Chapter 132: Xiancamps vs Leopard Cavalry

Shortly after Xiahou Dun led his forces onto the plains, they spotted a massive army blocking their path ahead. He promptly ordered his troops to halt.

“What is Zhang Liao’s intent, abandoning the city defenses instead of holding out? Could it be a trap?” Xiahou Dun felt deeply puzzled.

Knowing that he was determined to capture Ru’nan, why would Zhang Liao lead his forces out of the city? It made no sense!

There must be a hidden snare waiting for him to fall into.

Cao Chun stood on horseback, squinting as he observed the enemy army already arrayed in formation from afar. He remarked:

“Judging by the size of the opposing force, it far exceeds the five thousand stationed at Ru’nan. Likely, Lu Bu has sent reinforcements from Danyang County.

If my guess is correct, Zhang Liao ventured out fearing we might retreat if our siege faced difficulties.

What audacity! He aims to annihilate us all in one decisive battle!”

“The fool dares such arrogance!” Xiahou Dun scoffed, dismissing Zhang Liao with contempt. “I wonder if Lu Bu himself is present; if so, I shall surely claim his head.”

Cao Chun surveyed their surroundings from atop his horse, searching for potential hiding spots for enemy soldiers.

“Yuanrang, Zhang Liao’s sortie seems suspicious; we must not underestimate him and remain vigilant.”

Xiahou Dun nodded in agreement. “Zihe, should we engage or withdraw?”

Although Xiahou Dun was the commander-in-chief of this Ru’nan offensive, with Cao Chun only joining later to support him with the Leopard Cavalry, he greatly admired Cao Chun’s military prowess and valued his opinion.

“Why avoid battle?” Cao Chun tightened his grip on the reins, eyes gleaming coldly. “I’ve brought five hundred Leopard Cavalry as reinforcement, and this open plain is perfect for cavalry charges!

“Moreover, capturing Ru’nan County is crucial; there’s no reason to shy away from combat. This presents an opportunity to test Gao Shun’s Xiancamps against our Leopard Cavalry’s assault!”

In any other terrain, Cao Chun might have hesitated to hastily engage. But here, with flat plains and the Leopard Cavalry at his command, there was no cause for retreat. Besides, Cao Cao had issued strict orders to seize Ru’nan at all costs.

Ru’nan bordered Yuzhou, and capturing this strategic location would provide both offensive opportunities and defensive advantages. It was crucial for their overall campaign to conquer Yangzhou.

“Zihe, your Leopard Cavalry consists of the fiercest warriors worldwide, each capable of leading a hundred-man contingent. How could Gao Shun’s Xiancamp compare?” Xiahou Dun agreed with Cao Chun’s decision to engage. “I’ll lead our main forces upfront while Zihe awaits the opportune moment from behind.”

The Leopard Cavalry, equipped as heavy cavalry, wore full-body armor on both horse and rider, making them virtually invincible on open plains!

With just five hundred Leopard Cavalry, if deployed at the right moment, they could effortlessly pierce through formations numbering thousands or even tens of thousands, securing victory in any battle!

“Yuanrang, go forth without worry!” Cao Chun nodded firmly, his eyes ablaze with fighting spirit. “If Lu Bu arrives, I will hold off his Bing Province Iron Cavalry too!”

He had heard that under Lu Bu’s command, besides the Xiancamps, there existed another thousand-strong Bing Province Iron Cavalry, specifically trained to charge alongside Lu Bu, cutting swaths through enemy ranks to capture banners and slay commanders amidst vast armies, proving nearly unstoppable.

Cao Chun wondered which force would prove stronger when pitted against his Leopard Cavalry.

As Zhang Liao observed Xiahou Dun’s army changing formations and advancing towards them, he swiftly issued orders to counter.

The battle erupted before either side could close the gap, both armies unleashing several volleys of arrows.

In this open-field confrontation, there were no gimmicks; it was a direct clash of military strength - raw, unyielding combat!

Victory would depend on who had superior equipment, more valiant commanders, and fiercer, fearless soldiers!

“Form up—!”

Gao Shun led his seven hundred Xiancamp troops at the forefront, colliding head-on with the incoming Cao forces.

A shocking scene unfolded: despite facing an enemy vastly outnumbering them, the Xiancamp formation remained unbroken. Like a rock amidst turbulent waters, they steadfastly halted the advance of the Cao army!

