455. Gaining Ground On Hulao Pass

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With the port secured, Chen Deng and Liu Ba implemented the next phase of their plan. They fortified their positions and prepared for the inevitable counterattack from Zhang He, Gao Lan, Zhang Yan, Tian Feng, and Xu You. Their goal was to hold the port and draw the enemy forces away from Hulao Pass, creating a critical diversion that would weaken Cao Cao's overall strategy.

Taishi Ci, Ji Ling, Cheng Lan, He Qi, Cao Xing, and Fan Chou led their men to fortify the port, transforming it into a makeshift fortress. They worked tirelessly, erecting barricades, digging trenches, and setting up defensive positions.

Jiang Qin strategically positioned his ships along the coast, ensuring they could fire their Hwacha effectively, covering the port from any approach by enemy forces.

Amidst the preparations, Chen Deng and Liu Ba noticed that common people and merchants attempting to cross the river were caught in the crossfire between their army and Zhang He-Gao Lan's army.

They quickly organized safe passage for them, allowing these civilians to cross the Yellow River without any payment. This gesture not only ensured the safety of the people but also improved Lie Fan's prestige, earning the gratitude and support of the local populace.

Meanwhile, Zhang He and Gao Lan, along with the remnants of their forces, finally reached Luoyang. When they met with Zhang Yan, Tian Feng, and Xu You, the three were shocked at the condition of Zhang He, Gao Lan, and their men.

Tian Feng, with a deeply concerned look on his face, asked Zhang He and Gao La , "What happened to the two of you? How did both of you end up in this state?"

Zhang He sighed heavily and began to recount their ordeal. "General Zhang Yan's feelings were correct. The moment we arrived at the crossing port near Puyang, Lie Fan's army was already there, waiting for us alongside their navy. They ambushed us, causing severe losses."

Gao Lan, his voice tinged with frustration, continued, "Due to the heavy losses, we had no choice but to retreat. When we reached the crossing port north of Luoyang to recuperate, Lie Fan's army and navy pursued us relentlessly. They inflicted even more casualties, forcing us to retreat further. Now, the crossing port is under their occupation."

Xu You's face darkened as he processed the news. "This is a grave setback. With the port under Lie Fan's control, our supply lines from our domain and Lord Cao Cao's strategic positions are severely compromised."

Tian Feng from the side interjected Xu You, "We must not lose hope. We need to formulate a new strategy to regain control of the port and counter Lie Fan's advances, as this is our only chance to redeem ourselves to Lord Cao Cao."

As the five of them began to formulate their strategy to retake the crossing port, the atmosphere grew tense with urgency. They knew that their next steps would be critical in redeeming themselves to Cao Cao after the disastrous losses they had incurred.

Meanwhile, news of the attack on the crossing port near Luoyang reached both Lie Fan and Cao Cao. When Lie Fan received the report that the attack had been successful, he let out a wide smile. The favor was now completely back on his side.

He immediately ordered his army to increase the intensity of their attack on Hulao Pass. Jia Xu, Xun You, and Bu Zhi assisted Lie Fan in directing and coordinating the assault, issuing orders to each of Lie Fan's generals to ensure a synchronized and powerful offensive.

Cao Cao, on the other hand, reacted with fury when he received the news. He threw the cup of water he was about to drink, causing a resounding crash and silence to fall over the chamber. His advisors, shocked by the news and their lord's anger, remained silent as they processed the situation.

Xun Yu quickly stepped forward, trying to calm Cao Cao. "My lord, we must remain composed. A cooler head is needed in such a situation. Reacting in anger will not help us reclaim the port."

Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai, after exchanging a brief look, suggested a plan. "My Lord," Guo Jia began, "we recommend sending orders to Zhang He, Gao Lan, Zhang Yan, Tian Feng, and Xu You to lead their forces and recapture the crossing port as soon as possible. We cannot afford to divert our main army from Hulao Pass, but with Lie Fan's army and navy occupying the port, our flank is exposed. Immediate action is necessary."

Cao Cao, his anger simmering but not entirely quenched, nodded. "Very well. Send the orders. They must succeed, or we risk exposing our flank to Lie Fan's army there and lose everything we have worked for."

As the orders were dispatched, Zhang He, Gao Lan, Zhang Yan, Tian Feng, and Xu You felt the weight of their mission. They knew failure was not an option. They quickly rallied their forces, ensuring that their men were ready for the upcoming battle.

The strategy they made was clear, which was they needed to strike swiftly and decisively, leveraging any advantage they could find. Zhang He and Gao Lan even managed to raise a small army of militia from the populace on the outskirts of Luoyang to help them.

Back at the crossing port, Lie Fan's forces continued to fortify their positions. The port had been transformed into a formidable makeshift stronghold, with barricades, trenches, and defensive positions meticulously arranged.

