Vol 9 Chapter 165 (2/2)

“This…” Cao Ren’s eyes bulged as she tried to say something but could not find the right words.

Even if she did not say anything, Cao Ren and I, and even Lu Xiang who did not understand the situation that much knew what was going on. Lu Bu was of course would never surrender, not under these circ.u.mstances at least.

Cao Ren and I exchanged glances. She still looked like she did not dare believe what was happening but nodded at me and lowered her head with a troubled expression.

Yes, we fell for their trap!

Everything was for the sake of luring us into the city. There was no rift between them, nor were there any defections!

But now that we are here, all we can do is fight to the death.

“Troops, hear me!” Cao Ren yelled as she raised her spear and pointed it at Lu Bu, “Eradicate the enemy before you!”

“Yaaaaa!” Just as Cao Ren finished giving the order, the troops yelled out. My morale was bolstered by this and I swung down the reins as I led the charge.

The cavalry and heavy infantry behind me charged ahead as well while Cao Ren led her troops in. There was nothing to fear when there could not be more than 2,000 enemies!

As the distance between us closed to less than a hundred paces, they continued to stay put and stared at us. These b.a.s.t.a.r.ds! Could it be–

“Go!” Lu Bu yelled and the sound of ropes splitting could be heard.

*Da*!!!

A loud, ear-splitting sound could be heard and a row of bamboo spikes soon emerged from the ground just several paces in front of us, aiming right at our cavalry.

Wu!

“Cavalry! Go around immediately!” I yelled behind. But even I could not stop and all I could do was to tighten my grip with my legs and lie low–

“Hei!” I yelled as I slapped the horse with both of my thighs and it leapt over the bamboo spikes!

“Uwaa…”

While I was able to avoid the spikes, the troops behind were not so lucky and were unable to react in time. And so, many cavalry troops behind me died as they crashed headlong into the bamboo spikes.

“Fire!” Lu Bu yelled out once more and 2 rows of archers appeared as they drew back their bows–

*Sousousou*

And a torrent of arrows rained down.

Wu! I hurriedly stopped my horse and raised my spear to deflect any oncoming arrows. Unfortunately, many of my troops were unable to defend themselves in time.

Just then, I heard a commotion coming from behind. When I turned back, I saw that the troops on both sides had not been able to emerge fully from the streets and the troops at the back had no idea what was happening at the front and were continuing to push up, forcing more troops into a dead end.

No, we will only suffer needless losses!

“Lu Xiang! Quickly give the order and tell the troops in the middle and at the back to spread out into the alleys! Tell them to make their way here using alternative routes!”

“Yes!” Lu Xiang acknowledged the order and leapt back past the bamboo spikes she had just leapt past and hurried back to relay the order.

I looked to the other side and saw that Cao Ren had gotten other officers to go to the back and give similar orders as well before coming over with an enraged look on her face.

Kuh! How can some bamboo spikes stop us so easily!

“Lu Bu! Are these parlour tricks all that you lot are capable of?” I yelled out and charged at Lu Bu who did not seem fazed by my words.

Instead, she merely yelled again, “Go!”

Wu! At her word, the scene from before repeated itself as many bamboo spikes sprang up again right before me. I tried to stop my horse but because I had just made it accelerate, it was unable to slow down.

*Neigh*~

Kuh! My horse gave a long wail as it fell to the ground. I managed to jump aside at the last minute somehow and avoided being crushed by the horse.

“Destroy the obstructions and continue to charge!” Cao Ren yelled to the troops behind as she began hacking at the bamboo spikes, making a way through for about 3-4 people across in no time at all.

I got up and felt ashamed as I stared at Lu Bu in anger and pointed my spear at her, “Lu Bu! As a fellow warrior, do you dare to engage me in a duel to the death?!”

“Why not!” Lu Bu finally responded to me with a cold voice, “But before that, we must let our troops take the stage.”

Un?! Only now did I realise that there were many oddities I should have picked up before. I was too preoccupied with shock and puzzlement when I saw Lu Bu that I forgot other, more important things.

— Where were Guan Yu, Zhang Liao and Chen Gong’s troops?

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