Volume One: The Hidden Dragon in the Abyss Chapter 21: Beneath the Walls of Chencang, the Generals Win Renown

Upon receiving orders from Liu Heng, Zhao Yun did not hesitate. That same day, he led his eight hundred Black Armored light cavalry to break camp and galloped westward. In accordance with Liu Heng's command, he carried the imperial staff and arrived first at Huaili, the administrative center of Youfufeng.

The Administrator of Youfufeng, Bao Hong, was already at his wit's end. The territory was engulfed in the flames of war, and the raiding parties of Wang Guo and Han Sui were already ravaging the western borders. Upon hearing that the elite vanguard of the Zuo Fengyi had arrived outside the city, and that they carried the Emperor’s own staff, he dared not delay and immediately ordered for Zhao Yun to be invited into the city.

After meeting Zhao Yun and learning that the two generals Xu Huang and Chen Shuzhi had also arrived with reinforcements, Bao Hong was naturally overjoyed. He granted all of Zhao Yun's requests regarding grain supplies and the garrisoning of Yong County. He then ordered the Chief Clerk, Jia Hao, to lead the remaining commandery troops and newly recruited youths directly to Chencang. Simultaneously, he ordered Zhou Hui, the Commandant of Youfufeng stationed at Chencang, to fully assist Xu Huang in defending the city once his forces arrived, forbidding any insubordination and granting Xu Huang supreme authority.

Xu Huang and Chen Shuzhi led the main force—composed of the Poqiang Battalion as its core, supplemented by over ten thousand屯田 (tuntian) military farmers—in a grand march westward. After a brief rest at Yunyang, the army continued southwest. Instead of heading straight for Chencang, they first rested outside Yong County to rendezvous with Zhao Yun.

That night, outside Yong County, the main command tent of Xu Huang’s army was brightly lit. Xu Huang, Chen Shuzhi, and the newly arrived Zhao Yun gathered together.

"General Gongming, I understand the Marquis's assertion that the rebels must attack Chencang, as it is a crucial bottleneck. However, why is the Marquis so certain that we need only hold firm, and that the rebels will retreat once they realize they cannot take the city?" Chen Shuzhi asked, frowning at the map. He was a cautious man by nature, and he felt that relying solely on defense was too passive.

Xu Huang’s thick beard trembled as he spoke in a deep voice: "The Marquis is far-sighted; there must be a reason. However, merely waiting for the thieves to retreat is not the way of a superior general. The rebel forces are vast; if we only defend blindly, even if the city does not fall, our casualties will be heavy, and we will struggle to deal a crushing blow to their main force."

Zhao Yun’s gaze was sharp as he interjected: "Gongming is absolutely right. I believe we should seek an opportunity to dampen the enemy's spirit. My eight hundred Black Armored troops are light cavalry, moving as swiftly as the wind. Perhaps we can harass their rear, cut off their supply lines, and prevent them from attacking the city with peace of mind."

After pondering for a moment, Xu Huang slammed his fist onto Mount Wuyue, west of Chencang, on the map: "Shuzhi, I give you five thousand elites from the Poqiang Battalion, along with ten days of rations and extra bows and crossbows. Secretly infiltrate this mountain and hide according to the terrain. You are not to reveal yourselves until you receive my signal!"

He then looked at Zhao Yun: "Zilong, you are to lead the Black Armored Battalion and all available cavalry in Youfufeng to patrol the perimeter of Chencang. When the rebels first arrive and are not yet firmly established, find an appropriate opportunity to harass them. If Han Sui and the others attack the city, strike their flanks and rear! But remember, strike and retreat immediately; do not become entangled. Your task is to disrupt their formation, not to fight a decisive battle!"

"Gongming’s arrangement is brilliant."
"As you command, Gongming!"
Chen Shuzhi and Zhao Yun accepted the orders. Xu Huang’s strategy combined defense with offense, hidden with lethal intent, which was exactly to their liking.

