571. The Start Of The Battle At Luoyang

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After a moment's thought, he dismissed his musings and nodded to the servant. "Very well, tell them I will meet them shortly." When Lie Fan arrived in the main hall, he saw Wen Pi standing beside a young man with a spirited demeanor. As soon as Lie Fan stepped in, both men dropped to one knee in greeting.

"My lord," Wen Pin said, his voice firm, "I have come to request a place in your campaign against Yuan Shao. Furthermore, I bring with me Huang Chao, the son of Admiral Huang Zu. As you know, when Admiral Huang Zu pledged his allegiance to you, he asked that his son be placed under your command, either as a general or a bodyguard."

Lie Fan studied Huang Chao closely using the Eye of Erlang Shen at the same time. The young man's eyes were sharp, and there was a fire in his gaze that reminded Lie Fan of Xu Chu. Though he appeared naive, there was potential in him, a potential Lie Fan could shape.

• Huang Chao

STR: 568 VIT: 80 AGI: 72 INT: 58

"Huang Chao," Lie Fan began, his tone measured, "your father has spoken highly of you when he requested you to become my bodyguard or general. Tell me, what skills do you bring to the table?"

Huang Chao bowed deeply. "My lord, I am well-trained in martial arts and archery, something that I was only good at as was said to be a fool as I can't score high in my studies. Though I lack the knowledge to commandeer an army, I am eager to learn and serve under your command."

Lie Fan nodded approvingly. "Very well. I will test your abilities during this campaign. Wen Pin, you and Huang Chao will join the Qilin Army, which I will lead personally. Prepare yourselves as we will march to Jibei soon."

Both men saluted, their expressions resolute. "Thank you, my lord. We will not disappoint you," Wen Pin said.

After they departed, Lie Fan returned to his quarters, where Lu Lingqi awaited him. She raised an eyebrow. "Wen Pin and Huang Chao? An interesting addition to your ranks, Husband."

Lie Fan chuckled. "Indeed. Wen Pin is a capable general, and Huang Chao... he shows promise. We'll see how he fares on the battlefield."

The next day, Xiapi was abuzz with activity. Soldiers of the Qilin Army sharpened their weapons, secured their armor, and packed supplies for the journey north. Lie Fan and Lu Lingqi, clad in their battle gear, rode at the head of the formation.

As they departed the city, the citizens of Xiapi lined the streets, cheering for their lord and his wife, who had brought stability and prosperity to their land in their eyes, and protected them from the chaos outside.

The Qilin Army's banners fluttered in the wind as the force moved north toward Jibei, where they would rendezvous with the Qinlong and Baihu Armies. Lie Fan's plan was already in motion.

He had ordered his navy, led by the fierce and capable Gan Ning and Jiang Qin, to deploy ships along the Yellow River. Their mission was twofold: to secure key crossings for the armies and provide critical fire support should Yuan Shao's border forces attempt to disrupt the process.

The two of them began to coordinate the deployment of naval forces. Several warships, laden with supplies and soldiers, headed toward the Yellow River, prepared to support the land forces with firepower and ensure a seamless crossing when the time came.

Gan Ning ensured his fleet was equipped with ballistae, Hwacha, and fire arrows. "Yuan Shao's men won't know what hit them," he remarked confidently to Jiang Qin as their ships departed from the docks. Jiang Qin, hearing this, nodded in agreement. "The key will be timing. If we coordinate perfectly with the armies, we can devastate their positions."

As for Lie Fan, riding at the head of the formation with Lu Lingqi by his side, glanced at the banners fluttering in the breeze. His army was well-prepared and disciplined, a testament to the years of effort he had invested in building it. "Qi'er," he said, his voice thoughtful, "this campaign will be decisive. Yuan Shao and Cao Cao are two titans fighting, but they would never thought that there would be a fox lurking in the shadows."

Lu Lingqi smirked. "And that fox is you, Husband. They may clash like thunder and lightning, but when the storm clears, you will be the one to rise."

Lie Fan chuckled. "Let us ensure that is the case. We will act when the time is right, and not a moment sooner."

Meanwhile, A day had passed, and on the outskirts of Luoyang, Yuan Shao's massive armies had completed their siege preparations. Battering rams, siege ladders, and catapults were lined up, ready to bring destruction upon the city's defenses. Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Yuan Tan, and Yuan Shang led their forces with confidence, the sheer numbers of their troops bolstering their morale.

The tension was broken when a small group of cavalry, led by Yan Liang himself, approached the northern walls of Luoyang. The imposing general was flanked by Wen Chou, Yuan Tan, and Yuan Shang, their banners flying high above them.

The morning sun rose, casting its light on the northern wall of Luoyang. Cao Cao stood atop the wall with his trusted advisors, Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai, Xun Yu, Cheng Yu, and Jia Kui, and his generals Xiahou Yuan, Cao Hong, and his eldest son Cao Ang. Their gazes were fixed on the approaching figures of Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Yuan Tan, and Yuan Shang, who rode forward with a small group of cavalry.

