After some discussion, Sakqi decided to send 40,000 men, divided into eastern and western routes, to collect supplies and capture the lowly people, while the remaining army would continue to besiege the area to contain the Han army.

Early the next morning, Sakqi led 100,000 troops to the outskirts of Linshan City again and launched an attack on the city.

However, this was still a probing attack. After leaving behind hundreds of corpses, the Sakqi army retreated back to their camp.

Kemolai, who was in charge of defending the city, approached Cheng Pu with a grave expression: "General Cheng, something's wrong with Sakqi. Today's offensive is not as strong as yesterday's!"

Cheng Pu also looked grave: "Something is definitely not right. Logically speaking, given their lack of supplies, they should be launching a full-scale attack to break through the city as soon as possible. But for two consecutive days, they have only been making probing attacks!"

"General, I suspect that Sakqi has already divided his forces to search for supplies in other cities, otherwise he wouldn't be able to remain so calm!"

Based on Sakki's past behavior, Kemolai immediately guessed his intentions.

Cheng Pu nodded: "You're right, the Parthian army has no other choice!"

“General Cheng, there are two cities, one to the east and one to the west of this mountain. Sakqi must have already sent troops there. I am willing to lead troops to pursue them!” Kemolai immediately volunteered.

Cheng Pu raised his hand: "No need, you can stay here and continue to guard the city. Leave the pursuit to the guards!"

"yes!"

Upon hearing Cheng Pu's arrangement, Kemolai didn't say much.

After leaving Kemolai to continue guarding the city, Cheng Pu also came to the city lord's mansion, summoned Huang Gai, Ling Cao and other generals, and then told them about his previous conversation with Kemolai.

"Gentlemen, the purpose of this pursuit of the Parthian army is not only to disrupt their search for supplies, but also to use this opportunity to publicize their crimes and the glorious image of our Han army."

Therefore, during the operation, everyone must proceed slowly!

"Slow down?" Huang Gai was slightly taken aback. "I wonder what you mean by 'slow down', General?"

"We must make the Parthian people feel the brutality and despair of the Parthian army, but we must also let them see the hope that our Han army brings them..."

"I see, I understand now!"

Although Cheng Pu phrased it tactfully, everyone present understood the meaning behind it.

Subsequently, Huang Gai and Ling Cao each led 15,000 guards and soldiers, and quickly pursued in the east and west directions respectively.

...

A cool breeze blew by, and Huang Gai took a deep breath, climbed up a small hill, and gazed at the distant horizon.

Behind him were 15,000 guards who were resting.

Although the soldiers all looked tired, their eyes held a hint of excitement and anticipation.

Although they had previously participated in the battles to attack coastal cities alongside naval soldiers, they were merely following behind to bolster morale and had not actually killed a single enemy.

Therefore, this pursuit of the enemy can be considered their first real battle against the enemy since they set foot on Parthia.

While resting, the soldiers of the guard couldn't help but imagine the wonderful prospect of killing enemies, making meritorious contributions, and bringing honor to their wives and children.

"Report!"

Just then, a scout came galloping from east to west towards the column.

Soon, the scout strode up to Huang Gai. "Reporting to the general, I have spotted traces of the Parthian army twenty miles ahead. However, the force is not large, and it seems they have already split up and are heading towards the surrounding villages and towns!"

Huang Gai's brow furrowed: "Oh? They're not going into the city first, but instead robbing villages and towns? What's the reason for that?"

The scout replied, "Reporting to the general, it seems the people of Xiaodong City heard about the Parthian army robbing civilians, and therefore did not allow them into the city!"

Huang Gai raised an eyebrow: "Could it be that the news was spread in the city by Jian Changshi's men?"

The scout nodded: "Yes, brothers in the scout team, we saw markings left by Jian Changshi's men along the way."

"This guy is pretty quick!" Huang Gai chuckled, then looked at the messenger beside him: "Pass on my order, have all the centurions lead their soldiers to various villages and towns to intercept and kill the Parthian army."

"Here you go!"

The messenger agreed and then quickly left.

Soon, Huang Gai's order spread throughout the army, and the 15,000 guardsmen were divided into 15 thousand-man teams and rushed towards the surrounding villages and towns.

Twenty miles west of Xiaodong City, there is a town with a population of three thousand.

This town is located beside the official road connecting Xiaodong City to other cities, and there are many merchants coming and going. The living conditions of the town's residents are also better than in other places.

At noon that day, the arrival of an uninvited guest shattered the peace of the town.

Just as the townspeople were preparing lunch, a Parthian army of a thousand men stormed into the town.

The leading officer, smelling the aroma of food in the air, revealed a cruel smile.

"Search thoroughly, don't miss a single grain of rice or a single copper coin. Tie up all the young men and women, and kill all the old and young!"

"yes!"

The Parthian soldiers excitedly agreed, then dispersed and rushed towards the homes of the townspeople.

The arduous march and the frustration they experienced outside Linshan City seemed to provide them with an outlet for their anger.

In an instant, the town was filled with the sounds of rummaging through drawers and cabinets, women's screams, children's cries, and people's wails.

Just as the townspeople were gripped by fear and despair, Huang Gai arrived outside the town with a force of a thousand men.

Upon hearing the commotion coming from inside the town, Huang Gai immediately ordered the centurion beside him, "Send two hundred men to block all the exits of the town, and the remaining eight hundred men, in groups of five, charge in!"

"Here you go!"

The centurion agreed and then relayed Huang Gai's orders.

Soon, a thousand guardsmen, like a flock of sparrows, dispersed and rushed into the town.

In a house in the town, an old man huddled in a corner, protecting his grandson, looking at the approaching Parthian soldiers with fear: "Why...why aren't we on our side?"

"One of our own?"

The soldier sneered, "You're nothing but a bunch of lowly people, like livestock. Who's one of us?"

"Livestock? Untouchables...?"

Hearing the soldier's words, the old man was speechless. He never imagined that this Parthian soldier, who shared the same roots as him, would say such cold words.

Just as the old man was stunned, the soldier raised his scimitar and slashed at the old man's neck.

Watching the falling blade, the old man closed his eyes in despair.

Just then, an arrow whistled through the air and pierced the Parthian soldier's neck, causing his scimitar to clang.