The next day, Chen Shuzhi quietly led his troops out under the cover of night toward Mount Wuyue, while Xu Huang and Zhao Yun led their forces directly to Chencang, a vital town on the banks of the Wei River. Chencang, situated between the Wei River and the foothills of the Xiao Mountains, controlled the key passage from Guanzhong to Liangzhou and Hanzhong. Though its walls had weathered the passage of time, they remained tall and sturdy, serving as the most important gateway to the west of Youfufeng.

Upon arriving at Chencang and meeting with Zhou Hui and Jia Hao, Xu Huang engaged in brief pleasantries before requesting a handover of the defense. Although Zhou Hui was displeased, he had already received severe orders from Bao Hong and knew that Xu Huang held the imperial staff bestowed upon Liu Heng; thus, he suppressed his discontent and cooperated. Subsequently, under the guidance of Zhou Hui and Jia Hao, Xu Huang personally inspected the city’s defenses, instructed the soldiers to reinforce the fortifications, and deployed all the siege equipment they had brought.

Several days later, dust clouds obscured the sun as the main rebel force, led by Wang Guo, Han Sui, and Ma Teng, arrived in force outside Chencang. Their camps stretched for over ten miles, covering the plains on the north bank of the Wei River. The rebels were imposing, their horses neighing and banners fluttering, appearing as if they could crush the small city of Chencang in an instant.

Fatigued from their long journey, they did not rush to attack upon arrival. Instead, they pitched camp and began to cook. Having recently won successive victories in Liangzhou, they held the defenders in low regard, viewing them as mere lambs waiting for the slaughter.

At the hour of the Rat, most of the camp was asleep, save for a few patrolling soldiers. Suddenly, sounds erupted from outside the camp.

"The enemy—!"
A soldier on an outer guard tower noticed something amiss and hurriedly sounded the alarm, but before he could finish, he was struck down by an arrow.

Following this, a torrent of cavalry surged into the encampment! Zhao Yun led the charge, his white horse galloping into the camp. Wielding his Dragon-Gall silver spear, he left a trail of chaos and fallen men in his wake. The eight hundred Black Armored cavalry followed closely, turning the outer rebel camp upside down in an instant. They did not push deep, but raced along the perimeter, firing incendiary arrows and tossing torches to create mayhem.

"Do not panic! Each unit, gather your men and form ranks!" Cheng Yi, one of Han Sui’s eight generals, rushed out of his tent. Seeing the scene, he was incensed and attempted to organize a defense. He mounted his horse and charged toward Zhao Yun, brandishing his ring-pommel saber.

Zhao Yun had already spotted this enemy general. He sneered, his white horse maintaining its speed. As they crossed paths, Zhao Yun’s spear lunged like a dragon! A flash of cold light struck first!

"Pfft!"
Cheng Yi’s roar was cut short. He tried to look down in disbelief at the silver spear that had pierced his throat, but Zhao Yun effortlessly flung him from his horse.

"General Cheng is dead!"
The rebel ranks fell into an uproar, and the formations that had just begun to stabilize descended into chaos. Having achieved his objective, Zhao Yun did not linger. With a lift of his spear, he led his cavalry in a fighting retreat, quickly bursting out of the camp. They left behind a scene of devastation and burning tents. When Han Sui and the others arrived, they found only Cheng Yi’s cold corpse and a chaotic camp. Han Sui’s face darkened, and he ordered his men to collect the body.

The next day, Han Sui and Ma Teng led their army to challenge the city, their insults thunderous, seeking to wash away the shame of the previous night. Xu Huang stood on the ramparts, watching coldly.

A moment later, a general from Han Sui’s side rode out, looking arrogant. He pointed his long spear at Xu Huang: "I am Cheng Yin, a great general under General Han. Is there anyone in the city who dares to face me? Or are you all just despicable cowards who only dare to strike under the cover of night?"

"A nameless underling dares to bark! General Xu, allow me to meet him!"
"Be careful, General Zhou," Xu Huang cautioned. Zhou Hui nodded.

