Chapter 34: war is coming

The sudden sortie by the Xiliang cavalry under Hua Xiong's command created chaos among the coalition scouts outside Hulaoguan. As the arrows rained down, many scouts were caught off guard and fell to the ground, their lives extinguished in an instant.

The news of this ambush quickly spread among the coalition forces. Panic and confusion swept through their ranks as they struggled to understand the situation. The unexpected attack had taken them completely by surprise.

Inside Hulaoguan, Lu Bu watched the chaos unfold with a sense of satisfaction. This was a calculated move to disrupt the coalition's reconnaissance efforts and sow discord among their ranks. By doing so, Lu Bu hoped to gain a strategic advantage in the upcoming battles.

As the coalition forces scrambled to regroup and respond to the ambush, their coordination and communication began to break down. This was precisely the outcome Lu Bu had anticipated. Disarray among the enemy would make it easier for him to plan and execute his next moves.

Hua Xiong and his cavalry continued to harass and engage the coalition scouts, preventing them from regaining their footing. The element of surprise was on Lu Bu's side, and he intended to capitalize on it fully.

Back in the city, Li Su returned with valuable information about the coalition's camp locations and troop dispositions. Lu Bu studied the intelligence carefully and formulated a plan of attack.

It was clear that the coalition was still in the process of consolidating its forces at Chenggao. This presented an opportunity for Lu Bu to strike swiftly and disrupt their preparations. He decided to divide his forces into several groups, each with a specific objective in mind.

Gao Shun would lead the Bingzhou army to launch a frontal assault on the coalition's main camp. Their goal was to engage the enemy and draw their attention, creating a diversion.

Hua Xiong's cavalry would continue to disrupt the coalition scouts and harass their flanks, preventing them from coordinating their defenses effectively.

Lu Bu himself, along with a select group of elite troops, would infiltrate the coalition's rear positions. Their mission was to create chaos and target the leadership of the enemy forces.

With a plan in place, Lu Bu and his generals prepared for the upcoming battles. The fate of the region hung in the balance, and the outcome of these clashes would shape the course of history.

As they made their final preparations, Lu Bu couldn't help but reflect on the events that had brought him to this point. His journey from a warlord's subordinate to a formidable leader in his own right had been marked by ambition, treachery, and sacrifice. Now, facing the might of Dong Zhuo's tyranny and the coalition of regional lords, Lu Bu was determined to carve his own path and prove his worth on the battlefield.

The battle for control of Chenggao was about to begin, and Lu Bu was ready to seize his destiny with both hands.

Hua Xiong wasted no time and swiftly led his Xiliang cavalry to confront the approaching coalition forces. His objective was clear: to engage the enemy and buy time for the main body of Lu Bu's forces to make their move.

As he rode out to meet the coalition, Hua Xiong assessed the enemy's numbers and formations. It was evident that the coalition had made some adjustments since their arrival at Chenggao. Their ranks appeared more organized, indicating a level of coordination among the various factions.

Hua Xiong's cavalry charged boldly, their banners fluttering in the wind. The thundering hooves of their warhorses created an imposing spectacle. The coalition forces, taken by surprise, scrambled to respond. However, Hua Xiong's quick action had already disrupted their initial formations.

The clash between the two forces was fierce and chaotic. Hua Xiong's cavalry exhibited their martial prowess, striking fear into the hearts of the coalition soldiers. Their swift maneuvers and precise strikes were a testament to their training and experience.

As the battle raged on, Hua Xiong noticed that the coalition's leadership was struggling to regain control of their troops. This presented an opportunity. With a signal, Hua Xiong led a daring charge directly at the heart of the enemy formation, targeting the leaders and commanders.

The chaos that ensued was advantageous to Hua Xiong's cavalry. They exploited the disarray among the enemy ranks, isolating and eliminating individual units one by one. The coalition's leaders found themselves under relentless assault, and their attempts to coordinate their forces grew increasingly desperate.

Hua Xiong's strategy was clear: disrupt the enemy's chain of command, create confusion, and exploit weaknesses. As the coalition's leaders fell one by one, the morale of their troops plummeted, and the situation became increasingly dire for them.

Back in Chenggao, Lu Bu received reports of Hua Xiong's progress. The fact that Hua Xiong had taken the initiative and was successfully disrupting the enemy's leadership buoyed Lu Bu's spirits. This was precisely the kind of aggressive and decisive action he expected from his generals.

With Hua Xiong keeping the coalition forces occupied, Lu Bu saw an opportunity to execute his own part of the plan. He ordered Gao Shun to lead the Bingzhou army in a frontal assault on the coalition's main camp.

The time for action had arrived, and Lu Bu was ready to lead his forces into battle. The fate of Chenggao hung in the balance as the clash between warlords and coalition forces unfolded on this historic battleground.