However, with only seven hundred men, the Xiancamps couldn’t hold the entire front line. While effectively splitting the Cao army ranks, they also found themselves surrounded, living up to their name—their destiny entwined with the battlefield, bound by death or glory!

The seven hundred Xiancamp soldiers were battle-hardened elites; despite being surrounded by Cao forces, their formation remained unbroken.

“Kill!”

At the forefront, the Xiancamps proved invincible, instantly cutting down wave after wave of enemies.

Their coordinated movements and seamless teamwork made these seven hundred men under Gao Shun’s command operate as one cohesive unit!

Swing swords, kill enemies.

Swing swords, kill enemies.

With unwavering precision and even a sense of calmness, they repeated this deadly dance on the battlefield.

Yes, truly a remarkable composure amidst chaos.

It was hard to imagine describing any army on a battlefield with the word “calmness.”

Combining elite soldiers, superior armor, and weapons under the adept leadership of a commander who could direct them effortlessly resulted in an astonishingly formidable fighting force!

Gao Shun led his seven hundred Xiancamps deep within enemy lines, mercilessly slaughtering the Cao troops—a testament to their invincibility and unbeatable prowess!

“So this is the famed Xiancamp? Truly lives up to its reputation!” Xiahou Dun, witnessing firsthand the Xiancamp’s dominance on the battlefield, couldn’t hide his astonishment.

“Gather your forces, my brave warriors! Charge with me to annihilate the Xiancamp!”

With a furious roar, Xiahou Dun personally led a cavalry charge against the Xiancamps.

Cavalry naturally had the advantage over infantry, and even heavily armored elite units like the Xiancamps could be worn down by employing the Car Suspension Array!

The mobility of cavalry far surpassed that of infantry. Xiahou Dun commanded his surprise attack force to circle around the Xiancamps, seeking weaknesses to exploit with their charges.

This was a standard tactic used by cavalry against infantry.

However, the Xiancamps were no ordinary infantry, and Gao Shun was an experienced commander. Recognizing Xiahou Dun’s strategy, he promptly ordered his troops to tighten their formation.

Meanwhile, Zhang Liao noticed the Cao army banner heading toward Gao Shun’s Xiancamps and immediately signaled to the flag bearer:

“The enemy general is on the move; it’s time for our general to strike!”

On a hill overlooking the battlefield, Lu Bu observed the signal. With a wave of his great halberd, he roared at the Wolf Riders of Bing Province behind him, “Charge with me! Crush the Cao army and slay Xiahou Dun! Kill—!”

“Kill—!”

A thousand Wolf Riders followed Lu Bu, thundering forth like lightning!

Lu Bu excelled in breaking through enemy lines and eliminating commanders.

As he and the Wolf Riders joined the fray, they swiftly pierced through the Cao army’s flank.

After scattering their ranks, Lu Bu unleashed his fury like a demonic deity descending upon the enemy lines. The double-bladed halberd, which even a burly man would struggle to lift, seemed weightless in his hands.

Unstoppable, each swing of his weapon claimed multiple Cao soldiers. Limbs flew in all directions amidst unimaginable carnage.

The terrifying yet awe-inspiring spectacle of brutal violence was on full display across this battlefield!

On such battlefields, the valor of a warrior could significantly boost the morale of the entire army.

Lu Bu slaughtered enemies as effortlessly as mowing grass, instilling terror in the hearts of the Cao troops while boosting the spirits of his own forces!

“Xiahou Dun!” Amidst the chaos, Lu Bu finally spotted Xiahou Dun’s grand banner and grinned ferociously before charging towards it.

His mission on the field was clear: eliminate the enemy commander and take down as many other officers as possible, leaving the Cao army leaderless and ultimately defeated.

Noticing Lu Bu bearing down on him, Xiahou Dun immediately understood Lu Bu’s intentions, igniting his fury!

“You insolent whelp, do you think I’m so easily dispatched?!”

As an unmatched warrior himself, Xiahou Dun could not tolerate being treated as prey by Lu Bu. Without hesitation, he raised his spear and charged towards him.

“Overestimating yourself!” Lu Bu sneered at Xiahou Dun’s approach.

In his eyes, Xiahou Dun’s martial skills were merely passable. Within fifty exchanges, he would surely cut him down from horseback.