Shortly after, the city gates opened. Zhou Hui rode out alone, saber in hand, and charged toward Cheng Yin. After more than twenty rounds, Zhou Hui began to struggle. He swept his saber to deflect Cheng Yin’s spear and turned his horse to flee. Cheng Yin, unwilling to let him go, gave chase.

At this moment, another rider emerged from the city—it was Jia Hao. Seeing Zhou Hui struggling and fearing a mishap, he thrust his red-tasseled spear toward Cheng Yin’s face. Cheng Yin dodged in a hurry. Seeing Jia Hao come to his aid, Zhou Hui turned his horse and slashed at Cheng Yin.

A general from Han Sui’s camp, seeing this, rode out: "Cowardly rats! Besides sneaking, you only know how to bully with numbers? I, Yang Qiu, will meet you!"

Zhou Hui took on Yang Qiu, while Jia Hao contended with Cheng Yin. The four riders clashed. After another ten rounds, Jia Hao began to tire. Just as he intended to retreat to the city, Cheng Yin pierced his shoulder with a spear. Jia Hao cried out in pain, slumped over his horse, and fled. Cheng Yin pursued him. Jia Hao felt a sense of despair, sighing that his life would end here.

"Xu Huang of Zuo Fengyi is here! How dare you rats run wild!"
A shout rang out, and Xu Huang rode out of the city, axe in hand, to save Jia Hao. Cheng Yin, confident in his strength, stopped chasing Jia Hao and turned to face Xu Huang with his spear.

Xu Huang spurred his horse forward, his Guanshi axe whistling as it descended! Cheng Yin blocked with his spear, but with a deafening "clang," his weapon was snapped in two! The axe’s momentum remained, striking Cheng Yin’s shoulder diagonally. With a scream, his right arm was severed. Before he could react, Xu Huang swung the axe horizontally, and Cheng Yin’s head flew into the air!

Before the shock in Han Sui’s camp could subside, two of the eight generals, Ma Wan and Zhang Heng, exchanged glances and rode out together to attack Xu Huang. Facing the pincer attack, Xu Huang remained calm. After a few rounds, he dodged Zhang Heng’s thrust, swept his axe horizontally like swatting a fly, and sent Ma Wan—man and spear—flying. The sound of shattering bones echoed, and it was clear Ma Wan would not survive.

Zhang Heng was shocked; ignoring the fallen Ma Wan, he turned and fled. Seeing this, Yang Qiu was both terrified and enraged. He parried a slash from Zhou Hui and hastily retreated to his lines. Zhou Hui did not pursue, but the look he gave Xu Huang was no longer one of doubt or resentment.

Xu Huang had beheaded two generals in succession! The defenders on the wall cheered, their morale soaring. The rebels turned pale, and for a time, no one dared to challenge him. Xu Huang sneered and slowly rode back into the city, treating the thousands of enemies outside as nothing.

Han Sui and the others looked grim. They had not expected the defending general to be so fierce. Where had this Xu Huang appeared from? To have beheaded two of their generals in a row!

"Sound the retreat!"
Han Sui was furious but knew the morale was low and that a forced attack was unwise.
"What a Chencang! What an Xu Huang!" Ma Teng muttered.

The next day, the rebels, having prepared their siege engines, began to close in on Chencang. A brutal siege commenced. The rebels surged toward the walls like a tide, arrows falling like locusts and stones raining down. Xu Huang personally commanded from the ramparts, and the defenders, relying on the sturdy city and ample preparations, resisted stubbornly. The battle lasted from dawn until afternoon; corpses piled up like mountains beneath the walls, yet Chencang remained unmoved.

Just as the rebels’ morale began to falter, another commotion broke out on the flank of the battlefield! Zhao Yun’s cavalry had appeared again! This time, they struck hard at the rear flank of the main rebel force—the troops belonging to Ma Teng. The momentum of the cavalry charge was staggering; the infantry, caught off guard, were scattered and suffered heavy losses.

"It’s that white-robed lad from last night!" Ma Teng saw clearly and decisively organized his men to surround Zhao Yun. Before they could close in, Zhao Yun struck for a while and then decisively led his troops out of the battlefield, riding away.

