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

Gongsun Huang rode his horse out of the city and went straight to the abandoned camp of the Han army.

Looking around, the camp was in complete disarray, with the bones of Han soldiers scattered everywhere. Weapons, armor, rations, and other military supplies were strewn about, piled up like mountains, all left behind by the Han army during their hasty retreat.

"This humble general, Xianyu Xun, pays his respects to the Second Young Master!"

"This humble general, Xianyu Cheng, pays his respects to the Second Young Master!"

Two Liao generals stepped forward quickly.

Gongsun Huang bent down and helped the two of them up one by one, his eyes filled with approval:

"Both generals fought bravely and defeated the enemy in this battle, making great contributions and achieving great merit."

Upon hearing the praise, the two generals were overjoyed, and Xianyu Cheng immediately bowed and flattered them:
"This achievement is by no means the work of a humble general. If it weren't for the Second Young Master's ingenious plan and strategy, which disrupted the Han army's formation through internal and external cooperation, how could we have won so easily?"

Xianyu Xun also cupped his hands in praise: "Second Young Master, your wisdom and strategy are unparalleled, and your plans are flawless. In my humble opinion, even the sages of strategy in ancient times could not compare to you in the slightest!"

Hearing such high praise from his two trusted generals, Gongsun Huang was overjoyed and burst into laughter.

He surveyed the ravaged camp, his tone dismissive:
"Xiao He, who calls himself a military genius, is nothing more than that."

Having said that, he mounted his horse and waved his hand, saying:

"Come with me back to the city. Tonight, I'll host a victory celebration banquet and drink with all of you until we're completely drunk!"

The brothers Xianyu Xun and Xianyu Cheng laughed heartily and followed closely behind.

The victorious Liao soldiers carried their captured supplies and strode away triumphantly.

Inside Dongguan City, a lively victory celebration banquet was subsequently held.

The wine, meat, and utensils at the banquet were all captured from the Han army camp the previous night. The Liao soldiers toasted each other, celebrating this great victory to the fullest.

Meanwhile, a few miles outside Dongguan City, the 100,000 Han soldiers who had withdrawn had regrouped. The soldiers set up temporary camps on the spot, and the smoke from the cooking fires rose slowly, but it could not hide the somber atmosphere in the camps.

Holding a military report, Zhang Liao, his expression filled with grief and indignation, entered Xiao He's tent and bowed to report:
"Reporting to the Grand Marshal, after taking inventory, our army has lost more than three thousand elite troops in this battle, and even more... Zhuge Dan died on the battlefield, his remains are nowhere to be found!"

"Zhuge Dan..."

Xiao He repeated the name in a low voice, a chilling killing intent flashing in his eyes, his fists clenched tightly.

Zhuge Dan was a meritorious minister among the younger generation, but now he has died tragically under the swords of the rebels, his soul returning to the battlefield.

How can we tolerate this hatred and resentment!

Xiao's aura suddenly turned cold.

Upon hearing the news of Zhuge Dan's death in battle, the generals outside the tent rushed into the tent, their eyes bloodshot with rage, shouting loudly:

"Grand Marshal, please order the attack on the city! We must avenge General Zhuge!"

"Flatten Dongguan City and skin Gongsun Huang alive!"

Xiao He looked up sharply, his eyes blazing with fury, and gave a stern order:
"Pass down the order! The entire army shall rest for half a day, then immediately regroup and surround Dongguan City again!"

He paused, his tone sharp:
"This time, I, Sima, will raze Dongguan to the ground, avenge Zhuge Dan, and make Gongsun Huang pay a bloody price!"

After a brief rest, the 100,000 Han soldiers lined up again and surged toward Dongguan City like a tidal wave.

Banners fluttered in the wind, and a menacing aura enveloped the fortress.

The army set up camp outside the city, with fortified defenses.

Commander Xiao He issued a strict order, commanding men to dig deep and wide trenches around the camp, building a strong defensive line layer by layer to completely cut off the possibility of the Liao army sneaking in through tunnels to raid the camp, thus firmly grasping the initiative in both offense and defense.

Dongguan City was once again surrounded by the Han army's iron wall, cut off from the outside world and its supply lines, becoming a besieged and isolated city.

The horns of siege sounded thunderously, piercing the sky.

This time, Xiao He was truly enraged.