Taishi Ci, Ji Ling, Cheng Lan, He Qi, Cao Xing, and Fan Chou were prepared for the counterattack, their troops well-supplied and morale high, as Chen Deng and Liu Ba ensured that all of the prepared defenses were ready.

Several scouts were sent out by Chen Deng to monitor movements between Luoyang and the crossing port so that when Zhang He and his force marched toward the crossing port, his army could be prepared.

Soon the scouts returned and reported sighting enemy forces approaching. Zhang He and his force were advancing, determined to retake the port.

Chen Deng and Liu Ba immediately related the news to Taishi Ci and Ji Ling, who then ordered their army to brace themselves, as the enemies approached the port.

When Zhang He and his force arrived at the crossing port, the clash between the two armies immediately began with a thunderous roar as Zhang He's forces launched their assault.

Arrows flew through the air, clashing with shields and armor. The sound of swords clashing and battle cries echoed across the port. Despite the ferocity of the attack, the defenders held their ground.

Taishi Ci and Ji Ling, leading from the front, inspired their troops to fight with unwavering determination. The fortifications they had built proved to be formidable, repelling wave after wave of enemy assaults.

Jiang Qin's Hwacha unleashed devastating volleys, disrupting the enemy formations and causing chaos among Zhang He's forces ranks.

Chen Deng and Liu Ba, coordinating the defense from their command post, ensured that the soldiers were sent where needed and supplies were distributed efficiently. Their leadership and strategic planning played a crucial role in maintaining the defensive lines.

Zhang He's forces struggled to break through the well-prepared defenses. Tian Feng and Xu You coordinated their attacks as best as they could, but the lack of preparation time hindered their efforts.

Tian Feng, despite his superior strategic mind, found it difficult to effectively counter Chen Deng and Liu Ba's meticulous planning and fortifications.

Zhang He, Gao Lan, and Zhang Yan led their men valiantly, launching several assaults on the defensive positions. However, the combined strength of Taishi Ci, Ji Ling, and the disciplined troops held firm.

As the hours passed, the relentless defense began to take its toll on Zhang He's men. Fatigue and frustration set in, and their morale started to wane. Despite their efforts, they were unable to breach the fortified positions, and their casualties continued to mount.

Meanwhile, at Hulao Pass, the battle had reached a fever pitch. Lie Fan's forces, buoyed by the success at the crossing port, launched a series of intense attacks on Cao Cao's positions in Hulao Pss hoping to ride on the momentum.

Lie Fan, leading from the command platform, coordinated his men with efficiency and precision. The attacks were relentless, with waves of infantry at Hulao Pass, while archers rained down arrows on Hulao Pass.

The defenders fought back fiercely, but the sustained pressure began to wear them down. The sound of clashing weapons, battle cries, and the cries of the wounded filled the air, creating a chaotic and brutal scene.

The relentless pressure from Lie Fan's forces began to take a noticeable toll on Cao Cao's men. Despite the valiant efforts of Cao Ren and Yu Jin, who were among the best in holding defensive lines, the defenders could not withstand the continuous waves of infantry and the devastating volleys of arrows raining down on Hulao Pass.

The sound of clashing weapons, battle cries, and the cries of the wounded created a chaotic and brutal scene, with the defenders' morale gradually eroding under the sustained assault.

Seeing an opportunity as the enemy was pushed back, Zhang Liao took decisive action. He gathered Huang Zhong, Dian Wei, Gao Shun, and Xu Rong, and together they led their men forward to establish a foothold near the outer part of the Hulao Pass wall.

Their goal was to entrench themselves and create a new defensive position, in accordance with the strategy devised by Jia Xu, Xun You, and Bu Zhi. This position would serve as a staging ground for the next phase of their assault.

The combined forces of Zhang Liao, Huang Zhong, Dian Wei, Gao Shun, and Xu Rong moved with precision and coordination. They quickly set up fortifications and erected barricades to solidify their hold on the newly captured ground.

The defenders, now disorganized and exhausted, could do little to counter this maneuver. The establishment of this new position further demoralized Cao Cao's troops, who saw their once formidable defenses being systematically dismantled.

Lie Fan, observing from his command platform, felt a surge of satisfaction. His forces were executing their strategy flawlessly, and the tide of battle was turning in their favor. He issued new orders to intensify the assault, aiming to break through the weakened defenses and push deeper into Hulao Pass.

With the outer part of the Hulao Pass wall under their control, Zhang Liao and the others begin to switch to defensive maneuvers. They rallied their men, to hold their ground and Zhang Liao made Gao Shun the commanding general as he was much more expert in defensive battle than him. With Gao Shun in command, Cao Cao's soldiers have no hope of retaking the outer part of the Hulao Pass wall.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu

Age: 31 (198 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 825

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 936 (+20)

VIT: 598 (+20)

AGI: 583 (+10)

INT: 587

CHR: 96

WIS: 509

WILL: 397

ATR Points: 0