Mythical Three Kingdoms

”Can this really break the formation?” Guo Jia, being more knowledgeable about formations than others, softly asked as Chen Xi and the rest turned to watch Zhao Yun lead his forces to attack Yuan Shao’s army’s northwest flank.

”If it fails, we’ll merely sacrifice six thousand soldiers. If we go all in, we’ll likely lose twenty thousand, and whether we can achieve mutual destruction remains uncertain.” Jia Xu’s expression was utterly calm, showing no trace of regret for abandoning part of the army.

”If this method of yours is discovered, you’d definitely be cursed to death by the Lord.” Guo Jia lowered his head in thought for a moment before addressing Jia Xu. He quickly realized that this man beside him was not only ruthless toward others but also toward himself.

”Then don’t let it be discovered.” Jia Xu sneered, ”You wouldn’t reveal it, and, as for Zichuan and Zijing, it’ll take them some time to realize. Their intelligence is sufficient, but their experience is too shallow. They’ve never witnessed true tragedy and hence cannot comprehend the necessity of sacrifice.”

”Alright, do as you please then. I’ll provide some cover for you,” Guo Jia nodded, ceasing further discussion. As he analyzed the situation with Jia Xu, he suddenly understood why Jia Xu aimed for the northwest corner. It wasn’t as simple as calling it a sacrificial move—there was indeed a glimmer of hope for a turnaround.

Having realized this, Guo Jia couldn’t help but regard Jia Xu with newfound respect. In the face of adversity, choosing an unconventional method, even with an element of gambling involved, was not something just anyone could accomplish.

[Bet on Juo Yi’s temperament, Ju Shou’s control over Juo Yi, and human complacency? Fifty-fifty chance. Perhaps Wen He might even win a major victory through this, as he said—if it fails, losing six thousand troops is far better than mutual destruction costing tens of thousands of men.]

Guo Jia’s eyes narrowed as a sense of admiration welled up. Within chaos, crafting a solution out of a non-solution was no feat for ordinary minds. Moreover, Jia Xu’s strategy could aptly be described as avoiding weighty risks while tackling lesser ones.

Meanwhile, after the formation shift succeeded, Ju Shou exhaled deeply. Despite previously claiming complete confidence in achieving this task, Ju Shou had been quite anxious before seeing the results. Although they had rehearsed it many times earlier, none of it held actual significance until they were on the battlefield.

”Whew.” Ju Shou let out a breath of stale air and smiled at Tian Feng and the others beside him. The rest also wore expressions of relief. Witnessing Liu Bei’s central army flank spear straight in gave them a sense of assuredness.

”It’s done,” Yuan Shao turned his head and asked authoritatively, though the faint trace of joy in his eyes betrayed his satisfaction. Looking at Ju Shou, his admiration was evident.

”Take action,” Ju Shou gestured to the flag bearers nearby. Following his commands, several flags waved, causing Yuan Shao’s forces to shift seamlessly between reality and illusion, leaving onlookers dizzy with confusion.

Juo Yi immediately began maneuvering within the ranks as the flags swayed. Wherever he went, divisions naturally formed, and it wasn’t long before Liu Bei’s disoriented forces collided with Juo Yi’s troops amidst the chaos. A fierce slaughter followed, and those lured to this path fell beneath Juo Yi’s blade.

”How easy!” Juo Yi laughed heartily, effortlessly striking Wu Lan’s head from his shoulders.

Within the grand formation, Juo Yi’s Vanguard traversed with unparalleled fluidity, their prowess notably enhanced, while Liu Bei’s troops faced numerous restrictions. At times, the two sides brushed past each other within a mere ten meters, with Liu Bei unable to see the Vanguard, while the Vanguard had full visibility of them.

Under such circumstances, even though Sun Guan and others initially believed themselves to hold significant advantage, they gradually realized that half of their forces had already been wiped out. Shocked, Sun Guan scanned his surroundings and quickly grasped that they had indeed fallen into the enemy’s trap.

Sun Guan, seasoned by countless battles, abandoned the idea of retreat upon sensing danger. Instead, he ordered his troops to form a dense Round Formation to resist attacks from all directions while awaiting reinforcements.

”Liu Bei’s commanders are competent; at least they recognize that moving recklessly now would bring fatal harm. However, it’s apparent that none of them are confident enough to break this formation,” Xuu You sneered as he watched Sun Guan and his forces fortify themselves.

”The tactic is sound, but abandoning six thousand soldiers like this is far too damaging to army morale. This kind of sacrifice will undoubtedly unsettle their troops,” Sheni Pei remarked with a cold laugh. ”And attempting to break through from external points—such naive thinking!”

Meanwhile, Zhao Yun had already launched an assault against Yuan Shao’s Xuanxiang Great Formation from the northwest direction, carving out a dent in the array’s perimeter. Yet, in essence, the Xuanxiang Formation continued to operate smoothly, its foundation unscathed.

Nevertheless, Zhao Yun persisted in executing Liu Bei’s orders, unleashing relentless and unrestrained attacks on the enemy’s formation at the northwest corner. His successive assaults soon began altering the landscape.

Suddenly, an astounding scene unfolded. Juo Yi, who was previously attacking Sun Guan’s forces within the formation, sneered as he led the Vanguard straight toward the northwest. He had spotted Zhao Yun—and the White Horse Soldiers under his command.

Juo Yi had taken note of Zhao Yun’s fierce attack on Yuan Shao the previous day and recalled how Zhao Yun had injured Yann Liang. Now, witnessing Zhao Yun wreak havoc at the northwest corner, rage consumed him.

[Hmph, Ju Gong stated this formation could swallow fifty to sixty thousand troops without issue. I’ll lure Zhao Yun and his forces inside and seize this chance to avenge the Lord and Brother Yann.] With that thought, Juo Yi led the Vanguard charging toward the northwest. In his view, Sun Guan and Wu Dun’s forces were already defeated prey, ready for the taking.

As Juo Yi rushed toward Zhao Yun, Ju Shou, who noticed the action, momentarily froze in confusion. But he did not voice any objections, reasoning that luring Zhao Yun in wouldn’t necessarily be wrong. Although Juo Yi acted without reporting, given the promising situation on the battlefield, Ju Shou decided not to pursue the matter.

As Zhao Yun relentlessly attacked the northwest corner of the Xuanxiang Formation, creating the illusion of a significant breakthrough, he could clearly sense the lack of tangible progress. Frustration mounted within him, manifesting in increasingly ferocious attacks.

Just as Zhao Yun hesitated over whether Jia Xu’s calculations might be mistaken, a rain of arrows poured down upon him. Though Zhao Yun swiftly deflected the arrows, many of his White Horse Soldiers were caught off guard and fell from their steeds.

”Zhao Yun, do you not know whose hands brought defeat to the White Horse Soldiers? How dare you flaunt yourself in front of me today? You’ll leave behind nothing—not even the White Horse’s fire seed!” Juo Yi sneered as he brandished a Heavy Crossbow, taunting Zhao Yun.

”Juo Yi!” Zhao Yun roared in rage and immediately spurred his horse forward to charge at Juo Yi. Laughing wildly, Juo Yi retreated into the formation, prompting Zhao Yun to lead his troops in pursuit. Chaos erupted within the formation, and soon Juo Yi’s figure disappeared amidst the tumult. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian.com to cast recommendation votes or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile readers, please visit m.qidian.com for continued reading.)