In his past military campaigns, he always preferred to plan carefully before acting and to win through intelligence, rarely resorting to forceful attacks that would deplete his troops.

But the news of Zhuge Dan's death in battle ignited the anger in his heart and the grief and indignation of the entire army.

One hundred thousand Han troops launched a relentless attack on Dongguan City day and night.

Arrows rained down, and siege ladders formed a forest. Xiao He intended to use his overwhelming numerical superiority to raze the city to the ground and avenge the fallen soldiers.

In an instant, countless ladders were erected on the city wall, their iron hooks gripping the brick seams tightly.

The ramming vehicle, carrying the force of thunder, repeatedly crashed into the city wall.

The Han soldiers rushed to climb up the city wall, shouting slogans to avenge Zhuge Dan, and fearlessly charged at the Liao army on the city wall.

The fierce siege lasted for five days. The city walls of Dongguan were damaged in many places, the defending troops suffered heavy casualties, and the entire city was on the verge of collapse.

The following evening, the setting sun was like blood.

The sounds of battle echoed from the city walls, and the smoke of gunpowder mixed with the stench of blood filled the air as the Han army launched another fierce attack.

Xiao He assessed the situation and concentrated his troops at the West Gate, along with three hundred siege ladders, to break through the defenders' lines of defense.

After days of fierce fighting, the Liao army was exhausted and their strength was nearing its limit. The soldiers barely held on with their tenacity. Faced with the Han army's fearless charge, their defenses were gradually weakening.

"Is this... the true strength of the Han army?"

Gongsun Huang stood atop the city wall, gazing at the enemy army surging in like a tide below, his voice trembling.

The smugness and wishful thinking that he had previously plotted against Xiao Heshi had been completely shattered by the terrifying offensive before him, leaving him only with fear and unease.

"General Gongsun!"

General Xianyu Xun staggered forward:

"The Han army's offensive is too fierce, and the brothers are about to collapse. If we continue to defend, we will only be wiped out. We should abandon the city and break out as soon as possible, so that we can survive!"

Gongsun Huang gritted his teeth, clenched his fists, and his eyes blazed with resentful anger.

As the second son of the King of Liao, he has always harbored ambitions to become the heir apparent. This time, he volunteered to guard Dongguan City, hoping to achieve outstanding military exploits through defending the city and win the favor of his father, King Gongsun Kang. Perhaps he could then take the opportunity to replace his elder brother and be made the heir apparent.

But now, in just a few short days, Dongguan City is already in grave danger.

If he were to abandon the city and flee now, not only would all his previous efforts be wasted, but he would also lose face.

After returning, let alone vying for the throne, he will likely lose his father's trust completely, and have no chance of ever rising again.

"We cannot abandon the city!"

Gongsun Huang suddenly brandished his long sword, roaring and howling:
"I, this young master, am determined to defend Dongguan City. Anyone who dares to speak of abandoning the city today will be punished according to military law and executed without mercy!"

Xianyu Xun was intimidated by his outburst of rage and swallowed back the words of advice that were on the tip of his tongue. He could only lower his head and remain silent.

Gongsun Huang shouted again: "All troops, listen to my command! Defend this city to the death! We shall live and die with Dongguan City!"

Left with no other choice, Xianyu Xun turned around and drew his sword.

But as soon as he turned around, a cold, sharp gaze from below the city wall locked onto him.

Deng Ai was nocking an arrow and drawing his bow, the arrowhead pointing directly at his back.

Deng Ai concentrated his mind and breath, then suddenly released his grip, and the arrow shot out like a shooting star chasing the moon.

Xianyu Xun had just turned around to face the Han soldiers in front of him when he was completely unaware of the deadly arrows coming from behind him.

"puff!"

A muffled groan rang out as the arrow pierced through his flesh and exited from his face.

Xianyu Xun's eyes widened, his body stiffened, and then he fell backward onto the city wall.

"Second brother!"

The elder brother, Xianyu Cheng, happened to catch a glimpse of this scene, cried out in grief, and rushed over without hesitation.

When he rushed over, he saw that his younger brother had been shot in the forehead and was already dead. He immediately collapsed onto the body and wailed in despair.

Upon seeing this, Gongsun Huang shouted sternly:

"Xianyu Cheng, your brother was killed by the Han army. You are burdened with national and personal hatred. Why don't you quickly take up your sword and avenge him!"