Instantly, the Wolf Riders of Bing Province clashed with Xiahou Dun’s armored cavalry!

Blades glinted amidst clashing armor, creating a symphony of chaos.

Lu Bu engaged Xiahou Dun directly!

Xiahou Dun possessed commendable martial prowess, but upon meeting Lu Bu, he quickly found himself outmatched.

“How can this ingrate be so fierce?!” After barely ten rounds, Xiahou Dun was terrified and dared not continue the fight. If he lingered, certain death awaited him on the battlefield!

With great effort, Xiahou Dun parried Lu Bu’s great halberd and fled under the cover of his eight personal guards.

“Hold it right there, traitor!” Enraged by Xiahou Dun’s retreat mid-battle, Lu Bu swiftly turned his steed to lead the Bing Province cavalry in pursuit.

Suddenly, he felt the ground tremble faintly.

Looking up, his eyes widened with astonishment.

On the right flank of the battlefield, several hundred cavalrymen charged towards them at full gallop.

Each rider wore heavy armor, and even their warhorses were clad in protective gear.

Though only around five hundred strong, their thunderous charge shook the earth as if heaven itself was collapsing.

“Leopard Cavalry!” Lu Bu instantly recognized this formidable force, his heart filled with envy.

Before witnessing the Leopard Cavalry, he had harbored some hope that his own Wolf Riders of Bing Province could match their prowess. Now, any such illusions were shattered.

With just about five hundred riders, all armored head to toe on horseback, how could Cao afford such extravagance?!

“You treacherous cur, prepare to die!”

In an instant, Cao Chun led the Leopard Cavalry onto the battlefield. His eyes blazed like infernal flames, directly targeting Lu Bu.

Just as Lu Bu aimed to eliminate Xiahou Dun, Cao Chun’s objective mirrored his—to take out the enemy commander.

“Xiancamps, defend!” Gao Shun roared, ordering the Xiancamps to withstand the charge of the Leopard Cavalry.

The mere sight of the Leopard Cavalry’s charge was enough to send shivers down one’s spine.

Without the Xiancamps stepping up, the main forces would suffer catastrophic losses. A single charge could result in over a thousand casualties.

Seven hundred against five hundred: Xiancamps versus Leopard Cavalry.

Previously unshaken on the battlefield despite facing multiple times their number in Cao troops, this time the Xiancamps’ formation crumbled under assault.

“Kill!” Having breached the Xiancamps’ ranks, Cao Chun now focused solely on beheading Lu Bu.

“Seeking death!”

Enraged by Cao Chun’s direct approach, Lu Bu swiftly swung his double-bladed halberd towards him.

“Clang—!”

Spear met halberd, sparking brilliant flashes of light.

Cao Chun’s hands instantly split open, blood flowing as his arms went numb, barely able to maintain his grip on the weapon!

“How formidable!”

In that brief encounter, Cao Chun realized he was no match for Lu Bu!

“Zihe, retreat quickly!”

From afar, Xiahou Dun observed the Leopard Cavalry merely piercing through the Xiancamps’ formation without inflicting the anticipated one-sided slaughter. He promptly ordered Cao Chun to withdraw.

The primary role of heavy cavalry was to charge through enemy formations, ideally exiting straight out the other side.

Having failed initially, Cao Chun knew he couldn’t maintain the momentum needed with the Leopard Cavalry to defeat Lu Bu. Instead, there was now a significant risk that Lu Bu would cut them down on the battlefield.

Xiahou Dun was startled when he saw Cao Chun’s torn palm, dripping blood as he retreated.

“Lu Bu is unbelievably fierce! Just one strike and my hand is lacerated!” With a grim face, Cao Chun’s hand holding his spear trembled slightly. He solemnly declared, “Truly unmatched, deserving of his reputation. With both Lu Bu and the Xiancamps present, victory in this battle seems elusive.”

Xiahou Dun’s complexion alternated between pale and ashen; even the highly regarded Leopard Cavalry had proven ineffective!

As he watched Lu Bu, bathed in blood like a demonic god, charging relentlessly, causing their troops’ morale to crumble, Xiahou Dun reluctantly ordered a retreat.

Nearby, Lu Bu heard the signal for withdrawal from the Cao forces. How could he let them escape so easily?

