Chapter 2: Sacrificing Life to Halt the Enemy

Liu Zhan's left shoulder bore a half-foot-long wound, bleeding profusely. Even with armor protection, the injury was severe; without it, his entire arm might have been split open, possibly costing him his life.

Right now, Liu Zhan couldn't afford to worry about his injury. After a brief bandage, he turned his attention to the movements of the Xianbei forces.

The Xianbei had not launched another attack; instead, they were gathered together, seemingly in some sort of commotion, even engaging in disputes. Some appeared ready to retreat.

Liu Zhan and his men secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that the Xianbei might not intend to continue the standoff.

"Gao Shun, do you think they're planning to retreat?" Liu Zhan asked.

"Sir, they don't have much of an advantage now. Since they can't defeat us, staying here is pointless. Besides, after fighting for half a day, we're exhausted, and I imagine they're not faring much better. It's highly possible they'll withdraw," Gao Shun replied.

"Let's hope so. Once they leave, we can retreat as well. Our stomachs are growling, and dragging this out any longer will be unbearable," Liu Zhan said with hope.

However, reality often disappoints. Just as Liu Zhan and his men were filled with anticipation, a rumbling sound came from the edge of the grassland. The sudden thunder of hooves indicated that a large group of cavalry was rapidly approaching.

The faces of Liu Zhan and Gao Shun changed dramatically. Not only them, but the two platoon leaders and other soldiers also looked grim, thinking this might be the end. Liu Zhan knew that troops coming from the north could not be their own reinforcements—it was Xianbei territory. The situation was extremely critical, and as the highest commander, he had to act decisively. Liu Zhan promptly issued an order.

"Gao Shun, lead the soldiers in an immediate retreat. I will stay here to cover you. Go quickly!" Liu Zhan commanded.

"Sir, you should lead them in retreat; I'll stay behind to cover," Gao Shun protested. He knew that staying behind meant facing almost certain death. No matter how skilled one was, facing over a thousand cavalry alone would have dire consequences. Others also tried to persuade Liu Zhan to leave with them. But Liu Zhan knew that as infantry, their only advantage lay in their formation. Without the protection of the shield wall, they would be slaughtered.

Time was of the essence. The Xianbei ahead were also looking into the distance, clearly hearing the approaching hooves. Liu Zhan realized that there was no time to argue about who would stay behind; they had to act before the current Xianbei forces realized what was happening and engaged them.

"Gao Shun, do you dare disobey a military order? Stop wasting time! If you don't leave now, it'll be too late. Do you want the Xianbei to entangle us? Listen carefully: you must bring these hundred-plus soldiers back safely, or you'll face military justice! Don't worry about me; alone with a horse, I can maneuver swiftly," Liu Zhan said firmly.

Gao Shun and the two platoon leaders wanted to say more, but Liu Zhan's resolute words stopped them. With orders given, they had to comply. Their eyes reddened, tears welling up as they realized this might be their last time seeing Liu Zhan alive—a near-certain death awaited him.

"Sir, take care! If there is another life, we will continue to follow you," Gao Shun said emotionally.

Seizing the moment before the Xianbei could react, Gao Shun led the remaining 160 soldiers in a swift retreat, sprinting toward the mountain. Liu Zhan, alone on his horse, stood his ground, keeping a close watch on the Xianbei forces ahead.

Soon, the distant scene became clear: a massive Xianbei cavalry force was arriving, numbering no less than a thousand.

Fortunately, the hillside was not far. Once Gao Shun and his men reached it, they looked back at Liu Zhan, collectively bowing deeply from afar before disappearing into the forested mountains.

Seeing his soldiers vanish from sight, Liu Zhan began to ride his horse at a trot, moving laterally. He had no intention of waiting to die where he stood. As the Xianbei reinforcements revealed their true scale, Liu Zhan's horse picked up speed, all the while keeping a close eye on the movements of the Xianbei ahead. Just as the Xianbei realized their reinforcements had arrived, they noticed that the Han soldiers had already retreated.