Enrage instantly overwhelmed Xianyu Cheng's reason. He leaped up, drew his long sword, and slashed at a Han soldier who had climbed onto the city wall beside him.

"Crack!"

With a crisp sound, a head fell to the ground, and blood splattered all over the body.

"Kill, kill, kill!"

Xianyu Cheng, acting like a madman, wildly slashed at the city wall with his long sword, roaring vengeful words. Han soldiers who climbed the wall were slaughtered one after another, falling off the ramparts. But this was ultimately just a desperate struggle.

No matter how frantically he fought back, he could not ultimately reverse the overall situation.

The Han army advanced wave after wave, and the city's defenses continued to shrink, making collapse inevitable.

Suddenly, a deafening roar was heard.

The east gate of the city was completely breached by the Han army's battering rams!

More than ten Liao soldiers who were desperately blocking the gate were thrown several feet away by the huge impact and fell heavily to the ground.

The city gates were opened wide, and Han soldiers poured in.

Zhang Liao, wielding a heavy sword, charged into the city at the forefront. His blade flashed, and wherever he went, Liao soldiers fell from their horses. No one could withstand his onslaught.

The Han army infantry and cavalry followed closely behind, swarming in and sweeping through the breached city gates, completely destroying the last line of defense of Dongguan City.

The moment the city gates burst open, Gongsun Huang on the city tower, his eyes bloodshot, was terrified at the sight and screamed wildly:
"Xianyu Cheng, quickly lead men to seal the city gates! We must not let the Han army break in any further!"

Xianyu Cheng was still grieving the loss of his brother when he heard the order and suddenly came to his senses, his eyes flashing with even more ferocity.

He mounted his horse, dragged his blood-stained blade to his side, and galloped down the city wall, heading straight for the breach in the city gate.

"Brothers of the Liao Dynasty, follow me and block the city gate!"

Xianyu Cheng reined in his horse, brandishing his sword, and shouted:
"We will stand with the city gates to the death, and we will never allow the Han army to set foot inside the city!"

Before he finished speaking, he brandished his blood-stained longsword and pounced on the vanguard of the Han army pouring into the city gate like a mad tiger.

The blade flashed and fell, its sharpness unmatched.

Han soldiers were cut down one after another.

With his fearless and ruthless spirit, Xianyu Cheng managed to temporarily halt the overwhelming momentum of the Han army.

But this stalemate lasted only a moment.

A few steps away, Zhang Liao's eyes were sharp, and he had already locked onto him.

"Xianyu Cheng, I will settle Zhuge Dan's score today!"

Zhang Liao roared and spurred his horse straight at Xianyu Cheng.

Seeing Zhang Liao charging towards them, Xianyu Cheng, overwhelmed by old and new grudges, roared in uncontrollable fury:

"You scoundrel surnamed Zhang, my second brother died at the hands of the Han army, and today I will kill you to avenge him!"

He spurred his horse forward, dragging his sword as he charged towards Zhang Liao. He gathered all his strength into the blood-red blade in his hand, unleashing a powerful slash towards Zhang Liao's face.

Zhang Liao neither dodged nor evaded, but swung his heavy sword through the air, the blade carrying immense force, and took the blow head-on.

"throat!"

The deafening crash of the two swords clashing echoed through the streets, and violent gusts of air splashed outwards, knocking the soldiers locked in combat on both sides to the ground.

Zhang Liao remained firmly seated on his horse, unmoved, his expression still cold and stern.

Xianyu Cheng's tiger's mouth trembled violently, and bright red blood seeped from between his fingers. The surging force rebounded along the blade, shaking his internal organs so violently that they almost shattered.

After just one exchange, it was clear that the two were of different skill levels.

"This guy's martial arts are actually this powerful?"

Xianyu Cheng was greatly shocked. His previous arrogance in the battle against the Han army was shattered by this attack, leaving him only with shock.

"Xianyu Cheng, did you kill Zhuge Dan?"

Zhang Liao's eyes grew increasingly cold as he demanded:

"Today you will pay for your crimes in blood!"

Before he finished speaking, his longsword, once again imbued with the force of thunder, swept down.

In an instant, countless sword shadows enveloped Xianyu Cheng, the wind from the blades fierce and unavoidable.

Xianyu Cheng gritted his teeth and endured the pain, parrying with his sword.

"Cough cough cough!"

