Luo Dai relied on his large numbers and the many naval warships cruising on the river to dare to form an array with his back to the water.
Facing this group of enemy cavalry with far fewer troops than our own, we not only have to be sure of victory, but we also have to spot the right moment and annihilate the invading enemy in one fell swoop, lest the rear of the team be entangled by them and delay the time for the defenders in the city to relieve the siege.
After being defeated by the bandit army in the previous trip north to Gucheng, Luo Dai had been looking for an opportunity to save face. Unexpectedly, before he and his troops arrived at Xiangyang City, the bandit army actually took the initiative to greet him.
Although this group of enemy cavalry did not have many men and horses, judging from the situation, they were extremely brave. They were not afraid of the dense heavy arrows. The riders lay on their horses and continued to charge into the formation. A hail of arrows from the army only shot down three to four hundred people.
Because Wang Shangli charged diagonally and made dodges in advance, many arrows from the officers and soldiers who fired arrows at the same time were shot into the air.
Rushing to the front of the official army formation, Wang Shangli still had no less than 500 troops, but there was a huge disparity in strength compared to Luo Dai's troops.
During this exchange of fire, Luo Dai also lost more than two hundred cavalry, but this battle attrition was still insignificant to him.
Moreover, in-situ defense is quite beneficial to injured soldiers, as they will not be trampled by their companions' mounts and have a certain amount of reaction time.
The wounded soldiers evacuated to the riverside behind the team. Although it was close to the buttocks of their companions' mounts, they still had a "bunker"...
"rush!"
Although there are many enemies, I will go!
Facing officers and soldiers nearly ten times his own, Wang Shangli still showed no fear and led the elite cavalry assigned to him by the Eight Kings to charge forward.
After a while in the first episode, the Eight Kings did not blame themselves at all.
Although it is difficult to win this time, it can repay the kindness of the eight kings.
If he died in this battle, it would be settled once and for all.
Wang Shangli, who knew how to repay his kindness, planned to risk his life. If he could take the opportunity to kill the generals leading the army, he would die without regrets.
Wang Shangli took the lead, rushing to the front, waving his sword, slashing with the force, and knocking off the soldiers on the opposite side, hoping to disrupt the formation of the army and provide Wang Dingguo's infantry with an opportunity to attack.
The hundreds of elite cavalry who survived the rain of arrows followed their generals and rushed into the official army formation. In an instant, a gap was opened, and it was like a fish-to-death situation.
But they had just rushed a distance of three to five feet, and they had no choice but to stop there, because further ahead was the surging river, and more than ten feet ahead were rows of Xiangfan Navy warships.
Many war horses that had no time to slow down rushed directly into the water. This was Luo Dai's strategy. His "last fight" was by no means an adjective.
The entire team was arrayed on the river bank. Regardless of the enemy or our side, neither side had any way of retreat. The Han River was just a few feet behind them. They had to fight with all their strength to survive.
If they didn't form the formation here, the bandit army would definitely not get close to the shore, or they would rush through the formation and take the opportunity to escape from the rear. But now the position of the army's formation is equivalent to a huge fishing net.
As long as the rebels dare to rush into the formation and rush in, they will be unable to escape. If they want to return the same way, they must first ask whether the bows and arrows in the hands of the officers and soldiers can agree.
"The city of Xiangyang is about to be destroyed. It's time for us to serve the king!"
Facing more and more enemy cavalry, Wang Shangli, who was surrounded by water, fought hard and shouted urgently to boost his morale.
If he could hold back this force of officers and soldiers, obtain a huge Xiangyang city for the eight kings, and extract all the money and food from it, then Wang Shangli would get what he wanted.
Although this reason is simple and easy to understand, it is the fundamental reason that supports him to fight hard. Even if he fails in the end, he must try his best to hold back the enemy in front of him.
More than a dozen officers and soldiers around him were divided into several groups and launched a fierce attack on the traitor general. However, Wang Shangli, who was excellent in martial arts, defended well and counterattacked well, killing five people in a row, which shocked everyone and had to be careful.
"Who do I think you are! You guys, please step aside! I will wait for him!"
