Chapter 8: oriole behind

The early spring night remained chilly, with people huddled together in Sun Jian's camp amidst sparse lighting. Hu Zhen perched on his horse's back, straining to enhance his visibility. Yet, in the dim glow of the faint lights, he could merely discern glimmers bouncing off armor.

"Hu Zhen?" Hua Xiong approached Hu Zhen, riding alongside him. He bowed slightly and remarked, "It seems Sun Jian hasn't readied himself."

Hu Zhen concurred, his mind echoing similar sentiments. They had advanced from Yique Pass. Despite the prowess of Sun Jian's scouts, it was improbable they'd sense the movements beyond Yique Pass, right?

As dawn's light gently broke the horizon, Hu Zhen mulled over the situation. Inaction might forfeit this golden opportunity. Turning to Hua Xiong, he declared, "You and I shall lead our forces, attacking from opposite gates. If we encounter Sun Jian, show no mercy – his head shall be severed."

In his pre-expedition boasting, Hu Zhen had vowed to decapitate Qingzhou officials. Today, only Sun Jian warranted this. Though Lu Bu was a formidable foe, the prime minister would be petitioned to address Lu Bu's insubordination if Hu Zhen claimed Sun Jian's life.

"Agreed," Hua Xiong affirmed. They divided their troops, aiming for Yuanmen's twin entrances. Hua Xiong made swift work of Yuanmen's stationed soldiers, granting access. The lack of resistance exceeded his expectations, spawning an uneasy inkling within him. He promptly led his forces to scour the neighboring encampments.

"General, the camps are deserted!" A soldier arrived, announcing the alarming vacancy.

"No!" Hua Xiong's expression shifted, sensing trouble. His impulse was to retreat, yet gongs echoed, followed by a barrage of arrows from the sky, barricading their retreat.

"Maintain composure, troops! Advance towards the Great Protector!" Hua Xiong rallied his men to confront the situation. Meanwhile, on the opposite side, Hu Zhen faced his own struggles. Startled by an ambush, he aimed to abandon the camp.

However, the rear ranks had been ambushed, resulting in chaos. Upon pivoting, he found the once-disciplined army now mired in pandemonium. Cooperation seemed implausible amidst the bedlam.

"Capture these Xiliang brigands!" Amidst the chaos, a Sun family general targeted Hu Zhen, his armor glinting. Swiftly intercepting, Hu Zhen deflected the strike. While his command structure dispersed, the chaos continued.

Hua Xiong, engaged in combat, noticed Hu Zhen's plight. Rallying his forces, he made a beeline to aid his comrade. Engulfed in his own skirmish, Hua Xiong dispatched Hu Zhen's assailant.

"General, fear not, I've arrived!" Hua Xiong's voice boomed across the tumultuous battleground. Han Dang, who pursued Hu Zhen, faltered in shock.

Witnessing Hua Xiong's dramatic entrance, the tide of the battle turned. It was an unexpected reversal that saw the situation shift in favor of the Xiliang forces. Amidst the chaos, a daunting truth surfaced – Sun Jian's coveted generals had fallen to their own tactics.

Gritting his teeth, Sun Jian unleashed his fury. Determined to avenge his lost men, he squared off against Hua Xiong. Though the battle's outcome hung precariously, Hua Xiong dared not relent, extricating Hu Zhen from the turmoil.

"I am indebted, Hua Xiong," Hu Zhen conceded, brimming with gratitude and renewed resolve.

Hua Xiong, leading the remaining Xiliang warriors, identified a narrow pass. He staged a defense, challenging Sun Jian's pursuing army to face him directly.

"Archers, take aim and rain down upon these Xiliang interlopers!" Sun Jian, mindful of recent losses, commanded his archers. Despite adversity, Hua Xiong's resolve held firm, maintaining his stance against the deluge of arrows.

Yet, a courageous voice shattered the tension. "Jiangdong Tigers, is this your sole strategy, outnumbering us?" Amidst despair, hope blossomed within Hua Xiong as a defiant speaker emerged.

The sun's light painted the sky as a new day dawned.