The two blades collided at high speed, producing more than ten dull metallic clangs.

Zhang Liao's martial arts skills were already far superior to Xianyu Cheng's. Now, with a heart burning with vengeance, every strike he made was imbued with grief and power, far exceeding his usual strength.

After more than ten moves of fighting, Xianyu Cheng's breathing became disordered, his moves gradually slowed down, and his body was full of openings.

"Damn it, this guy's martial arts are indeed stronger than mine. If this stalemate continues, I'll surely die. I have to get out of here immediately!"

Xianyu Cheng was secretly alarmed. He immediately swung his sword and used the force of the collision to force Zhang Liao back. He then turned his horse around and fled into the city.

Zhang Liao would not let him escape. He spurred his horse, brandished his heavy sword, and pursued him relentlessly, keeping close behind.

As Xianyu Cheng heard the approaching hoofbeats behind him, his heart grew anxious. He hurriedly hung up his long sword and reached behind him to retrieve his bow and arrows.

He reined in his horse and paused briefly, then sat sideways, nocked an arrow, and using the momentum of the horse's charge, turned and fired an arrow, its cold gleam aimed at Zhang Liao's face.

Zhang Liao was prepared. He saw the strange movement of the man and saw through his plan. When the arrows came, he used his long sword to deflect them.

"Dang~~"

A crisp metallic clang rang out as the arrow was easily deflected by the longsword and embedded in the wall beside it, its fletching humming.

Xianyu Cheng's expression changed drastically. He never expected that Zhang Liao would so easily deflect the surprise attack that was so close at hand.

"I do not believe!"

Xianyu Cheng gritted his teeth, unwilling to accept defeat. He drew his bow and nocked five arrows in quick succession, which shot out like meteors chasing the moon towards Zhang Liao.

Zhang Liao sat upright on his horse, wielding his long sword with impenetrable skill.

"Dang Dang Dang——"

With a few crisp sounds, all five arrows were deflected and scattered on the ground.

Xianyu Cheng was about to shoot his sixth arrow when he reached for his quiver, only to find it empty. He then realized that he had run out of arrows.

He slammed the iron bow to the ground, then spurred his horse on with all his might, fleeing forward with all his might, wanting only to escape Zhang Liao's pursuit as soon as possible.

Seeing him discard his bow, Zhang Liao immediately deduced that his quiver was empty, and a smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

"You've shot all your arrows, now it's my turn!"

Zhang Liao snorted coldly, hung his heavy sword on the saddle, grabbed the iron bow he carried with him, quickly drew it to its full extent, and aimed an arrow at Xianyu Cheng's back.

"go with!"

Zhang Liao suddenly released his grip, and a cold light shot out, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound, heading straight for the fleeing Xianyu Cheng.

Xianyu Cheng was focused on escaping and only hoped to shake off Zhang Liao. He never expected that this fierce general of the Han army was also skilled in archery and would even shoot him with a sneak attack.

It wasn't until the sharp sound of something tearing through the air reached him from behind, and a chilling aura carrying murderous intent swept over him, that he realized the danger was imminent.

"not good!"

Xianyu Cheng was suddenly startled, his hair stood on end, and he instinctively twisted his waist to dodge this fatal blow.

But Zhang Liao's arrow was fast and accurate, carrying immense force, and was already within arm's reach.

It was all too late. The arrow pierced the air much faster than he could react, and with a muffled "thud," it struck Xianyu Cheng precisely in the gap of his armor on the back, embedding itself deeply into his flesh.

A sharp pain instantly swept through his body. Xianyu Cheng let out a shrill scream, his body lurching forward uncontrollably as he fell heavily off the fleeing horse.

After landing, it rolled three or four more times due to inertia before finally coming to a stop.

He gritted his teeth, bracing himself with his hands on the ground as he tried to struggle to his feet, but the excruciating pain in his back caused his whole body to convulse with every movement.

Just then, a tall figure strode forward, his shadow enveloping him completely.

Zhang Liao had already caught up on horseback, dismounted, and stared down at him from his high vantage point.

"Xianyu Cheng, do you think you can escape?"

Zhang Liao's tone was icy cold, full of sarcasm and hatred.

Xianyu Cheng looked up at him, his eyes bloodshot and his jaw clenched:
"Zhang Liao, what kind of skill is it to win by sneak attack? I'm not convinced!" (End of Chapter)