Liu Zian recognized Wang Shangli, who was still fighting after being trapped. His brother Liu Guoneng and Zhang Xianzhong had a close relationship before, but they parted ways after being recruited.
Liu Guoneng came from a scholarly family, and Liu's mother taught him well, so Liu Guoneng, whose military strength was not inferior to that of Zhang Xianzhong, found his way back and was named a deputy general by the court. The prince promoted him to chief military officer.
It can be said that before accepting recruitment, Liu Guoneng, Zhang Xianzhong, and Luo Rucai were the three main forces of the rebels in the Xunxi area. Now that Zhang Xianzhong has rebelled, and Liu Guoneng has come to quell the rebellion, the two sides can be regarded as old acquaintances who have always been enemies.
The Liu and Zhang families didn't have much of a feud. Liu Zian and Wang Shangli were considered their own masters. Today, the army had an absolute advantage in strength. Liu Zian certainly didn't want to miss this opportunity to make meritorious deeds.
If he could win the battle, not only would his face be bright, but his eldest brother would also be able to completely get rid of his old relationship with the Eight Kings, and all the rumors about the two of them would be put to rest.
"Huh huh~! Who am I to think that you are now whole-heartedly working for the Hong thief?"
Upon seeing this, Wang Shangli hurriedly stopped his movements and recognized Liu Zian, whom he had met once before. He then took the opportunity to catch his breath and rest before continuing to fight to regain some strength.
"Since a man has chosen to surrender, he has kept his promise and will not pretend to surrender. We have all been favored by the imperial court before, so naturally my eldest brother will not go back on his words and rebel against the imperial court. If he raises weapons again, wouldn't he be deceiving himself?"
Liu Zian deliberately promoted his eldest brother Liu Guoneng, not only to tell Wang Shangli across the street, but also to let Luo Dai's relatives hear. He could listen with a straight face, but he didn't mention the eight kings, but everyone who heard him knew who he was mocking. .
"Humph! The imperial court imposes excessive taxes and miscellaneous taxes, and the people are suffering unspeakably. My king raises the flag of righteousness again, which is to do justice for heaven and eliminate harm for Min!"
Regarding this matter, Wang Shangli had his own opinion. Since accepting the recruitment did not bring any benefits, he would simply return to his old profession and be happy for a day, no matter what the emperor said.
"You keep saying that you are killing harm for Min, but you massacre all the people in Gucheng! And you speak so confidently of being unkind, unfaithful, and unfilial. You have inherited the face of your king. This really makes me look at you with admiration!"
He had done similar things with his eldest brother Liu Guoneng in the past. Liu Zian was not ashamed but proud of him. Now as a general of the imperial court, he came to suppress the rebellion. When he met him again, he felt a little worried. Hearing the other party's words, he became even more sullen. .
"You are willing to be a lackey of the imperial court, so how can you comment on my king? Such a shameless person talks nonsense, don't make any noise, use it if you really have the ability!"
Since ancient times, Liu Bang's troops have been responsible for massacres of cities. In the end, he became the emperor of the Han Dynasty and was respected and worshiped by the emperors of subsequent dynasties.
Regarding the incident in Gucheng, future generations will comment on it. There is no need for him to worry too much. Wang Shangli decided to kill this guy who was good at talking and talking first.
"...Look at the knife!"
Liu Zian resents being called a lackey of the imperial court. Now he doesn't steal or rob, doesn't live in a fish and meat village, and doesn't harm the people. Why is he still called that?
If you dare to say that to me, you are seeking death!
Immediately he shouted loudly, picked up the sword and slashed diagonally.
It's best to defeat the enemy with one move and chop off this guy's head to relieve the hatred in your heart.
"Easy to think!"
Wang Shangli raised his sword and struck the opponent with all his strength.
Then he exerted force with both arms and pressed the blade, quickly turning the situation around.
Taking advantage of the opponent's embarrassment and anger, he immediately released his strength and flipped the sword to avoid the upwardly raised weapon.
After the knife handle turned around in Wang Shangli's hand, he held it tightly again and struck Liu Zian's head straight.
