442. The Impending Clash Awaits

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"Sound the drum for the signal to advance!" Lie Fan ordered. "The time to strike is now! We will show Cao Cao the true might of a coordinated army!" As the Qilin Army continued to hold their formation, they heard the sound of a war drum being sounded, signaling for the Qilin Army to begin their march toward Chenliu. Zhang Liao and Gao Shun lead from the front of the formation, while Lie Fan, Jia Xu, and Xun You oversee the army from the center of the formation.

As the entirety of Lie Fan's Armies advanced toward their designated targets, they were unaware of the significant changes unfolding within Cao Cao's forces, they moved with precision and purpose, confident in their strategy.

Back in Xuchang, Cao Cao's Court was a hive of activity. Xun Yu, though initially objecting to the drastic plan suggested by Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai after being informed by Cao Cai, had no choice but to comply as the decision had been made, and he respected Cao Cao's judgment.

"Begin drafting the orders," Cao Cao instructed Xun Yu. "Inform all our units to retreat to Xuchang and bring all the supplies they have. We must ensure that our forces regroup here without delay."

Xun Yu nodded, his face a mask of determination as he began writing the necessary orders. "Yes, my lord. I will ensure the orders are dispatched immediately."

Xun Yu immediately took his leave and headed to his office to draft the letters. As for Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai after leaving the hall, they begin to prepare the strategies and defenses needed for the battle at Hulao Pass.

"We will need to prepare defenses and traps around Hulao Pass," Guo Jia said. "Every detail must be meticulously planned to ensure our plan worked smoothly and our soldier's position is fortified."

Xi Zhicai agreeing with Gu Jia added, "We should also spread false information to mislead Lie Fan's armies, maybe words that riots happening in Wan or the other towns, and also a possible pandemic that could happen at Wan or Chenliu, which could cause them to reassess the situation buying us time."

The two begin to work in tandem to create the most devastating ambush plan to be seen in this era or even in history, hoping to halt Lie Fan's advance or even push him back to reclaim Cao Cao's lost territories.

On the other hand, after writing at the fastest speed he could, Xun Yu had the orders dispatched and sent to Wan, Puyang, and Chenliu.

In the various outposts and camps of Cao Cao's generals, the orders from Xun Yu were received with a mix of disbelief, frustration, and begrudging acceptance.

Cao Ren, always the dutiful and pragmatic commander, immediately understood the necessity of the plan. He gathered his officers and relayed the orders without hesitation. "We must regroup at Xuchang with all our supplies. Follow the orders swiftly and efficiently."

Yu Jin, known for his stoicism and loyalty, also received the orders without complaint. He calmly instructed his men to begin the retreat, ensuring that every detail was meticulously followed. "This is a strategic maneuver," he explained to his officers. "We must trust our lord's judgment and prepare for the next phase of the campaign."

However, the reactions of the other generals were not as composed. Xiahou Dun, known for his fierce temper, read the orders with a scowl. "Retreat?" he growled. "Are we to abandon all of our major towns and even our capital?! This feels like a defeat!"

Xiahou Yuan, though equally loyal, was more contemplative. "I understand your frustration, brother," he said to Xiahou Dun. "But we must consider the larger strategy. If our lord believes this is the best course of action, we must follow through."

Xu Huang, a seasoned and disciplined general, followed the orders but couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt. "We are yielding ground to the enemy," he muttered to himself. "This had better be a masterstroke."

Li Dian and Yue Jin, both skilled and reliable commanders, executed the orders but shared a look of concern. "We must trust in our lord's wisdom," Li Dian said, trying to reassure himself and his men. "But I can't shake the feeling that we are playing a dangerous game."

Yue Jin nodded, his expression grim. "Let's just hope this gamble pays off. Otherwise, we might find ourselves in a worse position than before."

Zhang Ji, relatively new to Cao Cao's ranks, felt a mixture of fear and doubt. "We are abandoning our posts," he murmured. "I hope this plan works, or it will be our heads on the line."

As the orders were carried out, supplies were emptied out, and the army stationed at Wan, Puyang, and Chenliu started moving towards Xuchang. The tension was palpable, and every soldier and officer knew that the success of this strategy was uncertain.

Yet, they followed the orders, driven by their loyalty to Cao Cao and the hope that this risky maneuver would turn the tide in their favor.

Meanwhile, all of Lie Fan's armies continued their march with precision. Unaware of the full extent of Cao Cao's new strategy, which will leave a big surprise for all of them.

Lie Fan and the Qilin Army were marching toward Chenliu when ravens bringing letters for Lie Fan and Jia Xu arrived and landed on Jia Xu and Xun You's carriages, and Jia Xu alongside Xun You immediately brought the letters to Lie Fan's attention.

As the three of them opened the letters, it turned out the letters were from Oriole agents from Wan, Puyang, and Chenliu reported the unusual movements of Cao Cao's army across the three towns, where all of them were heading back toward Xuchang.

Lie Fan read the letters carefully, his brow furrowing with concern. He handed the letters to Jia Xu and Xun You, waiting for their analysis. The two advisors exchanged solemn glances before Jia Xu spoke.

"This sudden withdrawal of Cao Cao's forces is indeed unusual," Jia Xu began. "It suggests a significant shift in his strategy. While we can't be certain of his exact plans, it is clear that he is consolidating his forces at Xuchang. This could be a defensive maneuver, or he might be preparing for a larger, more decisive action."

