Elders say that life is always resilient and can always find a way to survive against the odds, unless one willingly chooses to give up. Otherwise, you will be fortunate enough to witness miracles.
However, when the formation of the Zhao Army began to change, the three trapped Qin Generals knew it was the final moment. If they were indeed fortunate enough to survive, it would be a miracle reborn!
With his head held high, Luzi gripped his warhorse tightly and firmly held his spear. While there was still time, he expressed his gratitude to Generals Feng Quji and Li Xin. Regardless of the outcome, having brothers by his side on the road to the underworld was enough for this life!
Feng Quji looked at the gradually widening distance of the Zhao Army formation and smiled as he nodded at Luzi. For him, there was a hint of regret in his heart. If possible, he would prefer for Luzi to live on, without any reason.
Li Xin lowered his head to look at the already empty quiver and couldn't help but smile bitterly as he shook his head. He casually slung his family heirloom bow behind him and drew out the General's Sword, singing a tune.
Smoke rises, cold clothes worn. Iron horses and golden spears in the wind, the sound of the War Drum echoes. Heavy rain falls, the north wind rises, armored men roam far and wide! The bright moon shines, thinking of home, treading across mountains and rivers! Singing victory songs, souls return home!
The rhythmic chant was filled with infinite tragic grandeur at that moment. As the song ended, the Zhao Army's Defensive Formation split apart to make way for rows of archers. The completed Arrow Formation then advanced a few steps, aiming their sharp tips at their respective targets.
Moved by the lyrics, Luzi took a deep breath and looked at the prepared Feng Quji and Li Xin beside him. "We are the invincible Qin Army! The never-say-die Qin Army! We exist solely for victory! For victory! Charge!"
Feeling their fierce fighting spirit, the three warhorses suddenly raised their front hooves and let out a long neigh to show their determination. Then, carrying all their past dreams and courage, they charged toward their final destination without looking back.
No matter how far away they were from the charging three Qin Generals, at this moment, the range of Zhao Army's Arrow Formation could be disregarded. Watching as the three riders quickly approached, a single command would unleash a rain of arrows.
Facing what seemed like an overwhelming wave of killing intent, the commander of the Arrow Formation drew his Sword. "Aim! Prepare..."
"General Wang Jian of the Qin Army is here! You brats! Do not harm my General!"
With a loud roar echoing through the skies, Wang Jian suddenly appeared at the flank of the Zhao Army's Arrow Formation, breaking through their ranks. The bowstring twanged, and a cold star instantly shot down the Zhao Army Command that was about to give the order to fire.
The deadly arrows were unleashed!
Leading the charge, Wang Jian led two hundred cavalrymen to pierce into the Zhao Army's Arrow Formation. With his Long Spear in hand, he skillfully tore open a gap in the formation. The Qin Army Cavalry Soldiers followed closely behind, bloodthirsty and relentless, maintaining their attack formation while wreaking havoc.
For the archers, who could only engage from a distance, there was no way to withstand the fierce assault led by the valiant warriors of the Pike Formation. They scattered in panic, wishing they had more legs to run away. As for their previous target, survival took precedence.
Seizing the opportunity created by the sudden loss of pressure, Luzi quickly led Feng Quji and Li Xin to charge into the Zhao Army's Arrow Formation. The Pike Formation split to provide timely support for the three generals and then quickly reformed to protect them.
Zhao Sheng, upon hearing that another wave of Qin Army was charging in, hurriedly climbed to a high vantage point to observe the battle. He realized that the Qin Army was not a large force and angrily ordered his cavalry to surround and eliminate them. He strictly commanded that not a single person should escape; otherwise, they would face military law!
To ensure the encirclement succeeded, Zhao Sheng decided to personally command from the high ground. He wanted to see these Qin Barbarians who dared to intrude upon the Zhao Army be killed and have their heads displayed at the West Rampart!
Wang Jian, leading the Pike Formation as he charged through the Zhao Army camp, was already stained with blood. Upon hearing news that the Governor and two generals were safe behind him, he immediately decided to lead his troops out of encirclement.
From his elevated position, Zhao Sheng noticed that the attacking formation began to change direction and quickly understood what this group of Qin Army intended. He immediately ordered heavy troops to block the Qin Army's retreat route, aiming to use their numerical advantage for a direct confrontation.
Under Zhao Sheng's effective command, the Qin Army's attack became increasingly difficult. Protected within the Pike Formation, Luzi sensed something was off and looked around until he suddenly spotted the Zhao Army Command situated on a high hill.
Small flags occasionally appeared on the hillside, almost synchronizing with the Qin Army's breakout direction. Realizing what was happening, Luzi estimated the distance and called over Li Xin to inquire if they could eliminate this hidden threat.
Having just received arrow supplies while supporting the side of the Pike Formation, Li Xin understood what the Governor meant and focused intently on observing. Quickly calculating their distances based on what he could see from that height, he hesitated for a moment before admitting that it was slightly beyond their range.
Li Xin's reasoning was merely a convenient excuse; the so-called distance was already far beyond his own understanding. Not to mention that this distance had exceeded the effective range of any bow, even the unpredictable mountain winds were a significant factor! Even with the Qin State's Crossbow, known for its long range, and the highly stable Triangular Arrow, it would be difficult to meet the requirements.
After initially breaching the Zhao Army's Central Army, they had long prepared for the Qin Army's tactics. Moreover, there was an archer hidden within the Qin Army who exceeded anyone's imagination, making the Central Army's Defensive Formation as solid as a fortress. Anyone attempting to sneak in now would find it nearly impossible! It wasn't just a matter of the remaining hundred or so men breaking through the Defensive Formation; even if several hundred more were added, they would still fail.
Luzi, having completed his distance assessment, informed Li Xin that he had heard stories about how the Li Family successfully protected the former king during a breakout. As for who the protagonist of those stories involving the Li Family was, General Li should know by now. According to accurate records, the Li Family's excellent bows were fully capable of handling such distances!
This provocation clearly worked on Li Xin, especially since General Li had always taken pride in his family's specially crafted bows. The legend had been recounted by a Qin General who participated in that battle and was affirmed by King Qin, indicating that there was certainly no exaggeration involved.
Luzi, accustomed to handing tricky problems over to experts when the time was right, added more fuel to the fire. He didn't want to use the Qin State's Crossbow with its longer range and higher accuracy due to concerns about the archer's capabilities.
No matter how good a weapon is, it requires a skilled archer to maximize its potential. Without years of practice and skill honed from childhood, achieving a long-range kill would clearly be challenging.
That said, the Zhao Army's commander was not a stationary target on a mountaintop. If the first shot missed, they would immediately be discovered and would surely take cover. By then, it would likely be too late to realize this dream!
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