"ah……"
hateful!
This thief was so cunning that he used a feint to lure himself into the trap, and then tried to sneak attack him.
Seeing the blood-stained sword heading straight for his head, Liu Zian screamed and instinctively dodged sideways.
He does have some skills, and he can easily deal with more than a dozen ordinary soldiers.
But in a duel with Wang Shangli, in terms of actual combat skills, he is far from his opponent.
The two of them can decide the winner within five moves.
Liu Zian was so frightened that he almost closed his eyes. Not only was his body out of position and his movements deformed, but also resisting the moves was a completely instinctive reaction.
"Dang~!"
Fortunately, it was a blind cat that bumped into a mouse, and he was lucky enough to escape. Otherwise, his head would have been flying into the sky.
When his plan failed, Wang Shangli immediately withdrew his sword and struck again, but the target was still the opponent's face.
Through this tentative attack, he also knew that this guy was nothing more than a decoration.
Being able to become a general in the imperial court is mostly due to Liu Guoneng's support. I don't know if this guy can be promoted even if he is a corpse.
The panicked Liu Zian was still in a state of uncertainty when he saw the other party taking action again. This time he was really in a hurry.
Through the close combat just now, Liu Zian realized that this man was obviously an expert and that he was far from his opponent. However, with his subordinates around him watching, he was riding a tiger.
"Bold thief! Don't hurt my brother!"
At this moment, a man and a horse came out from the side. It was Luo Dai, the commander-in-chief who was leading the team this time. He also heard the conversation just now, so he curiously came over to watch the fun.
If Liu Zian had the upper hand, he would not take action, otherwise he would have to kill this enemy general, otherwise he would not be able to explain to Liu Guoneng.
Liu Guoneng lent him two thousand cavalry, but his brother died in front of him. It was hard to talk about his return. Hong Shaobao could only offer kind words to persuade him.
Not all generals who lead the army are people who are good at conquering and fighting. The reason why Liu Guoneng let this clan brother lead the army is because Liu Zian obeyed his words and did not like to show off.
In this way, the army will not rush forward alone and bury these two thousand soldiers. Even though Liu Guoneng alone had nearly 30,000 troops, 2,000 troops should not be underestimated at all. The chief military officer valued him very much, so he sent Liu Zian to take charge.
Liu Guoneng would not have thought that Liu Zian also had a competitive side. His younger brother knew his own martial arts level. Only when he had more people on his side would Liu Zian be ready to make a move. However, he met a ruthless character today. .
"Good beast!"
While Wang Shangli was stunned, Luo Dai shouted loudly and ran towards him to kill him.
It seemed that this general was an important member of the bandit army. No matter life or death, Luo Dai did not want him to escape.
"Dog officer! How dare you act so arrogantly in front of your Grandpa Wang! I'll kill you!"
In view of the ferocious momentum and fierce chops of the general who came out halfway, Wang Shangli immediately let go of Liu Zian and concentrated on resisting Luo Dai's offensive.
The swords of both sides collided with each other, and through the numb feeling from the tiger's mouth, Wang Shangli understood that the man in front of him was definitely not comparable to Liu Zian, at least his strength was not inferior to his own.
Different from the idiot who relied on his elder brother to come up, the man in front of him was very precise in every move. His offensive was not fancy, but it was more practical. He went straight to his vital point every time, which was really difficult to defend.
Luo Dai was also surprised by Wang Shangli's martial arts. He thought he could be defeated in twenty rounds at most, but he unexpectedly blocked him fiercely and kept using his killing moves to create opportunities for counterattack.
The movements such as chopping, chopping, plucking, poking, and throwing are all done in one go, without any sloppiness. Although the moves are wide open and closed, there are few flaws. He is a rare warrior.
No wonder he dares to lead more than a thousand soldiers to charge into battle. This guy does have some skills. It's just an unfortunate coincidence that today, when I meet your Mr. Luo, I will leave all your troops behind.
Unlike a life-and-death charge with a running distance, which is mostly gambling on luck, this kind of close combat where two people stand on horseback most tests the basic martial arts of both parties, and requires strong physical strength to support the moves and movements.