“Cowardly rats!”

Failing in his decapitation strategy was unacceptable to him. Unable to annihilate the Cao army and capture the coveted Leopard Cavalry was even more intolerable.

Roaring immediately, he demanded, “Bring me my bow and arrows!”

A nearby guard swiftly retrieved the bow and arrows tied to his horse and handed them over.

Lu Bu nocked an arrow and aimed directly at Xiahou Dun.

Cao Chun wore heavy armor; Lu Bu knew his shot wouldn’t kill him but was confident it could take down Xiahou Dun!

With a slight release of his fingers, the arrow streaked like a shooting star towards Xiahou Dun!

As Xiahou Dun retreated, he suddenly felt a wave of unease and tightness in his chest. Turning around, he saw an arrow hurtling straight for his face!

Xiahou Dun’s color drained from shock as he instinctively reached out, managing to grasp the arrow shaft just in time.

However, the arrow’s velocity was too swift, carrying immense force. Despite his fortunate catch, the arrowhead still pierced through his left eye!

“Ahh—!” Xiahou Dun let out a painful scream and tumbled off his horse.

Hearing the cry, Cao Chun turned to see Xiahou Dun struck by the arrow, fury boiling within him. He urgently roared, “Yuanrang!”

Ignoring any danger, Cao Chun immediately reined in his horse to assess Xiahou Dun’s condition.

Blood streamed profusely from Xiahou Dun’s face, his complexion deathly pale. Sweat beaded on his forehead from agony, and his entire body trembled uncontrollably.

“Yuanrang! How are you doing?!” Cao Chun exclaimed anxiously.

Cao Chun was consumed with anxiety.

They could afford to lose this battle, but Xiahou Dun must not die! Not only would his cousin Cao Cao and elder brother Cao Ren never forgive him; he himself could never absolve such guilt.

Xiahou Dun felt darkness encroaching on his vision as he sucked in a sharp breath. With gritted teeth, he endured the pain, refusing to succumb to unconsciousness. “I’m fine! Continue the retreat!”

“Your eye…”

Before Cao Chun could finish, Xiahou Dun forcefully yanked the arrow from his left eye. Ignoring the torrent of blood and excruciating agony, he reached into the empty socket with two fingers, extracted the destroyed eyeball, and tossed it into his mouth!

“Our parents’ essence cannot be discarded!” Xiahou Dun snarled menacingly, chewing audibly.

This gruesome spectacle shocked Cao Chun, causing his eyes to widen in horror!

Even the surrounding soldiers were utterly stunned!

Yet, unexpectedly, their morale began to surge anew!

Unfazed, Xiahou Dun tore off a piece of his cloak, wrapped it around the empty socket, and stemmed the bleeding before swiftly remounting his horse. He turned to glare fiercely at Lu Bu, brimming with rage, and led Cao Chun away from the battlefield.

From afar, Lu Bu witnessed Xiahou Dun’s actions and couldn’t help but pale with astonishment.

“This Xiahou Dun is remarkably resilient; truly a formidable warrior.” Uncharacteristically, Lu Bu refrained from mocking his opponent and instead felt genuine admiration.

To lose an eye yet dig it out and eat it! Is such a feat within the capability of ordinary men?

At that moment, Gao Shun approached with the Xiancamps and reported, “General, Wen Yuan signaled that we should not pursue too deeply.”

Hearing this, Lu Bu turned away, nodding in agreement. “Let us heed Wen Yuan’s advice; there’s no need to chase a defeated enemy relentlessly.”

Since Zhang Liao advised against deep pursuit, Lu Bu would not act rashly on his own accord. Defeating Xiahou Dun’s army was already a significant victory, especially considering they had blinded him in one eye.

“You lead the cleanup of the battlefield and gather the heavy armors from those Leopard Cavalry,” commanded Lu Bu, still fixated on the Leopard Cavalry, his eyes filled with envy.

He thought to himself, “If the Zhen Clan could provide substantial funding, allowing me to create a 5,000-strong Leopard Cavalry at great expense, who in the world could stand against me?”

Meanwhile, during the month-long battle between Lu Bu and the Cao forces, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu seized control of Lujiang Commandery.

An Imperial Decree was dispatched from Yecheng to Qiao’s residence in Wan County, governed under Lujiang Commandery.