Late Ming Dynasty: Starting with the overthrow of the county magistrate, a rebellion was launched to

At this time, Li Dingguo was in the prime of his youth, and many in the army called him "a match for ten thousand men" and "Little Yuchi".

How could such a heroic figure possibly retreat because of such a small-scale battle?

He might even have a thought pop into his head because the battle was at a stalemate and the soldiers on the front lines were locked in a stalemate.

"Hmph, if I were to make a move, they wouldn't have a chance to remain locked in a stalemate."

Indeed, Li Dingguo wanted to use his own bravery to break through the enemy's front line, create an opening, and then rout their formation to break the stalemate.

Of course, this trick always works.

However, Li Dingguo still did not choose to do that.

After all, the two sides were too entangled at this moment, fighting hand to hand. If they were to charge head-on, even if Li Dingguo himself was a master of martial arts and could break through the lines temporarily, his soldiers would not be able to escape unscathed like him...

Since such an approach would be counterproductive, and given the darkness and the unclear deployment of enemy reserves, he naturally wouldn't act rashly out of momentary impulse.

"If the Ming army deploys all its forces to confront the enemy head-on, then the defenses on both sides will inevitably be weak. Rather than expending energy on a frontal assault and losing elite troops, it would be better to also send a contingent of elite troops to bypass the main battlefield and bypass it by taking a detour through a remote area on the side of the open field, thus launching a surprise attack on the enemy's flank and catching them off guard."

As luck would have it, Li Dingguo's idea once again coincided with Zhang Da's.

After much deliberation, Li Dingguo immediately decided that he could no longer insist on a frontal assault. Instead, he personally selected over a hundred elite cavalrymen, discarding their heavy armor and traveling light, carrying sharp weapons, to follow closely behind him. The only way to break away from the main battle was to flank the enemy and disrupt their overall formation!

Thus, in the dark wilderness, Zhang Da led an elite force, flanking from north to south, while Li Dingguo commanded a group of strong soldiers, stealthily advancing from south to north. The two acted as intimately as a married couple, both heading towards the enemy's flanks.

The detour route happens to intersect with a low-lying woodland in the middle of the wilderness...

Another hour passed

When the two sides reached the boundary of the woodland, they could vaguely see dark shadows moving ahead and hear faint footsteps.

At this moment, the advancing soldiers on both sides immediately stopped, their expressions tense, and alarm bells ringing in their hearts.

In the darkness, one cannot see the other party's appearance or clothing; only blurry black shadows can be seen, making it impossible to distinguish friend from foe.

However, soon, when the two groups finally met and were only a few feet apart...

Finally, I realized that the other side was also enemy territory.

Without a word or any warning, a fierce battle suddenly erupted once again in the dark woods.

In that instant, a short shout rang out along with a reprimand, and the two flanking forces, which had intended to attack the enemy from the side, collided head-on and immediately fell into a melee.

As Zhang Da and Li Dingguo listened to these sounds, a complex mix of emotions immediately washed over them.

Neither group expected to encounter unfamiliar elite forces, and they hadn't even sent out scouts.

Li Dingguo was more at ease at this point, after all, he possessed martial arts skills, so he had no reason to be afraid.

However, Zhang Da was greatly surprised.

Despite the dim lighting and the inability to discern the enemy's numbers, Zhang Da could still sense the soldiers' agility and ferocity in combat.

"Damn it! How could we possibly run into each other like this!"

Zhang Qi cursed in a fit of rage.

After all the events of the night, he was completely distraught and had no idea whether the troops ahead were an ambush deliberately laid by the enemy or elite flanking forces that had been divided and outmaneuvered by the enemy.

If the enemy's main force is here, and you only have a small number of elite troops under your command, you will definitely have to run.

Surprise, doubt, apprehension, unease...

Zhang Da's expression grew increasingly grave as he cursed and locked onto the chaotic battle ahead.

On the other side, Li Dingguo, though not as frightened as Zhang Da, was still astonished.

Because of the darkness, he couldn't judge the size of the enemy's forces, and for a moment, he hesitated.

Should we fight or retreat?

"Ha ha"

After a brief hesitation, Li Dingguo suddenly sneered twice, and his courage and confidence surged up instantly.

Who cares if they're the main force or not, let's charge in first!

Tonight's battle was too oppressive, so oppressive that Li Dingguo's heart was filled with anger. Even though the enemy's situation ahead was unclear, he didn't want to think about anything anymore. Since he was not afraid of fighting, then let's charge and fight!

Without further hesitation, Li Dingguo shouted, "Charge! Push forward!" He then took his long sword and charged straight towards the enemy troops ahead.

As soon as Li Dingguo entered the crowd, he unleashed countless slashes and attacks. Soldiers who tried to stop him were all forced back, and none could withstand his onslaught.

Because Li Dingguo's brilliance was too overwhelming! Even in the darkness of night, his charging figure, his sharp and exquisite swordsmanship, and his agile and swift movements were all on full display.

And they were getting closer and closer to Zhang Da...

Zhang Da gradually began to notice this person and became quite wary of him.

"There really is such a muscular man!"

Zhang stared in disbelief as Li Dingguo charged closer and closer towards him.

Such a person can remain calm and composed amidst the chaos of battle, and is ruthless in killing... If this person is allowed to continue charging, the casualties among his soldiers will surely increase... This doesn't seem to be what Zhang is considering. At this moment, his only concern is that this person seems to be really coming to kill him!

After all, Li Dingguo seemed to have realized that Zhang Da's official position was not insignificant.

In desperation, Zhang Da devised a plan. Taking advantage of the noisy night, he deliberately raised his voice, revealing a panicked and urgent state, and shouted loudly to his soldiers.

"All soldiers, be on high alert! The enemy here is numerous, not a small force. Immediately order all units in the rear to rush to their aid and annihilate the enemy in front of us. Do not allow them to break through even a single step!"

These words reached the ears of Li Dingguo, who was fighting fiercely nearby, and the latter was suddenly startled.

"Who shouted that!"

Li Dingguo muttered something to himself, then looked at Zhang Da, thinking to himself that he was indeed the commander-in-chief of the entire Ming army on the other side.

"This man is positioned at the rear of the formation, surrounded by guards and heavily fortified. However, if I really wanted to charge forward and kill that general on the battlefield... it wouldn't be difficult. But if I were to charge in with all my might, my troops would be leaderless and trapped deep within the enemy lines, unable to escape. If we were to delay for too long, and the enemy were to arrive to reinforce us, we would be surrounded with no way out."

After weighing the pros and cons, Li Dingguo dared not engage in a prolonged battle and began to consider retreating.

He immediately halted his offensive, waving his hand to signal his soldiers to retreat slowly, stop the assault, and fight and retreat, intending to temporarily escape this chaotic battlefield, get away first, and then make further plans.

At this moment

Li Dingguo's troops slowly withdrew, gradually retreating. However, one of Zhang Da's personal guards, seeing the enemy's offensive slowing and retreating, was overjoyed and couldn't contain his excitement, blurting out a loud cheer.

"Young Master is mighty! Young Master is mighty indeed!"

Zhang Da was suddenly startled.

Oh no, we've been exposed.