One careless move will result in all previous efforts being wasted, and the other party will directly behead or chop him in half. After finding out the other party's strength, both sides are concentrating and do not dare to be careless in the slightest.
After fighting for no less than thirty rounds, there was still no winner. However, Wang Shangli was already at a slight disadvantage. His offensive gradually weakened and he was mostly on the defensive.
Luo Dai, who was thinking while fighting, believed that in another twenty or thirty rounds, he would be able to defeat this powerful warrior. After killing all his troops, he would be considered a success.
"ah……"
It's just that he thought it was ideal, but the mount under his crotch couldn't hold it anymore. After running nearly a hundred miles and engaging in high-intensity fighting, the man could hold it, but the horse couldn't.
With a bend of the front hoof, Luo Dai was thrown off the unresponsive Luo Dai, and his face hit the ground in a dog-eating posture. Fortunately, the surface of the river was covered with mud, and the horse's hooves had already trampled it loose, so he was not seriously injured.
But this god-given opportunity was seized by Wang Shangli on the opposite side. Before Luo Dai could get up, he picked up the sword and planned to kill the opponent in one fell swoop.
"...Pah~!"
The sword was raised in the air and before it came down, Wang Shangli's face was covered with a splash of mud. The situation was so sudden that he couldn't help but feel pain.
Liu Zian saw this happening from the side. With quick eyes and quick hands, he picked up the mud on the ground with the tip of his knife and splashed it towards Wang Shangli. His accuracy was very good and he missed the target.
Since he was not good at martial arts, he had to rely on this kind of three-way trick to save his life. Liu Zian was not good at anything else, but he was very familiar with this kind of trick.
"Lock it up! Cast the net~!"
The surrounding officers and soldiers couldn't defeat Wang Shangli, but that didn't mean they couldn't catch him. The lasso and net bag simultaneously greeted the prey. Before Wang Shangli could see the situation clearly, he was tied into a rice dumpling.
Liu Zian also knew that Luo Dai was standing up for him. Without this chief soldier, he would have been chopped alive by Wang Shangli, so he did not take advantage of the opportunity just now to kill the opponent directly.
He fought with the thief general for dozens of rounds, but his horse fell to the ground due to lack of support, but he took the opportunity to kill the thief general with a sword. How could Luo Dai be happy?
Luo Dai is a direct general under Hong Shaobao, and there are a lot of rumors about his eldest brother. Liu Zian understands the seriousness of it, so he just tied up Wang Shangli. As for whether he lives or dies, Luo Dai should handle it.
Seeing this, it was as if Wang Shangli had been taken down. Liu Zian was still regretting and blaming himself. Just now, he was blindly trying to catch wild beasts, but he almost got chopped down by this bastard.
"Dog officer! Use this trick to catch your master! Who are you a hero???"
Wang Shangli was deceived by Yin Zhao. Of course he thought that the opponent could not win with force. His anger was uncontrollable and he started to curse on the Internet.
"When you slaughtered the people of Gucheng, did you ever think that the people were unarmed?"
He saved Liu Zian's life, and the other party saved his own life in turn. Although the technique was a bit clumsy, it was at least effective. And to deal with such a thief, any method that can be caught is a good way.
"General Rong, this man's name is Wang Shangli, he is a powerful general under Zhang Ni!"
Liu Zian approached Luo Dai and revealed Wang Shangli's details. He knew all the rebel forces well and could also serve as a guide beside Luo Dai.
"Oh? Let me have a look!"
When Luo Dai heard this, he felt that the name sounded familiar. He couldn't remember where he had heard it before. He looked at the guy tied into a rice dumpling and hurriedly took out the reward order from his arms and stroked it again.
"Haha~! Dear brother, I'm waiting for you! I got ten thousand taels of silver!"
Wang Shangli's name was clearly listed on the reward order. Although this man was not as expensive as Zhang Xianzhong and was more expensive than his four adopted sons, he was still worth ten thousand taels of silver, so the efforts of the two of them were not in vain.
