My father-in-law Guan Yu, I persuaded Liu Bei to launch a surprise attack on Xiangyang at the beginn

When Guan Yu saw Ma Chao approaching, he immediately dismounted nimbly, walked to Ma Chao's side, and gently helped Ma Chao up with his large, kind hand.

His eyes were full of approval as he gently patted Ma Chao's shoulder and exclaimed:

"Bowen's ability to judge people is truly unparalleled. Now it seems that he was absolutely right. You, Ma Mengqi, are indeed a hero who keeps his word!"

"For the Emperor to have obtained a tiger general like you, Mengqi, who is rare in this world, is truly a blessing from Heaven for the Han Dynasty, and an unparalleled good fortune for the Han Dynasty!"

Upon receiving such high praise from General Guan Yu of the Han Dynasty, Ma Chao's previously uneasy heart instantly calmed down, as if he had taken a reassuring pill.

At that moment, Ma Chao's gaze was firm as he slowly looked towards Ye City, the place where the emperor resided.

Taking a deep breath, he solemnly bowed with his hands clasped in respect.
"Chao has long desired to submit to the Han Dynasty, but he had never had the opportunity. Today, he has finally fulfilled his wish and returned to the embrace of the Han Dynasty. Chao has no regrets in this life."

"Chao hereby swears that he will go through fire and water for the Emperor, even if it means facing mountains of knives and seas of fire, and will repay the Emperor's kindness with his life!"

Guan Yu was very pleased to see Ma Chao so sincerely express his attitude. A smile of satisfaction appeared on his already dignified face.

"The great Han dynasty was able to successfully recapture Hanzhong, and the greatest credit goes to you, Mengqi. When you enter the court to meet the emperor one day, he will surely reward you handsomely."

At this moment, Xiao He also walked forward with a cheerful smile and light steps, gently helping Ma Chao up. His face was filled with a kind smile, and he comforted him in a gentle tone:

"Mengqi, rest assured, you, Ma Mengqi, will definitely have a place in the Han Dynasty court in the future."

These words undoubtedly reassured Ma Chao.

Ma Chao slowly raised his head, his gaze first searching for Zhao Yun's figure.

Seeing this, Zhao Yun smiled slightly and introduced Ma Chao:
"Mengqi, this is our Grand Marshal."

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao immediately became respectful and bowed deeply to Xiao He.
"When I was in Guanzhong, I often heard that the Grand Marshal was a genius, able to devise strategies and win battles from afar, just like an immortal. I have long admired you."

"If it weren't for the Grand Marshal's brilliant plan, how could Chao have had this precious opportunity to return to the Han Dynasty?"

"Grand Marshal Yu Chao has been a benefactor to me, and I will never forget this kindness. Please accept my bow, Grand Marshal!"

Ma Chao held Guan Yu, the great general, in the highest esteem.

As for Xiao He, besides awe, there was even more admiration.

His gaze toward Xiao He was filled with reverence, as if he were looking at an omnipotent celestial being.

"Meng Qi, you flatter me. This is all due to your own good fortune and ability."

Xiao He smiled and helped Ma Chao up, then pointed ahead:
"It seems Zhang Lu is still not giving up and wants to make a last-ditch effort. You go ahead and pave the way for the Emperor to flatten Nanzheng City!"

Ma Chao turned around upon hearing this.

From the direction of the main street, countless Hanzhong soldiers were surging forward like a raging tide.

It turned out that Zhang Lu had led his army to seize the East Gate after hearing the news.

Ma Chao's fighting spirit was instantly ignited by Xiao He's words, and his already burning passion boiled even more.

He leaped to his feet, mounted his horse, brandished his spear, and shouted:
"Soldiers of Xiliang, listen up! Follow me to clear the way for the Grand Marshal and the General, and take Nanzheng City!"

"Kill with me!"

Ma Chao let out a long roar, his voice piercing the sky.

He spurred his horse, spear in hand, and charged straight at the oncoming Hanzhong soldiers like a bolt of lightning.

Behind him, three thousand Xiliang soldiers, each one brimming with fervor, charged forward like a surging tide, their battle cries deafening.