When they reached the center, Yan Liang raised his voice, loud enough for all to hear. "Cao Cao! The situation is clear. You are outnumbered, outmatched, and surrounded. Surrender now, lay down your arms, and Yuan Shao will spare your lives."

Cao Cao, ever the cunning and quick-witted man he was, let out a hearty laugh. "Yan Liang, you bark like a hound, but do you have the bite to match? Tell me, does Yuan Shao's army have enough provisions for a siege, or will your men feast on empty promises?"

Wen Chou frowned, spurring his horse forward. "Cao Cao, your arrogance will be your downfall. We shall tear down these walls and drag you out like a rat!"

Cao Cao's grin widened. "Wen Chou, you should stick to fighting and leave the talking to those with wit. As for Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang..." He turned his gaze to the younger commanders, "Isn't it amusing how the sons of Yuan Shao squabble for favor while their father fights his own battles?"

Yuan Tan's face turned red with anger, while Yuan Shang clenched his fists, barely restraining himself. The exchange continued for several minutes, with Cao Cao's sharp tongue cutting through the insults hurled by the opposing commanders.

By the end of it, Cao Cao stood victorious as his remarks drew laughter from his men atop the walls, his army's morale bolstered by his confidence and quick wit.

Guo Jia smirked as he watched them go. "My lord, your tongue is as sharp as any blade. You've handed them a defeat before the battle has even begun."

Cao Cao nodded. "Let their anger cloud their judgment. They'll attack recklessly now."

Infuriated by the humiliation, Yan Liang turned his horse with a sharp tug of the reins. "Enough of this! Prepare the men for the assault!" He and the others rode back to their encampment, determined to bring Luoyang to its knees.

With the signal given, Yuan Shao's massive force of 670,000 soldiers surged forward, a tidal wave of men and steel against Luoyang's defenders, who numbered 450,000. The sky darkened as arrows filled the air, descending on both sides. Catapults hurled massive stones that crashed into walls and soldiers alike, creating chaos and destruction.

On the wall, Cao Cao commanded his generals with precision. "Xiahou Yuan, take your archers to the eastern section and suppress their ladders. Cao Hong, lead your cavalry to counter any breaches. Cao Ang, remain here with me and oversee the central defenses."

As the generals saluted and carried out their orders, Guo Jia turned to Cao Cao. "My lord, we must be careful. Yuan Shao's forces are numerous, and even with our defenses, a prolonged siege could wear us down slowly."

Cao Cao nodded. "True. But Yuan Shao's strength is also his weakness. His army is too large to be sustained for long, and his commanders are divided. Guo Jia, prepare to send a message to Zhang Yan. If all goes as planned, our reinforcements will strike their rear when they least expect it."

On the battlefield, Yan Liang led the first wave, his battering rams advancing toward the gates under the protection of shield bearers. Wen Chou commanded the archers, raining arrows down on the defenders. Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang led additional waves, directing the siege ladders to the walls.

Inside the city, the defenders fought valiantly. Soldiers pushed back ladders with long poles, poured boiling water on those attempting to scale the walls, and used ballistae to destroy the battering rams. The air was filled with the sounds of clashing steel, the screams of the wounded, and the relentless beat of war drums.

At the Yellow River crossing port, Zhang Yan, Zhang He, and Gao Lan had waited patiently for Cao Cao's signal. When the messenger arrived at dawn, they moved swiftly. Their forces, bolstered to 140,000 men, began to march toward Yuan Shao's main camp that was left behind.

Scouts that were sent by Zhang Yan had returned and reported that Yuan Shao's supply lines were poorly guarded at the main camp, as most of his forces were focused on the siege.

"This is our chance," Zhang Yan declared. "We strike hard and fast. Leave no room for retreat."

Zhang He nodded. "Their supplies are their lifeline. Without them, their massive army will crumble."

As planned, Zhang Yan's forces launched a surprise attack on Yuan Shao's rear. The initial assault was devastating. Supply depots were set ablaze, and Yuan Shao's rear guard was thrown into disarray. Gao Lan led the charge with his cavalry, cutting down any resistance with ruthless efficiency.

As Yuan Shao's guards and their commanding officers scrambled to contain the chaos, Zhang Yan, Zhang He, and Gao Lan pressed their advantage. The sky over the camp was thick with smoke as flames consumed the vital supply depots.

Soldiers rushed to extinguish the fires, but their efforts were met with a relentless onslaught. Zhang He's precision in coordinating strikes created openings in the enemy's defenses, while Gao Lan's cavalry exploited those gaps with devastating charges.

The commanding officer of Yuan Shao's rear guard, a veteran named Liang Yuan, rallied his troops to defend the camp. "Hold the line!" he bellowed, his voice cutting through the cacophony. "Protect the supplies at all costs!"

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 32 (199 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 1325

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 951 (+20)

VIT: 613 (+20)

AGI: 598 (+10)

INT: 617

CHR: 96

WIS: 519

WILL: 407

ATR Points: 0