In the following days, Han Sui continued to send troops to attack the city, while Zhao Yun appeared from time to time, charging in and quickly withdrawing. This began to frustrate Han Sui and Ma Teng.

"Wen Yue (Han Sui’s courtesy name), you lead the siege. I will lead a unit of elite cavalry in reserve. If that white-robed lad comes again, I will ensure he never returns!" After consulting with Han Sui, Ma Teng stopped commanding the siege and waited for Zhao Yun.

That day, after Zhao Yun led the Black Armored Battalion in a charge and departed, Ma Teng personally led his cavalry, broke away from the main formation, and gave chase. Seeing Ma Teng approaching, Zhao Yun did not engage but led his men away. Ma Teng, eager for revenge, pursued relentlessly. The two forces raced across the periphery of the battlefield.

After several miles, Zhao Yun suddenly reined in his horse and turned to face the enemy. Ma Teng was overjoyed, brandishing his spear at Zhao Yun: "Little thief, don't run!"

Zhao Yun accepted the challenge. They circled, spear clashing with lance for over twenty rounds. Although Ma Teng was a fierce general of Xiliang, Zhao Yun’s spear techniques were more refined; Ma Teng gradually fell behind. Seizing an opening, Zhao Yun thrust his silver spear swiftly. Ma Teng could not dodge and was struck in the abdomen, crying out and nearly falling from his horse.

Without hesitation, Zhao Yun pushed his spear forward, nearly pinning Ma Teng through, before pulling the silver spear back to strike at his throat. His personal guards rushed forward, risking their lives to save him, allowing Ma Teng to flee back to his lines in a pathetic state.

Seeing Ma Teng return severely wounded and the morale low, and knowing that Chencang remained as solid as a rock, Han Sui realized that nothing could be accomplished that day. Gritting his teeth, he ordered a retreat. The rebels withdrew like an ebbing tide, abandoning vast amounts of siege equipment and corpses, their morale utterly broken.

The next day, seeing that Ma Teng’s condition was worsening and Wang Guo was clamoring for retreat, Han Sui ordered a withdrawal to Liangzhou.

"Now!"
On the ramparts, Xu Huang saw the rebel forces suddenly begin their retreat and his eyes flashed with intensity: "Open the gates! Pursue!"

Led by Xu Huang, the defenders surged out like tigers released from their cages, falling upon the retreating rebels. The rebels, already demoralized, fell into even greater chaos under the counterattack.

Just as Han Sui was gathering his broken troops and fleeing westward, they reached the dangerous valley of Mount Wuyue. Suddenly, a clapper sounded, and arrows rained down from both hillsides, followed by rolling logs and heavy stones!

"An ambush! Retreat!"
The rebels were terrified, their ranks instantly severed into segments. The elite Poqiang Battalion, led by Chen Shuzhi, descended like heavenly soldiers, charging from the forest and tightly sealing the exit of the valley. With the rebels unable to coordinate front and rear, they trampled one another, suffering countless casualties.

With Xu Huang’s pursuit from behind, Chen Shuzhi’s ambush in front, and Zhao Yun’s cavalry charging into their ranks, the rebel army collapsed completely. A rout turned into a one-sided slaughter and capture.

In this battle, the coalition of Han Sui, Ma Teng, and Wang Guo was utterly defeated. Nearly twenty thousand were killed or captured, and countless supplies and equipment were abandoned. Han Sui and the others led only their remnants in a desperate flight back to Liangzhou.

Following this engagement, Han Sui’s prestige plummeted, and internal conflicts intensified. He blamed the defeat on Wang Guo’s incompetence and soon deposed him. To stabilize the situation, he coerced Yan Zhong, a former Magistrate of Xindu who held great prestige among the scholars of Liangzhou, to serve as their leader. However, Yan Zhong felt profound shame and indignation, fell ill, and soon passed away in bitterness. Ma Teng, having returned to Liangzhou, was also bedridden due to his severe wounds and the grief of the defeat.