Guan Yu swung his Green Dragon Crescent Blade forward with a fierce motion.

In an instant, countless Han infantry and cavalry poured into the city gate, surged past him, and charged toward the heart of Nanzheng.

On the main street, shouts of battle shook the heavens.

The two legions clashed violently on this narrow street.

The main force of the Han army had not yet entered the city in force, so this battle was actually more like an internal struggle within the Hanzhong army.

Yang Ren's Hanzhong army actually held a certain numerical advantage. However, Ma Chao commanded elite Xiliang soldiers, whose combat effectiveness and fighting spirit far surpassed those of the Hanzhong soldiers.

The moment the two armies clashed, the Xiliang soldiers, like tigers and wolves, with unstoppable momentum, forced the Hanzhong soldiers to retreat step by step.

Like autumn winds sweeping away fallen leaves, the Hanzhong soldiers were utterly unable to resist.

Ma Chao was like a god of war descended to earth. He wielded his silver spear and charged wildly, leaving heads rolling wherever he went. No one could withstand his might.

"Block the rebel soldiers!"

"Hold the line! No retreating!"

Amidst the chaos of the army, Yang Ren's hoarse roar rang out.

At this moment, the current top general of Hanzhong had his original vigor completely shattered by the fierce attack of Ma Chao and the Xiliang soldiers. Only one thought remained in his mind:
Hold the line and prevent the Hanzhong army from collapsing before making any further moves.

Ma Chao's gaze pierced through the pervasive blood mist, and he immediately located Yang Ren's position.

The Yang clan, led by Yang Song, has suppressed Ma Chao quite a bit over the years, and the anger in their hearts has been accumulating for a long time.

Upon seeing Yang Ren again, an endless rage suddenly ignited within him.

"Yang Ren!"

"You treacherous villain!"

"I kill you--"

With a furious roar, Ma Chao charged into the enemy ranks alone, heading straight for Yang Ren.

The soldiers of Hanzhong along the way were all awed by Ma Chao's divine might, and they retreated to both sides like waves, with no one daring to block his path.

Ma Chao, alone on horseback, rushed to Yang Ren in the blink of an eye.

He wielded a blood-red spear, unleashing a devastating force that seemed to shatter the heavens and split the earth, and thrust it out with overwhelming force.

"Horses?"

When Yang Ren saw Ma Chao arrive, his face immediately showed shock and anger.

His anger stemmed from the fact that this treacherous Xiliang traitor had betrayed him, the King of Hanzhong, leading to the imminent fall of Nanzheng.

His shock stemmed from the fact that he knew all too well Ma Chao's martial arts skills and that he was no match for Ma Chao at all.

It was too late to escape, so he had no choice but to grit his teeth and raise his knife to defend himself with trembling hands.

Everything has slowed down.

Before the sword technique was fully executed, Ma Chao's blood spear had already pierced through like lightning.

"Crack!"

With a crisp sound, Yang Ren was struck by a spear and screamed as he was stabbed and fell from his horse.

Ma Chao pointed his spear at the fallen mangled body, his eyes filled with anger and disdain, and said sharply:
"Yang Ren, you scoundrel, did you ever imagine that you would end up like this?"

Yang Ren lay on the ground, bleeding profusely, in excruciating pain.

Faced with Ma Chao's questioning, he showed no remorse whatsoever; instead, he gritted his teeth and cursed:
"You shameless Xiliang dog, my brother is right, you are indeed disloyal and unjust, and have sided with the false Han!"

"I only regret that the king didn't listen to our advice. If he had killed you earlier, things wouldn't have come to this."

Ma Chao's eyes blazed with fury, as if he wanted to burn Yang Ren to ashes, and he roared:
"If it weren't for the fact that your Yang clan has been stirring up trouble and slandering me behind my back all these years, and inciting Zhang Lu to be suspicious of me, how could I, Ma Chao, have betrayed him?"

"You have only yourself to blame for ending up like this!"

Amidst the angry shouts, Ma Chao furiously brought down his blood-red spear.

"Crack!"

Yang Ren's head rolled to the ground. (End of Chapter)