianhua rode forward to confront the enemy, Luzi turned his horse around and fled without any fighting spirit.
The mountainous area, devoid of moonlight, was already dark enough that one couldn't see their own hand in front of their face. The addition of heavy fog further impaired visibility. Just as Zhao Kuo, who had been excited about finding the Qin Army's General, suddenly realized he had lost sight of his target again.
A surge of anger arose; at least there was somewhere to vent it!
Zhao Kuo ordered his cavalry to disperse and search for the Qin Army Commander while using his spear to hold back the thrust of Fang Tianhua's Horizontal Blade Halberd. "You ignorant fool! Dare to block my path!? This time next year will be your death anniversary!"
Uncertain whether the general had safely escaped, Fang Tianhua faced Zhao Kuo with caution. Hearing those words, he sneered, "As a general of Zhao, resorting to underhanded tactics for victory is truly disgraceful!"
What does that mean!?
Caught in the same heavy fog of night, Zhao Kuo had no idea what Fang Tianhua meant by underhanded tactics. Already furious, he didn't bother asking for clarification and shouted angrily, "It's all nonsense! Come and take your life!"
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