The fight between the two was simple: a brutal clash of raw power. Whoever possessed greater strength would emerge victorious. Though straightforward, such a confrontation was deadly; a significant disparity in might would result in the loser being pulverized.
Both men were endowed with immense natural strength. After a hundred exchanges, trading axe for hammer, they found themselves considerably drained. It was then that Yang Zaixing's previous predicament recurred.
The opponent, having expended much of his speed, strength, stamina, and spiritual energy, found himself at a disadvantage. Conversely, Dian Wei had barely tired, as if he had only just completed his warm-up.
"Weren't you so arrogant? I, Dian Wei, am just getting started. If you're a real man, face me head-on. Don't hide like a coward."
Seeing his enemy falter, Dian Wei immediately began to taunt him.
"Do you think I'm afraid of you!" Karl, a stubborn and fierce warrior, was enraged by these words and, without hesitation, charged at Dian Wei again.
Another hundred exchanges later, the opponent found Dian Wei increasingly difficult to handle and wondered how he could sustain the fight for so long.
Dian Wei, of course, wouldn't admit he didn't know either.
Dian Wei was oblivious to many things.
A man like Dian Wei would never ponder the extent of his territory's buffs. He simply felt he was capable of fighting for a long time and continuing to clash with his enemies.
Seeing the opponent's condition, Karl blocked one more blow, then immediately retreated, intending to flee.
"Where do you think you're going!" Dian Wei, spotting his enemy's escape, couldn't allow it. He threw his axe, sending it flying towards Karl.
Sensing the sound behind him, Karl quickly turned and saw a battered axe hurtling towards him.
"Ah!"
Karl was thus killed by Dian Wei.
"The enemy general is slain!"
Seeing Dian Wei about to retrieve his weapon, the enemy immediately led their army to charge at him.
Chen Qingzhi, who had been prepared, seeing the enemy advance on Dian Wei, promptly ordered, "Attack!"
"Rumble!!!"
Chen Qingzhi's army, capable of acting as both infantry and cavalry, immediately summoned their mounts at his command, mounted them, and charged towards the enemy.
The enemy was stunned, not expecting their opponents to be entirely cavalry. They attempted to form an anti-cavalry formation, but it was too late. The enemy cavalry was less than a kilometer away; at such a distance, an effective defense was impossible.
In mere seconds, Chen Qingzhi's cavalry closed the distance and unleashed volleys of sleeve darts, inflicting heavy casualties. Finally, under the cavalry's charge, the enemy infantry was scattered in disarray.
Witnessing this turn of events, the enemy rear refused to let their soldiers be trampled by cavalry and dispatched a cavalry unit of their own to engage Chen Qingzhi.
Zhang Liang, observing this, instructed Huo Qubing and Wei Qing, "Wei Qing, lead the [Tiger and Leopard Cavalry] to attack from the left flank. Huo Qubing, lead the [Great Han Iron Cavalry] to attack from the right."
"Yes!"
Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, each leading their respective soldiers, galloped towards the enemy. At the speed of their mounts, they would cover the distance in mere minutes.
The opportunities on the battlefield vanish in moments. Huo Qubing, Wei Qing, and Chen Qingzhi, all top-tier commanders, constantly watched for openings, organizing their elite troops to strike hard at the enemy's weak points.
The newly engaged armies from both sides began their fierce combat.
Zhang Liang dispatched approximately sixty thousand troops, and the enemy deployed a similar number.
The remaining forces were held back, indicating neither side felt a decisive victory was within immediate grasp.
Zhou Yan's side possessed a multitude of generals, capable of effectively eliminating enemy forces. Furthermore, Zhou Yan's cavalry was numerous; all but a few legions were equipped with mounts.
Upon entering the fray, Wei Qing, with brilliant tactical acumen, utilized the advantage of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry to cleave the enemy forces in two, completely segmenting them.
Huo Qubing, seizing this opportune moment, naturally did not let it slip away. With equal skill, he led his cavalry to deliver a devastating blow to the smaller enemy contingent.
Without needing direct orders, they demonstrated a perfect synergy – a testament to their commanding abilities.
While the charge of Huo Qubing's cavalry might have been less potent than others, their maneuverability and reaction speed were undoubtedly the strongest.
Huo Qubing masterfully exploited his cavalry's strengths, executing a perfect surprise assault.
Chen Qingzhi, no less formidable, quickly organized his troops into a defensive formation, effectively sealing the breach Wei Qing had created, preventing enemy forces from advancing through it.
The enemy could only watch helplessly as their soldiers were systematically annihilated, until every last one had fallen.
"Wuwuwu!!!"
The enemy's retreat horn sounded. Chen Qingzhi did not order a pursuit, allowing them to withdraw.
However, this battle was clearly a victory for Zhang Liang and his forces.
Chen Qingzhi ordered the collection of spoils. Wei Qing and Huo Qubing also arranged for the swift clearing of the battlefield before returning to report to Zhang Liang.
"Your performance today was excellent. It seems we will fight again tomorrow." Zhang Liang, observing the situation, surmised that the enemy would not engage again today.
"Tonight..."
"Not tonight. We cannot replicate last night's victory endlessly." Zhang Liang unequivocally rejected Huo Qubing's suggestion. One success did not guarantee continued triumphs; the enemy was not foolish enough to repeat the same mistake repeatedly.
Everyone agreed with Zhang Liang's reasoning. Even Bai Qi remarked, "Rest well today and establish a strong defense. Do not allow the enemy any opportunity for a surprise attack."
"While we cannot launch a surprise attack tonight, I believe the enemy is highly likely to launch one. We must be well-prepared to capture them," Zhang Liang stated.
"Oh? The enemy will attack tonight? Minister Zhang, are you a prophet? The enemy has just retreated, and you already know their next move."
Many generals were astonished, even disbelieving, as such predictions were highly uncertain.
"I am no prophet, but there is a high probability. If I were the enemy commander, I would certainly do so. After all, who would expect an attack at night?" Zhang Liang countered the assembled generals.
Even Bai Qi had not considered this aspect, intending only to defend effectively and prevent any enemy advances should they come.
But Zhang Liang was different. As the Sage of Strategy, his considerations extended beyond mere battlefield victory to achieving the greatest gains with the minimal cost.