Xun You nodded in agreement. "Given the limited information, our best course of action is to continue with our current strategy. We should capitalize on the lack of opposition and secure Wan, Puyang, and Chenliu. Consolidating our control over these areas will strengthen our position and provide us with a strategic advantage."

Lie Fan considered their words, his mind racing with possibilities. "Very well," he said finally. "We will proceed as planned. But we must remain vigilant. Wenhe, I want you to send orders to our Oriole agents in Xuchang to gather more intelligence on Cao Cao's movements and intentions. We need to understand what he is planning."

Jia Xu nodded. "Yes, My Lord. I will ensure that our agents prioritize this task. In the meantime, our forces will continue their march and secure the towns."

Xun You nodded his head in agreement with Jia Xu's statement. "I will inform General Zhang Liao and Gao Shun about this new development so that they won't be surprised if we don't encounter any kind of resistance whatsoever while heading to Chenliu."

With the decision made, the Qilin Army resumed its advance toward Chenliu after Zhang Liao and Gao Shun were informed of what happened, with Lie Fan, Jia Xu, and Xun You keeping a close watch on any further developments.

As they moved, Lie Fan sent out additional orders to ensure that the Baihu, Zhuque, and Qinlong Army knew of what happened so that they be ready to adapt to the new development that had happened, which they would encounter.

The Qilin Army's disciplined march continued, the soldiers moving with purpose and determination. Lie Fan rode at the center of the formation, his eyes scanning the horizon.

In Xuchang, the Oriole agents began their work, slipping into the shadows to gather the vital information that Lie Fan needed. They knew the importance of their mission, where the information they needed to get could influence the current campaign for their lord.

After several days passed, the Qilin Army finally arrived at Chenliu, where along the way they encountered minimal resistance, confirming that Cao Cao's forces had indeed withdrawn.

The Officials and People of Chenliu, seeing the organized and disciplined army, offered little resistance, as they were without any soldiers to defend them and the Qilin Army began the process of securing the town.

Lie Fan, Jia Xu, and Xun You convened to discuss their next steps. "We must ensure that our occupation is smooth and that we gain the support of the local populace," Lie Fan instructed. "Send out envoys to communicate our intentions and offer protection and stability to the people."

Jia Xu and Xun You set about implementing these orders, coordinating with the local officials who had surrendered, and ensuring that the transition of power was as seamless as possible.

As for Lie Fan, he begins to persuade the people of Chenliu. Protected by his bodyguard, Lie Fan meets face to face with the populace with an easygoing and kind personality, causing the people of Chenliu to be honored and touched by such treatment.

On the other hand, The Baihu Army and Zhuque Army, having been informed of the new developments, approached Puyang with extreme caution. Despite the town's sudden surrender and lack of resistance, the soldiers remained vigilant.

Dian Wei and Chen Deng, leading the Baihu Army alongside Taishi Ci and Bu Zhi leading the Zhuque Army, coordinated their entry into the town, ensuring that their troops were ready for any unexpected events.

Upon entering Puyang, they found the populace and officials ready to surrender. The transition of power was swift, with Chen Deng and Bu Zhi immediately setting about asserting and consolidating Lie Fan's influence.

They established communication lines with local officials, ensuring a smooth integration of the town into Lie Fan's growing domain. Envoys were sent out to reassure the people of their safety and the benefits of their new governance.

Meanwhile, in Wan, the Qinlong Army, led by Huang Zhong and Liu Ba, faced a similar situation. Having been informed of Cao Cao's strategic retreat, they entered Wan cautiously.

Wan officials, already aware of the shifting tides, offered no resistance and surrendered willingly. Huang Zhong and Liu Ba took swift action to secure Wan, working closely with local officials to ensure a smooth transition of power, focusing on maintaining order and stability, and preventing any potential unrest among the populace.

Back on Chenliu, Lie Fan, Jia Xu, and Xun You received reports of the successful occupation of Puyang and Wan. The news was encouraging, but they remained wary of Cao Cao's intentions.

"We must remain vigilant," Lie Fan said, addressing his advisors. "Cao Cao's retreat is unusual, and we cannot afford to be complacent. Ensure that our forces in Puyang and Wan are on high alert and ready to respond to any sudden developments."

Jia Xu nodded. "We will also continue to gather intelligence on Cao Cao's movements. Our spies in Xuchang are already working to uncover his plans. In the meantime, consolidating our control over these towns is crucial."

Xun You added, "We should also consider fortifying our positions and preparing for a potential counterattack. Cao Cao may be regrouping, but he will not remain idle for long."

Lie Fan agreed. "Begin fortifying our defenses in Chenliu, Puyang, and Wan. Strengthen our supply lines and ensure that our troops are well-prepared for any eventuality."

As the days passed, Lie Fan's forces worked tirelessly to solidify their control over the newly acquired territories. The people of Chenliu, Puyang, and Wan, reassured by the promises of stability and protection, began to accept the new order. Lie Fan's envoys worked diligently to build trust and support among the local populace.

The Qilin Army continued to secure Wan and Puyang in a similar fashion, strengthening their hold on these key locations. Reports from the Oriole agents began to trickle in, providing glimpses of Cao Cao's preparations in Xuchang. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together, but the full picture was still unclear, as for the first time the Oriole agents had a hard time infiltrating the ranks of Cao Cao's subordinates.

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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